Chapter I · Chapter 1

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

From this reading To Mr. Guy Wetmore Carryl, whose "Fables for the Frivolous" are published by Messrs. Harper & Brothers; to Mr. Charles E. Carryl, whose verses appeared originally in _St. Nicholas_; to Mr. Oliver Herford, whose "Child's Primer of Natural History" is published by Messrs. Charles Scribner's Sons; to the same author for the selection from "Alphabet of Celebrities," published by Messrs. Small, Maynard & Co.; and Messrs. Harper & Brothers, the publishers of du Maurier's "A Legend of Camelot;" and to Messrs. Little, Brown & Co., who publish an edition of Lear's Nonsense Books.

declare to be true or admit the existence or reality or truth of

From this reading The Best Nonsense Verses, Chosen by Josephine Dodge Daskam The publisher desires to acknowledge the courtesy of authors and publishers in granting permission to reprint the verses contained in this book.

anew

From this reading "In my youth," father William replied to his son, "I feared it might injure the brain: But now that I'm perfectly sure I have none, Why, I do it again and again."

how long something has existed

From this reading "You are old, father William," the young man said, "And your hair has become very white: And yet you incessantly stand on your head-- Do you think, at your age, it is right?"

a character set that includes letters and is used to write a language

From this reading To Mr. Guy Wetmore Carryl, whose "Fables for the Frivolous" are published by Messrs. Harper & Brothers; to Mr. Charles E. Carryl, whose verses appeared originally in _St. Nicholas_; to Mr. Oliver Herford, whose "Child's Primer of Natural History" is published by Messrs. Charles Scribner's Sons; to the same author for the selection from "Alphabet of Celebrities," published by Messrs. Small, Maynard & Co.; and Messrs. Harper & Brothers, the publishers of du Maurier's "A Legend of Camelot;" and to Messrs. Little, Brown & Co., who publish an edition of Lear's Nonsense Books.

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

From this reading To Mr. Guy Wetmore Carryl, whose "Fables for the Frivolous" are published by Messrs. Harper & Brothers; to Mr. Charles E. Carryl, whose verses appeared originally in _St. Nicholas_; to Mr. Oliver Herford, whose "Child's Primer of Natural History" is published by Messrs. Charles Scribner's Sons; to the same author for the selection from "Alphabet of Celebrities," published by Messrs. Small, Maynard & Co.; and Messrs. Harper & Brothers, the publishers of du Maurier's "A Legend of Camelot;" and to Messrs. Little, Brown & Co., who publish an edition of Lear's Nonsense Books.

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

From this reading The Best Nonsense Verses, Chosen by Josephine Dodge Daskam The publisher desires to acknowledge the courtesy of authors and publishers in granting permission to reprint the verses contained in this book.

past form of “appear” — give a certain impression or have a certain outward aspect

From this reading To Mr. Guy Wetmore Carryl, whose "Fables for the Frivolous" are published by Messrs. Harper & Brothers; to Mr. Charles E. Carryl, whose verses appeared originally in _St. Nicholas_; to Mr. Oliver Herford, whose "Child's Primer of Natural History" is published by Messrs. Charles Scribner's Sons; to the same author for the selection from "Alphabet of Celebrities," published by Messrs. Small, Maynard & Co.; and Messrs. Harper & Brothers, the publishers of du Maurier's "A Legend of Camelot;" and to Messrs. Little, Brown & Co., who publish an edition of Lear's Nonsense Books.

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

From this reading To Mr. Guy Wetmore Carryl, whose "Fables for the Frivolous" are published by Messrs. Harper & Brothers; to Mr. Charles E. Carryl, whose verses appeared originally in _St. Nicholas_; to Mr. Oliver Herford, whose "Child's Primer of Natural History" is published by Messrs. Charles Scribner's Sons; to the same author for the selection from "Alphabet of Celebrities," published by Messrs. Small, Maynard & Co.; and Messrs. Harper & Brothers, the publishers of du Maurier's "A Legend of Camelot;" and to Messrs. Little, Brown & Co., who publish an edition of Lear's Nonsense Books.

at the same time that; because; in the way that

From this reading "You are old," said the youth, "as I mentioned before, And have grown most uncommonly fat; Yet you turned a back somersault in at the door-- Pray, what is the reason of that?"

in or near a particular place or position

From this reading "You are old, father William," the young man said, "And your hair has become very white: And yet you incessantly stand on your head-- Do you think, at your age, it is right?"

writes (books or stories or articles or the like) professionally (for pay)

From this reading To Mr. Guy Wetmore Carryl, whose "Fables for the Frivolous" are published by Messrs. Harper & Brothers; to Mr. Charles E. Carryl, whose verses appeared originally in _St. Nicholas_; to Mr. Oliver Herford, whose "Child's Primer of Natural History" is published by Messrs. Charles Scribner's Sons; to the same author for the selection from "Alphabet of Celebrities," published by Messrs. Small, Maynard & Co.; and Messrs. Harper & Brothers, the publishers of du Maurier's "A Legend of Camelot;" and to Messrs. Little, Brown & Co., who publish an edition of Lear's Nonsense Books.

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

From this reading The Best Nonsense Verses, Chosen by Josephine Dodge Daskam The publisher desires to acknowledge the courtesy of authors and publishers in granting permission to reprint the verses contained in this book.

in or to or toward a former location

From this reading "You are old," said the youth, "as I mentioned before, And have grown most uncommonly fat; Yet you turned a back somersault in at the door-- Pray, what is the reason of that?"

enter or assume a certain state or condition

From this reading "You are old, father William," the young man said, "And your hair has become very white: And yet you incessantly stand on your head-- Do you think, at your age, it is right?"

earlier than; in front of

From this reading "You are old," said the youth, "as I mentioned before, And have grown most uncommonly fat; Yet you turned a back somersault in at the door-- Pray, what is the reason of that?"

the supreme effort one can make

From this reading The Best Nonsense Verses, Chosen by Josephine Dodge Daskam The publisher desires to acknowledge the courtesy of authors and publishers in granting permission to reprint the verses contained in this book.

a written work or composition that has been published (printed on pages bound together)

From this reading The Best Nonsense Verses, Chosen by Josephine Dodge Daskam The publisher desires to acknowledge the courtesy of authors and publishers in granting permission to reprint the verses contained in this book.

Bound written or printed works.

From this reading To Mr. Guy Wetmore Carryl, whose "Fables for the Frivolous" are published by Messrs. Harper & Brothers; to Mr. Charles E. Carryl, whose verses appeared originally in _St. Nicholas_; to Mr. Oliver Herford, whose "Child's Primer of Natural History" is published by Messrs. Charles Scribner's Sons; to the same author for the selection from "Alphabet of Celebrities," published by Messrs. Small, Maynard & Co.; and Messrs. Harper & Brothers, the publishers of du Maurier's "A Legend of Camelot;" and to Messrs. Little, Brown & Co., who publish an edition of Lear's Nonsense Books.

that part of the central nervous system that includes all the higher nervous centers; enclosed within the skull; continuous with the spinal cord

From this reading "In my youth," father William replied to his son, "I feared it might injure the brain: But now that I'm perfectly sure I have none, Why, I do it again and again."

plural of “brother” — a male with the same parents as someone else

From this reading To Mr. Guy Wetmore Carryl, whose "Fables for the Frivolous" are published by Messrs. Harper & Brothers; to Mr. Charles E. Carryl, whose verses appeared originally in _St. Nicholas_; to Mr. Oliver Herford, whose "Child's Primer of Natural History" is published by Messrs. Charles Scribner's Sons; to the same author for the selection from "Alphabet of Celebrities," published by Messrs. Small, Maynard & Co.; and Messrs. Harper & Brothers, the publishers of du Maurier's "A Legend of Camelot;" and to Messrs. Little, Brown & Co., who publish an edition of Lear's Nonsense Books.

an orange of low brightness and saturation

From this reading To Mr. Guy Wetmore Carryl, whose "Fables for the Frivolous" are published by Messrs. Harper & Brothers; to Mr. Charles E. Carryl, whose verses appeared originally in _St. Nicholas_; to Mr. Oliver Herford, whose "Child's Primer of Natural History" is published by Messrs. Charles Scribner's Sons; to the same author for the selection from "Alphabet of Celebrities," published by Messrs. Small, Maynard & Co.; and Messrs. Harper & Brothers, the publishers of du Maurier's "A Legend of Camelot;" and to Messrs. Little, Brown & Co., who publish an edition of Lear's Nonsense Books.

used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before

From this reading "In my youth," father William replied to his son, "I feared it might injure the brain: But now that I'm perfectly sure I have none, Why, I do it again and again."

showing who or what does the action

From this reading The Best Nonsense Verses, Chosen by Josephine Dodge Daskam The publisher desires to acknowledge the courtesy of authors and publishers in granting permission to reprint the verses contained in this book.

(Arthurian legend) the capital of King Arthur's kingdom; according to the legend, truth and goodness and beauty reigned there

From this reading To Mr. Guy Wetmore Carryl, whose "Fables for the Frivolous" are published by Messrs. Harper & Brothers; to Mr. Charles E. Carryl, whose verses appeared originally in _St. Nicholas_; to Mr. Oliver Herford, whose "Child's Primer of Natural History" is published by Messrs. Charles Scribner's Sons; to the same author for the selection from "Alphabet of Celebrities," published by Messrs. Small, Maynard & Co.; and Messrs. Harper & Brothers, the publishers of du Maurier's "A Legend of Camelot;" and to Messrs. Little, Brown & Co., who publish an edition of Lear's Nonsense Books.

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

From this reading To Mr. Guy Wetmore Carryl, whose "Fables for the Frivolous" are published by Messrs. Harper & Brothers; to Mr. Charles E. Carryl, whose verses appeared originally in _St. Nicholas_; to Mr. Oliver Herford, whose "Child's Primer of Natural History" is published by Messrs. Charles Scribner's Sons; to the same author for the selection from "Alphabet of Celebrities," published by Messrs. Small, Maynard & Co.; and Messrs. Harper & Brothers, the publishers of du Maurier's "A Legend of Camelot;" and to Messrs. Little, Brown & Co., who publish an edition of Lear's Nonsense Books.

plural of “celebrity” — a widely known person

From this reading To Mr. Guy Wetmore Carryl, whose "Fables for the Frivolous" are published by Messrs. Harper & Brothers; to Mr. Charles E. Carryl, whose verses appeared originally in _St. Nicholas_; to Mr. Oliver Herford, whose "Child's Primer of Natural History" is published by Messrs. Charles Scribner's Sons; to the same author for the selection from "Alphabet of Celebrities," published by Messrs. Small, Maynard & Co.; and Messrs. Harper & Brothers, the publishers of du Maurier's "A Legend of Camelot;" and to Messrs. Little, Brown & Co., who publish an edition of Lear's Nonsense Books.

King of France from 1560 to 1574 whose reign was dominated by his mother Catherine de Medicis (1550-1574)

From this reading To Mr. Guy Wetmore Carryl, whose "Fables for the Frivolous" are published by Messrs. Harper & Brothers; to Mr. Charles E. Carryl, whose verses appeared originally in _St. Nicholas_; to Mr. Oliver Herford, whose "Child's Primer of Natural History" is published by Messrs. Charles Scribner's Sons; to the same author for the selection from "Alphabet of Celebrities," published by Messrs. Small, Maynard & Co.; and Messrs. Harper & Brothers, the publishers of du Maurier's "A Legend of Camelot;" and to Messrs. Little, Brown & Co., who publish an edition of Lear's Nonsense Books.

possessive form of “child” — a young person of either sex

From this reading To Mr. Guy Wetmore Carryl, whose "Fables for the Frivolous" are published by Messrs. Harper & Brothers; to Mr. Charles E. Carryl, whose verses appeared originally in _St. Nicholas_; to Mr. Oliver Herford, whose "Child's Primer of Natural History" is published by Messrs. Charles Scribner's Sons; to the same author for the selection from "Alphabet of Celebrities," published by Messrs. Small, Maynard & Co.; and Messrs. Harper & Brothers, the publishers of du Maurier's "A Legend of Camelot;" and to Messrs. Little, Brown & Co., who publish an edition of Lear's Nonsense Books.

one who is the object of choice; who is given preference

From this reading The Best Nonsense Verses, Chosen by Josephine Dodge Daskam The publisher desires to acknowledge the courtesy of authors and publishers in granting permission to reprint the verses contained in this book.

an odorless very poisonous gas that is a product of incomplete combustion of carbon

From this reading To Mr. Guy Wetmore Carryl, whose "Fables for the Frivolous" are published by Messrs. Harper & Brothers; to Mr. Charles E. Carryl, whose verses appeared originally in _St. Nicholas_; to Mr. Oliver Herford, whose "Child's Primer of Natural History" is published by Messrs. Charles Scribner's Sons; to the same author for the selection from "Alphabet of Celebrities," published by Messrs. Small, Maynard & Co.; and Messrs. Harper & Brothers, the publishers of du Maurier's "A Legend of Camelot;" and to Messrs. Little, Brown & Co., who publish an edition of Lear's Nonsense Books.

gotten under control

From this reading The Best Nonsense Verses, Chosen by Josephine Dodge Daskam The publisher desires to acknowledge the courtesy of authors and publishers in granting permission to reprint the verses contained in this book.

a courteous or respectful or considerate act

From this reading The Best Nonsense Verses, Chosen by Josephine Dodge Daskam The publisher desires to acknowledge the courtesy of authors and publishers in granting permission to reprint the verses contained in this book.

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

From this reading The Best Nonsense Verses, Chosen by Josephine Dodge Daskam The publisher desires to acknowledge the courtesy of authors and publishers in granting permission to reprint the verses contained in this book.

plural of “desire” — the feeling that accompanies an unsatisfied state

From this reading The Best Nonsense Verses, Chosen by Josephine Dodge Daskam The publisher desires to acknowledge the courtesy of authors and publishers in granting permission to reprint the verses contained in this book.

used to form questions and negatives, and to give emphasis

From this reading "You are old, father William," the young man said, "And your hair has become very white: And yet you incessantly stand on your head-- Do you think, at your age, it is right?"

make a sudden movement in a new direction so as to avoid

From this reading The Best Nonsense Verses, Chosen by Josephine Dodge Daskam The publisher desires to acknowledge the courtesy of authors and publishers in granting permission to reprint the verses contained in this book.

a swinging or sliding barrier that will close the entrance to a room or building or vehicle

From this reading "You are old," said the youth, "as I mentioned before, And have grown most uncommonly fat; Yet you turned a back somersault in at the door-- Pray, what is the reason of that?"

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

From this reading To Mr. Guy Wetmore Carryl, whose "Fables for the Frivolous" are published by Messrs. Harper & Brothers; to Mr. Charles E. Carryl, whose verses appeared originally in _St. Nicholas_; to Mr. Oliver Herford, whose "Child's Primer of Natural History" is published by Messrs. Charles Scribner's Sons; to the same author for the selection from "Alphabet of Celebrities," published by Messrs. Small, Maynard & Co.; and Messrs. Harper & Brothers, the publishers of du Maurier's "A Legend of Camelot;" and to Messrs. Little, Brown & Co., who publish an edition of Lear's Nonsense Books.

a fat-soluble vitamin that is essential for normal reproduction; an important antioxidant that neutralizes free radicals in the body

From this reading To Mr. Guy Wetmore Carryl, whose "Fables for the Frivolous" are published by Messrs. Harper & Brothers; to Mr. Charles E. Carryl, whose verses appeared originally in _St. Nicholas_; to Mr. Oliver Herford, whose "Child's Primer of Natural History" is published by Messrs. Charles Scribner's Sons; to the same author for the selection from "Alphabet of Celebrities," published by Messrs. Small, Maynard & Co.; and Messrs. Harper & Brothers, the publishers of du Maurier's "A Legend of Camelot;" and to Messrs. Little, Brown & Co., who publish an edition of Lear's Nonsense Books.

the form in which a text (especially a printed book) is published

From this reading To Mr. Guy Wetmore Carryl, whose "Fables for the Frivolous" are published by Messrs. Harper & Brothers; to Mr. Charles E. Carryl, whose verses appeared originally in _St. Nicholas_; to Mr. Oliver Herford, whose "Child's Primer of Natural History" is published by Messrs. Charles Scribner's Sons; to the same author for the selection from "Alphabet of Celebrities," published by Messrs. Small, Maynard & Co.; and Messrs. Harper & Brothers, the publishers of du Maurier's "A Legend of Camelot;" and to Messrs. Little, Brown & Co., who publish an edition of Lear's Nonsense Books.

plural of “fable” — a deliberately false or improbable account

From this reading To Mr. Guy Wetmore Carryl, whose "Fables for the Frivolous" are published by Messrs. Harper & Brothers; to Mr. Charles E. Carryl, whose verses appeared originally in _St. Nicholas_; to Mr. Oliver Herford, whose "Child's Primer of Natural History" is published by Messrs. Charles Scribner's Sons; to the same author for the selection from "Alphabet of Celebrities," published by Messrs. Small, Maynard & Co.; and Messrs. Harper & Brothers, the publishers of du Maurier's "A Legend of Camelot;" and to Messrs. Little, Brown & Co., who publish an edition of Lear's Nonsense Books.

having an (over)abundance of flesh

From this reading "You are old," said the youth, "as I mentioned before, And have grown most uncommonly fat; Yet you turned a back somersault in at the door-- Pray, what is the reason of that?"

a male parent (also used as a term of address to your father)

From this reading "You are old, father William," the young man said, "And your hair has become very white: And yet you incessantly stand on your head-- Do you think, at your age, it is right?"

past form of “fear” — be afraid or feel anxious or apprehensive about a possible or probable situation or event

From this reading "In my youth," father William replied to his son, "I feared it might injure the brain: But now that I'm perfectly sure I have none, Why, I do it again and again."

intended to be given to, or used by, somebody

From this reading To Mr. Guy Wetmore Carryl, whose "Fables for the Frivolous" are published by Messrs. Harper & Brothers; to Mr. Charles E. Carryl, whose verses appeared originally in _St. Nicholas_; to Mr. Oliver Herford, whose "Child's Primer of Natural History" is published by Messrs. Charles Scribner's Sons; to the same author for the selection from "Alphabet of Celebrities," published by Messrs. Small, Maynard & Co.; and Messrs. Harper & Brothers, the publishers of du Maurier's "A Legend of Camelot;" and to Messrs. Little, Brown & Co., who publish an edition of Lear's Nonsense Books.

not serious in content or attitude or behavior

From this reading To Mr. Guy Wetmore Carryl, whose "Fables for the Frivolous" are published by Messrs. Harper & Brothers; to Mr. Charles E. Carryl, whose verses appeared originally in _St. Nicholas_; to Mr. Oliver Herford, whose "Child's Primer of Natural History" is published by Messrs. Charles Scribner's Sons; to the same author for the selection from "Alphabet of Celebrities," published by Messrs. Small, Maynard & Co.; and Messrs. Harper & Brothers, the publishers of du Maurier's "A Legend of Camelot;" and to Messrs. Little, Brown & Co., who publish an edition of Lear's Nonsense Books.

showing where something starts, or who sent it

From this reading To Mr. Guy Wetmore Carryl, whose "Fables for the Frivolous" are published by Messrs. Harper & Brothers; to Mr. Charles E. Carryl, whose verses appeared originally in _St. Nicholas_; to Mr. Oliver Herford, whose "Child's Primer of Natural History" is published by Messrs. Charles Scribner's Sons; to the same author for the selection from "Alphabet of Celebrities," published by Messrs. Small, Maynard & Co.; and Messrs. Harper & Brothers, the publishers of du Maurier's "A Legend of Camelot;" and to Messrs. Little, Brown & Co., who publish an edition of Lear's Nonsense Books.

-ing form of “grant” — let have

From this reading The Best Nonsense Verses, Chosen by Josephine Dodge Daskam The publisher desires to acknowledge the courtesy of authors and publishers in granting permission to reprint the verses contained in this book.

(of animals) fully developed

From this reading "You are old," said the youth, "as I mentioned before, And have grown most uncommonly fat; Yet you turned a back somersault in at the door-- Pray, what is the reason of that?"

an informal term for a youth or man

From this reading To Mr. Guy Wetmore Carryl, whose "Fables for the Frivolous" are published by Messrs. Harper & Brothers; to Mr. Charles E. Carryl, whose verses appeared originally in _St. Nicholas_; to Mr. Oliver Herford, whose "Child's Primer of Natural History" is published by Messrs. Charles Scribner's Sons; to the same author for the selection from "Alphabet of Celebrities," published by Messrs. Small, Maynard & Co.; and Messrs. Harper & Brothers, the publishers of du Maurier's "A Legend of Camelot;" and to Messrs. Little, Brown & Co., who publish an edition of Lear's Nonsense Books.

a covering for the body (or parts of it) consisting of a dense growth of threadlike structures (as on the human head); helps to prevent heat loss

From this reading "You are old, father William," the young man said, "And your hair has become very white: And yet you incessantly stand on your head-- Do you think, at your age, it is right?"

someone who plays the harp

From this reading To Mr. Guy Wetmore Carryl, whose "Fables for the Frivolous" are published by Messrs. Harper & Brothers; to Mr. Charles E. Carryl, whose verses appeared originally in _St. Nicholas_; to Mr. Oliver Herford, whose "Child's Primer of Natural History" is published by Messrs. Charles Scribner's Sons; to the same author for the selection from "Alphabet of Celebrities," published by Messrs. Small, Maynard & Co.; and Messrs. Harper & Brothers, the publishers of du Maurier's "A Legend of Camelot;" and to Messrs. Little, Brown & Co., who publish an edition of Lear's Nonsense Books.

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

From this reading "You are old, father William," the young man said, "And your hair has become very white: And yet you incessantly stand on your head-- Do you think, at your age, it is right?"

used with a past participle to form the perfect tenses

From this reading "In my youth," father William replied to his son, "I feared it might injure the brain: But now that I'm perfectly sure I have none, Why, I do it again and again."

the upper part of the human body or the front part of the body in animals; contains the face and brains

From this reading "You are old, father William," the young man said, "And your hair has become very white: And yet you incessantly stand on your head-- Do you think, at your age, it is right?"

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

From this reading To Mr. Guy Wetmore Carryl, whose "Fables for the Frivolous" are published by Messrs. Harper & Brothers; to Mr. Charles E. Carryl, whose verses appeared originally in _St. Nicholas_; to Mr. Oliver Herford, whose "Child's Primer of Natural History" is published by Messrs. Charles Scribner's Sons; to the same author for the selection from "Alphabet of Celebrities," published by Messrs. Small, Maynard & Co.; and Messrs. Harper & Brothers, the publishers of du Maurier's "A Legend of Camelot;" and to Messrs. Little, Brown & Co., who publish an edition of Lear's Nonsense Books.

belonging to a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned

From this reading "In my youth," father William replied to his son, "I feared it might injure the brain: But now that I'm perfectly sure I have none, Why, I do it again and again."

the aggregate of past events

From this reading To Mr. Guy Wetmore Carryl, whose "Fables for the Frivolous" are published by Messrs. Harper & Brothers; to Mr. Charles E. Carryl, whose verses appeared originally in _St. Nicholas_; to Mr. Oliver Herford, whose "Child's Primer of Natural History" is published by Messrs. Charles Scribner's Sons; to the same author for the selection from "Alphabet of Celebrities," published by Messrs. Small, Maynard & Co.; and Messrs. Harper & Brothers, the publishers of du Maurier's "A Legend of Camelot;" and to Messrs. Little, Brown & Co., who publish an edition of Lear's Nonsense Books.

the person speaking or writing, as the subject of the verb

From this reading "In my youth," father William replied to his son, "I feared it might injure the brain: But now that I'm perfectly sure I have none, Why, I do it again and again."

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

From this reading "In my youth," father William replied to his son, "I feared it might injure the brain: But now that I'm perfectly sure I have none, Why, I do it again and again."

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

From this reading The Best Nonsense Verses, Chosen by Josephine Dodge Daskam The publisher desires to acknowledge the courtesy of authors and publishers in granting permission to reprint the verses contained in this book.

with unflagging resolve

From this reading "You are old, father William," the young man said, "And your hair has become very white: And yet you incessantly stand on your head-- Do you think, at your age, it is right?"

cause injuries or bodily harm to

From this reading "In my youth," father William replied to his son, "I feared it might injure the brain: But now that I'm perfectly sure I have none, Why, I do it again and again."

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

From this reading To Mr. Guy Wetmore Carryl, whose "Fables for the Frivolous" are published by Messrs. Harper & Brothers; to Mr. Charles E. Carryl, whose verses appeared originally in _St. Nicholas_; to Mr. Oliver Herford, whose "Child's Primer of Natural History" is published by Messrs. Charles Scribner's Sons; to the same author for the selection from "Alphabet of Celebrities," published by Messrs. Small, Maynard & Co.; and Messrs. Harper & Brothers, the publishers of du Maurier's "A Legend of Camelot;" and to Messrs. Little, Brown & Co., who publish an edition of Lear's Nonsense Books.

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading "You are old, father William," the young man said, "And your hair has become very white: And yet you incessantly stand on your head-- Do you think, at your age, it is right?"

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

From this reading The Best Nonsense Verses, Chosen by Josephine Dodge Daskam The publisher desires to acknowledge the courtesy of authors and publishers in granting permission to reprint the verses contained in this book.

possessive form of “lear” — British artist and writer of nonsense verse (1812-1888)

From this reading To Mr. Guy Wetmore Carryl, whose "Fables for the Frivolous" are published by Messrs. Harper & Brothers; to Mr. Charles E. Carryl, whose verses appeared originally in _St. Nicholas_; to Mr. Oliver Herford, whose "Child's Primer of Natural History" is published by Messrs. Charles Scribner's Sons; to the same author for the selection from "Alphabet of Celebrities," published by Messrs. Small, Maynard & Co.; and Messrs. Harper & Brothers, the publishers of du Maurier's "A Legend of Camelot;" and to Messrs. Little, Brown & Co., who publish an edition of Lear's Nonsense Books.

a story about mythical or supernatural beings or events

From this reading To Mr. Guy Wetmore Carryl, whose "Fables for the Frivolous" are published by Messrs. Harper & Brothers; to Mr. Charles E. Carryl, whose verses appeared originally in _St. Nicholas_; to Mr. Oliver Herford, whose "Child's Primer of Natural History" is published by Messrs. Charles Scribner's Sons; to the same author for the selection from "Alphabet of Celebrities," published by Messrs. Small, Maynard & Co.; and Messrs. Harper & Brothers, the publishers of du Maurier's "A Legend of Camelot;" and to Messrs. Little, Brown & Co., who publish an edition of Lear's Nonsense Books.

limited or below average in number or quantity or magnitude or extent

From this reading To Mr. Guy Wetmore Carryl, whose "Fables for the Frivolous" are published by Messrs. Harper & Brothers; to Mr. Charles E. Carryl, whose verses appeared originally in _St. Nicholas_; to Mr. Oliver Herford, whose "Child's Primer of Natural History" is published by Messrs. Charles Scribner's Sons; to the same author for the selection from "Alphabet of Celebrities," published by Messrs. Small, Maynard & Co.; and Messrs. Harper & Brothers, the publishers of du Maurier's "A Legend of Camelot;" and to Messrs. Little, Brown & Co., who publish an edition of Lear's Nonsense Books.

an adult person who is male (as opposed to a woman)

From this reading "You are old, father William," the young man said, "And your hair has become very white: And yet you incessantly stand on your head-- Do you think, at your age, it is right?"

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

From this reading To Mr. Guy Wetmore Carryl, whose "Fables for the Frivolous" are published by Messrs. Harper & Brothers; to Mr. Charles E. Carryl, whose verses appeared originally in _St. Nicholas_; to Mr. Oliver Herford, whose "Child's Primer of Natural History" is published by Messrs. Charles Scribner's Sons; to the same author for the selection from "Alphabet of Celebrities," published by Messrs. Small, Maynard & Co.; and Messrs. Harper & Brothers, the publishers of du Maurier's "A Legend of Camelot;" and to Messrs. Little, Brown & Co., who publish an edition of Lear's Nonsense Books.

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

From this reading To Mr. Guy Wetmore Carryl, whose "Fables for the Frivolous" are published by Messrs. Harper & Brothers; to Mr. Charles E. Carryl, whose verses appeared originally in _St. Nicholas_; to Mr. Oliver Herford, whose "Child's Primer of Natural History" is published by Messrs. Charles Scribner's Sons; to the same author for the selection from "Alphabet of Celebrities," published by Messrs. Small, Maynard & Co.; and Messrs. Harper & Brothers, the publishers of du Maurier's "A Legend of Camelot;" and to Messrs. Little, Brown & Co., who publish an edition of Lear's Nonsense Books.

past form of “mention” — make reference to

From this reading "You are old," said the youth, "as I mentioned before, And have grown most uncommonly fat; Yet you turned a back somersault in at the door-- Pray, what is the reason of that?"

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

From this reading To Mr. Guy Wetmore Carryl, whose "Fables for the Frivolous" are published by Messrs. Harper & Brothers; to Mr. Charles E. Carryl, whose verses appeared originally in _St. Nicholas_; to Mr. Oliver Herford, whose "Child's Primer of Natural History" is published by Messrs. Charles Scribner's Sons; to the same author for the selection from "Alphabet of Celebrities," published by Messrs. Small, Maynard & Co.; and Messrs. Harper & Brothers, the publishers of du Maurier's "A Legend of Camelot;" and to Messrs. Little, Brown & Co., who publish an edition of Lear's Nonsense Books.

used to say something is possible but not certain

From this reading "In my youth," father William replied to his son, "I feared it might injure the brain: But now that I'm perfectly sure I have none, Why, I do it again and again."

used to form the superlative

From this reading "You are old," said the youth, "as I mentioned before, And have grown most uncommonly fat; Yet you turned a back somersault in at the door-- Pray, what is the reason of that?"

a form of address for a man

From this reading To Mr. Guy Wetmore Carryl, whose "Fables for the Frivolous" are published by Messrs. Harper & Brothers; to Mr. Charles E. Carryl, whose verses appeared originally in _St. Nicholas_; to Mr. Oliver Herford, whose "Child's Primer of Natural History" is published by Messrs. Charles Scribner's Sons; to the same author for the selection from "Alphabet of Celebrities," published by Messrs. Small, Maynard & Co.; and Messrs. Harper & Brothers, the publishers of du Maurier's "A Legend of Camelot;" and to Messrs. Little, Brown & Co., who publish an edition of Lear's Nonsense Books.

belonging to the person speaking

From this reading "In my youth," father William replied to his son, "I feared it might injure the brain: But now that I'm perfectly sure I have none, Why, I do it again and again."

in accordance with nature; relating to or concerning nature

From this reading To Mr. Guy Wetmore Carryl, whose "Fables for the Frivolous" are published by Messrs. Harper & Brothers; to Mr. Charles E. Carryl, whose verses appeared originally in _St. Nicholas_; to Mr. Oliver Herford, whose "Child's Primer of Natural History" is published by Messrs. Charles Scribner's Sons; to the same author for the selection from "Alphabet of Celebrities," published by Messrs. Small, Maynard & Co.; and Messrs. Harper & Brothers, the publishers of du Maurier's "A Legend of Camelot;" and to Messrs. Little, Brown & Co., who publish an edition of Lear's Nonsense Books.

a bishop in Asia Minor who is associated with Santa Claus (4th century)

From this reading To Mr. Guy Wetmore Carryl, whose "Fables for the Frivolous" are published by Messrs. Harper & Brothers; to Mr. Charles E. Carryl, whose verses appeared originally in _St. Nicholas_; to Mr. Oliver Herford, whose "Child's Primer of Natural History" is published by Messrs. Charles Scribner's Sons; to the same author for the selection from "Alphabet of Celebrities," published by Messrs. Small, Maynard & Co.; and Messrs. Harper & Brothers, the publishers of du Maurier's "A Legend of Camelot;" and to Messrs. Little, Brown & Co., who publish an edition of Lear's Nonsense Books.

not one, and not any

From this reading "In my youth," father William replied to his son, "I feared it might injure the brain: But now that I'm perfectly sure I have none, Why, I do it again and again."

a message that seems to convey no meaning

From this reading The Best Nonsense Verses, Chosen by Josephine Dodge Daskam The publisher desires to acknowledge the courtesy of authors and publishers in granting permission to reprint the verses contained in this book.

in the historical present; at this point in the narration of a series of past events

From this reading "In my youth," father William replied to his son, "I feared it might injure the brain: But now that I'm perfectly sure I have none, Why, I do it again and again."

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading The Best Nonsense Verses, Chosen by Josephine Dodge Daskam The publisher desires to acknowledge the courtesy of authors and publishers in granting permission to reprint the verses contained in this book.

(used especially of persons) having lived for a relatively long time or attained a specific age

From this reading "You are old, father William," the young man said, "And your hair has become very white: And yet you incessantly stand on your head-- Do you think, at your age, it is right?"

United States jazz musician who influenced the style of Louis Armstrong (1885-1938)

From this reading To Mr. Guy Wetmore Carryl, whose "Fables for the Frivolous" are published by Messrs. Harper & Brothers; to Mr. Charles E. Carryl, whose verses appeared originally in _St. Nicholas_; to Mr. Oliver Herford, whose "Child's Primer of Natural History" is published by Messrs. Charles Scribner's Sons; to the same author for the selection from "Alphabet of Celebrities," published by Messrs. Small, Maynard & Co.; and Messrs. Harper & Brothers, the publishers of du Maurier's "A Legend of Camelot;" and to Messrs. Little, Brown & Co., who publish an edition of Lear's Nonsense Books.

touching and supported by a surface

From this reading "You are old, father William," the young man said, "And your hair has become very white: And yet you incessantly stand on your head-- Do you think, at your age, it is right?"

in an original manner

From this reading To Mr. Guy Wetmore Carryl, whose "Fables for the Frivolous" are published by Messrs. Harper & Brothers; to Mr. Charles E. Carryl, whose verses appeared originally in _St. Nicholas_; to Mr. Oliver Herford, whose "Child's Primer of Natural History" is published by Messrs. Charles Scribner's Sons; to the same author for the selection from "Alphabet of Celebrities," published by Messrs. Small, Maynard & Co.; and Messrs. Harper & Brothers, the publishers of du Maurier's "A Legend of Camelot;" and to Messrs. Little, Brown & Co., who publish an edition of Lear's Nonsense Books.

completely and without qualification; used informally as intensifiers

From this reading "In my youth," father William replied to his son, "I feared it might injure the brain: But now that I'm perfectly sure I have none, Why, I do it again and again."

approval to do something

From this reading The Best Nonsense Verses, Chosen by Josephine Dodge Daskam The publisher desires to acknowledge the courtesy of authors and publishers in granting permission to reprint the verses contained in this book.

address a deity, a prophet, a saint or an object of worship; say a prayer

From this reading "You are old," said the youth, "as I mentioned before, And have grown most uncommonly fat; Yet you turned a back somersault in at the door-- Pray, what is the reason of that?"

an introductory textbook

From this reading To Mr. Guy Wetmore Carryl, whose "Fables for the Frivolous" are published by Messrs. Harper & Brothers; to Mr. Charles E. Carryl, whose verses appeared originally in _St. Nicholas_; to Mr. Oliver Herford, whose "Child's Primer of Natural History" is published by Messrs. Charles Scribner's Sons; to the same author for the selection from "Alphabet of Celebrities," published by Messrs. Small, Maynard & Co.; and Messrs. Harper & Brothers, the publishers of du Maurier's "A Legend of Camelot;" and to Messrs. Little, Brown & Co., who publish an edition of Lear's Nonsense Books.

put into print

From this reading To Mr. Guy Wetmore Carryl, whose "Fables for the Frivolous" are published by Messrs. Harper & Brothers; to Mr. Charles E. Carryl, whose verses appeared originally in _St. Nicholas_; to Mr. Oliver Herford, whose "Child's Primer of Natural History" is published by Messrs. Charles Scribner's Sons; to the same author for the selection from "Alphabet of Celebrities," published by Messrs. Small, Maynard & Co.; and Messrs. Harper & Brothers, the publishers of du Maurier's "A Legend of Camelot;" and to Messrs. Little, Brown & Co., who publish an edition of Lear's Nonsense Books.

prepared and printed for distribution and sale

From this reading To Mr. Guy Wetmore Carryl, whose "Fables for the Frivolous" are published by Messrs. Harper & Brothers; to Mr. Charles E. Carryl, whose verses appeared originally in _St. Nicholas_; to Mr. Oliver Herford, whose "Child's Primer of Natural History" is published by Messrs. Charles Scribner's Sons; to the same author for the selection from "Alphabet of Celebrities," published by Messrs. Small, Maynard & Co.; and Messrs. Harper & Brothers, the publishers of du Maurier's "A Legend of Camelot;" and to Messrs. Little, Brown & Co., who publish an edition of Lear's Nonsense Books.

a firm in the publishing business

From this reading The Best Nonsense Verses, Chosen by Josephine Dodge Daskam The publisher desires to acknowledge the courtesy of authors and publishers in granting permission to reprint the verses contained in this book.

plural of “publisher” — a firm in the publishing business

From this reading The Best Nonsense Verses, Chosen by Josephine Dodge Daskam The publisher desires to acknowledge the courtesy of authors and publishers in granting permission to reprint the verses contained in this book.

a rational motive for a belief or action

From this reading "You are old," said the youth, "as I mentioned before, And have grown most uncommonly fat; Yet you turned a back somersault in at the door-- Pray, what is the reason of that?"

inflected form of “reply” — react verbally

From this reading "In my youth," father William replied to his son, "I feared it might injure the brain: But now that I'm perfectly sure I have none, Why, I do it again and again."

a publication (such as a book) that is reprinted without changes or editing and offered again for sale

From this reading The Best Nonsense Verses, Chosen by Josephine Dodge Daskam The publisher desires to acknowledge the courtesy of authors and publishers in granting permission to reprint the verses contained in this book.

precisely, exactly

From this reading "You are old, father William," the young man said, "And your hair has become very white: And yet you incessantly stand on your head-- Do you think, at your age, it is right?"

being the one previously mentioned or spoken of

From this reading "You are old, father William," the young man said, "And your hair has become very white: And yet you incessantly stand on your head-- Do you think, at your age, it is right?"

Identical; not different.

From this reading To Mr. Guy Wetmore Carryl, whose "Fables for the Frivolous" are published by Messrs. Harper & Brothers; to Mr. Charles E. Carryl, whose verses appeared originally in _St. Nicholas_; to Mr. Oliver Herford, whose "Child's Primer of Natural History" is published by Messrs. Charles Scribner's Sons; to the same author for the selection from "Alphabet of Celebrities," published by Messrs. Small, Maynard & Co.; and Messrs. Harper & Brothers, the publishers of du Maurier's "A Legend of Camelot;" and to Messrs. Little, Brown & Co., who publish an edition of Lear's Nonsense Books.

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

From this reading To Mr. Guy Wetmore Carryl, whose "Fables for the Frivolous" are published by Messrs. Harper & Brothers; to Mr. Charles E. Carryl, whose verses appeared originally in _St. Nicholas_; to Mr. Oliver Herford, whose "Child's Primer of Natural History" is published by Messrs. Charles Scribner's Sons; to the same author for the selection from "Alphabet of Celebrities," published by Messrs. Small, Maynard & Co.; and Messrs. Harper & Brothers, the publishers of du Maurier's "A Legend of Camelot;" and to Messrs. Little, Brown & Co., who publish an edition of Lear's Nonsense Books.

the act of choosing or selecting

From this reading To Mr. Guy Wetmore Carryl, whose "Fables for the Frivolous" are published by Messrs. Harper & Brothers; to Mr. Charles E. Carryl, whose verses appeared originally in _St. Nicholas_; to Mr. Oliver Herford, whose "Child's Primer of Natural History" is published by Messrs. Charles Scribner's Sons; to the same author for the selection from "Alphabet of Celebrities," published by Messrs. Small, Maynard & Co.; and Messrs. Harper & Brothers, the publishers of du Maurier's "A Legend of Camelot;" and to Messrs. Little, Brown & Co., who publish an edition of Lear's Nonsense Books.

limited or below average in number or quantity or magnitude or extent

From this reading To Mr. Guy Wetmore Carryl, whose "Fables for the Frivolous" are published by Messrs. Harper & Brothers; to Mr. Charles E. Carryl, whose verses appeared originally in _St. Nicholas_; to Mr. Oliver Herford, whose "Child's Primer of Natural History" is published by Messrs. Charles Scribner's Sons; to the same author for the selection from "Alphabet of Celebrities," published by Messrs. Small, Maynard & Co.; and Messrs. Harper & Brothers, the publishers of du Maurier's "A Legend of Camelot;" and to Messrs. Little, Brown & Co., who publish an edition of Lear's Nonsense Books.

an acrobatic feat in which the feet roll over the head (either forward or backward) and return

From this reading "You are old," said the youth, "as I mentioned before, And have grown most uncommonly fat; Yet you turned a back somersault in at the door-- Pray, what is the reason of that?"

a male human offspring

From this reading "In my youth," father William replied to his son, "I feared it might injure the brain: But now that I'm perfectly sure I have none, Why, I do it again and again."

plural of “son” — a male human offspring

From this reading To Mr. Guy Wetmore Carryl, whose "Fables for the Frivolous" are published by Messrs. Harper & Brothers; to Mr. Charles E. Carryl, whose verses appeared originally in _St. Nicholas_; to Mr. Oliver Herford, whose "Child's Primer of Natural History" is published by Messrs. Charles Scribner's Sons; to the same author for the selection from "Alphabet of Celebrities," published by Messrs. Small, Maynard & Co.; and Messrs. Harper & Brothers, the publishers of du Maurier's "A Legend of Camelot;" and to Messrs. Little, Brown & Co., who publish an edition of Lear's Nonsense Books.

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

From this reading To Mr. Guy Wetmore Carryl, whose "Fables for the Frivolous" are published by Messrs. Harper & Brothers; to Mr. Charles E. Carryl, whose verses appeared originally in _St. Nicholas_; to Mr. Oliver Herford, whose "Child's Primer of Natural History" is published by Messrs. Charles Scribner's Sons; to the same author for the selection from "Alphabet of Celebrities," published by Messrs. Small, Maynard & Co.; and Messrs. Harper & Brothers, the publishers of du Maurier's "A Legend of Camelot;" and to Messrs. Little, Brown & Co., who publish an edition of Lear's Nonsense Books.

be standing; be upright

From this reading "You are old, father William," the young man said, "And your hair has become very white: And yet you incessantly stand on your head-- Do you think, at your age, it is right?"

having or feeling no doubt or uncertainty; confident and assured

From this reading "In my youth," father William replied to his son, "I feared it might injure the brain: But now that I'm perfectly sure I have none, Why, I do it again and again."

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading "In my youth," father William replied to his son, "I feared it might injure the brain: But now that I'm perfectly sure I have none, Why, I do it again and again."

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

From this reading The Best Nonsense Verses, Chosen by Josephine Dodge Daskam The publisher desires to acknowledge the courtesy of authors and publishers in granting permission to reprint the verses contained in this book.

judge or regard; look upon; judge

From this reading "You are old, father William," the young man said, "And your hair has become very white: And yet you incessantly stand on your head-- Do you think, at your age, it is right?"

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

From this reading The Best Nonsense Verses, Chosen by Josephine Dodge Daskam The publisher desires to acknowledge the courtesy of authors and publishers in granting permission to reprint the verses contained in this book.

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

From this reading The Best Nonsense Verses, Chosen by Josephine Dodge Daskam The publisher desires to acknowledge the courtesy of authors and publishers in granting permission to reprint the verses contained in this book.

moved around an axis or center

From this reading "You are old," said the youth, "as I mentioned before, And have grown most uncommonly fat; Yet you turned a back somersault in at the door-- Pray, what is the reason of that?"

exceptionally

From this reading "You are old," said the youth, "as I mentioned before, And have grown most uncommonly fat; Yet you turned a back somersault in at the door-- Pray, what is the reason of that?"

plural of “verse” — literature in metrical form

From this reading The Best Nonsense Verses, Chosen by Josephine Dodge Daskam The publisher desires to acknowledge the courtesy of authors and publishers in granting permission to reprint the verses contained in this book.

precisely as stated

From this reading "You are old, father William," the young man said, "And your hair has become very white: And yet you incessantly stand on your head-- Do you think, at your age, it is right?"

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

From this reading To Mr. Guy Wetmore Carryl, whose "Fables for the Frivolous" are published by Messrs. Harper & Brothers; to Mr. Charles E. Carryl, whose verses appeared originally in _St. Nicholas_; to Mr. Oliver Herford, whose "Child's Primer of Natural History" is published by Messrs. Charles Scribner's Sons; to the same author for the selection from "Alphabet of Celebrities," published by Messrs. Small, Maynard & Co.; and Messrs. Harper & Brothers, the publishers of du Maurier's "A Legend of Camelot;" and to Messrs. Little, Brown & Co., who publish an edition of Lear's Nonsense Books.

used to ask for information about something

From this reading "You are old," said the youth, "as I mentioned before, And have grown most uncommonly fat; Yet you turned a back somersault in at the door-- Pray, what is the reason of that?"

a Caucasian

From this reading "You are old, father William," the young man said, "And your hair has become very white: And yet you incessantly stand on your head-- Do you think, at your age, it is right?"

which person or people

From this reading To Mr. Guy Wetmore Carryl, whose "Fables for the Frivolous" are published by Messrs. Harper & Brothers; to Mr. Charles E. Carryl, whose verses appeared originally in _St. Nicholas_; to Mr. Oliver Herford, whose "Child's Primer of Natural History" is published by Messrs. Charles Scribner's Sons; to the same author for the selection from "Alphabet of Celebrities," published by Messrs. Small, Maynard & Co.; and Messrs. Harper & Brothers, the publishers of du Maurier's "A Legend of Camelot;" and to Messrs. Little, Brown & Co., who publish an edition of Lear's Nonsense Books.

belonging to which person

From this reading To Mr. Guy Wetmore Carryl, whose "Fables for the Frivolous" are published by Messrs. Harper & Brothers; to Mr. Charles E. Carryl, whose verses appeared originally in _St. Nicholas_; to Mr. Oliver Herford, whose "Child's Primer of Natural History" is published by Messrs. Charles Scribner's Sons; to the same author for the selection from "Alphabet of Celebrities," published by Messrs. Small, Maynard & Co.; and Messrs. Harper & Brothers, the publishers of du Maurier's "A Legend of Camelot;" and to Messrs. Little, Brown & Co., who publish an edition of Lear's Nonsense Books.

the cause or intention underlying an action or situation, especially in the phrase “the whys and wherefores”

From this reading "In my youth," father William replied to his son, "I feared it might injure the brain: But now that I'm perfectly sure I have none, Why, I do it again and again."

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

From this reading "You are old, father William," the young man said, "And your hair has become very white: And yet you incessantly stand on your head-- Do you think, at your age, it is right?"

but in spite of that

From this reading "You are old, father William," the young man said, "And your hair has become very white: And yet you incessantly stand on your head-- Do you think, at your age, it is right?"

the person or people being spoken to

From this reading "You are old, father William," the young man said, "And your hair has become very white: And yet you incessantly stand on your head-- Do you think, at your age, it is right?"

(used of living things especially persons) in an early period of life or development or growth

From this reading "You are old, father William," the young man said, "And your hair has become very white: And yet you incessantly stand on your head-- Do you think, at your age, it is right?"

belonging to the person or people being spoken to

From this reading "You are old, father William," the young man said, "And your hair has become very white: And yet you incessantly stand on your head-- Do you think, at your age, it is right?"

a young person (especially a young man or boy)

From this reading "In my youth," father William replied to his son, "I feared it might injure the brain: But now that I'm perfectly sure I have none, Why, I do it again and again."