Chapter VII · Chapter 7

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

From this reading ON THE EXPRESS TRAIN Mr. Bobbsey wished to ask one of the railroad men in the big station some questions about the trunks, and he also had to send a telegram, so, while he was doing these things, he told his wife and children to sit down and wait for him.

on the subject of; concerning

From this reading ON THE EXPRESS TRAIN Mr. Bobbsey wished to ask one of the railroad men in the big station some questions about the trunks, and he also had to send a telegram, so, while he was doing these things, he told his wife and children to sit down and wait for him.

(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 Mrs. Bobbsey led Nan and Bert and Flossie and Freddie to one of the many long benches in the large depot, but the two smaller twins were so excited at being in such an immense place that they had not been seated more than a few seconds before they jumped up to gaze all about them.

in addition

From this reading ON THE EXPRESS TRAIN Mr. Bobbsey wished to ask one of the railroad men in the big station some questions about the trunks, and he also had to send a telegram, so, while he was doing these things, he told his wife and children to sit down and wait for him.

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

From this reading Mrs. Bobbsey led Nan and Bert and Flossie and Freddie to one of the many long benches in the large depot, but the two smaller twins were so excited at being in such an immense place that they had not been seated more than a few seconds before they jumped up to gaze all about them.

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

From this reading ON THE EXPRESS TRAIN Mr. Bobbsey wished to ask one of the railroad men in the big station some questions about the trunks, and he also had to send a telegram, so, while he was doing these things, he told his wife and children to sit down and wait for him.

a collection of resources

From this reading "Why--why!" gasped Freddie, "it's bigger than our armory at home!" for in Lakeport there was a big hall where the soldiers drilled.

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

From this reading "It's three times as big," said Flossie.

make a request or demand for something to somebody

From this reading ON THE EXPRESS TRAIN Mr. Bobbsey wished to ask one of the railroad men in the big station some questions about the trunks, and he also had to send a telegram, so, while he was doing these things, he told his wife and children to sit down and wait for him.

filled with the emotional impact of overwhelming surprise or shock

From this reading Bert and Nan, too, though older than their brother and sister, were much astonished at what they saw.

in or near a particular place or position

From this reading Mrs. Bobbsey led Nan and Bert and Flossie and Freddie to one of the many long benches in the large depot, but the two smaller twins were so excited at being in such an immense place that they had not been seated more than a few seconds before they jumped up to gaze all about them.

the past participle of “be”

From this reading Mrs. Bobbsey led Nan and Bert and Flossie and Freddie to one of the many long benches in the large depot, but the two smaller twins were so excited at being in such an immense place that they had not been seated more than a few seconds before they jumped up to gaze all about them.

earlier than; in front of

From this reading Mrs. Bobbsey led Nan and Bert and Flossie and Freddie to one of the many long benches in the large depot, but the two smaller twins were so excited at being in such an immense place that they had not been seated more than a few seconds before they jumped up to gaze all about them.

the -ing form of “be”

From this reading Mrs. Bobbsey led Nan and Bert and Flossie and Freddie to one of the many long benches in the large depot, but the two smaller twins were so excited at being in such an immense place that they had not been seated more than a few seconds before they jumped up to gaze all about them.

plural of “bench” — a long seat for more than one person

From this reading Mrs. Bobbsey led Nan and Bert and Flossie and Freddie to one of the many long benches in the large depot, but the two smaller twins were so excited at being in such an immense place that they had not been seated more than a few seconds before they jumped up to gaze all about them.

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

From this reading Mrs. Bobbsey led Nan and Bert and Flossie and Freddie to one of the many long benches in the large depot, but the two smaller twins were so excited at being in such an immense place that they had not been seated more than a few seconds before they jumped up to gaze all about them.

above average in size or number or quantity or magnitude or extent

From this reading ON THE EXPRESS TRAIN Mr. Bobbsey wished to ask one of the railroad men in the big station some questions about the trunks, and he also had to send a telegram, so, while he was doing these things, he told his wife and children to sit down and wait for him.

large or big relative to something else

From this reading "Why--why!" gasped Freddie, "it's bigger than our armory at home!" for in Lakeport there was a big hall where the soldiers drilled.

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

From this reading ON THE EXPRESS TRAIN Mr. Bobbsey wished to ask one of the railroad men in the big station some questions about the trunks, and he also had to send a telegram, so, while he was doing these things, he told his wife and children to sit down and wait for him.

a male with the same parents as someone else

From this reading Bert and Nan, too, though older than their brother and sister, were much astonished at what they saw.

used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before

From this reading Mrs. Bobbsey led Nan and Bert and Flossie and Freddie to one of the many long benches in the large depot, but the two smaller twins were so excited at being in such an immense place that they had not been seated more than a few seconds before they jumped up to gaze all about them.

plural of “child” — a young person of either sex

From this reading ON THE EXPRESS TRAIN Mr. Bobbsey wished to ask one of the railroad men in the big station some questions about the trunks, and he also had to send a telegram, so, while he was doing these things, he told his wife and children to sit down and wait for him.

station where transport vehicles load or unload passengers or goods

From this reading Mrs. Bobbsey led Nan and Bert and Flossie and Freddie to one of the many long benches in the large depot, but the two smaller twins were so excited at being in such an immense place that they had not been seated more than a few seconds before they jumped up to gaze all about them.

-ing form of “do” — engage in

From this reading ON THE EXPRESS TRAIN Mr. Bobbsey wished to ask one of the railroad men in the big station some questions about the trunks, and he also had to send a telegram, so, while he was doing these things, he told his wife and children to sit down and wait for him.

being or moving lower in position or less in some value

From this reading ON THE EXPRESS TRAIN Mr. Bobbsey wished to ask one of the railroad men in the big station some questions about the trunks, and he also had to send a telegram, so, while he was doing these things, he told his wife and children to sit down and wait for him.

trained in a skill by repetitious practice

From this reading "Why--why!" gasped Freddie, "it's bigger than our armory at home!" for in Lakeport there was a big hall where the soldiers drilled.

(of persons) excessively affected by emotion

From this reading Mrs. Bobbsey led Nan and Bert and Flossie and Freddie to one of the many long benches in the large depot, but the two smaller twins were so excited at being in such an immense place that they had not been seated more than a few seconds before they jumped up to gaze all about them.

give expression to

From this reading ON THE EXPRESS TRAIN Mr. Bobbsey wished to ask one of the railroad men in the big station some questions about the trunks, and he also had to send a telegram, so, while he was doing these things, he told his wife and children to sit down and wait for him.

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

From this reading Mrs. Bobbsey led Nan and Bert and Flossie and Freddie to one of the many long benches in the large depot, but the two smaller twins were so excited at being in such an immense place that they had not been seated more than a few seconds before they jumped up to gaze all about them.

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

From this reading Mrs. Bobbsey led Nan and Bert and Flossie and Freddie to one of the many long benches in the large depot, but the two smaller twins were so excited at being in such an immense place that they had not been seated more than a few seconds before they jumped up to gaze all about them.

intended to be given to, or used by, somebody

From this reading ON THE EXPRESS TRAIN Mr. Bobbsey wished to ask one of the railroad men in the big station some questions about the trunks, and he also had to send a telegram, so, while he was doing these things, he told his wife and children to sit down and wait for him.

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

From this reading Mrs. Bobbsey led Nan and Bert and Flossie and Freddie to one of the many long benches in the large depot, but the two smaller twins were so excited at being in such an immense place that they had not been seated more than a few seconds before they jumped up to gaze all about them.

past form of “gasp” — breathe noisily, as when one is exhausted

From this reading "Why--why!" gasped Freddie, "it's bigger than our armory at home!" for in Lakeport there was a big hall where the soldiers drilled.

a long fixed look

From this reading Mrs. Bobbsey led Nan and Bert and Flossie and Freddie to one of the many long benches in the large depot, but the two smaller twins were so excited at being in such an immense place that they had not been seated more than a few seconds before they jumped up to gaze all about them.

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

From this reading ON THE EXPRESS TRAIN Mr. Bobbsey wished to ask one of the railroad men in the big station some questions about the trunks, and he also had to send a telegram, so, while he was doing these things, he told his wife and children to sit down and wait for him.

an interior passage or corridor onto which rooms open

From this reading "Why--why!" gasped Freddie, "it's bigger than our armory at home!" for in Lakeport there was a big hall where the soldiers drilled.

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

From this reading ON THE EXPRESS TRAIN Mr. Bobbsey wished to ask one of the railroad men in the big station some questions about the trunks, and he also had to send a telegram, so, while he was doing these things, he told his wife and children to sit down and wait for him.

the male already mentioned, as the object of a verb or preposition

From this reading ON THE EXPRESS TRAIN Mr. Bobbsey wished to ask one of the railroad men in the big station some questions about the trunks, and he also had to send a telegram, so, while he was doing these things, he told his wife and children to sit down and wait for him.

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

From this reading ON THE EXPRESS TRAIN Mr. Bobbsey wished to ask one of the railroad men in the big station some questions about the trunks, and he also had to send a telegram, so, while he was doing these things, he told his wife and children to sit down and wait for him.

where you live at a particular time

From this reading "Why--why!" gasped Freddie, "it's bigger than our armory at home!" for in Lakeport there was a big hall where the soldiers drilled.

unusually great in size or amount or degree or especially extent or scope

From this reading Mrs. Bobbsey led Nan and Bert and Flossie and Freddie to one of the many long benches in the large depot, but the two smaller twins were so excited at being in such an immense place that they had not been seated more than a few seconds before they jumped up to gaze all about them.

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

From this reading ON THE EXPRESS TRAIN Mr. Bobbsey wished to ask one of the railroad men in the big station some questions about the trunks, and he also had to send a telegram, so, while he was doing these things, he told his wife and children to sit down and wait for him.

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

From this reading "Why--why!" gasped Freddie, "it's bigger than our armory at home!" for in Lakeport there was a big hall where the soldiers drilled.

past form of “jump” — move forward by leaps and bounds

From this reading Mrs. Bobbsey led Nan and Bert and Flossie and Freddie to one of the many long benches in the large depot, but the two smaller twins were so excited at being in such an immense place that they had not been seated more than a few seconds before they jumped up to gaze all about them.

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

From this reading "Why--why!" gasped Freddie, "it's bigger than our armory at home!" for in Lakeport there was a big hall where the soldiers drilled.

above average in size or number or quantity or magnitude or extent

From this reading Mrs. Bobbsey led Nan and Bert and Flossie and Freddie to one of the many long benches in the large depot, but the two smaller twins were so excited at being in such an immense place that they had not been seated more than a few seconds before they jumped up to gaze all about them.

diode such that light emitted at a p-n junction is proportional to the bias current; color depends on the material used

From this reading Mrs. Bobbsey led Nan and Bert and Flossie and Freddie to one of the many long benches in the large depot, but the two smaller twins were so excited at being in such an immense place that they had not been seated more than a few seconds before they jumped up to gaze all about them.

primarily temporal sense; being or indicating a relatively great or greater than average duration or passage of time or a duration as specified

From this reading Mrs. Bobbsey led Nan and Bert and Flossie and Freddie to one of the many long benches in the large depot, but the two smaller twins were so excited at being in such an immense place that they had not been seated more than a few seconds before they jumped up to gaze all about them.

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 Mrs. Bobbsey led Nan and Bert and Flossie and Freddie to one of the many long benches in the large depot, but the two smaller twins were so excited at being in such an immense place that they had not been seated more than a few seconds before they jumped up to gaze all about them.

the force of workers available

From this reading ON THE EXPRESS TRAIN Mr. Bobbsey wished to ask one of the railroad men in the big station some questions about the trunks, and he also had to send a telegram, so, while he was doing these things, he told his wife and children to sit down and wait for him.

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

From this reading Mrs. Bobbsey led Nan and Bert and Flossie and Freddie to one of the many long benches in the large depot, but the two smaller twins were so excited at being in such an immense place that they had not been seated more than a few seconds before they jumped up to gaze all about them.

a form of address for a man

From this reading ON THE EXPRESS TRAIN Mr. Bobbsey wished to ask one of the railroad men in the big station some questions about the trunks, and he also had to send a telegram, so, while he was doing these things, he told his wife and children to sit down and wait for him.

a form of address for a married woman

From this reading Mrs. Bobbsey led Nan and Bert and Flossie and Freddie to one of the many long benches in the large depot, but the two smaller twins were so excited at being in such an immense place that they had not been seated more than a few seconds before they jumped up to gaze all about them.

to a great degree or extent

From this reading Bert and Nan, too, though older than their brother and sister, were much astonished at what they saw.

your grandmother

From this reading Mrs. Bobbsey led Nan and Bert and Flossie and Freddie to one of the many long benches in the large depot, but the two smaller twins were so excited at being in such an immense place that they had not been seated more than a few seconds before they jumped up to gaze all about them.

used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative

From this reading Mrs. Bobbsey led Nan and Bert and Flossie and Freddie to one of the many long benches in the large depot, but the two smaller twins were so excited at being in such an immense place that they had not been seated more than a few seconds before they jumped up to gaze all about them.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading ON THE EXPRESS TRAIN Mr. Bobbsey wished to ask one of the railroad men in the big station some questions about the trunks, and he also had to send a telegram, so, while he was doing these things, he told his wife and children to sit down and wait for him.

advanced in years; (“aged” is pronounced as two syllables)

From this reading Bert and Nan, too, though older than their brother and sister, were much astonished at what they saw.

touching and supported by a surface

From this reading ON THE EXPRESS TRAIN Mr. Bobbsey wished to ask one of the railroad men in the big station some questions about the trunks, and he also had to send a telegram, so, while he was doing these things, he told his wife and children to sit down and wait for him.

used to mean any person in general, including the speaker

From this reading ON THE EXPRESS TRAIN Mr. Bobbsey wished to ask one of the railroad men in the big station some questions about the trunks, and he also had to send a telegram, so, while he was doing these things, he told his wife and children to sit down and wait for him.

belonging to the speaker and others

From this reading "Why--why!" gasped Freddie, "it's bigger than our armory at home!" for in Lakeport there was a big hall where the soldiers drilled.

a point located with respect to surface features of some region

From this reading Mrs. Bobbsey led Nan and Bert and Flossie and Freddie to one of the many long benches in the large depot, but the two smaller twins were so excited at being in such an immense place that they had not been seated more than a few seconds before they jumped up to gaze all about them.

plural of “question” — an instance of questioning

From this reading ON THE EXPRESS TRAIN Mr. Bobbsey wished to ask one of the railroad men in the big station some questions about the trunks, and he also had to send a telegram, so, while he was doing these things, he told his wife and children to sit down and wait for him.

line that is the commercial organization responsible for operating a system of transportation for trains that pull passengers or freight

From this reading ON THE EXPRESS TRAIN Mr. Bobbsey wished to ask one of the railroad men in the big station some questions about the trunks, and he also had to send a telegram, so, while he was doing these things, he told his wife and children to sit down and wait for him.

being the one previously mentioned or spoken of

From this reading "It's three times as big," said Flossie.

cut with a saw

From this reading Bert and Nan, too, though older than their brother and sister, were much astonished at what they saw.

(of persons) having the torso erect and legs bent with the body supported on the buttocks

From this reading Mrs. Bobbsey led Nan and Bert and Flossie and Freddie to one of the many long benches in the large depot, but the two smaller twins were so excited at being in such an immense place that they had not been seated more than a few seconds before they jumped up to gaze all about them.

plural of “second” — 1/60 of a minute; the basic unit of time adopted under the Systeme International d'Unites

From this reading Mrs. Bobbsey led Nan and Bert and Flossie and Freddie to one of the many long benches in the large depot, but the two smaller twins were so excited at being in such an immense place that they had not been seated more than a few seconds before they jumped up to gaze all about them.

cause to go somewhere

From this reading ON THE EXPRESS TRAIN Mr. Bobbsey wished to ask one of the railroad men in the big station some questions about the trunks, and he also had to send a telegram, so, while he was doing these things, he told his wife and children to sit down and wait for him.

a female person who has the same parents as another person

From this reading Bert and Nan, too, though older than their brother and sister, were much astonished at what they saw.

be seated

From this reading ON THE EXPRESS TRAIN Mr. Bobbsey wished to ask one of the railroad men in the big station some questions about the trunks, and he also had to send a telegram, so, while he was doing these things, he told his wife and children to sit down and wait for him.

small or little relative to something else

From this reading Mrs. Bobbsey led Nan and Bert and Flossie and Freddie to one of the many long benches in the large depot, but the two smaller twins were so excited at being in such an immense place that they had not been seated more than a few seconds before they jumped up to gaze all about them.

for that reason; with the result that

From this reading ON THE EXPRESS TRAIN Mr. Bobbsey wished to ask one of the railroad men in the big station some questions about the trunks, and he also had to send a telegram, so, while he was doing these things, he told his wife and children to sit down and wait for him.

plural of “soldier” — an enlisted man or woman who serves in an army

From this reading "Why--why!" gasped Freddie, "it's bigger than our armory at home!" for in Lakeport there was a big hall where the soldiers drilled.

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

From this reading ON THE EXPRESS TRAIN Mr. Bobbsey wished to ask one of the railroad men in the big station some questions about the trunks, and he also had to send a telegram, so, while he was doing these things, he told his wife and children to sit down and wait for him.

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

From this reading ON THE EXPRESS TRAIN Mr. Bobbsey wished to ask one of the railroad men in the big station some questions about the trunks, and he also had to send a telegram, so, while he was doing these things, he told his wife and children to sit down and wait for him.

of the kind already mentioned

From this reading Mrs. Bobbsey led Nan and Bert and Flossie and Freddie to one of the many long benches in the large depot, but the two smaller twins were so excited at being in such an immense place that they had not been seated more than a few seconds before they jumped up to gaze all about them.

a message transmitted by telegraph

From this reading ON THE EXPRESS TRAIN Mr. Bobbsey wished to ask one of the railroad men in the big station some questions about the trunks, and he also had to send a telegram, so, while he was doing these things, he told his wife and children to sit down and wait for him.

used to introduce the second part of a comparison

From this reading Mrs. Bobbsey led Nan and Bert and Flossie and Freddie to one of the many long benches in the large depot, but the two smaller twins were so excited at being in such an immense place that they had not been seated more than a few seconds before they jumped up to gaze all about them.

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading Mrs. Bobbsey led Nan and Bert and Flossie and Freddie to one of the many long benches in the large depot, but the two smaller twins were so excited at being in such an immense place that they had not been seated more than a few seconds before they jumped up to gaze all about them.

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

From this reading ON THE EXPRESS TRAIN Mr. Bobbsey wished to ask one of the railroad men in the big station some questions about the trunks, and he also had to send a telegram, so, while he was doing these things, he told his wife and children to sit down and wait for him.

belonging to the people or things already mentioned

From this reading Bert and Nan, too, though older than their brother and sister, were much astonished at what they saw.

the people or things already mentioned, as the object

From this reading Mrs. Bobbsey led Nan and Bert and Flossie and Freddie to one of the many long benches in the large depot, but the two smaller twins were so excited at being in such an immense place that they had not been seated more than a few seconds before they jumped up to gaze all about them.

in or at that place or location

From this reading "Why--why!" gasped Freddie, "it's bigger than our armory at home!" for in Lakeport there was a big hall where the soldiers drilled.

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

From this reading ON THE EXPRESS TRAIN Mr. Bobbsey wished to ask one of the railroad men in the big station some questions about the trunks, and he also had to send a telegram, so, while he was doing these things, he told his wife and children to sit down and wait for him.

the people, animals, or things already mentioned, as the subject

From this reading Mrs. Bobbsey led Nan and Bert and Flossie and Freddie to one of the many long benches in the large depot, but the two smaller twins were so excited at being in such an immense place that they had not been seated more than a few seconds before they jumped up to gaze all about them.

any movable possession (especially articles of clothing)

From this reading ON THE EXPRESS TRAIN Mr. Bobbsey wished to ask one of the railroad men in the big station some questions about the trunks, and he also had to send a telegram, so, while he was doing these things, he told his wife and children to sit down and wait for him.

in spite of the fact that

From this reading Bert and Nan, too, though older than their brother and sister, were much astonished at what they saw.

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

From this reading "It's three times as big," said Flossie.

a more or less definite period of time now or previously present

From this reading "It's three times as big," said Flossie.

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

From this reading ON THE EXPRESS TRAIN Mr. Bobbsey wished to ask one of the railroad men in the big station some questions about the trunks, and he also had to send a telegram, so, while he was doing these things, he told his wife and children to sit down and wait for him.

inflected form of “tell” — express in words

From this reading ON THE EXPRESS TRAIN Mr. Bobbsey wished to ask one of the railroad men in the big station some questions about the trunks, and he also had to send a telegram, so, while he was doing these things, he told his wife and children to sit down and wait for him.

to a degree exceeding normal or proper limits

From this reading Bert and Nan, too, though older than their brother and sister, were much astonished at what they saw.

create by training and teaching

From this reading ON THE EXPRESS TRAIN Mr. Bobbsey wished to ask one of the railroad men in the big station some questions about the trunks, and he also had to send a telegram, so, while he was doing these things, he told his wife and children to sit down and wait for him.

(used in the plural) trousers that end at or above the knee

From this reading ON THE EXPRESS TRAIN Mr. Bobbsey wished to ask one of the railroad men in the big station some questions about the trunks, and he also had to send a telegram, so, while he was doing these things, he told his wife and children to sit down and wait for him.

(mineralogy) two interwoven crystals that are mirror images on each other

From this reading Mrs. Bobbsey led Nan and Bert and Flossie and Freddie to one of the many long benches in the large depot, but the two smaller twins were so excited at being in such an immense place that they had not been seated more than a few seconds before they jumped up to gaze all about them.

the cardinal number that is the sum of one and one or a numeral representing this number

From this reading Mrs. Bobbsey led Nan and Bert and Flossie and Freddie to one of the many long benches in the large depot, but the two smaller twins were so excited at being in such an immense place that they had not been seated more than a few seconds before they jumped up to gaze all about them.

being or moving higher in position or greater in some value; being above a former position or level

From this reading Mrs. Bobbsey led Nan and Bert and Flossie and Freddie to one of the many long benches in the large depot, but the two smaller twins were so excited at being in such an immense place that they had not been seated more than a few seconds before they jumped up to gaze all about them.

stay in one place and anticipate or expect something

From this reading ON THE EXPRESS TRAIN Mr. Bobbsey wished to ask one of the railroad men in the big station some questions about the trunks, and he also had to send a telegram, so, while he was doing these things, he told his wife and children to sit down and wait for him.

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

From this reading ON THE EXPRESS TRAIN Mr. Bobbsey wished to ask one of the railroad men in the big station some questions about the trunks, and he also had to send a telegram, so, while he was doing these things, he told his wife and children to sit down and wait for him.

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

From this reading Mrs. Bobbsey led Nan and Bert and Flossie and Freddie to one of the many long benches in the large depot, but the two smaller twins were so excited at being in such an immense place that they had not been seated more than a few seconds before they jumped up to gaze all about them.

used to ask for information about something

From this reading Bert and Nan, too, though older than their brother and sister, were much astonished at what they saw.

in or at the place that

From this reading "Why--why!" gasped Freddie, "it's bigger than our armory at home!" for in Lakeport there was a big hall where the soldiers drilled.

during the time that

From this reading ON THE EXPRESS TRAIN Mr. Bobbsey wished to ask one of the railroad men in the big station some questions about the trunks, and he also had to send a telegram, so, while he was doing these things, he told his wife and children to sit down and wait for him.

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

From this reading "Why--why!" gasped Freddie, "it's bigger than our armory at home!" for in Lakeport there was a big hall where the soldiers drilled.

a married woman; a man's partner in marriage

From this reading ON THE EXPRESS TRAIN Mr. Bobbsey wished to ask one of the railroad men in the big station some questions about the trunks, and he also had to send a telegram, so, while he was doing these things, he told his wife and children to sit down and wait for him.

past form of “wish” — hope for; have a wish

From this reading ON THE EXPRESS TRAIN Mr. Bobbsey wished to ask one of the railroad men in the big station some questions about the trunks, and he also had to send a telegram, so, while he was doing these things, he told his wife and children to sit down and wait for him.