Chapter I · Chapter 1

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

From this reading CHICAGO M. A. DONOHUE & CO.

on the subject of; concerning

From this reading Merlin could not help observing that, although everything within the cottage was particularly neat and in good order, the ploughman and his wife had the most sorrowful air, so he questioned them about the cause of their distress, and learned that they were miserable because they had no children.

a mixture of gases (especially oxygen) required for breathing; the stuff that the wind consists of

From this reading Merlin could not help observing that, although everything within the cottage was particularly neat and in good order, the ploughman and his wife had the most sorrowful air, so he questioned them about the cause of their distress, and learned that they were miserable because they had no children.

in spite of the fact that

From this reading Merlin could not help observing that, although everything within the cottage was particularly neat and in good order, the ploughman and his wife had the most sorrowful air, so he questioned them about the cause of their distress, and learned that they were miserable because they had no children.

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

From this reading In the days of King Arthur, Merlin, the famous enchanter, was out on a journey, and stopped one day at the cottage of an honest ploughman to ask for refreshment.

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

From this reading In the days of King Arthur, Merlin, the famous enchanter, was out on a journey, and stopped one day at the cottage of an honest ploughman to ask for refreshment.

elected vice president and became 21st President of the United States when Garfield was assassinated (1830-1886)

From this reading In the days of King Arthur, Merlin, the famous enchanter, was out on a journey, and stopped one day at the cottage of an honest ploughman to ask for refreshment.

make a request or demand for something to somebody

From this reading In the days of King Arthur, Merlin, the famous enchanter, was out on a journey, and stopped one day at the cottage of an honest ploughman to ask for refreshment.

in or near a particular place or position

From this reading In the days of King Arthur, Merlin, the famous enchanter, was out on a journey, and stopped one day at the cottage of an honest ploughman to ask for refreshment.

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

From this reading The poor woman declared that she would be the happiest creature in the world if she had but a son, although he were no bigger than his father’s thumb.

for the reason that

From this reading Merlin could not help observing that, although everything within the cottage was particularly neat and in good order, the ploughman and his wife had the most sorrowful air, so he questioned them about the cause of their distress, and learned that they were miserable because they had no children.

large or big relative to something else

From this reading The poor woman declared that she would be the happiest creature in the world if she had but a son, although he were no bigger than his father’s thumb.

a round vessel that is open at the top; used chiefly for holding food or liquids

From this reading The ploughman’s wife brought him some milk in a wooden bowl, and some brown bread on a wooden platter.

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

From this reading The ploughman’s wife brought him some milk in a wooden bowl, and some brown bread on a wooden platter.

inflected form of “bring” — take something or somebody with oneself somewhere

From this reading The ploughman’s wife brought him some milk in a wooden bowl, and some brown bread on a wooden platter.

an orange of low brightness and saturation

From this reading The ploughman’s wife brought him some milk in a wooden bowl, and some brown bread on a wooden platter.

used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before

From this reading The poor woman declared that she would be the happiest creature in the world if she had but a son, although he were no bigger than his father’s thumb.

events that provide the generative force that is the origin of something

From this reading Merlin could not help observing that, although everything within the cottage was particularly neat and in good order, the ploughman and his wife had the most sorrowful air, so he questioned them about the cause of their distress, and learned that they were miserable because they had no children.

largest city in Illinois; a bustling Great Lakes port that extends 26 miles along the southwestern shoreline of Lake Michigan

From this reading CHICAGO M. A. DONOHUE & CO.

plural of “child” — a young person of either sex

From this reading Merlin could not help observing that, although everything within the cottage was particularly neat and in good order, the ploughman and his wife had the most sorrowful air, so he questioned them about the cause of their distress, and learned that they were miserable because they had no children.

an odorless very poisonous gas that is a product of incomplete combustion of carbon

From this reading CHICAGO M. A. DONOHUE & CO.

a small house with a single story

From this reading In the days of King Arthur, Merlin, the famous enchanter, was out on a journey, and stopped one day at the cottage of an honest ploughman to ask for refreshment.

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

From this reading Merlin could not help observing that, although everything within the cottage was particularly neat and in good order, the ploughman and his wife had the most sorrowful air, so he questioned them about the cause of their distress, and learned that they were miserable because they had no children.

a living organism characterized by voluntary movement

From this reading The poor woman declared that she would be the happiest creature in the world if she had but a son, although he were no bigger than his father’s thumb.

time for Earth to make a complete rotation on its axis

From this reading In the days of King Arthur, Merlin, the famous enchanter, was out on a journey, and stopped one day at the cottage of an honest ploughman to ask for refreshment.

the time during which someone's life continues

From this reading In the days of King Arthur, Merlin, the famous enchanter, was out on a journey, and stopped one day at the cottage of an honest ploughman to ask for refreshment.

made known or openly avowed

From this reading The poor woman declared that she would be the happiest creature in the world if she had but a son, although he were no bigger than his father’s thumb.

psychological suffering

From this reading Merlin could not help observing that, although everything within the cottage was particularly neat and in good order, the ploughman and his wife had the most sorrowful air, so he questioned them about the cause of their distress, and learned that they were miserable because they had no children.

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

From this reading CHICAGO M. A. DONOHUE & CO.

a sorcerer or magician

From this reading In the days of King Arthur, Merlin, the famous enchanter, was out on a journey, and stopped one day at the cottage of an honest ploughman to ask for refreshment.

all things; all of a situation

From this reading Merlin could not help observing that, although everything within the cottage was particularly neat and in good order, the ploughman and his wife had the most sorrowful air, so he questioned them about the cause of their distress, and learned that they were miserable because they had no children.

widely known and esteemed

From this reading In the days of King Arthur, Merlin, the famous enchanter, was out on a journey, and stopped one day at the cottage of an honest ploughman to ask for refreshment.

possessive form of “father” — a male parent (also used as a term of address to your father)

From this reading The poor woman declared that she would be the happiest creature in the world if she had but a son, although he were no bigger than his father’s thumb.

intended to be given to, or used by, somebody

From this reading In the days of King Arthur, Merlin, the famous enchanter, was out on a journey, and stopped one day at the cottage of an honest ploughman to ask for refreshment.

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

From this reading Merlin could not help observing that, although everything within the cottage was particularly neat and in good order, the ploughman and his wife had the most sorrowful air, so he questioned them about the cause of their distress, and learned that they were miserable because they had no children.

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

From this reading Merlin could not help observing that, although everything within the cottage was particularly neat and in good order, the ploughman and his wife had the most sorrowful air, so he questioned them about the cause of their distress, and learned that they were miserable because they had no children.

superlative of “happy” — enjoying or showing or marked by joy or pleasure

From this reading The poor woman declared that she would be the happiest creature in the world if she had but a son, although he were no bigger than his father’s thumb.

a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned, as the subject

From this reading Merlin could not help observing that, although everything within the cottage was particularly neat and in good order, the ploughman and his wife had the most sorrowful air, so he questioned them about the cause of their distress, and learned that they were miserable because they had no children.

give help or assistance; be of service

From this reading Merlin could not help observing that, although everything within the cottage was particularly neat and in good order, the ploughman and his wife had the most sorrowful air, so he questioned them about the cause of their distress, and learned that they were miserable because they had no children.

the male already mentioned, as the object of a verb or preposition

From this reading The ploughman’s wife brought him some milk in a wooden bowl, and some brown bread on a wooden platter.

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

From this reading Merlin could not help observing that, although everything within the cottage was particularly neat and in good order, the ploughman and his wife had the most sorrowful air, so he questioned them about the cause of their distress, and learned that they were miserable because they had no children.

not disposed to cheat or defraud; not deceptive or fraudulent

From this reading In the days of King Arthur, Merlin, the famous enchanter, was out on a journey, and stopped one day at the cottage of an honest ploughman to ask for refreshment.

on condition that; in the event that

From this reading The poor woman declared that she would be the happiest creature in the world if she had but a son, although he were no bigger than his father’s thumb.

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

From this reading In the days of King Arthur, Merlin, the famous enchanter, was out on a journey, and stopped one day at the cottage of an honest ploughman to ask for refreshment.

undertake a journey or trip

From this reading In the days of King Arthur, Merlin, the famous enchanter, was out on a journey, and stopped one day at the cottage of an honest ploughman to ask for refreshment.

a male sovereign; ruler of a kingdom

From this reading In the days of King Arthur, Merlin, the famous enchanter, was out on a journey, and stopped one day at the cottage of an honest ploughman to ask for refreshment.

having or showing profound knowledge

From this reading Merlin could not help observing that, although everything within the cottage was particularly neat and in good order, the ploughman and his wife had the most sorrowful air, so he questioned them about the cause of their distress, and learned that they were miserable because they had no children.

the basic unit of length adopted under the Systeme International d'Unites (approximately 1.094 yards)

From this reading CHICAGO M. A. DONOHUE & CO.

(Arthurian legend) the magician who acted as King Arthur's advisor

From this reading In the days of King Arthur, Merlin, the famous enchanter, was out on a journey, and stopped one day at the cottage of an honest ploughman to ask for refreshment.

a white nutritious liquid secreted by mammals and used as food by human beings

From this reading The ploughman’s wife brought him some milk in a wooden bowl, and some brown bread on a wooden platter.

very unhappy; full of misery

From this reading Merlin could not help observing that, although everything within the cottage was particularly neat and in good order, the ploughman and his wife had the most sorrowful air, so he questioned them about the cause of their distress, and learned that they were miserable because they had no children.

used to form the superlative

From this reading Merlin could not help observing that, although everything within the cottage was particularly neat and in good order, the ploughman and his wife had the most sorrowful air, so he questioned them about the cause of their distress, and learned that they were miserable because they had no children.

clean or organized

From this reading Merlin could not help observing that, although everything within the cottage was particularly neat and in good order, the ploughman and his wife had the most sorrowful air, so he questioned them about the cause of their distress, and learned that they were miserable because they had no children.

not any; not one

From this reading Merlin could not help observing that, although everything within the cottage was particularly neat and in good order, the ploughman and his wife had the most sorrowful air, so he questioned them about the cause of their distress, and learned that they were miserable because they had no children.

used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative

From this reading Merlin could not help observing that, although everything within the cottage was particularly neat and in good order, the ploughman and his wife had the most sorrowful air, so he questioned them about the cause of their distress, and learned that they were miserable because they had no children.

quick to notice; showing quick and keen perception

From this reading Merlin could not help observing that, although everything within the cottage was particularly neat and in good order, the ploughman and his wife had the most sorrowful air, so he questioned them about the cause of their distress, and learned that they were miserable because they had no children.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading In the days of King Arthur, Merlin, the famous enchanter, was out on a journey, and stopped one day at the cottage of an honest ploughman to ask for refreshment.

touching and supported by a surface

From this reading In the days of King Arthur, Merlin, the famous enchanter, was out on a journey, and stopped one day at the cottage of an honest ploughman to ask for refreshment.

used to mean any person in general, including the speaker

From this reading In the days of King Arthur, Merlin, the famous enchanter, was out on a journey, and stopped one day at the cottage of an honest ploughman to ask for refreshment.

(often plural) a command given by a superior (e.g., a military or law enforcement officer) that must be obeyed

From this reading Merlin could not help observing that, although everything within the cottage was particularly neat and in good order, the ploughman and his wife had the most sorrowful air, so he questioned them about the cause of their distress, and learned that they were miserable because they had no children.

not allowed to continue to bat or run

From this reading In the days of King Arthur, Merlin, the famous enchanter, was out on a journey, and stopped one day at the cottage of an honest ploughman to ask for refreshment.

to a distinctly greater extent or degree than is common

From this reading Merlin could not help observing that, although everything within the cottage was particularly neat and in good order, the ploughman and his wife had the most sorrowful air, so he questioned them about the cause of their distress, and learned that they were miserable because they had no children.

a large shallow dish used for serving food

From this reading The ploughman’s wife brought him some milk in a wooden bowl, and some brown bread on a wooden platter.

a man who plows

From this reading In the days of King Arthur, Merlin, the famous enchanter, was out on a journey, and stopped one day at the cottage of an honest ploughman to ask for refreshment.

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

From this reading The ploughman’s wife brought him some milk in a wooden bowl, and some brown bread on a wooden platter.

deserving or inciting pity

From this reading The poor woman declared that she would be the happiest creature in the world if she had but a son, although he were no bigger than his father’s thumb.

past form of “question” — challenge the accuracy, probity, or propriety of

From this reading Merlin could not help observing that, although everything within the cottage was particularly neat and in good order, the ploughman and his wife had the most sorrowful air, so he questioned them about the cause of their distress, and learned that they were miserable because they had no children.

snacks and drinks served as a light meal

From this reading In the days of King Arthur, Merlin, the famous enchanter, was out on a journey, and stopped one day at the cottage of an honest ploughman to ask for refreshment.

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

From this reading The poor woman declared that she would be the happiest creature in the world if she had but a son, although he were no bigger than his father’s thumb.

for that reason; with the result that

From this reading Merlin could not help observing that, although everything within the cottage was particularly neat and in good order, the ploughman and his wife had the most sorrowful air, so he questioned them about the cause of their distress, and learned that they were miserable because they had no children.

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

From this reading The ploughman’s wife brought him some milk in a wooden bowl, and some brown bread on a wooden platter.

a male human offspring

From this reading The poor woman declared that she would be the happiest creature in the world if she had but a son, although he were no bigger than his father’s thumb.

experiencing or marked by or expressing sorrow especially that associated with irreparable loss

From this reading Merlin could not help observing that, although everything within the cottage was particularly neat and in good order, the ploughman and his wife had the most sorrowful air, so he questioned them about the cause of their distress, and learned that they were miserable because they had no children.

(of a nose) blocked

From this reading In the days of King Arthur, Merlin, the famous enchanter, was out on a journey, and stopped one day at the cottage of an honest ploughman to ask for refreshment.

used to introduce the second part of a comparison

From this reading The poor woman declared that she would be the happiest creature in the world if she had but a son, although he were no bigger than his father’s thumb.

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading Merlin could not help observing that, although everything within the cottage was particularly neat and in good order, the ploughman and his wife had the most sorrowful air, so he questioned them about the cause of their distress, and learned that they were miserable because they had no children.

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

From this reading In the days of King Arthur, Merlin, the famous enchanter, was out on a journey, and stopped one day at the cottage of an honest ploughman to ask for refreshment.

belonging to the people or things already mentioned

From this reading Merlin could not help observing that, although everything within the cottage was particularly neat and in good order, the ploughman and his wife had the most sorrowful air, so he questioned them about the cause of their distress, and learned that they were miserable because they had no children.

the people or things already mentioned, as the object

From this reading Merlin could not help observing that, although everything within the cottage was particularly neat and in good order, the ploughman and his wife had the most sorrowful air, so he questioned them about the cause of their distress, and learned that they were miserable because they had no children.

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

From this reading Merlin could not help observing that, although everything within the cottage was particularly neat and in good order, the ploughman and his wife had the most sorrowful air, so he questioned them about the cause of their distress, and learned that they were miserable because they had no children.

the thick short innermost digit of the forelimb

From this reading The poor woman declared that she would be the happiest creature in the world if she had but a son, although he were no bigger than his father’s thumb.

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

From this reading In the days of King Arthur, Merlin, the famous enchanter, was out on a journey, and stopped one day at the cottage of an honest ploughman to ask for refreshment.

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

From this reading In the days of King Arthur, Merlin, the famous enchanter, was out on a journey, and stopped one day at the cottage of an honest ploughman to ask for refreshment.

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

From this reading Merlin could not help observing that, although everything within the cottage was particularly neat and in good order, the ploughman and his wife had the most sorrowful air, so he questioned them about the cause of their distress, and learned that they were miserable because they had no children.

a married woman; a man's partner in marriage

From this reading The ploughman’s wife brought him some milk in a wooden bowl, and some brown bread on a wooden platter.

inside; before a period of time has passed

From this reading Merlin could not help observing that, although everything within the cottage was particularly neat and in good order, the ploughman and his wife had the most sorrowful air, so he questioned them about the cause of their distress, and learned that they were miserable because they had no children.

an adult female person (as opposed to a man)

From this reading The poor woman declared that she would be the happiest creature in the world if she had but a son, although he were no bigger than his father’s thumb.

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

From this reading The ploughman’s wife brought him some milk in a wooden bowl, and some brown bread on a wooden platter.

everything that exists anywhere

From this reading The poor woman declared that she would be the happiest creature in the world if she had but a son, although he were no bigger than his father’s thumb.

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

From this reading The poor woman declared that she would be the happiest creature in the world if she had but a son, although he were no bigger than his father’s thumb.