used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading The party at the vicarage was smaller than usual, for Rob and Oswald had both gone home for the festive season, and he knew well that the knowledge that “Arthur was coming” had seemed the best guarantee of a merry day to those who were left behind.
accompanimentnounUS /əˈkʌmpnɪmənt/
an event or situation that happens at the same time as or in connection with another
From this reading “Begone, dull care!” cried Arthur to himself then, when he awoke on Christmas morning, and promptly wrapping himself in his dressing-gown, he sallied out on to the landing, where he burst into the strains of “Christians, awake!” with such vigorous brush-and-comb accompaniment on the panels of the doors as startled the household out of their dreams.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading Arthur kept his word, and tried manfully not to let his own disappointment interfere with the enjoyment of Christmas Day.
elected vice president and became 21st President of the United States when Garfield was assassinated (1830-1886)
From this reading Arthur kept his word, and tried manfully not to let his own disappointment interfere with the enjoyment of Christmas Day.
at the same time that; because; in the way that
From this reading “Begone, dull care!” cried Arthur to himself then, when he awoke on Christmas morning, and promptly wrapping himself in his dressing-gown, he sallied out on to the landing, where he burst into the strains of “Christians, awake!” with such vigorous brush-and-comb accompaniment on the panels of the doors as startled the household out of their dreams.
in or near a particular place or position
From this reading The party at the vicarage was smaller than usual, for Rob and Oswald had both gone home for the festive season, and he knew well that the knowledge that “Arthur was coming” had seemed the best guarantee of a merry day to those who were left behind.
awakeadjectiveUS /əˈweɪk/
not in a state of sleep; completely conscious
From this reading “Begone, dull care!” cried Arthur to himself then, when he awoke on Christmas morning, and promptly wrapping himself in his dressing-gown, he sallied out on to the landing, where he burst into the strains of “Christians, awake!” with such vigorous brush-and-comb accompaniment on the panels of the doors as startled the household out of their dreams.
inflected form of “awake” — stop sleeping
From this reading “Begone, dull care!” cried Arthur to himself then, when he awoke on Christmas morning, and promptly wrapping himself in his dressing-gown, he sallied out on to the landing, where he burst into the strains of “Christians, awake!” with such vigorous brush-and-comb accompaniment on the panels of the doors as startled the household out of their dreams.
bandagedadjectiveUS /ˈbændədʒd/
covered or wrapped with a bandage
From this reading Peggy too—poor little Peg, with her bandaged hands and tiny white face—it would never do to grieve her by being depressed and gloomy!
Begone
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading “Begone, dull care!” cried Arthur to himself then, when he awoke on Christmas morning, and promptly wrapping himself in his dressing-gown, he sallied out on to the landing, where he burst into the strains of “Christians, awake!” with such vigorous brush-and-comb accompaniment on the panels of the doors as startled the household out of their dreams.
behindprepositionUS /bɪˈhaɪnd/
at or toward the back of something
From this reading The party at the vicarage was smaller than usual, for Rob and Oswald had both gone home for the festive season, and he knew well that the knowledge that “Arthur was coming” had seemed the best guarantee of a merry day to those who were left behind.
beingauxiliary verbUS /ˈbiːɪŋ/
the -ing form of “be”
From this reading Peggy too—poor little Peg, with her bandaged hands and tiny white face—it would never do to grieve her by being depressed and gloomy!
the supreme effort one can make
From this reading The party at the vicarage was smaller than usual, for Rob and Oswald had both gone home for the festive season, and he knew well that the knowledge that “Arthur was coming” had seemed the best guarantee of a merry day to those who were left behind.
the two together, not just one
From this reading The party at the vicarage was smaller than usual, for Rob and Oswald had both gone home for the festive season, and he knew well that the knowledge that “Arthur was coming” had seemed the best guarantee of a merry day to those who were left behind.
a youthful male person
From this reading “Miserable boy!
brush-and-comb
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading “Begone, dull care!” cried Arthur to himself then, when he awoke on Christmas morning, and promptly wrapping himself in his dressing-gown, he sallied out on to the landing, where he burst into the strains of “Christians, awake!” with such vigorous brush-and-comb accompaniment on the panels of the doors as startled the household out of their dreams.
come open suddenly and violently, as if from internal pressure
From this reading “Begone, dull care!” cried Arthur to himself then, when he awoke on Christmas morning, and promptly wrapping himself in his dressing-gown, he sallied out on to the landing, where he burst into the strains of “Christians, awake!” with such vigorous brush-and-comb accompaniment on the panels of the doors as startled the household out of their dreams.
showing who or what does the action
From this reading Peggy too—poor little Peg, with her bandaged hands and tiny white face—it would never do to grieve her by being depressed and gloomy!
the work of providing treatment for or attending to someone or something
From this reading “Begone, dull care!” cried Arthur to himself then, when he awoke on Christmas morning, and promptly wrapping himself in his dressing-gown, he sallied out on to the landing, where he burst into the strains of “Christians, awake!” with such vigorous brush-and-comb accompaniment on the panels of the doors as startled the household out of their dreams.
ChristiansnounUS /ˈkrɪstʃənz/
plural of “christian” — a religious person who believes Jesus is the Christ and who is a member of a Christian denomination
From this reading “Begone, dull care!” cried Arthur to himself then, when he awoke on Christmas morning, and promptly wrapping himself in his dressing-gown, he sallied out on to the landing, where he burst into the strains of “Christians, awake!” with such vigorous brush-and-comb accompaniment on the panels of the doors as startled the household out of their dreams.
period extending from Dec. 24 to Jan. 6
From this reading Arthur kept his word, and tried manfully not to let his own disappointment interfere with the enjoyment of Christmas Day.
the act of drawing spatially closer to something
From this reading The party at the vicarage was smaller than usual, for Rob and Oswald had both gone home for the festive season, and he knew well that the knowledge that “Arthur was coming” had seemed the best guarantee of a merry day to those who were left behind.
inflected form of “cry” — utter a sudden loud cry
From this reading “Begone, dull care!” cried Arthur to himself then, when he awoke on Christmas morning, and promptly wrapping himself in his dressing-gown, he sallied out on to the landing, where he burst into the strains of “Christians, awake!” with such vigorous brush-and-comb accompaniment on the panels of the doors as startled the household out of their dreams.
time for Earth to make a complete rotation on its axis
From this reading Arthur kept his word, and tried manfully not to let his own disappointment interfere with the enjoyment of Christmas Day.
depressedadjectiveUS /dɪˈprest/
lower than previously
From this reading Peggy too—poor little Peg, with her bandaged hands and tiny white face—it would never do to grieve her by being depressed and gloomy!
a feeling of dissatisfaction that results when your expectations are not realized
From this reading Arthur kept his word, and tried manfully not to let his own disappointment interfere with the enjoyment of Christmas Day.
used to form questions and negatives, and to give emphasis
From this reading Peggy too—poor little Peg, with her bandaged hands and tiny white face—it would never do to grieve her by being depressed and gloomy!
plural of “door” — a swinging or sliding barrier that will close the entrance to a room or building or vehicle
From this reading “Begone, dull care!” cried Arthur to himself then, when he awoke on Christmas morning, and promptly wrapping himself in his dressing-gown, he sallied out on to the landing, where he burst into the strains of “Christians, awake!” with such vigorous brush-and-comb accompaniment on the panels of the doors as startled the household out of their dreams.
plural of “dream” — a series of mental images and emotions occurring during sleep
From this reading “Begone, dull care!” cried Arthur to himself then, when he awoke on Christmas morning, and promptly wrapping himself in his dressing-gown, he sallied out on to the landing, where he burst into the strains of “Christians, awake!” with such vigorous brush-and-comb accompaniment on the panels of the doors as startled the household out of their dreams.
dressing-gown
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading “Begone, dull care!” cried Arthur to himself then, when he awoke on Christmas morning, and promptly wrapping himself in his dressing-gown, he sallied out on to the landing, where he burst into the strains of “Christians, awake!” with such vigorous brush-and-comb accompaniment on the panels of the doors as startled the household out of their dreams.
lacking in liveliness or animation
From this reading “Begone, dull care!” cried Arthur to himself then, when he awoke on Christmas morning, and promptly wrapping himself in his dressing-gown, he sallied out on to the landing, where he burst into the strains of “Christians, awake!” with such vigorous brush-and-comb accompaniment on the panels of the doors as startled the household out of their dreams.
enjoymentnounUS /ˌenˈdʒɔɪmənt/
the pleasure felt when having a good time
From this reading Arthur kept his word, and tried manfully not to let his own disappointment interfere with the enjoyment of Christmas Day.
the front of the human head from the forehead to the chin and ear to ear
From this reading Peggy too—poor little Peg, with her bandaged hands and tiny white face—it would never do to grieve her by being depressed and gloomy!
festiveadjectiveUS /ˈfestɪv/
offering fun and gaiety
From this reading The party at the vicarage was smaller than usual, for Rob and Oswald had both gone home for the festive season, and he knew well that the knowledge that “Arthur was coming” had seemed the best guarantee of a merry day to those who were left behind.
intended to be given to, or used by, somebody
From this reading The party at the vicarage was smaller than usual, for Rob and Oswald had both gone home for the festive season, and he knew well that the knowledge that “Arthur was coming” had seemed the best guarantee of a merry day to those who were left behind.
depressingly dark
From this reading Peggy too—poor little Peg, with her bandaged hands and tiny white face—it would never do to grieve her by being depressed and gloomy!
destroyed or killed
From this reading The party at the vicarage was smaller than usual, for Rob and Oswald had both gone home for the festive season, and he knew well that the knowledge that “Arthur was coming” had seemed the best guarantee of a merry day to those who were left behind.
grieveverbUS /ɡriːv/
feel grief
From this reading Peggy too—poor little Peg, with her bandaged hands and tiny white face—it would never do to grieve her by being depressed and gloomy!
guaranteeverbUS /ˌɡerənˈtiː/
give surety or assume responsibility
From this reading The party at the vicarage was smaller than usual, for Rob and Oswald had both gone home for the festive season, and he knew well that the knowledge that “Arthur was coming” had seemed the best guarantee of a merry day to those who were left behind.
hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/
the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect
From this reading The party at the vicarage was smaller than usual, for Rob and Oswald had both gone home for the festive season, and he knew well that the knowledge that “Arthur was coming” had seemed the best guarantee of a merry day to those who were left behind.
(with “in”) guardianship over; in divorce cases it is the right to house and care for and discipline a child
From this reading Peggy too—poor little Peg, with her bandaged hands and tiny white face—it would never do to grieve her by being depressed and gloomy!
a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading The party at the vicarage was smaller than usual, for Rob and Oswald had both gone home for the festive season, and he knew well that the knowledge that “Arthur was coming” had seemed the best guarantee of a merry day to those who were left behind.
belonging to a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned
From this reading Peggy too—poor little Peg, with her bandaged hands and tiny white face—it would never do to grieve her by being depressed and gloomy!
used when the man or boy doing the action is also its object
From this reading “Begone, dull care!” cried Arthur to himself then, when he awoke on Christmas morning, and promptly wrapping himself in his dressing-gown, he sallied out on to the landing, where he burst into the strains of “Christians, awake!” with such vigorous brush-and-comb accompaniment on the panels of the doors as startled the household out of their dreams.
belonging to a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned
From this reading Arthur kept his word, and tried manfully not to let his own disappointment interfere with the enjoyment of Christmas Day.
where you live at a particular time
From this reading The party at the vicarage was smaller than usual, for Rob and Oswald had both gone home for the festive season, and he knew well that the knowledge that “Arthur was coming” had seemed the best guarantee of a merry day to those who were left behind.
a social unit living together
From this reading “Begone, dull care!” cried Arthur to himself then, when he awoke on Christmas morning, and promptly wrapping himself in his dressing-gown, he sallied out on to the landing, where he burst into the strains of “Christians, awake!” with such vigorous brush-and-comb accompaniment on the panels of the doors as startled the household out of their dreams.
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading “Begone, dull care!” cried Arthur to himself then, when he awoke on Christmas morning, and promptly wrapping himself in his dressing-gown, he sallied out on to the landing, where he burst into the strains of “Christians, awake!” with such vigorous brush-and-comb accompaniment on the panels of the doors as startled the household out of their dreams.
interfereverbUS /ˌɪntərˈfɪr/
come between so as to be hindrance or obstacle
From this reading Arthur kept his word, and tried manfully not to let his own disappointment interfere with the enjoyment of Christmas Day.
intoprepositionUS /ˈɪntuː/
moving to the inside of something
From this reading “Begone, dull care!” cried Arthur to himself then, when he awoke on Christmas morning, and promptly wrapping himself in his dressing-gown, he sallied out on to the landing, where he burst into the strains of “Christians, awake!” with such vigorous brush-and-comb accompaniment on the panels of the doors as startled the household out of their dreams.
a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned
From this reading Peggy too—poor little Peg, with her bandaged hands and tiny white face—it would never do to grieve her by being depressed and gloomy!
(especially of promises or contracts) not violated or disregarded
From this reading Arthur kept his word, and tried manfully not to let his own disappointment interfere with the enjoyment of Christmas Day.
inflected form of “know” — be cognizant or aware of a fact or a specific piece of information; possess knowledge or information about
From this reading The party at the vicarage was smaller than usual, for Rob and Oswald had both gone home for the festive season, and he knew well that the knowledge that “Arthur was coming” had seemed the best guarantee of a merry day to those who were left behind.
the psychological result of perception and learning and reasoning
From this reading The party at the vicarage was smaller than usual, for Rob and Oswald had both gone home for the festive season, and he knew well that the knowledge that “Arthur was coming” had seemed the best guarantee of a merry day to those who were left behind.
an intermediate platform in a staircase
From this reading “Begone, dull care!” cried Arthur to himself then, when he awoke on Christmas morning, and promptly wrapping himself in his dressing-gown, he sallied out on to the landing, where he burst into the strains of “Christians, awake!” with such vigorous brush-and-comb accompaniment on the panels of the doors as startled the household out of their dreams.
location near or direction toward the left side; i.e. the side to the north when a person or object faces east
From this reading The party at the vicarage was smaller than usual, for Rob and Oswald had both gone home for the festive season, and he knew well that the knowledge that “Arthur was coming” had seemed the best guarantee of a merry day to those who were left behind.
letauxiliary verbUS /let/
used to make a suggestion or a command including the speaker
From this reading Arthur kept his word, and tried manfully not to let his own disappointment interfere with the enjoyment of Christmas Day.
limited or below average in number or quantity or magnitude or extent
From this reading Peggy too—poor little Peg, with her bandaged hands and tiny white face—it would never do to grieve her by being depressed and gloomy!
manfullyadverbUS /ˈmænfəli/
in a manful manner; with qualities thought to befit a man
From this reading Arthur kept his word, and tried manfully not to let his own disappointment interfere with the enjoyment of Christmas Day.
full of or showing high-spirited merriment
From this reading The party at the vicarage was smaller than usual, for Rob and Oswald had both gone home for the festive season, and he knew well that the knowledge that “Arthur was coming” had seemed the best guarantee of a merry day to those who were left behind.
very unhappy; full of misery
From this reading “Miserable boy!
the time period between dawn and noon
From this reading “Begone, dull care!” cried Arthur to himself then, when he awoke on Christmas morning, and promptly wrapping himself in his dressing-gown, he sallied out on to the landing, where he burst into the strains of “Christians, awake!” with such vigorous brush-and-comb accompaniment on the panels of the doors as startled the household out of their dreams.
not ever; at no time in the past or future
From this reading Peggy too—poor little Peg, with her bandaged hands and tiny white face—it would never do to grieve her by being depressed and gloomy!
used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative
From this reading Arthur kept his word, and tried manfully not to let his own disappointment interfere with the enjoyment of Christmas Day.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading Arthur kept his word, and tried manfully not to let his own disappointment interfere with the enjoyment of Christmas Day.
touching and supported by a surface
From this reading “Begone, dull care!” cried Arthur to himself then, when he awoke on Christmas morning, and promptly wrapping himself in his dressing-gown, he sallied out on to the landing, where he burst into the strains of “Christians, awake!” with such vigorous brush-and-comb accompaniment on the panels of the doors as startled the household out of their dreams.
OswaldnounUS /ˈɔːzwɔːld/
United States assassin of President John F. Kennedy (1939-1963)
From this reading The party at the vicarage was smaller than usual, for Rob and Oswald had both gone home for the festive season, and he knew well that the knowledge that “Arthur was coming” had seemed the best guarantee of a merry day to those who were left behind.
not allowed to continue to bat or run
From this reading “Begone, dull care!” cried Arthur to himself then, when he awoke on Christmas morning, and promptly wrapping himself in his dressing-gown, he sallied out on to the landing, where he burst into the strains of “Christians, awake!” with such vigorous brush-and-comb accompaniment on the panels of the doors as startled the household out of their dreams.
have ownership or possession of
From this reading Arthur kept his word, and tried manfully not to let his own disappointment interfere with the enjoyment of Christmas Day.
panelsnounUS /ˈpænəlz/
plural of “panel” — sheet that forms a distinct (usually flat and rectangular) section or component of something
From this reading “Begone, dull care!” cried Arthur to himself then, when he awoke on Christmas morning, and promptly wrapping himself in his dressing-gown, he sallied out on to the landing, where he burst into the strains of “Christians, awake!” with such vigorous brush-and-comb accompaniment on the panels of the doors as startled the household out of their dreams.
an organization to gain political power
From this reading The party at the vicarage was smaller than usual, for Rob and Oswald had both gone home for the festive season, and he knew well that the knowledge that “Arthur was coming” had seemed the best guarantee of a merry day to those who were left behind.
PegnounUS /peɡ/
a wooden pin pushed or driven into a surface
From this reading Peggy too—poor little Peg, with her bandaged hands and tiny white face—it would never do to grieve her by being depressed and gloomy!
Peggy
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Peggy too—poor little Peg, with her bandaged hands and tiny white face—it would never do to grieve her by being depressed and gloomy!
deserving or inciting pity
From this reading Peggy too—poor little Peg, with her bandaged hands and tiny white face—it would never do to grieve her by being depressed and gloomy!
with little or no delay
From this reading “Begone, dull care!” cried Arthur to himself then, when he awoke on Christmas morning, and promptly wrapping himself in his dressing-gown, he sallied out on to the landing, where he burst into the strains of “Christians, awake!” with such vigorous brush-and-comb accompaniment on the panels of the doors as startled the household out of their dreams.
take something away by force or without the consent of the owner
From this reading The party at the vicarage was smaller than usual, for Rob and Oswald had both gone home for the festive season, and he knew well that the knowledge that “Arthur was coming” had seemed the best guarantee of a merry day to those who were left behind.
sallied
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading “Begone, dull care!” cried Arthur to himself then, when he awoke on Christmas morning, and promptly wrapping himself in his dressing-gown, he sallied out on to the landing, where he burst into the strains of “Christians, awake!” with such vigorous brush-and-comb accompaniment on the panels of the doors as startled the household out of their dreams.
a period of the year marked by special events or activities in some field
From this reading The party at the vicarage was smaller than usual, for Rob and Oswald had both gone home for the festive season, and he knew well that the knowledge that “Arthur was coming” had seemed the best guarantee of a merry day to those who were left behind.
past form of “seem” — give a certain impression or have a certain outward aspect
From this reading The party at the vicarage was smaller than usual, for Rob and Oswald had both gone home for the festive season, and he knew well that the knowledge that “Arthur was coming” had seemed the best guarantee of a merry day to those who were left behind.
small or little relative to something else
From this reading The party at the vicarage was smaller than usual, for Rob and Oswald had both gone home for the festive season, and he knew well that the knowledge that “Arthur was coming” had seemed the best guarantee of a merry day to those who were left behind.
excited by sudden surprise or alarm and making a quick involuntary movement
From this reading “Begone, dull care!” cried Arthur to himself then, when he awoke on Christmas morning, and promptly wrapping himself in his dressing-gown, he sallied out on to the landing, where he burst into the strains of “Christians, awake!” with such vigorous brush-and-comb accompaniment on the panels of the doors as startled the household out of their dreams.
strainsnounUS /streɪnz/
plural of “strain” — (physics) deformation of a physical body under the action of applied forces
From this reading “Begone, dull care!” cried Arthur to himself then, when he awoke on Christmas morning, and promptly wrapping himself in his dressing-gown, he sallied out on to the landing, where he burst into the strains of “Christians, awake!” with such vigorous brush-and-comb accompaniment on the panels of the doors as startled the household out of their dreams.
of the kind already mentioned
From this reading “Begone, dull care!” cried Arthur to himself then, when he awoke on Christmas morning, and promptly wrapping himself in his dressing-gown, he sallied out on to the landing, where he burst into the strains of “Christians, awake!” with such vigorous brush-and-comb accompaniment on the panels of the doors as startled the household out of their dreams.
used to introduce the second part of a comparison
From this reading The party at the vicarage was smaller than usual, for Rob and Oswald had both gone home for the festive season, and he knew well that the knowledge that “Arthur was coming” had seemed the best guarantee of a merry day to those who were left behind.
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading The party at the vicarage was smaller than usual, for Rob and Oswald had both gone home for the festive season, and he knew well that the knowledge that “Arthur was coming” had seemed the best guarantee of a merry day to those who were left behind.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading Arthur kept his word, and tried manfully not to let his own disappointment interfere with the enjoyment of Christmas Day.
belonging to the people or things already mentioned
From this reading “Begone, dull care!” cried Arthur to himself then, when he awoke on Christmas morning, and promptly wrapping himself in his dressing-gown, he sallied out on to the landing, where he burst into the strains of “Christians, awake!” with such vigorous brush-and-comb accompaniment on the panels of the doors as startled the household out of their dreams.
subsequently or soon afterward (often used as sentence connectors)
From this reading “Begone, dull care!” cried Arthur to himself then, when he awoke on Christmas morning, and promptly wrapping himself in his dressing-gown, he sallied out on to the landing, where he burst into the strains of “Christians, awake!” with such vigorous brush-and-comb accompaniment on the panels of the doors as startled the household out of their dreams.
the plural of “that”: the people or things further away, or already known
From this reading The party at the vicarage was smaller than usual, for Rob and Oswald had both gone home for the festive season, and he knew well that the knowledge that “Arthur was coming” had seemed the best guarantee of a merry day to those who were left behind.
very small
From this reading Peggy too—poor little Peg, with her bandaged hands and tiny white face—it would never do to grieve her by being depressed and gloomy!
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading Arthur kept his word, and tried manfully not to let his own disappointment interfere with the enjoyment of Christmas Day.
to a degree exceeding normal or proper limits
From this reading Peggy too—poor little Peg, with her bandaged hands and tiny white face—it would never do to grieve her by being depressed and gloomy!
tested and proved useful or correct
From this reading Arthur kept his word, and tried manfully not to let his own disappointment interfere with the enjoyment of Christmas Day.
usualadjectiveUS /ˈjuːʒəwəl/
occurring or encountered or experienced or observed frequently or in accordance with regular practice or procedure
From this reading The party at the vicarage was smaller than usual, for Rob and Oswald had both gone home for the festive season, and he knew well that the knowledge that “Arthur was coming” had seemed the best guarantee of a merry day to those who were left behind.
vicaragenoun
an official residence provided by a church for its parson or vicar or rector
From this reading The party at the vicarage was smaller than usual, for Rob and Oswald had both gone home for the festive season, and he knew well that the knowledge that “Arthur was coming” had seemed the best guarantee of a merry day to those who were left behind.
vigorousadjectiveUS /ˈvɪɡərəs/
characterized by forceful and energetic action or activity
From this reading “Begone, dull care!” cried Arthur to himself then, when he awoke on Christmas morning, and promptly wrapping himself in his dressing-gown, he sallied out on to the landing, where he burst into the strains of “Christians, awake!” with such vigorous brush-and-comb accompaniment on the panels of the doors as startled the household out of their dreams.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading The party at the vicarage was smaller than usual, for Rob and Oswald had both gone home for the festive season, and he knew well that the knowledge that “Arthur was coming” had seemed the best guarantee of a merry day to those who were left behind.
(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 The party at the vicarage was smaller than usual, for Rob and Oswald had both gone home for the festive season, and he knew well that the knowledge that “Arthur was coming” had seemed the best guarantee of a merry day to those who were left behind.
wereauxiliary verbUS /wɜːr/
the past form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun
From this reading The party at the vicarage was smaller than usual, for Rob and Oswald had both gone home for the festive season, and he knew well that the knowledge that “Arthur was coming” had seemed the best guarantee of a merry day to those who were left behind.
at the time that
From this reading “Begone, dull care!” cried Arthur to himself then, when he awoke on Christmas morning, and promptly wrapping himself in his dressing-gown, he sallied out on to the landing, where he burst into the strains of “Christians, awake!” with such vigorous brush-and-comb accompaniment on the panels of the doors as startled the household out of their dreams.
in or at the place that
From this reading “Begone, dull care!” cried Arthur to himself then, when he awoke on Christmas morning, and promptly wrapping himself in his dressing-gown, he sallied out on to the landing, where he burst into the strains of “Christians, awake!” with such vigorous brush-and-comb accompaniment on the panels of the doors as startled the household out of their dreams.
a Caucasian
From this reading Peggy too—poor little Peg, with her bandaged hands and tiny white face—it would never do to grieve her by being depressed and gloomy!
which person or people
From this reading The party at the vicarage was smaller than usual, for Rob and Oswald had both gone home for the festive season, and he knew well that the knowledge that “Arthur was coming” had seemed the best guarantee of a merry day to those who were left behind.
in the company of; together with
From this reading Arthur kept his word, and tried manfully not to let his own disappointment interfere with the enjoyment of Christmas Day.
a unit of language that native speakers can identify
From this reading Arthur kept his word, and tried manfully not to let his own disappointment interfere with the enjoyment of Christmas Day.
used for something imagined, polite, or habitual in the past
From this reading Peggy too—poor little Peg, with her bandaged hands and tiny white face—it would never do to grieve her by being depressed and gloomy!
wrappingnounUS /ˈræpɪŋ/
the covering (usually paper or cellophane) in which something is wrapped
From this reading “Begone, dull care!” cried Arthur to himself then, when he awoke on Christmas morning, and promptly wrapping himself in his dressing-gown, he sallied out on to the landing, where he burst into the strains of “Christians, awake!” with such vigorous brush-and-comb accompaniment on the panels of the doors as startled the household out of their dreams.
