used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading A CUSTOMER.
at all times; all the time and on every occasion
From this reading On the rare occasions when Madge, Betty, and John went shopping, it always seemed to them as if no sooner had they caught a glimpse of some especially fascinating book, picture, or toy, than they were instantly hauled away to one of those dull linen-draper's establishments in which grown-up people so mysteriously delight to linger.
the form of “a” used before a word that begins with a vowel sound
From this reading Ever since the time when Betty had knocked two china ornaments off a shelf and broken them to pieces while stretching out her hand to pick up a pepper-pot in the shape of an owl, there had been a strict rule that the children should touch nothing in shops.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading It was really very interesting to be inside the counter instead of outside, and in a position to examine everything carefully without any interference.
one or some or every or all without specification
From this reading It was really very interesting to be inside the counter instead of outside, and in a position to examine everything carefully without any interference.
any thing at all
From this reading As for examining anything closely, that was quite out of the question when they went shopping with Miss Thompson.
at the same time that; because; in the way that
From this reading On the rare occasions when Madge, Betty, and John went shopping, it always seemed to them as if no sooner had they caught a glimpse of some especially fascinating book, picture, or toy, than they were instantly hauled away to one of those dull linen-draper's establishments in which grown-up people so mysteriously delight to linger.
from a particular thing or place or position (“forth” is obsolete)
From this reading On the rare occasions when Madge, Betty, and John went shopping, it always seemed to them as if no sooner had they caught a glimpse of some especially fascinating book, picture, or toy, than they were instantly hauled away to one of those dull linen-draper's establishments in which grown-up people so mysteriously delight to linger.
used with a past participle to form the passive, or with -ing for continuous tenses
From this reading It was really very interesting to be inside the counter instead of outside, and in a position to examine everything carefully without any interference.
beenauxiliary verbUS /bɪn/
the past participle of “be”
From this reading Ever since the time when Betty had knocked two china ornaments off a shelf and broken them to pieces while stretching out her hand to pick up a pepper-pot in the shape of an owl, there had been a strict rule that the children should touch nothing in shops.
Betty
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading On the rare occasions when Madge, Betty, and John went shopping, it always seemed to them as if no sooner had they caught a glimpse of some especially fascinating book, picture, or toy, than they were instantly hauled away to one of those dull linen-draper's establishments in which grown-up people so mysteriously delight to linger.
a written work or composition that has been published (printed on pages bound together)
From this reading On the rare occasions when Madge, Betty, and John went shopping, it always seemed to them as if no sooner had they caught a glimpse of some especially fascinating book, picture, or toy, than they were instantly hauled away to one of those dull linen-draper's establishments in which grown-up people so mysteriously delight to linger.
physically and forcibly separated into pieces or cracked or split
From this reading Ever since the time when Betty had knocked two china ornaments off a shelf and broken them to pieces while stretching out her hand to pick up a pepper-pot in the shape of an owl, there had been a strict rule that the children should touch nothing in shops.
taking care or paying attention
From this reading It was really very interesting to be inside the counter instead of outside, and in a position to examine everything carefully without any interference.
inflected form of “catch” — discover or come upon accidentally, suddenly, or unexpectedly; catch somebody doing something or in a certain state
From this reading On the rare occasions when Madge, Betty, and John went shopping, it always seemed to them as if no sooner had they caught a glimpse of some especially fascinating book, picture, or toy, than they were instantly hauled away to one of those dull linen-draper's establishments in which grown-up people so mysteriously delight to linger.
plural of “child” — a young person of either sex
From this reading Ever since the time when Betty had knocked two china ornaments off a shelf and broken them to pieces while stretching out her hand to pick up a pepper-pot in the shape of an owl, there had been a strict rule that the children should touch nothing in shops.
chinanounUS /ˈtʃaɪnə/
a communist nation that covers a vast territory in eastern Asia; the most populous country in the world
From this reading Ever since the time when Betty had knocked two china ornaments off a shelf and broken them to pieces while stretching out her hand to pick up a pepper-pot in the shape of an owl, there had been a strict rule that the children should touch nothing in shops.
in a close relation or position in time or space
From this reading As for examining anything closely, that was quite out of the question when they went shopping with Miss Thompson.
counternounUS /ˈkaʊntər/
table consisting of a horizontal surface over which business is transacted
From this reading It was really very interesting to be inside the counter instead of outside, and in a position to examine everything carefully without any interference.
CUSTOMERnounUS /ˈkʌstəmər/
someone who pays for goods or services
From this reading A CUSTOMER.
give pleasure to or be pleasing to
From this reading On the rare occasions when Madge, Betty, and John went shopping, it always seemed to them as if no sooner had they caught a glimpse of some especially fascinating book, picture, or toy, than they were instantly hauled away to one of those dull linen-draper's establishments in which grown-up people so mysteriously delight to linger.
lacking in liveliness or animation
From this reading On the rare occasions when Madge, Betty, and John went shopping, it always seemed to them as if no sooner had they caught a glimpse of some especially fascinating book, picture, or toy, than they were instantly hauled away to one of those dull linen-draper's establishments in which grown-up people so mysteriously delight to linger.
to a distinctly greater extent or degree than is common
From this reading On the rare occasions when Madge, Betty, and John went shopping, it always seemed to them as if no sooner had they caught a glimpse of some especially fascinating book, picture, or toy, than they were instantly hauled away to one of those dull linen-draper's establishments in which grown-up people so mysteriously delight to linger.
establishmentsnounUS /eˈstæblɪʃmənts/
plural of “establishment” — the act of forming or establishing something
From this reading On the rare occasions when Madge, Betty, and John went shopping, it always seemed to them as if no sooner had they caught a glimpse of some especially fascinating book, picture, or toy, than they were instantly hauled away to one of those dull linen-draper's establishments in which grown-up people so mysteriously delight to linger.
at any time
From this reading Ever since the time when Betty had knocked two china ornaments off a shelf and broken them to pieces while stretching out her hand to pick up a pepper-pot in the shape of an owl, there had been a strict rule that the children should touch nothing in shops.
all things; all of a situation
From this reading It was really very interesting to be inside the counter instead of outside, and in a position to examine everything carefully without any interference.
examineverbUS /ɪɡˈzæmɪn/
consider in detail and subject to an analysis in order to discover essential features or meaning
From this reading It was really very interesting to be inside the counter instead of outside, and in a position to examine everything carefully without any interference.
examiningverbUS /ɪɡˈzæmɪnɪŋ/
-ing form of “examine” — consider in detail and subject to an analysis in order to discover essential features or meaning
From this reading As for examining anything closely, that was quite out of the question when they went shopping with Miss Thompson.
fascinatingadjectiveUS /ˈfæsəneɪtɪŋ/
capable of arousing and holding the attention
From this reading On the rare occasions when Madge, Betty, and John went shopping, it always seemed to them as if no sooner had they caught a glimpse of some especially fascinating book, picture, or toy, than they were instantly hauled away to one of those dull linen-draper's establishments in which grown-up people so mysteriously delight to linger.
intended to be given to, or used by, somebody
From this reading As for examining anything closely, that was quite out of the question when they went shopping with Miss Thompson.
a quick look
From this reading On the rare occasions when Madge, Betty, and John went shopping, it always seemed to them as if no sooner had they caught a glimpse of some especially fascinating book, picture, or toy, than they were instantly hauled away to one of those dull linen-draper's establishments in which grown-up people so mysteriously delight to linger.
grown-up
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading On the rare occasions when Madge, Betty, and John went shopping, it always seemed to them as if no sooner had they caught a glimpse of some especially fascinating book, picture, or toy, than they were instantly hauled away to one of those dull linen-draper's establishments in which grown-up people so mysteriously delight to linger.
hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/
the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect
From this reading On the rare occasions when Madge, Betty, and John went shopping, it always seemed to them as if no sooner had they caught a glimpse of some especially fascinating book, picture, or toy, than they were instantly hauled away to one of those dull linen-draper's establishments in which grown-up people so mysteriously delight to linger.
the (prehensile) extremity of the superior limb
From this reading Ever since the time when Betty had knocked two china ornaments off a shelf and broken them to pieces while stretching out her hand to pick up a pepper-pot in the shape of an owl, there had been a strict rule that the children should touch nothing in shops.
hauledverbUS /hɔːld/
past form of “haul” — draw slowly or heavily
From this reading On the rare occasions when Madge, Betty, and John went shopping, it always seemed to them as if no sooner had they caught a glimpse of some especially fascinating book, picture, or toy, than they were instantly hauled away to one of those dull linen-draper's establishments in which grown-up people so mysteriously delight to linger.
belonging to a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned
From this reading Ever since the time when Betty had knocked two china ornaments off a shelf and broken them to pieces while stretching out her hand to pick up a pepper-pot in the shape of an owl, there had been a strict rule that the children should touch nothing in shops.
on condition that; in the event that
From this reading On the rare occasions when Madge, Betty, and John went shopping, it always seemed to them as if no sooner had they caught a glimpse of some especially fascinating book, picture, or toy, than they were instantly hauled away to one of those dull linen-draper's establishments in which grown-up people so mysteriously delight to linger.
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading It was really very interesting to be inside the counter instead of outside, and in a position to examine everything carefully without any interference.
relating to or being on the side closer to the center or within a defined space
From this reading It was really very interesting to be inside the counter instead of outside, and in a position to examine everything carefully without any interference.
without delay or hesitation; with no time intervening
From this reading On the rare occasions when Madge, Betty, and John went shopping, it always seemed to them as if no sooner had they caught a glimpse of some especially fascinating book, picture, or toy, than they were instantly hauled away to one of those dull linen-draper's establishments in which grown-up people so mysteriously delight to linger.
in place of, or as an alternative to
From this reading It was really very interesting to be inside the counter instead of outside, and in a position to examine everything carefully without any interference.
arousing or holding the attention
From this reading It was really very interesting to be inside the counter instead of outside, and in a position to examine everything carefully without any interference.
interferencenounUS /ˌɪntərˈfɪrəns/
a policy of intervening in the affairs of other countries
From this reading It was really very interesting to be inside the counter instead of outside, and in a position to examine everything carefully without any interference.
a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned
From this reading It was really very interesting to be inside the counter instead of outside, and in a position to examine everything carefully without any interference.
a room or building equipped with one or more toilets
From this reading On the rare occasions when Madge, Betty, and John went shopping, it always seemed to them as if no sooner had they caught a glimpse of some especially fascinating book, picture, or toy, than they were instantly hauled away to one of those dull linen-draper's establishments in which grown-up people so mysteriously delight to linger.
past form of “knock” — deliver a sharp blow or push
From this reading Ever since the time when Betty had knocked two china ornaments off a shelf and broken them to pieces while stretching out her hand to pick up a pepper-pot in the shape of an owl, there had been a strict rule that the children should touch nothing in shops.
linen-draper's
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading On the rare occasions when Madge, Betty, and John went shopping, it always seemed to them as if no sooner had they caught a glimpse of some especially fascinating book, picture, or toy, than they were instantly hauled away to one of those dull linen-draper's establishments in which grown-up people so mysteriously delight to linger.
lingerverbUS /ˈlɪŋɡər/
remain present although waning or gradually dying
From this reading On the rare occasions when Madge, Betty, and John went shopping, it always seemed to them as if no sooner had they caught a glimpse of some especially fascinating book, picture, or toy, than they were instantly hauled away to one of those dull linen-draper's establishments in which grown-up people so mysteriously delight to linger.
Madge
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading On the rare occasions when Madge, Betty, and John went shopping, it always seemed to them as if no sooner had they caught a glimpse of some especially fascinating book, picture, or toy, than they were instantly hauled away to one of those dull linen-draper's establishments in which grown-up people so mysteriously delight to linger.
fail to perceive or to catch with the senses or the mind
From this reading As for examining anything closely, that was quite out of the question when they went shopping with Miss Thompson.
mysteriouslyadverbUS /ˌmɪˈstɪriəsli/
in a cryptic manner
From this reading On the rare occasions when Madge, Betty, and John went shopping, it always seemed to them as if no sooner had they caught a glimpse of some especially fascinating book, picture, or toy, than they were instantly hauled away to one of those dull linen-draper's establishments in which grown-up people so mysteriously delight to linger.
not any; not one
From this reading On the rare occasions when Madge, Betty, and John went shopping, it always seemed to them as if no sooner had they caught a glimpse of some especially fascinating book, picture, or toy, than they were instantly hauled away to one of those dull linen-draper's establishments in which grown-up people so mysteriously delight to linger.
not one thing; not anything
From this reading Ever since the time when Betty had knocked two china ornaments off a shelf and broken them to pieces while stretching out her hand to pick up a pepper-pot in the shape of an owl, there had been a strict rule that the children should touch nothing in shops.
something you have to do
From this reading On the rare occasions when Madge, Betty, and John went shopping, it always seemed to them as if no sooner had they caught a glimpse of some especially fascinating book, picture, or toy, than they were instantly hauled away to one of those dull linen-draper's establishments in which grown-up people so mysteriously delight to linger.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading It was really very interesting to be inside the counter instead of outside, and in a position to examine everything carefully without any interference.
from a particular thing or place or position (“forth” is obsolete)
From this reading Ever since the time when Betty had knocked two china ornaments off a shelf and broken them to pieces while stretching out her hand to pick up a pepper-pot in the shape of an owl, there had been a strict rule that the children should touch nothing in shops.
touching and supported by a surface
From this reading On the rare occasions when Madge, Betty, and John went shopping, it always seemed to them as if no sooner had they caught a glimpse of some especially fascinating book, picture, or toy, than they were instantly hauled away to one of those dull linen-draper's establishments in which grown-up people so mysteriously delight to linger.
used to mean any person in general, including the speaker
From this reading On the rare occasions when Madge, Betty, and John went shopping, it always seemed to them as if no sooner had they caught a glimpse of some especially fascinating book, picture, or toy, than they were instantly hauled away to one of those dull linen-draper's establishments in which grown-up people so mysteriously delight to linger.
used to join alternatives or possibilities
From this reading On the rare occasions when Madge, Betty, and John went shopping, it always seemed to them as if no sooner had they caught a glimpse of some especially fascinating book, picture, or toy, than they were instantly hauled away to one of those dull linen-draper's establishments in which grown-up people so mysteriously delight to linger.
ornamentsnounUS /ˈɔːrnəmənts/
plural of “ornament” — something used to beautify
From this reading Ever since the time when Betty had knocked two china ornaments off a shelf and broken them to pieces while stretching out her hand to pick up a pepper-pot in the shape of an owl, there had been a strict rule that the children should touch nothing in shops.
not allowed to continue to bat or run
From this reading As for examining anything closely, that was quite out of the question when they went shopping with Miss Thompson.
relating to or being on or near the outer side or limit
From this reading It was really very interesting to be inside the counter instead of outside, and in a position to examine everything carefully without any interference.
owlnounUS /aʊl/
nocturnal bird of prey with hawk-like beak and claws and large head with front-facing eyes
From this reading Ever since the time when Betty had knocked two china ornaments off a shelf and broken them to pieces while stretching out her hand to pick up a pepper-pot in the shape of an owl, there had been a strict rule that the children should touch nothing in shops.
(plural) any group of human beings (men or women or children) collectively
From this reading On the rare occasions when Madge, Betty, and John went shopping, it always seemed to them as if no sooner had they caught a glimpse of some especially fascinating book, picture, or toy, than they were instantly hauled away to one of those dull linen-draper's establishments in which grown-up people so mysteriously delight to linger.
pepper-pot
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Ever since the time when Betty had knocked two china ornaments off a shelf and broken them to pieces while stretching out her hand to pick up a pepper-pot in the shape of an owl, there had been a strict rule that the children should touch nothing in shops.
select carefully from a group
From this reading Ever since the time when Betty had knocked two china ornaments off a shelf and broken them to pieces while stretching out her hand to pick up a pepper-pot in the shape of an owl, there had been a strict rule that the children should touch nothing in shops.
a visual representation (of an object or scene or person or abstraction) produced on a surface
From this reading On the rare occasions when Madge, Betty, and John went shopping, it always seemed to them as if no sooner had they caught a glimpse of some especially fascinating book, picture, or toy, than they were instantly hauled away to one of those dull linen-draper's establishments in which grown-up people so mysteriously delight to linger.
plural of “piece” — a separate part of a whole
From this reading Ever since the time when Betty had knocked two china ornaments off a shelf and broken them to pieces while stretching out her hand to pick up a pepper-pot in the shape of an owl, there had been a strict rule that the children should touch nothing in shops.
the particular portion of space occupied by something
From this reading It was really very interesting to be inside the counter instead of outside, and in a position to examine everything carefully without any interference.
challenge the accuracy, probity, or propriety of
From this reading As for examining anything closely, that was quite out of the question when they went shopping with Miss Thompson.
to a degree (not used with a negative)
From this reading As for examining anything closely, that was quite out of the question when they went shopping with Miss Thompson.
not widely known; especially valued for its uncommonness
From this reading On the rare occasions when Madge, Betty, and John went shopping, it always seemed to them as if no sooner had they caught a glimpse of some especially fascinating book, picture, or toy, than they were instantly hauled away to one of those dull linen-draper's establishments in which grown-up people so mysteriously delight to linger.
in accordance with truth or fact or reality
From this reading It was really very interesting to be inside the counter instead of outside, and in a position to examine everything carefully without any interference.
a principle or condition that customarily governs behavior
From this reading Ever since the time when Betty had knocked two china ornaments off a shelf and broken them to pieces while stretching out her hand to pick up a pepper-pot in the shape of an owl, there had been a strict rule that the children should touch nothing in shops.
past form of “seem” — give a certain impression or have a certain outward aspect
From this reading On the rare occasions when Madge, Betty, and John went shopping, it always seemed to them as if no sooner had they caught a glimpse of some especially fascinating book, picture, or toy, than they were instantly hauled away to one of those dull linen-draper's establishments in which grown-up people so mysteriously delight to linger.
any spatial attributes (especially as defined by outline)
From this reading Ever since the time when Betty had knocked two china ornaments off a shelf and broken them to pieces while stretching out her hand to pick up a pepper-pot in the shape of an owl, there had been a strict rule that the children should touch nothing in shops.
shelfnounUS /ʃelf/
A flat horizontal plane used to hold books or scrolls in a library.
From this reading Ever since the time when Betty had knocked two china ornaments off a shelf and broken them to pieces while stretching out her hand to pick up a pepper-pot in the shape of an owl, there had been a strict rule that the children should touch nothing in shops.
shoppingnounUS /ˈʃɑːpɪŋ/
searching for or buying goods or services
From this reading On the rare occasions when Madge, Betty, and John went shopping, it always seemed to them as if no sooner had they caught a glimpse of some especially fascinating book, picture, or toy, than they were instantly hauled away to one of those dull linen-draper's establishments in which grown-up people so mysteriously delight to linger.
shopsnounUS /ʃɑːps/
plural of “shop” — a mercantile establishment for the retail sale of goods or services
From this reading Ever since the time when Betty had knocked two china ornaments off a shelf and broken them to pieces while stretching out her hand to pick up a pepper-pot in the shape of an owl, there had been a strict rule that the children should touch nothing in shops.
used to say what is right, expected, or advisable
From this reading Ever since the time when Betty had knocked two china ornaments off a shelf and broken them to pieces while stretching out her hand to pick up a pepper-pot in the shape of an owl, there had been a strict rule that the children should touch nothing in shops.
sinceprepositionUS /sɪns/
from a time in the past until now
From this reading Ever since the time when Betty had knocked two china ornaments off a shelf and broken them to pieces while stretching out her hand to pick up a pepper-pot in the shape of an owl, there had been a strict rule that the children should touch nothing in shops.
for that reason; with the result that
From this reading On the rare occasions when Madge, Betty, and John went shopping, it always seemed to them as if no sooner had they caught a glimpse of some especially fascinating book, picture, or toy, than they were instantly hauled away to one of those dull linen-draper's establishments in which grown-up people so mysteriously delight to linger.
(quantifier) used with either mass nouns or plural count nouns to indicate an unspecified number or quantity
From this reading On the rare occasions when Madge, Betty, and John went shopping, it always seemed to them as if no sooner had they caught a glimpse of some especially fascinating book, picture, or toy, than they were instantly hauled away to one of those dull linen-draper's establishments in which grown-up people so mysteriously delight to linger.
comparatives of “soon” or “early”
From this reading On the rare occasions when Madge, Betty, and John went shopping, it always seemed to them as if no sooner had they caught a glimpse of some especially fascinating book, picture, or toy, than they were instantly hauled away to one of those dull linen-draper's establishments in which grown-up people so mysteriously delight to linger.
stretchingnounUS /ˈstretʃɪŋ/
act of expanding by lengthening or widening
From this reading Ever since the time when Betty had knocked two china ornaments off a shelf and broken them to pieces while stretching out her hand to pick up a pepper-pot in the shape of an owl, there had been a strict rule that the children should touch nothing in shops.
strictadjectiveUS /strɪkt/
rigidly accurate; allowing no deviation from a standard
From this reading Ever since the time when Betty had knocked two china ornaments off a shelf and broken them to pieces while stretching out her hand to pick up a pepper-pot in the shape of an owl, there had been a strict rule that the children should touch nothing in shops.
used to introduce the second part of a comparison
From this reading On the rare occasions when Madge, Betty, and John went shopping, it always seemed to them as if no sooner had they caught a glimpse of some especially fascinating book, picture, or toy, than they were instantly hauled away to one of those dull linen-draper's establishments in which grown-up people so mysteriously delight to linger.
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading As for examining anything closely, that was quite out of the question when they went shopping with Miss Thompson.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading It was really very interesting to be inside the counter instead of outside, and in a position to examine everything carefully without any interference.
the people or things already mentioned, as the object
From this reading On the rare occasions when Madge, Betty, and John went shopping, it always seemed to them as if no sooner had they caught a glimpse of some especially fascinating book, picture, or toy, than they were instantly hauled away to one of those dull linen-draper's establishments in which grown-up people so mysteriously delight to linger.
in or at that place or location
From this reading Ever since the time when Betty had knocked two china ornaments off a shelf and broken them to pieces while stretching out her hand to pick up a pepper-pot in the shape of an owl, there had been a strict rule that the children should touch nothing in shops.
the people, animals, or things already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading On the rare occasions when Madge, Betty, and John went shopping, it always seemed to them as if no sooner had they caught a glimpse of some especially fascinating book, picture, or toy, than they were instantly hauled away to one of those dull linen-draper's establishments in which grown-up people so mysteriously delight to linger.
ThompsonnounUS /ˈtɑːmpsən/
United States classical archaeologist (born in Canada) noted for leading the excavation of the Athenian agora (1906-2000)
From this reading As for examining anything closely, that was quite out of the question when they went shopping with Miss Thompson.
the plural of “that”: the people or things further away, or already known
From this reading On the rare occasions when Madge, Betty, and John went shopping, it always seemed to them as if no sooner had they caught a glimpse of some especially fascinating book, picture, or toy, than they were instantly hauled away to one of those dull linen-draper's establishments in which grown-up people so mysteriously delight to linger.
an instance or single occasion for some event
From this reading Ever since the time when Betty had knocked two china ornaments off a shelf and broken them to pieces while stretching out her hand to pick up a pepper-pot in the shape of an owl, there had been a strict rule that the children should touch nothing in shops.
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading It was really very interesting to be inside the counter instead of outside, and in a position to examine everything carefully without any interference.
make physical contact with, come in contact with
From this reading Ever since the time when Betty had knocked two china ornaments off a shelf and broken them to pieces while stretching out her hand to pick up a pepper-pot in the shape of an owl, there had been a strict rule that the children should touch nothing in shops.
toynounUS /tɔɪ/
an artifact designed to be played with
From this reading On the rare occasions when Madge, Betty, and John went shopping, it always seemed to them as if no sooner had they caught a glimpse of some especially fascinating book, picture, or toy, than they were instantly hauled away to one of those dull linen-draper's establishments in which grown-up people so mysteriously delight to linger.
the cardinal number that is the sum of one and one or a numeral representing this number
From this reading Ever since the time when Betty had knocked two china ornaments off a shelf and broken them to pieces while stretching out her hand to pick up a pepper-pot in the shape of an owl, there had been a strict rule that the children should touch nothing in shops.
being or moving higher in position or greater in some value; being above a former position or level
From this reading Ever since the time when Betty had knocked two china ornaments off a shelf and broken them to pieces while stretching out her hand to pick up a pepper-pot in the shape of an owl, there had been a strict rule that the children should touch nothing in shops.
precisely as stated
From this reading It was really very interesting to be inside the counter instead of outside, and in a position to examine everything carefully without any interference.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading It was really very interesting to be inside the counter instead of outside, and in a position to examine everything carefully without any interference.
inflected form of “go” — change location; move, travel, or proceed, also metaphorically
From this reading On the rare occasions when Madge, Betty, and John went shopping, it always seemed to them as if no sooner had they caught a glimpse of some especially fascinating book, picture, or toy, than they were instantly hauled away to one of those dull linen-draper's establishments in which grown-up people so mysteriously delight to linger.
wereauxiliary verbUS /wɜːr/
the past form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun
From this reading On the rare occasions when Madge, Betty, and John went shopping, it always seemed to them as if no sooner had they caught a glimpse of some especially fascinating book, picture, or toy, than they were instantly hauled away to one of those dull linen-draper's establishments in which grown-up people so mysteriously delight to linger.
at the time that
From this reading On the rare occasions when Madge, Betty, and John went shopping, it always seemed to them as if no sooner had they caught a glimpse of some especially fascinating book, picture, or toy, than they were instantly hauled away to one of those dull linen-draper's establishments in which grown-up people so mysteriously delight to linger.
used to introduce a clause giving more about a thing just mentioned
From this reading On the rare occasions when Madge, Betty, and John went shopping, it always seemed to them as if no sooner had they caught a glimpse of some especially fascinating book, picture, or toy, than they were instantly hauled away to one of those dull linen-draper's establishments in which grown-up people so mysteriously delight to linger.
whileconjunctionUS /waɪl/
during the time that
From this reading Ever since the time when Betty had knocked two china ornaments off a shelf and broken them to pieces while stretching out her hand to pick up a pepper-pot in the shape of an owl, there had been a strict rule that the children should touch nothing in shops.
in the company of; together with
From this reading As for examining anything closely, that was quite out of the question when they went shopping with Miss Thompson.
not having, not using, or not accompanied by
From this reading It was really very interesting to be inside the counter instead of outside, and in a position to examine everything carefully without any interference.
