Chapter XIX · Chapter 19

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

From this reading If a fine day came, for instance, which indeed was a rare case, or a clear and beautiful evening, it was but natural that after such a dark and dreary course of weather, the heart should become glad and full of hope, that a permanent change for the better was about to take place; but alas, all cheerful hope and expectation were in vain.

on the subject of; concerning

From this reading If a fine day came, for instance, which indeed was a rare case, or a clear and beautiful evening, it was but natural that after such a dark and dreary course of weather, the heart should become glad and full of hope, that a permanent change for the better was about to take place; but alas, all cheerful hope and expectation were in vain.

later than; following

From this reading If a fine day came, for instance, which indeed was a rare case, or a clear and beautiful evening, it was but natural that after such a dark and dreary course of weather, the heart should become glad and full of hope, that a permanent change for the better was about to take place; but alas, all cheerful hope and expectation were in vain.

used to show sadness, pity, or regret

From this reading If a fine day came, for instance, which indeed was a rare case, or a clear and beautiful evening, it was but natural that after such a dark and dreary course of weather, the heart should become glad and full of hope, that a permanent change for the better was about to take place; but alas, all cheerful hope and expectation were in vain.

(quantifier) used with either mass or count nouns to indicate the whole number or amount of or every one of a class

From this reading The next morning opened with all the dark sultry rain and black cloudy drapery, which had, as we have already stated, characterized the whole season.

following the length of something from one end toward the other

From this reading The morrow's sun rose as before, dim and gloomy, to wade along his dismal and wintry path, without one glimpse of enlivening light from his rising to his setting.

prior to a specified or implied time

From this reading The next morning opened with all the dark sultry rain and black cloudy drapery, which had, as we have already stated, characterized the whole season.

to a complete degree or to the full or entire extent (“whole” is often used informally for “wholly”)

From this reading Indeed, during the year we are describing, it was known that all those visible signs which prognosticate any particular description of weather, had altogether lost their significance.

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

From this reading The next morning opened with all the dark sultry rain and black cloudy drapery, which had, as we have already stated, characterized the whole season.

one or some or every or all without specification

From this reading Indeed, during the year we are describing, it was known that all those visible signs which prognosticate any particular description of weather, had altogether lost their significance.

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

From this reading Indeed, during the year we are describing, it was known that all those visible signs which prognosticate any particular description of weather, had altogether lost their significance.

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

From this reading The next morning opened with all the dark sultry rain and black cloudy drapery, which had, as we have already stated, characterized the whole season.

delighting the senses or exciting intellectual or emotional admiration

From this reading If a fine day came, for instance, which indeed was a rare case, or a clear and beautiful evening, it was but natural that after such a dark and dreary course of weather, the heart should become glad and full of hope, that a permanent change for the better was about to take place; but alas, all cheerful hope and expectation were in vain.

enter or assume a certain state or condition

From this reading If a fine day came, for instance, which indeed was a rare case, or a clear and beautiful evening, it was but natural that after such a dark and dreary course of weather, the heart should become glad and full of hope, that a permanent change for the better was about to take place; but alas, all cheerful hope and expectation were in vain.

earlier than; in front of

From this reading The morrow's sun rose as before, dim and gloomy, to wade along his dismal and wintry path, without one glimpse of enlivening light from his rising to his setting.

(comparative of “good”) superior to another (of the same class or set or kind) in excellence or quality or desirability or suitability; more highly skilled than another

From this reading If a fine day came, for instance, which indeed was a rare case, or a clear and beautiful evening, it was but natural that after such a dark and dreary course of weather, the heart should become glad and full of hope, that a permanent change for the better was about to take place; but alas, all cheerful hope and expectation were in vain.

being of the achromatic color of maximum darkness; having little or no hue owing to absorption of almost all incident light

From this reading The next morning opened with all the dark sultry rain and black cloudy drapery, which had, as we have already stated, characterized the whole season.

used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before

From this reading If a fine day came, for instance, which indeed was a rare case, or a clear and beautiful evening, it was but natural that after such a dark and dreary course of weather, the heart should become glad and full of hope, that a permanent change for the better was about to take place; but alas, all cheerful hope and expectation were in vain.

inflected form of “come” — move toward, travel toward something or somebody or approach something or somebody

From this reading If a fine day came, for instance, which indeed was a rare case, or a clear and beautiful evening, it was but natural that after such a dark and dreary course of weather, the heart should become glad and full of hope, that a permanent change for the better was about to take place; but alas, all cheerful hope and expectation were in vain.

an occurrence of something

From this reading If a fine day came, for instance, which indeed was a rare case, or a clear and beautiful evening, it was but natural that after such a dark and dreary course of weather, the heart should become glad and full of hope, that a permanent change for the better was about to take place; but alas, all cheerful hope and expectation were in vain.

cause to change; make different; cause a transformation

From this reading If a fine day came, for instance, which indeed was a rare case, or a clear and beautiful evening, it was but natural that after such a dark and dreary course of weather, the heart should become glad and full of hope, that a permanent change for the better was about to take place; but alas, all cheerful hope and expectation were in vain.

past form of “characterize” — describe or portray the character or the qualities or peculiarities of

From this reading The next morning opened with all the dark sultry rain and black cloudy drapery, which had, as we have already stated, characterized the whole season.

being full of or promoting cheer; having or showing good spirits

From this reading If a fine day came, for instance, which indeed was a rare case, or a clear and beautiful evening, it was but natural that after such a dark and dreary course of weather, the heart should become glad and full of hope, that a permanent change for the better was about to take place; but alas, all cheerful hope and expectation were in vain.

rid of obstructions

From this reading If a fine day came, for instance, which indeed was a rare case, or a clear and beautiful evening, it was but natural that after such a dark and dreary course of weather, the heart should become glad and full of hope, that a permanent change for the better was about to take place; but alas, all cheerful hope and expectation were in vain.

lacking definite form or limits

From this reading The next morning opened with all the dark sultry rain and black cloudy drapery, which had, as we have already stated, characterized the whole season.

a politically organized body of people under a single government

From this reading We have already mentioned slightly, those outrages, to which the disease and misery that scourged the country in so many shapes had driven the unfortunate and perishing multitudes.

education imparted in a series of lessons or meetings

From this reading If a fine day came, for instance, which indeed was a rare case, or a clear and beautiful evening, it was but natural that after such a dark and dreary course of weather, the heart should become glad and full of hope, that a permanent change for the better was about to take place; but alas, all cheerful hope and expectation were in vain.

absence of light or illumination

From this reading The next morning opened with all the dark sultry rain and black cloudy drapery, which had, as we have already stated, characterized the whole season.

time for Earth to make a complete rotation on its axis

From this reading If a fine day came, for instance, which indeed was a rare case, or a clear and beautiful evening, it was but natural that after such a dark and dreary course of weather, the heart should become glad and full of hope, that a permanent change for the better was about to take place; but alas, all cheerful hope and expectation were in vain.

-ing form of “describe” — give a description of

From this reading Indeed, during the year we are describing, it was known that all those visible signs which prognosticate any particular description of weather, had altogether lost their significance.

a statement that represents something in words

From this reading Indeed, during the year we are describing, it was known that all those visible signs which prognosticate any particular description of weather, had altogether lost their significance.

lacking in light; not bright or harsh

From this reading The morrow's sun rose as before, dim and gloomy, to wade along his dismal and wintry path, without one glimpse of enlivening light from his rising to his setting.

an impairment of health or a condition of abnormal functioning

From this reading We have already mentioned slightly, those outrages, to which the disease and misery that scourged the country in so many shapes had driven the unfortunate and perishing multitudes.

causing dejection

From this reading The morrow's sun rose as before, dim and gloomy, to wade along his dismal and wintry path, without one glimpse of enlivening light from his rising to his setting.

hanging cloth used as a blind (especially for a window)

From this reading The next morning opened with all the dark sultry rain and black cloudy drapery, which had, as we have already stated, characterized the whole season.

lacking in liveliness or charm or surprise

From this reading If a fine day came, for instance, which indeed was a rare case, or a clear and beautiful evening, it was but natural that after such a dark and dreary course of weather, the heart should become glad and full of hope, that a permanent change for the better was about to take place; but alas, all cheerful hope and expectation were in vain.

compelled forcibly by an outside agency

From this reading We have already mentioned slightly, those outrages, to which the disease and misery that scourged the country in so many shapes had driven the unfortunate and perishing multitudes.

all through a period, or at some point within it

From this reading Indeed, during the year we are describing, it was known that all those visible signs which prognosticate any particular description of weather, had altogether lost their significance.

giving spirit and vivacity

From this reading The morrow's sun rose as before, dim and gloomy, to wade along his dismal and wintry path, without one glimpse of enlivening light from his rising to his setting.

the latter part of the day (the period of decreasing daylight from late afternoon until nightfall)

From this reading If a fine day came, for instance, which indeed was a rare case, or a clear and beautiful evening, it was but natural that after such a dark and dreary course of weather, the heart should become glad and full of hope, that a permanent change for the better was about to take place; but alas, all cheerful hope and expectation were in vain.

belief about (or mental picture of) the future

From this reading If a fine day came, for instance, which indeed was a rare case, or a clear and beautiful evening, it was but natural that after such a dark and dreary course of weather, the heart should become glad and full of hope, that a permanent change for the better was about to take place; but alas, all cheerful hope and expectation were in vain.

being satisfactory or in satisfactory condition

From this reading If a fine day came, for instance, which indeed was a rare case, or a clear and beautiful evening, it was but natural that after such a dark and dreary course of weather, the heart should become glad and full of hope, that a permanent change for the better was about to take place; but alas, all cheerful hope and expectation were in vain.

intended to be given to, or used by, somebody

From this reading If a fine day came, for instance, which indeed was a rare case, or a clear and beautiful evening, it was but natural that after such a dark and dreary course of weather, the heart should become glad and full of hope, that a permanent change for the better was about to take place; but alas, all cheerful hope and expectation were in vain.

showing where something starts, or who sent it

From this reading The morrow's sun rose as before, dim and gloomy, to wade along his dismal and wintry path, without one glimpse of enlivening light from his rising to his setting.

containing as much or as many as is possible or normal

From this reading If a fine day came, for instance, which indeed was a rare case, or a clear and beautiful evening, it was but natural that after such a dark and dreary course of weather, the heart should become glad and full of hope, that a permanent change for the better was about to take place; but alas, all cheerful hope and expectation were in vain.

showing or causing joy and pleasure; especially made happy

From this reading If a fine day came, for instance, which indeed was a rare case, or a clear and beautiful evening, it was but natural that after such a dark and dreary course of weather, the heart should become glad and full of hope, that a permanent change for the better was about to take place; but alas, all cheerful hope and expectation were in vain.

a quick look

From this reading The morrow's sun rose as before, dim and gloomy, to wade along his dismal and wintry path, without one glimpse of enlivening light from his rising to his setting.

depressingly dark

From this reading The morrow's sun rose as before, dim and gloomy, to wade along his dismal and wintry path, without one glimpse of enlivening light from his rising to his setting.

the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect

From this reading The next morning opened with all the dark sultry rain and black cloudy drapery, which had, as we have already stated, characterized the whole season.

used with a past participle to form the perfect tenses

From this reading The next morning opened with all the dark sultry rain and black cloudy drapery, which had, as we have already stated, characterized the whole season.

the locus of feelings and intuitions

From this reading If a fine day came, for instance, which indeed was a rare case, or a clear and beautiful evening, it was but natural that after such a dark and dreary course of weather, the heart should become glad and full of hope, that a permanent change for the better was about to take place; but alas, all cheerful hope and expectation were in vain.

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

From this reading The morrow's sun rose as before, dim and gloomy, to wade along his dismal and wintry path, without one glimpse of enlivening light from his rising to his setting.

a specific instance of feeling hopeful

From this reading If a fine day came, for instance, which indeed was a rare case, or a clear and beautiful evening, it was but natural that after such a dark and dreary course of weather, the heart should become glad and full of hope, that a permanent change for the better was about to take place; but alas, all cheerful hope and expectation were in vain.

on condition that; in the event that

From this reading If a fine day came, for instance, which indeed was a rare case, or a clear and beautiful evening, it was but natural that after such a dark and dreary course of weather, the heart should become glad and full of hope, that a permanent change for the better was about to take place; but alas, all cheerful hope and expectation were in vain.

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

From this reading If a fine day came, for instance, which indeed was a rare case, or a clear and beautiful evening, it was but natural that after such a dark and dreary course of weather, the heart should become glad and full of hope, that a permanent change for the better was about to take place; but alas, all cheerful hope and expectation were in vain.

in truth (often tends to intensify)

From this reading Indeed, during the year we are describing, it was known that all those visible signs which prognosticate any particular description of weather, had altogether lost their significance.

an occurrence of something

From this reading If a fine day came, for instance, which indeed was a rare case, or a clear and beautiful evening, it was but natural that after such a dark and dreary course of weather, the heart should become glad and full of hope, that a permanent change for the better was about to take place; but alas, all cheerful hope and expectation were in vain.

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading Indeed, during the year we are describing, it was known that all those visible signs which prognosticate any particular description of weather, had altogether lost their significance.

apprehended with certainty

From this reading Indeed, during the year we are describing, it was known that all those visible signs which prognosticate any particular description of weather, had altogether lost their significance.

of comparatively little physical weight or density

From this reading The morrow's sun rose as before, dim and gloomy, to wade along his dismal and wintry path, without one glimpse of enlivening light from his rising to his setting.

no longer in your possession or control; unable to be found or recovered

From this reading Indeed, during the year we are describing, it was known that all those visible signs which prognosticate any particular description of weather, had altogether lost their significance.

a quantifier that can be used with count nouns and is often preceded by “as” or “too” or “so” or “that”; amounting to a large but indefinite number

From this reading We have already mentioned slightly, those outrages, to which the disease and misery that scourged the country in so many shapes had driven the unfortunate and perishing multitudes.

past form of “mention” — make reference to

From this reading We have already mentioned slightly, those outrages, to which the disease and misery that scourged the country in so many shapes had driven the unfortunate and perishing multitudes.

a state of ill-being due to affliction or misfortune

From this reading We have already mentioned slightly, those outrages, to which the disease and misery that scourged the country in so many shapes had driven the unfortunate and perishing multitudes.

the time period between dawn and noon

From this reading The next morning opened with all the dark sultry rain and black cloudy drapery, which had, as we have already stated, characterized the whole season.

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

From this reading The morrow's sun rose as before, dim and gloomy, to wade along his dismal and wintry path, without one glimpse of enlivening light from his rising to his setting.

plural of “multitude” — a large indefinite number

From this reading We have already mentioned slightly, those outrages, to which the disease and misery that scourged the country in so many shapes had driven the unfortunate and perishing multitudes.

in accordance with nature; relating to or concerning nature

From this reading If a fine day came, for instance, which indeed was a rare case, or a clear and beautiful evening, it was but natural that after such a dark and dreary course of weather, the heart should become glad and full of hope, that a permanent change for the better was about to take place; but alas, all cheerful hope and expectation were in vain.

immediately following in time or order

From this reading The next morning opened with all the dark sultry rain and black cloudy drapery, which had, as we have already stated, characterized the whole season.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading Indeed, during the year we are describing, it was known that all those visible signs which prognosticate any particular description of weather, had altogether lost their significance.

used to mean any person in general, including the speaker

From this reading The morrow's sun rose as before, dim and gloomy, to wade along his dismal and wintry path, without one glimpse of enlivening light from his rising to his setting.

used of mouth or eyes

From this reading The next morning opened with all the dark sultry rain and black cloudy drapery, which had, as we have already stated, characterized the whole season.

used to join alternatives or possibilities

From this reading If a fine day came, for instance, which indeed was a rare case, or a clear and beautiful evening, it was but natural that after such a dark and dreary course of weather, the heart should become glad and full of hope, that a permanent change for the better was about to take place; but alas, all cheerful hope and expectation were in vain.

plural of “outrage” — a feeling of righteous anger

From this reading We have already mentioned slightly, those outrages, to which the disease and misery that scourged the country in so many shapes had driven the unfortunate and perishing multitudes.

unique or specific to a person or thing or category

From this reading Indeed, during the year we are describing, it was known that all those visible signs which prognosticate any particular description of weather, had altogether lost their significance.

a course of conduct

From this reading The morrow's sun rose as before, dim and gloomy, to wade along his dismal and wintry path, without one glimpse of enlivening light from his rising to his setting.

-ing form of “perish” — pass from physical life and lose all bodily attributes and functions necessary to sustain life

From this reading We have already mentioned slightly, those outrages, to which the disease and misery that scourged the country in so many shapes had driven the unfortunate and perishing multitudes.

continuing or enduring without marked change in status or condition or place

From this reading If a fine day came, for instance, which indeed was a rare case, or a clear and beautiful evening, it was but natural that after such a dark and dreary course of weather, the heart should become glad and full of hope, that a permanent change for the better was about to take place; but alas, all cheerful hope and expectation were in vain.

a point located with respect to surface features of some region

From this reading If a fine day came, for instance, which indeed was a rare case, or a clear and beautiful evening, it was but natural that after such a dark and dreary course of weather, the heart should become glad and full of hope, that a permanent change for the better was about to take place; but alas, all cheerful hope and expectation were in vain.

make a prediction about; tell in advance

From this reading Indeed, during the year we are describing, it was known that all those visible signs which prognosticate any particular description of weather, had altogether lost their significance.

water falling in drops from vapor condensed in the atmosphere

From this reading The next morning opened with all the dark sultry rain and black cloudy drapery, which had, as we have already stated, characterized the whole season.

not widely known; especially valued for its uncommonness

From this reading If a fine day came, for instance, which indeed was a rare case, or a clear and beautiful evening, it was but natural that after such a dark and dreary course of weather, the heart should become glad and full of hope, that a permanent change for the better was about to take place; but alas, all cheerful hope and expectation were in vain.

advancing or becoming higher or greater in degree or value or status

From this reading The morrow's sun rose as before, dim and gloomy, to wade along his dismal and wintry path, without one glimpse of enlivening light from his rising to his setting.

any of many shrubs of the genus Rosa that bear roses

From this reading The morrow's sun rose as before, dim and gloomy, to wade along his dismal and wintry path, without one glimpse of enlivening light from his rising to his setting.

past form of “scourge” — punish severely; excoriate

From this reading We have already mentioned slightly, those outrages, to which the disease and misery that scourged the country in so many shapes had driven the unfortunate and perishing multitudes.

a period of the year marked by special events or activities in some field

From this reading The next morning opened with all the dark sultry rain and black cloudy drapery, which had, as we have already stated, characterized the whole season.

the context and environment in which something is set

From this reading The morrow's sun rose as before, dim and gloomy, to wade along his dismal and wintry path, without one glimpse of enlivening light from his rising to his setting.

plural of “shape” — any spatial attributes (especially as defined by outline)

From this reading We have already mentioned slightly, those outrages, to which the disease and misery that scourged the country in so many shapes had driven the unfortunate and perishing multitudes.

used to say what is right, expected, or advisable

From this reading If a fine day came, for instance, which indeed was a rare case, or a clear and beautiful evening, it was but natural that after such a dark and dreary course of weather, the heart should become glad and full of hope, that a permanent change for the better was about to take place; but alas, all cheerful hope and expectation were in vain.

the quality of being significant

From this reading Indeed, during the year we are describing, it was known that all those visible signs which prognosticate any particular description of weather, had altogether lost their significance.

plural of “sign” — a perceptible indication of something not immediately apparent (as a visible clue that something has happened)

From this reading Indeed, during the year we are describing, it was known that all those visible signs which prognosticate any particular description of weather, had altogether lost their significance.

to a small degree or extent

From this reading We have already mentioned slightly, those outrages, to which the disease and misery that scourged the country in so many shapes had driven the unfortunate and perishing multitudes.

for that reason; with the result that

From this reading We have already mentioned slightly, those outrages, to which the disease and misery that scourged the country in so many shapes had driven the unfortunate and perishing multitudes.

declared as fact; explicitly stated

From this reading The next morning opened with all the dark sultry rain and black cloudy drapery, which had, as we have already stated, characterized the whole season.

of the kind already mentioned

From this reading If a fine day came, for instance, which indeed was a rare case, or a clear and beautiful evening, it was but natural that after such a dark and dreary course of weather, the heart should become glad and full of hope, that a permanent change for the better was about to take place; but alas, all cheerful hope and expectation were in vain.

sexually exciting or gratifying

From this reading The next morning opened with all the dark sultry rain and black cloudy drapery, which had, as we have already stated, characterized the whole season.

the star that is the source of light and heat for the planets in the solar system

From this reading The morrow's sun rose as before, dim and gloomy, to wade along his dismal and wintry path, without one glimpse of enlivening light from his rising to his setting.

carry out

From this reading If a fine day came, for instance, which indeed was a rare case, or a clear and beautiful evening, it was but natural that after such a dark and dreary course of weather, the heart should become glad and full of hope, that a permanent change for the better was about to take place; but alas, all cheerful hope and expectation were in vain.

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading Indeed, during the year we are describing, it was known that all those visible signs which prognosticate any particular description of weather, had altogether lost their significance.

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

From this reading The next morning opened with all the dark sultry rain and black cloudy drapery, which had, as we have already stated, characterized the whole season.

belonging to the people or things already mentioned

From this reading Indeed, during the year we are describing, it was known that all those visible signs which prognosticate any particular description of weather, had altogether lost their significance.

the plural of “that”: the people or things further away, or already known

From this reading Indeed, during the year we are describing, it was known that all those visible signs which prognosticate any particular description of weather, had altogether lost their significance.

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

From this reading If a fine day came, for instance, which indeed was a rare case, or a clear and beautiful evening, it was but natural that after such a dark and dreary course of weather, the heart should become glad and full of hope, that a permanent change for the better was about to take place; but alas, all cheerful hope and expectation were in vain.

not favored by fortune; marked or accompanied by or resulting in ill fortune

From this reading We have already mentioned slightly, those outrages, to which the disease and misery that scourged the country in so many shapes had driven the unfortunate and perishing multitudes.

characteristic of false pride; having an exaggerated sense of self-importance

From this reading If a fine day came, for instance, which indeed was a rare case, or a clear and beautiful evening, it was but natural that after such a dark and dreary course of weather, the heart should become glad and full of hope, that a permanent change for the better was about to take place; but alas, all cheerful hope and expectation were in vain.

capable of being seen; or open to easy view

From this reading Indeed, during the year we are describing, it was known that all those visible signs which prognosticate any particular description of weather, had altogether lost their significance.

walk (through relatively shallow water)

From this reading The morrow's sun rose as before, dim and gloomy, to wade along his dismal and wintry path, without one glimpse of enlivening light from his rising to his setting.

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

From this reading Indeed, during the year we are describing, it was known that all those visible signs which prognosticate any particular description of weather, had altogether lost their significance.

the speaker together with one or more other people

From this reading The next morning opened with all the dark sultry rain and black cloudy drapery, which had, as we have already stated, characterized the whole season.

the atmospheric conditions that comprise the state of the atmosphere in terms of temperature and wind and clouds and precipitation

From this reading Indeed, during the year we are describing, it was known that all those visible signs which prognosticate any particular description of weather, had altogether lost their significance.

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

From this reading If a fine day came, for instance, which indeed was a rare case, or a clear and beautiful evening, it was but natural that after such a dark and dreary course of weather, the heart should become glad and full of hope, that a permanent change for the better was about to take place; but alas, all cheerful hope and expectation were in vain.

used to introduce a clause giving more about a thing just mentioned

From this reading The next morning opened with all the dark sultry rain and black cloudy drapery, which had, as we have already stated, characterized the whole season.

including all components without exception; being one unit or constituting the full amount or extent or duration; complete

From this reading The next morning opened with all the dark sultry rain and black cloudy drapery, which had, as we have already stated, characterized the whole season.

characteristic of or occurring in winter

From this reading The morrow's sun rose as before, dim and gloomy, to wade along his dismal and wintry path, without one glimpse of enlivening light from his rising to his setting.

in the company of; together with

From this reading The next morning opened with all the dark sultry rain and black cloudy drapery, which had, as we have already stated, characterized the whole season.

not having, not using, or not accompanied by

From this reading The morrow's sun rose as before, dim and gloomy, to wade along his dismal and wintry path, without one glimpse of enlivening light from his rising to his setting.

a period of time containing 365 (or 366) days

From this reading Indeed, during the year we are describing, it was known that all those visible signs which prognosticate any particular description of weather, had altogether lost their significance.