Chapter I

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

From this reading A FOREWORD TO MOTHERS How shall we answer the ever recurring rainy day question, "What shall I do?"

(quantifier) used with either mass or count nouns to indicate the whole number or amount of or every one of a class

From this reading All of us are concerned with the answer--mothers, fathers, teachers, big brothers and sisters--even maiden aunts.

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

From this reading All of us are concerned with the answer--mothers, fathers, teachers, big brothers and sisters--even maiden aunts.

react verbally

From this reading A FOREWORD TO MOTHERS How shall we answer the ever recurring rainy day question, "What shall I do?"

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

From this reading We hear it wherever children are kept indoors--from whatever cause.

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

From this reading One might suppose that, with the hosts of mechanical toys, of costly French dolls, each with a wardrobe as much in keeping with fashion as that of a society woman, the small sons and daughters would be content for a year of rainy days.

plural of “aunt” — the sister of your father or mother; the wife of your uncle

From this reading All of us are concerned with the answer--mothers, fathers, teachers, big brothers and sisters--even maiden aunts.

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

From this reading One might suppose that, with the hosts of mechanical toys, of costly French dolls, each with a wardrobe as much in keeping with fashion as that of a society woman, the small sons and daughters would be content for a year of rainy days.

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

From this reading All of us are concerned with the answer--mothers, fathers, teachers, big brothers and sisters--even maiden aunts.

plural of “brother” — a male with the same parents as someone else

From this reading All of us are concerned with the answer--mothers, fathers, teachers, big brothers and sisters--even maiden aunts.

events that provide the generative force that is the origin of something

From this reading We hear it wherever children are kept indoors--from whatever cause.

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

From this reading We hear it wherever children are kept indoors--from whatever cause.

the act of drawing spatially closer to something

From this reading We all know what is coming when Jack turns from the rain-splashed window with a listless face and Dorothy, none too gently, thrusts her favourite doll into the corner with its face to the wall.

feeling or showing worry or solicitude

From this reading All of us are concerned with the answer--mothers, fathers, teachers, big brothers and sisters--even maiden aunts.

(usually plural) everything that is included in a collection and that is held or included in something

From this reading One might suppose that, with the hosts of mechanical toys, of costly French dolls, each with a wardrobe as much in keeping with fashion as that of a society woman, the small sons and daughters would be content for a year of rainy days.

a place off to the side of an area

From this reading We all know what is coming when Jack turns from the rain-splashed window with a listless face and Dorothy, none too gently, thrusts her favourite doll into the corner with its face to the wall.

entailing great loss or sacrifice

From this reading One might suppose that, with the hosts of mechanical toys, of costly French dolls, each with a wardrobe as much in keeping with fashion as that of a society woman, the small sons and daughters would be content for a year of rainy days.

plural of “daughter” — a female human offspring

From this reading One might suppose that, with the hosts of mechanical toys, of costly French dolls, each with a wardrobe as much in keeping with fashion as that of a society woman, the small sons and daughters would be content for a year of rainy days.

time for Earth to make a complete rotation on its axis

From this reading A FOREWORD TO MOTHERS How shall we answer the ever recurring rainy day question, "What shall I do?"

the time during which someone's life continues

From this reading One might suppose that, with the hosts of mechanical toys, of costly French dolls, each with a wardrobe as much in keeping with fashion as that of a society woman, the small sons and daughters would be content for a year of rainy days.

used to form questions and negatives, and to give emphasis

From this reading A FOREWORD TO MOTHERS How shall we answer the ever recurring rainy day question, "What shall I do?"

a small replica of a person; used as a toy

From this reading We all know what is coming when Jack turns from the rain-splashed window with a listless face and Dorothy, none too gently, thrusts her favourite doll into the corner with its face to the wall.

plural of “doll” — a small replica of a person; used as a toy

From this reading One might suppose that, with the hosts of mechanical toys, of costly French dolls, each with a wardrobe as much in keeping with fashion as that of a society woman, the small sons and daughters would be content for a year of rainy days.

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

From this reading We all know what is coming when Jack turns from the rain-splashed window with a listless face and Dorothy, none too gently, thrusts her favourite doll into the corner with its face to the wall.

every one of two or more people or things, taken separately

From this reading One might suppose that, with the hosts of mechanical toys, of costly French dolls, each with a wardrobe as much in keeping with fashion as that of a society woman, the small sons and daughters would be content for a year of rainy days.

divisible by two

From this reading All of us are concerned with the answer--mothers, fathers, teachers, big brothers and sisters--even maiden aunts.

at any time

From this reading A FOREWORD TO MOTHERS How shall we answer the ever recurring rainy day question, "What shall I do?"

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

From this reading We all know what is coming when Jack turns from the rain-splashed window with a listless face and Dorothy, none too gently, thrusts her favourite doll into the corner with its face to the wall.

how something is done or how it happens

From this reading One might suppose that, with the hosts of mechanical toys, of costly French dolls, each with a wardrobe as much in keeping with fashion as that of a society woman, the small sons and daughters would be content for a year of rainy days.

plural of “father” — a male parent (also used as a term of address to your father)

From this reading All of us are concerned with the answer--mothers, fathers, teachers, big brothers and sisters--even maiden aunts.

a competitor thought likely to win

From this reading We all know what is coming when Jack turns from the rain-splashed window with a listless face and Dorothy, none too gently, thrusts her favourite doll into the corner with its face to the wall.

intended to be given to, or used by, somebody

From this reading One might suppose that, with the hosts of mechanical toys, of costly French dolls, each with a wardrobe as much in keeping with fashion as that of a society woman, the small sons and daughters would be content for a year of rainy days.

a short introductory essay preceding the text of a book

From this reading A FOREWORD TO MOTHERS How shall we answer the ever recurring rainy day question, "What shall I do?"

the Romance language spoken in France and in countries colonized by France

From this reading One might suppose that, with the hosts of mechanical toys, of costly French dolls, each with a wardrobe as much in keeping with fashion as that of a society woman, the small sons and daughters would be content for a year of rainy days.

showing where something starts, or who sent it

From this reading We hear it wherever children are kept indoors--from whatever cause.

in a gradual manner

From this reading We all know what is coming when Jack turns from the rain-splashed window with a listless face and Dorothy, none too gently, thrusts her favourite doll into the corner with its face to the wall.

perceive (sound) via the auditory sense

From this reading We hear it wherever children are kept indoors--from whatever cause.

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

From this reading We all know what is coming when Jack turns from the rain-splashed window with a listless face and Dorothy, none too gently, thrusts her favourite doll into the corner with its face to the wall.

plural of “host” — a person who invites guests to a social event (such as a party in his or her own home) and who is responsible for them while they are there

From this reading One might suppose that, with the hosts of mechanical toys, of costly French dolls, each with a wardrobe as much in keeping with fashion as that of a society woman, the small sons and daughters would be content for a year of rainy days.

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

From this reading A FOREWORD TO MOTHERS How shall we answer the ever recurring rainy day question, "What shall I do?"

the person speaking or writing, as the subject of the verb

From this reading A FOREWORD TO MOTHERS How shall we answer the ever recurring rainy day question, "What shall I do?"

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

From this reading One might suppose that, with the hosts of mechanical toys, of costly French dolls, each with a wardrobe as much in keeping with fashion as that of a society woman, the small sons and daughters would be content for a year of rainy days.

within a building

From this reading We hear it wherever children are kept indoors--from whatever cause.

moving to the inside of something

From this reading We all know what is coming when Jack turns from the rain-splashed window with a listless face and Dorothy, none too gently, thrusts her favourite doll into the corner with its face to the wall.

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

From this reading We all know what is coming when Jack turns from the rain-splashed window with a listless face and Dorothy, none too gently, thrusts her favourite doll into the corner with its face to the wall.

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading We hear it wherever children are kept indoors--from whatever cause.

belonging to the thing or animal already mentioned

From this reading We all know what is coming when Jack turns from the rain-splashed window with a listless face and Dorothy, none too gently, thrusts her favourite doll into the corner with its face to the wall.

a small worthless amount

From this reading We all know what is coming when Jack turns from the rain-splashed window with a listless face and Dorothy, none too gently, thrusts her favourite doll into the corner with its face to the wall.

conformity or harmony

From this reading One might suppose that, with the hosts of mechanical toys, of costly French dolls, each with a wardrobe as much in keeping with fashion as that of a society woman, the small sons and daughters would be content for a year of rainy days.

(especially of promises or contracts) not violated or disregarded

From this reading We hear it wherever children are kept indoors--from whatever cause.

be cognizant or aware of a fact or a specific piece of information; possess knowledge or information about

From this reading We all know what is coming when Jack turns from the rain-splashed window with a listless face and Dorothy, none too gently, thrusts her favourite doll into the corner with its face to the wall.

lacking zest or vivacity

From this reading We all know what is coming when Jack turns from the rain-splashed window with a listless face and Dorothy, none too gently, thrusts her favourite doll into the corner with its face to the wall.

an unmarried girl (especially a virgin)

From this reading All of us are concerned with the answer--mothers, fathers, teachers, big brothers and sisters--even maiden aunts.

using (or as if using) mechanisms or tools or devices

From this reading One might suppose that, with the hosts of mechanical toys, of costly French dolls, each with a wardrobe as much in keeping with fashion as that of a society woman, the small sons and daughters would be content for a year of rainy days.

used to say something is possible but not certain

From this reading One might suppose that, with the hosts of mechanical toys, of costly French dolls, each with a wardrobe as much in keeping with fashion as that of a society woman, the small sons and daughters would be content for a year of rainy days.

plural of “mother” — a woman who has given birth to a child (also used as a term of address to your mother)

From this reading A FOREWORD TO MOTHERS How shall we answer the ever recurring rainy day question, "What shall I do?"

to a great degree or extent

From this reading One might suppose that, with the hosts of mechanical toys, of costly French dolls, each with a wardrobe as much in keeping with fashion as that of a society woman, the small sons and daughters would be content for a year of rainy days.

not one, and not any

From this reading We all know what is coming when Jack turns from the rain-splashed window with a listless face and Dorothy, none too gently, thrusts her favourite doll into the corner with its face to the wall.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading All of us are concerned with the answer--mothers, fathers, teachers, big brothers and sisters--even maiden aunts.

used to mean any person in general, including the speaker

From this reading One might suppose that, with the hosts of mechanical toys, of costly French dolls, each with a wardrobe as much in keeping with fashion as that of a society woman, the small sons and daughters would be content for a year of rainy days.

challenge the accuracy, probity, or propriety of

From this reading A FOREWORD TO MOTHERS How shall we answer the ever recurring rainy day question, "What shall I do?"

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

From this reading We all know what is coming when Jack turns from the rain-splashed window with a listless face and Dorothy, none too gently, thrusts her favourite doll into the corner with its face to the wall.

(of weather) wet by periods of rain

From this reading A FOREWORD TO MOTHERS How shall we answer the ever recurring rainy day question, "What shall I do?"

coming back

From this reading A FOREWORD TO MOTHERS How shall we answer the ever recurring rainy day question, "What shall I do?"

used with I and we for the future, or to offer and suggest

From this reading A FOREWORD TO MOTHERS How shall we answer the ever recurring rainy day question, "What shall I do?"

plural of “sister” — a female person who has the same parents as another person

From this reading All of us are concerned with the answer--mothers, fathers, teachers, big brothers and sisters--even maiden aunts.

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

From this reading One might suppose that, with the hosts of mechanical toys, of costly French dolls, each with a wardrobe as much in keeping with fashion as that of a society woman, the small sons and daughters would be content for a year of rainy days.

an extended social group having a distinctive cultural and economic organization

From this reading One might suppose that, with the hosts of mechanical toys, of costly French dolls, each with a wardrobe as much in keeping with fashion as that of a society woman, the small sons and daughters would be content for a year of rainy days.

plural of “son” — a male human offspring

From this reading One might suppose that, with the hosts of mechanical toys, of costly French dolls, each with a wardrobe as much in keeping with fashion as that of a society woman, the small sons and daughters would be content for a year of rainy days.

express a supposition

From this reading One might suppose that, with the hosts of mechanical toys, of costly French dolls, each with a wardrobe as much in keeping with fashion as that of a society woman, the small sons and daughters would be content for a year of rainy days.

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

From this reading All of us are concerned with the answer--mothers, fathers, teachers, big brothers and sisters--even maiden aunts.

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading One might suppose that, with the hosts of mechanical toys, of costly French dolls, each with a wardrobe as much in keeping with fashion as that of a society woman, the small sons and daughters would be content for a year of rainy days.

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

From this reading A FOREWORD TO MOTHERS How shall we answer the ever recurring rainy day question, "What shall I do?"

plural of “thrust” — the force used in pushing

From this reading We all know what is coming when Jack turns from the rain-splashed window with a listless face and Dorothy, none too gently, thrusts her favourite doll into the corner with its face to the wall.

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

From this reading A FOREWORD TO MOTHERS How shall we answer the ever recurring rainy day question, "What shall I do?"

to a degree exceeding normal or proper limits

From this reading We all know what is coming when Jack turns from the rain-splashed window with a listless face and Dorothy, none too gently, thrusts her favourite doll into the corner with its face to the wall.

plural of “toy” — an artifact designed to be played with

From this reading One might suppose that, with the hosts of mechanical toys, of costly French dolls, each with a wardrobe as much in keeping with fashion as that of a society woman, the small sons and daughters would be content for a year of rainy days.

plural of “turn” — a circular segment of a curve

From this reading We all know what is coming when Jack turns from the rain-splashed window with a listless face and Dorothy, none too gently, thrusts her favourite doll into the corner with its face to the wall.

the speaker and others, as the object of a verb or preposition

From this reading All of us are concerned with the answer--mothers, fathers, teachers, big brothers and sisters--even maiden aunts.

an architectural partition with a height and length greater than its thickness; used to divide or enclose an area or to support another structure

From this reading We all know what is coming when Jack turns from the rain-splashed window with a listless face and Dorothy, none too gently, thrusts her favourite doll into the corner with its face to the wall.

a tall piece of furniture that provides storage space for clothes; has a door and rails or hooks for hanging clothes

From this reading One might suppose that, with the hosts of mechanical toys, of costly French dolls, each with a wardrobe as much in keeping with fashion as that of a society woman, the small sons and daughters would be content for a year of rainy days.

the speaker together with one or more other people

From this reading A FOREWORD TO MOTHERS How shall we answer the ever recurring rainy day question, "What shall I do?"

used to ask for information about something

From this reading A FOREWORD TO MOTHERS How shall we answer the ever recurring rainy day question, "What shall I do?"

any or all of a kind, it does not matter which

From this reading We hear it wherever children are kept indoors--from whatever cause.

at the time that

From this reading We all know what is coming when Jack turns from the rain-splashed window with a listless face and Dorothy, none too gently, thrusts her favourite doll into the corner with its face to the wall.

in or to any place at all

From this reading We hear it wherever children are kept indoors--from whatever cause.

a framework of wood or metal that contains a glass windowpane and is built into a wall or roof to admit light or air

From this reading We all know what is coming when Jack turns from the rain-splashed window with a listless face and Dorothy, none too gently, thrusts her favourite doll into the corner with its face to the wall.

in the company of; together with

From this reading All of us are concerned with the answer--mothers, fathers, teachers, big brothers and sisters--even maiden aunts.

an adult female person (as opposed to a man)

From this reading One might suppose that, with the hosts of mechanical toys, of costly French dolls, each with a wardrobe as much in keeping with fashion as that of a society woman, the small sons and daughters would be content for a year of rainy days.

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

From this reading One might suppose that, with the hosts of mechanical toys, of costly French dolls, each with a wardrobe as much in keeping with fashion as that of a society woman, the small sons and daughters would be content for a year of rainy days.

a period of time containing 365 (or 366) days

From this reading One might suppose that, with the hosts of mechanical toys, of costly French dolls, each with a wardrobe as much in keeping with fashion as that of a society woman, the small sons and daughters would be content for a year of rainy days.