Chapter IV · Chapter 4

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

From this reading As soon as Nichols moved out of the old house, there was a shaking of the dry bones among the mechanics of the town.

(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 A small army of workmen invaded the premises, and repairs and improvements of all descriptions went rapidly forward--much more rapidly than was usual in Clarendon, for the colonel let all his work by contract, and by a system of forfeits and premiums kept it going at high pressure.

surrounded by; in the middle of a group

From this reading As soon as Nichols moved out of the old house, there was a shaking of the dry bones among the mechanics of the town.

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

From this reading Phil and the old man proved excellent friends, and the colonel, satisfied that the boy would be well cared for, gave his attention to the business of the hour.

a permanent organization of the military land forces of a nation or state

From this reading A small army of workmen invaded the premises, and repairs and improvements of all descriptions went rapidly forward--much more rapidly than was usual in Clarendon, for the colonel let all his work by contract, and by a system of forfeits and premiums kept it going at high pressure.

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

From this reading As soon as Nichols moved out of the old house, there was a shaking of the dry bones among the mechanics of the town.

in or near a particular place or position

From this reading A small army of workmen invaded the premises, and repairs and improvements of all descriptions went rapidly forward--much more rapidly than was usual in Clarendon, for the colonel let all his work by contract, and by a system of forfeits and premiums kept it going at high pressure.

the process whereby a person concentrates on some features of the environment to the (relative) exclusion of others

From this reading Phil and the old man proved excellent friends, and the colonel, satisfied that the boy would be well cared for, gave his attention to the business of the hour.

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

From this reading Phil and the old man proved excellent friends, and the colonel, satisfied that the boy would be well cared for, gave his attention to the business of the hour.

(used in the plural) a percussion instrument consisting of a pair of hollow pieces of wood or bone (usually held between the thumb and fingers) that are made to click together (as by Spanish dancers) in rhythm with the dance

From this reading As soon as Nichols moved out of the old house, there was a shaking of the dry bones among the mechanics of the town.

a youthful male person

From this reading Phil and the old man proved excellent friends, and the colonel, satisfied that the boy would be well cared for, gave his attention to the business of the hour.

a commercial or industrial enterprise and the people who constitute it

From this reading Phil and the old man proved excellent friends, and the colonel, satisfied that the boy would be well cared for, gave his attention to the business of the hour.

showing who or what does the action

From this reading A small army of workmen invaded the premises, and repairs and improvements of all descriptions went rapidly forward--much more rapidly than was usual in Clarendon, for the colonel let all his work by contract, and by a system of forfeits and premiums kept it going at high pressure.

past form of “care” — feel concern or interest

From this reading Phil and the old man proved excellent friends, and the colonel, satisfied that the boy would be well cared for, gave his attention to the business of the hour.

official routes of communication

From this reading The stream of ready money thus put into circulation by the colonel, soon permeated all the channels of local enterprise.

the dissemination of copies of periodicals (as newspapers or magazines)

From this reading The stream of ready money thus put into circulation by the colonel, soon permeated all the channels of local enterprise.

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

From this reading A small army of workmen invaded the premises, and repairs and improvements of all descriptions went rapidly forward--much more rapidly than was usual in Clarendon, for the colonel let all his work by contract, and by a system of forfeits and premiums kept it going at high pressure.

a commissioned military officer in the United States Army or Air Force or Marines who ranks above a lieutenant colonel and below a brigadier general

From this reading Phil and the old man proved excellent friends, and the colonel, satisfied that the boy would be well cared for, gave his attention to the business of the hour.

enter into a contractual arrangement

From this reading A small army of workmen invaded the premises, and repairs and improvements of all descriptions went rapidly forward--much more rapidly than was usual in Clarendon, for the colonel let all his work by contract, and by a system of forfeits and premiums kept it going at high pressure.

plural of “description” — a statement that represents something in words

From this reading A small army of workmen invaded the premises, and repairs and improvements of all descriptions went rapidly forward--much more rapidly than was usual in Clarendon, for the colonel let all his work by contract, and by a system of forfeits and premiums kept it going at high pressure.

free from liquid or moisture; lacking natural or normal moisture or depleted of water; or no longer wet

From this reading As soon as Nichols moved out of the old house, there was a shaking of the dry bones among the mechanics of the town.

a purposeful or industrious undertaking (especially one that requires effort or boldness)

From this reading The stream of ready money thus put into circulation by the colonel, soon permeated all the channels of local enterprise.

very good; of the highest quality

From this reading Phil and the old man proved excellent friends, and the colonel, satisfied that the boy would be well cared for, gave his attention to the business of the hour.

plural of “fence” — a barrier that serves to enclose an area

From this reading In two weeks the house was shingled, painted inside and out, the fences were renewed, the outhouses renovated, and the grounds put in order.

intended to be given to, or used by, somebody

From this reading Phil and the old man proved excellent friends, and the colonel, satisfied that the boy would be well cared for, gave his attention to the business of the hour.

plural of “forfeit” — something that is lost or surrendered as a penalty

From this reading A small army of workmen invaded the premises, and repairs and improvements of all descriptions went rapidly forward--much more rapidly than was usual in Clarendon, for the colonel let all his work by contract, and by a system of forfeits and premiums kept it going at high pressure.

at or to or toward the front

From this reading A small army of workmen invaded the premises, and repairs and improvements of all descriptions went rapidly forward--much more rapidly than was usual in Clarendon, for the colonel let all his work by contract, and by a system of forfeits and premiums kept it going at high pressure.

plural of “friend” — a person you know well and regard with affection and trust

From this reading Phil and the old man proved excellent friends, and the colonel, satisfied that the boy would be well cared for, gave his attention to the business of the hour.

inflected form of “give” — cause to have, in the abstract sense or physical sense

From this reading Phil and the old man proved excellent friends, and the colonel, satisfied that the boy would be well cared for, gave his attention to the business of the hour.

the act of departing

From this reading A small army of workmen invaded the premises, and repairs and improvements of all descriptions went rapidly forward--much more rapidly than was usual in Clarendon, for the colonel let all his work by contract, and by a system of forfeits and premiums kept it going at high pressure.

your basis for belief or disbelief; knowledge on which to base belief

From this reading In two weeks the house was shingled, painted inside and out, the fences were renewed, the outhouses renovated, and the grounds put in order.

greater than normal in degree or intensity or amount

From this reading A small army of workmen invaded the premises, and repairs and improvements of all descriptions went rapidly forward--much more rapidly than was usual in Clarendon, for the colonel let all his work by contract, and by a system of forfeits and premiums kept it going at high pressure.

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

From this reading Phil and the old man proved excellent friends, and the colonel, satisfied that the boy would be well cared for, gave his attention to the business of the hour.

a period of time equal to 1/24th of a day

From this reading Phil and the old man proved excellent friends, and the colonel, satisfied that the boy would be well cared for, gave his attention to the business of the hour.

a dwelling that serves as living quarters for one or more families

From this reading As soon as Nichols moved out of the old house, there was a shaking of the dry bones among the mechanics of the town.

plural of “improvement” — a change for the better; progress in development

From this reading A small army of workmen invaded the premises, and repairs and improvements of all descriptions went rapidly forward--much more rapidly than was usual in Clarendon, for the colonel let all his work by contract, and by a system of forfeits and premiums kept it going at high pressure.

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

From this reading A small army of workmen invaded the premises, and repairs and improvements of all descriptions went rapidly forward--much more rapidly than was usual in Clarendon, for the colonel let all his work by contract, and by a system of forfeits and premiums kept it going at high pressure.

relating to or being on the side closer to the center or within a defined space

From this reading In two weeks the house was shingled, painted inside and out, the fences were renewed, the outhouses renovated, and the grounds put in order.

moving to the inside of something

From this reading The stream of ready money thus put into circulation by the colonel, soon permeated all the channels of local enterprise.

past form of “invade” — march aggressively into another's territory by military force for the purposes of conquest and occupation

From this reading A small army of workmen invaded the premises, and repairs and improvements of all descriptions went rapidly forward--much more rapidly than was usual in Clarendon, for the colonel let all his work by contract, and by a system of forfeits and premiums kept it going at high pressure.

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading A small army of workmen invaded the premises, and repairs and improvements of all descriptions went rapidly forward--much more rapidly than was usual in Clarendon, for the colonel let all his work by contract, and by a system of forfeits and premiums kept it going at high pressure.

(especially of promises or contracts) not violated or disregarded

From this reading A small army of workmen invaded the premises, and repairs and improvements of all descriptions went rapidly forward--much more rapidly than was usual in Clarendon, for the colonel let all his work by contract, and by a system of forfeits and premiums kept it going at high pressure.

used to make a suggestion or a command including the speaker

From this reading A small army of workmen invaded the premises, and repairs and improvements of all descriptions went rapidly forward--much more rapidly than was usual in Clarendon, for the colonel let all his work by contract, and by a system of forfeits and premiums kept it going at high pressure.

relating to or applicable to or concerned with the administration of a city or town or district rather than a larger area

From this reading The stream of ready money thus put into circulation by the colonel, soon permeated all the channels of local enterprise.

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

From this reading Phil and the old man proved excellent friends, and the colonel, satisfied that the boy would be well cared for, gave his attention to the business of the hour.

the branch of physics concerned with the motion of bodies in a frame of reference

From this reading As soon as Nichols moved out of the old house, there was a shaking of the dry bones among the mechanics of the town.

the most common medium of exchange; functions as legal tender

From this reading The stream of ready money thus put into circulation by the colonel, soon permeated all the channels of local enterprise.

(comparative of “much” used with mass nouns) a quantifier meaning greater in size or amount or extent or degree

From this reading A small army of workmen invaded the premises, and repairs and improvements of all descriptions went rapidly forward--much more rapidly than was usual in Clarendon, for the colonel let all his work by contract, and by a system of forfeits and premiums kept it going at high pressure.

being excited or provoked to the expression of an emotion

From this reading As soon as Nichols moved out of the old house, there was a shaking of the dry bones among the mechanics of the town.

to a great degree or extent

From this reading A small army of workmen invaded the premises, and repairs and improvements of all descriptions went rapidly forward--much more rapidly than was usual in Clarendon, for the colonel let all his work by contract, and by a system of forfeits and premiums kept it going at high pressure.

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

From this reading As soon as Nichols moved out of the old house, there was a shaking of the dry bones among the mechanics of the town.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading Phil and the old man proved excellent friends, and the colonel, satisfied that the boy would be well cared for, gave his attention to the business of the hour.

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

From this reading Phil and the old man proved excellent friends, and the colonel, satisfied that the boy would be well cared for, gave his attention to the business of the hour.

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

From this reading In two weeks the house was shingled, painted inside and out, the fences were renewed, the outhouses renovated, and the grounds put in order.

not allowed to continue to bat or run

From this reading As soon as Nichols moved out of the old house, there was a shaking of the dry bones among the mechanics of the town.

plural of “outhouse” — a small outbuilding with a bench having holes through which a user can defecate

From this reading In two weeks the house was shingled, painted inside and out, the fences were renewed, the outhouses renovated, and the grounds put in order.

coated with paint

From this reading In two weeks the house was shingled, painted inside and out, the fences were renewed, the outhouses renovated, and the grounds put in order.

past form of “permeate” — spread or diffuse through

From this reading The stream of ready money thus put into circulation by the colonel, soon permeated all the channels of local enterprise.

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

From this reading Phil and the old man proved excellent friends, and the colonel, satisfied that the boy would be well cared for, gave his attention to the business of the hour.

land and the buildings on it

From this reading A small army of workmen invaded the premises, and repairs and improvements of all descriptions went rapidly forward--much more rapidly than was usual in Clarendon, for the colonel let all his work by contract, and by a system of forfeits and premiums kept it going at high pressure.

plural of “premium” — payment for insurance

From this reading A small army of workmen invaded the premises, and repairs and improvements of all descriptions went rapidly forward--much more rapidly than was usual in Clarendon, for the colonel let all his work by contract, and by a system of forfeits and premiums kept it going at high pressure.

the force applied to a unit area of surface; measured in pascals (SI unit) or in dynes (cgs unit)

From this reading A small army of workmen invaded the premises, and repairs and improvements of all descriptions went rapidly forward--much more rapidly than was usual in Clarendon, for the colonel let all his work by contract, and by a system of forfeits and premiums kept it going at high pressure.

established beyond doubt

From this reading Phil and the old man proved excellent friends, and the colonel, satisfied that the boy would be well cared for, gave his attention to the business of the hour.

put into a certain place or abstract location

From this reading In two weeks the house was shingled, painted inside and out, the fences were renewed, the outhouses renovated, and the grounds put in order.

with speed

From this reading A small army of workmen invaded the premises, and repairs and improvements of all descriptions went rapidly forward--much more rapidly than was usual in Clarendon, for the colonel let all his work by contract, and by a system of forfeits and premiums kept it going at high pressure.

completely prepared or in condition for immediate action or use or progress

From this reading The stream of ready money thus put into circulation by the colonel, soon permeated all the channels of local enterprise.

restored to a new condition

From this reading In two weeks the house was shingled, painted inside and out, the fences were renewed, the outhouses renovated, and the grounds put in order.

past form of “renovate” — restore to a previous or better condition

From this reading In two weeks the house was shingled, painted inside and out, the fences were renewed, the outhouses renovated, and the grounds put in order.

plural of “repair” — the act of putting something in working order again

From this reading A small army of workmen invaded the premises, and repairs and improvements of all descriptions went rapidly forward--much more rapidly than was usual in Clarendon, for the colonel let all his work by contract, and by a system of forfeits and premiums kept it going at high pressure.

filled with satisfaction

From this reading Phil and the old man proved excellent friends, and the colonel, satisfied that the boy would be well cared for, gave his attention to the business of the hour.

the act of causing something to move up and down (or back and forth) with quick movements

From this reading As soon as Nichols moved out of the old house, there was a shaking of the dry bones among the mechanics of the town.

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

From this reading In two weeks the house was shingled, painted inside and out, the fences were renewed, the outhouses renovated, and the grounds put in order.

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

From this reading A small army of workmen invaded the premises, and repairs and improvements of all descriptions went rapidly forward--much more rapidly than was usual in Clarendon, for the colonel let all his work by contract, and by a system of forfeits and premiums kept it going at high pressure.

in the near future

From this reading As soon as Nichols moved out of the old house, there was a shaking of the dry bones among the mechanics of the town.

a natural body of running water flowing on or under the earth

From this reading The stream of ready money thus put into circulation by the colonel, soon permeated all the channels of local enterprise.

instrumentality that combines interrelated interacting artifacts designed to work as a coherent entity

From this reading A small army of workmen invaded the premises, and repairs and improvements of all descriptions went rapidly forward--much more rapidly than was usual in Clarendon, for the colonel let all his work by contract, and by a system of forfeits and premiums kept it going at high pressure.

used to introduce the second part of a comparison

From this reading A small army of workmen invaded the premises, and repairs and improvements of all descriptions went rapidly forward--much more rapidly than was usual in Clarendon, for the colonel let all his work by contract, and by a system of forfeits and premiums kept it going at high pressure.

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading Phil and the old man proved excellent friends, and the colonel, satisfied that the boy would be well cared for, gave his attention to the business of the hour.

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

From this reading Phil and the old man proved excellent friends, and the colonel, satisfied that the boy would be well cared for, gave his attention to the business of the hour.

in or at that place or location

From this reading As soon as Nichols moved out of the old house, there was a shaking of the dry bones among the mechanics of the town.

(used to introduce a logical conclusion) from that fact or reason or as a result

From this reading The stream of ready money thus put into circulation by the colonel, soon permeated all the channels of local enterprise.

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

From this reading Phil and the old man proved excellent friends, and the colonel, satisfied that the boy would be well cared for, gave his attention to the business of the hour.

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

From this reading As soon as Nichols moved out of the old house, there was a shaking of the dry bones among the mechanics of the town.

the cardinal number that is the sum of one and one or a numeral representing this number

From this reading In two weeks the house was shingled, painted inside and out, the fences were renewed, the outhouses renovated, and the grounds put in order.

occurring or encountered or experienced or observed frequently or in accordance with regular practice or procedure

From this reading A small army of workmen invaded the premises, and repairs and improvements of all descriptions went rapidly forward--much more rapidly than was usual in Clarendon, for the colonel let all his work by contract, and by a system of forfeits and premiums kept it going at high pressure.

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

From this reading As soon as Nichols moved out of the old house, there was a shaking of the dry bones among the mechanics of the town.

plural of “week” — any period of seven consecutive days

From this reading In two weeks the house was shingled, painted inside and out, the fences were renewed, the outhouses renovated, and the grounds put in order.

(often used as a combining form) in a good or proper or satisfactory manner or to a high standard (“good” is a nonstandard dialectal variant for “well”)

From this reading Phil and the old man proved excellent friends, and the colonel, satisfied that the boy would be well cared for, gave his attention to the business of the hour.

inflected form of “go” — change location; move, travel, or proceed, also metaphorically

From this reading A small army of workmen invaded the premises, and repairs and improvements of all descriptions went rapidly forward--much more rapidly than was usual in Clarendon, for the colonel let all his work by contract, and by a system of forfeits and premiums kept it going at high pressure.

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

From this reading In two weeks the house was shingled, painted inside and out, the fences were renewed, the outhouses renovated, and the grounds put in order.

exert oneself by doing mental or physical work for a purpose or out of necessity

From this reading A small army of workmen invaded the premises, and repairs and improvements of all descriptions went rapidly forward--much more rapidly than was usual in Clarendon, for the colonel let all his work by contract, and by a system of forfeits and premiums kept it going at high pressure.

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

From this reading A small army of workmen invaded the premises, and repairs and improvements of all descriptions went rapidly forward--much more rapidly than was usual in Clarendon, for the colonel let all his work by contract, and by a system of forfeits and premiums kept it going at high pressure.

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

From this reading Phil and the old man proved excellent friends, and the colonel, satisfied that the boy would be well cared for, gave his attention to the business of the hour.