Chapter I · Chapter 1

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

From this reading Living two miles from the nearest shop, she yet appeared constitutionally incapable of "thinking ahead"; and it was a common experience to behold at the afternoon meal different members of the family partaking respectively of tea, coffee, and cocoa, there being insufficient of any one beverage to go round.

treat badly

From this reading It might be the custom to abuse the orthodox Christmas dinner, but since it _was_ a national custom which one did not care to break, it behoved one to have as good a specimen as possible, and the prospect of short commons, and indifferent short commons at that, was not attractive.

the part of the day between noon and evening

From this reading Living two miles from the nearest shop, she yet appeared constitutionally incapable of "thinking ahead"; and it was a common experience to behold at the afternoon meal different members of the family partaking respectively of tea, coffee, and cocoa, there being insufficient of any one beverage to go round.

at or in the front

From this reading Living two miles from the nearest shop, she yet appeared constitutionally incapable of "thinking ahead"; and it was a common experience to behold at the afternoon meal different members of the family partaking respectively of tea, coffee, and cocoa, there being insufficient of any one beverage to go round.

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

From this reading Living two miles from the nearest shop, she yet appeared constitutionally incapable of "thinking ahead"; and it was a common experience to behold at the afternoon meal different members of the family partaking respectively of tea, coffee, and cocoa, there being insufficient of any one beverage to go round.

one or some or every or all without specification

From this reading Living two miles from the nearest shop, she yet appeared constitutionally incapable of "thinking ahead"; and it was a common experience to behold at the afternoon meal different members of the family partaking respectively of tea, coffee, and cocoa, there being insufficient of any one beverage to go round.

past form of “appear” — give a certain impression or have a certain outward aspect

From this reading Living two miles from the nearest shop, she yet appeared constitutionally incapable of "thinking ahead"; and it was a common experience to behold at the afternoon meal different members of the family partaking respectively of tea, coffee, and cocoa, there being insufficient of any one beverage to go round.

reach a destination; arrive by movement or progress

From this reading _Who_ could be sure that the turkey might not arrive at the table singed and charred, and the pudding in a condition of _soup_?

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

From this reading It might be the custom to abuse the orthodox Christmas dinner, but since it _was_ a national custom which one did not care to break, it behoved one to have as good a specimen as possible, and the prospect of short commons, and indifferent short commons at that, was not attractive.

in or near a particular place or position

From this reading Living two miles from the nearest shop, she yet appeared constitutionally incapable of "thinking ahead"; and it was a common experience to behold at the afternoon meal different members of the family partaking respectively of tea, coffee, and cocoa, there being insufficient of any one beverage to go round.

pleasing to the eye or mind especially through beauty or charm

From this reading It might be the custom to abuse the orthodox Christmas dinner, but since it _was_ a national custom which one did not care to break, it behoved one to have as good a specimen as possible, and the prospect of short commons, and indifferent short commons at that, was not attractive.

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

From this reading Margaret's sympathies went out involuntarily towards her friend, but her listeners, it is to be feared, were concerned entirely for themselves.

see with attention

From this reading Living two miles from the nearest shop, she yet appeared constitutionally incapable of "thinking ahead"; and it was a common experience to behold at the afternoon meal different members of the family partaking respectively of tea, coffee, and cocoa, there being insufficient of any one beverage to go round.

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

From this reading It might be the custom to abuse the orthodox Christmas dinner, but since it _was_ a national custom which one did not care to break, it behoved one to have as good a specimen as possible, and the prospect of short commons, and indifferent short commons at that, was not attractive.

the -ing form of “be”

From this reading Living two miles from the nearest shop, she yet appeared constitutionally incapable of "thinking ahead"; and it was a common experience to behold at the afternoon meal different members of the family partaking respectively of tea, coffee, and cocoa, there being insufficient of any one beverage to go round.

any liquid suitable for drinking

From this reading Living two miles from the nearest shop, she yet appeared constitutionally incapable of "thinking ahead"; and it was a common experience to behold at the afternoon meal different members of the family partaking respectively of tea, coffee, and cocoa, there being insufficient of any one beverage to go round.

terminate

From this reading It might be the custom to abuse the orthodox Christmas dinner, but since it _was_ a national custom which one did not care to break, it behoved one to have as good a specimen as possible, and the prospect of short commons, and indifferent short commons at that, was not attractive.

used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before

From this reading Margaret's sympathies went out involuntarily towards her friend, but her listeners, it is to be feared, were concerned entirely for themselves.

the work of providing treatment for or attending to someone or something

From this reading It might be the custom to abuse the orthodox Christmas dinner, but since it _was_ a national custom which one did not care to break, it behoved one to have as good a specimen as possible, and the prospect of short commons, and indifferent short commons at that, was not attractive.

inflected form of “char” — burn to charcoal

From this reading _Who_ could be sure that the turkey might not arrive at the table singed and charred, and the pudding in a condition of _soup_?

period extending from Dec. 24 to Jan. 6

From this reading It might be the custom to abuse the orthodox Christmas dinner, but since it _was_ a national custom which one did not care to break, it behoved one to have as good a specimen as possible, and the prospect of short commons, and indifferent short commons at that, was not attractive.

a beverage made from cocoa powder and milk and sugar; usually drunk hot

From this reading Living two miles from the nearest shop, she yet appeared constitutionally incapable of "thinking ahead"; and it was a common experience to behold at the afternoon meal different members of the family partaking respectively of tea, coffee, and cocoa, there being insufficient of any one beverage to go round.

a beverage consisting of an infusion of ground coffee beans

From this reading Living two miles from the nearest shop, she yet appeared constitutionally incapable of "thinking ahead"; and it was a common experience to behold at the afternoon meal different members of the family partaking respectively of tea, coffee, and cocoa, there being insufficient of any one beverage to go round.

belonging to or participated in by a community as a whole; public

From this reading Living two miles from the nearest shop, she yet appeared constitutionally incapable of "thinking ahead"; and it was a common experience to behold at the afternoon meal different members of the family partaking respectively of tea, coffee, and cocoa, there being insufficient of any one beverage to go round.

a piece of open land for recreational use in an urban area

From this reading It might be the custom to abuse the orthodox Christmas dinner, but since it _was_ a national custom which one did not care to break, it behoved one to have as good a specimen as possible, and the prospect of short commons, and indifferent short commons at that, was not attractive.

feeling or showing worry or solicitude

From this reading Margaret's sympathies went out involuntarily towards her friend, but her listeners, it is to be feared, were concerned entirely for themselves.

a state at a particular time

From this reading _Who_ could be sure that the turkey might not arrive at the table singed and charred, and the pudding in a condition of _soup_?

according to the constitution

From this reading Living two miles from the nearest shop, she yet appeared constitutionally incapable of "thinking ahead"; and it was a common experience to behold at the afternoon meal different members of the family partaking respectively of tea, coffee, and cocoa, there being insufficient of any one beverage to go round.

the past of “can”; used for possibility or polite requests

From this reading _Who_ could be sure that the turkey might not arrive at the table singed and charred, and the pudding in a condition of _soup_?

accepted or habitual practice

From this reading It might be the custom to abuse the orthodox Christmas dinner, but since it _was_ a national custom which one did not care to break, it behoved one to have as good a specimen as possible, and the prospect of short commons, and indifferent short commons at that, was not attractive.

the past form of “do”, used in questions and negatives

From this reading It might be the custom to abuse the orthodox Christmas dinner, but since it _was_ a national custom which one did not care to break, it behoved one to have as good a specimen as possible, and the prospect of short commons, and indifferent short commons at that, was not attractive.

unlike in nature or quality or form or degree

From this reading Living two miles from the nearest shop, she yet appeared constitutionally incapable of "thinking ahead"; and it was a common experience to behold at the afternoon meal different members of the family partaking respectively of tea, coffee, and cocoa, there being insufficient of any one beverage to go round.

the main meal of the day served in the evening or at midday

From this reading It might be the custom to abuse the orthodox Christmas dinner, but since it _was_ a national custom which one did not care to break, it behoved one to have as good a specimen as possible, and the prospect of short commons, and indifferent short commons at that, was not attractive.

to a complete degree or to the full or entire extent (“whole” is often used informally for “wholly”)

From this reading Margaret's sympathies went out involuntarily towards her friend, but her listeners, it is to be feared, were concerned entirely for themselves.

undergo or live through a difficult experience

From this reading Living two miles from the nearest shop, she yet appeared constitutionally incapable of "thinking ahead"; and it was a common experience to behold at the afternoon meal different members of the family partaking respectively of tea, coffee, and cocoa, there being insufficient of any one beverage to go round.

a social unit living together

From this reading Living two miles from the nearest shop, she yet appeared constitutionally incapable of "thinking ahead"; and it was a common experience to behold at the afternoon meal different members of the family partaking respectively of tea, coffee, and cocoa, there being insufficient of any one beverage to go round.

past form of “fear” — be afraid or feel anxious or apprehensive about a possible or probable situation or event

From this reading Margaret's sympathies went out involuntarily towards her friend, but her listeners, it is to be feared, were concerned entirely for themselves.

intended to be given to, or used by, somebody

From this reading Margaret's sympathies went out involuntarily towards her friend, but her listeners, it is to be feared, were concerned entirely for themselves.

a person you know well and regard with affection and trust

From this reading Margaret's sympathies went out involuntarily towards her friend, but her listeners, it is to be feared, were concerned entirely for themselves.

showing where something starts, or who sent it

From this reading Living two miles from the nearest shop, she yet appeared constitutionally incapable of "thinking ahead"; and it was a common experience to behold at the afternoon meal different members of the family partaking respectively of tea, coffee, and cocoa, there being insufficient of any one beverage to go round.

change location; move, travel, or proceed, also metaphorically

From this reading Living two miles from the nearest shop, she yet appeared constitutionally incapable of "thinking ahead"; and it was a common experience to behold at the afternoon meal different members of the family partaking respectively of tea, coffee, and cocoa, there being insufficient of any one beverage to go round.

having desirable or positive qualities especially those suitable for a thing specified

From this reading It might be the custom to abuse the orthodox Christmas dinner, but since it _was_ a national custom which one did not care to break, it behoved one to have as good a specimen as possible, and the prospect of short commons, and indifferent short commons at that, was not attractive.

used with a past participle to form the perfect tenses

From this reading It might be the custom to abuse the orthodox Christmas dinner, but since it _was_ a national custom which one did not care to break, it behoved one to have as good a specimen as possible, and the prospect of short commons, and indifferent short commons at that, was not attractive.

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

From this reading Margaret's sympathies went out involuntarily towards her friend, but her listeners, it is to be feared, were concerned entirely for themselves.

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

From this reading _Who_ could be sure that the turkey might not arrive at the table singed and charred, and the pudding in a condition of _soup_?

(followed by “of”) lacking capacity or ability

From this reading Living two miles from the nearest shop, she yet appeared constitutionally incapable of "thinking ahead"; and it was a common experience to behold at the afternoon meal different members of the family partaking respectively of tea, coffee, and cocoa, there being insufficient of any one beverage to go round.

marked by a lack of interest

From this reading It might be the custom to abuse the orthodox Christmas dinner, but since it _was_ a national custom which one did not care to break, it behoved one to have as good a specimen as possible, and the prospect of short commons, and indifferent short commons at that, was not attractive.

of a quantity not able to fulfill a need or requirement

From this reading Living two miles from the nearest shop, she yet appeared constitutionally incapable of "thinking ahead"; and it was a common experience to behold at the afternoon meal different members of the family partaking respectively of tea, coffee, and cocoa, there being insufficient of any one beverage to go round.

against your will

From this reading Margaret's sympathies went out involuntarily towards her friend, but her listeners, it is to be feared, were concerned entirely for themselves.

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

From this reading Margaret's sympathies went out involuntarily towards her friend, but her listeners, it is to be feared, were concerned entirely for themselves.

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading Living two miles from the nearest shop, she yet appeared constitutionally incapable of "thinking ahead"; and it was a common experience to behold at the afternoon meal different members of the family partaking respectively of tea, coffee, and cocoa, there being insufficient of any one beverage to go round.

plural of “listener” — someone who listens attentively

From this reading Margaret's sympathies went out involuntarily towards her friend, but her listeners, it is to be feared, were concerned entirely for themselves.

the experience of being alive; the course of human events and activities

From this reading Living two miles from the nearest shop, she yet appeared constitutionally incapable of "thinking ahead"; and it was a common experience to behold at the afternoon meal different members of the family partaking respectively of tea, coffee, and cocoa, there being insufficient of any one beverage to go round.

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

From this reading Margaret's sympathies went out involuntarily towards her friend, but her listeners, it is to be feared, were concerned entirely for themselves.

the food served and eaten at one time

From this reading Living two miles from the nearest shop, she yet appeared constitutionally incapable of "thinking ahead"; and it was a common experience to behold at the afternoon meal different members of the family partaking respectively of tea, coffee, and cocoa, there being insufficient of any one beverage to go round.

plural of “member” — one of the persons who compose a social group (especially individuals who have joined and participate in a group organization)

From this reading Living two miles from the nearest shop, she yet appeared constitutionally incapable of "thinking ahead"; and it was a common experience to behold at the afternoon meal different members of the family partaking respectively of tea, coffee, and cocoa, there being insufficient of any one beverage to go round.

used to say something is possible but not certain

From this reading It might be the custom to abuse the orthodox Christmas dinner, but since it _was_ a national custom which one did not care to break, it behoved one to have as good a specimen as possible, and the prospect of short commons, and indifferent short commons at that, was not attractive.

plural of “mile” — a unit of length equal to 1,760 yards or 5,280 feet; exactly 1609.344 meters

From this reading Living two miles from the nearest shop, she yet appeared constitutionally incapable of "thinking ahead"; and it was a common experience to behold at the afternoon meal different members of the family partaking respectively of tea, coffee, and cocoa, there being insufficient of any one beverage to go round.

of or relating to or belonging to a nation or country

From this reading It might be the custom to abuse the orthodox Christmas dinner, but since it _was_ a national custom which one did not care to break, it behoved one to have as good a specimen as possible, and the prospect of short commons, and indifferent short commons at that, was not attractive.

(superlative of “near” or “close”) within the shortest distance

From this reading Living two miles from the nearest shop, she yet appeared constitutionally incapable of "thinking ahead"; and it was a common experience to behold at the afternoon meal different members of the family partaking respectively of tea, coffee, and cocoa, there being insufficient of any one beverage to go round.

used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative

From this reading It might be the custom to abuse the orthodox Christmas dinner, but since it _was_ a national custom which one did not care to break, it behoved one to have as good a specimen as possible, and the prospect of short commons, and indifferent short commons at that, was not attractive.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading Living two miles from the nearest shop, she yet appeared constitutionally incapable of "thinking ahead"; and it was a common experience to behold at the afternoon meal different members of the family partaking respectively of tea, coffee, and cocoa, there being insufficient of any one beverage to go round.

used to mean any person in general, including the speaker

From this reading Living two miles from the nearest shop, she yet appeared constitutionally incapable of "thinking ahead"; and it was a common experience to behold at the afternoon meal different members of the family partaking respectively of tea, coffee, and cocoa, there being insufficient of any one beverage to go round.

of or pertaining to or characteristic of Judaism

From this reading It might be the custom to abuse the orthodox Christmas dinner, but since it _was_ a national custom which one did not care to break, it behoved one to have as good a specimen as possible, and the prospect of short commons, and indifferent short commons at that, was not attractive.

not allowed to continue to bat or run

From this reading Margaret's sympathies went out involuntarily towards her friend, but her listeners, it is to be feared, were concerned entirely for themselves.

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

From this reading Living two miles from the nearest shop, she yet appeared constitutionally incapable of "thinking ahead"; and it was a common experience to behold at the afternoon meal different members of the family partaking respectively of tea, coffee, and cocoa, there being insufficient of any one beverage to go round.

capable of happening or existing

From this reading It might be the custom to abuse the orthodox Christmas dinner, but since it _was_ a national custom which one did not care to break, it behoved one to have as good a specimen as possible, and the prospect of short commons, and indifferent short commons at that, was not attractive.

the possibility of future success

From this reading It might be the custom to abuse the orthodox Christmas dinner, but since it _was_ a national custom which one did not care to break, it behoved one to have as good a specimen as possible, and the prospect of short commons, and indifferent short commons at that, was not attractive.

any of various soft thick unsweetened baked dishes

From this reading _Who_ could be sure that the turkey might not arrive at the table singed and charred, and the pudding in a condition of _soup_?

accomplished rapidly and without delay

From this reading Schoolboy Tom was quick with a suggestion.

in the order given

From this reading Living two miles from the nearest shop, she yet appeared constitutionally incapable of "thinking ahead"; and it was a common experience to behold at the afternoon meal different members of the family partaking respectively of tea, coffee, and cocoa, there being insufficient of any one beverage to go round.

a charge of ammunition for a single shot

From this reading Living two miles from the nearest shop, she yet appeared constitutionally incapable of "thinking ahead"; and it was a common experience to behold at the afternoon meal different members of the family partaking respectively of tea, coffee, and cocoa, there being insufficient of any one beverage to go round.

a boy attending school

From this reading Schoolboy Tom was quick with a suggestion.

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

From this reading Living two miles from the nearest shop, she yet appeared constitutionally incapable of "thinking ahead"; and it was a common experience to behold at the afternoon meal different members of the family partaking respectively of tea, coffee, and cocoa, there being insufficient of any one beverage to go round.

do one's shopping

From this reading Living two miles from the nearest shop, she yet appeared constitutionally incapable of "thinking ahead"; and it was a common experience to behold at the afternoon meal different members of the family partaking respectively of tea, coffee, and cocoa, there being insufficient of any one beverage to go round.

primarily temporal sense; indicating or being or seeming to be limited in duration

From this reading It might be the custom to abuse the orthodox Christmas dinner, but since it _was_ a national custom which one did not care to break, it behoved one to have as good a specimen as possible, and the prospect of short commons, and indifferent short commons at that, was not attractive.

from a time in the past until now

From this reading It might be the custom to abuse the orthodox Christmas dinner, but since it _was_ a national custom which one did not care to break, it behoved one to have as good a specimen as possible, and the prospect of short commons, and indifferent short commons at that, was not attractive.

past form of “singe” — burn superficially or lightly

From this reading _Who_ could be sure that the turkey might not arrive at the table singed and charred, and the pudding in a condition of _soup_?

liquid food especially of meat or fish or vegetable stock often containing pieces of solid food

From this reading _Who_ could be sure that the turkey might not arrive at the table singed and charred, and the pudding in a condition of _soup_?

an example regarded as typical of its class

From this reading It might be the custom to abuse the orthodox Christmas dinner, but since it _was_ a national custom which one did not care to break, it behoved one to have as good a specimen as possible, and the prospect of short commons, and indifferent short commons at that, was not attractive.

an idea that is suggested

From this reading Schoolboy Tom was quick with a suggestion.

having or feeling no doubt or uncertainty; confident and assured

From this reading _Who_ could be sure that the turkey might not arrive at the table singed and charred, and the pudding in a condition of _soup_?

plural of “sympathy” — an inclination to support or be loyal to or to agree with an opinion

From this reading Margaret's sympathies went out involuntarily towards her friend, but her listeners, it is to be feared, were concerned entirely for themselves.

a set of data arranged in rows and columns

From this reading _Who_ could be sure that the turkey might not arrive at the table singed and charred, and the pudding in a condition of _soup_?

a beverage made by steeping tea leaves in water

From this reading Living two miles from the nearest shop, she yet appeared constitutionally incapable of "thinking ahead"; and it was a common experience to behold at the afternoon meal different members of the family partaking respectively of tea, coffee, and cocoa, there being insufficient of any one beverage to go round.

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading It might be the custom to abuse the orthodox Christmas dinner, but since it _was_ a national custom which one did not care to break, it behoved one to have as good a specimen as possible, and the prospect of short commons, and indifferent short commons at that, was not attractive.

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

From this reading Living two miles from the nearest shop, she yet appeared constitutionally incapable of "thinking ahead"; and it was a common experience to behold at the afternoon meal different members of the family partaking respectively of tea, coffee, and cocoa, there being insufficient of any one beverage to go round.

used when the people doing the action are also its object

From this reading Margaret's sympathies went out involuntarily towards her friend, but her listeners, it is to be feared, were concerned entirely for themselves.

in or at that place or location

From this reading Living two miles from the nearest shop, she yet appeared constitutionally incapable of "thinking ahead"; and it was a common experience to behold at the afternoon meal different members of the family partaking respectively of tea, coffee, and cocoa, there being insufficient of any one beverage to go round.

the process of using your mind to consider something carefully

From this reading Living two miles from the nearest shop, she yet appeared constitutionally incapable of "thinking ahead"; and it was a common experience to behold at the afternoon meal different members of the family partaking respectively of tea, coffee, and cocoa, there being insufficient of any one beverage to go round.

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

From this reading Living two miles from the nearest shop, she yet appeared constitutionally incapable of "thinking ahead"; and it was a common experience to behold at the afternoon meal different members of the family partaking respectively of tea, coffee, and cocoa, there being insufficient of any one beverage to go round.

male cat

From this reading Schoolboy Tom was quick with a suggestion.

in the direction of

From this reading Margaret's sympathies went out involuntarily towards her friend, but her listeners, it is to be feared, were concerned entirely for themselves.

large gallinaceous bird with fan-shaped tail; widely domesticated for food

From this reading _Who_ could be sure that the turkey might not arrive at the table singed and charred, and the pudding in a condition of _soup_?

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

From this reading Living two miles from the nearest shop, she yet appeared constitutionally incapable of "thinking ahead"; and it was a common experience to behold at the afternoon meal different members of the family partaking respectively of tea, coffee, and cocoa, there being insufficient of any one beverage to go round.

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

From this reading Living two miles from the nearest shop, she yet appeared constitutionally incapable of "thinking ahead"; and it was a common experience to behold at the afternoon meal different members of the family partaking respectively of tea, coffee, and cocoa, there being insufficient of any one beverage to go round.

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

From this reading Margaret's sympathies went out involuntarily towards her friend, but her listeners, it is to be feared, were concerned entirely for themselves.

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

From this reading Margaret's sympathies went out involuntarily towards her friend, but her listeners, it is to be feared, were concerned entirely for themselves.

used to introduce a clause giving more about a thing just mentioned

From this reading It might be the custom to abuse the orthodox Christmas dinner, but since it _was_ a national custom which one did not care to break, it behoved one to have as good a specimen as possible, and the prospect of short commons, and indifferent short commons at that, was not attractive.

which person or people

From this reading _Who_ could be sure that the turkey might not arrive at the table singed and charred, and the pudding in a condition of _soup_?

in the company of; together with

From this reading Schoolboy Tom was quick with a suggestion.

but in spite of that

From this reading Living two miles from the nearest shop, she yet appeared constitutionally incapable of "thinking ahead"; and it was a common experience to behold at the afternoon meal different members of the family partaking respectively of tea, coffee, and cocoa, there being insufficient of any one beverage to go round.