Chapter II · Chapter 2

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

From this reading The First Day of Term It was an old-established custom at The Gables that the autumn term should begin on a Tuesday afternoon.

on the subject of; concerning

From this reading It was pleasant to meet again and compare notes about the holidays: the general change of forms lent an element of excitement, even the new books were more or less interesting, and many minor details gave variety to the occasion.

speak to

From this reading There were no lessons: the girls simply gathered together in the gymnasium to listen to a short address from Miss Kingsley, to be told in what forms they were placed for the coming school year, and to be given new text-books, with passages to prepare for the morrow, when serious work would begin at nine o'clock, and the wheels of school life would start to turn in real earnest.

the part of the day between noon and evening

From this reading The First Day of Term It was an old-established custom at The Gables that the autumn term should begin on a Tuesday afternoon.

anew

From this reading It was pleasant to meet again and compare notes about the holidays: the general change of forms lent an element of excitement, even the new books were more or less interesting, and many minor details gave variety to the occasion.

(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 The gymnasium, whither all the girls were scuttling, was a moderate-sized wooden building that had been erected, in pre-war days, at the side of the house.

the form of “a” used before a word that begins with a vowel sound

From this reading The First Day of Term It was an old-established custom at The Gables that the autumn term should begin on a Tuesday afternoon.

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

From this reading There were no lessons: the girls simply gathered together in the gymnasium to listen to a short address from Miss Kingsley, to be told in what forms they were placed for the coming school year, and to be given new text-books, with passages to prepare for the morrow, when serious work would begin at nine o'clock, and the wheels of school life would start to turn in real earnest.

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

From this reading This first afternoon was regarded by most as somewhat in the nature of a festival.

in or near a particular place or position

From this reading The First Day of Term It was an old-established custom at The Gables that the autumn term should begin on a Tuesday afternoon.

the season when the leaves fall from the trees

From this reading The First Day of Term It was an old-established custom at The Gables that the autumn term should begin on a Tuesday afternoon.

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

From this reading There were no lessons: the girls simply gathered together in the gymnasium to listen to a short address from Miss Kingsley, to be told in what forms they were placed for the coming school year, and to be given new text-books, with passages to prepare for the morrow, when serious work would begin at nine o'clock, and the wheels of school life would start to turn in real earnest.

the past participle of “be”

From this reading The gymnasium, whither all the girls were scuttling, was a moderate-sized wooden building that had been erected, in pre-war days, at the side of the house.

take the first step or steps in carrying out an action

From this reading The First Day of Term It was an old-established custom at The Gables that the autumn term should begin on a Tuesday afternoon.

Bound written or printed works.

From this reading It was pleasant to meet again and compare notes about the holidays: the general change of forms lent an element of excitement, even the new books were more or less interesting, and many minor details gave variety to the occasion.

a structure that has a roof and walls and stands more or less permanently in one place

From this reading The gymnasium, whither all the girls were scuttling, was a moderate-sized wooden building that had been erected, in pre-war days, at the side of the house.

showing who or what does the action

From this reading This first afternoon was regarded by most as somewhat in the nature of a festival.

cause to change; make different; cause a transformation

From this reading It was pleasant to meet again and compare notes about the holidays: the general change of forms lent an element of excitement, even the new books were more or less interesting, and many minor details gave variety to the occasion.

the act of drawing spatially closer to something

From this reading There were no lessons: the girls simply gathered together in the gymnasium to listen to a short address from Miss Kingsley, to be told in what forms they were placed for the coming school year, and to be given new text-books, with passages to prepare for the morrow, when serious work would begin at nine o'clock, and the wheels of school life would start to turn in real earnest.

examine and note the similarities or differences of

From this reading It was pleasant to meet again and compare notes about the holidays: the general change of forms lent an element of excitement, even the new books were more or less interesting, and many minor details gave variety to the occasion.

accepted or habitual practice

From this reading The First Day of Term It was an old-established custom at The Gables that the autumn term should begin on a Tuesday afternoon.

time for Earth to make a complete rotation on its axis

From this reading The First Day of Term It was an old-established custom at The Gables that the autumn term should begin on a Tuesday afternoon.

the time during which someone's life continues

From this reading The gymnasium, whither all the girls were scuttling, was a moderate-sized wooden building that had been erected, in pre-war days, at the side of the house.

true confidential information

From this reading It was pleasant to meet again and compare notes about the holidays: the general change of forms lent an element of excitement, even the new books were more or less interesting, and many minor details gave variety to the occasion.

characterized by a firm and humorless belief in the validity of your opinions

From this reading There were no lessons: the girls simply gathered together in the gymnasium to listen to a short address from Miss Kingsley, to be told in what forms they were placed for the coming school year, and to be given new text-books, with passages to prepare for the morrow, when serious work would begin at nine o'clock, and the wheels of school life would start to turn in real earnest.

an abstract part of something

From this reading It was pleasant to meet again and compare notes about the holidays: the general change of forms lent an element of excitement, even the new books were more or less interesting, and many minor details gave variety to the occasion.

past form of “erect” — construct, build, or erect

From this reading The gymnasium, whither all the girls were scuttling, was a moderate-sized wooden building that had been erected, in pre-war days, at the side of the house.

divisible by two

From this reading It was pleasant to meet again and compare notes about the holidays: the general change of forms lent an element of excitement, even the new books were more or less interesting, and many minor details gave variety to the occasion.

the feeling of lively and cheerful joy

From this reading It was pleasant to meet again and compare notes about the holidays: the general change of forms lent an element of excitement, even the new books were more or less interesting, and many minor details gave variety to the occasion.

a day or period of time set aside for feasting and celebration

From this reading This first afternoon was regarded by most as somewhat in the nature of a festival.

preceding all others in time or space or degree

From this reading The First Day of Term It was an old-established custom at The Gables that the autumn term should begin on a Tuesday afternoon.

intended to be given to, or used by, somebody

From this reading There were no lessons: the girls simply gathered together in the gymnasium to listen to a short address from Miss Kingsley, to be told in what forms they were placed for the coming school year, and to be given new text-books, with passages to prepare for the morrow, when serious work would begin at nine o'clock, and the wheels of school life would start to turn in real earnest.

plural of “form” — the phonological or orthographic sound or appearance of a word that can be used to describe or identify something

From this reading There were no lessons: the girls simply gathered together in the gymnasium to listen to a short address from Miss Kingsley, to be told in what forms they were placed for the coming school year, and to be given new text-books, with passages to prepare for the morrow, when serious work would begin at nine o'clock, and the wheels of school life would start to turn in real earnest.

showing where something starts, or who sent it

From this reading There were no lessons: the girls simply gathered together in the gymnasium to listen to a short address from Miss Kingsley, to be told in what forms they were placed for the coming school year, and to be given new text-books, with passages to prepare for the morrow, when serious work would begin at nine o'clock, and the wheels of school life would start to turn in real earnest.

plural of “gable” — the vertical triangular wall between the sloping ends of gable roof

From this reading The First Day of Term It was an old-established custom at The Gables that the autumn term should begin on a Tuesday afternoon.

brought together in one place

From this reading There were no lessons: the girls simply gathered together in the gymnasium to listen to a short address from Miss Kingsley, to be told in what forms they were placed for the coming school year, and to be given new text-books, with passages to prepare for the morrow, when serious work would begin at nine o'clock, and the wheels of school life would start to turn in real earnest.

inflected form of “give” — cause to have, in the abstract sense or physical sense

From this reading It was pleasant to meet again and compare notes about the holidays: the general change of forms lent an element of excitement, even the new books were more or less interesting, and many minor details gave variety to the occasion.

applying to all or most members of a category or group

From this reading It was pleasant to meet again and compare notes about the holidays: the general change of forms lent an element of excitement, even the new books were more or less interesting, and many minor details gave variety to the occasion.

plural of “girl” — a young female

From this reading There were no lessons: the girls simply gathered together in the gymnasium to listen to a short address from Miss Kingsley, to be told in what forms they were placed for the coming school year, and to be given new text-books, with passages to prepare for the morrow, when serious work would begin at nine o'clock, and the wheels of school life would start to turn in real earnest.

acknowledged as a supposition

From this reading There were no lessons: the girls simply gathered together in the gymnasium to listen to a short address from Miss Kingsley, to be told in what forms they were placed for the coming school year, and to be given new text-books, with passages to prepare for the morrow, when serious work would begin at nine o'clock, and the wheels of school life would start to turn in real earnest.

a school for students intermediate between elementary school and college; usually grades 9 to 12

From this reading There were no lessons: the girls simply gathered together in the gymnasium to listen to a short address from Miss Kingsley, to be told in what forms they were placed for the coming school year, and to be given new text-books, with passages to prepare for the morrow, when serious work would begin at nine o'clock, and the wheels of school life would start to turn in real earnest.

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

From this reading The gymnasium, whither all the girls were scuttling, was a moderate-sized wooden building that had been erected, in pre-war days, at the side of the house.

plural of “holiday” — leisure time away from work devoted to rest or pleasure

From this reading It was pleasant to meet again and compare notes about the holidays: the general change of forms lent an element of excitement, even the new books were more or less interesting, and many minor details gave variety to the occasion.

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

From this reading The gymnasium, whither all the girls were scuttling, was a moderate-sized wooden building that had been erected, in pre-war days, at the side of the house.

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

From this reading There were no lessons: the girls simply gathered together in the gymnasium to listen to a short address from Miss Kingsley, to be told in what forms they were placed for the coming school year, and to be given new text-books, with passages to prepare for the morrow, when serious work would begin at nine o'clock, and the wheels of school life would start to turn in real earnest.

arousing or holding the attention

From this reading It was pleasant to meet again and compare notes about the holidays: the general change of forms lent an element of excitement, even the new books were more or less interesting, and many minor details gave variety to the occasion.

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading The First Day of Term It was an old-established custom at The Gables that the autumn term should begin on a Tuesday afternoon.

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

From this reading There were no lessons: the girls simply gathered together in the gymnasium to listen to a short address from Miss Kingsley, to be told in what forms they were placed for the coming school year, and to be given new text-books, with passages to prepare for the morrow, when serious work would begin at nine o'clock, and the wheels of school life would start to turn in real earnest.

a period of 40 weekdays from Ash Wednesday to Holy Saturday

From this reading It was pleasant to meet again and compare notes about the holidays: the general change of forms lent an element of excitement, even the new books were more or less interesting, and many minor details gave variety to the occasion.

used to form the comparative of some adjectives and adverbs

From this reading It was pleasant to meet again and compare notes about the holidays: the general change of forms lent an element of excitement, even the new books were more or less interesting, and many minor details gave variety to the occasion.

plural of “lesson” — a unit of instruction

From this reading There were no lessons: the girls simply gathered together in the gymnasium to listen to a short address from Miss Kingsley, to be told in what forms they were placed for the coming school year, and to be given new text-books, with passages to prepare for the morrow, when serious work would begin at nine o'clock, and the wheels of school life would start to turn in real earnest.

a characteristic state or mode of living

From this reading There were no lessons: the girls simply gathered together in the gymnasium to listen to a short address from Miss Kingsley, to be told in what forms they were placed for the coming school year, and to be given new text-books, with passages to prepare for the morrow, when serious work would begin at nine o'clock, and the wheels of school life would start to turn in real earnest.

hear with intention

From this reading There were no lessons: the girls simply gathered together in the gymnasium to listen to a short address from Miss Kingsley, to be told in what forms they were placed for the coming school year, and to be given new text-books, with passages to prepare for the morrow, when serious work would begin at nine o'clock, and the wheels of school life would start to turn in real earnest.

a quantifier that can be used with count nouns and is often preceded by “as” or “too” or “so” or “that”; amounting to a large but indefinite number

From this reading It was pleasant to meet again and compare notes about the holidays: the general change of forms lent an element of excitement, even the new books were more or less interesting, and many minor details gave variety to the occasion.

come together

From this reading It was pleasant to meet again and compare notes about the holidays: the general change of forms lent an element of excitement, even the new books were more or less interesting, and many minor details gave variety to the occasion.

of lesser importance or stature or rank

From this reading It was pleasant to meet again and compare notes about the holidays: the general change of forms lent an element of excitement, even the new books were more or less interesting, and many minor details gave variety to the occasion.

fail to perceive or to catch with the senses or the mind

From this reading There were no lessons: the girls simply gathered together in the gymnasium to listen to a short address from Miss Kingsley, to be told in what forms they were placed for the coming school year, and to be given new text-books, with passages to prepare for the morrow, when serious work would begin at nine o'clock, and the wheels of school life would start to turn in real earnest.

intermediate in size

From this reading The gymnasium, whither all the girls were scuttling, was a moderate-sized wooden building that had been erected, in pre-war days, at the side of the house.

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

From this reading It was pleasant to meet again and compare notes about the holidays: the general change of forms lent an element of excitement, even the new books were more or less interesting, and many minor details gave variety to the occasion.

the next day

From this reading There were no lessons: the girls simply gathered together in the gymnasium to listen to a short address from Miss Kingsley, to be told in what forms they were placed for the coming school year, and to be given new text-books, with passages to prepare for the morrow, when serious work would begin at nine o'clock, and the wheels of school life would start to turn in real earnest.

used to form the superlative

From this reading This first afternoon was regarded by most as somewhat in the nature of a festival.

the essential qualities or characteristics by which something is recognized

From this reading This first afternoon was regarded by most as somewhat in the nature of a festival.

not of long duration; having just (or relatively recently) come into being or been made or acquired or discovered

From this reading There were no lessons: the girls simply gathered together in the gymnasium to listen to a short address from Miss Kingsley, to be told in what forms they were placed for the coming school year, and to be given new text-books, with passages to prepare for the morrow, when serious work would begin at nine o'clock, and the wheels of school life would start to turn in real earnest.

the cardinal number that is the sum of eight and one

From this reading There were no lessons: the girls simply gathered together in the gymnasium to listen to a short address from Miss Kingsley, to be told in what forms they were placed for the coming school year, and to be given new text-books, with passages to prepare for the morrow, when serious work would begin at nine o'clock, and the wheels of school life would start to turn in real earnest.

not any; not one

From this reading There were no lessons: the girls simply gathered together in the gymnasium to listen to a short address from Miss Kingsley, to be told in what forms they were placed for the coming school year, and to be given new text-books, with passages to prepare for the morrow, when serious work would begin at nine o'clock, and the wheels of school life would start to turn in real earnest.

plural of “note” — a brief written record

From this reading It was pleasant to meet again and compare notes about the holidays: the general change of forms lent an element of excitement, even the new books were more or less interesting, and many minor details gave variety to the occasion.

according to the clock

From this reading There were no lessons: the girls simply gathered together in the gymnasium to listen to a short address from Miss Kingsley, to be told in what forms they were placed for the coming school year, and to be given new text-books, with passages to prepare for the morrow, when serious work would begin at nine o'clock, and the wheels of school life would start to turn in real earnest.

an event that occurs at a critical time

From this reading It was pleasant to meet again and compare notes about the holidays: the general change of forms lent an element of excitement, even the new books were more or less interesting, and many minor details gave variety to the occasion.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading The First Day of Term It was an old-established custom at The Gables that the autumn term should begin on a Tuesday afternoon.

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

From this reading The First Day of Term It was an old-established custom at The Gables that the autumn term should begin on a Tuesday afternoon.

touching and supported by a surface

From this reading The First Day of Term It was an old-established custom at The Gables that the autumn term should begin on a Tuesday afternoon.

used to join alternatives or possibilities

From this reading It was pleasant to meet again and compare notes about the holidays: the general change of forms lent an element of excitement, even the new books were more or less interesting, and many minor details gave variety to the occasion.

plural of “passage” — the act of passing from one state or place to the next

From this reading There were no lessons: the girls simply gathered together in the gymnasium to listen to a short address from Miss Kingsley, to be told in what forms they were placed for the coming school year, and to be given new text-books, with passages to prepare for the morrow, when serious work would begin at nine o'clock, and the wheels of school life would start to turn in real earnest.

situated in a particular spot or position

From this reading There were no lessons: the girls simply gathered together in the gymnasium to listen to a short address from Miss Kingsley, to be told in what forms they were placed for the coming school year, and to be given new text-books, with passages to prepare for the morrow, when serious work would begin at nine o'clock, and the wheels of school life would start to turn in real earnest.

affording pleasure; being in harmony with your taste or likings

From this reading It was pleasant to meet again and compare notes about the holidays: the general change of forms lent an element of excitement, even the new books were more or less interesting, and many minor details gave variety to the occasion.

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

From this reading The gymnasium, whither all the girls were scuttling, was a moderate-sized wooden building that had been erected, in pre-war days, at the side of the house.

make ready or suitable or equip in advance for a particular purpose or for some use, event, etc

From this reading There were no lessons: the girls simply gathered together in the gymnasium to listen to a short address from Miss Kingsley, to be told in what forms they were placed for the coming school year, and to be given new text-books, with passages to prepare for the morrow, when serious work would begin at nine o'clock, and the wheels of school life would start to turn in real earnest.

being or occurring in fact or actuality; having verified existence; not illusory

From this reading There were no lessons: the girls simply gathered together in the gymnasium to listen to a short address from Miss Kingsley, to be told in what forms they were placed for the coming school year, and to be given new text-books, with passages to prepare for the morrow, when serious work would begin at nine o'clock, and the wheels of school life would start to turn in real earnest.

past form of “regard” — deem to be

From this reading This first afternoon was regarded by most as somewhat in the nature of a festival.

an educational institution

From this reading There were no lessons: the girls simply gathered together in the gymnasium to listen to a short address from Miss Kingsley, to be told in what forms they were placed for the coming school year, and to be given new text-books, with passages to prepare for the morrow, when serious work would begin at nine o'clock, and the wheels of school life would start to turn in real earnest.

-ing form of “scuttle” — to move about or proceed hurriedly

From this reading The gymnasium, whither all the girls were scuttling, was a moderate-sized wooden building that had been erected, in pre-war days, at the side of the house.

concerned with work or important matters rather than play or trivialities

From this reading There were no lessons: the girls simply gathered together in the gymnasium to listen to a short address from Miss Kingsley, to be told in what forms they were placed for the coming school year, and to be given new text-books, with passages to prepare for the morrow, when serious work would begin at nine o'clock, and the wheels of school life would start to turn in real earnest.

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

From this reading There were no lessons: the girls simply gathered together in the gymnasium to listen to a short address from Miss Kingsley, to be told in what forms they were placed for the coming school year, and to be given new text-books, with passages to prepare for the morrow, when serious work would begin at nine o'clock, and the wheels of school life would start to turn in real earnest.

used to say what is right, expected, or advisable

From this reading The First Day of Term It was an old-established custom at The Gables that the autumn term should begin on a Tuesday afternoon.

a place within a region identified relative to a center or reference location

From this reading The gymnasium, whither all the girls were scuttling, was a moderate-sized wooden building that had been erected, in pre-war days, at the side of the house.

and nothing more

From this reading There were no lessons: the girls simply gathered together in the gymnasium to listen to a short address from Miss Kingsley, to be told in what forms they were placed for the coming school year, and to be given new text-books, with passages to prepare for the morrow, when serious work would begin at nine o'clock, and the wheels of school life would start to turn in real earnest.

to a small degree or extent

From this reading This first afternoon was regarded by most as somewhat in the nature of a festival.

take the first step or steps in carrying out an action

From this reading There were no lessons: the girls simply gathered together in the gymnasium to listen to a short address from Miss Kingsley, to be told in what forms they were placed for the coming school year, and to be given new text-books, with passages to prepare for the morrow, when serious work would begin at nine o'clock, and the wheels of school life would start to turn in real earnest.

a word or expression used for some particular thing

From this reading The First Day of Term It was an old-established custom at The Gables that the autumn term should begin on a Tuesday afternoon.

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

From this reading There were no lessons: the girls simply gathered together in the gymnasium to listen to a short address from Miss Kingsley, to be told in what forms they were placed for the coming school year, and to be given new text-books, with passages to prepare for the morrow, when serious work would begin at nine o'clock, and the wheels of school life would start to turn in real earnest.

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading The First Day of Term It was an old-established custom at The Gables that the autumn term should begin on a Tuesday afternoon.

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

From this reading The First Day of Term It was an old-established custom at The Gables that the autumn term should begin on a Tuesday afternoon.

in or at that place or location

From this reading There were no lessons: the girls simply gathered together in the gymnasium to listen to a short address from Miss Kingsley, to be told in what forms they were placed for the coming school year, and to be given new text-books, with passages to prepare for the morrow, when serious work would begin at nine o'clock, and the wheels of school life would start to turn in real earnest.

the people, animals, or things already mentioned, as the subject

From this reading There were no lessons: the girls simply gathered together in the gymnasium to listen to a short address from Miss Kingsley, to be told in what forms they were placed for the coming school year, and to be given new text-books, with passages to prepare for the morrow, when serious work would begin at nine o'clock, and the wheels of school life would start to turn in real earnest.

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

From this reading This first afternoon was regarded by most as somewhat in the nature of a festival.

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

From this reading There were no lessons: the girls simply gathered together in the gymnasium to listen to a short address from Miss Kingsley, to be told in what forms they were placed for the coming school year, and to be given new text-books, with passages to prepare for the morrow, when serious work would begin at nine o'clock, and the wheels of school life would start to turn in real earnest.

in contact with each other or in proximity

From this reading There were no lessons: the girls simply gathered together in the gymnasium to listen to a short address from Miss Kingsley, to be told in what forms they were placed for the coming school year, and to be given new text-books, with passages to prepare for the morrow, when serious work would begin at nine o'clock, and the wheels of school life would start to turn in real earnest.

inflected form of “tell” — express in words

From this reading There were no lessons: the girls simply gathered together in the gymnasium to listen to a short address from Miss Kingsley, to be told in what forms they were placed for the coming school year, and to be given new text-books, with passages to prepare for the morrow, when serious work would begin at nine o'clock, and the wheels of school life would start to turn in real earnest.

the third day of the week; the second working day

From this reading The First Day of Term It was an old-established custom at The Gables that the autumn term should begin on a Tuesday afternoon.

change orientation or direction, also in the abstract sense

From this reading There were no lessons: the girls simply gathered together in the gymnasium to listen to a short address from Miss Kingsley, to be told in what forms they were placed for the coming school year, and to be given new text-books, with passages to prepare for the morrow, when serious work would begin at nine o'clock, and the wheels of school life would start to turn in real earnest.

a collection containing a variety of sorts of things

From this reading It was pleasant to meet again and compare notes about the holidays: the general change of forms lent an element of excitement, even the new books were more or less interesting, and many minor details gave variety to the occasion.

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

From this reading The First Day of Term It was an old-established custom at The Gables that the autumn term should begin on a Tuesday afternoon.

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

From this reading There were no lessons: the girls simply gathered together in the gymnasium to listen to a short address from Miss Kingsley, to be told in what forms they were placed for the coming school year, and to be given new text-books, with passages to prepare for the morrow, when serious work would begin at nine o'clock, and the wheels of school life would start to turn in real earnest.

used to ask for information about something

From this reading There were no lessons: the girls simply gathered together in the gymnasium to listen to a short address from Miss Kingsley, to be told in what forms they were placed for the coming school year, and to be given new text-books, with passages to prepare for the morrow, when serious work would begin at nine o'clock, and the wheels of school life would start to turn in real earnest.

plural of “wheel” — a simple machine consisting of a circular frame with spokes (or a solid disc) that can rotate on a shaft or axle (as in vehicles or other machines)

From this reading There were no lessons: the girls simply gathered together in the gymnasium to listen to a short address from Miss Kingsley, to be told in what forms they were placed for the coming school year, and to be given new text-books, with passages to prepare for the morrow, when serious work would begin at nine o'clock, and the wheels of school life would start to turn in real earnest.

at the time that

From this reading There were no lessons: the girls simply gathered together in the gymnasium to listen to a short address from Miss Kingsley, to be told in what forms they were placed for the coming school year, and to be given new text-books, with passages to prepare for the morrow, when serious work would begin at nine o'clock, and the wheels of school life would start to turn in real earnest.

an old word meaning “to where”

From this reading The gymnasium, whither all the girls were scuttling, was a moderate-sized wooden building that had been erected, in pre-war days, at the side of the house.

in the company of; together with

From this reading There were no lessons: the girls simply gathered together in the gymnasium to listen to a short address from Miss Kingsley, to be told in what forms they were placed for the coming school year, and to be given new text-books, with passages to prepare for the morrow, when serious work would begin at nine o'clock, and the wheels of school life would start to turn in real earnest.

made or consisting of (entirely or in part) or employing wood

From this reading The gymnasium, whither all the girls were scuttling, was a moderate-sized wooden building that had been erected, in pre-war days, at the side of the house.

exert oneself by doing mental or physical work for a purpose or out of necessity

From this reading There were no lessons: the girls simply gathered together in the gymnasium to listen to a short address from Miss Kingsley, to be told in what forms they were placed for the coming school year, and to be given new text-books, with passages to prepare for the morrow, when serious work would begin at nine o'clock, and the wheels of school life would start to turn in real earnest.

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

From this reading There were no lessons: the girls simply gathered together in the gymnasium to listen to a short address from Miss Kingsley, to be told in what forms they were placed for the coming school year, and to be given new text-books, with passages to prepare for the morrow, when serious work would begin at nine o'clock, and the wheels of school life would start to turn in real earnest.

a period of time containing 365 (or 366) days

From this reading There were no lessons: the girls simply gathered together in the gymnasium to listen to a short address from Miss Kingsley, to be told in what forms they were placed for the coming school year, and to be given new text-books, with passages to prepare for the morrow, when serious work would begin at nine o'clock, and the wheels of school life would start to turn in real earnest.