Chapter IV

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

From this reading HOB-Y-DERI-DANDO[1] [Footnote 1: i.e. _Hey-derry-down_, or _Upsa-daisy-dando_.]

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

From this reading I alone was listening to the swan story, but it would have been more in accordance with the custom of the house if it had been told in a large company out in the yard--in one of the bedrooms--in the library itself--or in the dining-room (where there was a vast sideboard bearing a joint, cheese, bread, fruit, cakes, and bottles of ale, to which the boys or the visitors resorted, for meals without a name, at all hours of the day).

higher than, or over, something

From this reading The pigeons, the conservatory, with its bicycles, a lathe and all sorts of beginnings and remains, the dogs, above all the sun and the view of the Wilderness, attracted everyone to the yard as a common centre for the Morgans and those who gathered round one or other of them.

concurrence of opinion

From this reading I alone was listening to the swan story, but it would have been more in accordance with the custom of the house if it had been told in a large company out in the yard--in one of the bedrooms--in the library itself--or in the dining-room (where there was a vast sideboard bearing a joint, cheese, bread, fruit, cakes, and bottles of ale, to which the boys or the visitors resorted, for meals without a name, at all hours of the day).

a general name for beer made with a top fermenting yeast; in some of the United States an ale is (by law) a brew of more than 4% alcohol by volume

From this reading I alone was listening to the swan story, but it would have been more in accordance with the custom of the house if it had been told in a large company out in the yard--in one of the bedrooms--in the library itself--or in the dining-room (where there was a vast sideboard bearing a joint, cheese, bread, fruit, cakes, and bottles of ale, to which the boys or the visitors resorted, for meals without a name, at all hours of the day).

(quantifier) used with either mass or count nouns to indicate the whole number or amount of or every one of a class

From this reading I alone was listening to the swan story, but it would have been more in accordance with the custom of the house if it had been told in a large company out in the yard--in one of the bedrooms--in the library itself--or in the dining-room (where there was a vast sideboard bearing a joint, cheese, bread, fruit, cakes, and bottles of ale, to which the boys or the visitors resorted, for meals without a name, at all hours of the day).

Having no one else present.

From this reading I alone was listening to the swan story, but it would have been more in accordance with the custom of the house if it had been told in a large company out in the yard--in one of the bedrooms--in the library itself--or in the dining-room (where there was a vast sideboard bearing a joint, cheese, bread, fruit, cakes, and bottles of ale, to which the boys or the visitors resorted, for meals without a name, at all hours of the day).

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

From this reading I alone was listening to the swan story, but it would have been more in accordance with the custom of the house if it had been told in a large company out in the yard--in one of the bedrooms--in the library itself--or in the dining-room (where there was a vast sideboard bearing a joint, cheese, bread, fruit, cakes, and bottles of ale, to which the boys or the visitors resorted, for meals without a name, at all hours of the day).

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

From this reading The pigeons, the conservatory, with its bicycles, a lathe and all sorts of beginnings and remains, the dogs, above all the sun and the view of the Wilderness, attracted everyone to the yard as a common centre for the Morgans and those who gathered round one or other of them.

in or near a particular place or position

From this reading I alone was listening to the swan story, but it would have been more in accordance with the custom of the house if it had been told in a large company out in the yard--in one of the bedrooms--in the library itself--or in the dining-room (where there was a vast sideboard bearing a joint, cheese, bread, fruit, cakes, and bottles of ale, to which the boys or the visitors resorted, for meals without a name, at all hours of the day).

past form of “attract” — direct toward itself or oneself by means of some psychological power or physical attributes

From this reading The pigeons, the conservatory, with its bicycles, a lathe and all sorts of beginnings and remains, the dogs, above all the sun and the view of the Wilderness, attracted everyone to the yard as a common centre for the Morgans and those who gathered round one or other of them.

relevant relation or interconnection

From this reading I alone was listening to the swan story, but it would have been more in accordance with the custom of the house if it had been told in a large company out in the yard--in one of the bedrooms--in the library itself--or in the dining-room (where there was a vast sideboard bearing a joint, cheese, bread, fruit, cakes, and bottles of ale, to which the boys or the visitors resorted, for meals without a name, at all hours of the day).

plural of “bedroom” — a room used primarily for sleeping

From this reading I alone was listening to the swan story, but it would have been more in accordance with the custom of the house if it had been told in a large company out in the yard--in one of the bedrooms--in the library itself--or in the dining-room (where there was a vast sideboard bearing a joint, cheese, bread, fruit, cakes, and bottles of ale, to which the boys or the visitors resorted, for meals without a name, at all hours of the day).

the past participle of “be”

From this reading I alone was listening to the swan story, but it would have been more in accordance with the custom of the house if it had been told in a large company out in the yard--in one of the bedrooms--in the library itself--or in the dining-room (where there was a vast sideboard bearing a joint, cheese, bread, fruit, cakes, and bottles of ale, to which the boys or the visitors resorted, for meals without a name, at all hours of the day).

plural of “beginning” — the event consisting of the start of something

From this reading The pigeons, the conservatory, with its bicycles, a lathe and all sorts of beginnings and remains, the dogs, above all the sun and the view of the Wilderness, attracted everyone to the yard as a common centre for the Morgans and those who gathered round one or other of them.

be owned by; be in the possession of

From this reading Thus, for example, the pigeons did not belong to the Morgans at all, but to one Higgs, who was unable to keep them at his home.

plural of “bicycle” — a wheeled vehicle that has two wheels and is moved by foot pedals

From this reading The pigeons, the conservatory, with its bicycles, a lathe and all sorts of beginnings and remains, the dogs, above all the sun and the view of the Wilderness, attracted everyone to the yard as a common centre for the Morgans and those who gathered round one or other of them.

plural of “bottle” — a glass or plastic vessel used for storing drinks or other liquids; typically cylindrical without handles and with a narrow neck that can be plugged or capped

From this reading I alone was listening to the swan story, but it would have been more in accordance with the custom of the house if it had been told in a large company out in the yard--in one of the bedrooms--in the library itself--or in the dining-room (where there was a vast sideboard bearing a joint, cheese, bread, fruit, cakes, and bottles of ale, to which the boys or the visitors resorted, for meals without a name, at all hours of the day).

plural of “boy” — a youthful male person

From this reading I alone was listening to the swan story, but it would have been more in accordance with the custom of the house if it had been told in a large company out in the yard--in one of the bedrooms--in the library itself--or in the dining-room (where there was a vast sideboard bearing a joint, cheese, bread, fruit, cakes, and bottles of ale, to which the boys or the visitors resorted, for meals without a name, at all hours of the day).

food made from dough of flour or meal and usually raised with yeast or baking powder and then baked

From this reading I alone was listening to the swan story, but it would have been more in accordance with the custom of the house if it had been told in a large company out in the yard--in one of the bedrooms--in the library itself--or in the dining-room (where there was a vast sideboard bearing a joint, cheese, bread, fruit, cakes, and bottles of ale, to which the boys or the visitors resorted, for meals without a name, at all hours of the day).

used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before

From this reading I alone was listening to the swan story, but it would have been more in accordance with the custom of the house if it had been told in a large company out in the yard--in one of the bedrooms--in the library itself--or in the dining-room (where there was a vast sideboard bearing a joint, cheese, bread, fruit, cakes, and bottles of ale, to which the boys or the visitors resorted, for meals without a name, at all hours of the day).

plural of “cake” — a block of solid substance (such as soap or wax)

From this reading I alone was listening to the swan story, but it would have been more in accordance with the custom of the house if it had been told in a large company out in the yard--in one of the bedrooms--in the library itself--or in the dining-room (where there was a vast sideboard bearing a joint, cheese, bread, fruit, cakes, and bottles of ale, to which the boys or the visitors resorted, for meals without a name, at all hours of the day).

a low-lying region in central France

From this reading The pigeons, the conservatory, with its bicycles, a lathe and all sorts of beginnings and remains, the dogs, above all the sun and the view of the Wilderness, attracted everyone to the yard as a common centre for the Morgans and those who gathered round one or other of them.

a solid food prepared from the pressed curd of milk

From this reading I alone was listening to the swan story, but it would have been more in accordance with the custom of the house if it had been told in a large company out in the yard--in one of the bedrooms--in the library itself--or in the dining-room (where there was a vast sideboard bearing a joint, cheese, bread, fruit, cakes, and bottles of ale, to which the boys or the visitors resorted, for meals without a name, at all hours of the day).

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

From this reading The pigeons, the conservatory, with its bicycles, a lathe and all sorts of beginnings and remains, the dogs, above all the sun and the view of the Wilderness, attracted everyone to the yard as a common centre for the Morgans and those who gathered round one or other of them.

an institution created to conduct business

From this reading I alone was listening to the swan story, but it would have been more in accordance with the custom of the house if it had been told in a large company out in the yard--in one of the bedrooms--in the library itself--or in the dining-room (where there was a vast sideboard bearing a joint, cheese, bread, fruit, cakes, and bottles of ale, to which the boys or the visitors resorted, for meals without a name, at all hours of the day).

the faculty and students of a school specializing in one of the fine arts

From this reading The pigeons, the conservatory, with its bicycles, a lathe and all sorts of beginnings and remains, the dogs, above all the sun and the view of the Wilderness, attracted everyone to the yard as a common centre for the Morgans and those who gathered round one or other of them.

accepted or habitual practice

From this reading I alone was listening to the swan story, but it would have been more in accordance with the custom of the house if it had been told in a large company out in the yard--in one of the bedrooms--in the library itself--or in the dining-room (where there was a vast sideboard bearing a joint, cheese, bread, fruit, cakes, and bottles of ale, to which the boys or the visitors resorted, for meals without a name, at all hours of the day).

time for Earth to make a complete rotation on its axis

From this reading I alone was listening to the swan story, but it would have been more in accordance with the custom of the house if it had been told in a large company out in the yard--in one of the bedrooms--in the library itself--or in the dining-room (where there was a vast sideboard bearing a joint, cheese, bread, fruit, cakes, and bottles of ale, to which the boys or the visitors resorted, for meals without a name, at all hours of the day).

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

From this reading Thus, for example, the pigeons did not belong to the Morgans at all, but to one Higgs, who was unable to keep them at his home.

a room used for dining

From this reading I alone was listening to the swan story, but it would have been more in accordance with the custom of the house if it had been told in a large company out in the yard--in one of the bedrooms--in the library itself--or in the dining-room (where there was a vast sideboard bearing a joint, cheese, bread, fruit, cakes, and bottles of ale, to which the boys or the visitors resorted, for meals without a name, at all hours of the day).

plural of “dog” — a member of the genus Canis (probably descended from the common wolf) that has been domesticated by man since prehistoric times; occurs in many breeds

From this reading The pigeons, the conservatory, with its bicycles, a lathe and all sorts of beginnings and remains, the dogs, above all the sun and the view of the Wilderness, attracted everyone to the yard as a common centre for the Morgans and those who gathered round one or other of them.

being or moving lower in position or less in some value

From this reading Most often the yard and the steps leading down to it were the meeting-place.

a fat-soluble vitamin that is essential for normal reproduction; an important antioxidant that neutralizes free radicals in the body

From this reading HOB-Y-DERI-DANDO[1] [Footnote 1: i.e. _Hey-derry-down_, or _Upsa-daisy-dando_.]

every person

From this reading The pigeons, the conservatory, with its bicycles, a lathe and all sorts of beginnings and remains, the dogs, above all the sun and the view of the Wilderness, attracted everyone to the yard as a common centre for the Morgans and those who gathered round one or other of them.

an item of information that is typical of a class or group

From this reading Thus, for example, the pigeons did not belong to the Morgans at all, but to one Higgs, who was unable to keep them at his home.

a printed note placed below the text on a printed page

From this reading HOB-Y-DERI-DANDO[1] [Footnote 1: i.e. _Hey-derry-down_, or _Upsa-daisy-dando_.]

intended to be given to, or used by, somebody

From this reading I alone was listening to the swan story, but it would have been more in accordance with the custom of the house if it had been told in a large company out in the yard--in one of the bedrooms--in the library itself--or in the dining-room (where there was a vast sideboard bearing a joint, cheese, bread, fruit, cakes, and bottles of ale, to which the boys or the visitors resorted, for meals without a name, at all hours of the day).

the ripened reproductive body of a seed plant

From this reading I alone was listening to the swan story, but it would have been more in accordance with the custom of the house if it had been told in a large company out in the yard--in one of the bedrooms--in the library itself--or in the dining-room (where there was a vast sideboard bearing a joint, cheese, bread, fruit, cakes, and bottles of ale, to which the boys or the visitors resorted, for meals without a name, at all hours of the day).

brought together in one place

From this reading The pigeons, the conservatory, with its bicycles, a lathe and all sorts of beginnings and remains, the dogs, above all the sun and the view of the Wilderness, attracted everyone to the yard as a common centre for the Morgans and those who gathered round one or other of them.

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

From this reading I alone was listening to the swan story, but it would have been more in accordance with the custom of the house if it had been told in a large company out in the yard--in one of the bedrooms--in the library itself--or in the dining-room (where there was a vast sideboard bearing a joint, cheese, bread, fruit, cakes, and bottles of ale, to which the boys or the visitors resorted, for meals without a name, at all hours of the day).

used with a past participle to form the perfect tenses

From this reading I alone was listening to the swan story, but it would have been more in accordance with the custom of the house if it had been told in a large company out in the yard--in one of the bedrooms--in the library itself--or in the dining-room (where there was a vast sideboard bearing a joint, cheese, bread, fruit, cakes, and bottles of ale, to which the boys or the visitors resorted, for meals without a name, at all hours of the day).

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

From this reading HOB-Y-DERI-DANDO[1] [Footnote 1: i.e. _Hey-derry-down_, or _Upsa-daisy-dando_.]

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

From this reading Thus, for example, the pigeons did not belong to the Morgans at all, but to one Higgs, who was unable to keep them at his home.

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

From this reading Thus, for example, the pigeons did not belong to the Morgans at all, but to one Higgs, who was unable to keep them at his home.

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

From this reading HOB-Y-DERI-DANDO[1] [Footnote 1: i.e. _Hey-derry-down_, or _Upsa-daisy-dando_.]

where you live at a particular time

From this reading Thus, for example, the pigeons did not belong to the Morgans at all, but to one Higgs, who was unable to keep them at his home.

a period of time assigned for work

From this reading I alone was listening to the swan story, but it would have been more in accordance with the custom of the house if it had been told in a large company out in the yard--in one of the bedrooms--in the library itself--or in the dining-room (where there was a vast sideboard bearing a joint, cheese, bread, fruit, cakes, and bottles of ale, to which the boys or the visitors resorted, for meals without a name, at all hours of the day).

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

From this reading I alone was listening to the swan story, but it would have been more in accordance with the custom of the house if it had been told in a large company out in the yard--in one of the bedrooms--in the library itself--or in the dining-room (where there was a vast sideboard bearing a joint, cheese, bread, fruit, cakes, and bottles of ale, to which the boys or the visitors resorted, for meals without a name, at all hours of the day).

the person speaking or writing, as the subject of the verb

From this reading HOB-Y-DERI-DANDO[1] [Footnote 1: i.e. _Hey-derry-down_, or _Upsa-daisy-dando_.]

on condition that; in the event that

From this reading I alone was listening to the swan story, but it would have been more in accordance with the custom of the house if it had been told in a large company out in the yard--in one of the bedrooms--in the library itself--or in the dining-room (where there was a vast sideboard bearing a joint, cheese, bread, fruit, cakes, and bottles of ale, to which the boys or the visitors resorted, for meals without a name, at all hours of the day).

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

From this reading I alone was listening to the swan story, but it would have been more in accordance with the custom of the house if it had been told in a large company out in the yard--in one of the bedrooms--in the library itself--or in the dining-room (where there was a vast sideboard bearing a joint, cheese, bread, fruit, cakes, and bottles of ale, to which the boys or the visitors resorted, for meals without a name, at all hours of the day).

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading I alone was listening to the swan story, but it would have been more in accordance with the custom of the house if it had been told in a large company out in the yard--in one of the bedrooms--in the library itself--or in the dining-room (where there was a vast sideboard bearing a joint, cheese, bread, fruit, cakes, and bottles of ale, to which the boys or the visitors resorted, for meals without a name, at all hours of the day).

belonging to the thing or animal already mentioned

From this reading The pigeons, the conservatory, with its bicycles, a lathe and all sorts of beginnings and remains, the dogs, above all the sun and the view of the Wilderness, attracted everyone to the yard as a common centre for the Morgans and those who gathered round one or other of them.

used when the thing doing the action is also its object

From this reading I alone was listening to the swan story, but it would have been more in accordance with the custom of the house if it had been told in a large company out in the yard--in one of the bedrooms--in the library itself--or in the dining-room (where there was a vast sideboard bearing a joint, cheese, bread, fruit, cakes, and bottles of ale, to which the boys or the visitors resorted, for meals without a name, at all hours of the day).

(anatomy) the point of connection between two bones or elements of a skeleton (especially if it allows motion)

From this reading I alone was listening to the swan story, but it would have been more in accordance with the custom of the house if it had been told in a large company out in the yard--in one of the bedrooms--in the library itself--or in the dining-room (where there was a vast sideboard bearing a joint, cheese, bread, fruit, cakes, and bottles of ale, to which the boys or the visitors resorted, for meals without a name, at all hours of the day).

cause to continue in a certain state, position, or activity; e.g., “keep clean”

From this reading Thus, for example, the pigeons did not belong to the Morgans at all, but to one Higgs, who was unable to keep them at his home.

above average in size or number or quantity or magnitude or extent

From this reading I alone was listening to the swan story, but it would have been more in accordance with the custom of the house if it had been told in a large company out in the yard--in one of the bedrooms--in the library itself--or in the dining-room (where there was a vast sideboard bearing a joint, cheese, bread, fruit, cakes, and bottles of ale, to which the boys or the visitors resorted, for meals without a name, at all hours of the day).

machine tool for shaping metal or wood; the workpiece turns about a horizontal axis against a fixed tool

From this reading The pigeons, the conservatory, with its bicycles, a lathe and all sorts of beginnings and remains, the dogs, above all the sun and the view of the Wilderness, attracted everyone to the yard as a common centre for the Morgans and those who gathered round one or other of them.

indicating the most important performer or role

From this reading Most often the yard and the steps leading down to it were the meeting-place.

a room where books are kept

From this reading I alone was listening to the swan story, but it would have been more in accordance with the custom of the house if it had been told in a large company out in the yard--in one of the bedrooms--in the library itself--or in the dining-room (where there was a vast sideboard bearing a joint, cheese, bread, fruit, cakes, and bottles of ale, to which the boys or the visitors resorted, for meals without a name, at all hours of the day).

the act of hearing attentively

From this reading I alone was listening to the swan story, but it would have been more in accordance with the custom of the house if it had been told in a large company out in the yard--in one of the bedrooms--in the library itself--or in the dining-room (where there was a vast sideboard bearing a joint, cheese, bread, fruit, cakes, and bottles of ale, to which the boys or the visitors resorted, for meals without a name, at all hours of the day).

plural of “meal” — the food served and eaten at one time

From this reading I alone was listening to the swan story, but it would have been more in accordance with the custom of the house if it had been told in a large company out in the yard--in one of the bedrooms--in the library itself--or in the dining-room (where there was a vast sideboard bearing a joint, cheese, bread, fruit, cakes, and bottles of ale, to which the boys or the visitors resorted, for meals without a name, at all hours of the day).

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

From this reading Most often the yard and the steps leading down to it were the meeting-place.

(comparative of “much” used with mass nouns) a quantifier meaning greater in size or amount or extent or degree

From this reading I alone was listening to the swan story, but it would have been more in accordance with the custom of the house if it had been told in a large company out in the yard--in one of the bedrooms--in the library itself--or in the dining-room (where there was a vast sideboard bearing a joint, cheese, bread, fruit, cakes, and bottles of ale, to which the boys or the visitors resorted, for meals without a name, at all hours of the day).

plural of “morgan” — United States anthropologist who studied the Seneca (1818-1881)

From this reading The pigeons, the conservatory, with its bicycles, a lathe and all sorts of beginnings and remains, the dogs, above all the sun and the view of the Wilderness, attracted everyone to the yard as a common centre for the Morgans and those who gathered round one or other of them.

used to form the superlative

From this reading Most often the yard and the steps leading down to it were the meeting-place.

assign a specified (usually proper) proper name to

From this reading I alone was listening to the swan story, but it would have been more in accordance with the custom of the house if it had been told in a large company out in the yard--in one of the bedrooms--in the library itself--or in the dining-room (where there was a vast sideboard bearing a joint, cheese, bread, fruit, cakes, and bottles of ale, to which the boys or the visitors resorted, for meals without a name, at all hours of the day).

used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative

From this reading Thus, for example, the pigeons did not belong to the Morgans at all, but to one Higgs, who was unable to keep them at his home.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading I alone was listening to the swan story, but it would have been more in accordance with the custom of the house if it had been told in a large company out in the yard--in one of the bedrooms--in the library itself--or in the dining-room (where there was a vast sideboard bearing a joint, cheese, bread, fruit, cakes, and bottles of ale, to which the boys or the visitors resorted, for meals without a name, at all hours of the day).

many times at short intervals

From this reading Most often the yard and the steps leading down to it were the meeting-place.

used to mean any person in general, including the speaker

From this reading I alone was listening to the swan story, but it would have been more in accordance with the custom of the house if it had been told in a large company out in the yard--in one of the bedrooms--in the library itself--or in the dining-room (where there was a vast sideboard bearing a joint, cheese, bread, fruit, cakes, and bottles of ale, to which the boys or the visitors resorted, for meals without a name, at all hours of the day).

used to join alternatives or possibilities

From this reading HOB-Y-DERI-DANDO[1] [Footnote 1: i.e. _Hey-derry-down_, or _Upsa-daisy-dando_.]

not the same one or ones already mentioned or implied

From this reading The pigeons, the conservatory, with its bicycles, a lathe and all sorts of beginnings and remains, the dogs, above all the sun and the view of the Wilderness, attracted everyone to the yard as a common centre for the Morgans and those who gathered round one or other of them.

not allowed to continue to bat or run

From this reading I alone was listening to the swan story, but it would have been more in accordance with the custom of the house if it had been told in a large company out in the yard--in one of the bedrooms--in the library itself--or in the dining-room (where there was a vast sideboard bearing a joint, cheese, bread, fruit, cakes, and bottles of ale, to which the boys or the visitors resorted, for meals without a name, at all hours of the day).

plural of “pigeon” — wild and domesticated birds having a heavy body and short legs

From this reading The pigeons, the conservatory, with its bicycles, a lathe and all sorts of beginnings and remains, the dogs, above all the sun and the view of the Wilderness, attracted everyone to the yard as a common centre for the Morgans and those who gathered round one or other of them.

any object that is left unused or still extant

From this reading The pigeons, the conservatory, with its bicycles, a lathe and all sorts of beginnings and remains, the dogs, above all the sun and the view of the Wilderness, attracted everyone to the yard as a common centre for the Morgans and those who gathered round one or other of them.

past form of “resort” — have recourse to

From this reading I alone was listening to the swan story, but it would have been more in accordance with the custom of the house if it had been told in a large company out in the yard--in one of the bedrooms--in the library itself--or in the dining-room (where there was a vast sideboard bearing a joint, cheese, bread, fruit, cakes, and bottles of ale, to which the boys or the visitors resorted, for meals without a name, at all hours of the day).

a charge of ammunition for a single shot

From this reading The pigeons, the conservatory, with its bicycles, a lathe and all sorts of beginnings and remains, the dogs, above all the sun and the view of the Wilderness, attracted everyone to the yard as a common centre for the Morgans and those who gathered round one or other of them.

a removable board fitted on the side of a wagon to increase its capacity

From this reading I alone was listening to the swan story, but it would have been more in accordance with the custom of the house if it had been told in a large company out in the yard--in one of the bedrooms--in the library itself--or in the dining-room (where there was a vast sideboard bearing a joint, cheese, bread, fruit, cakes, and bottles of ale, to which the boys or the visitors resorted, for meals without a name, at all hours of the day).

plural of “sort” — a category of things distinguished by some common characteristic or quality

From this reading The pigeons, the conservatory, with its bicycles, a lathe and all sorts of beginnings and remains, the dogs, above all the sun and the view of the Wilderness, attracted everyone to the yard as a common centre for the Morgans and those who gathered round one or other of them.

a flight of stairs or a flight of steps

From this reading Most often the yard and the steps leading down to it were the meeting-place.

a message that tells the particulars of an act or occurrence or course of events; presented in writing or drama or cinema or as a radio or television program

From this reading I alone was listening to the swan story, but it would have been more in accordance with the custom of the house if it had been told in a large company out in the yard--in one of the bedrooms--in the library itself--or in the dining-room (where there was a vast sideboard bearing a joint, cheese, bread, fruit, cakes, and bottles of ale, to which the boys or the visitors resorted, for meals without a name, at all hours of the day).

the star that is the source of light and heat for the planets in the solar system

From this reading The pigeons, the conservatory, with its bicycles, a lathe and all sorts of beginnings and remains, the dogs, above all the sun and the view of the Wilderness, attracted everyone to the yard as a common centre for the Morgans and those who gathered round one or other of them.

to declare or affirm solemnly and formally as true

From this reading I alone was listening to the swan story, but it would have been more in accordance with the custom of the house if it had been told in a large company out in the yard--in one of the bedrooms--in the library itself--or in the dining-room (where there was a vast sideboard bearing a joint, cheese, bread, fruit, cakes, and bottles of ale, to which the boys or the visitors resorted, for meals without a name, at all hours of the day).

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

From this reading I alone was listening to the swan story, but it would have been more in accordance with the custom of the house if it had been told in a large company out in the yard--in one of the bedrooms--in the library itself--or in the dining-room (where there was a vast sideboard bearing a joint, cheese, bread, fruit, cakes, and bottles of ale, to which the boys or the visitors resorted, for meals without a name, at all hours of the day).

the people or things already mentioned, as the object

From this reading The pigeons, the conservatory, with its bicycles, a lathe and all sorts of beginnings and remains, the dogs, above all the sun and the view of the Wilderness, attracted everyone to the yard as a common centre for the Morgans and those who gathered round one or other of them.

in or at that place or location

From this reading I alone was listening to the swan story, but it would have been more in accordance with the custom of the house if it had been told in a large company out in the yard--in one of the bedrooms--in the library itself--or in the dining-room (where there was a vast sideboard bearing a joint, cheese, bread, fruit, cakes, and bottles of ale, to which the boys or the visitors resorted, for meals without a name, at all hours of the day).

the plural of “that”: the people or things further away, or already known

From this reading The pigeons, the conservatory, with its bicycles, a lathe and all sorts of beginnings and remains, the dogs, above all the sun and the view of the Wilderness, attracted everyone to the yard as a common centre for the Morgans and those who gathered round one or other of them.

(used to introduce a logical conclusion) from that fact or reason or as a result

From this reading Thus, for example, the pigeons did not belong to the Morgans at all, but to one Higgs, who was unable to keep them at his home.

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

From this reading I alone was listening to the swan story, but it would have been more in accordance with the custom of the house if it had been told in a large company out in the yard--in one of the bedrooms--in the library itself--or in the dining-room (where there was a vast sideboard bearing a joint, cheese, bread, fruit, cakes, and bottles of ale, to which the boys or the visitors resorted, for meals without a name, at all hours of the day).

inflected form of “tell” — express in words

From this reading I alone was listening to the swan story, but it would have been more in accordance with the custom of the house if it had been told in a large company out in the yard--in one of the bedrooms--in the library itself--or in the dining-room (where there was a vast sideboard bearing a joint, cheese, bread, fruit, cakes, and bottles of ale, to which the boys or the visitors resorted, for meals without a name, at all hours of the day).

(usually followed by “to”) not having the necessary means or skill or know-how

From this reading Thus, for example, the pigeons did not belong to the Morgans at all, but to one Higgs, who was unable to keep them at his home.

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

From this reading HOB-Y-DERI-DANDO[1] [Footnote 1: i.e. _Hey-derry-down_, or _Upsa-daisy-dando_.]

unusually great in size or amount or degree or especially extent or scope

From this reading I alone was listening to the swan story, but it would have been more in accordance with the custom of the house if it had been told in a large company out in the yard--in one of the bedrooms--in the library itself--or in the dining-room (where there was a vast sideboard bearing a joint, cheese, bread, fruit, cakes, and bottles of ale, to which the boys or the visitors resorted, for meals without a name, at all hours of the day).

a way of regarding situations or topics etc.

From this reading The pigeons, the conservatory, with its bicycles, a lathe and all sorts of beginnings and remains, the dogs, above all the sun and the view of the Wilderness, attracted everyone to the yard as a common centre for the Morgans and those who gathered round one or other of them.

plural of “visitor” — someone who visits

From this reading I alone was listening to the swan story, but it would have been more in accordance with the custom of the house if it had been told in a large company out in the yard--in one of the bedrooms--in the library itself--or in the dining-room (where there was a vast sideboard bearing a joint, cheese, bread, fruit, cakes, and bottles of ale, to which the boys or the visitors resorted, for meals without a name, at all hours of the day).

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

From this reading I alone was listening to the swan story, but it would have been more in accordance with the custom of the house if it had been told in a large company out in the yard--in one of the bedrooms--in the library itself--or in the dining-room (where there was a vast sideboard bearing a joint, cheese, bread, fruit, cakes, and bottles of ale, to which the boys or the visitors resorted, for meals without a name, at all hours of the day).

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

From this reading Most often the yard and the steps leading down to it were the meeting-place.

in or at the place that

From this reading I alone was listening to the swan story, but it would have been more in accordance with the custom of the house if it had been told in a large company out in the yard--in one of the bedrooms--in the library itself--or in the dining-room (where there was a vast sideboard bearing a joint, cheese, bread, fruit, cakes, and bottles of ale, to which the boys or the visitors resorted, for meals without a name, at all hours of the day).

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

From this reading I alone was listening to the swan story, but it would have been more in accordance with the custom of the house if it had been told in a large company out in the yard--in one of the bedrooms--in the library itself--or in the dining-room (where there was a vast sideboard bearing a joint, cheese, bread, fruit, cakes, and bottles of ale, to which the boys or the visitors resorted, for meals without a name, at all hours of the day).

which person or people

From this reading The pigeons, the conservatory, with its bicycles, a lathe and all sorts of beginnings and remains, the dogs, above all the sun and the view of the Wilderness, attracted everyone to the yard as a common centre for the Morgans and those who gathered round one or other of them.

(politics) a state of disfavor

From this reading The pigeons, the conservatory, with its bicycles, a lathe and all sorts of beginnings and remains, the dogs, above all the sun and the view of the Wilderness, attracted everyone to the yard as a common centre for the Morgans and those who gathered round one or other of them.

in the company of; together with

From this reading I alone was listening to the swan story, but it would have been more in accordance with the custom of the house if it had been told in a large company out in the yard--in one of the bedrooms--in the library itself--or in the dining-room (where there was a vast sideboard bearing a joint, cheese, bread, fruit, cakes, and bottles of ale, to which the boys or the visitors resorted, for meals without a name, at all hours of the day).

not having, not using, or not accompanied by

From this reading I alone was listening to the swan story, but it would have been more in accordance with the custom of the house if it had been told in a large company out in the yard--in one of the bedrooms--in the library itself--or in the dining-room (where there was a vast sideboard bearing a joint, cheese, bread, fruit, cakes, and bottles of ale, to which the boys or the visitors resorted, for meals without a name, at all hours of the day).

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

From this reading I alone was listening to the swan story, but it would have been more in accordance with the custom of the house if it had been told in a large company out in the yard--in one of the bedrooms--in the library itself--or in the dining-room (where there was a vast sideboard bearing a joint, cheese, bread, fruit, cakes, and bottles of ale, to which the boys or the visitors resorted, for meals without a name, at all hours of the day).

a unit of length equal to 3 feet; defined as 91.44 centimeters; originally taken to be the average length of a stride

From this reading I alone was listening to the swan story, but it would have been more in accordance with the custom of the house if it had been told in a large company out in the yard--in one of the bedrooms--in the library itself--or in the dining-room (where there was a vast sideboard bearing a joint, cheese, bread, fruit, cakes, and bottles of ale, to which the boys or the visitors resorted, for meals without a name, at all hours of the day).