used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading This is the only evening on which a boy can feel free to play pranks outdoors without danger of being "pinched," and it is his delight to scare passing pedestrians, ring door-bells, and carry off the neighbors' gates (after seeing that his own is unhinged and safely placed in the barn).
afterprepositionUS /ˈæftər/
later than; following
From this reading In very early times, ghosts, demons, and spirits were believed to rule the universe on this evening, and any one who ventured upon the streets after dark was doing so at the risk of his life.
(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 HALLOWEEN Halloween, or the eve of All Saints' Day, has been observed since the beginning of the Christian era.
(of actions or states) slightly short of or not quite accomplished; all but
From this reading While the superstitious fears of Halloween have almost entirely disappeared, the evening is generally celebrated in the same manner as in the past.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading In very early times, ghosts, demons, and spirits were believed to rule the universe on this evening, and any one who ventured upon the streets after dark was doing so at the risk of his life.
one or some or every or all without specification
From this reading In very early times, ghosts, demons, and spirits were believed to rule the universe on this evening, and any one who ventured upon the streets after dark was doing so at the risk of his life.
applesnounUS /ˈæpəlz/
plural of “apple” — fruit with red or yellow or green skin and sweet to tart crisp whitish flesh
From this reading For companionship, as well as protection, it was customary for large numbers of friends to spend the evening together; and these gathered around the fire-place, and passed away the time drinking cider, cracking nuts, eating apples, and telling ghost stories.
surrounding, or on every side of, something
From this reading For companionship, as well as protection, it was customary for large numbers of friends to spend the evening together; and these gathered around the fire-place, and passed away the time drinking cider, cracking nuts, eating apples, and telling ghost stories.
at the same time that; because; in the way that
From this reading For companionship, as well as protection, it was customary for large numbers of friends to spend the evening together; and these gathered around the fire-place, and passed away the time drinking cider, cracking nuts, eating apples, and telling ghost stories.
in or near a particular place or position
From this reading In very early times, ghosts, demons, and spirits were believed to rule the universe on this evening, and any one who ventured upon the streets after dark was doing so at the risk of his life.
from a particular thing or place or position (“forth” is obsolete)
From this reading For companionship, as well as protection, it was customary for large numbers of friends to spend the evening together; and these gathered around the fire-place, and passed away the time drinking cider, cracking nuts, eating apples, and telling ghost stories.
barnnounUS /bɑːrn/
an outlying farm building for storing grain or animal feed and housing farm animals
From this reading This is the only evening on which a boy can feel free to play pranks outdoors without danger of being "pinched," and it is his delight to scare passing pedestrians, ring door-bells, and carry off the neighbors' gates (after seeing that his own is unhinged and safely placed in the barn).
beenauxiliary verbUS /bɪn/
the past participle of “be”
From this reading HALLOWEEN Halloween, or the eve of All Saints' Day, has been observed since the beginning of the Christian era.
the event consisting of the start of something
From this reading HALLOWEEN Halloween, or the eve of All Saints' Day, has been observed since the beginning of the Christian era.
beingauxiliary verbUS /ˈbiːɪŋ/
the -ing form of “be”
From this reading This is the only evening on which a boy can feel free to play pranks outdoors without danger of being "pinched," and it is his delight to scare passing pedestrians, ring door-bells, and carry off the neighbors' gates (after seeing that his own is unhinged and safely placed in the barn).
past form of “believe” — accept as true; take to be true
From this reading In very early times, ghosts, demons, and spirits were believed to rule the universe on this evening, and any one who ventured upon the streets after dark was doing so at the risk of his life.
a youthful male person
From this reading This is the only evening on which a boy can feel free to play pranks outdoors without danger of being "pinched," and it is his delight to scare passing pedestrians, ring door-bells, and carry off the neighbors' gates (after seeing that his own is unhinged and safely placed in the barn).
to be able to, or to be allowed to
From this reading This is the only evening on which a boy can feel free to play pranks outdoors without danger of being "pinched," and it is his delight to scare passing pedestrians, ring door-bells, and carry off the neighbors' gates (after seeing that his own is unhinged and safely placed in the barn).
move while supporting, either in a vehicle or in one's hands or on one's body
From this reading This is the only evening on which a boy can feel free to play pranks outdoors without danger of being "pinched," and it is his delight to scare passing pedestrians, ring door-bells, and carry off the neighbors' gates (after seeing that his own is unhinged and safely placed in the barn).
celebratedadjectiveUS /ˈseləbreɪtɪd/
widely known and esteemed
From this reading While the superstitious fears of Halloween have almost entirely disappeared, the evening is generally celebrated in the same manner as in the past.
relating to or characteristic of Christianity
From this reading HALLOWEEN Halloween, or the eve of All Saints' Day, has been observed since the beginning of the Christian era.
cidernounUS /ˈsaɪdər/
a beverage made from juice pressed from apples
From this reading For companionship, as well as protection, it was customary for large numbers of friends to spend the evening together; and these gathered around the fire-place, and passed away the time drinking cider, cracking nuts, eating apples, and telling ghost stories.
companionshipnounUS /kəmˈpænjənʃɪp/
the state of being with someone
From this reading For companionship, as well as protection, it was customary for large numbers of friends to spend the evening together; and these gathered around the fire-place, and passed away the time drinking cider, cracking nuts, eating apples, and telling ghost stories.
crackingnounUS /ˈkrækɪŋ/
a sudden sharp noise
From this reading For companionship, as well as protection, it was customary for large numbers of friends to spend the evening together; and these gathered around the fire-place, and passed away the time drinking cider, cracking nuts, eating apples, and telling ghost stories.
customaryadjectiveUS /ˈkʌstəmeri/
in accordance with convention or custom
From this reading For companionship, as well as protection, it was customary for large numbers of friends to spend the evening together; and these gathered around the fire-place, and passed away the time drinking cider, cracking nuts, eating apples, and telling ghost stories.
the condition of being susceptible to harm or injury
From this reading This is the only evening on which a boy can feel free to play pranks outdoors without danger of being "pinched," and it is his delight to scare passing pedestrians, ring door-bells, and carry off the neighbors' gates (after seeing that his own is unhinged and safely placed in the barn).
absence of light or illumination
From this reading In very early times, ghosts, demons, and spirits were believed to rule the universe on this evening, and any one who ventured upon the streets after dark was doing so at the risk of his life.
time for Earth to make a complete rotation on its axis
From this reading HALLOWEEN Halloween, or the eve of All Saints' Day, has been observed since the beginning of the Christian era.
give pleasure to or be pleasing to
From this reading This is the only evening on which a boy can feel free to play pranks outdoors without danger of being "pinched," and it is his delight to scare passing pedestrians, ring door-bells, and carry off the neighbors' gates (after seeing that his own is unhinged and safely placed in the barn).
demonsnounUS /ˈdiːmənz/
plural of “demon” — an evil supernatural being
From this reading In very early times, ghosts, demons, and spirits were believed to rule the universe on this evening, and any one who ventured upon the streets after dark was doing so at the risk of his life.
past form of “disappear” — get lost, as without warning or explanation
From this reading While the superstitious fears of Halloween have almost entirely disappeared, the evening is generally celebrated in the same manner as in the past.
-ing form of “do” — engage in
From this reading In very early times, ghosts, demons, and spirits were believed to rule the universe on this evening, and any one who ventured upon the streets after dark was doing so at the risk of his life.
door-bells
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading This is the only evening on which a boy can feel free to play pranks outdoors without danger of being "pinched," and it is his delight to scare passing pedestrians, ring door-bells, and carry off the neighbors' gates (after seeing that his own is unhinged and safely placed in the barn).
the act of consuming liquids
From this reading For companionship, as well as protection, it was customary for large numbers of friends to spend the evening together; and these gathered around the fire-place, and passed away the time drinking cider, cracking nuts, eating apples, and telling ghost stories.
earlyadjectiveUS /ˈɜːrli/
at or near the beginning of a period of time or course of events or before the usual or expected time
From this reading In very early times, ghosts, demons, and spirits were believed to rule the universe on this evening, and any one who ventured upon the streets after dark was doing so at the risk of his life.
the act of consuming food
From this reading For companionship, as well as protection, it was customary for large numbers of friends to spend the evening together; and these gathered around the fire-place, and passed away the time drinking cider, cracking nuts, eating apples, and telling ghost stories.
to a complete degree or to the full or entire extent (“whole” is often used informally for “wholly”)
From this reading While the superstitious fears of Halloween have almost entirely disappeared, the evening is generally celebrated in the same manner as in the past.
eranounUS /ˈerə/
a period marked by distinctive character or reckoned from a fixed point or event
From this reading HALLOWEEN Halloween, or the eve of All Saints' Day, has been observed since the beginning of the Christian era.
(Old Testament) Adam's wife in Judeo-Christian mythology: the first woman and mother of the human race; God created Eve from Adam's rib and placed Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden
From this reading HALLOWEEN Halloween, or the eve of All Saints' Day, has been observed since the beginning of the Christian era.
the latter part of the day (the period of decreasing daylight from late afternoon until nightfall)
From this reading In very early times, ghosts, demons, and spirits were believed to rule the universe on this evening, and any one who ventured upon the streets after dark was doing so at the risk of his life.
plural of “fear” — an emotion experienced in anticipation of some specific pain or danger (usually accompanied by a desire to flee or fight)
From this reading While the superstitious fears of Halloween have almost entirely disappeared, the evening is generally celebrated in the same manner as in the past.
undergo an emotional sensation or be in a particular state of mind
From this reading This is the only evening on which a boy can feel free to play pranks outdoors without danger of being "pinched," and it is his delight to scare passing pedestrians, ring door-bells, and carry off the neighbors' gates (after seeing that his own is unhinged and safely placed in the barn).
fire-place
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading For companionship, as well as protection, it was customary for large numbers of friends to spend the evening together; and these gathered around the fire-place, and passed away the time drinking cider, cracking nuts, eating apples, and telling ghost stories.
intended to be given to, or used by, somebody
From this reading For companionship, as well as protection, it was customary for large numbers of friends to spend the evening together; and these gathered around the fire-place, and passed away the time drinking cider, cracking nuts, eating apples, and telling ghost stories.
grant freedom to; free from confinement
From this reading This is the only evening on which a boy can feel free to play pranks outdoors without danger of being "pinched," and it is his delight to scare passing pedestrians, ring door-bells, and carry off the neighbors' gates (after seeing that his own is unhinged and safely placed in the barn).
plural of “friend” — a person you know well and regard with affection and trust
From this reading For companionship, as well as protection, it was customary for large numbers of friends to spend the evening together; and these gathered around the fire-place, and passed away the time drinking cider, cracking nuts, eating apples, and telling ghost stories.
United States computer entrepreneur whose software company made him the youngest multi-billionaire in the history of the United States (born in 1955)
From this reading This is the only evening on which a boy can feel free to play pranks outdoors without danger of being "pinched," and it is his delight to scare passing pedestrians, ring door-bells, and carry off the neighbors' gates (after seeing that his own is unhinged and safely placed in the barn).
brought together in one place
From this reading For companionship, as well as protection, it was customary for large numbers of friends to spend the evening together; and these gathered around the fire-place, and passed away the time drinking cider, cracking nuts, eating apples, and telling ghost stories.
usually; as a rule
From this reading While the superstitious fears of Halloween have almost entirely disappeared, the evening is generally celebrated in the same manner as in the past.
a mental representation of some haunting experience
From this reading For companionship, as well as protection, it was customary for large numbers of friends to spend the evening together; and these gathered around the fire-place, and passed away the time drinking cider, cracking nuts, eating apples, and telling ghost stories.
ghostsnounUS /ɡoʊsts/
plural of “ghost” — a mental representation of some haunting experience
From this reading In very early times, ghosts, demons, and spirits were believed to rule the universe on this evening, and any one who ventured upon the streets after dark was doing so at the risk of his life.
HALLOWEENnounUS /ˌhæləˈwiːn/
the evening before All Saints' Day; often devoted to pranks played by young people
From this reading HALLOWEEN Halloween, or the eve of All Saints' Day, has been observed since the beginning of the Christian era.
hasauxiliary verbUS /hæz/
the form of “have” used with he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading HALLOWEEN Halloween, or the eve of All Saints' Day, has been observed since the beginning of the Christian era.
haveauxiliary verbUS /hæv/
used with a past participle to form the perfect tenses
From this reading While the superstitious fears of Halloween have almost entirely disappeared, the evening is generally celebrated in the same manner as in the past.
belonging to a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned
From this reading In very early times, ghosts, demons, and spirits were believed to rule the universe on this evening, and any one who ventured upon the streets after dark was doing so at the risk of his life.
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading In very early times, ghosts, demons, and spirits were believed to rule the universe on this evening, and any one who ventured upon the streets after dark was doing so at the risk of his life.
the form of “be” used with he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading While the superstitious fears of Halloween have almost entirely disappeared, the evening is generally celebrated in the same manner as in the past.
a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned
From this reading For companionship, as well as protection, it was customary for large numbers of friends to spend the evening together; and these gathered around the fire-place, and passed away the time drinking cider, cracking nuts, eating apples, and telling ghost stories.
largeadjectiveUS /lɑːrdʒ/
above average in size or number or quantity or magnitude or extent
From this reading For companionship, as well as protection, it was customary for large numbers of friends to spend the evening together; and these gathered around the fire-place, and passed away the time drinking cider, cracking nuts, eating apples, and telling ghost stories.
a characteristic state or mode of living
From this reading In very early times, ghosts, demons, and spirits were believed to rule the universe on this evening, and any one who ventured upon the streets after dark was doing so at the risk of his life.
how something is done or how it happens
From this reading While the superstitious fears of Halloween have almost entirely disappeared, the evening is generally celebrated in the same manner as in the past.
neighborsnounUS /ˈneɪbərz/
plural of “neighbor” — a person who lives (or is located) near another
From this reading This is the only evening on which a boy can feel free to play pranks outdoors without danger of being "pinched," and it is his delight to scare passing pedestrians, ring door-bells, and carry off the neighbors' gates (after seeing that his own is unhinged and safely placed in the barn).
the fourth book of the Old Testament; contains a record of the number of Israelites who followed Moses out of Egypt
From this reading For companionship, as well as protection, it was customary for large numbers of friends to spend the evening together; and these gathered around the fire-place, and passed away the time drinking cider, cracking nuts, eating apples, and telling ghost stories.
nutsadjectiveUS /nʌts/
informal or slang terms for mentally irregular
From this reading For companionship, as well as protection, it was customary for large numbers of friends to spend the evening together; and these gathered around the fire-place, and passed away the time drinking cider, cracking nuts, eating apples, and telling ghost stories.
discovered or determined by scientific observation
From this reading HALLOWEEN Halloween, or the eve of All Saints' Day, has been observed since the beginning of the Christian era.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading HALLOWEEN Halloween, or the eve of All Saints' Day, has been observed since the beginning of the Christian era.
from a particular thing or place or position (“forth” is obsolete)
From this reading This is the only evening on which a boy can feel free to play pranks outdoors without danger of being "pinched," and it is his delight to scare passing pedestrians, ring door-bells, and carry off the neighbors' gates (after seeing that his own is unhinged and safely placed in the barn).
touching and supported by a surface
From this reading In very early times, ghosts, demons, and spirits were believed to rule the universe on this evening, and any one who ventured upon the streets after dark was doing so at the risk of his life.
used to mean any person in general, including the speaker
From this reading In very early times, ghosts, demons, and spirits were believed to rule the universe on this evening, and any one who ventured upon the streets after dark was doing so at the risk of his life.
and nothing more
From this reading This is the only evening on which a boy can feel free to play pranks outdoors without danger of being "pinched," and it is his delight to scare passing pedestrians, ring door-bells, and carry off the neighbors' gates (after seeing that his own is unhinged and safely placed in the barn).
used to join alternatives or possibilities
From this reading HALLOWEEN Halloween, or the eve of All Saints' Day, has been observed since the beginning of the Christian era.
outdoorsadverbUS /ˈaʊtˈdɔːrz/
outside a building
From this reading This is the only evening on which a boy can feel free to play pranks outdoors without danger of being "pinched," and it is his delight to scare passing pedestrians, ring door-bells, and carry off the neighbors' gates (after seeing that his own is unhinged and safely placed in the barn).
have ownership or possession of
From this reading This is the only evening on which a boy can feel free to play pranks outdoors without danger of being "pinched," and it is his delight to scare passing pedestrians, ring door-bells, and carry off the neighbors' gates (after seeing that his own is unhinged and safely placed in the barn).
past form of “pass” — go across or through
From this reading For companionship, as well as protection, it was customary for large numbers of friends to spend the evening together; and these gathered around the fire-place, and passed away the time drinking cider, cracking nuts, eating apples, and telling ghost stories.
(American football) a play that involves one player throwing the ball to a teammate
From this reading This is the only evening on which a boy can feel free to play pranks outdoors without danger of being "pinched," and it is his delight to scare passing pedestrians, ring door-bells, and carry off the neighbors' gates (after seeing that his own is unhinged and safely placed in the barn).
the time that has elapsed
From this reading While the superstitious fears of Halloween have almost entirely disappeared, the evening is generally celebrated in the same manner as in the past.
pedestriansnounUS /pəˈdestriənz/
plural of “pedestrian” — a person who travels by foot
From this reading This is the only evening on which a boy can feel free to play pranks outdoors without danger of being "pinched," and it is his delight to scare passing pedestrians, ring door-bells, and carry off the neighbors' gates (after seeing that his own is unhinged and safely placed in the barn).
pinchedadjectiveUS /pɪntʃt/
sounding as if the nose were pinched
From this reading This is the only evening on which a boy can feel free to play pranks outdoors without danger of being "pinched," and it is his delight to scare passing pedestrians, ring door-bells, and carry off the neighbors' gates (after seeing that his own is unhinged and safely placed in the barn).
situated in a particular spot or position
From this reading This is the only evening on which a boy can feel free to play pranks outdoors without danger of being "pinched," and it is his delight to scare passing pedestrians, ring door-bells, and carry off the neighbors' gates (after seeing that his own is unhinged and safely placed in the barn).
participate in games or sport
From this reading This is the only evening on which a boy can feel free to play pranks outdoors without danger of being "pinched," and it is his delight to scare passing pedestrians, ring door-bells, and carry off the neighbors' gates (after seeing that his own is unhinged and safely placed in the barn).
pranksnounUS /præŋks/
plural of “prank” — acting like a clown or buffoon
From this reading This is the only evening on which a boy can feel free to play pranks outdoors without danger of being "pinched," and it is his delight to scare passing pedestrians, ring door-bells, and carry off the neighbors' gates (after seeing that his own is unhinged and safely placed in the barn).
the activity of protecting someone or something
From this reading For companionship, as well as protection, it was customary for large numbers of friends to spend the evening together; and these gathered around the fire-place, and passed away the time drinking cider, cracking nuts, eating apples, and telling ghost stories.
sound loudly and sonorously
From this reading This is the only evening on which a boy can feel free to play pranks outdoors without danger of being "pinched," and it is his delight to scare passing pedestrians, ring door-bells, and carry off the neighbors' gates (after seeing that his own is unhinged and safely placed in the barn).
a source of danger; a possibility of incurring loss or misfortune
From this reading In very early times, ghosts, demons, and spirits were believed to rule the universe on this evening, and any one who ventured upon the streets after dark was doing so at the risk of his life.
a principle or condition that customarily governs behavior
From this reading In very early times, ghosts, demons, and spirits were believed to rule the universe on this evening, and any one who ventured upon the streets after dark was doing so at the risk of his life.
with safety; in a safe manner
From this reading This is the only evening on which a boy can feel free to play pranks outdoors without danger of being "pinched," and it is his delight to scare passing pedestrians, ring door-bells, and carry off the neighbors' gates (after seeing that his own is unhinged and safely placed in the barn).
SaintsnounUS /seɪnts/
plural of “saint” — a person who has died and has been declared a saint by canonization
From this reading HALLOWEEN Halloween, or the eve of All Saints' Day, has been observed since the beginning of the Christian era.
Identical; not different.
From this reading While the superstitious fears of Halloween have almost entirely disappeared, the evening is generally celebrated in the same manner as in the past.
scareverbUS /sker/
cause fear in
From this reading This is the only evening on which a boy can feel free to play pranks outdoors without danger of being "pinched," and it is his delight to scare passing pedestrians, ring door-bells, and carry off the neighbors' gates (after seeing that his own is unhinged and safely placed in the barn).
perception by means of the eyes
From this reading This is the only evening on which a boy can feel free to play pranks outdoors without danger of being "pinched," and it is his delight to scare passing pedestrians, ring door-bells, and carry off the neighbors' gates (after seeing that his own is unhinged and safely placed in the barn).
sinceprepositionUS /sɪns/
from a time in the past until now
From this reading HALLOWEEN Halloween, or the eve of All Saints' Day, has been observed since the beginning of the Christian era.
for that reason; with the result that
From this reading In very early times, ghosts, demons, and spirits were believed to rule the universe on this evening, and any one who ventured upon the streets after dark was doing so at the risk of his life.
use up a period of time in a specific way
From this reading For companionship, as well as protection, it was customary for large numbers of friends to spend the evening together; and these gathered around the fire-place, and passed away the time drinking cider, cracking nuts, eating apples, and telling ghost stories.
an alcoholic beverage that is distilled rather than fermented
From this reading In very early times, ghosts, demons, and spirits were believed to rule the universe on this evening, and any one who ventured upon the streets after dark was doing so at the risk of his life.
plural of “story” — 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 For companionship, as well as protection, it was customary for large numbers of friends to spend the evening together; and these gathered around the fire-place, and passed away the time drinking cider, cracking nuts, eating apples, and telling ghost stories.
plural of “street” — a thoroughfare (usually including sidewalks) that is lined with buildings
From this reading In very early times, ghosts, demons, and spirits were believed to rule the universe on this evening, and any one who ventured upon the streets after dark was doing so at the risk of his life.
superstitiousadjectiveUS /ˌsuːpərˈstɪʃəs/
showing ignorance of the laws of nature and faith in magic or chance
From this reading While the superstitious fears of Halloween have almost entirely disappeared, the evening is generally celebrated in the same manner as in the past.
disclosing unintentionally something concealed
From this reading For companionship, as well as protection, it was customary for large numbers of friends to spend the evening together; and these gathered around the fire-place, and passed away the time drinking cider, cracking nuts, eating apples, and telling ghost stories.
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading This is the only evening on which a boy can feel free to play pranks outdoors without danger of being "pinched," and it is his delight to scare passing pedestrians, ring door-bells, and carry off the neighbors' gates (after seeing that his own is unhinged and safely placed in the barn).
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading HALLOWEEN Halloween, or the eve of All Saints' Day, has been observed since the beginning of the Christian era.
the plural of “this”: the people or things near, or just mentioned
From this reading For companionship, as well as protection, it was customary for large numbers of friends to spend the evening together; and these gathered around the fire-place, and passed away the time drinking cider, cracking nuts, eating apples, and telling ghost stories.
used for a person or thing that is near, or that has just been mentioned
From this reading In very early times, ghosts, demons, and spirits were believed to rule the universe on this evening, and any one who ventured upon the streets after dark was doing so at the risk of his life.
an instance or single occasion for some event
From this reading For companionship, as well as protection, it was customary for large numbers of friends to spend the evening together; and these gathered around the fire-place, and passed away the time drinking cider, cracking nuts, eating apples, and telling ghost stories.
a more or less definite period of time now or previously present
From this reading In very early times, ghosts, demons, and spirits were believed to rule the universe on this evening, and any one who ventured upon the streets after dark was doing so at the risk of his life.
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading In very early times, ghosts, demons, and spirits were believed to rule the universe on this evening, and any one who ventured upon the streets after dark was doing so at the risk of his life.
in contact with each other or in proximity
From this reading For companionship, as well as protection, it was customary for large numbers of friends to spend the evening together; and these gathered around the fire-place, and passed away the time drinking cider, cracking nuts, eating apples, and telling ghost stories.
unhingedadjectiveUS /ənˈhɪndʒd/
affected with madness or insanity
From this reading This is the only evening on which a boy can feel free to play pranks outdoors without danger of being "pinched," and it is his delight to scare passing pedestrians, ring door-bells, and carry off the neighbors' gates (after seeing that his own is unhinged and safely placed in the barn).
universenounUS /ˈjuːnəvɜːrs/
everything that exists anywhere
From this reading In very early times, ghosts, demons, and spirits were believed to rule the universe on this evening, and any one who ventured upon the streets after dark was doing so at the risk of his life.
uponprepositionUS /əˈpɑːn/
a formal word for “on”
From this reading In very early times, ghosts, demons, and spirits were believed to rule the universe on this evening, and any one who ventured upon the streets after dark was doing so at the risk of his life.
past form of “venture” — proceed somewhere despite the risk of possible dangers
From this reading In very early times, ghosts, demons, and spirits were believed to rule the universe on this evening, and any one who ventured upon the streets after dark was doing so at the risk of his life.
precisely as stated
From this reading In very early times, ghosts, demons, and spirits were believed to rule the universe on this evening, and any one who ventured upon the streets after dark was doing so at the risk of his life.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading In very early times, ghosts, demons, and spirits were believed to rule the universe on this evening, and any one who ventured upon the streets after dark was doing so at the risk of his life.
(often used as a combining form) in a good or proper or satisfactory manner or to a high standard (“good” is a nonstandard dialectal variant for “well”)
From this reading For companionship, as well as protection, it was customary for large numbers of friends to spend the evening together; and these gathered around the fire-place, and passed away the time drinking cider, cracking nuts, eating apples, and telling ghost stories.
wereauxiliary verbUS /wɜːr/
the past form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun
From this reading In very early times, ghosts, demons, and spirits were believed to rule the universe on this evening, and any one who ventured upon the streets after dark was doing so at the risk of his life.
used to introduce a clause giving more about a thing just mentioned
From this reading This is the only evening on which a boy can feel free to play pranks outdoors without danger of being "pinched," and it is his delight to scare passing pedestrians, ring door-bells, and carry off the neighbors' gates (after seeing that his own is unhinged and safely placed in the barn).
WhileconjunctionUS /waɪl/
during the time that
From this reading While the superstitious fears of Halloween have almost entirely disappeared, the evening is generally celebrated in the same manner as in the past.
which person or people
From this reading In very early times, ghosts, demons, and spirits were believed to rule the universe on this evening, and any one who ventured upon the streets after dark was doing so at the risk of his life.
not having, not using, or not accompanied by
From this reading This is the only evening on which a boy can feel free to play pranks outdoors without danger of being "pinched," and it is his delight to scare passing pedestrians, ring door-bells, and carry off the neighbors' gates (after seeing that his own is unhinged and safely placed in the barn).
