Chapter I · Chapter 1

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading The law does not, of course, prevent their reading in classrooms or their production before an audience of a school or invited guests where no fee is charged; but it is, naturally, more courteous to ask permission._ First impression, December, 1921 Second impression, April, 1922 Third impression, October, 1922

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading The law does not, of course, prevent their reading in classrooms or their production before an audience of a school or invited guests where no fee is charged; but it is, naturally, more courteous to ask permission._ First impression, December, 1921 Second impression, April, 1922 Third impression, October, 1922

used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one

From this reading The law does not, of course, prevent their reading in classrooms or their production before an audience of a school or invited guests where no fee is charged; but it is, naturally, more courteous to ask permission._ First impression, December, 1921 Second impression, April, 1922 Third impression, October, 1922

North American republic containing 50 states - 48 conterminous states in North America plus Alaska in northwest North America and the Hawaiian Islands in the Pacific Ocean; achieved independence in 1776

From this reading _Printed in the United States of America_ We are at present in the midst of a bewildering quantity of play-publication and production.

the form of “a” used before a word that begins with a vowel sound

From this reading No play can be given publicly without an individual arrangement.

used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together

From this reading Edited with Introduction, Comment and Annotated Bibliography _Department of English The University of Wisconsin and The Wisconsin High School_ _The rights of production of these plays are in every case reserved by the authors or their representatives.

past form of “annotate” — add explanatory notes to or supply with critical comments

From this reading Edited with Introduction, Comment and Annotated Bibliography _Department of English The University of Wisconsin and The Wisconsin High School_ _The rights of production of these plays are in every case reserved by the authors or their representatives.

third-person singular of “appear” — give a certain impression or have a certain outward aspect

From this reading The one-act play in particular, chiefly represented in this volume, appears to be taking the place of that rather squeezed sponge, the short story, in the favor of the reading public.

the month following March and preceding May

From this reading The law does not, of course, prevent their reading in classrooms or their production before an audience of a school or invited guests where no fee is charged; but it is, naturally, more courteous to ask permission._ First impression, December, 1921 Second impression, April, 1922 Third impression, October, 1922

the form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun

From this reading Edited with Introduction, Comment and Annotated Bibliography _Department of English The University of Wisconsin and The Wisconsin High School_ _The rights of production of these plays are in every case reserved by the authors or their representatives.

the thing arranged or agreed to

From this reading No play can be given publicly without an individual arrangement.

make a request or demand for something to somebody

From this reading The law does not, of course, prevent their reading in classrooms or their production before an audience of a school or invited guests where no fee is charged; but it is, naturally, more courteous to ask permission._ First impression, December, 1921 Second impression, April, 1922 Third impression, October, 1922

in or near a particular place or position

From this reading _Printed in the United States of America_ We are at present in the midst of a bewildering quantity of play-publication and production.

a gathering of spectators or listeners at a (usually public) performance

From this reading The law does not, of course, prevent their reading in classrooms or their production before an audience of a school or invited guests where no fee is charged; but it is, naturally, more courteous to ask permission._ First impression, December, 1921 Second impression, April, 1922 Third impression, October, 1922

plural of “author” — writes (books or stories or articles or the like) professionally (for pay)

From this reading Edited with Introduction, Comment and Annotated Bibliography _Department of English The University of Wisconsin and The Wisconsin High School_ _The rights of production of these plays are in every case reserved by the authors or their representatives.

used with a past participle to form the passive, or with -ing for continuous tenses

From this reading No play can be given publicly without an individual arrangement.

earlier than; in front of

From this reading The law does not, of course, prevent their reading in classrooms or their production before an audience of a school or invited guests where no fee is charged; but it is, naturally, more courteous to ask permission._ First impression, December, 1921 Second impression, April, 1922 Third impression, October, 1922

-ing form of “bewilder” — be a mystery or bewildering to

From this reading _Printed in the United States of America_ We are at present in the midst of a bewildering quantity of play-publication and production.

a list of writings with time and place of publication (such as the writings of a single author or the works referred to in preparing a document etc.)

From this reading Edited with Introduction, Comment and Annotated Bibliography _Department of English The University of Wisconsin and The Wisconsin High School_ _The rights of production of these plays are in every case reserved by the authors or their representatives.

used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before

From this reading The law does not, of course, prevent their reading in classrooms or their production before an audience of a school or invited guests where no fee is charged; but it is, naturally, more courteous to ask permission._ First impression, December, 1921 Second impression, April, 1922 Third impression, October, 1922

showing who or what does the action

From this reading Edited with Introduction, Comment and Annotated Bibliography _Department of English The University of Wisconsin and The Wisconsin High School_ _The rights of production of these plays are in every case reserved by the authors or their representatives.

to be able to, or to be allowed to

From this reading No play can be given publicly without an individual arrangement.

an occurrence of something

From this reading Edited with Introduction, Comment and Annotated Bibliography _Department of English The University of Wisconsin and The Wisconsin High School_ _The rights of production of these plays are in every case reserved by the authors or their representatives.

of a particle or body or system; having a net amount of positive or negative electric charge

From this reading The law does not, of course, prevent their reading in classrooms or their production before an audience of a school or invited guests where no fee is charged; but it is, naturally, more courteous to ask permission._ First impression, December, 1921 Second impression, April, 1922 Third impression, October, 1922

for the most part

From this reading The one-act play in particular, chiefly represented in this volume, appears to be taking the place of that rather squeezed sponge, the short story, in the favor of the reading public.

plural of “classroom” — a room in a school where lessons take place

From this reading The law does not, of course, prevent their reading in classrooms or their production before an audience of a school or invited guests where no fee is charged; but it is, naturally, more courteous to ask permission._ First impression, December, 1921 Second impression, April, 1922 Third impression, October, 1922

a statement that expresses a personal opinion or belief or adds information

From this reading Edited with Introduction, Comment and Annotated Bibliography _Department of English The University of Wisconsin and The Wisconsin High School_ _The rights of production of these plays are in every case reserved by the authors or their representatives.

education imparted in a series of lessons or meetings

From this reading The law does not, of course, prevent their reading in classrooms or their production before an audience of a school or invited guests where no fee is charged; but it is, naturally, more courteous to ask permission._ First impression, December, 1921 Second impression, April, 1922 Third impression, October, 1922

exhibiting courtesy and politeness

From this reading The law does not, of course, prevent their reading in classrooms or their production before an audience of a school or invited guests where no fee is charged; but it is, naturally, more courteous to ask permission._ First impression, December, 1921 Second impression, April, 1922 Third impression, October, 1922

the last (12th) month of the year

From this reading The law does not, of course, prevent their reading in classrooms or their production before an audience of a school or invited guests where no fee is charged; but it is, naturally, more courteous to ask permission._ First impression, December, 1921 Second impression, April, 1922 Third impression, October, 1922

a specialized division of a large organization

From this reading Edited with Introduction, Comment and Annotated Bibliography _Department of English The University of Wisconsin and The Wisconsin High School_ _The rights of production of these plays are in every case reserved by the authors or their representatives.

the form of “do” used with he, she, it, or a singular noun

From this reading The law does not, of course, prevent their reading in classrooms or their production before an audience of a school or invited guests where no fee is charged; but it is, naturally, more courteous to ask permission._ First impression, December, 1921 Second impression, April, 1922 Third impression, October, 1922

improved or corrected by critical editing

From this reading Edited with Introduction, Comment and Annotated Bibliography _Department of English The University of Wisconsin and The Wisconsin High School_ _The rights of production of these plays are in every case reserved by the authors or their representatives.

an Indo-European language belonging to the West Germanic branch; the official language of Britain and the United States and most of the commonwealth countries

From this reading Edited with Introduction, Comment and Annotated Bibliography _Department of English The University of Wisconsin and The Wisconsin High School_ _The rights of production of these plays are in every case reserved by the authors or their representatives.

all the members of a group, with none left out

From this reading Edited with Introduction, Comment and Annotated Bibliography _Department of English The University of Wisconsin and The Wisconsin High School_ _The rights of production of these plays are in every case reserved by the authors or their representatives.

promote over another

From this reading The one-act play in particular, chiefly represented in this volume, appears to be taking the place of that rather squeezed sponge, the short story, in the favor of the reading public.

a fixed charge for a privilege or for professional services

From this reading The law does not, of course, prevent their reading in classrooms or their production before an audience of a school or invited guests where no fee is charged; but it is, naturally, more courteous to ask permission._ First impression, December, 1921 Second impression, April, 1922 Third impression, October, 1922

preceding all others in time or space or degree

From this reading The law does not, of course, prevent their reading in classrooms or their production before an audience of a school or invited guests where no fee is charged; but it is, naturally, more courteous to ask permission._ First impression, December, 1921 Second impression, April, 1922 Third impression, October, 1922

acknowledged as a supposition

From this reading No play can be given publicly without an individual arrangement.

plural of “guest” — a visitor to whom hospitality is extended

From this reading The law does not, of course, prevent their reading in classrooms or their production before an audience of a school or invited guests where no fee is charged; but it is, naturally, more courteous to ask permission._ First impression, December, 1921 Second impression, April, 1922 Third impression, October, 1922

greater than normal in degree or intensity or amount

From this reading Edited with Introduction, Comment and Annotated Bibliography _Department of English The University of Wisconsin and The Wisconsin High School_ _The rights of production of these plays are in every case reserved by the authors or their representatives.

a vague idea in which some confidence is placed

From this reading The law does not, of course, prevent their reading in classrooms or their production before an audience of a school or invited guests where no fee is charged; but it is, naturally, more courteous to ask permission._ First impression, December, 1921 Second impression, April, 1922 Third impression, October, 1922

inside something, or within a place, period, or state

From this reading Edited with Introduction, Comment and Annotated Bibliography _Department of English The University of Wisconsin and The Wisconsin High School_ _The rights of production of these plays are in every case reserved by the authors or their representatives.

being or characteristic of a single thing or person

From this reading No play can be given publicly without an individual arrangement.

the act of beginning something new

From this reading Edited with Introduction, Comment and Annotated Bibliography _Department of English The University of Wisconsin and The Wisconsin High School_ _The rights of production of these plays are in every case reserved by the authors or their representatives.

past form of “invite” — increase the likelihood of

From this reading The law does not, of course, prevent their reading in classrooms or their production before an audience of a school or invited guests where no fee is charged; but it is, naturally, more courteous to ask permission._ First impression, December, 1921 Second impression, April, 1922 Third impression, October, 1922

the form of “be” used with he, she, it, or a singular noun

From this reading The law does not, of course, prevent their reading in classrooms or their production before an audience of a school or invited guests where no fee is charged; but it is, naturally, more courteous to ask permission._ First impression, December, 1921 Second impression, April, 1922 Third impression, October, 1922

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading The law does not, of course, prevent their reading in classrooms or their production before an audience of a school or invited guests where no fee is charged; but it is, naturally, more courteous to ask permission._ First impression, December, 1921 Second impression, April, 1922 Third impression, October, 1922

the collection of rules imposed by authority

From this reading The law does not, of course, prevent their reading in classrooms or their production before an audience of a school or invited guests where no fee is charged; but it is, naturally, more courteous to ask permission._ First impression, December, 1921 Second impression, April, 1922 Third impression, October, 1922

the location of something surrounded by other things

From this reading _Printed in the United States of America_ We are at present in the midst of a bewildering quantity of play-publication and production.

(comparative of “much” used with mass nouns) a quantifier meaning greater in size or amount or extent or degree

From this reading The law does not, of course, prevent their reading in classrooms or their production before an audience of a school or invited guests where no fee is charged; but it is, naturally, more courteous to ask permission._ First impression, December, 1921 Second impression, April, 1922 Third impression, October, 1922

as might be expected

From this reading The law does not, of course, prevent their reading in classrooms or their production before an audience of a school or invited guests where no fee is charged; but it is, naturally, more courteous to ask permission._ First impression, December, 1921 Second impression, April, 1922 Third impression, October, 1922

not any; not one

From this reading No play can be given publicly without an individual arrangement.

used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative

From this reading The law does not, of course, prevent their reading in classrooms or their production before an audience of a school or invited guests where no fee is charged; but it is, naturally, more courteous to ask permission._ First impression, December, 1921 Second impression, April, 1922 Third impression, October, 1922

the month following September and preceding November

From this reading The law does not, of course, prevent their reading in classrooms or their production before an audience of a school or invited guests where no fee is charged; but it is, naturally, more courteous to ask permission._ First impression, December, 1921 Second impression, April, 1922 Third impression, October, 1922

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading Edited with Introduction, Comment and Annotated Bibliography _Department of English The University of Wisconsin and The Wisconsin High School_ _The rights of production of these plays are in every case reserved by the authors or their representatives.

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading The one-act play in particular, chiefly represented in this volume, appears to be taking the place of that rather squeezed sponge, the short story, in the favor of the reading public.

used to join alternatives or possibilities

From this reading Edited with Introduction, Comment and Annotated Bibliography _Department of English The University of Wisconsin and The Wisconsin High School_ _The rights of production of these plays are in every case reserved by the authors or their representatives.

unique or specific to a person or thing or category

From this reading The one-act play in particular, chiefly represented in this volume, appears to be taking the place of that rather squeezed sponge, the short story, in the favor of the reading public.

approval to do something

From this reading The law does not, of course, prevent their reading in classrooms or their production before an audience of a school or invited guests where no fee is charged; but it is, naturally, more courteous to ask permission._ First impression, December, 1921 Second impression, April, 1922 Third impression, October, 1922

a point located with respect to surface features of some region

From this reading The one-act play in particular, chiefly represented in this volume, appears to be taking the place of that rather squeezed sponge, the short story, in the favor of the reading public.

participate in games or sport

From this reading No play can be given publicly without an individual arrangement.

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading _Printed in the United States of America_ We are at present in the midst of a bewildering quantity of play-publication and production.

plural of “play” — a dramatic work intended for performance by actors on a stage

From this reading Edited with Introduction, Comment and Annotated Bibliography _Department of English The University of Wisconsin and The Wisconsin High School_ _The rights of production of these plays are in every case reserved by the authors or their representatives.

give an exhibition of to an interested audience

From this reading _Printed in the United States of America_ We are at present in the midst of a bewildering quantity of play-publication and production.

keep from happening or arising; make impossible

From this reading The law does not, of course, prevent their reading in classrooms or their production before an audience of a school or invited guests where no fee is charged; but it is, naturally, more courteous to ask permission._ First impression, December, 1921 Second impression, April, 1922 Third impression, October, 1922

past form of “print” — put into print

From this reading _Printed in the United States of America_ We are at present in the midst of a bewildering quantity of play-publication and production.

the act or process of producing something

From this reading Edited with Introduction, Comment and Annotated Bibliography _Department of English The University of Wisconsin and The Wisconsin High School_ _The rights of production of these plays are in every case reserved by the authors or their representatives.

people in general considered as a whole

From this reading The one-act play in particular, chiefly represented in this volume, appears to be taking the place of that rather squeezed sponge, the short story, in the favor of the reading public.

in a manner accessible to or observable by the public; openly

From this reading No play can be given publicly without an individual arrangement.

how much there is or how many there are of something that you can quantify

From this reading _Printed in the United States of America_ We are at present in the midst of a bewildering quantity of play-publication and production.

on the contrary

From this reading The one-act play in particular, chiefly represented in this volume, appears to be taking the place of that rather squeezed sponge, the short story, in the favor of the reading public.

the cognitive process of understanding a written linguistic message

From this reading The law does not, of course, prevent their reading in classrooms or their production before an audience of a school or invited guests where no fee is charged; but it is, naturally, more courteous to ask permission._ First impression, December, 1921 Second impression, April, 1922 Third impression, October, 1922

plural of “representative” — a person who represents others

From this reading Edited with Introduction, Comment and Annotated Bibliography _Department of English The University of Wisconsin and The Wisconsin High School_ _The rights of production of these plays are in every case reserved by the authors or their representatives.

represented accurately or precisely

From this reading The one-act play in particular, chiefly represented in this volume, appears to be taking the place of that rather squeezed sponge, the short story, in the favor of the reading public.

set aside for the use of a particular person or party

From this reading Edited with Introduction, Comment and Annotated Bibliography _Department of English The University of Wisconsin and The Wisconsin High School_ _The rights of production of these plays are in every case reserved by the authors or their representatives.

plural of “right” — an abstract idea of that which is due to a person or governmental body by law or tradition or nature

From this reading Edited with Introduction, Comment and Annotated Bibliography _Department of English The University of Wisconsin and The Wisconsin High School_ _The rights of production of these plays are in every case reserved by the authors or their representatives.

an educational institution

From this reading Edited with Introduction, Comment and Annotated Bibliography _Department of English The University of Wisconsin and The Wisconsin High School_ _The rights of production of these plays are in every case reserved by the authors or their representatives.

1/60 of a minute; the basic unit of time adopted under the Systeme International d'Unites

From this reading The law does not, of course, prevent their reading in classrooms or their production before an audience of a school or invited guests where no fee is charged; but it is, naturally, more courteous to ask permission._ First impression, December, 1921 Second impression, April, 1922 Third impression, October, 1922

primarily temporal sense; indicating or being or seeming to be limited in duration

From this reading The one-act play in particular, chiefly represented in this volume, appears to be taking the place of that rather squeezed sponge, the short story, in the favor of the reading public.

wipe with a sponge, so as to clean or moisten

From this reading The one-act play in particular, chiefly represented in this volume, appears to be taking the place of that rather squeezed sponge, the short story, in the favor of the reading public.

past form of “squeeze” — to compress with violence, out of natural shape or condition

From this reading The one-act play in particular, chiefly represented in this volume, appears to be taking the place of that rather squeezed sponge, the short story, in the favor of the reading public.

plural of “state” — the territory occupied by one of the constituent administrative districts of a nation

From this reading _Printed in the United States of America_ We are at present in the midst of a bewildering quantity of play-publication and production.

a message that tells the particulars of an act or occurrence or course of events; presented in writing or drama or cinema or as a radio or television program

From this reading The one-act play in particular, chiefly represented in this volume, appears to be taking the place of that rather squeezed sponge, the short story, in the favor of the reading public.

the act of someone who picks up or takes something

From this reading The one-act play in particular, chiefly represented in this volume, appears to be taking the place of that rather squeezed sponge, the short story, in the favor of the reading public.

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading The one-act play in particular, chiefly represented in this volume, appears to be taking the place of that rather squeezed sponge, the short story, in the favor of the reading public.

used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind

From this reading Edited with Introduction, Comment and Annotated Bibliography _Department of English The University of Wisconsin and The Wisconsin High School_ _The rights of production of these plays are in every case reserved by the authors or their representatives.

belonging to the people or things already mentioned

From this reading Edited with Introduction, Comment and Annotated Bibliography _Department of English The University of Wisconsin and The Wisconsin High School_ _The rights of production of these plays are in every case reserved by the authors or their representatives.

the plural of “this”: the people or things near, or just mentioned

From this reading Edited with Introduction, Comment and Annotated Bibliography _Department of English The University of Wisconsin and The Wisconsin High School_ _The rights of production of these plays are in every case reserved by the authors or their representatives.

one of three equal parts of a divisible whole

From this reading The law does not, of course, prevent their reading in classrooms or their production before an audience of a school or invited guests where no fee is charged; but it is, naturally, more courteous to ask permission._ First impression, December, 1921 Second impression, April, 1922 Third impression, October, 1922

used for a person or thing that is near, or that has just been mentioned

From this reading The one-act play in particular, chiefly represented in this volume, appears to be taking the place of that rather squeezed sponge, the short story, in the favor of the reading public.

used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive

From this reading The law does not, of course, prevent their reading in classrooms or their production before an audience of a school or invited guests where no fee is charged; but it is, naturally, more courteous to ask permission._ First impression, December, 1921 Second impression, April, 1922 Third impression, October, 1922

characterized by unity; being or joined into a single entity

From this reading _Printed in the United States of America_ We are at present in the midst of a bewildering quantity of play-publication and production.

the body of faculty and students at a university

From this reading Edited with Introduction, Comment and Annotated Bibliography _Department of English The University of Wisconsin and The Wisconsin High School_ _The rights of production of these plays are in every case reserved by the authors or their representatives.

the amount of 3-dimensional space occupied by an object

From this reading The one-act play in particular, chiefly represented in this volume, appears to be taking the place of that rather squeezed sponge, the short story, in the favor of the reading public.

the speaker together with one or more other people

From this reading _Printed in the United States of America_ We are at present in the midst of a bewildering quantity of play-publication and production.

in or at the place that

From this reading The law does not, of course, prevent their reading in classrooms or their production before an audience of a school or invited guests where no fee is charged; but it is, naturally, more courteous to ask permission._ First impression, December, 1921 Second impression, April, 1922 Third impression, October, 1922

a tributary of the Mississippi River in Wisconsin

From this reading Edited with Introduction, Comment and Annotated Bibliography _Department of English The University of Wisconsin and The Wisconsin High School_ _The rights of production of these plays are in every case reserved by the authors or their representatives.

in the company of; together with

From this reading Edited with Introduction, Comment and Annotated Bibliography _Department of English The University of Wisconsin and The Wisconsin High School_ _The rights of production of these plays are in every case reserved by the authors or their representatives.

not having, not using, or not accompanied by

From this reading No play can be given publicly without an individual arrangement.