Chapter XIV · Chapter 14

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

From this reading A CLANDESTINE ADVENTURE It seems a strange, almost savage thing that the few months before a woman's marriage are always filled so full of the doing of thousands and tens of thousands of small things that she has no time to think of the hugeness of the responsibilities she is assuming.

(usually followed by “to”) having the necessary means or skill or know-how or authority to do something

From this reading Once or twice in the long two, nearly three months that I had given myself to get ready to marry Nickols, I paused and found myself thinking of the weighty things of life, but I soon was able to shake off the thought of the future.

a decoration of color or interest that is added to relieve plainness

From this reading The time I felt it press most heavily was one morning that Jessie Litton and I sat quietly sewing on some sort of fluff she and Harriet had planned for my adornment, and very suddenly Jessie laid down her ruffle and looked at me as she said:

take a risk in the hope of a favorable outcome

From this reading A CLANDESTINE ADVENTURE It seems a strange, almost savage thing that the few months before a woman's marriage are always filled so full of the doing of thousands and tens of thousands of small things that she has no time to think of the hugeness of the responsibilities she is assuming.

(of actions or states) slightly short of or not quite accomplished; all but

From this reading A CLANDESTINE ADVENTURE It seems a strange, almost savage thing that the few months before a woman's marriage are always filled so full of the doing of thousands and tens of thousands of small things that she has no time to think of the hugeness of the responsibilities she is assuming.

at all times; all the time and on every occasion

From this reading A CLANDESTINE ADVENTURE It seems a strange, almost savage thing that the few months before a woman's marriage are always filled so full of the doing of thousands and tens of thousands of small things that she has no time to think of the hugeness of the responsibilities she is assuming.

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

From this reading A CLANDESTINE ADVENTURE It seems a strange, almost savage thing that the few months before a woman's marriage are always filled so full of the doing of thousands and tens of thousands of small things that she has no time to think of the hugeness of the responsibilities she is assuming.

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

From this reading A CLANDESTINE ADVENTURE It seems a strange, almost savage thing that the few months before a woman's marriage are always filled so full of the doing of thousands and tens of thousands of small things that she has no time to think of the hugeness of the responsibilities she is assuming.

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

From this reading The time I felt it press most heavily was one morning that Jessie Litton and I sat quietly sewing on some sort of fluff she and Harriet had planned for my adornment, and very suddenly Jessie laid down her ruffle and looked at me as she said:

take to be the case or to be true; accept without verification or proof

From this reading Perhaps if she were given time to realize them she would never assume them.

excessively forward

From this reading A CLANDESTINE ADVENTURE It seems a strange, almost savage thing that the few months before a woman's marriage are always filled so full of the doing of thousands and tens of thousands of small things that she has no time to think of the hugeness of the responsibilities she is assuming.

in or near a particular place or position

From this reading The time I felt it press most heavily was one morning that Jessie Litton and I sat quietly sewing on some sort of fluff she and Harriet had planned for my adornment, and very suddenly Jessie laid down her ruffle and looked at me as she said:

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

From this reading "Charlotte, I would be frightened, positively frightened, at the prospect of marrying Nickols Powers."

earlier than; in front of

From this reading A CLANDESTINE ADVENTURE It seems a strange, almost savage thing that the few months before a woman's marriage are always filled so full of the doing of thousands and tens of thousands of small things that she has no time to think of the hugeness of the responsibilities she is assuming.

used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before

From this reading Once or twice in the long two, nearly three months that I had given myself to get ready to marry Nickols, I paused and found myself thinking of the weighty things of life, but I soon was able to shake off the thought of the future.

the largest city in North Carolina; located in south central North Carolina

From this reading "Charlotte, I would be frightened, positively frightened, at the prospect of marrying Nickols Powers."

conducted with or marked by hidden aims or methods

From this reading A CLANDESTINE ADVENTURE It seems a strange, almost savage thing that the few months before a woman's marriage are always filled so full of the doing of thousands and tens of thousands of small things that she has no time to think of the hugeness of the responsibilities she is assuming.

-ing form of “do” — engage in

From this reading A CLANDESTINE ADVENTURE It seems a strange, almost savage thing that the few months before a woman's marriage are always filled so full of the doing of thousands and tens of thousands of small things that she has no time to think of the hugeness of the responsibilities she is assuming.

being or moving lower in position or less in some value

From this reading The time I felt it press most heavily was one morning that Jessie Litton and I sat quietly sewing on some sort of fluff she and Harriet had planned for my adornment, and very suddenly Jessie laid down her ruffle and looked at me as she said:

mat together and make felt-like

From this reading The time I felt it press most heavily was one morning that Jessie Litton and I sat quietly sewing on some sort of fluff she and Harriet had planned for my adornment, and very suddenly Jessie laid down her ruffle and looked at me as she said:

a quantifier that can be used with count nouns and is often preceded by “a”; a small but indefinite number

From this reading A CLANDESTINE ADVENTURE It seems a strange, almost savage thing that the few months before a woman's marriage are always filled so full of the doing of thousands and tens of thousands of small things that she has no time to think of the hugeness of the responsibilities she is assuming.

(usually followed by “with” or used as a combining form) generously supplied with

From this reading A CLANDESTINE ADVENTURE It seems a strange, almost savage thing that the few months before a woman's marriage are always filled so full of the doing of thousands and tens of thousands of small things that she has no time to think of the hugeness of the responsibilities she is assuming.

any light downy material

From this reading The time I felt it press most heavily was one morning that Jessie Litton and I sat quietly sewing on some sort of fluff she and Harriet had planned for my adornment, and very suddenly Jessie laid down her ruffle and looked at me as she said:

intended to be given to, or used by, somebody

From this reading The time I felt it press most heavily was one morning that Jessie Litton and I sat quietly sewing on some sort of fluff she and Harriet had planned for my adornment, and very suddenly Jessie laid down her ruffle and looked at me as she said:

set up or found

From this reading Once or twice in the long two, nearly three months that I had given myself to get ready to marry Nickols, I paused and found myself thinking of the weighty things of life, but I soon was able to shake off the thought of the future.

made afraid

From this reading "Charlotte, I would be frightened, positively frightened, at the prospect of marrying Nickols Powers."

containing as much or as many as is possible or normal

From this reading A CLANDESTINE ADVENTURE It seems a strange, almost savage thing that the few months before a woman's marriage are always filled so full of the doing of thousands and tens of thousands of small things that she has no time to think of the hugeness of the responsibilities she is assuming.

yet to be or coming

From this reading Once or twice in the long two, nearly three months that I had given myself to get ready to marry Nickols, I paused and found myself thinking of the weighty things of life, but I soon was able to shake off the thought of the future.

come into the possession of something concrete or abstract

From this reading Once or twice in the long two, nearly three months that I had given myself to get ready to marry Nickols, I paused and found myself thinking of the weighty things of life, but I soon was able to shake off the thought of the future.

acknowledged as a supposition

From this reading Perhaps if she were given time to realize them she would never assume them.

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

From this reading Once or twice in the long two, nearly three months that I had given myself to get ready to marry Nickols, I paused and found myself thinking of the weighty things of life, but I soon was able to shake off the thought of the future.

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

From this reading The time I felt it press most heavily was one morning that Jessie Litton and I sat quietly sewing on some sort of fluff she and Harriet had planned for my adornment, and very suddenly Jessie laid down her ruffle and looked at me as she said:

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

From this reading A CLANDESTINE ADVENTURE It seems a strange, almost savage thing that the few months before a woman's marriage are always filled so full of the doing of thousands and tens of thousands of small things that she has no time to think of the hugeness of the responsibilities she is assuming.

to a considerable degree

From this reading The time I felt it press most heavily was one morning that Jessie Litton and I sat quietly sewing on some sort of fluff she and Harriet had planned for my adornment, and very suddenly Jessie laid down her ruffle and looked at me as she said:

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

From this reading The time I felt it press most heavily was one morning that Jessie Litton and I sat quietly sewing on some sort of fluff she and Harriet had planned for my adornment, and very suddenly Jessie laid down her ruffle and looked at me as she said:

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

From this reading A CLANDESTINE ADVENTURE It seems a strange, almost savage thing that the few months before a woman's marriage are always filled so full of the doing of thousands and tens of thousands of small things that she has no time to think of the hugeness of the responsibilities she is assuming.

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

From this reading Once or twice in the long two, nearly three months that I had given myself to get ready to marry Nickols, I paused and found myself thinking of the weighty things of life, but I soon was able to shake off the thought of the future.

on condition that; in the event that

From this reading Perhaps if she were given time to realize them she would never assume them.

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

From this reading Once or twice in the long two, nearly three months that I had given myself to get ready to marry Nickols, I paused and found myself thinking of the weighty things of life, but I soon was able to shake off the thought of the future.

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

From this reading A CLANDESTINE ADVENTURE It seems a strange, almost savage thing that the few months before a woman's marriage are always filled so full of the doing of thousands and tens of thousands of small things that she has no time to think of the hugeness of the responsibilities she is assuming.

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading A CLANDESTINE ADVENTURE It seems a strange, almost savage thing that the few months before a woman's marriage are always filled so full of the doing of thousands and tens of thousands of small things that she has no time to think of the hugeness of the responsibilities she is assuming.

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

From this reading The time I felt it press most heavily was one morning that Jessie Litton and I sat quietly sewing on some sort of fluff she and Harriet had planned for my adornment, and very suddenly Jessie laid down her ruffle and looked at me as she said:

set down according to a plan

From this reading The time I felt it press most heavily was one morning that Jessie Litton and I sat quietly sewing on some sort of fluff she and Harriet had planned for my adornment, and very suddenly Jessie laid down her ruffle and looked at me as she said:

a characteristic state or mode of living

From this reading Once or twice in the long two, nearly three months that I had given myself to get ready to marry Nickols, I paused and found myself thinking of the weighty things of life, but I soon was able to shake off the thought of the future.

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

From this reading The time I felt it press most heavily was one morning that Jessie Litton and I sat quietly sewing on some sort of fluff she and Harriet had planned for my adornment, and very suddenly Jessie laid down her ruffle and looked at me as she said:

primarily temporal sense; being or indicating a relatively great or greater than average duration or passage of time or a duration as specified

From this reading Once or twice in the long two, nearly three months that I had given myself to get ready to marry Nickols, I paused and found myself thinking of the weighty things of life, but I soon was able to shake off the thought of the future.

past form of “look” — perceive with attention; direct one's gaze towards

From this reading The time I felt it press most heavily was one morning that Jessie Litton and I sat quietly sewing on some sort of fluff she and Harriet had planned for my adornment, and very suddenly Jessie laid down her ruffle and looked at me as she said:

the state of being a married couple voluntarily joined for life (or until divorce)

From this reading A CLANDESTINE ADVENTURE It seems a strange, almost savage thing that the few months before a woman's marriage are always filled so full of the doing of thousands and tens of thousands of small things that she has no time to think of the hugeness of the responsibilities she is assuming.

take in marriage

From this reading Once or twice in the long two, nearly three months that I had given myself to get ready to marry Nickols, I paused and found myself thinking of the weighty things of life, but I soon was able to shake off the thought of the future.

-ing form of “marry” — take in marriage

From this reading "Charlotte, I would be frightened, positively frightened, at the prospect of marrying Nickols Powers."

the person speaking, as the object of a verb or preposition

From this reading The time I felt it press most heavily was one morning that Jessie Litton and I sat quietly sewing on some sort of fluff she and Harriet had planned for my adornment, and very suddenly Jessie laid down her ruffle and looked at me as she said:

plural of “month” — one of the twelve divisions of the calendar year

From this reading A CLANDESTINE ADVENTURE It seems a strange, almost savage thing that the few months before a woman's marriage are always filled so full of the doing of thousands and tens of thousands of small things that she has no time to think of the hugeness of the responsibilities she is assuming.

the time period between dawn and noon

From this reading The time I felt it press most heavily was one morning that Jessie Litton and I sat quietly sewing on some sort of fluff she and Harriet had planned for my adornment, and very suddenly Jessie laid down her ruffle and looked at me as she said:

used to form the superlative

From this reading The time I felt it press most heavily was one morning that Jessie Litton and I sat quietly sewing on some sort of fluff she and Harriet had planned for my adornment, and very suddenly Jessie laid down her ruffle and looked at me as she said:

belonging to the person speaking

From this reading The time I felt it press most heavily was one morning that Jessie Litton and I sat quietly sewing on some sort of fluff she and Harriet had planned for my adornment, and very suddenly Jessie laid down her ruffle and looked at me as she said:

used when the speaker is also the object of the action

From this reading Once or twice in the long two, nearly three months that I had given myself to get ready to marry Nickols, I paused and found myself thinking of the weighty things of life, but I soon was able to shake off the thought of the future.

(of actions or states) slightly short of or not quite accomplished; all but

From this reading Once or twice in the long two, nearly three months that I had given myself to get ready to marry Nickols, I paused and found myself thinking of the weighty things of life, but I soon was able to shake off the thought of the future.

not ever; at no time in the past or future

From this reading Perhaps if she were given time to realize them she would never assume them.

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

From this reading Once or twice in the long two, nearly three months that I had given myself to get ready to marry Nickols, I paused and found myself thinking of the weighty things of life, but I soon was able to shake off the thought of the future.

not any; not one

From this reading A CLANDESTINE ADVENTURE It seems a strange, almost savage thing that the few months before a woman's marriage are always filled so full of the doing of thousands and tens of thousands of small things that she has no time to think of the hugeness of the responsibilities she is assuming.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading A CLANDESTINE ADVENTURE It seems a strange, almost savage thing that the few months before a woman's marriage are always filled so full of the doing of thousands and tens of thousands of small things that she has no time to think of the hugeness of the responsibilities she is assuming.

from a particular thing or place or position (“forth” is obsolete)

From this reading Once or twice in the long two, nearly three months that I had given myself to get ready to marry Nickols, I paused and found myself thinking of the weighty things of life, but I soon was able to shake off the thought of the future.

touching and supported by a surface

From this reading The time I felt it press most heavily was one morning that Jessie Litton and I sat quietly sewing on some sort of fluff she and Harriet had planned for my adornment, and very suddenly Jessie laid down her ruffle and looked at me as she said:

on one occasion

From this reading Once or twice in the long two, nearly three months that I had given myself to get ready to marry Nickols, I paused and found myself thinking of the weighty things of life, but I soon was able to shake off the thought of the future.

used to mean any person in general, including the speaker

From this reading The time I felt it press most heavily was one morning that Jessie Litton and I sat quietly sewing on some sort of fluff she and Harriet had planned for my adornment, and very suddenly Jessie laid down her ruffle and looked at me as she said:

used to join alternatives or possibilities

From this reading Once or twice in the long two, nearly three months that I had given myself to get ready to marry Nickols, I paused and found myself thinking of the weighty things of life, but I soon was able to shake off the thought of the future.

past form of “pause” — interrupt temporarily an activity before continuing

From this reading Once or twice in the long two, nearly three months that I had given myself to get ready to marry Nickols, I paused and found myself thinking of the weighty things of life, but I soon was able to shake off the thought of the future.

by chance

From this reading Perhaps if she were given time to realize them she would never assume them.

designed or carried out according to a plan

From this reading The time I felt it press most heavily was one morning that Jessie Litton and I sat quietly sewing on some sort of fluff she and Harriet had planned for my adornment, and very suddenly Jessie laid down her ruffle and looked at me as she said:

extremely

From this reading "Charlotte, I would be frightened, positively frightened, at the prospect of marrying Nickols Powers."

plural of “power” — possession of controlling influence

From this reading "Charlotte, I would be frightened, positively frightened, at the prospect of marrying Nickols Powers."

exert pressure or force to or upon

From this reading The time I felt it press most heavily was one morning that Jessie Litton and I sat quietly sewing on some sort of fluff she and Harriet had planned for my adornment, and very suddenly Jessie laid down her ruffle and looked at me as she said:

the possibility of future success

From this reading "Charlotte, I would be frightened, positively frightened, at the prospect of marrying Nickols Powers."

with low volume

From this reading The time I felt it press most heavily was one morning that Jessie Litton and I sat quietly sewing on some sort of fluff she and Harriet had planned for my adornment, and very suddenly Jessie laid down her ruffle and looked at me as she said:

completely prepared or in condition for immediate action or use or progress

From this reading Once or twice in the long two, nearly three months that I had given myself to get ready to marry Nickols, I paused and found myself thinking of the weighty things of life, but I soon was able to shake off the thought of the future.

be fully aware or cognizant of

From this reading Perhaps if she were given time to realize them she would never assume them.

plural of “responsibility” — the social force that binds you to the courses of action demanded by that force

From this reading A CLANDESTINE ADVENTURE It seems a strange, almost savage thing that the few months before a woman's marriage are always filled so full of the doing of thousands and tens of thousands of small things that she has no time to think of the hugeness of the responsibilities she is assuming.

stir up (water) so as to form ripples

From this reading The time I felt it press most heavily was one morning that Jessie Litton and I sat quietly sewing on some sort of fluff she and Harriet had planned for my adornment, and very suddenly Jessie laid down her ruffle and looked at me as she said:

being the one previously mentioned or spoken of

From this reading The time I felt it press most heavily was one morning that Jessie Litton and I sat quietly sewing on some sort of fluff she and Harriet had planned for my adornment, and very suddenly Jessie laid down her ruffle and looked at me as she said:

the seventh and last day of the week; observed as the Sabbath by Jews and some Christians

From this reading The time I felt it press most heavily was one morning that Jessie Litton and I sat quietly sewing on some sort of fluff she and Harriet had planned for my adornment, and very suddenly Jessie laid down her ruffle and looked at me as she said:

(of persons or their actions) able or disposed to inflict pain or suffering

From this reading A CLANDESTINE ADVENTURE It seems a strange, almost savage thing that the few months before a woman's marriage are always filled so full of the doing of thousands and tens of thousands of small things that she has no time to think of the hugeness of the responsibilities she is assuming.

third-person singular of “seem” — give a certain impression or have a certain outward aspect

From this reading A CLANDESTINE ADVENTURE It seems a strange, almost savage thing that the few months before a woman's marriage are always filled so full of the doing of thousands and tens of thousands of small things that she has no time to think of the hugeness of the responsibilities she is assuming.

joining or attaching by stitches

From this reading The time I felt it press most heavily was one morning that Jessie Litton and I sat quietly sewing on some sort of fluff she and Harriet had planned for my adornment, and very suddenly Jessie laid down her ruffle and looked at me as she said:

move or cause to move back and forth

From this reading Once or twice in the long two, nearly three months that I had given myself to get ready to marry Nickols, I paused and found myself thinking of the weighty things of life, but I soon was able to shake off the thought of the future.

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

From this reading A CLANDESTINE ADVENTURE It seems a strange, almost savage thing that the few months before a woman's marriage are always filled so full of the doing of thousands and tens of thousands of small things that she has no time to think of the hugeness of the responsibilities she is assuming.

limited or below average in number or quantity or magnitude or extent

From this reading A CLANDESTINE ADVENTURE It seems a strange, almost savage thing that the few months before a woman's marriage are always filled so full of the doing of thousands and tens of thousands of small things that she has no time to think of the hugeness of the responsibilities she is assuming.

for that reason; with the result that

From this reading A CLANDESTINE ADVENTURE It seems a strange, almost savage thing that the few months before a woman's marriage are always filled so full of the doing of thousands and tens of thousands of small things that she has no time to think of the hugeness of the responsibilities she is assuming.

(quantifier) used with either mass nouns or plural count nouns to indicate an unspecified number or quantity

From this reading The time I felt it press most heavily was one morning that Jessie Litton and I sat quietly sewing on some sort of fluff she and Harriet had planned for my adornment, and very suddenly Jessie laid down her ruffle and looked at me as she said:

in the near future

From this reading Once or twice in the long two, nearly three months that I had given myself to get ready to marry Nickols, I paused and found myself thinking of the weighty things of life, but I soon was able to shake off the thought of the future.

a category of things distinguished by some common characteristic or quality

From this reading The time I felt it press most heavily was one morning that Jessie Litton and I sat quietly sewing on some sort of fluff she and Harriet had planned for my adornment, and very suddenly Jessie laid down her ruffle and looked at me as she said:

being definitely out of the ordinary and unexpected; slightly odd or even a bit weird

From this reading A CLANDESTINE ADVENTURE It seems a strange, almost savage thing that the few months before a woman's marriage are always filled so full of the doing of thousands and tens of thousands of small things that she has no time to think of the hugeness of the responsibilities she is assuming.

happening unexpectedly

From this reading The time I felt it press most heavily was one morning that Jessie Litton and I sat quietly sewing on some sort of fluff she and Harriet had planned for my adornment, and very suddenly Jessie laid down her ruffle and looked at me as she said:

plural of “ten” — the cardinal number that is the sum of nine and one; the base of the decimal system

From this reading A CLANDESTINE ADVENTURE It seems a strange, almost savage thing that the few months before a woman's marriage are always filled so full of the doing of thousands and tens of thousands of small things that she has no time to think of the hugeness of the responsibilities she is assuming.

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading A CLANDESTINE ADVENTURE It seems a strange, almost savage thing that the few months before a woman's marriage are always filled so full of the doing of thousands and tens of thousands of small things that she has no time to think of the hugeness of the responsibilities she is assuming.

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

From this reading A CLANDESTINE ADVENTURE It seems a strange, almost savage thing that the few months before a woman's marriage are always filled so full of the doing of thousands and tens of thousands of small things that she has no time to think of the hugeness of the responsibilities she is assuming.

the people or things already mentioned, as the object

From this reading Perhaps if she were given time to realize them she would never assume them.

a special situation

From this reading A CLANDESTINE ADVENTURE It seems a strange, almost savage thing that the few months before a woman's marriage are always filled so full of the doing of thousands and tens of thousands of small things that she has no time to think of the hugeness of the responsibilities she is assuming.

any movable possession (especially articles of clothing)

From this reading A CLANDESTINE ADVENTURE It seems a strange, almost savage thing that the few months before a woman's marriage are always filled so full of the doing of thousands and tens of thousands of small things that she has no time to think of the hugeness of the responsibilities she is assuming.

judge or regard; look upon; judge

From this reading A CLANDESTINE ADVENTURE It seems a strange, almost savage thing that the few months before a woman's marriage are always filled so full of the doing of thousands and tens of thousands of small things that she has no time to think of the hugeness of the responsibilities she is assuming.

the process of using your mind to consider something carefully

From this reading Once or twice in the long two, nearly three months that I had given myself to get ready to marry Nickols, I paused and found myself thinking of the weighty things of life, but I soon was able to shake off the thought of the future.

the content of cognition; the main thing you are thinking about

From this reading Once or twice in the long two, nearly three months that I had given myself to get ready to marry Nickols, I paused and found myself thinking of the weighty things of life, but I soon was able to shake off the thought of the future.

plural of “thousand” — the cardinal number that is the product of 10 and 100

From this reading A CLANDESTINE ADVENTURE It seems a strange, almost savage thing that the few months before a woman's marriage are always filled so full of the doing of thousands and tens of thousands of small things that she has no time to think of the hugeness of the responsibilities she is assuming.

the cardinal number that is the sum of one and one and one

From this reading Once or twice in the long two, nearly three months that I had given myself to get ready to marry Nickols, I paused and found myself thinking of the weighty things of life, but I soon was able to shake off the thought of the future.

an instance or single occasion for some event

From this reading A CLANDESTINE ADVENTURE It seems a strange, almost savage thing that the few months before a woman's marriage are always filled so full of the doing of thousands and tens of thousands of small things that she has no time to think of the hugeness of the responsibilities she is assuming.

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

From this reading A CLANDESTINE ADVENTURE It seems a strange, almost savage thing that the few months before a woman's marriage are always filled so full of the doing of thousands and tens of thousands of small things that she has no time to think of the hugeness of the responsibilities she is assuming.

two times

From this reading Once or twice in the long two, nearly three months that I had given myself to get ready to marry Nickols, I paused and found myself thinking of the weighty things of life, but I soon was able to shake off the thought of the future.

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

From this reading Once or twice in the long two, nearly three months that I had given myself to get ready to marry Nickols, I paused and found myself thinking of the weighty things of life, but I soon was able to shake off the thought of the future.

precisely as stated

From this reading The time I felt it press most heavily was one morning that Jessie Litton and I sat quietly sewing on some sort of fluff she and Harriet had planned for my adornment, and very suddenly Jessie laid down her ruffle and looked at me as she said:

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

From this reading Once or twice in the long two, nearly three months that I had given myself to get ready to marry Nickols, I paused and found myself thinking of the weighty things of life, but I soon was able to shake off the thought of the future.

having relatively great weight; heavy

From this reading Once or twice in the long two, nearly three months that I had given myself to get ready to marry Nickols, I paused and found myself thinking of the weighty things of life, but I soon was able to shake off the thought of the future.

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

From this reading Perhaps if she were given time to realize them she would never assume them.

possessive form of “woman” — an adult female person (as opposed to a man)

From this reading A CLANDESTINE ADVENTURE It seems a strange, almost savage thing that the few months before a woman's marriage are always filled so full of the doing of thousands and tens of thousands of small things that she has no time to think of the hugeness of the responsibilities she is assuming.

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

From this reading Perhaps if she were given time to realize them she would never assume them.