Chapter VIII

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

From this reading Uncle Herbert and Aunt Alberta’s silver wedding was delicately referred to among the Stirlings during the following weeks as “the time we first noticed poor Valancy was—a little—_you_ understand?”

being the one previously mentioned or spoken of

From this reading Uncle Benjamin was considered to have gone entirely too far when he had ejaculated, “She’s dippy—I tell you, she’s dippy,” and was only excused because of the outrageousness of Valancy’s conduct at the aforesaid wedding dinner.

anew

From this reading It had begun with the rosebush, of course; and Valancy never was really “quite right” again.

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

From this reading Uncle Herbert and Aunt Alberta’s silver wedding was delicately referred to among the Stirlings during the following weeks as “the time we first noticed poor Valancy was—a little—_you_ understand?”

surrounded by; in the middle of a group

From this reading Uncle Herbert and Aunt Alberta’s silver wedding was delicately referred to among the Stirlings during the following weeks as “the time we first noticed poor Valancy was—a little—_you_ understand?”

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

From this reading Uncle Herbert and Aunt Alberta’s silver wedding was delicately referred to among the Stirlings during the following weeks as “the time we first noticed poor Valancy was—a little—_you_ understand?”

one or some or every or all without specification

From this reading Not for worlds would any of the Stirlings have said out and out at first that Valancy had gone mildly insane or even that her mind was slightly deranged.

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

From this reading Uncle Herbert and Aunt Alberta’s silver wedding was delicately referred to among the Stirlings during the following weeks as “the time we first noticed poor Valancy was—a little—_you_ understand?”

in or near a particular place or position

From this reading Not for worlds would any of the Stirlings have said out and out at first that Valancy had gone mildly insane or even that her mind was slightly deranged.

the sister of your father or mother; the wife of your uncle

From this reading Uncle Herbert and Aunt Alberta’s silver wedding was delicately referred to among the Stirlings during the following weeks as “the time we first noticed poor Valancy was—a little—_you_ understand?”

for the reason that

From this reading Uncle Benjamin was considered to have gone entirely too far when he had ejaculated, “She’s dippy—I tell you, she’s dippy,” and was only excused because of the outrageousness of Valancy’s conduct at the aforesaid wedding dinner.

earlier than; in front of

From this reading But Mrs. Frederick and Cousin Stickles had noticed a few things that made them uneasy _before_ the dinner.

inflected form of “begin” — take the first step or steps in carrying out an action

From this reading It had begun with the rosebush, of course; and Valancy never was really “quite right” again.

gum resin used especially in treating skin irritation

From this reading Uncle Benjamin was considered to have gone entirely too far when he had ejaculated, “She’s dippy—I tell you, she’s dippy,” and was only excused because of the outrageousness of Valancy’s conduct at the aforesaid wedding dinner.

used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before

From this reading But Mrs. Frederick and Cousin Stickles had noticed a few things that made them uneasy _before_ the dinner.

direct the course of; manage or control

From this reading Uncle Benjamin was considered to have gone entirely too far when he had ejaculated, “She’s dippy—I tell you, she’s dippy,” and was only excused because of the outrageousness of Valancy’s conduct at the aforesaid wedding dinner.

carefully weighed

From this reading Uncle Benjamin was considered to have gone entirely too far when he had ejaculated, “She’s dippy—I tell you, she’s dippy,” and was only excused because of the outrageousness of Valancy’s conduct at the aforesaid wedding dinner.

education imparted in a series of lessons or meetings

From this reading It had begun with the rosebush, of course; and Valancy never was really “quite right” again.

the child of your aunt or uncle

From this reading But Mrs. Frederick and Cousin Stickles had noticed a few things that made them uneasy _before_ the dinner.

in a delicate manner

From this reading Uncle Herbert and Aunt Alberta’s silver wedding was delicately referred to among the Stirlings during the following weeks as “the time we first noticed poor Valancy was—a little—_you_ understand?”

driven insane

From this reading Not for worlds would any of the Stirlings have said out and out at first that Valancy had gone mildly insane or even that her mind was slightly deranged.

the main meal of the day served in the evening or at midday

From this reading Uncle Benjamin was considered to have gone entirely too far when he had ejaculated, “She’s dippy—I tell you, she’s dippy,” and was only excused because of the outrageousness of Valancy’s conduct at the aforesaid wedding dinner.

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

From this reading Uncle Benjamin was considered to have gone entirely too far when he had ejaculated, “She’s dippy—I tell you, she’s dippy,” and was only excused because of the outrageousness of Valancy’s conduct at the aforesaid wedding dinner.

all through a period, or at some point within it

From this reading Uncle Herbert and Aunt Alberta’s silver wedding was delicately referred to among the Stirlings during the following weeks as “the time we first noticed poor Valancy was—a little—_you_ understand?”

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

From this reading Uncle Benjamin was considered to have gone entirely too far when he had ejaculated, “She’s dippy—I tell you, she’s dippy,” and was only excused because of the outrageousness of Valancy’s conduct at the aforesaid wedding dinner.

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

From this reading Uncle Benjamin was considered to have gone entirely too far when he had ejaculated, “She’s dippy—I tell you, she’s dippy,” and was only excused because of the outrageousness of Valancy’s conduct at the aforesaid wedding dinner.

divisible by two

From this reading Not for worlds would any of the Stirlings have said out and out at first that Valancy had gone mildly insane or even that her mind was slightly deranged.

granted exemption

From this reading Uncle Benjamin was considered to have gone entirely too far when he had ejaculated, “She’s dippy—I tell you, she’s dippy,” and was only excused because of the outrageousness of Valancy’s conduct at the aforesaid wedding dinner.

to a considerable degree; very much

From this reading Uncle Benjamin was considered to have gone entirely too far when he had ejaculated, “She’s dippy—I tell you, she’s dippy,” and was only excused because of the outrageousness of Valancy’s conduct at the aforesaid wedding dinner.

a quantifier that can be used with count nouns and is often preceded by “a”; a small but indefinite number

From this reading But Mrs. Frederick and Cousin Stickles had noticed a few things that made them uneasy _before_ the dinner.

preceding all others in time or space or degree

From this reading Uncle Herbert and Aunt Alberta’s silver wedding was delicately referred to among the Stirlings during the following weeks as “the time we first noticed poor Valancy was—a little—_you_ understand?”

about to be mentioned or specified

From this reading Uncle Herbert and Aunt Alberta’s silver wedding was delicately referred to among the Stirlings during the following weeks as “the time we first noticed poor Valancy was—a little—_you_ understand?”

intended to be given to, or used by, somebody

From this reading Not for worlds would any of the Stirlings have said out and out at first that Valancy had gone mildly insane or even that her mind was slightly deranged.

a town in northern Maryland to the west of Baltimore

From this reading But Mrs. Frederick and Cousin Stickles had noticed a few things that made them uneasy _before_ the dinner.

destroyed or killed

From this reading Not for worlds would any of the Stirlings have said out and out at first that Valancy had gone mildly insane or even that her mind was slightly deranged.

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

From this reading Not for worlds would any of the Stirlings have said out and out at first that Valancy had gone mildly insane or even that her mind was slightly deranged.

used with a past participle to form the perfect tenses

From this reading Not for worlds would any of the Stirlings have said out and out at first that Valancy had gone mildly insane or even that her mind was slightly deranged.

a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned, as the subject

From this reading Uncle Benjamin was considered to have gone entirely too far when he had ejaculated, “She’s dippy—I tell you, she’s dippy,” and was only excused because of the outrageousness of Valancy’s conduct at the aforesaid wedding dinner.

belonging to a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned

From this reading Not for worlds would any of the Stirlings have said out and out at first that Valancy had gone mildly insane or even that her mind was slightly deranged.

United States musician and composer and conductor noted for his comic operas (1859-1924)

From this reading Uncle Herbert and Aunt Alberta’s silver wedding was delicately referred to among the Stirlings during the following weeks as “the time we first noticed poor Valancy was—a little—_you_ understand?”

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

From this reading Uncle Benjamin was considered to have gone entirely too far when he had ejaculated, “She’s dippy—I tell you, she’s dippy,” and was only excused because of the outrageousness of Valancy’s conduct at the aforesaid wedding dinner.

afflicted with or characteristic of mental derangement

From this reading Not for worlds would any of the Stirlings have said out and out at first that Valancy had gone mildly insane or even that her mind was slightly deranged.

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading It had begun with the rosebush, of course; and Valancy never was really “quite right” again.

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

From this reading Uncle Herbert and Aunt Alberta’s silver wedding was delicately referred to among the Stirlings during the following weeks as “the time we first noticed poor Valancy was—a little—_you_ understand?”

produced by a manufacturing process

From this reading But Mrs. Frederick and Cousin Stickles had noticed a few things that made them uneasy _before_ the dinner.

to a moderate degree

From this reading Not for worlds would any of the Stirlings have said out and out at first that Valancy had gone mildly insane or even that her mind was slightly deranged.

The element of a person that enables awareness and thought.

From this reading Not for worlds would any of the Stirlings have said out and out at first that Valancy had gone mildly insane or even that her mind was slightly deranged.

a form of address for a married woman

From this reading But Mrs. Frederick and Cousin Stickles had noticed a few things that made them uneasy _before_ the dinner.

not ever; at no time in the past or future

From this reading It had begun with the rosebush, of course; and Valancy never was really “quite right” again.

used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative

From this reading Not for worlds would any of the Stirlings have said out and out at first that Valancy had gone mildly insane or even that her mind was slightly deranged.

being perceived or observed

From this reading Uncle Herbert and Aunt Alberta’s silver wedding was delicately referred to among the Stirlings during the following weeks as “the time we first noticed poor Valancy was—a little—_you_ understand?”

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading Not for worlds would any of the Stirlings have said out and out at first that Valancy had gone mildly insane or even that her mind was slightly deranged.

and nothing more

From this reading Uncle Benjamin was considered to have gone entirely too far when he had ejaculated, “She’s dippy—I tell you, she’s dippy,” and was only excused because of the outrageousness of Valancy’s conduct at the aforesaid wedding dinner.

used to join alternatives or possibilities

From this reading Not for worlds would any of the Stirlings have said out and out at first that Valancy had gone mildly insane or even that her mind was slightly deranged.

not allowed to continue to bat or run

From this reading Not for worlds would any of the Stirlings have said out and out at first that Valancy had gone mildly insane or even that her mind was slightly deranged.

excessive excess

From this reading Uncle Benjamin was considered to have gone entirely too far when he had ejaculated, “She’s dippy—I tell you, she’s dippy,” and was only excused because of the outrageousness of Valancy’s conduct at the aforesaid wedding dinner.

deserving or inciting pity

From this reading Uncle Herbert and Aunt Alberta’s silver wedding was delicately referred to among the Stirlings during the following weeks as “the time we first noticed poor Valancy was—a little—_you_ understand?”

to a degree (not used with a negative)

From this reading It had begun with the rosebush, of course; and Valancy never was really “quite right” again.

in accordance with truth or fact or reality

From this reading It had begun with the rosebush, of course; and Valancy never was really “quite right” again.

inflected form of “refer” — make reference to

From this reading Uncle Herbert and Aunt Alberta’s silver wedding was delicately referred to among the Stirlings during the following weeks as “the time we first noticed poor Valancy was—a little—_you_ understand?”

precisely, exactly

From this reading It had begun with the rosebush, of course; and Valancy never was really “quite right” again.

any of many shrubs of the genus Rosa that bear roses

From this reading It had begun with the rosebush, of course; and Valancy never was really “quite right” again.

being the one previously mentioned or spoken of

From this reading Not for worlds would any of the Stirlings have said out and out at first that Valancy had gone mildly insane or even that her mind was slightly deranged.

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

From this reading Uncle Benjamin was considered to have gone entirely too far when he had ejaculated, “She’s dippy—I tell you, she’s dippy,” and was only excused because of the outrageousness of Valancy’s conduct at the aforesaid wedding dinner.

a soft white precious univalent metallic element having the highest electrical and thermal conductivity of any metal; occurs in argentite and in free form; used in coins and jewelry and tableware and photography

From this reading Uncle Herbert and Aunt Alberta’s silver wedding was delicately referred to among the Stirlings during the following weeks as “the time we first noticed poor Valancy was—a little—_you_ understand?”

to a small degree or extent

From this reading Not for worlds would any of the Stirlings have said out and out at first that Valancy had gone mildly insane or even that her mind was slightly deranged.

third-person singular of “stickle” — dispute or argue stubbornly (especially minor points)

From this reading But Mrs. Frederick and Cousin Stickles had noticed a few things that made them uneasy _before_ the dinner.

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

From this reading Uncle Herbert and Aunt Alberta’s silver wedding was delicately referred to among the Stirlings during the following weeks as “the time we first noticed poor Valancy was—a little—_you_ understand?”

express in words

From this reading Uncle Benjamin was considered to have gone entirely too far when he had ejaculated, “She’s dippy—I tell you, she’s dippy,” and was only excused because of the outrageousness of Valancy’s conduct at the aforesaid wedding dinner.

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading Not for worlds would any of the Stirlings have said out and out at first that Valancy had gone mildly insane or even that her mind was slightly deranged.

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

From this reading Uncle Herbert and Aunt Alberta’s silver wedding was delicately referred to among the Stirlings during the following weeks as “the time we first noticed poor Valancy was—a little—_you_ understand?”

the people or things already mentioned, as the object

From this reading But Mrs. Frederick and Cousin Stickles had noticed a few things that made them uneasy _before_ the dinner.

any movable possession (especially articles of clothing)

From this reading But Mrs. Frederick and Cousin Stickles had noticed a few things that made them uneasy _before_ the dinner.

an instance or single occasion for some event

From this reading Uncle Herbert and Aunt Alberta’s silver wedding was delicately referred to among the Stirlings during the following weeks as “the time we first noticed poor Valancy was—a little—_you_ understand?”

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

From this reading Uncle Herbert and Aunt Alberta’s silver wedding was delicately referred to among the Stirlings during the following weeks as “the time we first noticed poor Valancy was—a little—_you_ understand?”

to a degree exceeding normal or proper limits

From this reading Uncle Benjamin was considered to have gone entirely too far when he had ejaculated, “She’s dippy—I tell you, she’s dippy,” and was only excused because of the outrageousness of Valancy’s conduct at the aforesaid wedding dinner.

the brother of your father or mother; the husband of your aunt

From this reading Uncle Herbert and Aunt Alberta’s silver wedding was delicately referred to among the Stirlings during the following weeks as “the time we first noticed poor Valancy was—a little—_you_ understand?”

know and comprehend the nature or meaning of

From this reading Uncle Herbert and Aunt Alberta’s silver wedding was delicately referred to among the Stirlings during the following weeks as “the time we first noticed poor Valancy was—a little—_you_ understand?”

lacking a sense of security or affording no ease or reassurance

From this reading But Mrs. Frederick and Cousin Stickles had noticed a few things that made them uneasy _before_ the dinner.

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

From this reading Uncle Herbert and Aunt Alberta’s silver wedding was delicately referred to among the Stirlings during the following weeks as “the time we first noticed poor Valancy was—a little—_you_ understand?”

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

From this reading Uncle Benjamin was considered to have gone entirely too far when he had ejaculated, “She’s dippy—I tell you, she’s dippy,” and was only excused because of the outrageousness of Valancy’s conduct at the aforesaid wedding dinner.

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

From this reading Uncle Herbert and Aunt Alberta’s silver wedding was delicately referred to among the Stirlings during the following weeks as “the time we first noticed poor Valancy was—a little—_you_ understand?”

the speaker together with one or more other people

From this reading Uncle Herbert and Aunt Alberta’s silver wedding was delicately referred to among the Stirlings during the following weeks as “the time we first noticed poor Valancy was—a little—_you_ understand?”

the social event at which the ceremony of marriage is performed

From this reading Uncle Herbert and Aunt Alberta’s silver wedding was delicately referred to among the Stirlings during the following weeks as “the time we first noticed poor Valancy was—a little—_you_ understand?”

plural of “week” — any period of seven consecutive days

From this reading Uncle Herbert and Aunt Alberta’s silver wedding was delicately referred to among the Stirlings during the following weeks as “the time we first noticed poor Valancy was—a little—_you_ understand?”

at the time that

From this reading Uncle Benjamin was considered to have gone entirely too far when he had ejaculated, “She’s dippy—I tell you, she’s dippy,” and was only excused because of the outrageousness of Valancy’s conduct at the aforesaid wedding dinner.

in the company of; together with

From this reading It had begun with the rosebush, of course; and Valancy never was really “quite right” again.

plural of “world” — everything that exists anywhere

From this reading Not for worlds would any of the Stirlings have said out and out at first that Valancy had gone mildly insane or even that her mind was slightly deranged.

used for something imagined, polite, or habitual in the past

From this reading Not for worlds would any of the Stirlings have said out and out at first that Valancy had gone mildly insane or even that her mind was slightly deranged.

the person or people being spoken to

From this reading Uncle Herbert and Aunt Alberta’s silver wedding was delicately referred to among the Stirlings during the following weeks as “the time we first noticed poor Valancy was—a little—_you_ understand?”