Chapter III · Chapter 3

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

From this reading Ruth, with a sigh, sometimes admitted that she was afraid she supported a menagerie.

on the subject of; concerning

From this reading BILLY BUMPS' BANQUET Almost the first thing that would have caught the attention of the visitor to the old Corner House at almost any time, was the number of pets that hovered about that kitchen porch.

inflected form of “admit” — declare to be true or admit the existence or reality or truth of

From this reading Ruth, with a sigh, sometimes admitted that she was afraid she supported a menagerie.

filled with fear or apprehension

From this reading Ruth, with a sigh, sometimes admitted that she was afraid she supported a menagerie.

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

From this reading BILLY BUMPS' BANQUET Almost the first thing that would have caught the attention of the visitor to the old Corner House at almost any time, was the number of pets that hovered about that kitchen porch.

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

From this reading In the winter the old Corner House was the rendezvous of a chattering throng of snow-buntings and sparrows and starlings, for the children tied suet and meat-bones to the branches of the fruit trees, as well as scattered crumbs upon the snow-crust.

one or some or every or all without specification

From this reading BILLY BUMPS' BANQUET Almost the first thing that would have caught the attention of the visitor to the old Corner House at almost any time, was the number of pets that hovered about that kitchen porch.

give a certain impression or have a certain outward aspect

From this reading Just at this hour--it was approaching noon--Mrs. MacCall, or the girl who helped her in the kitchen, might be expected to appear at the door with a plate of scraps or vegetable peelings or a little spare milk or other delicacy to tempt the appetites of the dumb creatures that subsisted upon the kindness of the Corner House family.

plural of “appetite” — a feeling of craving something

From this reading Just at this hour--it was approaching noon--Mrs. MacCall, or the girl who helped her in the kitchen, might be expected to appear at the door with a plate of scraps or vegetable peelings or a little spare milk or other delicacy to tempt the appetites of the dumb creatures that subsisted upon the kindness of the Corner House family.

the event of one object coming closer to another

From this reading Just at this hour--it was approaching noon--Mrs. MacCall, or the girl who helped her in the kitchen, might be expected to appear at the door with a plate of scraps or vegetable peelings or a little spare milk or other delicacy to tempt the appetites of the dumb creatures that subsisted upon the kindness of the Corner House family.

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

From this reading In the winter the old Corner House was the rendezvous of a chattering throng of snow-buntings and sparrows and starlings, for the children tied suet and meat-bones to the branches of the fruit trees, as well as scattered crumbs upon the snow-crust.

in or near a particular place or position

From this reading BILLY BUMPS' BANQUET Almost the first thing that would have caught the attention of the visitor to the old Corner House at almost any time, was the number of pets that hovered about that kitchen porch.

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

From this reading BILLY BUMPS' BANQUET Almost the first thing that would have caught the attention of the visitor to the old Corner House at almost any time, was the number of pets that hovered about that kitchen porch.

a ceremonial dinner party for many people

From this reading BILLY BUMPS' BANQUET Almost the first thing that would have caught the attention of the visitor to the old Corner House at almost any time, was the number of pets that hovered about that kitchen porch.

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

From this reading Just at this hour--it was approaching noon--Mrs. MacCall, or the girl who helped her in the kitchen, might be expected to appear at the door with a plate of scraps or vegetable peelings or a little spare milk or other delicacy to tempt the appetites of the dumb creatures that subsisted upon the kindness of the Corner House family.

a short stout club used primarily by policemen

From this reading BILLY BUMPS' BANQUET Almost the first thing that would have caught the attention of the visitor to the old Corner House at almost any time, was the number of pets that hovered about that kitchen porch.

plural of “bird” — warm-blooded egg-laying vertebrates characterized by feathers and forelimbs modified as wings

From this reading The birds, of course, got their share.

plural of “branch” — a division of some larger or more complex organization

From this reading In the winter the old Corner House was the rendezvous of a chattering throng of snow-buntings and sparrows and starlings, for the children tied suet and meat-bones to the branches of the fruit trees, as well as scattered crumbs upon the snow-crust.

plural of “bump” — a lump on the body caused by a blow

From this reading BILLY BUMPS' BANQUET Almost the first thing that would have caught the attention of the visitor to the old Corner House at almost any time, was the number of pets that hovered about that kitchen porch.

inflected form of “catch” — discover or come upon accidentally, suddenly, or unexpectedly; catch somebody doing something or in a certain state

From this reading BILLY BUMPS' BANQUET Almost the first thing that would have caught the attention of the visitor to the old Corner House at almost any time, was the number of pets that hovered about that kitchen porch.

the rapid series of noises made by the parts of a machine

From this reading In the winter the old Corner House was the rendezvous of a chattering throng of snow-buntings and sparrows and starlings, for the children tied suet and meat-bones to the branches of the fruit trees, as well as scattered crumbs upon the snow-crust.

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

From this reading In the winter the old Corner House was the rendezvous of a chattering throng of snow-buntings and sparrows and starlings, for the children tied suet and meat-bones to the branches of the fruit trees, as well as scattered crumbs upon the snow-crust.

a place off to the side of an area

From this reading BILLY BUMPS' BANQUET Almost the first thing that would have caught the attention of the visitor to the old Corner House at almost any time, was the number of pets that hovered about that kitchen porch.

education imparted in a series of lessons or meetings

From this reading The birds, of course, got their share.

plural of “creature” — a living organism characterized by voluntary movement

From this reading Just at this hour--it was approaching noon--Mrs. MacCall, or the girl who helped her in the kitchen, might be expected to appear at the door with a plate of scraps or vegetable peelings or a little spare milk or other delicacy to tempt the appetites of the dumb creatures that subsisted upon the kindness of the Corner House family.

plural of “crumb” — a very small quantity of something

From this reading In the winter the old Corner House was the rendezvous of a chattering throng of snow-buntings and sparrows and starlings, for the children tied suet and meat-bones to the branches of the fruit trees, as well as scattered crumbs upon the snow-crust.

the quality of being beautiful and delicate in appearance

From this reading Just at this hour--it was approaching noon--Mrs. MacCall, or the girl who helped her in the kitchen, might be expected to appear at the door with a plate of scraps or vegetable peelings or a little spare milk or other delicacy to tempt the appetites of the dumb creatures that subsisted upon the kindness of the Corner House family.

a swinging or sliding barrier that will close the entrance to a room or building or vehicle

From this reading Just at this hour--it was approaching noon--Mrs. MacCall, or the girl who helped her in the kitchen, might be expected to appear at the door with a plate of scraps or vegetable peelings or a little spare milk or other delicacy to tempt the appetites of the dumb creatures that subsisted upon the kindness of the Corner House family.

slow to learn or understand; lacking intellectual acuity

From this reading Just at this hour--it was approaching noon--Mrs. MacCall, or the girl who helped her in the kitchen, might be expected to appear at the door with a plate of scraps or vegetable peelings or a little spare milk or other delicacy to tempt the appetites of the dumb creatures that subsisted upon the kindness of the Corner House family.

considered likely or probable to happen or arrive

From this reading Just at this hour--it was approaching noon--Mrs. MacCall, or the girl who helped her in the kitchen, might be expected to appear at the door with a plate of scraps or vegetable peelings or a little spare milk or other delicacy to tempt the appetites of the dumb creatures that subsisted upon the kindness of the Corner House family.

a social unit living together

From this reading Just at this hour--it was approaching noon--Mrs. MacCall, or the girl who helped her in the kitchen, might be expected to appear at the door with a plate of scraps or vegetable peelings or a little spare milk or other delicacy to tempt the appetites of the dumb creatures that subsisted upon the kindness of the Corner House family.

preceding all others in time or space or degree

From this reading BILLY BUMPS' BANQUET Almost the first thing that would have caught the attention of the visitor to the old Corner House at almost any time, was the number of pets that hovered about that kitchen porch.

intended to be given to, or used by, somebody

From this reading In the winter the old Corner House was the rendezvous of a chattering throng of snow-buntings and sparrows and starlings, for the children tied suet and meat-bones to the branches of the fruit trees, as well as scattered crumbs upon the snow-crust.

the ripened reproductive body of a seed plant

From this reading In the winter the old Corner House was the rendezvous of a chattering throng of snow-buntings and sparrows and starlings, for the children tied suet and meat-bones to the branches of the fruit trees, as well as scattered crumbs upon the snow-crust.

a young female

From this reading Just at this hour--it was approaching noon--Mrs. MacCall, or the girl who helped her in the kitchen, might be expected to appear at the door with a plate of scraps or vegetable peelings or a little spare milk or other delicacy to tempt the appetites of the dumb creatures that subsisted upon the kindness of the Corner House family.

inflected form of “get” — come into the possession of something concrete or abstract

From this reading The birds, of course, got their share.

used with a past participle to form the perfect tenses

From this reading BILLY BUMPS' BANQUET Almost the first thing that would have caught the attention of the visitor to the old Corner House at almost any time, was the number of pets that hovered about that kitchen porch.

past form of “help” — give help or assistance; be of service

From this reading Just at this hour--it was approaching noon--Mrs. MacCall, or the girl who helped her in the kitchen, might be expected to appear at the door with a plate of scraps or vegetable peelings or a little spare milk or other delicacy to tempt the appetites of the dumb creatures that subsisted upon the kindness of the Corner House family.

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

From this reading Just at this hour--it was approaching noon--Mrs. MacCall, or the girl who helped her in the kitchen, might be expected to appear at the door with a plate of scraps or vegetable peelings or a little spare milk or other delicacy to tempt the appetites of the dumb creatures that subsisted upon the kindness of the Corner House family.

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

From this reading Just at this hour--it was approaching noon--Mrs. MacCall, or the girl who helped her in the kitchen, might be expected to appear at the door with a plate of scraps or vegetable peelings or a little spare milk or other delicacy to tempt the appetites of the dumb creatures that subsisted upon the kindness of the Corner House family.

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

From this reading BILLY BUMPS' BANQUET Almost the first thing that would have caught the attention of the visitor to the old Corner House at almost any time, was the number of pets that hovered about that kitchen porch.

past form of “hover” — be undecided about something; waver between conflicting positions or courses of action

From this reading BILLY BUMPS' BANQUET Almost the first thing that would have caught the attention of the visitor to the old Corner House at almost any time, was the number of pets that hovered about that kitchen porch.

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

From this reading Just at this hour--it was approaching noon--Mrs. MacCall, or the girl who helped her in the kitchen, might be expected to appear at the door with a plate of scraps or vegetable peelings or a little spare milk or other delicacy to tempt the appetites of the dumb creatures that subsisted upon the kindness of the Corner House family.

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading Just at this hour--it was approaching noon--Mrs. MacCall, or the girl who helped her in the kitchen, might be expected to appear at the door with a plate of scraps or vegetable peelings or a little spare milk or other delicacy to tempt the appetites of the dumb creatures that subsisted upon the kindness of the Corner House family.

and nothing more

From this reading Just at this hour--it was approaching noon--Mrs. MacCall, or the girl who helped her in the kitchen, might be expected to appear at the door with a plate of scraps or vegetable peelings or a little spare milk or other delicacy to tempt the appetites of the dumb creatures that subsisted upon the kindness of the Corner House family.

the quality of being warmhearted and considerate and humane and sympathetic

From this reading Just at this hour--it was approaching noon--Mrs. MacCall, or the girl who helped her in the kitchen, might be expected to appear at the door with a plate of scraps or vegetable peelings or a little spare milk or other delicacy to tempt the appetites of the dumb creatures that subsisted upon the kindness of the Corner House family.

a room equipped for preparing meals

From this reading BILLY BUMPS' BANQUET Almost the first thing that would have caught the attention of the visitor to the old Corner House at almost any time, was the number of pets that hovered about that kitchen porch.

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

From this reading Just at this hour--it was approaching noon--Mrs. MacCall, or the girl who helped her in the kitchen, might be expected to appear at the door with a plate of scraps or vegetable peelings or a little spare milk or other delicacy to tempt the appetites of the dumb creatures that subsisted upon the kindness of the Corner House family.

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

From this reading Just at this hour--it was approaching noon--Mrs. MacCall, or the girl who helped her in the kitchen, might be expected to appear at the door with a plate of scraps or vegetable peelings or a little spare milk or other delicacy to tempt the appetites of the dumb creatures that subsisted upon the kindness of the Corner House family.

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

From this reading In the winter the old Corner House was the rendezvous of a chattering throng of snow-buntings and sparrows and starlings, for the children tied suet and meat-bones to the branches of the fruit trees, as well as scattered crumbs upon the snow-crust.

a collection of live animals for study or display

From this reading Ruth, with a sigh, sometimes admitted that she was afraid she supported a menagerie.

used to say something is possible but not certain

From this reading Just at this hour--it was approaching noon--Mrs. MacCall, or the girl who helped her in the kitchen, might be expected to appear at the door with a plate of scraps or vegetable peelings or a little spare milk or other delicacy to tempt the appetites of the dumb creatures that subsisted upon the kindness of the Corner House family.

a white nutritious liquid secreted by mammals and used as food by human beings

From this reading Just at this hour--it was approaching noon--Mrs. MacCall, or the girl who helped her in the kitchen, might be expected to appear at the door with a plate of scraps or vegetable peelings or a little spare milk or other delicacy to tempt the appetites of the dumb creatures that subsisted upon the kindness of the Corner House family.

a form of address for a married woman

From this reading Just at this hour--it was approaching noon--Mrs. MacCall, or the girl who helped her in the kitchen, might be expected to appear at the door with a plate of scraps or vegetable peelings or a little spare milk or other delicacy to tempt the appetites of the dumb creatures that subsisted upon the kindness of the Corner House family.

the middle of the day

From this reading Just at this hour--it was approaching noon--Mrs. MacCall, or the girl who helped her in the kitchen, might be expected to appear at the door with a plate of scraps or vegetable peelings or a little spare milk or other delicacy to tempt the appetites of the dumb creatures that subsisted upon the kindness of the Corner House family.

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

From this reading BILLY BUMPS' BANQUET Almost the first thing that would have caught the attention of the visitor to the old Corner House at almost any time, was the number of pets that hovered about that kitchen porch.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading BILLY BUMPS' BANQUET Almost the first thing that would have caught the attention of the visitor to the old Corner House at almost any time, was the number of pets that hovered about that kitchen porch.

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

From this reading BILLY BUMPS' BANQUET Almost the first thing that would have caught the attention of the visitor to the old Corner House at almost any time, was the number of pets that hovered about that kitchen porch.

used to join alternatives or possibilities

From this reading Just at this hour--it was approaching noon--Mrs. MacCall, or the girl who helped her in the kitchen, might be expected to appear at the door with a plate of scraps or vegetable peelings or a little spare milk or other delicacy to tempt the appetites of the dumb creatures that subsisted upon the kindness of the Corner House family.

not the same one or ones already mentioned or implied

From this reading Just at this hour--it was approaching noon--Mrs. MacCall, or the girl who helped her in the kitchen, might be expected to appear at the door with a plate of scraps or vegetable peelings or a little spare milk or other delicacy to tempt the appetites of the dumb creatures that subsisted upon the kindness of the Corner House family.

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

From this reading Just at this hour--it was approaching noon--Mrs. MacCall, or the girl who helped her in the kitchen, might be expected to appear at the door with a plate of scraps or vegetable peelings or a little spare milk or other delicacy to tempt the appetites of the dumb creatures that subsisted upon the kindness of the Corner House family.

plural of “pet” — a domesticated animal kept for companionship or amusement

From this reading BILLY BUMPS' BANQUET Almost the first thing that would have caught the attention of the visitor to the old Corner House at almost any time, was the number of pets that hovered about that kitchen porch.

(baseball) base consisting of a rubber slab where the batter stands; it must be touched by a base runner in order to score

From this reading Just at this hour--it was approaching noon--Mrs. MacCall, or the girl who helped her in the kitchen, might be expected to appear at the door with a plate of scraps or vegetable peelings or a little spare milk or other delicacy to tempt the appetites of the dumb creatures that subsisted upon the kindness of the Corner House family.

a structure attached to the exterior of a building often forming a covered entrance

From this reading BILLY BUMPS' BANQUET Almost the first thing that would have caught the attention of the visitor to the old Corner House at almost any time, was the number of pets that hovered about that kitchen porch.

a meeting planned at a certain time and place

From this reading In the winter the old Corner House was the rendezvous of a chattering throng of snow-buntings and sparrows and starlings, for the children tied suet and meat-bones to the branches of the fruit trees, as well as scattered crumbs upon the snow-crust.

United States professional baseball player famous for hitting home runs (1895-1948)

From this reading Ruth, with a sigh, sometimes admitted that she was afraid she supported a menagerie.

occurring or distributed over widely spaced and irregular intervals in time or space

From this reading In the winter the old Corner House was the rendezvous of a chattering throng of snow-buntings and sparrows and starlings, for the children tied suet and meat-bones to the branches of the fruit trees, as well as scattered crumbs upon the snow-crust.

food that is discarded (as from a kitchen)

From this reading Just at this hour--it was approaching noon--Mrs. MacCall, or the girl who helped her in the kitchen, might be expected to appear at the door with a plate of scraps or vegetable peelings or a little spare milk or other delicacy to tempt the appetites of the dumb creatures that subsisted upon the kindness of the Corner House family.

have in common

From this reading The birds, of course, got their share.

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

From this reading Ruth, with a sigh, sometimes admitted that she was afraid she supported a menagerie.

heave or utter a sigh; breathe deeply and heavily

From this reading Ruth, with a sigh, sometimes admitted that she was afraid she supported a menagerie.

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

From this reading In the winter the old Corner House was the rendezvous of a chattering throng of snow-buntings and sparrows and starlings, for the children tied suet and meat-bones to the branches of the fruit trees, as well as scattered crumbs upon the snow-crust.

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

From this reading In the winter the old Corner House was the rendezvous of a chattering throng of snow-buntings and sparrows and starlings, for the children tied suet and meat-bones to the branches of the fruit trees, as well as scattered crumbs upon the snow-crust.

on certain occasions or in certain cases but not always

From this reading Ruth, with a sigh, sometimes admitted that she was afraid she supported a menagerie.

refrain from harming

From this reading Just at this hour--it was approaching noon--Mrs. MacCall, or the girl who helped her in the kitchen, might be expected to appear at the door with a plate of scraps or vegetable peelings or a little spare milk or other delicacy to tempt the appetites of the dumb creatures that subsisted upon the kindness of the Corner House family.

plural of “sparrow” — any of several small dull-colored singing birds feeding on seeds or insects

From this reading In the winter the old Corner House was the rendezvous of a chattering throng of snow-buntings and sparrows and starlings, for the children tied suet and meat-bones to the branches of the fruit trees, as well as scattered crumbs upon the snow-crust.

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

From this reading In the winter the old Corner House was the rendezvous of a chattering throng of snow-buntings and sparrows and starlings, for the children tied suet and meat-bones to the branches of the fruit trees, as well as scattered crumbs upon the snow-crust.

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

From this reading Just at this hour--it was approaching noon--Mrs. MacCall, or the girl who helped her in the kitchen, might be expected to appear at the door with a plate of scraps or vegetable peelings or a little spare milk or other delicacy to tempt the appetites of the dumb creatures that subsisted upon the kindness of the Corner House family.

hard fat around the kidneys and loins in beef and sheep

From this reading In the winter the old Corner House was the rendezvous of a chattering throng of snow-buntings and sparrows and starlings, for the children tied suet and meat-bones to the branches of the fruit trees, as well as scattered crumbs upon the snow-crust.

sustained or maintained by aid (as distinct from physical support)

From this reading Ruth, with a sigh, sometimes admitted that she was afraid she supported a menagerie.

dispose or incline or entice to

From this reading Just at this hour--it was approaching noon--Mrs. MacCall, or the girl who helped her in the kitchen, might be expected to appear at the door with a plate of scraps or vegetable peelings or a little spare milk or other delicacy to tempt the appetites of the dumb creatures that subsisted upon the kindness of the Corner House family.

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading BILLY BUMPS' BANQUET Almost the first thing that would have caught the attention of the visitor to the old Corner House at almost any time, was the number of pets that hovered about that kitchen porch.

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

From this reading BILLY BUMPS' BANQUET Almost the first thing that would have caught the attention of the visitor to the old Corner House at almost any time, was the number of pets that hovered about that kitchen porch.

belonging to the people or things already mentioned

From this reading The birds, of course, got their share.

a special situation

From this reading BILLY BUMPS' BANQUET Almost the first thing that would have caught the attention of the visitor to the old Corner House at almost any time, was the number of pets that hovered about that kitchen porch.

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

From this reading Just at this hour--it was approaching noon--Mrs. MacCall, or the girl who helped her in the kitchen, might be expected to appear at the door with a plate of scraps or vegetable peelings or a little spare milk or other delicacy to tempt the appetites of the dumb creatures that subsisted upon the kindness of the Corner House family.

a large gathering of people

From this reading In the winter the old Corner House was the rendezvous of a chattering throng of snow-buntings and sparrows and starlings, for the children tied suet and meat-bones to the branches of the fruit trees, as well as scattered crumbs upon the snow-crust.

bound or secured closely

From this reading In the winter the old Corner House was the rendezvous of a chattering throng of snow-buntings and sparrows and starlings, for the children tied suet and meat-bones to the branches of the fruit trees, as well as scattered crumbs upon the snow-crust.

an instance or single occasion for some event

From this reading BILLY BUMPS' BANQUET Almost the first thing that would have caught the attention of the visitor to the old Corner House at almost any time, was the number of pets that hovered about that kitchen porch.

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

From this reading BILLY BUMPS' BANQUET Almost the first thing that would have caught the attention of the visitor to the old Corner House at almost any time, was the number of pets that hovered about that kitchen porch.

plural of “tree” — a tall perennial woody plant having a main trunk and branches forming a distinct elevated crown; includes both gymnosperms and angiosperms

From this reading In the winter the old Corner House was the rendezvous of a chattering throng of snow-buntings and sparrows and starlings, for the children tied suet and meat-bones to the branches of the fruit trees, as well as scattered crumbs upon the snow-crust.

a formal word for “on”

From this reading Just at this hour--it was approaching noon--Mrs. MacCall, or the girl who helped her in the kitchen, might be expected to appear at the door with a plate of scraps or vegetable peelings or a little spare milk or other delicacy to tempt the appetites of the dumb creatures that subsisted upon the kindness of the Corner House family.

edible seeds or roots or stems or leaves or bulbs or tubers or nonsweet fruits of any of numerous herbaceous plant

From this reading Just at this hour--it was approaching noon--Mrs. MacCall, or the girl who helped her in the kitchen, might be expected to appear at the door with a plate of scraps or vegetable peelings or a little spare milk or other delicacy to tempt the appetites of the dumb creatures that subsisted upon the kindness of the Corner House family.

someone who visits

From this reading BILLY BUMPS' BANQUET Almost the first thing that would have caught the attention of the visitor to the old Corner House at almost any time, was the number of pets that hovered about that kitchen porch.

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

From this reading BILLY BUMPS' BANQUET Almost the first thing that would have caught the attention of the visitor to the old Corner House at almost any time, was the number of pets that hovered about that kitchen porch.

(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 In the winter the old Corner House was the rendezvous of a chattering throng of snow-buntings and sparrows and starlings, for the children tied suet and meat-bones to the branches of the fruit trees, as well as scattered crumbs upon the snow-crust.

which person or people

From this reading Just at this hour--it was approaching noon--Mrs. MacCall, or the girl who helped her in the kitchen, might be expected to appear at the door with a plate of scraps or vegetable peelings or a little spare milk or other delicacy to tempt the appetites of the dumb creatures that subsisted upon the kindness of the Corner House family.

the coldest season of the year; in the northern hemisphere it extends from the winter solstice to the vernal equinox

From this reading In the winter the old Corner House was the rendezvous of a chattering throng of snow-buntings and sparrows and starlings, for the children tied suet and meat-bones to the branches of the fruit trees, as well as scattered crumbs upon the snow-crust.

in the company of; together with

From this reading Ruth, with a sigh, sometimes admitted that she was afraid she supported a menagerie.

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

From this reading BILLY BUMPS' BANQUET Almost the first thing that would have caught the attention of the visitor to the old Corner House at almost any time, was the number of pets that hovered about that kitchen porch.