Chapter XVII · Chapter 17

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

From this reading HE ENJOYS HIMSELF AT A BALL.

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

From this reading You would naturally suppose that my travels would have given me some confidence, and that I had worn out, as it were, the bashfulness of youth; but in my case this was an inborn quality which I could no more get rid of, than I could of my liver or my spleen.

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

From this reading You would naturally suppose that my travels would have given me some confidence, and that I had worn out, as it were, the bashfulness of youth; but in my case this was an inborn quality which I could no more get rid of, than I could of my liver or my spleen.

one or some or every or all without specification

From this reading I had never confessed to any one the episode of the giant-powder or the Chicago widow; but the story of the baby had crept out, through the conductor, who told it to the station-master.

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

From this reading You would naturally suppose that my travels would have given me some confidence, and that I had worn out, as it were, the bashfulness of youth; but in my case this was an inborn quality which I could no more get rid of, than I could of my liver or my spleen.

in or near a particular place or position

From this reading HE ENJOYS HIMSELF AT A BALL.

a very young child (birth to 1 year) who has not yet begun to walk or talk

From this reading I had never confessed to any one the episode of the giant-powder or the Chicago widow; but the story of the baby had crept out, through the conductor, who told it to the station-master.

round object that is hit or thrown or kicked in games

From this reading HE ENJOYS HIMSELF AT A BALL.

feeling embarrassed due to modesty

From this reading You would naturally suppose that my travels would have given me some confidence, and that I had worn out, as it were, the bashfulness of youth; but in my case this was an inborn quality which I could no more get rid of, than I could of my liver or my spleen.

used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before

From this reading You would naturally suppose that my travels would have given me some confidence, and that I had worn out, as it were, the bashfulness of youth; but in my case this was an inborn quality which I could no more get rid of, than I could of my liver or my spleen.

showing who or what does the action

From this reading If you want to know how _that_ ended, I'll just tell you that, maddened by the grins and giggles of the passengers, I started for the car door with that baby, but, in passing those three giggling young ladies, I suddenly slung the infant into their collective laps, and darted out upon the station platform.

a motor vehicle with four wheels; usually propelled by an internal combustion engine

From this reading If you want to know how _that_ ended, I'll just tell you that, maddened by the grins and giggles of the passengers, I started for the car door with that baby, but, in passing those three giggling young ladies, I suddenly slung the infant into their collective laps, and darted out upon the station platform.

an occurrence of something

From this reading You would naturally suppose that my travels would have given me some confidence, and that I had worn out, as it were, the bashfulness of youth; but in my case this was an inborn quality which I could no more get rid of, than I could of my liver or my spleen.

largest city in Illinois; a bustling Great Lakes port that extends 26 miles along the southwestern shoreline of Lake Michigan

From this reading I had never confessed to any one the episode of the giant-powder or the Chicago widow; but the story of the baby had crept out, through the conductor, who told it to the station-master.

the activity of recording business transactions

From this reading Once more I was settled quietly down to my old life, clerking in my father's store.

done by or characteristic of individuals acting together

From this reading If you want to know how _that_ ended, I'll just tell you that, maddened by the grins and giggles of the passengers, I started for the car door with that baby, but, in passing those three giggling young ladies, I suddenly slung the infant into their collective laps, and darted out upon the station platform.

the person who leads a musical group

From this reading I had never confessed to any one the episode of the giant-powder or the Chicago widow; but the story of the baby had crept out, through the conductor, who told it to the station-master.

past form of “confess” — confess to a punishable or reprehensible deed, usually under pressure

From this reading I had never confessed to any one the episode of the giant-powder or the Chicago widow; but the story of the baby had crept out, through the conductor, who told it to the station-master.

freedom from doubt; belief in yourself and your abilities

From this reading You would naturally suppose that my travels would have given me some confidence, and that I had worn out, as it were, the bashfulness of youth; but in my case this was an inborn quality which I could no more get rid of, than I could of my liver or my spleen.

the past of “can”; used for possibility or polite requests

From this reading You would naturally suppose that my travels would have given me some confidence, and that I had worn out, as it were, the bashfulness of youth; but in my case this was an inborn quality which I could no more get rid of, than I could of my liver or my spleen.

inflected form of “creep” — move slowly; in the case of people or animals with the body near the ground

From this reading I had never confessed to any one the episode of the giant-powder or the Chicago widow; but the story of the baby had crept out, through the conductor, who told it to the station-master.

past form of “dart” — move along rapidly and lightly; skim or dart

From this reading If you want to know how _that_ ended, I'll just tell you that, maddened by the grins and giggles of the passengers, I started for the car door with that baby, but, in passing those three giggling young ladies, I suddenly slung the infant into their collective laps, and darted out upon the station platform.

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

From this reading If you want to know how _that_ ended, I'll just tell you that, maddened by the grins and giggles of the passengers, I started for the car door with that baby, but, in passing those three giggling young ladies, I suddenly slung the infant into their collective laps, and darted out upon the station platform.

being or moving lower in position or less in some value

From this reading Once more I was settled quietly down to my old life, clerking in my father's store.

having come or been brought to a conclusion

From this reading If you want to know how _that_ ended, I'll just tell you that, maddened by the grins and giggles of the passengers, I started for the car door with that baby, but, in passing those three giggling young ladies, I suddenly slung the infant into their collective laps, and darted out upon the station platform.

third-person singular of “enjoy” — derive or receive pleasure from; get enjoyment from; take pleasure in

From this reading HE ENJOYS HIMSELF AT A BALL.

a happening that is distinctive in a series of related events

From this reading I had never confessed to any one the episode of the giant-powder or the Chicago widow; but the story of the baby had crept out, through the conductor, who told it to the station-master.

possessive form of “father” — a male parent (also used as a term of address to your father)

From this reading Once more I was settled quietly down to my old life, clerking in my father's store.

intended to be given to, or used by, somebody

From this reading If you want to know how _that_ ended, I'll just tell you that, maddened by the grins and giggles of the passengers, I started for the car door with that baby, but, in passing those three giggling young ladies, I suddenly slung the infant into their collective laps, and darted out upon the station platform.

come into the possession of something concrete or abstract

From this reading You would naturally suppose that my travels would have given me some confidence, and that I had worn out, as it were, the bashfulness of youth; but in my case this was an inborn quality which I could no more get rid of, than I could of my liver or my spleen.

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

From this reading I had never confessed to any one the episode of the giant-powder or the Chicago widow; but the story of the baby had crept out, through the conductor, who told it to the station-master.

plural of “giggle” — a foolish or nervous laugh

From this reading If you want to know how _that_ ended, I'll just tell you that, maddened by the grins and giggles of the passengers, I started for the car door with that baby, but, in passing those three giggling young ladies, I suddenly slung the infant into their collective laps, and darted out upon the station platform.

-ing form of “giggle” — laugh nervously

From this reading If you want to know how _that_ ended, I'll just tell you that, maddened by the grins and giggles of the passengers, I started for the car door with that baby, but, in passing those three giggling young ladies, I suddenly slung the infant into their collective laps, and darted out upon the station platform.

acknowledged as a supposition

From this reading You would naturally suppose that my travels would have given me some confidence, and that I had worn out, as it were, the bashfulness of youth; but in my case this was an inborn quality which I could no more get rid of, than I could of my liver or my spleen.

plural of “grin” — a facial expression characterized by turning up the corners of the mouth; usually shows pleasure or amusement

From this reading If you want to know how _that_ ended, I'll just tell you that, maddened by the grins and giggles of the passengers, I started for the car door with that baby, but, in passing those three giggling young ladies, I suddenly slung the infant into their collective laps, and darted out upon the station platform.

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

From this reading You would naturally suppose that my travels would have given me some confidence, and that I had worn out, as it were, the bashfulness of youth; but in my case this was an inborn quality which I could no more get rid of, than I could of my liver or my spleen.

used with a past participle to form the perfect tenses

From this reading You would naturally suppose that my travels would have given me some confidence, and that I had worn out, as it were, the bashfulness of youth; but in my case this was an inborn quality which I could no more get rid of, than I could of my liver or my spleen.

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

From this reading HE ENJOYS HIMSELF AT A BALL.

used when the man or boy doing the action is also its object

From this reading HE ENJOYS HIMSELF AT A BALL.

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

From this reading If you want to know how _that_ ended, I'll just tell you that, maddened by the grins and giggles of the passengers, I started for the car door with that baby, but, in passing those three giggling young ladies, I suddenly slung the infant into their collective laps, and darted out upon the station platform.

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

From this reading Once more I was settled quietly down to my old life, clerking in my father's store.

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

From this reading If you want to know how _that_ ended, I'll just tell you that, maddened by the grins and giggles of the passengers, I started for the car door with that baby, but, in passing those three giggling young ladies, I suddenly slung the infant into their collective laps, and darted out upon the station platform.

on condition that; in the event that

From this reading If you want to know how _that_ ended, I'll just tell you that, maddened by the grins and giggles of the passengers, I started for the car door with that baby, but, in passing those three giggling young ladies, I suddenly slung the infant into their collective laps, and darted out upon the station platform.

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

From this reading Once more I was settled quietly down to my old life, clerking in my father's store.

present at birth but not necessarily hereditary; acquired during fetal development

From this reading You would naturally suppose that my travels would have given me some confidence, and that I had worn out, as it were, the bashfulness of youth; but in my case this was an inborn quality which I could no more get rid of, than I could of my liver or my spleen.

a very young child (birth to 1 year) who has not yet begun to walk or talk

From this reading If you want to know how _that_ ended, I'll just tell you that, maddened by the grins and giggles of the passengers, I started for the car door with that baby, but, in passing those three giggling young ladies, I suddenly slung the infant into their collective laps, and darted out upon the station platform.

moving to the inside of something

From this reading If you want to know how _that_ ended, I'll just tell you that, maddened by the grins and giggles of the passengers, I started for the car door with that baby, but, in passing those three giggling young ladies, I suddenly slung the infant into their collective laps, and darted out upon the station platform.

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading You would naturally suppose that my travels would have given me some confidence, and that I had worn out, as it were, the bashfulness of youth; but in my case this was an inborn quality which I could no more get rid of, than I could of my liver or my spleen.

and nothing more

From this reading If you want to know how _that_ ended, I'll just tell you that, maddened by the grins and giggles of the passengers, I started for the car door with that baby, but, in passing those three giggling young ladies, I suddenly slung the infant into their collective laps, and darted out upon the station platform.

be cognizant or aware of a fact or a specific piece of information; possess knowledge or information about

From this reading If you want to know how _that_ ended, I'll just tell you that, maddened by the grins and giggles of the passengers, I started for the car door with that baby, but, in passing those three giggling young ladies, I suddenly slung the infant into their collective laps, and darted out upon the station platform.

plural of “lady” — a polite name for any woman

From this reading If you want to know how _that_ ended, I'll just tell you that, maddened by the grins and giggles of the passengers, I started for the car door with that baby, but, in passing those three giggling young ladies, I suddenly slung the infant into their collective laps, and darted out upon the station platform.

plural of “lap” — the upper side of the thighs of a seated person

From this reading If you want to know how _that_ ended, I'll just tell you that, maddened by the grins and giggles of the passengers, I started for the car door with that baby, but, in passing those three giggling young ladies, I suddenly slung the infant into their collective laps, and darted out upon the station platform.

a characteristic state or mode of living

From this reading Once more I was settled quietly down to my old life, clerking in my father's store.

large and complicated reddish-brown glandular organ located in the upper right portion of the abdominal cavity

From this reading You would naturally suppose that my travels would have given me some confidence, and that I had worn out, as it were, the bashfulness of youth; but in my case this was an inborn quality which I could no more get rid of, than I could of my liver or my spleen.

marked by extreme anger

From this reading If you want to know how _that_ ended, I'll just tell you that, maddened by the grins and giggles of the passengers, I started for the car door with that baby, but, in passing those three giggling young ladies, I suddenly slung the infant into their collective laps, and darted out upon the station platform.

the person speaking, as the object of a verb or preposition

From this reading You would naturally suppose that my travels would have given me some confidence, and that I had worn out, as it were, the bashfulness of youth; but in my case this was an inborn quality which I could no more get rid of, than I could of my liver or my spleen.

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

From this reading Once more I was settled quietly down to my old life, clerking in my father's store.

belonging to the person speaking

From this reading Once more I was settled quietly down to my old life, clerking in my father's store.

as might be expected

From this reading You would naturally suppose that my travels would have given me some confidence, and that I had worn out, as it were, the bashfulness of youth; but in my case this was an inborn quality which I could no more get rid of, than I could of my liver or my spleen.

not ever; at no time in the past or future

From this reading I had never confessed to any one the episode of the giant-powder or the Chicago widow; but the story of the baby had crept out, through the conductor, who told it to the station-master.

not any; not one

From this reading You would naturally suppose that my travels would have given me some confidence, and that I had worn out, as it were, the bashfulness of youth; but in my case this was an inborn quality which I could no more get rid of, than I could of my liver or my spleen.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading You would naturally suppose that my travels would have given me some confidence, and that I had worn out, as it were, the bashfulness of youth; but in my case this was an inborn quality which I could no more get rid of, than I could of my liver or my spleen.

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

From this reading Once more I was settled quietly down to my old life, clerking in my father's store.

on one occasion

From this reading Once more I was settled quietly down to my old life, clerking in my father's store.

used to mean any person in general, including the speaker

From this reading I had never confessed to any one the episode of the giant-powder or the Chicago widow; but the story of the baby had crept out, through the conductor, who told it to the station-master.

used to join alternatives or possibilities

From this reading You would naturally suppose that my travels would have given me some confidence, and that I had worn out, as it were, the bashfulness of youth; but in my case this was an inborn quality which I could no more get rid of, than I could of my liver or my spleen.

not allowed to continue to bat or run

From this reading You would naturally suppose that my travels would have given me some confidence, and that I had worn out, as it were, the bashfulness of youth; but in my case this was an inborn quality which I could no more get rid of, than I could of my liver or my spleen.

plural of “passenger” — a traveler riding in a vehicle (a boat or bus or car or plane or train etc) who is not operating it

From this reading If you want to know how _that_ ended, I'll just tell you that, maddened by the grins and giggles of the passengers, I started for the car door with that baby, but, in passing those three giggling young ladies, I suddenly slung the infant into their collective laps, and darted out upon the station platform.

(American football) a play that involves one player throwing the ball to a teammate

From this reading If you want to know how _that_ ended, I'll just tell you that, maddened by the grins and giggles of the passengers, I started for the car door with that baby, but, in passing those three giggling young ladies, I suddenly slung the infant into their collective laps, and darted out upon the station platform.

a raised horizontal surface

From this reading If you want to know how _that_ ended, I'll just tell you that, maddened by the grins and giggles of the passengers, I started for the car door with that baby, but, in passing those three giggling young ladies, I suddenly slung the infant into their collective laps, and darted out upon the station platform.

an essential and distinguishing attribute of something or someone

From this reading You would naturally suppose that my travels would have given me some confidence, and that I had worn out, as it were, the bashfulness of youth; but in my case this was an inborn quality which I could no more get rid of, than I could of my liver or my spleen.

with low volume

From this reading Once more I was settled quietly down to my old life, clerking in my father's store.

relieve from

From this reading You would naturally suppose that my travels would have given me some confidence, and that I had worn out, as it were, the bashfulness of youth; but in my case this was an inborn quality which I could no more get rid of, than I could of my liver or my spleen.

established or decided beyond dispute or doubt

From this reading Once more I was settled quietly down to my old life, clerking in my father's store.

inflected form of “sling” — hurl as if with a sling

From this reading If you want to know how _that_ ended, I'll just tell you that, maddened by the grins and giggles of the passengers, I started for the car door with that baby, but, in passing those three giggling young ladies, I suddenly slung the infant into their collective laps, and darted out upon the station platform.

(quantifier) used with either mass nouns or plural count nouns to indicate an unspecified number or quantity

From this reading You would naturally suppose that my travels would have given me some confidence, and that I had worn out, as it were, the bashfulness of youth; but in my case this was an inborn quality which I could no more get rid of, than I could of my liver or my spleen.

a large dark-red oval organ on the left side of the body between the stomach and the diaphragm; produces cells involved in immune responses

From this reading You would naturally suppose that my travels would have given me some confidence, and that I had worn out, as it were, the bashfulness of youth; but in my case this was an inborn quality which I could no more get rid of, than I could of my liver or my spleen.

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

From this reading If you want to know how _that_ ended, I'll just tell you that, maddened by the grins and giggles of the passengers, I started for the car door with that baby, but, in passing those three giggling young ladies, I suddenly slung the infant into their collective laps, and darted out upon the station platform.

a facility equipped with special equipment and personnel for a particular purpose

From this reading If you want to know how _that_ ended, I'll just tell you that, maddened by the grins and giggles of the passengers, I started for the car door with that baby, but, in passing those three giggling young ladies, I suddenly slung the infant into their collective laps, and darted out upon the station platform.

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

From this reading I had never confessed to any one the episode of the giant-powder or the Chicago widow; but the story of the baby had crept out, through the conductor, who told it to the station-master.

a mercantile establishment for the retail sale of goods or services

From this reading Once more I was settled quietly down to my old life, clerking in my father's store.

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

From this reading I had never confessed to any one the episode of the giant-powder or the Chicago widow; but the story of the baby had crept out, through the conductor, who told it to the station-master.

happening unexpectedly

From this reading If you want to know how _that_ ended, I'll just tell you that, maddened by the grins and giggles of the passengers, I started for the car door with that baby, but, in passing those three giggling young ladies, I suddenly slung the infant into their collective laps, and darted out upon the station platform.

express a supposition

From this reading You would naturally suppose that my travels would have given me some confidence, and that I had worn out, as it were, the bashfulness of youth; but in my case this was an inborn quality which I could no more get rid of, than I could of my liver or my spleen.

express in words

From this reading If you want to know how _that_ ended, I'll just tell you that, maddened by the grins and giggles of the passengers, I started for the car door with that baby, but, in passing those three giggling young ladies, I suddenly slung the infant into their collective laps, and darted out upon the station platform.

used to introduce the second part of a comparison

From this reading You would naturally suppose that my travels would have given me some confidence, and that I had worn out, as it were, the bashfulness of youth; but in my case this was an inborn quality which I could no more get rid of, than I could of my liver or my spleen.

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading You would naturally suppose that my travels would have given me some confidence, and that I had worn out, as it were, the bashfulness of youth; but in my case this was an inborn quality which I could no more get rid of, than I could of my liver or my spleen.

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

From this reading You would naturally suppose that my travels would have given me some confidence, and that I had worn out, as it were, the bashfulness of youth; but in my case this was an inborn quality which I could no more get rid of, than I could of my liver or my spleen.

belonging to the people or things already mentioned

From this reading If you want to know how _that_ ended, I'll just tell you that, maddened by the grins and giggles of the passengers, I started for the car door with that baby, but, in passing those three giggling young ladies, I suddenly slung the infant into their collective laps, and darted out upon the station platform.

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

From this reading You would naturally suppose that my travels would have given me some confidence, and that I had worn out, as it were, the bashfulness of youth; but in my case this was an inborn quality which I could no more get rid of, than I could of my liver or my spleen.

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

From this reading If you want to know how _that_ ended, I'll just tell you that, maddened by the grins and giggles of the passengers, I started for the car door with that baby, but, in passing those three giggling young ladies, I suddenly slung the infant into their collective laps, and darted out upon the station platform.

the cardinal number that is the sum of one and one and one

From this reading If you want to know how _that_ ended, I'll just tell you that, maddened by the grins and giggles of the passengers, I started for the car door with that baby, but, in passing those three giggling young ladies, I suddenly slung the infant into their collective laps, and darted out upon the station platform.

from one end or side of something to the other

From this reading I had never confessed to any one the episode of the giant-powder or the Chicago widow; but the story of the baby had crept out, through the conductor, who told it to the station-master.

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

From this reading Once more I was settled quietly down to my old life, clerking in my father's store.

inflected form of “tell” — express in words

From this reading I had never confessed to any one the episode of the giant-powder or the Chicago widow; but the story of the baby had crept out, through the conductor, who told it to the station-master.

plural of “travel” — the act of going from one place to another

From this reading You would naturally suppose that my travels would have given me some confidence, and that I had worn out, as it were, the bashfulness of youth; but in my case this was an inborn quality which I could no more get rid of, than I could of my liver or my spleen.

a formal word for “on”

From this reading If you want to know how _that_ ended, I'll just tell you that, maddened by the grins and giggles of the passengers, I started for the car door with that baby, but, in passing those three giggling young ladies, I suddenly slung the infant into their collective laps, and darted out upon the station platform.

feel or have a desire for; want strongly

From this reading If you want to know how _that_ ended, I'll just tell you that, maddened by the grins and giggles of the passengers, I started for the car door with that baby, but, in passing those three giggling young ladies, I suddenly slung the infant into their collective laps, and darted out upon the station platform.

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

From this reading Once more I was settled quietly down to my old life, clerking in my father's store.

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

From this reading You would naturally suppose that my travels would have given me some confidence, and that I had worn out, as it were, the bashfulness of youth; but in my case this was an inborn quality which I could no more get rid of, than I could of my liver or my spleen.

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

From this reading You would naturally suppose that my travels would have given me some confidence, and that I had worn out, as it were, the bashfulness of youth; but in my case this was an inborn quality which I could no more get rid of, than I could of my liver or my spleen.

which person or people

From this reading I had never confessed to any one the episode of the giant-powder or the Chicago widow; but the story of the baby had crept out, through the conductor, who told it to the station-master.

a woman whose husband is dead especially one who has not remarried

From this reading I had never confessed to any one the episode of the giant-powder or the Chicago widow; but the story of the baby had crept out, through the conductor, who told it to the station-master.

in the company of; together with

From this reading If you want to know how _that_ ended, I'll just tell you that, maddened by the grins and giggles of the passengers, I started for the car door with that baby, but, in passing those three giggling young ladies, I suddenly slung the infant into their collective laps, and darted out upon the station platform.

Damaged or thinned by continuous use.

From this reading You would naturally suppose that my travels would have given me some confidence, and that I had worn out, as it were, the bashfulness of youth; but in my case this was an inborn quality which I could no more get rid of, than I could of my liver or my spleen.

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

From this reading You would naturally suppose that my travels would have given me some confidence, and that I had worn out, as it were, the bashfulness of youth; but in my case this was an inborn quality which I could no more get rid of, than I could of my liver or my spleen.

the person or people being spoken to

From this reading You would naturally suppose that my travels would have given me some confidence, and that I had worn out, as it were, the bashfulness of youth; but in my case this was an inborn quality which I could no more get rid of, than I could of my liver or my spleen.

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

From this reading If you want to know how _that_ ended, I'll just tell you that, maddened by the grins and giggles of the passengers, I started for the car door with that baby, but, in passing those three giggling young ladies, I suddenly slung the infant into their collective laps, and darted out upon the station platform.

a young person (especially a young man or boy)

From this reading You would naturally suppose that my travels would have given me some confidence, and that I had worn out, as it were, the bashfulness of youth; but in my case this was an inborn quality which I could no more get rid of, than I could of my liver or my spleen.