Chapter I

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

From this reading _The first two of the children’s books here reproduced were published in 1878; the last two in 1885, only a few weeks before_ Mr. CALDECOTT’S _premature death.

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

From this reading _The first two of the children’s books here reproduced were published in 1878; the last two in 1885, only a few weeks before_ Mr. CALDECOTT’S _premature death.

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

From this reading THIS EDITION IS LIMITED TO 800 COPIES.

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

From this reading _The first two of the children’s books here reproduced were published in 1878; the last two in 1885, only a few weeks before_ Mr. CALDECOTT’S _premature death.

plural of “addition” — a component that is added to something to improve it

From this reading He had not intended to make any further additions to their number, and the series is consequently complete.

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

From this reading He had not intended to make any further additions to their number, and the series is consequently complete.

one or some or every or all without specification

From this reading He had not intended to make any further additions to their number, and the series is consequently complete.

the past participle of “be”

From this reading But his gradual development from the tentative sketches of his early days into the purely individual manner of his latest work, had been unmistakeable enough to justify the belief that even higher triumphs might have been reserved to his ripened powers.

earlier than; in front of

From this reading _The first two of the children’s books here reproduced were published in 1878; the last two in 1885, only a few weeks before_ Mr. CALDECOTT’S _premature death.

any cognitive content held as true

From this reading But his gradual development from the tentative sketches of his early days into the purely individual manner of his latest work, had been unmistakeable enough to justify the belief that even higher triumphs might have been reserved to his ripened powers.

Bound written or printed works.

From this reading _The first two of the children’s books here reproduced were published in 1878; the last two in 1885, only a few weeks before_ Mr. CALDECOTT’S _premature death.

cheerfulness that bubbles to the surface

From this reading Into what new domain his still-creative genius would have wandered,--for he was well on the hither side of the period fixed by tradition for the decline of human invention, and in spite of ill-health, was gifted with a rare buoyancy and elasticity of temperament,--it is idle to conjecture.

used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before

From this reading But his gradual development from the tentative sketches of his early days into the purely individual manner of his latest work, had been unmistakeable enough to justify the belief that even higher triumphs might have been reserved to his ripened powers.

showing who or what does the action

From this reading Into what new domain his still-creative genius would have wandered,--for he was well on the hither side of the period fixed by tradition for the decline of human invention, and in spite of ill-health, was gifted with a rare buoyancy and elasticity of temperament,--it is idle to conjecture.

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

From this reading _The first two of the children’s books here reproduced were published in 1878; the last two in 1885, only a few weeks before_ Mr. CALDECOTT’S _premature death.

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

From this reading _The first two of the children’s books here reproduced were published in 1878; the last two in 1885, only a few weeks before_ Mr. CALDECOTT’S _premature death.

come or bring to a finish or an end

From this reading He had not intended to make any further additions to their number, and the series is consequently complete.

a hypothesis that has been formed by speculating or conjecturing (usually with little hard evidence)

From this reading Into what new domain his still-creative genius would have wandered,--for he was well on the hither side of the period fixed by tradition for the decline of human invention, and in spite of ill-health, was gifted with a rare buoyancy and elasticity of temperament,--it is idle to conjecture.

(sentence connectors) because of the reason given

From this reading He had not intended to make any further additions to their number, and the series is consequently complete.

plural of “copy” — a reproduction of a written record (e.g. of a legal or school record)

From this reading THIS EDITION IS LIMITED TO 800 COPIES.

the time during which someone's life continues

From this reading But his gradual development from the tentative sketches of his early days into the purely individual manner of his latest work, had been unmistakeable enough to justify the belief that even higher triumphs might have been reserved to his ripened powers.

the event of dying or departure from life

From this reading _The first two of the children’s books here reproduced were published in 1878; the last two in 1885, only a few weeks before_ Mr. CALDECOTT’S _premature death.

grow worse

From this reading Into what new domain his still-creative genius would have wandered,--for he was well on the hither side of the period fixed by tradition for the decline of human invention, and in spite of ill-health, was gifted with a rare buoyancy and elasticity of temperament,--it is idle to conjecture.

act of improving by expanding or enlarging or refining

From this reading But his gradual development from the tentative sketches of his early days into the purely individual manner of his latest work, had been unmistakeable enough to justify the belief that even higher triumphs might have been reserved to his ripened powers.

a particular environment or walk of life

From this reading Into what new domain his still-creative genius would have wandered,--for he was well on the hither side of the period fixed by tradition for the decline of human invention, and in spite of ill-health, was gifted with a rare buoyancy and elasticity of temperament,--it is idle to conjecture.

at or near the beginning of a period of time or course of events or before the usual or expected time

From this reading But his gradual development from the tentative sketches of his early days into the purely individual manner of his latest work, had been unmistakeable enough to justify the belief that even higher triumphs might have been reserved to his ripened powers.

the form in which a text (especially a printed book) is published

From this reading THIS EDITION IS LIMITED TO 800 COPIES.

the tendency of a body to return to its original shape after it has been stretched or compressed

From this reading Into what new domain his still-creative genius would have wandered,--for he was well on the hither side of the period fixed by tradition for the decline of human invention, and in spite of ill-health, was gifted with a rare buoyancy and elasticity of temperament,--it is idle to conjecture.

an adequate quantity; a quantity that is large enough to achieve a purpose

From this reading But his gradual development from the tentative sketches of his early days into the purely individual manner of his latest work, had been unmistakeable enough to justify the belief that even higher triumphs might have been reserved to his ripened powers.

divisible by two

From this reading But his gradual development from the tentative sketches of his early days into the purely individual manner of his latest work, had been unmistakeable enough to justify the belief that even higher triumphs might have been reserved to his ripened powers.

a quantifier that can be used with count nouns and is often preceded by “a”; a small but indefinite number

From this reading _The first two of the children’s books here reproduced were published in 1878; the last two in 1885, only a few weeks before_ Mr. CALDECOTT’S _premature death.

preceding all others in time or space or degree

From this reading _The first two of the children’s books here reproduced were published in 1878; the last two in 1885, only a few weeks before_ Mr. CALDECOTT’S _premature death.

(of a number) having a fixed and unchanging value

From this reading Into what new domain his still-creative genius would have wandered,--for he was well on the hither side of the period fixed by tradition for the decline of human invention, and in spite of ill-health, was gifted with a rare buoyancy and elasticity of temperament,--it is idle to conjecture.

intended to be given to, or used by, somebody

From this reading Into what new domain his still-creative genius would have wandered,--for he was well on the hither side of the period fixed by tradition for the decline of human invention, and in spite of ill-health, was gifted with a rare buoyancy and elasticity of temperament,--it is idle to conjecture.

showing where something starts, or who sent it

From this reading But his gradual development from the tentative sketches of his early days into the purely individual manner of his latest work, had been unmistakeable enough to justify the belief that even higher triumphs might have been reserved to his ripened powers.

to or at a greater extent or degree or a more advanced stage (“further” is used more often than “farther” in this abstract sense)

From this reading He had not intended to make any further additions to their number, and the series is consequently complete.

someone who has exceptional intellectual ability and originality

From this reading Into what new domain his still-creative genius would have wandered,--for he was well on the hither side of the period fixed by tradition for the decline of human invention, and in spite of ill-health, was gifted with a rare buoyancy and elasticity of temperament,--it is idle to conjecture.

endowed with talent or talents

From this reading Into what new domain his still-creative genius would have wandered,--for he was well on the hither side of the period fixed by tradition for the decline of human invention, and in spite of ill-health, was gifted with a rare buoyancy and elasticity of temperament,--it is idle to conjecture.

proceeding in small stages

From this reading But his gradual development from the tentative sketches of his early days into the purely individual manner of his latest work, had been unmistakeable enough to justify the belief that even higher triumphs might have been reserved to his ripened powers.

the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect

From this reading He had not intended to make any further additions to their number, and the series is consequently complete.

used with a past participle to form the perfect tenses

From this reading Into what new domain his still-creative genius would have wandered,--for he was well on the hither side of the period fixed by tradition for the decline of human invention, and in spite of ill-health, was gifted with a rare buoyancy and elasticity of temperament,--it is idle to conjecture.

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

From this reading He had not intended to make any further additions to their number, and the series is consequently complete.

in or at this place; where the speaker or writer is

From this reading _The first two of the children’s books here reproduced were published in 1878; the last two in 1885, only a few weeks before_ Mr. CALDECOTT’S _premature death.

advanced in complexity or elaboration

From this reading But his gradual development from the tentative sketches of his early days into the purely individual manner of his latest work, had been unmistakeable enough to justify the belief that even higher triumphs might have been reserved to his ripened powers.

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

From this reading Into what new domain his still-creative genius would have wandered,--for he was well on the hither side of the period fixed by tradition for the decline of human invention, and in spite of ill-health, was gifted with a rare buoyancy and elasticity of temperament,--it is idle to conjecture.

an old word meaning “to this place”

From this reading Into what new domain his still-creative genius would have wandered,--for he was well on the hither side of the period fixed by tradition for the decline of human invention, and in spite of ill-health, was gifted with a rare buoyancy and elasticity of temperament,--it is idle to conjecture.

characteristic of humanity

From this reading Into what new domain his still-creative genius would have wandered,--for he was well on the hither side of the period fixed by tradition for the decline of human invention, and in spite of ill-health, was gifted with a rare buoyancy and elasticity of temperament,--it is idle to conjecture.

not in action or at work

From this reading Into what new domain his still-creative genius would have wandered,--for he was well on the hither side of the period fixed by tradition for the decline of human invention, and in spite of ill-health, was gifted with a rare buoyancy and elasticity of temperament,--it is idle to conjecture.

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

From this reading Into what new domain his still-creative genius would have wandered,--for he was well on the hither side of the period fixed by tradition for the decline of human invention, and in spite of ill-health, was gifted with a rare buoyancy and elasticity of temperament,--it is idle to conjecture.

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

From this reading _The first two of the children’s books here reproduced were published in 1878; the last two in 1885, only a few weeks before_ Mr. CALDECOTT’S _premature death.

being or characteristic of a single thing or person

From this reading But his gradual development from the tentative sketches of his early days into the purely individual manner of his latest work, had been unmistakeable enough to justify the belief that even higher triumphs might have been reserved to his ripened powers.

resulting from one's intentions

From this reading He had not intended to make any further additions to their number, and the series is consequently complete.

moving to the inside of something

From this reading Into what new domain his still-creative genius would have wandered,--for he was well on the hither side of the period fixed by tradition for the decline of human invention, and in spite of ill-health, was gifted with a rare buoyancy and elasticity of temperament,--it is idle to conjecture.

the creation of something in the mind

From this reading Into what new domain his still-creative genius would have wandered,--for he was well on the hither side of the period fixed by tradition for the decline of human invention, and in spite of ill-health, was gifted with a rare buoyancy and elasticity of temperament,--it is idle to conjecture.

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

From this reading THIS EDITION IS LIMITED TO 800 COPIES.

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading Into what new domain his still-creative genius would have wandered,--for he was well on the hither side of the period fixed by tradition for the decline of human invention, and in spite of ill-health, was gifted with a rare buoyancy and elasticity of temperament,--it is idle to conjecture.

show to be right by providing justification or proof

From this reading But his gradual development from the tentative sketches of his early days into the purely individual manner of his latest work, had been unmistakeable enough to justify the belief that even higher triumphs might have been reserved to his ripened powers.

immediately past

From this reading _The first two of the children’s books here reproduced were published in 1878; the last two in 1885, only a few weeks before_ Mr. CALDECOTT’S _premature death.

up to the immediate present; most recent or most up-to-date

From this reading But his gradual development from the tentative sketches of his early days into the purely individual manner of his latest work, had been unmistakeable enough to justify the belief that even higher triumphs might have been reserved to his ripened powers.

small in range or scope

From this reading THIS EDITION IS LIMITED TO 800 COPIES.

engage in

From this reading He had not intended to make any further additions to their number, and the series is consequently complete.

how something is done or how it happens

From this reading But his gradual development from the tentative sketches of his early days into the purely individual manner of his latest work, had been unmistakeable enough to justify the belief that even higher triumphs might have been reserved to his ripened powers.

used to say something is possible but not certain

From this reading But his gradual development from the tentative sketches of his early days into the purely individual manner of his latest work, had been unmistakeable enough to justify the belief that even higher triumphs might have been reserved to his ripened powers.

a form of address for a man

From this reading _The first two of the children’s books here reproduced were published in 1878; the last two in 1885, only a few weeks before_ Mr. CALDECOTT’S _premature death.

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

From this reading Into what new domain his still-creative genius would have wandered,--for he was well on the hither side of the period fixed by tradition for the decline of human invention, and in spite of ill-health, was gifted with a rare buoyancy and elasticity of temperament,--it is idle to conjecture.

used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative

From this reading He had not intended to make any further additions to their number, and the series is consequently complete.

the property possessed by a sum or total or indefinite quantity of units or individuals

From this reading He had not intended to make any further additions to their number, and the series is consequently complete.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading _The first two of the children’s books here reproduced were published in 1878; the last two in 1885, only a few weeks before_ Mr. CALDECOTT’S _premature death.

touching and supported by a surface

From this reading Into what new domain his still-creative genius would have wandered,--for he was well on the hither side of the period fixed by tradition for the decline of human invention, and in spite of ill-health, was gifted with a rare buoyancy and elasticity of temperament,--it is idle to conjecture.

and nothing more

From this reading _The first two of the children’s books here reproduced were published in 1878; the last two in 1885, only a few weeks before_ Mr. CALDECOTT’S _premature death.

an amount of time

From this reading Into what new domain his still-creative genius would have wandered,--for he was well on the hither side of the period fixed by tradition for the decline of human invention, and in spite of ill-health, was gifted with a rare buoyancy and elasticity of temperament,--it is idle to conjecture.

plural of “power” — possession of controlling influence

From this reading But his gradual development from the tentative sketches of his early days into the purely individual manner of his latest work, had been unmistakeable enough to justify the belief that even higher triumphs might have been reserved to his ripened powers.

born after a gestation period of less than the normal time

From this reading _The first two of the children’s books here reproduced were published in 1878; the last two in 1885, only a few weeks before_ Mr. CALDECOTT’S _premature death.

prepared and printed for distribution and sale

From this reading _The first two of the children’s books here reproduced were published in 1878; the last two in 1885, only a few weeks before_ Mr. CALDECOTT’S _premature death.

restricted to something

From this reading But his gradual development from the tentative sketches of his early days into the purely individual manner of his latest work, had been unmistakeable enough to justify the belief that even higher triumphs might have been reserved to his ripened powers.

not widely known; especially valued for its uncommonness

From this reading Into what new domain his still-creative genius would have wandered,--for he was well on the hither side of the period fixed by tradition for the decline of human invention, and in spite of ill-health, was gifted with a rare buoyancy and elasticity of temperament,--it is idle to conjecture.

past form of “reproduce” — make a copy or equivalent of

From this reading _The first two of the children’s books here reproduced were published in 1878; the last two in 1885, only a few weeks before_ Mr. CALDECOTT’S _premature death.

set aside for the use of a particular person or party

From this reading But his gradual development from the tentative sketches of his early days into the purely individual manner of his latest work, had been unmistakeable enough to justify the belief that even higher triumphs might have been reserved to his ripened powers.

of wines, fruit, cheeses; having reached a desired or final condition; (“aged” pronounced as one syllable)

From this reading But his gradual development from the tentative sketches of his early days into the purely individual manner of his latest work, had been unmistakeable enough to justify the belief that even higher triumphs might have been reserved to his ripened powers.

similar things placed in order or happening one after another

From this reading He had not intended to make any further additions to their number, and the series is consequently complete.

a place within a region identified relative to a center or reference location

From this reading Into what new domain his still-creative genius would have wandered,--for he was well on the hither side of the period fixed by tradition for the decline of human invention, and in spite of ill-health, was gifted with a rare buoyancy and elasticity of temperament,--it is idle to conjecture.

plural of “sketch” — preliminary drawing for later elaboration

From this reading But his gradual development from the tentative sketches of his early days into the purely individual manner of his latest work, had been unmistakeable enough to justify the belief that even higher triumphs might have been reserved to his ripened powers.

feeling a need to see others suffer

From this reading Into what new domain his still-creative genius would have wandered,--for he was well on the hither side of the period fixed by tradition for the decline of human invention, and in spite of ill-health, was gifted with a rare buoyancy and elasticity of temperament,--it is idle to conjecture.

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

From this reading Into what new domain his still-creative genius would have wandered,--for he was well on the hither side of the period fixed by tradition for the decline of human invention, and in spite of ill-health, was gifted with a rare buoyancy and elasticity of temperament,--it is idle to conjecture.

your usual mood

From this reading Into what new domain his still-creative genius would have wandered,--for he was well on the hither side of the period fixed by tradition for the decline of human invention, and in spite of ill-health, was gifted with a rare buoyancy and elasticity of temperament,--it is idle to conjecture.

under terms not final or fully worked out or agreed upon

From this reading But his gradual development from the tentative sketches of his early days into the purely individual manner of his latest work, had been unmistakeable enough to justify the belief that even higher triumphs might have been reserved to his ripened powers.

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading But his gradual development from the tentative sketches of his early days into the purely individual manner of his latest work, had been unmistakeable enough to justify the belief that even higher triumphs might have been reserved to his ripened powers.

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

From this reading _The first two of the children’s books here reproduced were published in 1878; the last two in 1885, only a few weeks before_ Mr. CALDECOTT’S _premature death.

belonging to the people or things already mentioned

From this reading He had not intended to make any further additions to their number, and the series is consequently complete.

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

From this reading THIS EDITION IS LIMITED TO 800 COPIES.

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

From this reading THIS EDITION IS LIMITED TO 800 COPIES.

an inherited pattern of thought or action

From this reading Into what new domain his still-creative genius would have wandered,--for he was well on the hither side of the period fixed by tradition for the decline of human invention, and in spite of ill-health, was gifted with a rare buoyancy and elasticity of temperament,--it is idle to conjecture.

plural of “triumph” — a successful ending of a struggle or contest

From this reading But his gradual development from the tentative sketches of his early days into the purely individual manner of his latest work, had been unmistakeable enough to justify the belief that even higher triumphs might have been reserved to his ripened powers.

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

From this reading _The first two of the children’s books here reproduced were published in 1878; the last two in 1885, only a few weeks before_ Mr. CALDECOTT’S _premature death.

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

From this reading But his gradual development from the tentative sketches of his early days into the purely individual manner of his latest work, had been unmistakeable enough to justify the belief that even higher triumphs might have been reserved to his ripened powers.

past form of “wander” — move about aimlessly or without any destination, often in search of food or employment

From this reading Into what new domain his still-creative genius would have wandered,--for he was well on the hither side of the period fixed by tradition for the decline of human invention, and in spite of ill-health, was gifted with a rare buoyancy and elasticity of temperament,--it is idle to conjecture.

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

From this reading Into what new domain his still-creative genius would have wandered,--for he was well on the hither side of the period fixed by tradition for the decline of human invention, and in spite of ill-health, was gifted with a rare buoyancy and elasticity of temperament,--it is idle to conjecture.

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

From this reading _The first two of the children’s books here reproduced were published in 1878; the last two in 1885, only a few weeks before_ Mr. CALDECOTT’S _premature death.

(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 Into what new domain his still-creative genius would have wandered,--for he was well on the hither side of the period fixed by tradition for the decline of human invention, and in spite of ill-health, was gifted with a rare buoyancy and elasticity of temperament,--it is idle to conjecture.

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

From this reading _The first two of the children’s books here reproduced were published in 1878; the last two in 1885, only a few weeks before_ Mr. CALDECOTT’S _premature death.

used to ask for information about something

From this reading Into what new domain his still-creative genius would have wandered,--for he was well on the hither side of the period fixed by tradition for the decline of human invention, and in spite of ill-health, was gifted with a rare buoyancy and elasticity of temperament,--it is idle to conjecture.

in the company of; together with

From this reading Into what new domain his still-creative genius would have wandered,--for he was well on the hither side of the period fixed by tradition for the decline of human invention, and in spite of ill-health, was gifted with a rare buoyancy and elasticity of temperament,--it is idle to conjecture.

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

From this reading But his gradual development from the tentative sketches of his early days into the purely individual manner of his latest work, had been unmistakeable enough to justify the belief that even higher triumphs might have been reserved to his ripened powers.

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

From this reading Into what new domain his still-creative genius would have wandered,--for he was well on the hither side of the period fixed by tradition for the decline of human invention, and in spite of ill-health, was gifted with a rare buoyancy and elasticity of temperament,--it is idle to conjecture.