Chapter XVIII

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

From this reading It was in the rapids just above the cataract--and poor Jim could not swim a stroke.

(usually followed by “to”) having the necessary means or skill or know-how or authority to do something

From this reading Helpless, terrified, gasping, he floated to destruction, and Jennie Woodruff was not able to lift a hand to help him.

higher than, or over, something

From this reading It was in the rapids just above the cataract--and poor Jim could not swim a stroke.

(of actions or states) slightly short of or not quite accomplished; all but

From this reading To see any human being swept to such an end is dreadful, but for a county superintendent to witness the drowning of one of her best--though sometimes it must be confessed most insubordinate--teachers, under such circumstances, is unspeakable; and when that teacher is a young man who was once that county superintendent's sweetheart, and falls in, clothed in a new made-to-order suit in which he looks almost handsome despite his manifest discomfort in his new cravat and starched collar, the experience is something almost impossible to endure.

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

From this reading JIM GOES TO AMES The boat tipped over, and Jim Irwin was left struggling in the water.

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

From this reading To see any human being swept to such an end is dreadful, but for a county superintendent to witness the drowning of one of her best--though sometimes it must be confessed most insubordinate--teachers, under such circumstances, is unspeakable; and when that teacher is a young man who was once that county superintendent's sweetheart, and falls in, clothed in a new made-to-order suit in which he looks almost handsome despite his manifest discomfort in his new cravat and starched collar, the experience is something almost impossible to endure.

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

From this reading JIM GOES TO AMES The boat tipped over, and Jim Irwin was left struggling in the water.

one or some or every or all without specification

From this reading To see any human being swept to such an end is dreadful, but for a county superintendent to witness the drowning of one of her best--though sometimes it must be confessed most insubordinate--teachers, under such circumstances, is unspeakable; and when that teacher is a young man who was once that county superintendent's sweetheart, and falls in, clothed in a new made-to-order suit in which he looks almost handsome despite his manifest discomfort in his new cravat and starched collar, the experience is something almost impossible to endure.

used with a past participle to form the passive, or with -ing for continuous tenses

From this reading To see any human being swept to such an end is dreadful, but for a county superintendent to witness the drowning of one of her best--though sometimes it must be confessed most insubordinate--teachers, under such circumstances, is unspeakable; and when that teacher is a young man who was once that county superintendent's sweetheart, and falls in, clothed in a new made-to-order suit in which he looks almost handsome despite his manifest discomfort in his new cravat and starched collar, the experience is something almost impossible to endure.

the -ing form of “be”

From this reading To see any human being swept to such an end is dreadful, but for a county superintendent to witness the drowning of one of her best--though sometimes it must be confessed most insubordinate--teachers, under such circumstances, is unspeakable; and when that teacher is a young man who was once that county superintendent's sweetheart, and falls in, clothed in a new made-to-order suit in which he looks almost handsome despite his manifest discomfort in his new cravat and starched collar, the experience is something almost impossible to endure.

the supreme effort one can make

From this reading To see any human being swept to such an end is dreadful, but for a county superintendent to witness the drowning of one of her best--though sometimes it must be confessed most insubordinate--teachers, under such circumstances, is unspeakable; and when that teacher is a young man who was once that county superintendent's sweetheart, and falls in, clothed in a new made-to-order suit in which he looks almost handsome despite his manifest discomfort in his new cravat and starched collar, the experience is something almost impossible to endure.

a small vessel for travel on water

From this reading JIM GOES TO AMES The boat tipped over, and Jim Irwin was left struggling in the water.

used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before

From this reading To see any human being swept to such an end is dreadful, but for a county superintendent to witness the drowning of one of her best--though sometimes it must be confessed most insubordinate--teachers, under such circumstances, is unspeakable; and when that teacher is a young man who was once that county superintendent's sweetheart, and falls in, clothed in a new made-to-order suit in which he looks almost handsome despite his manifest discomfort in his new cravat and starched collar, the experience is something almost impossible to endure.

an eye disease that involves the clouding or opacification of the natural lens of the eye

From this reading It was in the rapids just above the cataract--and poor Jim could not swim a stroke.

your overall circumstances or condition in life (including everything that happens to you)

From this reading To see any human being swept to such an end is dreadful, but for a county superintendent to witness the drowning of one of her best--though sometimes it must be confessed most insubordinate--teachers, under such circumstances, is unspeakable; and when that teacher is a young man who was once that county superintendent's sweetheart, and falls in, clothed in a new made-to-order suit in which he looks almost handsome despite his manifest discomfort in his new cravat and starched collar, the experience is something almost impossible to endure.

wearing or provided with clothing; sometimes used in combination

From this reading To see any human being swept to such an end is dreadful, but for a county superintendent to witness the drowning of one of her best--though sometimes it must be confessed most insubordinate--teachers, under such circumstances, is unspeakable; and when that teacher is a young man who was once that county superintendent's sweetheart, and falls in, clothed in a new made-to-order suit in which he looks almost handsome despite his manifest discomfort in his new cravat and starched collar, the experience is something almost impossible to endure.

a band that fits around the neck and is usually folded over

From this reading To see any human being swept to such an end is dreadful, but for a county superintendent to witness the drowning of one of her best--though sometimes it must be confessed most insubordinate--teachers, under such circumstances, is unspeakable; and when that teacher is a young man who was once that county superintendent's sweetheart, and falls in, clothed in a new made-to-order suit in which he looks almost handsome despite his manifest discomfort in his new cravat and starched collar, the experience is something almost impossible to endure.

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

From this reading To see any human being swept to such an end is dreadful, but for a county superintendent to witness the drowning of one of her best--though sometimes it must be confessed most insubordinate--teachers, under such circumstances, is unspeakable; and when that teacher is a young man who was once that county superintendent's sweetheart, and falls in, clothed in a new made-to-order suit in which he looks almost handsome despite his manifest discomfort in his new cravat and starched collar, the experience is something almost impossible to endure.

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

From this reading It was in the rapids just above the cataract--and poor Jim could not swim a stroke.

(United Kingdom) a region created by territorial division for the purpose of local government

From this reading To see any human being swept to such an end is dreadful, but for a county superintendent to witness the drowning of one of her best--though sometimes it must be confessed most insubordinate--teachers, under such circumstances, is unspeakable; and when that teacher is a young man who was once that county superintendent's sweetheart, and falls in, clothed in a new made-to-order suit in which he looks almost handsome despite his manifest discomfort in his new cravat and starched collar, the experience is something almost impossible to endure.

A short, wide strip of silk fabric worn by gentlemen around the neck inside an open-collared shirt.

From this reading To see any human being swept to such an end is dreadful, but for a county superintendent to witness the drowning of one of her best--though sometimes it must be confessed most insubordinate--teachers, under such circumstances, is unspeakable; and when that teacher is a young man who was once that county superintendent's sweetheart, and falls in, clothed in a new made-to-order suit in which he looks almost handsome despite his manifest discomfort in his new cravat and starched collar, the experience is something almost impossible to endure.

although something is true; in spite of

From this reading To see any human being swept to such an end is dreadful, but for a county superintendent to witness the drowning of one of her best--though sometimes it must be confessed most insubordinate--teachers, under such circumstances, is unspeakable; and when that teacher is a young man who was once that county superintendent's sweetheart, and falls in, clothed in a new made-to-order suit in which he looks almost handsome despite his manifest discomfort in his new cravat and starched collar, the experience is something almost impossible to endure.

the termination of something by causing so much damage to it that it cannot be repaired or no longer exists

From this reading Helpless, terrified, gasping, he floated to destruction, and Jennie Woodruff was not able to lift a hand to help him.

the state of being tense and feeling pain

From this reading To see any human being swept to such an end is dreadful, but for a county superintendent to witness the drowning of one of her best--though sometimes it must be confessed most insubordinate--teachers, under such circumstances, is unspeakable; and when that teacher is a young man who was once that county superintendent's sweetheart, and falls in, clothed in a new made-to-order suit in which he looks almost handsome despite his manifest discomfort in his new cravat and starched collar, the experience is something almost impossible to endure.

causing fear or dread or terror

From this reading To see any human being swept to such an end is dreadful, but for a county superintendent to witness the drowning of one of her best--though sometimes it must be confessed most insubordinate--teachers, under such circumstances, is unspeakable; and when that teacher is a young man who was once that county superintendent's sweetheart, and falls in, clothed in a new made-to-order suit in which he looks almost handsome despite his manifest discomfort in his new cravat and starched collar, the experience is something almost impossible to endure.

-ing form of “drown” — cover completely or make imperceptible

From this reading To see any human being swept to such an end is dreadful, but for a county superintendent to witness the drowning of one of her best--though sometimes it must be confessed most insubordinate--teachers, under such circumstances, is unspeakable; and when that teacher is a young man who was once that county superintendent's sweetheart, and falls in, clothed in a new made-to-order suit in which he looks almost handsome despite his manifest discomfort in his new cravat and starched collar, the experience is something almost impossible to endure.

either extremity of something that has length

From this reading To see any human being swept to such an end is dreadful, but for a county superintendent to witness the drowning of one of her best--though sometimes it must be confessed most insubordinate--teachers, under such circumstances, is unspeakable; and when that teacher is a young man who was once that county superintendent's sweetheart, and falls in, clothed in a new made-to-order suit in which he looks almost handsome despite his manifest discomfort in his new cravat and starched collar, the experience is something almost impossible to endure.

put up with something or somebody unpleasant

From this reading To see any human being swept to such an end is dreadful, but for a county superintendent to witness the drowning of one of her best--though sometimes it must be confessed most insubordinate--teachers, under such circumstances, is unspeakable; and when that teacher is a young man who was once that county superintendent's sweetheart, and falls in, clothed in a new made-to-order suit in which he looks almost handsome despite his manifest discomfort in his new cravat and starched collar, the experience is something almost impossible to endure.

undergo or live through a difficult experience

From this reading To see any human being swept to such an end is dreadful, but for a county superintendent to witness the drowning of one of her best--though sometimes it must be confessed most insubordinate--teachers, under such circumstances, is unspeakable; and when that teacher is a young man who was once that county superintendent's sweetheart, and falls in, clothed in a new made-to-order suit in which he looks almost handsome despite his manifest discomfort in his new cravat and starched collar, the experience is something almost impossible to endure.

the petals or sepals of a flower that bend downward (especially the outer perianth of an iris)

From this reading To see any human being swept to such an end is dreadful, but for a county superintendent to witness the drowning of one of her best--though sometimes it must be confessed most insubordinate--teachers, under such circumstances, is unspeakable; and when that teacher is a young man who was once that county superintendent's sweetheart, and falls in, clothed in a new made-to-order suit in which he looks almost handsome despite his manifest discomfort in his new cravat and starched collar, the experience is something almost impossible to endure.

past form of “float” — be in motion due to some air or water current

From this reading Helpless, terrified, gasping, he floated to destruction, and Jennie Woodruff was not able to lift a hand to help him.

intended to be given to, or used by, somebody

From this reading To see any human being swept to such an end is dreadful, but for a county superintendent to witness the drowning of one of her best--though sometimes it must be confessed most insubordinate--teachers, under such circumstances, is unspeakable; and when that teacher is a young man who was once that county superintendent's sweetheart, and falls in, clothed in a new made-to-order suit in which he looks almost handsome despite his manifest discomfort in his new cravat and starched collar, the experience is something almost impossible to endure.

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

From this reading Helpless, terrified, gasping, he floated to destruction, and Jennie Woodruff was not able to lift a hand to help him.

plural of “go” — a time period for working (after which you will be relieved by someone else)

From this reading JIM GOES TO AMES The boat tipped over, and Jim Irwin was left struggling in the water.

inflected form of “grip” — hold fast or firmly

From this reading That is why Jennie gripped her seat until she must have scratched the varnish.

the (prehensile) extremity of the superior limb

From this reading Helpless, terrified, gasping, he floated to destruction, and Jennie Woodruff was not able to lift a hand to help him.

pleasing in appearance especially by reason of conformity to ideals of form and proportion

From this reading To see any human being swept to such an end is dreadful, but for a county superintendent to witness the drowning of one of her best--though sometimes it must be confessed most insubordinate--teachers, under such circumstances, is unspeakable; and when that teacher is a young man who was once that county superintendent's sweetheart, and falls in, clothed in a new made-to-order suit in which he looks almost handsome despite his manifest discomfort in his new cravat and starched collar, the experience is something almost impossible to endure.

used with a past participle to form the perfect tenses

From this reading That is why Jennie gripped her seat until she must have scratched the varnish.

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

From this reading Helpless, terrified, gasping, he floated to destruction, and Jennie Woodruff was not able to lift a hand to help him.

give help or assistance; be of service

From this reading Helpless, terrified, gasping, he floated to destruction, and Jennie Woodruff was not able to lift a hand to help him.

lacking in or deprived of strength or power

From this reading Helpless, terrified, gasping, he floated to destruction, and Jennie Woodruff was not able to lift a hand to help him.

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

From this reading To see any human being swept to such an end is dreadful, but for a county superintendent to witness the drowning of one of her best--though sometimes it must be confessed most insubordinate--teachers, under such circumstances, is unspeakable; and when that teacher is a young man who was once that county superintendent's sweetheart, and falls in, clothed in a new made-to-order suit in which he looks almost handsome despite his manifest discomfort in his new cravat and starched collar, the experience is something almost impossible to endure.

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

From this reading Helpless, terrified, gasping, he floated to destruction, and Jennie Woodruff was not able to lift a hand to help him.

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

From this reading To see any human being swept to such an end is dreadful, but for a county superintendent to witness the drowning of one of her best--though sometimes it must be confessed most insubordinate--teachers, under such circumstances, is unspeakable; and when that teacher is a young man who was once that county superintendent's sweetheart, and falls in, clothed in a new made-to-order suit in which he looks almost handsome despite his manifest discomfort in his new cravat and starched collar, the experience is something almost impossible to endure.

characteristic of humanity

From this reading To see any human being swept to such an end is dreadful, but for a county superintendent to witness the drowning of one of her best--though sometimes it must be confessed most insubordinate--teachers, under such circumstances, is unspeakable; and when that teacher is a young man who was once that county superintendent's sweetheart, and falls in, clothed in a new made-to-order suit in which he looks almost handsome despite his manifest discomfort in his new cravat and starched collar, the experience is something almost impossible to endure.

not capable of occurring or being accomplished or dealt with

From this reading To see any human being swept to such an end is dreadful, but for a county superintendent to witness the drowning of one of her best--though sometimes it must be confessed most insubordinate--teachers, under such circumstances, is unspeakable; and when that teacher is a young man who was once that county superintendent's sweetheart, and falls in, clothed in a new made-to-order suit in which he looks almost handsome despite his manifest discomfort in his new cravat and starched collar, the experience is something almost impossible to endure.

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

From this reading JIM GOES TO AMES The boat tipped over, and Jim Irwin was left struggling in the water.

not submissive to authority

From this reading To see any human being swept to such an end is dreadful, but for a county superintendent to witness the drowning of one of her best--though sometimes it must be confessed most insubordinate--teachers, under such circumstances, is unspeakable; and when that teacher is a young man who was once that county superintendent's sweetheart, and falls in, clothed in a new made-to-order suit in which he looks almost handsome despite his manifest discomfort in his new cravat and starched collar, the experience is something almost impossible to endure.

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

From this reading JIM GOES TO AMES The boat tipped over, and Jim Irwin was left struggling in the water.

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

From this reading To see any human being swept to such an end is dreadful, but for a county superintendent to witness the drowning of one of her best--though sometimes it must be confessed most insubordinate--teachers, under such circumstances, is unspeakable; and when that teacher is a young man who was once that county superintendent's sweetheart, and falls in, clothed in a new made-to-order suit in which he looks almost handsome despite his manifest discomfort in his new cravat and starched collar, the experience is something almost impossible to endure.

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading It was in the rapids just above the cataract--and poor Jim could not swim a stroke.

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

From this reading Helpless, terrified, gasping, he floated to destruction, and Jennie Woodruff was not able to lift a hand to help him.

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

From this reading JIM GOES TO AMES The boat tipped over, and Jim Irwin was left struggling in the water.

and nothing more

From this reading It was in the rapids just above the cataract--and poor Jim could not swim a stroke.

location near or direction toward the left side; i.e. the side to the north when a person or object faces east

From this reading JIM GOES TO AMES The boat tipped over, and Jim Irwin was left struggling in the water.

raise from a lower to a higher position

From this reading Helpless, terrified, gasping, he floated to destruction, and Jennie Woodruff was not able to lift a hand to help him.

plural of “look” — the feelings expressed on a person's face

From this reading To see any human being swept to such an end is dreadful, but for a county superintendent to witness the drowning of one of her best--though sometimes it must be confessed most insubordinate--teachers, under such circumstances, is unspeakable; and when that teacher is a young man who was once that county superintendent's sweetheart, and falls in, clothed in a new made-to-order suit in which he looks almost handsome despite his manifest discomfort in his new cravat and starched collar, the experience is something almost impossible to endure.

built for a particular individual

From this reading To see any human being swept to such an end is dreadful, but for a county superintendent to witness the drowning of one of her best--though sometimes it must be confessed most insubordinate--teachers, under such circumstances, is unspeakable; and when that teacher is a young man who was once that county superintendent's sweetheart, and falls in, clothed in a new made-to-order suit in which he looks almost handsome despite his manifest discomfort in his new cravat and starched collar, the experience is something almost impossible to endure.

an adult person who is male (as opposed to a woman)

From this reading To see any human being swept to such an end is dreadful, but for a county superintendent to witness the drowning of one of her best--though sometimes it must be confessed most insubordinate--teachers, under such circumstances, is unspeakable; and when that teacher is a young man who was once that county superintendent's sweetheart, and falls in, clothed in a new made-to-order suit in which he looks almost handsome despite his manifest discomfort in his new cravat and starched collar, the experience is something almost impossible to endure.

provide evidence for; stand as proof of; show by one's behavior, attitude, or external attributes

From this reading To see any human being swept to such an end is dreadful, but for a county superintendent to witness the drowning of one of her best--though sometimes it must be confessed most insubordinate--teachers, under such circumstances, is unspeakable; and when that teacher is a young man who was once that county superintendent's sweetheart, and falls in, clothed in a new made-to-order suit in which he looks almost handsome despite his manifest discomfort in his new cravat and starched collar, the experience is something almost impossible to endure.

used to form the superlative

From this reading To see any human being swept to such an end is dreadful, but for a county superintendent to witness the drowning of one of her best--though sometimes it must be confessed most insubordinate--teachers, under such circumstances, is unspeakable; and when that teacher is a young man who was once that county superintendent's sweetheart, and falls in, clothed in a new made-to-order suit in which he looks almost handsome despite his manifest discomfort in his new cravat and starched collar, the experience is something almost impossible to endure.

used to say something is necessary, or almost certainly true

From this reading To see any human being swept to such an end is dreadful, but for a county superintendent to witness the drowning of one of her best--though sometimes it must be confessed most insubordinate--teachers, under such circumstances, is unspeakable; and when that teacher is a young man who was once that county superintendent's sweetheart, and falls in, clothed in a new made-to-order suit in which he looks almost handsome despite his manifest discomfort in his new cravat and starched collar, the experience is something almost impossible to endure.

not of long duration; having just (or relatively recently) come into being or been made or acquired or discovered

From this reading To see any human being swept to such an end is dreadful, but for a county superintendent to witness the drowning of one of her best--though sometimes it must be confessed most insubordinate--teachers, under such circumstances, is unspeakable; and when that teacher is a young man who was once that county superintendent's sweetheart, and falls in, clothed in a new made-to-order suit in which he looks almost handsome despite his manifest discomfort in his new cravat and starched collar, the experience is something almost impossible to endure.

used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative

From this reading It was in the rapids just above the cataract--and poor Jim could not swim a stroke.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading To see any human being swept to such an end is dreadful, but for a county superintendent to witness the drowning of one of her best--though sometimes it must be confessed most insubordinate--teachers, under such circumstances, is unspeakable; and when that teacher is a young man who was once that county superintendent's sweetheart, and falls in, clothed in a new made-to-order suit in which he looks almost handsome despite his manifest discomfort in his new cravat and starched collar, the experience is something almost impossible to endure.

on one occasion

From this reading To see any human being swept to such an end is dreadful, but for a county superintendent to witness the drowning of one of her best--though sometimes it must be confessed most insubordinate--teachers, under such circumstances, is unspeakable; and when that teacher is a young man who was once that county superintendent's sweetheart, and falls in, clothed in a new made-to-order suit in which he looks almost handsome despite his manifest discomfort in his new cravat and starched collar, the experience is something almost impossible to endure.

used to mean any person in general, including the speaker

From this reading To see any human being swept to such an end is dreadful, but for a county superintendent to witness the drowning of one of her best--though sometimes it must be confessed most insubordinate--teachers, under such circumstances, is unspeakable; and when that teacher is a young man who was once that county superintendent's sweetheart, and falls in, clothed in a new made-to-order suit in which he looks almost handsome despite his manifest discomfort in his new cravat and starched collar, the experience is something almost impossible to endure.

above and across; more than

From this reading JIM GOES TO AMES The boat tipped over, and Jim Irwin was left struggling in the water.

deserving or inciting pity

From this reading It was in the rapids just above the cataract--and poor Jim could not swim a stroke.

plural of “rapid” — a part of a river where the current is very fast

From this reading It was in the rapids just above the cataract--and poor Jim could not swim a stroke.

past form of “scratch” — cause friction

From this reading That is why Jennie gripped her seat until she must have scratched the varnish.

a space reserved for sitting (as in a theater or on a train or airplane)

From this reading That is why Jennie gripped her seat until she must have scratched the varnish.

perceive by sight or have the power to perceive by sight

From this reading To see any human being swept to such an end is dreadful, but for a county superintendent to witness the drowning of one of her best--though sometimes it must be confessed most insubordinate--teachers, under such circumstances, is unspeakable; and when that teacher is a young man who was once that county superintendent's sweetheart, and falls in, clothed in a new made-to-order suit in which he looks almost handsome despite his manifest discomfort in his new cravat and starched collar, the experience is something almost impossible to endure.

a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned, as the subject

From this reading That is why Jennie gripped her seat until she must have scratched the varnish.

a thing, without saying which

From this reading To see any human being swept to such an end is dreadful, but for a county superintendent to witness the drowning of one of her best--though sometimes it must be confessed most insubordinate--teachers, under such circumstances, is unspeakable; and when that teacher is a young man who was once that county superintendent's sweetheart, and falls in, clothed in a new made-to-order suit in which he looks almost handsome despite his manifest discomfort in his new cravat and starched collar, the experience is something almost impossible to endure.

on certain occasions or in certain cases but not always

From this reading To see any human being swept to such an end is dreadful, but for a county superintendent to witness the drowning of one of her best--though sometimes it must be confessed most insubordinate--teachers, under such circumstances, is unspeakable; and when that teacher is a young man who was once that county superintendent's sweetheart, and falls in, clothed in a new made-to-order suit in which he looks almost handsome despite his manifest discomfort in his new cravat and starched collar, the experience is something almost impossible to endure.

past form of “starch” — stiffen with starch

From this reading To see any human being swept to such an end is dreadful, but for a county superintendent to witness the drowning of one of her best--though sometimes it must be confessed most insubordinate--teachers, under such circumstances, is unspeakable; and when that teacher is a young man who was once that county superintendent's sweetheart, and falls in, clothed in a new made-to-order suit in which he looks almost handsome despite his manifest discomfort in his new cravat and starched collar, the experience is something almost impossible to endure.

(sports) the act of swinging or striking at a ball with a club or racket or bat or cue or hand

From this reading It was in the rapids just above the cataract--and poor Jim could not swim a stroke.

engaged in a struggle to overcome especially poverty or obscurity

From this reading JIM GOES TO AMES The boat tipped over, and Jim Irwin was left struggling in the water.

of the kind already mentioned

From this reading To see any human being swept to such an end is dreadful, but for a county superintendent to witness the drowning of one of her best--though sometimes it must be confessed most insubordinate--teachers, under such circumstances, is unspeakable; and when that teacher is a young man who was once that county superintendent's sweetheart, and falls in, clothed in a new made-to-order suit in which he looks almost handsome despite his manifest discomfort in his new cravat and starched collar, the experience is something almost impossible to endure.

be agreeable or acceptable to

From this reading To see any human being swept to such an end is dreadful, but for a county superintendent to witness the drowning of one of her best--though sometimes it must be confessed most insubordinate--teachers, under such circumstances, is unspeakable; and when that teacher is a young man who was once that county superintendent's sweetheart, and falls in, clothed in a new made-to-order suit in which he looks almost handsome despite his manifest discomfort in his new cravat and starched collar, the experience is something almost impossible to endure.

a person who directs and manages an organization

From this reading To see any human being swept to such an end is dreadful, but for a county superintendent to witness the drowning of one of her best--though sometimes it must be confessed most insubordinate--teachers, under such circumstances, is unspeakable; and when that teacher is a young man who was once that county superintendent's sweetheart, and falls in, clothed in a new made-to-order suit in which he looks almost handsome despite his manifest discomfort in his new cravat and starched collar, the experience is something almost impossible to endure.

possessive form of “superintendent” — a person who directs and manages an organization

From this reading To see any human being swept to such an end is dreadful, but for a county superintendent to witness the drowning of one of her best--though sometimes it must be confessed most insubordinate--teachers, under such circumstances, is unspeakable; and when that teacher is a young man who was once that county superintendent's sweetheart, and falls in, clothed in a new made-to-order suit in which he looks almost handsome despite his manifest discomfort in his new cravat and starched collar, the experience is something almost impossible to endure.

a person loved by another person

From this reading To see any human being swept to such an end is dreadful, but for a county superintendent to witness the drowning of one of her best--though sometimes it must be confessed most insubordinate--teachers, under such circumstances, is unspeakable; and when that teacher is a young man who was once that county superintendent's sweetheart, and falls in, clothed in a new made-to-order suit in which he looks almost handsome despite his manifest discomfort in his new cravat and starched collar, the experience is something almost impossible to endure.

possessing sweep

From this reading To see any human being swept to such an end is dreadful, but for a county superintendent to witness the drowning of one of her best--though sometimes it must be confessed most insubordinate--teachers, under such circumstances, is unspeakable; and when that teacher is a young man who was once that county superintendent's sweetheart, and falls in, clothed in a new made-to-order suit in which he looks almost handsome despite his manifest discomfort in his new cravat and starched collar, the experience is something almost impossible to endure.

travel through water

From this reading It was in the rapids just above the cataract--and poor Jim could not swim a stroke.

a person whose occupation is teaching

From this reading To see any human being swept to such an end is dreadful, but for a county superintendent to witness the drowning of one of her best--though sometimes it must be confessed most insubordinate--teachers, under such circumstances, is unspeakable; and when that teacher is a young man who was once that county superintendent's sweetheart, and falls in, clothed in a new made-to-order suit in which he looks almost handsome despite his manifest discomfort in his new cravat and starched collar, the experience is something almost impossible to endure.

plural of “teacher” — a person whose occupation is teaching

From this reading To see any human being swept to such an end is dreadful, but for a county superintendent to witness the drowning of one of her best--though sometimes it must be confessed most insubordinate--teachers, under such circumstances, is unspeakable; and when that teacher is a young man who was once that county superintendent's sweetheart, and falls in, clothed in a new made-to-order suit in which he looks almost handsome despite his manifest discomfort in his new cravat and starched collar, the experience is something almost impossible to endure.

thrown into a state of intense fear or desperation

From this reading Helpless, terrified, gasping, he floated to destruction, and Jennie Woodruff was not able to lift a hand to help him.

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading To see any human being swept to such an end is dreadful, but for a county superintendent to witness the drowning of one of her best--though sometimes it must be confessed most insubordinate--teachers, under such circumstances, is unspeakable; and when that teacher is a young man who was once that county superintendent's sweetheart, and falls in, clothed in a new made-to-order suit in which he looks almost handsome despite his manifest discomfort in his new cravat and starched collar, the experience is something almost impossible to endure.

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

From this reading JIM GOES TO AMES The boat tipped over, and Jim Irwin was left struggling in the water.

in spite of the fact that

From this reading To see any human being swept to such an end is dreadful, but for a county superintendent to witness the drowning of one of her best--though sometimes it must be confessed most insubordinate--teachers, under such circumstances, is unspeakable; and when that teacher is a young man who was once that county superintendent's sweetheart, and falls in, clothed in a new made-to-order suit in which he looks almost handsome despite his manifest discomfort in his new cravat and starched collar, the experience is something almost impossible to endure.

having a tip; or having a tip as specified (used in combination)

From this reading JIM GOES TO AMES The boat tipped over, and Jim Irwin was left struggling in the water.

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

From this reading JIM GOES TO AMES The boat tipped over, and Jim Irwin was left struggling in the water.

below or beneath something; less than

From this reading To see any human being swept to such an end is dreadful, but for a county superintendent to witness the drowning of one of her best--though sometimes it must be confessed most insubordinate--teachers, under such circumstances, is unspeakable; and when that teacher is a young man who was once that county superintendent's sweetheart, and falls in, clothed in a new made-to-order suit in which he looks almost handsome despite his manifest discomfort in his new cravat and starched collar, the experience is something almost impossible to endure.

defying expression or description

From this reading To see any human being swept to such an end is dreadful, but for a county superintendent to witness the drowning of one of her best--though sometimes it must be confessed most insubordinate--teachers, under such circumstances, is unspeakable; and when that teacher is a young man who was once that county superintendent's sweetheart, and falls in, clothed in a new made-to-order suit in which he looks almost handsome despite his manifest discomfort in his new cravat and starched collar, the experience is something almost impossible to endure.

up to a particular time

From this reading That is why Jennie gripped her seat until she must have scratched the varnish.

a coating that provides a hard, lustrous, transparent finish to a surface

From this reading That is why Jennie gripped her seat until she must have scratched the varnish.

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

From this reading JIM GOES TO AMES The boat tipped over, and Jim Irwin was left struggling in the water.

binary compound that occurs at room temperature as a clear colorless odorless tasteless liquid; freezes into ice below 0 degrees centigrade and boils above 100 degrees centigrade; widely used as a solvent

From this reading JIM GOES TO AMES The boat tipped over, and Jim Irwin was left struggling in the water.

at the time that

From this reading To see any human being swept to such an end is dreadful, but for a county superintendent to witness the drowning of one of her best--though sometimes it must be confessed most insubordinate--teachers, under such circumstances, is unspeakable; and when that teacher is a young man who was once that county superintendent's sweetheart, and falls in, clothed in a new made-to-order suit in which he looks almost handsome despite his manifest discomfort in his new cravat and starched collar, the experience is something almost impossible to endure.

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

From this reading To see any human being swept to such an end is dreadful, but for a county superintendent to witness the drowning of one of her best--though sometimes it must be confessed most insubordinate--teachers, under such circumstances, is unspeakable; and when that teacher is a young man who was once that county superintendent's sweetheart, and falls in, clothed in a new made-to-order suit in which he looks almost handsome despite his manifest discomfort in his new cravat and starched collar, the experience is something almost impossible to endure.

which person or people

From this reading To see any human being swept to such an end is dreadful, but for a county superintendent to witness the drowning of one of her best--though sometimes it must be confessed most insubordinate--teachers, under such circumstances, is unspeakable; and when that teacher is a young man who was once that county superintendent's sweetheart, and falls in, clothed in a new made-to-order suit in which he looks almost handsome despite his manifest discomfort in his new cravat and starched collar, the experience is something almost impossible to endure.

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

From this reading That is why Jennie gripped her seat until she must have scratched the varnish.

someone who sees an event and reports what happened

From this reading To see any human being swept to such an end is dreadful, but for a county superintendent to witness the drowning of one of her best--though sometimes it must be confessed most insubordinate--teachers, under such circumstances, is unspeakable; and when that teacher is a young man who was once that county superintendent's sweetheart, and falls in, clothed in a new made-to-order suit in which he looks almost handsome despite his manifest discomfort in his new cravat and starched collar, the experience is something almost impossible to endure.

Old World fragrant stoloniferous perennial having small white flowers and narrow leaves used as flavoring and in sachets; widely cultivated as a ground cover; in some classifications placed in genus Asperula

From this reading Helpless, terrified, gasping, he floated to destruction, and Jennie Woodruff was not able to lift a hand to help him.

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

From this reading To see any human being swept to such an end is dreadful, but for a county superintendent to witness the drowning of one of her best--though sometimes it must be confessed most insubordinate--teachers, under such circumstances, is unspeakable; and when that teacher is a young man who was once that county superintendent's sweetheart, and falls in, clothed in a new made-to-order suit in which he looks almost handsome despite his manifest discomfort in his new cravat and starched collar, the experience is something almost impossible to endure.