Chapter I · Chapter 1

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

From this reading Antique furniture, literally stuffed with personality, hurries about in the dim moonlight in order to help Hortense through a thrillingly strange campaign against a sinister Cat and a villainous Grater.

on the subject of; concerning

From this reading Antique furniture, literally stuffed with personality, hurries about in the dim moonlight in order to help Hortense through a thrillingly strange campaign against a sinister Cat and a villainous Grater.

touching and pressing; in opposition to

From this reading Antique furniture, literally stuffed with personality, hurries about in the dim moonlight in order to help Hortense through a thrillingly strange campaign against a sinister Cat and a villainous Grater.

equally

From this reading The book offers rare humor, irresistible alike to grown-ups and children._ _It is a book that will stimulate the imagination of the most prosaic child--or at least give it exercise!

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

From this reading _It is peculiarly fitting in this day of delightful juveniles that an author of many books on the technique of writing should turn his pen to the writing of this child's book._ _Carl Grabo, with whose name "The Art of the Short Story" is at once associated, has written this whimsical and imaginative tale of Hortense and the Cat.

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

From this reading Dialect spellings, contractions and discrepancies have been retained.

made in or typical of earlier times and valued for its age

From this reading Antique furniture, literally stuffed with personality, hurries about in the dim moonlight in order to help Hortense through a thrillingly strange campaign against a sinister Cat and a villainous Grater.

an old form of “are”, used with “thou”

From this reading _It is peculiarly fitting in this day of delightful juveniles that an author of many books on the technique of writing should turn his pen to the writing of this child's book._ _Carl Grabo, with whose name "The Art of the Short Story" is at once associated, has written this whimsical and imaginative tale of Hortense and the Cat.

past form of “associate” — make a logical or causal connection

From this reading _It is peculiarly fitting in this day of delightful juveniles that an author of many books on the technique of writing should turn his pen to the writing of this child's book._ _Carl Grabo, with whose name "The Art of the Short Story" is at once associated, has written this whimsical and imaginative tale of Hortense and the Cat.

in or near a particular place or position

From this reading _It is peculiarly fitting in this day of delightful juveniles that an author of many books on the technique of writing should turn his pen to the writing of this child's book._ _Carl Grabo, with whose name "The Art of the Short Story" is at once associated, has written this whimsical and imaginative tale of Hortense and the Cat.

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

From this reading _It is peculiarly fitting in this day of delightful juveniles that an author of many books on the technique of writing should turn his pen to the writing of this child's book._ _Carl Grabo, with whose name "The Art of the Short Story" is at once associated, has written this whimsical and imaginative tale of Hortense and the Cat.

the past participle of “be”

From this reading Minor typographical errors have been corrected without note.

a written work or composition that has been published (printed on pages bound together)

From this reading _It is peculiarly fitting in this day of delightful juveniles that an author of many books on the technique of writing should turn his pen to the writing of this child's book._ _Carl Grabo, with whose name "The Art of the Short Story" is at once associated, has written this whimsical and imaginative tale of Hortense and the Cat.

Bound written or printed works.

From this reading _It is peculiarly fitting in this day of delightful juveniles that an author of many books on the technique of writing should turn his pen to the writing of this child's book._ _Carl Grabo, with whose name "The Art of the Short Story" is at once associated, has written this whimsical and imaginative tale of Hortense and the Cat.

a race between candidates for elective office

From this reading Antique furniture, literally stuffed with personality, hurries about in the dim moonlight in order to help Hortense through a thrillingly strange campaign against a sinister Cat and a villainous Grater.

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

From this reading _It is peculiarly fitting in this day of delightful juveniles that an author of many books on the technique of writing should turn his pen to the writing of this child's book._ _Carl Grabo, with whose name "The Art of the Short Story" is at once associated, has written this whimsical and imaginative tale of Hortense and the Cat.

feline mammal usually having thick soft fur and no ability to roar: domestic cats; wildcats

From this reading _It is peculiarly fitting in this day of delightful juveniles that an author of many books on the technique of writing should turn his pen to the writing of this child's book._ _Carl Grabo, with whose name "The Art of the Short Story" is at once associated, has written this whimsical and imaginative tale of Hortense and the Cat.

a young person of either sex

From this reading The book offers rare humor, irresistible alike to grown-ups and children._ _It is a book that will stimulate the imagination of the most prosaic child--or at least give it exercise!

possessive form of “child” — a young person of either sex

From this reading _It is peculiarly fitting in this day of delightful juveniles that an author of many books on the technique of writing should turn his pen to the writing of this child's book._ _Carl Grabo, with whose name "The Art of the Short Story" is at once associated, has written this whimsical and imaginative tale of Hortense and the Cat.

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

From this reading The book offers rare humor, irresistible alike to grown-ups and children._ _It is a book that will stimulate the imagination of the most prosaic child--or at least give it exercise!

plural of “contraction” — (physiology) a shortening or tensing of a part or organ (especially of a muscle or muscle fiber)

From this reading Dialect spellings, contractions and discrepancies have been retained.

having something undesirable neutralized

From this reading Minor typographical errors have been corrected without note.

time for Earth to make a complete rotation on its axis

From this reading _It is peculiarly fitting in this day of delightful juveniles that an author of many books on the technique of writing should turn his pen to the writing of this child's book._ _Carl Grabo, with whose name "The Art of the Short Story" is at once associated, has written this whimsical and imaginative tale of Hortense and the Cat.

greatly pleasing or entertaining

From this reading _It is peculiarly fitting in this day of delightful juveniles that an author of many books on the technique of writing should turn his pen to the writing of this child's book._ _Carl Grabo, with whose name "The Art of the Short Story" is at once associated, has written this whimsical and imaginative tale of Hortense and the Cat.

the usage or vocabulary that is characteristic of a specific group of people

From this reading Dialect spellings, contractions and discrepancies have been retained.

lacking in light; not bright or harsh

From this reading Antique furniture, literally stuffed with personality, hurries about in the dim moonlight in order to help Hortense through a thrillingly strange campaign against a sinister Cat and a villainous Grater.

plural of “discrepancy” — a difference between conflicting facts or claims or opinions

From this reading Dialect spellings, contractions and discrepancies have been retained.

plural of “error” — a wrong action attributable to bad judgment or ignorance or inattention

From this reading Minor typographical errors have been corrected without note.

the activity of exerting your muscles in various ways to keep fit

From this reading The book offers rare humor, irresistible alike to grown-ups and children._ _It is a book that will stimulate the imagination of the most prosaic child--or at least give it exercise!

in harmony with the spirit of particular persons or occasion

From this reading _It is peculiarly fitting in this day of delightful juveniles that an author of many books on the technique of writing should turn his pen to the writing of this child's book._ _Carl Grabo, with whose name "The Art of the Short Story" is at once associated, has written this whimsical and imaginative tale of Hortense and the Cat.

furnishings that make a room or other area ready for occupancy

From this reading Antique furniture, literally stuffed with personality, hurries about in the dim moonlight in order to help Hortense through a thrillingly strange campaign against a sinister Cat and a villainous Grater.

cause to have, in the abstract sense or physical sense

From this reading The book offers rare humor, irresistible alike to grown-ups and children._ _It is a book that will stimulate the imagination of the most prosaic child--or at least give it exercise!

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

From this reading _It is peculiarly fitting in this day of delightful juveniles that an author of many books on the technique of writing should turn his pen to the writing of this child's book._ _Carl Grabo, with whose name "The Art of the Short Story" is at once associated, has written this whimsical and imaginative tale of Hortense and the Cat.

utensil with sharp perforations for shredding foods (as vegetables or cheese)

From this reading Antique furniture, literally stuffed with personality, hurries about in the dim moonlight in order to help Hortense through a thrillingly strange campaign against a sinister Cat and a villainous Grater.

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

From this reading The book offers rare humor, irresistible alike to grown-ups and children._ _It is a book that will stimulate the imagination of the most prosaic child--or at least give it exercise!

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

From this reading _It is peculiarly fitting in this day of delightful juveniles that an author of many books on the technique of writing should turn his pen to the writing of this child's book._ _Carl Grabo, with whose name "The Art of the Short Story" is at once associated, has written this whimsical and imaginative tale of Hortense and the Cat.

used with a past participle to form the perfect tenses

From this reading Minor typographical errors have been corrected without note.

give help or assistance; be of service

From this reading Antique furniture, literally stuffed with personality, hurries about in the dim moonlight in order to help Hortense through a thrillingly strange campaign against a sinister Cat and a villainous Grater.

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

From this reading _It is peculiarly fitting in this day of delightful juveniles that an author of many books on the technique of writing should turn his pen to the writing of this child's book._ _Carl Grabo, with whose name "The Art of the Short Story" is at once associated, has written this whimsical and imaginative tale of Hortense and the Cat.

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

From this reading _It is peculiarly fitting in this day of delightful juveniles that an author of many books on the technique of writing should turn his pen to the writing of this child's book._ _Carl Grabo, with whose name "The Art of the Short Story" is at once associated, has written this whimsical and imaginative tale of Hortense and the Cat.

a message whose ingenuity or verbal skill or incongruity has the power to evoke laughter

From this reading The book offers rare humor, irresistible alike to grown-ups and children._ _It is a book that will stimulate the imagination of the most prosaic child--or at least give it exercise!

plural of “hurry” — a condition of urgency making it necessary to hurry

From this reading Antique furniture, literally stuffed with personality, hurries about in the dim moonlight in order to help Hortense through a thrillingly strange campaign against a sinister Cat and a villainous Grater.

the formation of a mental image of something that is not perceived as real and is not present to the senses

From this reading The book offers rare humor, irresistible alike to grown-ups and children._ _It is a book that will stimulate the imagination of the most prosaic child--or at least give it exercise!

(used of persons or artifacts) marked by independence and creativity in thought or action

From this reading _It is peculiarly fitting in this day of delightful juveniles that an author of many books on the technique of writing should turn his pen to the writing of this child's book._ _Carl Grabo, with whose name "The Art of the Short Story" is at once associated, has written this whimsical and imaginative tale of Hortense and the Cat.

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

From this reading _It is peculiarly fitting in this day of delightful juveniles that an author of many books on the technique of writing should turn his pen to the writing of this child's book._ _Carl Grabo, with whose name "The Art of the Short Story" is at once associated, has written this whimsical and imaginative tale of Hortense and the Cat.

impossible to resist; overpowering

From this reading The book offers rare humor, irresistible alike to grown-ups and children._ _It is a book that will stimulate the imagination of the most prosaic child--or at least give it exercise!

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

From this reading _It is peculiarly fitting in this day of delightful juveniles that an author of many books on the technique of writing should turn his pen to the writing of this child's book._ _Carl Grabo, with whose name "The Art of the Short Story" is at once associated, has written this whimsical and imaginative tale of Hortense and the Cat.

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading _It is peculiarly fitting in this day of delightful juveniles that an author of many books on the technique of writing should turn his pen to the writing of this child's book._ _Carl Grabo, with whose name "The Art of the Short Story" is at once associated, has written this whimsical and imaginative tale of Hortense and the Cat.

plural of “juvenile” — a young person, not fully developed

From this reading _It is peculiarly fitting in this day of delightful juveniles that an author of many books on the technique of writing should turn his pen to the writing of this child's book._ _Carl Grabo, with whose name "The Art of the Short Story" is at once associated, has written this whimsical and imaginative tale of Hortense and the Cat.

the superlative of “little” that can be used with mass nouns and is usually preceded by “the”; a quantifier meaning smallest in amount or extent or degree

From this reading The book offers rare humor, irresistible alike to grown-ups and children._ _It is a book that will stimulate the imagination of the most prosaic child--or at least give it exercise!

in a literal sense

From this reading Antique furniture, literally stuffed with personality, hurries about in the dim moonlight in order to help Hortense through a thrillingly strange campaign against a sinister Cat and a villainous Grater.

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 _It is peculiarly fitting in this day of delightful juveniles that an author of many books on the technique of writing should turn his pen to the writing of this child's book._ _Carl Grabo, with whose name "The Art of the Short Story" is at once associated, has written this whimsical and imaginative tale of Hortense and the Cat.

of lesser importance or stature or rank

From this reading Minor typographical errors have been corrected without note.

the light of the Moon

From this reading Antique furniture, literally stuffed with personality, hurries about in the dim moonlight in order to help Hortense through a thrillingly strange campaign against a sinister Cat and a villainous Grater.

used to form the superlative

From this reading The book offers rare humor, irresistible alike to grown-ups and children._ _It is a book that will stimulate the imagination of the most prosaic child--or at least give it exercise!

assign a specified (usually proper) proper name to

From this reading _It is peculiarly fitting in this day of delightful juveniles that an author of many books on the technique of writing should turn his pen to the writing of this child's book._ _Carl Grabo, with whose name "The Art of the Short Story" is at once associated, has written this whimsical and imaginative tale of Hortense and the Cat.

a brief written record

From this reading Minor typographical errors have been corrected without note.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading _It is peculiarly fitting in this day of delightful juveniles that an author of many books on the technique of writing should turn his pen to the writing of this child's book._ _Carl Grabo, with whose name "The Art of the Short Story" is at once associated, has written this whimsical and imaginative tale of Hortense and the Cat.

plural of “offer” — the verbal act of offering

From this reading The book offers rare humor, irresistible alike to grown-ups and children._ _It is a book that will stimulate the imagination of the most prosaic child--or at least give it exercise!

touching and supported by a surface

From this reading _It is peculiarly fitting in this day of delightful juveniles that an author of many books on the technique of writing should turn his pen to the writing of this child's book._ _Carl Grabo, with whose name "The Art of the Short Story" is at once associated, has written this whimsical and imaginative tale of Hortense and the Cat.

on one occasion

From this reading _It is peculiarly fitting in this day of delightful juveniles that an author of many books on the technique of writing should turn his pen to the writing of this child's book._ _Carl Grabo, with whose name "The Art of the Short Story" is at once associated, has written this whimsical and imaginative tale of Hortense and the Cat.

used to join alternatives or possibilities

From this reading The book offers rare humor, irresistible alike to grown-ups and children._ _It is a book that will stimulate the imagination of the most prosaic child--or at least give it exercise!

(often plural) a command given by a superior (e.g., a military or law enforcement officer) that must be obeyed

From this reading Antique furniture, literally stuffed with personality, hurries about in the dim moonlight in order to help Hortense through a thrillingly strange campaign against a sinister Cat and a villainous Grater.

uniquely or characteristically

From this reading _It is peculiarly fitting in this day of delightful juveniles that an author of many books on the technique of writing should turn his pen to the writing of this child's book._ _Carl Grabo, with whose name "The Art of the Short Story" is at once associated, has written this whimsical and imaginative tale of Hortense and the Cat.

a writing implement with a point from which ink flows

From this reading _It is peculiarly fitting in this day of delightful juveniles that an author of many books on the technique of writing should turn his pen to the writing of this child's book._ _Carl Grabo, with whose name "The Art of the Short Story" is at once associated, has written this whimsical and imaginative tale of Hortense and the Cat.

the complex of all the attributes--behavioral, temperamental, emotional and mental--that characterize a unique individual

From this reading Antique furniture, literally stuffed with personality, hurries about in the dim moonlight in order to help Hortense through a thrillingly strange campaign against a sinister Cat and a villainous Grater.

not fanciful or imaginative

From this reading The book offers rare humor, irresistible alike to grown-ups and children._ _It is a book that will stimulate the imagination of the most prosaic child--or at least give it exercise!

not widely known; especially valued for its uncommonness

From this reading The book offers rare humor, irresistible alike to grown-ups and children._ _It is a book that will stimulate the imagination of the most prosaic child--or at least give it exercise!

continued in your keeping or use or memory

From this reading Dialect spellings, contractions and discrepancies have been retained.

primarily temporal sense; indicating or being or seeming to be limited in duration

From this reading _It is peculiarly fitting in this day of delightful juveniles that an author of many books on the technique of writing should turn his pen to the writing of this child's book._ _Carl Grabo, with whose name "The Art of the Short Story" is at once associated, has written this whimsical and imaginative tale of Hortense and the Cat.

used to say what is right, expected, or advisable

From this reading _It is peculiarly fitting in this day of delightful juveniles that an author of many books on the technique of writing should turn his pen to the writing of this child's book._ _Carl Grabo, with whose name "The Art of the Short Story" is at once associated, has written this whimsical and imaginative tale of Hortense and the Cat.

threatening or foreshadowing evil or tragic developments

From this reading Antique furniture, literally stuffed with personality, hurries about in the dim moonlight in order to help Hortense through a thrillingly strange campaign against a sinister Cat and a villainous Grater.

plural of “spelling” — forming words with letters according to the principles underlying accepted usage

From this reading Dialect spellings, contractions and discrepancies have been retained.

act as a stimulant

From this reading The book offers rare humor, irresistible alike to grown-ups and children._ _It is a book that will stimulate the imagination of the most prosaic child--or at least give it exercise!

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 _It is peculiarly fitting in this day of delightful juveniles that an author of many books on the technique of writing should turn his pen to the writing of this child's book._ _Carl Grabo, with whose name "The Art of the Short Story" is at once associated, has written this whimsical and imaginative tale of Hortense and the Cat.

being definitely out of the ordinary and unexpected; slightly odd or even a bit weird

From this reading Antique furniture, literally stuffed with personality, hurries about in the dim moonlight in order to help Hortense through a thrillingly strange campaign against a sinister Cat and a villainous Grater.

filled with something

From this reading Antique furniture, literally stuffed with personality, hurries about in the dim moonlight in order to help Hortense through a thrillingly strange campaign against a sinister Cat and a villainous Grater.

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 _It is peculiarly fitting in this day of delightful juveniles that an author of many books on the technique of writing should turn his pen to the writing of this child's book._ _Carl Grabo, with whose name "The Art of the Short Story" is at once associated, has written this whimsical and imaginative tale of Hortense and the Cat.

a practical method or art applied to some particular task

From this reading _It is peculiarly fitting in this day of delightful juveniles that an author of many books on the technique of writing should turn his pen to the writing of this child's book._ _Carl Grabo, with whose name "The Art of the Short Story" is at once associated, has written this whimsical and imaginative tale of Hortense and the Cat.

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading _It is peculiarly fitting in this day of delightful juveniles that an author of many books on the technique of writing should turn his pen to the writing of this child's book._ _Carl Grabo, with whose name "The Art of the Short Story" is at once associated, has written this whimsical and imaginative tale of Hortense and the Cat.

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

From this reading _It is peculiarly fitting in this day of delightful juveniles that an author of many books on the technique of writing should turn his pen to the writing of this child's book._ _Carl Grabo, with whose name "The Art of the Short Story" is at once associated, has written this whimsical and imaginative tale of Hortense and the Cat.

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

From this reading _It is peculiarly fitting in this day of delightful juveniles that an author of many books on the technique of writing should turn his pen to the writing of this child's book._ _Carl Grabo, with whose name "The Art of the Short Story" is at once associated, has written this whimsical and imaginative tale of Hortense and the Cat.

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

From this reading Antique furniture, literally stuffed with personality, hurries about in the dim moonlight in order to help Hortense through a thrillingly strange campaign against a sinister Cat and a villainous Grater.

from one end or side of something to the other

From this reading Antique furniture, literally stuffed with personality, hurries about in the dim moonlight in order to help Hortense through a thrillingly strange campaign against a sinister Cat and a villainous Grater.

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

From this reading _It is peculiarly fitting in this day of delightful juveniles that an author of many books on the technique of writing should turn his pen to the writing of this child's book._ _Carl Grabo, with whose name "The Art of the Short Story" is at once associated, has written this whimsical and imaginative tale of Hortense and the Cat.

change orientation or direction, also in the abstract sense

From this reading _It is peculiarly fitting in this day of delightful juveniles that an author of many books on the technique of writing should turn his pen to the writing of this child's book._ _Carl Grabo, with whose name "The Art of the Short Story" is at once associated, has written this whimsical and imaginative tale of Hortense and the Cat.

relating to or occurring or used in typography

From this reading Minor typographical errors have been corrected without note.

extremely wicked

From this reading Antique furniture, literally stuffed with personality, hurries about in the dim moonlight in order to help Hortense through a thrillingly strange campaign against a sinister Cat and a villainous Grater.

determined by chance or impulse or whim rather than by necessity or reason

From this reading _It is peculiarly fitting in this day of delightful juveniles that an author of many books on the technique of writing should turn his pen to the writing of this child's book._ _Carl Grabo, with whose name "The Art of the Short Story" is at once associated, has written this whimsical and imaginative tale of Hortense and the Cat.

belonging to which person

From this reading _It is peculiarly fitting in this day of delightful juveniles that an author of many books on the technique of writing should turn his pen to the writing of this child's book._ _Carl Grabo, with whose name "The Art of the Short Story" is at once associated, has written this whimsical and imaginative tale of Hortense and the Cat.

used to talk about the future, or about willingness

From this reading The book offers rare humor, irresistible alike to grown-ups and children._ _It is a book that will stimulate the imagination of the most prosaic child--or at least give it exercise!

in the company of; together with

From this reading _It is peculiarly fitting in this day of delightful juveniles that an author of many books on the technique of writing should turn his pen to the writing of this child's book._ _Carl Grabo, with whose name "The Art of the Short Story" is at once associated, has written this whimsical and imaginative tale of Hortense and the Cat.

not having, not using, or not accompanied by

From this reading Minor typographical errors have been corrected without note.

the act of creating written works

From this reading _It is peculiarly fitting in this day of delightful juveniles that an author of many books on the technique of writing should turn his pen to the writing of this child's book._ _Carl Grabo, with whose name "The Art of the Short Story" is at once associated, has written this whimsical and imaginative tale of Hortense and the Cat.

set down in writing in any of various ways

From this reading _It is peculiarly fitting in this day of delightful juveniles that an author of many books on the technique of writing should turn his pen to the writing of this child's book._ _Carl Grabo, with whose name "The Art of the Short Story" is at once associated, has written this whimsical and imaginative tale of Hortense and the Cat.