Chapter II

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

From this reading “Blessed that he is!” sighed Santuzza, “he died on a fortunate day, a day blessed by the Church--the eve of Our Lady of Sorrows--and now he’s praying for us sinners, like the angels and the saints.

on the subject of; concerning

From this reading He was a good man, one of those who mind their own business, and don’t go about speaking ill of their neighbors, as so many do, falling into mortal sin.”

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

From this reading “Blessed that he is!” sighed Santuzza, “he died on a fortunate day, a day blessed by the Church--the eve of Our Lady of Sorrows--and now he’s praying for us sinners, like the angels and the saints.

plural of “angel” — spiritual being attendant upon God

From this reading “Blessed that he is!” sighed Santuzza, “he died on a fortunate day, a day blessed by the Church--the eve of Our Lady of Sorrows--and now he’s praying for us sinners, like the angels and the saints.

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

From this reading He was a good man, one of those who mind their own business, and don’t go about speaking ill of their neighbors, as so many do, falling into mortal sin.”

in or near a particular place or position

From this reading Maruzza, sitting at the foot of the bed, pale and limp as a wet rag, looking like Our Lady of Sorrows herself, began to cry louder than ever at this; and Padron ’Ntoni, bowed and stooping, looking a hundred years older than he did three days before, went on looking and looking at her, shaking his head, not knowing what to say, with that big thorn Bastianazzo sticking in his breast as if a shark had been gnawing at him.

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

From this reading Maruzza, sitting at the foot of the bed, pale and limp as a wet rag, looking like Our Lady of Sorrows herself, began to cry louder than ever at this; and Padron ’Ntoni, bowed and stooping, looking a hundred years older than he did three days before, went on looking and looking at her, shaking his head, not knowing what to say, with that big thorn Bastianazzo sticking in his breast as if a shark had been gnawing at him.

a piece of furniture that provides a place to sleep

From this reading Maruzza, sitting at the foot of the bed, pale and limp as a wet rag, looking like Our Lady of Sorrows herself, began to cry louder than ever at this; and Padron ’Ntoni, bowed and stooping, looking a hundred years older than he did three days before, went on looking and looking at her, shaking his head, not knowing what to say, with that big thorn Bastianazzo sticking in his breast as if a shark had been gnawing at him.

the past participle of “be”

From this reading Maruzza, sitting at the foot of the bed, pale and limp as a wet rag, looking like Our Lady of Sorrows herself, began to cry louder than ever at this; and Padron ’Ntoni, bowed and stooping, looking a hundred years older than he did three days before, went on looking and looking at her, shaking his head, not knowing what to say, with that big thorn Bastianazzo sticking in his breast as if a shark had been gnawing at him.

earlier than; in front of

From this reading Maruzza, sitting at the foot of the bed, pale and limp as a wet rag, looking like Our Lady of Sorrows herself, began to cry louder than ever at this; and Padron ’Ntoni, bowed and stooping, looking a hundred years older than he did three days before, went on looking and looking at her, shaking his head, not knowing what to say, with that big thorn Bastianazzo sticking in his breast as if a shark had been gnawing at him.

inflected form of “begin” — take the first step or steps in carrying out an action

From this reading Maruzza, sitting at the foot of the bed, pale and limp as a wet rag, looking like Our Lady of Sorrows herself, began to cry louder than ever at this; and Padron ’Ntoni, bowed and stooping, looking a hundred years older than he did three days before, went on looking and looking at her, shaking his head, not knowing what to say, with that big thorn Bastianazzo sticking in his breast as if a shark had been gnawing at him.

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

From this reading Maruzza, sitting at the foot of the bed, pale and limp as a wet rag, looking like Our Lady of Sorrows herself, began to cry louder than ever at this; and Padron ’Ntoni, bowed and stooping, looking a hundred years older than he did three days before, went on looking and looking at her, shaking his head, not knowing what to say, with that big thorn Bastianazzo sticking in his breast as if a shark had been gnawing at him.

highly favored or fortunate (as e.g. by divine grace)

From this reading “Blessed that he is!” sighed Santuzza, “he died on a fortunate day, a day blessed by the Church--the eve of Our Lady of Sorrows--and now he’s praying for us sinners, like the angels and the saints.

of a stringed instrument; sounded by stroking with a bow

From this reading Maruzza, sitting at the foot of the bed, pale and limp as a wet rag, looking like Our Lady of Sorrows herself, began to cry louder than ever at this; and Padron ’Ntoni, bowed and stooping, looking a hundred years older than he did three days before, went on looking and looking at her, shaking his head, not knowing what to say, with that big thorn Bastianazzo sticking in his breast as if a shark had been gnawing at him.

the front of the trunk from the neck to the abdomen

From this reading Maruzza, sitting at the foot of the bed, pale and limp as a wet rag, looking like Our Lady of Sorrows herself, began to cry louder than ever at this; and Padron ’Ntoni, bowed and stooping, looking a hundred years older than he did three days before, went on looking and looking at her, shaking his head, not knowing what to say, with that big thorn Bastianazzo sticking in his breast as if a shark had been gnawing at him.

a commercial or industrial enterprise and the people who constitute it

From this reading He was a good man, one of those who mind their own business, and don’t go about speaking ill of their neighbors, as so many do, falling into mortal sin.”

used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before

From this reading “Santuzza’s lips drop nothing but honey,” observed Cousin Grace Goosefoot.

showing who or what does the action

From this reading “Blessed that he is!” sighed Santuzza, “he died on a fortunate day, a day blessed by the Church--the eve of Our Lady of Sorrows--and now he’s praying for us sinners, like the angels and the saints.

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

From this reading Whom the Lord loveth he chasteneth.’

one of the groups of Christians who have their own beliefs and forms of worship

From this reading “Blessed that he is!” sighed Santuzza, “he died on a fortunate day, a day blessed by the Church--the eve of Our Lady of Sorrows--and now he’s praying for us sinners, like the angels and the saints.

the child of your aunt or uncle

From this reading “Santuzza’s lips drop nothing but honey,” observed Cousin Grace Goosefoot.

utter a sudden loud cry

From this reading Maruzza, sitting at the foot of the bed, pale and limp as a wet rag, looking like Our Lady of Sorrows herself, began to cry louder than ever at this; and Padron ’Ntoni, bowed and stooping, looking a hundred years older than he did three days before, went on looking and looking at her, shaking his head, not knowing what to say, with that big thorn Bastianazzo sticking in his breast as if a shark had been gnawing at him.

time for Earth to make a complete rotation on its axis

From this reading “Blessed that he is!” sighed Santuzza, “he died on a fortunate day, a day blessed by the Church--the eve of Our Lady of Sorrows--and now he’s praying for us sinners, like the angels and the saints.

the time during which someone's life continues

From this reading Maruzza, sitting at the foot of the bed, pale and limp as a wet rag, looking like Our Lady of Sorrows herself, began to cry louder than ever at this; and Padron ’Ntoni, bowed and stooping, looking a hundred years older than he did three days before, went on looking and looking at her, shaking his head, not knowing what to say, with that big thorn Bastianazzo sticking in his breast as if a shark had been gnawing at him.

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

From this reading Maruzza, sitting at the foot of the bed, pale and limp as a wet rag, looking like Our Lady of Sorrows herself, began to cry louder than ever at this; and Padron ’Ntoni, bowed and stooping, looking a hundred years older than he did three days before, went on looking and looking at her, shaking his head, not knowing what to say, with that big thorn Bastianazzo sticking in his breast as if a shark had been gnawing at him.

past form of “die” — pass from physical life and lose all bodily attributes and functions necessary to sustain life

From this reading “Blessed that he is!” sighed Santuzza, “he died on a fortunate day, a day blessed by the Church--the eve of Our Lady of Sorrows--and now he’s praying for us sinners, like the angels and the saints.

used to form questions and negatives, and to give emphasis

From this reading He was a good man, one of those who mind their own business, and don’t go about speaking ill of their neighbors, as so many do, falling into mortal sin.”

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

From this reading He was a good man, one of those who mind their own business, and don’t go about speaking ill of their neighbors, as so many do, falling into mortal sin.”

let fall to the ground

From this reading “Santuzza’s lips drop nothing but honey,” observed Cousin Grace Goosefoot.

(Old Testament) Adam's wife in Judeo-Christian mythology: the first woman and mother of the human race; God created Eve from Adam's rib and placed Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden

From this reading “Blessed that he is!” sighed Santuzza, “he died on a fortunate day, a day blessed by the Church--the eve of Our Lady of Sorrows--and now he’s praying for us sinners, like the angels and the saints.

at any time

From this reading Maruzza, sitting at the foot of the bed, pale and limp as a wet rag, looking like Our Lady of Sorrows herself, began to cry louder than ever at this; and Padron ’Ntoni, bowed and stooping, looking a hundred years older than he did three days before, went on looking and looking at her, shaking his head, not knowing what to say, with that big thorn Bastianazzo sticking in his breast as if a shark had been gnawing at him.

decreasing in amount or degree

From this reading He was a good man, one of those who mind their own business, and don’t go about speaking ill of their neighbors, as so many do, falling into mortal sin.”

the part of the leg of a human being below the ankle joint

From this reading Maruzza, sitting at the foot of the bed, pale and limp as a wet rag, looking like Our Lady of Sorrows herself, began to cry louder than ever at this; and Padron ’Ntoni, bowed and stooping, looking a hundred years older than he did three days before, went on looking and looking at her, shaking his head, not knowing what to say, with that big thorn Bastianazzo sticking in his breast as if a shark had been gnawing at him.

intended to be given to, or used by, somebody

From this reading “Blessed that he is!” sighed Santuzza, “he died on a fortunate day, a day blessed by the Church--the eve of Our Lady of Sorrows--and now he’s praying for us sinners, like the angels and the saints.

having unexpected good fortune

From this reading “Blessed that he is!” sighed Santuzza, “he died on a fortunate day, a day blessed by the Church--the eve of Our Lady of Sorrows--and now he’s praying for us sinners, like the angels and the saints.

-ing form of “gnaw” — bite or chew on with the teeth

From this reading Maruzza, sitting at the foot of the bed, pale and limp as a wet rag, looking like Our Lady of Sorrows herself, began to cry louder than ever at this; and Padron ’Ntoni, bowed and stooping, looking a hundred years older than he did three days before, went on looking and looking at her, shaking his head, not knowing what to say, with that big thorn Bastianazzo sticking in his breast as if a shark had been gnawing at him.

change location; move, travel, or proceed, also metaphorically

From this reading He was a good man, one of those who mind their own business, and don’t go about speaking ill of their neighbors, as so many do, falling into mortal sin.”

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

From this reading He was a good man, one of those who mind their own business, and don’t go about speaking ill of their neighbors, as so many do, falling into mortal sin.”

any of various weeds of the genus Chenopodium having small greenish flowers

From this reading “Santuzza’s lips drop nothing but honey,” observed Cousin Grace Goosefoot.

(Christian theology) a state of sanctification by God; the state of one who is under such divine influence

From this reading “Santuzza’s lips drop nothing but honey,” observed Cousin Grace Goosefoot.

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

From this reading Maruzza, sitting at the foot of the bed, pale and limp as a wet rag, looking like Our Lady of Sorrows herself, began to cry louder than ever at this; and Padron ’Ntoni, bowed and stooping, looking a hundred years older than he did three days before, went on looking and looking at her, shaking his head, not knowing what to say, with that big thorn Bastianazzo sticking in his breast as if a shark had been gnawing at him.

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

From this reading “Blessed that he is!” sighed Santuzza, “he died on a fortunate day, a day blessed by the Church--the eve of Our Lady of Sorrows--and now he’s praying for us sinners, like the angels and the saints.

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

From this reading “Blessed that he is!” sighed Santuzza, “he died on a fortunate day, a day blessed by the Church--the eve of Our Lady of Sorrows--and now he’s praying for us sinners, like the angels and the saints.

the upper part of the human body or the front part of the body in animals; contains the face and brains

From this reading Maruzza, sitting at the foot of the bed, pale and limp as a wet rag, looking like Our Lady of Sorrows herself, began to cry louder than ever at this; and Padron ’Ntoni, bowed and stooping, looking a hundred years older than he did three days before, went on looking and looking at her, shaking his head, not knowing what to say, with that big thorn Bastianazzo sticking in his breast as if a shark had been gnawing at him.

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

From this reading Maruzza, sitting at the foot of the bed, pale and limp as a wet rag, looking like Our Lady of Sorrows herself, began to cry louder than ever at this; and Padron ’Ntoni, bowed and stooping, looking a hundred years older than he did three days before, went on looking and looking at her, shaking his head, not knowing what to say, with that big thorn Bastianazzo sticking in his breast as if a shark had been gnawing at him.

used when the woman or girl doing the action is also its object

From this reading Maruzza, sitting at the foot of the bed, pale and limp as a wet rag, looking like Our Lady of Sorrows herself, began to cry louder than ever at this; and Padron ’Ntoni, bowed and stooping, looking a hundred years older than he did three days before, went on looking and looking at her, shaking his head, not knowing what to say, with that big thorn Bastianazzo sticking in his breast as if a shark had been gnawing at him.

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

From this reading Maruzza, sitting at the foot of the bed, pale and limp as a wet rag, looking like Our Lady of Sorrows herself, began to cry louder than ever at this; and Padron ’Ntoni, bowed and stooping, looking a hundred years older than he did three days before, went on looking and looking at her, shaking his head, not knowing what to say, with that big thorn Bastianazzo sticking in his breast as if a shark had been gnawing at him.

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

From this reading Maruzza, sitting at the foot of the bed, pale and limp as a wet rag, looking like Our Lady of Sorrows herself, began to cry louder than ever at this; and Padron ’Ntoni, bowed and stooping, looking a hundred years older than he did three days before, went on looking and looking at her, shaking his head, not knowing what to say, with that big thorn Bastianazzo sticking in his breast as if a shark had been gnawing at him.

a sweet yellow liquid produced by bees

From this reading “Santuzza’s lips drop nothing but honey,” observed Cousin Grace Goosefoot.

ten 10s

From this reading Maruzza, sitting at the foot of the bed, pale and limp as a wet rag, looking like Our Lady of Sorrows herself, began to cry louder than ever at this; and Padron ’Ntoni, bowed and stooping, looking a hundred years older than he did three days before, went on looking and looking at her, shaking his head, not knowing what to say, with that big thorn Bastianazzo sticking in his breast as if a shark had been gnawing at him.

on condition that; in the event that

From this reading Maruzza, sitting at the foot of the bed, pale and limp as a wet rag, looking like Our Lady of Sorrows herself, began to cry louder than ever at this; and Padron ’Ntoni, bowed and stooping, looking a hundred years older than he did three days before, went on looking and looking at her, shaking his head, not knowing what to say, with that big thorn Bastianazzo sticking in his breast as if a shark had been gnawing at him.

affected by an impairment of normal physical or mental function

From this reading He was a good man, one of those who mind their own business, and don’t go about speaking ill of their neighbors, as so many do, falling into mortal sin.”

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

From this reading Maruzza, sitting at the foot of the bed, pale and limp as a wet rag, looking like Our Lady of Sorrows herself, began to cry louder than ever at this; and Padron ’Ntoni, bowed and stooping, looking a hundred years older than he did three days before, went on looking and looking at her, shaking his head, not knowing what to say, with that big thorn Bastianazzo sticking in his breast as if a shark had been gnawing at him.

moving to the inside of something

From this reading He was a good man, one of those who mind their own business, and don’t go about speaking ill of their neighbors, as so many do, falling into mortal sin.”

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

From this reading “Blessed that he is!” sighed Santuzza, “he died on a fortunate day, a day blessed by the Church--the eve of Our Lady of Sorrows--and now he’s praying for us sinners, like the angels and the saints.

evidencing the possession of inside information

From this reading Maruzza, sitting at the foot of the bed, pale and limp as a wet rag, looking like Our Lady of Sorrows herself, began to cry louder than ever at this; and Padron ’Ntoni, bowed and stooping, looking a hundred years older than he did three days before, went on looking and looking at her, shaking his head, not knowing what to say, with that big thorn Bastianazzo sticking in his breast as if a shark had been gnawing at him.

a polite name for any woman

From this reading “Blessed that he is!” sighed Santuzza, “he died on a fortunate day, a day blessed by the Church--the eve of Our Lady of Sorrows--and now he’s praying for us sinners, like the angels and the saints.

prefer or wish to do something

From this reading “Blessed that he is!” sighed Santuzza, “he died on a fortunate day, a day blessed by the Church--the eve of Our Lady of Sorrows--and now he’s praying for us sinners, like the angels and the saints.

walk impeded by some physical limitation or injury

From this reading Maruzza, sitting at the foot of the bed, pale and limp as a wet rag, looking like Our Lady of Sorrows herself, began to cry louder than ever at this; and Padron ’Ntoni, bowed and stooping, looking a hundred years older than he did three days before, went on looking and looking at her, shaking his head, not knowing what to say, with that big thorn Bastianazzo sticking in his breast as if a shark had been gnawing at him.

plural of “lip” — either of two fleshy folds of tissue that surround the mouth and play a role in speaking

From this reading “Santuzza’s lips drop nothing but honey,” observed Cousin Grace Goosefoot.

the act of directing the eyes toward something and perceiving it visually

From this reading Maruzza, sitting at the foot of the bed, pale and limp as a wet rag, looking like Our Lady of Sorrows herself, began to cry louder than ever at this; and Padron ’Ntoni, bowed and stooping, looking a hundred years older than he did three days before, went on looking and looking at her, shaking his head, not knowing what to say, with that big thorn Bastianazzo sticking in his breast as if a shark had been gnawing at him.

terms referring to the Judeo-Christian God

From this reading Whom the Lord loveth he chasteneth.’

comparative of “loud” — characterized by or producing sound of great volume or intensity

From this reading Maruzza, sitting at the foot of the bed, pale and limp as a wet rag, looking like Our Lady of Sorrows herself, began to cry louder than ever at this; and Padron ’Ntoni, bowed and stooping, looking a hundred years older than he did three days before, went on looking and looking at her, shaking his head, not knowing what to say, with that big thorn Bastianazzo sticking in his breast as if a shark had been gnawing at him.

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

From this reading Whom the Lord loveth he chasteneth.’

an adult person who is male (as opposed to a woman)

From this reading He was a good man, one of those who mind their own business, and don’t go about speaking ill of their neighbors, as so many do, falling into mortal sin.”

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 He was a good man, one of those who mind their own business, and don’t go about speaking ill of their neighbors, as so many do, falling into mortal sin.”

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

From this reading Maruzza, sitting at the foot of the bed, pale and limp as a wet rag, looking like Our Lady of Sorrows herself, began to cry louder than ever at this; and Padron ’Ntoni, bowed and stooping, looking a hundred years older than he did three days before, went on looking and looking at her, shaking his head, not knowing what to say, with that big thorn Bastianazzo sticking in his breast as if a shark had been gnawing at him.

The element of a person that enables awareness and thought.

From this reading He was a good man, one of those who mind their own business, and don’t go about speaking ill of their neighbors, as so many do, falling into mortal sin.”

subject to death

From this reading He was a good man, one of those who mind their own business, and don’t go about speaking ill of their neighbors, as so many do, falling into mortal sin.”

plural of “neighbor” — a person who lives (or is located) near another

From this reading He was a good man, one of those who mind their own business, and don’t go about speaking ill of their neighbors, as so many do, falling into mortal sin.”

used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative

From this reading Maruzza, sitting at the foot of the bed, pale and limp as a wet rag, looking like Our Lady of Sorrows herself, began to cry louder than ever at this; and Padron ’Ntoni, bowed and stooping, looking a hundred years older than he did three days before, went on looking and looking at her, shaking his head, not knowing what to say, with that big thorn Bastianazzo sticking in his breast as if a shark had been gnawing at him.

not one thing; not anything

From this reading “Santuzza’s lips drop nothing but honey,” observed Cousin Grace Goosefoot.

in the historical present; at this point in the narration of a series of past events

From this reading “Blessed that he is!” sighed Santuzza, “he died on a fortunate day, a day blessed by the Church--the eve of Our Lady of Sorrows--and now he’s praying for us sinners, like the angels and the saints.

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

From this reading Maruzza, sitting at the foot of the bed, pale and limp as a wet rag, looking like Our Lady of Sorrows herself, began to cry louder than ever at this; and Padron ’Ntoni, bowed and stooping, looking a hundred years older than he did three days before, went on looking and looking at her, shaking his head, not knowing what to say, with that big thorn Bastianazzo sticking in his breast as if a shark had been gnawing at him.

discovered or determined by scientific observation

From this reading “Santuzza’s lips drop nothing but honey,” observed Cousin Grace Goosefoot.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading “Blessed that he is!” sighed Santuzza, “he died on a fortunate day, a day blessed by the Church--the eve of Our Lady of Sorrows--and now he’s praying for us sinners, like the angels and the saints.

advanced in years; (“aged” is pronounced as two syllables)

From this reading Maruzza, sitting at the foot of the bed, pale and limp as a wet rag, looking like Our Lady of Sorrows herself, began to cry louder than ever at this; and Padron ’Ntoni, bowed and stooping, looking a hundred years older than he did three days before, went on looking and looking at her, shaking his head, not knowing what to say, with that big thorn Bastianazzo sticking in his breast as if a shark had been gnawing at him.

touching and supported by a surface

From this reading “Blessed that he is!” sighed Santuzza, “he died on a fortunate day, a day blessed by the Church--the eve of Our Lady of Sorrows--and now he’s praying for us sinners, like the angels and the saints.

used to mean any person in general, including the speaker

From this reading He was a good man, one of those who mind their own business, and don’t go about speaking ill of their neighbors, as so many do, falling into mortal sin.”

belonging to the speaker and others

From this reading “Blessed that he is!” sighed Santuzza, “he died on a fortunate day, a day blessed by the Church--the eve of Our Lady of Sorrows--and now he’s praying for us sinners, like the angels and the saints.

have ownership or possession of

From this reading He was a good man, one of those who mind their own business, and don’t go about speaking ill of their neighbors, as so many do, falling into mortal sin.”

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

From this reading Maruzza, sitting at the foot of the bed, pale and limp as a wet rag, looking like Our Lady of Sorrows herself, began to cry louder than ever at this; and Padron ’Ntoni, bowed and stooping, looking a hundred years older than he did three days before, went on looking and looking at her, shaking his head, not knowing what to say, with that big thorn Bastianazzo sticking in his breast as if a shark had been gnawing at him.

very light colored; highly diluted with white

From this reading Maruzza, sitting at the foot of the bed, pale and limp as a wet rag, looking like Our Lady of Sorrows herself, began to cry louder than ever at this; and Padron ’Ntoni, bowed and stooping, looking a hundred years older than he did three days before, went on looking and looking at her, shaking his head, not knowing what to say, with that big thorn Bastianazzo sticking in his breast as if a shark had been gnawing at him.

-ing form of “pray” — address a deity, a prophet, a saint or an object of worship; say a prayer

From this reading “Blessed that he is!” sighed Santuzza, “he died on a fortunate day, a day blessed by the Church--the eve of Our Lady of Sorrows--and now he’s praying for us sinners, like the angels and the saints.

a small piece of cloth or paper

From this reading Maruzza, sitting at the foot of the bed, pale and limp as a wet rag, looking like Our Lady of Sorrows herself, began to cry louder than ever at this; and Padron ’Ntoni, bowed and stooping, looking a hundred years older than he did three days before, went on looking and looking at her, shaking his head, not knowing what to say, with that big thorn Bastianazzo sticking in his breast as if a shark had been gnawing at him.

plural of “saint” — a person who has died and has been declared a saint by canonization

From this reading “Blessed that he is!” sighed Santuzza, “he died on a fortunate day, a day blessed by the Church--the eve of Our Lady of Sorrows--and now he’s praying for us sinners, like the angels and the saints.

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

From this reading “Blessed that he is!” sighed Santuzza, “he died on a fortunate day, a day blessed by the Church--the eve of Our Lady of Sorrows--and now he’s praying for us sinners, like the angels and the saints.

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

From this reading “Santuzza’s lips drop nothing but honey,” observed Cousin Grace Goosefoot.

express in words

From this reading Maruzza, sitting at the foot of the bed, pale and limp as a wet rag, looking like Our Lady of Sorrows herself, began to cry louder than ever at this; and Padron ’Ntoni, bowed and stooping, looking a hundred years older than he did three days before, went on looking and looking at her, shaking his head, not knowing what to say, with that big thorn Bastianazzo sticking in his breast as if a shark had been gnawing at him.

the act of causing something to move up and down (or back and forth) with quick movements

From this reading Maruzza, sitting at the foot of the bed, pale and limp as a wet rag, looking like Our Lady of Sorrows herself, began to cry louder than ever at this; and Padron ’Ntoni, bowed and stooping, looking a hundred years older than he did three days before, went on looking and looking at her, shaking his head, not knowing what to say, with that big thorn Bastianazzo sticking in his breast as if a shark had been gnawing at him.

any of numerous elongate mostly marine carnivorous fishes with heterocercal caudal fins and tough skin covered with small toothlike scales

From this reading Maruzza, sitting at the foot of the bed, pale and limp as a wet rag, looking like Our Lady of Sorrows herself, began to cry louder than ever at this; and Padron ’Ntoni, bowed and stooping, looking a hundred years older than he did three days before, went on looking and looking at her, shaking his head, not knowing what to say, with that big thorn Bastianazzo sticking in his breast as if a shark had been gnawing at him.

past form of “sigh” — heave or utter a sigh; breathe deeply and heavily

From this reading “Blessed that he is!” sighed Santuzza, “he died on a fortunate day, a day blessed by the Church--the eve of Our Lady of Sorrows--and now he’s praying for us sinners, like the angels and the saints.

estrangement from god

From this reading He was a good man, one of those who mind their own business, and don’t go about speaking ill of their neighbors, as so many do, falling into mortal sin.”

plural of “sinner” — a person who sins (without repenting)

From this reading “Blessed that he is!” sighed Santuzza, “he died on a fortunate day, a day blessed by the Church--the eve of Our Lady of Sorrows--and now he’s praying for us sinners, like the angels and the saints.

(photography) the act of assuming a certain position (as for a photograph or portrait)

From this reading Maruzza, sitting at the foot of the bed, pale and limp as a wet rag, looking like Our Lady of Sorrows herself, began to cry louder than ever at this; and Padron ’Ntoni, bowed and stooping, looking a hundred years older than he did three days before, went on looking and looking at her, shaking his head, not knowing what to say, with that big thorn Bastianazzo sticking in his breast as if a shark had been gnawing at him.

for that reason; with the result that

From this reading He was a good man, one of those who mind their own business, and don’t go about speaking ill of their neighbors, as so many do, falling into mortal sin.”

plural of “sorrow” — an emotion of great sadness associated with loss or bereavement

From this reading “Blessed that he is!” sighed Santuzza, “he died on a fortunate day, a day blessed by the Church--the eve of Our Lady of Sorrows--and now he’s praying for us sinners, like the angels and the saints.

the utterance of intelligible speech

From this reading He was a good man, one of those who mind their own business, and don’t go about speaking ill of their neighbors, as so many do, falling into mortal sin.”

extending out above or beyond a surface or boundary

From this reading Maruzza, sitting at the foot of the bed, pale and limp as a wet rag, looking like Our Lady of Sorrows herself, began to cry louder than ever at this; and Padron ’Ntoni, bowed and stooping, looking a hundred years older than he did three days before, went on looking and looking at her, shaking his head, not knowing what to say, with that big thorn Bastianazzo sticking in his breast as if a shark had been gnawing at him.

having the back and shoulders rounded; not erect

From this reading Maruzza, sitting at the foot of the bed, pale and limp as a wet rag, looking like Our Lady of Sorrows herself, began to cry louder than ever at this; and Padron ’Ntoni, bowed and stooping, looking a hundred years older than he did three days before, went on looking and looking at her, shaking his head, not knowing what to say, with that big thorn Bastianazzo sticking in his breast as if a shark had been gnawing at him.

used to introduce the second part of a comparison

From this reading Maruzza, sitting at the foot of the bed, pale and limp as a wet rag, looking like Our Lady of Sorrows herself, began to cry louder than ever at this; and Padron ’Ntoni, bowed and stooping, looking a hundred years older than he did three days before, went on looking and looking at her, shaking his head, not knowing what to say, with that big thorn Bastianazzo sticking in his breast as if a shark had been gnawing at him.

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading “Blessed that he is!” sighed Santuzza, “he died on a fortunate day, a day blessed by the Church--the eve of Our Lady of Sorrows--and now he’s praying for us sinners, like the angels and the saints.

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

From this reading “Blessed that he is!” sighed Santuzza, “he died on a fortunate day, a day blessed by the Church--the eve of Our Lady of Sorrows--and now he’s praying for us sinners, like the angels and the saints.

belonging to the people or things already mentioned

From this reading He was a good man, one of those who mind their own business, and don’t go about speaking ill of their neighbors, as so many do, falling into mortal sin.”

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

From this reading Maruzza, sitting at the foot of the bed, pale and limp as a wet rag, looking like Our Lady of Sorrows herself, began to cry louder than ever at this; and Padron ’Ntoni, bowed and stooping, looking a hundred years older than he did three days before, went on looking and looking at her, shaking his head, not knowing what to say, with that big thorn Bastianazzo sticking in his breast as if a shark had been gnawing at him.

something that causes irritation and annoyance

From this reading Maruzza, sitting at the foot of the bed, pale and limp as a wet rag, looking like Our Lady of Sorrows herself, began to cry louder than ever at this; and Padron ’Ntoni, bowed and stooping, looking a hundred years older than he did three days before, went on looking and looking at her, shaking his head, not knowing what to say, with that big thorn Bastianazzo sticking in his breast as if a shark had been gnawing at him.

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

From this reading He was a good man, one of those who mind their own business, and don’t go about speaking ill of their neighbors, as so many do, falling into mortal sin.”

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

From this reading Maruzza, sitting at the foot of the bed, pale and limp as a wet rag, looking like Our Lady of Sorrows herself, began to cry louder than ever at this; and Padron ’Ntoni, bowed and stooping, looking a hundred years older than he did three days before, went on looking and looking at her, shaking his head, not knowing what to say, with that big thorn Bastianazzo sticking in his breast as if a shark had been gnawing at him.

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

From this reading Maruzza, sitting at the foot of the bed, pale and limp as a wet rag, looking like Our Lady of Sorrows herself, began to cry louder than ever at this; and Padron ’Ntoni, bowed and stooping, looking a hundred years older than he did three days before, went on looking and looking at her, shaking his head, not knowing what to say, with that big thorn Bastianazzo sticking in his breast as if a shark had been gnawing at him.

the speaker and others, as the object of a verb or preposition

From this reading “Blessed that he is!” sighed Santuzza, “he died on a fortunate day, a day blessed by the Church--the eve of Our Lady of Sorrows--and now he’s praying for us sinners, like the angels and the saints.

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

From this reading He was a good man, one of those who mind their own business, and don’t go about speaking ill of their neighbors, as so many do, falling into mortal sin.”

inflected form of “go” — change location; move, travel, or proceed, also metaphorically

From this reading Maruzza, sitting at the foot of the bed, pale and limp as a wet rag, looking like Our Lady of Sorrows herself, began to cry louder than ever at this; and Padron ’Ntoni, bowed and stooping, looking a hundred years older than he did three days before, went on looking and looking at her, shaking his head, not knowing what to say, with that big thorn Bastianazzo sticking in his breast as if a shark had been gnawing at him.

covered or soaked with a liquid such as water

From this reading Maruzza, sitting at the foot of the bed, pale and limp as a wet rag, looking like Our Lady of Sorrows herself, began to cry louder than ever at this; and Padron ’Ntoni, bowed and stooping, looking a hundred years older than he did three days before, went on looking and looking at her, shaking his head, not knowing what to say, with that big thorn Bastianazzo sticking in his breast as if a shark had been gnawing at him.

used to ask for information about something

From this reading Maruzza, sitting at the foot of the bed, pale and limp as a wet rag, looking like Our Lady of Sorrows herself, began to cry louder than ever at this; and Padron ’Ntoni, bowed and stooping, looking a hundred years older than he did three days before, went on looking and looking at her, shaking his head, not knowing what to say, with that big thorn Bastianazzo sticking in his breast as if a shark had been gnawing at him.

which person or people

From this reading He was a good man, one of those who mind their own business, and don’t go about speaking ill of their neighbors, as so many do, falling into mortal sin.”

the form of “who” used as the object of a verb or preposition

From this reading Whom the Lord loveth he chasteneth.’

in the company of; together with

From this reading Maruzza, sitting at the foot of the bed, pale and limp as a wet rag, looking like Our Lady of Sorrows herself, began to cry louder than ever at this; and Padron ’Ntoni, bowed and stooping, looking a hundred years older than he did three days before, went on looking and looking at her, shaking his head, not knowing what to say, with that big thorn Bastianazzo sticking in his breast as if a shark had been gnawing at him.

a late time of life

From this reading Maruzza, sitting at the foot of the bed, pale and limp as a wet rag, looking like Our Lady of Sorrows herself, began to cry louder than ever at this; and Padron ’Ntoni, bowed and stooping, looking a hundred years older than he did three days before, went on looking and looking at her, shaking his head, not knowing what to say, with that big thorn Bastianazzo sticking in his breast as if a shark had been gnawing at him.