Chapter I

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

From this reading MANY years ago, when railroads were not quite so common as they are now, and when no one knew how completely they would change the face of old England and the habits and manners of her children, some workmen from Birmingham were employed in laying the rails of a line which was to connect a certain small seaport in Essex with an inland town twenty miles off, which already possessed railroad communication with London.

in the past

From this reading MANY years ago, when railroads were not quite so common as they are now, and when no one knew how completely they would change the face of old England and the habits and manners of her children, some workmen from Birmingham were employed in laying the rails of a line which was to connect a certain small seaport in Essex with an inland town twenty miles off, which already possessed railroad communication with London.

prior to a specified or implied time

From this reading MANY years ago, when railroads were not quite so common as they are now, and when no one knew how completely they would change the face of old England and the habits and manners of her children, some workmen from Birmingham were employed in laying the rails of a line which was to connect a certain small seaport in Essex with an inland town twenty miles off, which already possessed railroad communication with London.

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

From this reading MANY years ago, when railroads were not quite so common as they are now, and when no one knew how completely they would change the face of old England and the habits and manners of her children, some workmen from Birmingham were employed in laying the rails of a line which was to connect a certain small seaport in Essex with an inland town twenty miles off, which already possessed railroad communication with London.

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

From this reading FROME, AND LONDON.

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

From this reading MANY years ago, when railroads were not quite so common as they are now, and when no one knew how completely they would change the face of old England and the habits and manners of her children, some workmen from Birmingham were employed in laying the rails of a line which was to connect a certain small seaport in Essex with an inland town twenty miles off, which already possessed railroad communication with London.

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

From this reading MANY years ago, when railroads were not quite so common as they are now, and when no one knew how completely they would change the face of old England and the habits and manners of her children, some workmen from Birmingham were employed in laying the rails of a line which was to connect a certain small seaport in Essex with an inland town twenty miles off, which already possessed railroad communication with London.

writes (books or stories or articles or the like) professionally (for pay)

From this reading AUTHOR OF "KARL KRAPP'S LITTLE MAIDENS;" "LIFE STORY OF CLARICE EGERTON;" "RALPH TRULOCK'S CHRISTMAS ROSES."

the largest city in Alabama; located in northeastern Alabama

From this reading MANY years ago, when railroads were not quite so common as they are now, and when no one knew how completely they would change the face of old England and the habits and manners of her children, some workmen from Birmingham were employed in laying the rails of a line which was to connect a certain small seaport in Essex with an inland town twenty miles off, which already possessed railroad communication with London.

a manservant (usually the head servant of a household) who has charge of wines and the table

From this reading BUTLER & TANNER.

definite but not specified or identified

From this reading MANY years ago, when railroads were not quite so common as they are now, and when no one knew how completely they would change the face of old England and the habits and manners of her children, some workmen from Birmingham were employed in laying the rails of a line which was to connect a certain small seaport in Essex with an inland town twenty miles off, which already possessed railroad communication with London.

cause to change; make different; cause a transformation

From this reading MANY years ago, when railroads were not quite so common as they are now, and when no one knew how completely they would change the face of old England and the habits and manners of her children, some workmen from Birmingham were employed in laying the rails of a line which was to connect a certain small seaport in Essex with an inland town twenty miles off, which already possessed railroad communication with London.

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

From this reading MANY years ago, when railroads were not quite so common as they are now, and when no one knew how completely they would change the face of old England and the habits and manners of her children, some workmen from Birmingham were employed in laying the rails of a line which was to connect a certain small seaport in Essex with an inland town twenty miles off, which already possessed railroad communication with London.

period extending from Dec. 24 to Jan. 6

From this reading AUTHOR OF "KARL KRAPP'S LITTLE MAIDENS;" "LIFE STORY OF CLARICE EGERTON;" "RALPH TRULOCK'S CHRISTMAS ROSES."

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

From this reading AUTHOR OF "KARL KRAPP'S LITTLE MAIDENS;" "LIFE STORY OF CLARICE EGERTON;" "RALPH TRULOCK'S CHRISTMAS ROSES."

belonging to or participated in by a community as a whole; public

From this reading MANY years ago, when railroads were not quite so common as they are now, and when no one knew how completely they would change the face of old England and the habits and manners of her children, some workmen from Birmingham were employed in laying the rails of a line which was to connect a certain small seaport in Essex with an inland town twenty miles off, which already possessed railroad communication with London.

the activity of communicating; the activity of conveying information

From this reading MANY years ago, when railroads were not quite so common as they are now, and when no one knew how completely they would change the face of old England and the habits and manners of her children, some workmen from Birmingham were employed in laying the rails of a line which was to connect a certain small seaport in Essex with an inland town twenty miles off, which already possessed railroad communication with London.

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

From this reading MANY years ago, when railroads were not quite so common as they are now, and when no one knew how completely they would change the face of old England and the habits and manners of her children, some workmen from Birmingham were employed in laying the rails of a line which was to connect a certain small seaport in Essex with an inland town twenty miles off, which already possessed railroad communication with London.

connect, fasten, or put together two or more pieces

From this reading MANY years ago, when railroads were not quite so common as they are now, and when no one knew how completely they would change the face of old England and the habits and manners of her children, some workmen from Birmingham were employed in laying the rails of a line which was to connect a certain small seaport in Essex with an inland town twenty miles off, which already possessed railroad communication with London.

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

From this reading AUTHOR OF "KARL KRAPP'S LITTLE MAIDENS;" "LIFE STORY OF CLARICE EGERTON;" "RALPH TRULOCK'S CHRISTMAS ROSES."

having your services engaged for; or having a job especially one that pays wages or a salary

From this reading MANY years ago, when railroads were not quite so common as they are now, and when no one knew how completely they would change the face of old England and the habits and manners of her children, some workmen from Birmingham were employed in laying the rails of a line which was to connect a certain small seaport in Essex with an inland town twenty miles off, which already possessed railroad communication with London.

a division of the United Kingdom

From this reading MANY years ago, when railroads were not quite so common as they are now, and when no one knew how completely they would change the face of old England and the habits and manners of her children, some workmen from Birmingham were employed in laying the rails of a line which was to connect a certain small seaport in Essex with an inland town twenty miles off, which already possessed railroad communication with London.

a county in southeastern England on the North Sea and the Thames estuary

From this reading MANY years ago, when railroads were not quite so common as they are now, and when no one knew how completely they would change the face of old England and the habits and manners of her children, some workmen from Birmingham were employed in laying the rails of a line which was to connect a certain small seaport in Essex with an inland town twenty miles off, which already possessed railroad communication with London.

the front of the human head from the forehead to the chin and ear to ear

From this reading MANY years ago, when railroads were not quite so common as they are now, and when no one knew how completely they would change the face of old England and the habits and manners of her children, some workmen from Birmingham were employed in laying the rails of a line which was to connect a certain small seaport in Essex with an inland town twenty miles off, which already possessed railroad communication with London.

showing where something starts, or who sent it

From this reading MANY years ago, when railroads were not quite so common as they are now, and when no one knew how completely they would change the face of old England and the habits and manners of her children, some workmen from Birmingham were employed in laying the rails of a line which was to connect a certain small seaport in Essex with an inland town twenty miles off, which already possessed railroad communication with London.

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

From this reading FROME, AND LONDON.

plural of “habit” — an established custom

From this reading MANY years ago, when railroads were not quite so common as they are now, and when no one knew how completely they would change the face of old England and the habits and manners of her children, some workmen from Birmingham were employed in laying the rails of a line which was to connect a certain small seaport in Essex with an inland town twenty miles off, which already possessed railroad communication with London.

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

From this reading MANY years ago, when railroads were not quite so common as they are now, and when no one knew how completely they would change the face of old England and the habits and manners of her children, some workmen from Birmingham were employed in laying the rails of a line which was to connect a certain small seaport in Essex with an inland town twenty miles off, which already possessed railroad communication with London.

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

From this reading MANY years ago, when railroads were not quite so common as they are now, and when no one knew how completely they would change the face of old England and the habits and manners of her children, some workmen from Birmingham were employed in laying the rails of a line which was to connect a certain small seaport in Essex with an inland town twenty miles off, which already possessed railroad communication with London.

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

From this reading MANY years ago, when railroads were not quite so common as they are now, and when no one knew how completely they would change the face of old England and the habits and manners of her children, some workmen from Birmingham were employed in laying the rails of a line which was to connect a certain small seaport in Essex with an inland town twenty miles off, which already possessed railroad communication with London.

situated away from an area's coast or border

From this reading MANY years ago, when railroads were not quite so common as they are now, and when no one knew how completely they would change the face of old England and the habits and manners of her children, some workmen from Birmingham were employed in laying the rails of a line which was to connect a certain small seaport in Essex with an inland town twenty miles off, which already possessed railroad communication with London.

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

From this reading AUTHOR OF "KARL KRAPP'S LITTLE MAIDENS;" "LIFE STORY OF CLARICE EGERTON;" "RALPH TRULOCK'S CHRISTMAS ROSES."

inflected form of “know” — be cognizant or aware of a fact or a specific piece of information; possess knowledge or information about

From this reading MANY years ago, when railroads were not quite so common as they are now, and when no one knew how completely they would change the face of old England and the habits and manners of her children, some workmen from Birmingham were employed in laying the rails of a line which was to connect a certain small seaport in Essex with an inland town twenty miles off, which already possessed railroad communication with London.

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

From this reading AUTHOR OF "KARL KRAPP'S LITTLE MAIDENS;" "LIFE STORY OF CLARICE EGERTON;" "RALPH TRULOCK'S CHRISTMAS ROSES."

the production of eggs (especially in birds)

From this reading MANY years ago, when railroads were not quite so common as they are now, and when no one knew how completely they would change the face of old England and the habits and manners of her children, some workmen from Birmingham were employed in laying the rails of a line which was to connect a certain small seaport in Essex with an inland town twenty miles off, which already possessed railroad communication with London.

a characteristic state or mode of living

From this reading AUTHOR OF "KARL KRAPP'S LITTLE MAIDENS;" "LIFE STORY OF CLARICE EGERTON;" "RALPH TRULOCK'S CHRISTMAS ROSES."

a formation of people or things one beside another

From this reading MANY years ago, when railroads were not quite so common as they are now, and when no one knew how completely they would change the face of old England and the habits and manners of her children, some workmen from Birmingham were employed in laying the rails of a line which was to connect a certain small seaport in Essex with an inland town twenty miles off, which already possessed railroad communication with London.

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

From this reading AUTHOR OF "KARL KRAPP'S LITTLE MAIDENS;" "LIFE STORY OF CLARICE EGERTON;" "RALPH TRULOCK'S CHRISTMAS ROSES."

the capital and largest city of England; located on the Thames in southeastern England; financial and industrial and cultural center

From this reading FROME, AND LONDON.

plural of “maiden” — an unmarried girl (especially a virgin)

From this reading AUTHOR OF "KARL KRAPP'S LITTLE MAIDENS;" "LIFE STORY OF CLARICE EGERTON;" "RALPH TRULOCK'S CHRISTMAS ROSES."

social deportment

From this reading MANY years ago, when railroads were not quite so common as they are now, and when no one knew how completely they would change the face of old England and the habits and manners of her children, some workmen from Birmingham were employed in laying the rails of a line which was to connect a certain small seaport in Essex with an inland town twenty miles off, which already possessed railroad communication with London.

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 MANY years ago, when railroads were not quite so common as they are now, and when no one knew how completely they would change the face of old England and the habits and manners of her children, some workmen from Birmingham were employed in laying the rails of a line which was to connect a certain small seaport in Essex with an inland town twenty miles off, which already possessed railroad communication with London.

plural of “mile” — a unit of length equal to 1,760 yards or 5,280 feet; exactly 1609.344 meters

From this reading MANY years ago, when railroads were not quite so common as they are now, and when no one knew how completely they would change the face of old England and the habits and manners of her children, some workmen from Birmingham were employed in laying the rails of a line which was to connect a certain small seaport in Essex with an inland town twenty miles off, which already possessed railroad communication with London.

not any; not one

From this reading MANY years ago, when railroads were not quite so common as they are now, and when no one knew how completely they would change the face of old England and the habits and manners of her children, some workmen from Birmingham were employed in laying the rails of a line which was to connect a certain small seaport in Essex with an inland town twenty miles off, which already possessed railroad communication with London.

used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative

From this reading MANY years ago, when railroads were not quite so common as they are now, and when no one knew how completely they would change the face of old England and the habits and manners of her children, some workmen from Birmingham were employed in laying the rails of a line which was to connect a certain small seaport in Essex with an inland town twenty miles off, which already possessed railroad communication with London.

in the historical present; at this point in the narration of a series of past events

From this reading MANY years ago, when railroads were not quite so common as they are now, and when no one knew how completely they would change the face of old England and the habits and manners of her children, some workmen from Birmingham were employed in laying the rails of a line which was to connect a certain small seaport in Essex with an inland town twenty miles off, which already possessed railroad communication with London.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading AUTHOR OF "KARL KRAPP'S LITTLE MAIDENS;" "LIFE STORY OF CLARICE EGERTON;" "RALPH TRULOCK'S CHRISTMAS ROSES."

from a particular thing or place or position (“forth” is obsolete)

From this reading MANY years ago, when railroads were not quite so common as they are now, and when no one knew how completely they would change the face of old England and the habits and manners of her children, some workmen from Birmingham were employed in laying the rails of a line which was to connect a certain small seaport in Essex with an inland town twenty miles off, which already possessed railroad communication with London.

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

From this reading MANY years ago, when railroads were not quite so common as they are now, and when no one knew how completely they would change the face of old England and the habits and manners of her children, some workmen from Birmingham were employed in laying the rails of a line which was to connect a certain small seaport in Essex with an inland town twenty miles off, which already possessed railroad communication with London.

used to mean any person in general, including the speaker

From this reading MANY years ago, when railroads were not quite so common as they are now, and when no one knew how completely they would change the face of old England and the habits and manners of her children, some workmen from Birmingham were employed in laying the rails of a line which was to connect a certain small seaport in Essex with an inland town twenty miles off, which already possessed railroad communication with London.

influenced or controlled by a powerful force such as a strong emotion

From this reading MANY years ago, when railroads were not quite so common as they are now, and when no one knew how completely they would change the face of old England and the habits and manners of her children, some workmen from Birmingham were employed in laying the rails of a line which was to connect a certain small seaport in Essex with an inland town twenty miles off, which already possessed railroad communication with London.

text handwritten in the style of printed matter

From this reading THE SELWOOD PRINTING WORKS.

to a degree (not used with a negative)

From this reading MANY years ago, when railroads were not quite so common as they are now, and when no one knew how completely they would change the face of old England and the habits and manners of her children, some workmen from Birmingham were employed in laying the rails of a line which was to connect a certain small seaport in Essex with an inland town twenty miles off, which already possessed railroad communication with London.

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

From this reading MANY years ago, when railroads were not quite so common as they are now, and when no one knew how completely they would change the face of old England and the habits and manners of her children, some workmen from Birmingham were employed in laying the rails of a line which was to connect a certain small seaport in Essex with an inland town twenty miles off, which already possessed railroad communication with London.

plural of “railroad” — line that is the commercial organization responsible for operating a system of transportation for trains that pull passengers or freight

From this reading MANY years ago, when railroads were not quite so common as they are now, and when no one knew how completely they would change the face of old England and the habits and manners of her children, some workmen from Birmingham were employed in laying the rails of a line which was to connect a certain small seaport in Essex with an inland town twenty miles off, which already possessed railroad communication with London.

a bar or pair of parallel bars of rolled steel making the railway along which railroad cars or other vehicles can roll

From this reading MANY years ago, when railroads were not quite so common as they are now, and when no one knew how completely they would change the face of old England and the habits and manners of her children, some workmen from Birmingham were employed in laying the rails of a line which was to connect a certain small seaport in Essex with an inland town twenty miles off, which already possessed railroad communication with London.

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

From this reading AUTHOR OF "KARL KRAPP'S LITTLE MAIDENS;" "LIFE STORY OF CLARICE EGERTON;" "RALPH TRULOCK'S CHRISTMAS ROSES."

plural of “rose” — any of many shrubs of the genus Rosa that bear roses

From this reading AUTHOR OF "KARL KRAPP'S LITTLE MAIDENS;" "LIFE STORY OF CLARICE EGERTON;" "RALPH TRULOCK'S CHRISTMAS ROSES."

a sheltered port where ships can take on or discharge cargo

From this reading MANY years ago, when railroads were not quite so common as they are now, and when no one knew how completely they would change the face of old England and the habits and manners of her children, some workmen from Birmingham were employed in laying the rails of a line which was to connect a certain small seaport in Essex with an inland town twenty miles off, which already possessed railroad communication with London.

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

From this reading THE SELWOOD PRINTING WORKS.

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

From this reading MANY years ago, when railroads were not quite so common as they are now, and when no one knew how completely they would change the face of old England and the habits and manners of her children, some workmen from Birmingham were employed in laying the rails of a line which was to connect a certain small seaport in Essex with an inland town twenty miles off, which already possessed railroad communication with London.

for that reason; with the result that

From this reading MANY years ago, when railroads were not quite so common as they are now, and when no one knew how completely they would change the face of old England and the habits and manners of her children, some workmen from Birmingham were employed in laying the rails of a line which was to connect a certain small seaport in Essex with an inland town twenty miles off, which already possessed railroad communication with London.

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

From this reading MANY years ago, when railroads were not quite so common as they are now, and when no one knew how completely they would change the face of old England and the habits and manners of her children, some workmen from Birmingham were employed in laying the rails of a line which was to connect a certain small seaport in Essex with an inland town twenty miles off, which already possessed railroad communication with London.

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 AUTHOR OF "KARL KRAPP'S LITTLE MAIDENS;" "LIFE STORY OF CLARICE EGERTON;" "RALPH TRULOCK'S CHRISTMAS ROSES."

a small coin of the United Kingdom worth six pennies; not minted since 1970

From this reading BUTLER & TANNER.

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

From this reading THE SELWOOD PRINTING WORKS.

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

From this reading MANY years ago, when railroads were not quite so common as they are now, and when no one knew how completely they would change the face of old England and the habits and manners of her children, some workmen from Birmingham were employed in laying the rails of a line which was to connect a certain small seaport in Essex with an inland town twenty miles off, which already possessed railroad communication with London.

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

From this reading MANY years ago, when railroads were not quite so common as they are now, and when no one knew how completely they would change the face of old England and the habits and manners of her children, some workmen from Birmingham were employed in laying the rails of a line which was to connect a certain small seaport in Essex with an inland town twenty miles off, which already possessed railroad communication with London.

an urban area with a fixed boundary that is smaller than a city

From this reading MANY years ago, when railroads were not quite so common as they are now, and when no one knew how completely they would change the face of old England and the habits and manners of her children, some workmen from Birmingham were employed in laying the rails of a line which was to connect a certain small seaport in Essex with an inland town twenty miles off, which already possessed railroad communication with London.

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

From this reading AUTHOR OF "KARL KRAPP'S LITTLE MAIDENS;" "LIFE STORY OF CLARICE EGERTON;" "RALPH TRULOCK'S CHRISTMAS ROSES."

the cardinal number that is the sum of nineteen and one

From this reading MANY years ago, when railroads were not quite so common as they are now, and when no one knew how completely they would change the face of old England and the habits and manners of her children, some workmen from Birmingham were employed in laying the rails of a line which was to connect a certain small seaport in Essex with an inland town twenty miles off, which already possessed railroad communication with London.

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

From this reading MANY years ago, when railroads were not quite so common as they are now, and when no one knew how completely they would change the face of old England and the habits and manners of her children, some workmen from Birmingham were employed in laying the rails of a line which was to connect a certain small seaport in Essex with an inland town twenty miles off, which already possessed railroad communication with London.

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

From this reading MANY years ago, when railroads were not quite so common as they are now, and when no one knew how completely they would change the face of old England and the habits and manners of her children, some workmen from Birmingham were employed in laying the rails of a line which was to connect a certain small seaport in Essex with an inland town twenty miles off, which already possessed railroad communication with London.

at the time that

From this reading MANY years ago, when railroads were not quite so common as they are now, and when no one knew how completely they would change the face of old England and the habits and manners of her children, some workmen from Birmingham were employed in laying the rails of a line which was to connect a certain small seaport in Essex with an inland town twenty miles off, which already possessed railroad communication with London.

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

From this reading MANY years ago, when railroads were not quite so common as they are now, and when no one knew how completely they would change the face of old England and the habits and manners of her children, some workmen from Birmingham were employed in laying the rails of a line which was to connect a certain small seaport in Essex with an inland town twenty miles off, which already possessed railroad communication with London.

in the company of; together with

From this reading MANY years ago, when railroads were not quite so common as they are now, and when no one knew how completely they would change the face of old England and the habits and manners of her children, some workmen from Birmingham were employed in laying the rails of a line which was to connect a certain small seaport in Essex with an inland town twenty miles off, which already possessed railroad communication with London.

plural of “workman” — an employee who performs manual or industrial labor

From this reading MANY years ago, when railroads were not quite so common as they are now, and when no one knew how completely they would change the face of old England and the habits and manners of her children, some workmen from Birmingham were employed in laying the rails of a line which was to connect a certain small seaport in Essex with an inland town twenty miles off, which already possessed railroad communication with London.

buildings for carrying on industrial labor

From this reading THE SELWOOD PRINTING WORKS.

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

From this reading MANY years ago, when railroads were not quite so common as they are now, and when no one knew how completely they would change the face of old England and the habits and manners of her children, some workmen from Birmingham were employed in laying the rails of a line which was to connect a certain small seaport in Essex with an inland town twenty miles off, which already possessed railroad communication with London.

a late time of life

From this reading MANY years ago, when railroads were not quite so common as they are now, and when no one knew how completely they would change the face of old England and the habits and manners of her children, some workmen from Birmingham were employed in laying the rails of a line which was to connect a certain small seaport in Essex with an inland town twenty miles off, which already possessed railroad communication with London.