Chapter XII

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

From this reading The day was to bring forth strange things, but it began as any Sunday might, with bright weather that was a little hot, with a pleasant walk up through the fields while the bells were ringing, with entry into the cool, dim little church and a silent wait, for Aunt Mattie was one of the people who are always early.

on the subject of; concerning

From this reading Billy knew well that one should not look around, but he nevertheless turned full about to smile a greeting at Sally Shute when she came into the pew behind him.

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

From this reading Her stiff skirts stood out almost straight around her and her yellow braids were brushed until they shone.

at all times; all the time and on every occasion

From this reading The day was to bring forth strange things, but it began as any Sunday might, with bright weather that was a little hot, with a pleasant walk up through the fields while the bells were ringing, with entry into the cool, dim little church and a silent wait, for Aunt Mattie was one of the people who are always early.

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

From this reading THE WATCH FIRES OF APPLEDORE It was Easter Sunday and Billy and his Aunt were going to church.

one or some or every or all without specification

From this reading The day was to bring forth strange things, but it began as any Sunday might, with bright weather that was a little hot, with a pleasant walk up through the fields while the bells were ringing, with entry into the cool, dim little church and a silent wait, for Aunt Mattie was one of the people who are always early.

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

From this reading THE WATCH FIRES OF APPLEDORE It was Easter Sunday and Billy and his Aunt were going to church.

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

From this reading The day was to bring forth strange things, but it began as any Sunday might, with bright weather that was a little hot, with a pleasant walk up through the fields while the bells were ringing, with entry into the cool, dim little church and a silent wait, for Aunt Mattie was one of the people who are always early.

surrounding, or on every side of, something

From this reading Billy knew well that one should not look around, but he nevertheless turned full about to smile a greeting at Sally Shute when she came into the pew behind him.

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

From this reading The day was to bring forth strange things, but it began as any Sunday might, with bright weather that was a little hot, with a pleasant walk up through the fields while the bells were ringing, with entry into the cool, dim little church and a silent wait, for Aunt Mattie was one of the people who are always early.

in or near a particular place or position

From this reading Billy knew well that one should not look around, but he nevertheless turned full about to smile a greeting at Sally Shute when she came into the pew behind him.

the sister of your father or mother; the wife of your uncle

From this reading THE WATCH FIRES OF APPLEDORE It was Easter Sunday and Billy and his Aunt were going to church.

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

From this reading The day was to bring forth strange things, but it began as any Sunday might, with bright weather that was a little hot, with a pleasant walk up through the fields while the bells were ringing, with entry into the cool, dim little church and a silent wait, for Aunt Mattie was one of the people who are always early.

at or toward the back of something

From this reading Billy knew well that one should not look around, but he nevertheless turned full about to smile a greeting at Sally Shute when she came into the pew behind him.

plural of “bell” — a hollow device made of metal that makes a ringing sound when struck

From this reading The day was to bring forth strange things, but it began as any Sunday might, with bright weather that was a little hot, with a pleasant walk up through the fields while the bells were ringing, with entry into the cool, dim little church and a silent wait, for Aunt Mattie was one of the people who are always early.

the supreme effort one can make

From this reading There was a good deal of stiff rustling of the Appledore population’s Sunday best, as in twos and threes the congregation filed in, fishermen and their wives, some more prosperous ones who farmed as well as fished, the hotel proprietor, and Harvey Jarreth in a suit of very new clothes.

a short stout club used primarily by policemen

From this reading THE WATCH FIRES OF APPLEDORE It was Easter Sunday and Billy and his Aunt were going to church.

plural of “braid” — a hairdo formed by braiding or twisting the hair

From this reading Her stiff skirts stood out almost straight around her and her yellow braids were brushed until they shone.

emitting or reflecting light readily or in large amounts

From this reading The day was to bring forth strange things, but it began as any Sunday might, with bright weather that was a little hot, with a pleasant walk up through the fields while the bells were ringing, with entry into the cool, dim little church and a silent wait, for Aunt Mattie was one of the people who are always early.

take something or somebody with oneself somewhere

From this reading The day was to bring forth strange things, but it began as any Sunday might, with bright weather that was a little hot, with a pleasant walk up through the fields while the bells were ringing, with entry into the cool, dim little church and a silent wait, for Aunt Mattie was one of the people who are always early.

touched lightly in passing; grazed against

From this reading Her stiff skirts stood out almost straight around her and her yellow braids were brushed until they shone.

used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before

From this reading The day was to bring forth strange things, but it began as any Sunday might, with bright weather that was a little hot, with a pleasant walk up through the fields while the bells were ringing, with entry into the cool, dim little church and a silent wait, for Aunt Mattie was one of the people who are always early.

inflected form of “come” — move toward, travel toward something or somebody or approach something or somebody

From this reading Billy knew well that one should not look around, but he nevertheless turned full about to smile a greeting at Sally Shute when she came into the pew behind him.

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

From this reading THE WATCH FIRES OF APPLEDORE It was Easter Sunday and Billy and his Aunt were going to church.

clothing in general

From this reading There was a good deal of stiff rustling of the Appledore population’s Sunday best, as in twos and threes the congregation filed in, fishermen and their wives, some more prosperous ones who farmed as well as fished, the hotel proprietor, and Harvey Jarreth in a suit of very new clothes.

a group of people who adhere to a common faith and habitually attend a given church

From this reading There was a good deal of stiff rustling of the Appledore population’s Sunday best, as in twos and threes the congregation filed in, fishermen and their wives, some more prosperous ones who farmed as well as fished, the hotel proprietor, and Harvey Jarreth in a suit of very new clothes.

neither warm nor very cold; giving relief from heat

From this reading The day was to bring forth strange things, but it began as any Sunday might, with bright weather that was a little hot, with a pleasant walk up through the fields while the bells were ringing, with entry into the cool, dim little church and a silent wait, for Aunt Mattie was one of the people who are always early.

time for Earth to make a complete rotation on its axis

From this reading The day was to bring forth strange things, but it began as any Sunday might, with bright weather that was a little hot, with a pleasant walk up through the fields while the bells were ringing, with entry into the cool, dim little church and a silent wait, for Aunt Mattie was one of the people who are always early.

act on verbally or in some form of artistic expression

From this reading There was a good deal of stiff rustling of the Appledore population’s Sunday best, as in twos and threes the congregation filed in, fishermen and their wives, some more prosperous ones who farmed as well as fished, the hotel proprietor, and Harvey Jarreth in a suit of very new clothes.

lacking in light; not bright or harsh

From this reading The day was to bring forth strange things, but it began as any Sunday might, with bright weather that was a little hot, with a pleasant walk up through the fields while the bells were ringing, with entry into the cool, dim little church and a silent wait, for Aunt Mattie was one of the people who are always early.

at or near the beginning of a period of time or course of events or before the usual or expected time

From this reading The day was to bring forth strange things, but it began as any Sunday might, with bright weather that was a little hot, with a pleasant walk up through the fields while the bells were ringing, with entry into the cool, dim little church and a silent wait, for Aunt Mattie was one of the people who are always early.

a Christian celebration of the Resurrection of Christ; celebrated on the Sunday following the first full moon after the vernal equinox

From this reading THE WATCH FIRES OF APPLEDORE It was Easter Sunday and Billy and his Aunt were going to church.

an item inserted in a written record

From this reading The day was to bring forth strange things, but it began as any Sunday might, with bright weather that was a little hot, with a pleasant walk up through the fields while the bells were ringing, with entry into the cool, dim little church and a silent wait, for Aunt Mattie was one of the people who are always early.

past form of “farm” — be a farmer; work as a farmer

From this reading There was a good deal of stiff rustling of the Appledore population’s Sunday best, as in twos and threes the congregation filed in, fishermen and their wives, some more prosperous ones who farmed as well as fished, the hotel proprietor, and Harvey Jarreth in a suit of very new clothes.

United States comedian and film actor (1880-1946)

From this reading The day was to bring forth strange things, but it began as any Sunday might, with bright weather that was a little hot, with a pleasant walk up through the fields while the bells were ringing, with entry into the cool, dim little church and a silent wait, for Aunt Mattie was one of the people who are always early.

past form of “file” — record in a public office or in a court of law

From this reading There was a good deal of stiff rustling of the Appledore population’s Sunday best, as in twos and threes the congregation filed in, fishermen and their wives, some more prosperous ones who farmed as well as fished, the hotel proprietor, and Harvey Jarreth in a suit of very new clothes.

plural of “fire” — the event of something burning (often destructive)

From this reading THE WATCH FIRES OF APPLEDORE It was Easter Sunday and Billy and his Aunt were going to church.

past form of “fish” — seek indirectly

From this reading There was a good deal of stiff rustling of the Appledore population’s Sunday best, as in twos and threes the congregation filed in, fishermen and their wives, some more prosperous ones who farmed as well as fished, the hotel proprietor, and Harvey Jarreth in a suit of very new clothes.

plural of “fisherman” — someone whose occupation is catching fish

From this reading There was a good deal of stiff rustling of the Appledore population’s Sunday best, as in twos and threes the congregation filed in, fishermen and their wives, some more prosperous ones who farmed as well as fished, the hotel proprietor, and Harvey Jarreth in a suit of very new clothes.

intended to be given to, or used by, somebody

From this reading The day was to bring forth strange things, but it began as any Sunday might, with bright weather that was a little hot, with a pleasant walk up through the fields while the bells were ringing, with entry into the cool, dim little church and a silent wait, for Aunt Mattie was one of the people who are always early.

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

From this reading The day was to bring forth strange things, but it began as any Sunday might, with bright weather that was a little hot, with a pleasant walk up through the fields while the bells were ringing, with entry into the cool, dim little church and a silent wait, for Aunt Mattie was one of the people who are always early.

containing as much or as many as is possible or normal

From this reading Billy knew well that one should not look around, but he nevertheless turned full about to smile a greeting at Sally Shute when she came into the pew behind him.

the act of departing

From this reading THE WATCH FIRES OF APPLEDORE It was Easter Sunday and Billy and his Aunt were going to church.

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

From this reading There was a good deal of stiff rustling of the Appledore population’s Sunday best, as in twos and threes the congregation filed in, fishermen and their wives, some more prosperous ones who farmed as well as fished, the hotel proprietor, and Harvey Jarreth in a suit of very new clothes.

(usually plural) an acknowledgment or expression of good will (especially on meeting)

From this reading Billy knew well that one should not look around, but he nevertheless turned full about to smile a greeting at Sally Shute when she came into the pew behind him.

English physician and scientist who described the circulation of the blood; he later proposed that all animals originate from an ovum produced by the female of the species (1578-1657)

From this reading There was a good deal of stiff rustling of the Appledore population’s Sunday best, as in twos and threes the congregation filed in, fishermen and their wives, some more prosperous ones who farmed as well as fished, the hotel proprietor, and Harvey Jarreth in a suit of very new clothes.

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

From this reading Billy knew well that one should not look around, but he nevertheless turned full about to smile a greeting at Sally Shute when she came into the pew behind him.

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

From this reading Her stiff skirts stood out almost straight around her and her yellow braids were brushed until they shone.

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

From this reading Billy knew well that one should not look around, but he nevertheless turned full about to smile a greeting at Sally Shute when she came into the pew behind him.

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

From this reading THE WATCH FIRES OF APPLEDORE It was Easter Sunday and Billy and his Aunt were going to church.

used of physical heat; having a high or higher than desirable temperature or giving off heat or feeling or causing a sensation of heat or burning

From this reading The day was to bring forth strange things, but it began as any Sunday might, with bright weather that was a little hot, with a pleasant walk up through the fields while the bells were ringing, with entry into the cool, dim little church and a silent wait, for Aunt Mattie was one of the people who are always early.

a building where travelers can pay for lodging and meals and other services

From this reading There was a good deal of stiff rustling of the Appledore population’s Sunday best, as in twos and threes the congregation filed in, fishermen and their wives, some more prosperous ones who farmed as well as fished, the hotel proprietor, and Harvey Jarreth in a suit of very new clothes.

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

From this reading There was a good deal of stiff rustling of the Appledore population’s Sunday best, as in twos and threes the congregation filed in, fishermen and their wives, some more prosperous ones who farmed as well as fished, the hotel proprietor, and Harvey Jarreth in a suit of very new clothes.

moving to the inside of something

From this reading The day was to bring forth strange things, but it began as any Sunday might, with bright weather that was a little hot, with a pleasant walk up through the fields while the bells were ringing, with entry into the cool, dim little church and a silent wait, for Aunt Mattie was one of the people who are always early.

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading THE WATCH FIRES OF APPLEDORE It was Easter Sunday and Billy and his Aunt were going to church.

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

From this reading There was a good deal of stiff rustling of the Appledore population’s Sunday best, as in twos and threes the congregation filed in, fishermen and their wives, some more prosperous ones who farmed as well as fished, the hotel proprietor, and Harvey Jarreth in a suit of very new clothes.

inflected form of “know” — be cognizant or aware of a fact or a specific piece of information; possess knowledge or information about

From this reading Billy knew well that one should not look around, but he nevertheless turned full about to smile a greeting at Sally Shute when she came into the pew behind him.

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

From this reading The day was to bring forth strange things, but it began as any Sunday might, with bright weather that was a little hot, with a pleasant walk up through the fields while the bells were ringing, with entry into the cool, dim little church and a silent wait, for Aunt Mattie was one of the people who are always early.

perceive with attention; direct one's gaze towards

From this reading Billy knew well that one should not look around, but he nevertheless turned full about to smile a greeting at Sally Shute when she came into the pew behind him.

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

From this reading The day was to bring forth strange things, but it began as any Sunday might, with bright weather that was a little hot, with a pleasant walk up through the fields while the bells were ringing, with entry into the cool, dim little church and a silent wait, for Aunt Mattie was one of the people who are always early.

used to say something is possible but not certain

From this reading The day was to bring forth strange things, but it began as any Sunday might, with bright weather that was a little hot, with a pleasant walk up through the fields while the bells were ringing, with entry into the cool, dim little church and a silent wait, for Aunt Mattie was one of the people who are always early.

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

From this reading There was a good deal of stiff rustling of the Appledore population’s Sunday best, as in twos and threes the congregation filed in, fishermen and their wives, some more prosperous ones who farmed as well as fished, the hotel proprietor, and Harvey Jarreth in a suit of very new clothes.

in spite of what has just been said

From this reading Billy knew well that one should not look around, but he nevertheless turned full about to smile a greeting at Sally Shute when she came into the pew behind him.

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

From this reading There was a good deal of stiff rustling of the Appledore population’s Sunday best, as in twos and threes the congregation filed in, fishermen and their wives, some more prosperous ones who farmed as well as fished, the hotel proprietor, and Harvey Jarreth in a suit of very new clothes.

used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative

From this reading Billy knew well that one should not look around, but he nevertheless turned full about to smile a greeting at Sally Shute when she came into the pew behind him.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading THE WATCH FIRES OF APPLEDORE It was Easter Sunday and Billy and his Aunt were going to church.

used to mean any person in general, including the speaker

From this reading The day was to bring forth strange things, but it began as any Sunday might, with bright weather that was a little hot, with a pleasant walk up through the fields while the bells were ringing, with entry into the cool, dim little church and a silent wait, for Aunt Mattie was one of the people who are always early.

plural of “one” — the smallest whole number or a numeral representing this number

From this reading There was a good deal of stiff rustling of the Appledore population’s Sunday best, as in twos and threes the congregation filed in, fishermen and their wives, some more prosperous ones who farmed as well as fished, the hotel proprietor, and Harvey Jarreth in a suit of very new clothes.

not allowed to continue to bat or run

From this reading Her stiff skirts stood out almost straight around her and her yellow braids were brushed until they shone.

(plural) any group of human beings (men or women or children) collectively

From this reading The day was to bring forth strange things, but it began as any Sunday might, with bright weather that was a little hot, with a pleasant walk up through the fields while the bells were ringing, with entry into the cool, dim little church and a silent wait, for Aunt Mattie was one of the people who are always early.

long bench with backs; used in church by the congregation

From this reading Billy knew well that one should not look around, but he nevertheless turned full about to smile a greeting at Sally Shute when she came into the pew behind him.

affording pleasure; being in harmony with your taste or likings

From this reading The day was to bring forth strange things, but it began as any Sunday might, with bright weather that was a little hot, with a pleasant walk up through the fields while the bells were ringing, with entry into the cool, dim little church and a silent wait, for Aunt Mattie was one of the people who are always early.

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

From this reading There was a good deal of stiff rustling of the Appledore population’s Sunday best, as in twos and threes the congregation filed in, fishermen and their wives, some more prosperous ones who farmed as well as fished, the hotel proprietor, and Harvey Jarreth in a suit of very new clothes.

(law) someone who owns (is legal possessor of) a business

From this reading There was a good deal of stiff rustling of the Appledore population’s Sunday best, as in twos and threes the congregation filed in, fishermen and their wives, some more prosperous ones who farmed as well as fished, the hotel proprietor, and Harvey Jarreth in a suit of very new clothes.

in fortunate circumstances financially; moderately rich

From this reading There was a good deal of stiff rustling of the Appledore population’s Sunday best, as in twos and threes the congregation filed in, fishermen and their wives, some more prosperous ones who farmed as well as fished, the hotel proprietor, and Harvey Jarreth in a suit of very new clothes.

the sound of a bell ringing

From this reading The day was to bring forth strange things, but it began as any Sunday might, with bright weather that was a little hot, with a pleasant walk up through the fields while the bells were ringing, with entry into the cool, dim little church and a silent wait, for Aunt Mattie was one of the people who are always early.

the stealing of cattle

From this reading There was a good deal of stiff rustling of the Appledore population’s Sunday best, as in twos and threes the congregation filed in, fishermen and their wives, some more prosperous ones who farmed as well as fished, the hotel proprietor, and Harvey Jarreth in a suit of very new clothes.

witty remark

From this reading Billy knew well that one should not look around, but he nevertheless turned full about to smile a greeting at Sally Shute when she came into the pew behind him.

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

From this reading Billy knew well that one should not look around, but he nevertheless turned full about to smile a greeting at Sally Shute when she came into the pew behind him.

inflected form of “shine” — be bright by reflecting or casting light

From this reading Her stiff skirts stood out almost straight around her and her yellow braids were brushed until they shone.

used to say what is right, expected, or advisable

From this reading Billy knew well that one should not look around, but he nevertheless turned full about to smile a greeting at Sally Shute when she came into the pew behind him.

English novelist who settled in Australia after World War II (1899-1960)

From this reading Billy knew well that one should not look around, but he nevertheless turned full about to smile a greeting at Sally Shute when she came into the pew behind him.

marked by absence of sound

From this reading The day was to bring forth strange things, but it began as any Sunday might, with bright weather that was a little hot, with a pleasant walk up through the fields while the bells were ringing, with entry into the cool, dim little church and a silent wait, for Aunt Mattie was one of the people who are always early.

plural of “skirt” — cloth covering that forms the part of a garment below the waist

From this reading Her stiff skirts stood out almost straight around her and her yellow braids were brushed until they shone.

change one's facial expression by spreading the lips, often to signal pleasure

From this reading Billy knew well that one should not look around, but he nevertheless turned full about to smile a greeting at Sally Shute when she came into the pew behind him.

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

From this reading There was a good deal of stiff rustling of the Appledore population’s Sunday best, as in twos and threes the congregation filed in, fishermen and their wives, some more prosperous ones who farmed as well as fished, the hotel proprietor, and Harvey Jarreth in a suit of very new clothes.

not moving or operating freely

From this reading There was a good deal of stiff rustling of the Appledore population’s Sunday best, as in twos and threes the congregation filed in, fishermen and their wives, some more prosperous ones who farmed as well as fished, the hotel proprietor, and Harvey Jarreth in a suit of very new clothes.

Maintained an upright posture.

From this reading Her stiff skirts stood out almost straight around her and her yellow braids were brushed until they shone.

successive (without a break)

From this reading Her stiff skirts stood out almost straight around her and her yellow braids were brushed until they shone.

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

From this reading The day was to bring forth strange things, but it began as any Sunday might, with bright weather that was a little hot, with a pleasant walk up through the fields while the bells were ringing, with entry into the cool, dim little church and a silent wait, for Aunt Mattie was one of the people who are always early.

be agreeable or acceptable to

From this reading There was a good deal of stiff rustling of the Appledore population’s Sunday best, as in twos and threes the congregation filed in, fishermen and their wives, some more prosperous ones who farmed as well as fished, the hotel proprietor, and Harvey Jarreth in a suit of very new clothes.

first day of the week; observed as a day of rest and worship by most Christians

From this reading THE WATCH FIRES OF APPLEDORE It was Easter Sunday and Billy and his Aunt were going to church.

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading The day was to bring forth strange things, but it began as any Sunday might, with bright weather that was a little hot, with a pleasant walk up through the fields while the bells were ringing, with entry into the cool, dim little church and a silent wait, for Aunt Mattie was one of the people who are always early.

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

From this reading THE WATCH FIRES OF APPLEDORE It was Easter Sunday and Billy and his Aunt were going to church.

belonging to the people or things already mentioned

From this reading There was a good deal of stiff rustling of the Appledore population’s Sunday best, as in twos and threes the congregation filed in, fishermen and their wives, some more prosperous ones who farmed as well as fished, the hotel proprietor, and Harvey Jarreth in a suit of very new clothes.

in or at that place or location

From this reading There was a good deal of stiff rustling of the Appledore population’s Sunday best, as in twos and threes the congregation filed in, fishermen and their wives, some more prosperous ones who farmed as well as fished, the hotel proprietor, and Harvey Jarreth in a suit of very new clothes.

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

From this reading Her stiff skirts stood out almost straight around her and her yellow braids were brushed until they shone.

any movable possession (especially articles of clothing)

From this reading The day was to bring forth strange things, but it began as any Sunday might, with bright weather that was a little hot, with a pleasant walk up through the fields while the bells were ringing, with entry into the cool, dim little church and a silent wait, for Aunt Mattie was one of the people who are always early.

plural of “three” — the cardinal number that is the sum of one and one and one

From this reading There was a good deal of stiff rustling of the Appledore population’s Sunday best, as in twos and threes the congregation filed in, fishermen and their wives, some more prosperous ones who farmed as well as fished, the hotel proprietor, and Harvey Jarreth in a suit of very new clothes.

from one end or side of something to the other

From this reading The day was to bring forth strange things, but it began as any Sunday might, with bright weather that was a little hot, with a pleasant walk up through the fields while the bells were ringing, with entry into the cool, dim little church and a silent wait, for Aunt Mattie was one of the people who are always early.

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

From this reading THE WATCH FIRES OF APPLEDORE It was Easter Sunday and Billy and his Aunt were going to church.

moved around an axis or center

From this reading Billy knew well that one should not look around, but he nevertheless turned full about to smile a greeting at Sally Shute when she came into the pew behind him.

plural of “two” — the cardinal number that is the sum of one and one or a numeral representing this number

From this reading There was a good deal of stiff rustling of the Appledore population’s Sunday best, as in twos and threes the congregation filed in, fishermen and their wives, some more prosperous ones who farmed as well as fished, the hotel proprietor, and Harvey Jarreth in a suit of very new clothes.

up to a particular time

From this reading Her stiff skirts stood out almost straight around her and her yellow braids were brushed until they shone.

being or moving higher in position or greater in some value; being above a former position or level

From this reading The day was to bring forth strange things, but it began as any Sunday might, with bright weather that was a little hot, with a pleasant walk up through the fields while the bells were ringing, with entry into the cool, dim little church and a silent wait, for Aunt Mattie was one of the people who are always early.

precisely as stated

From this reading There was a good deal of stiff rustling of the Appledore population’s Sunday best, as in twos and threes the congregation filed in, fishermen and their wives, some more prosperous ones who farmed as well as fished, the hotel proprietor, and Harvey Jarreth in a suit of very new clothes.

stay in one place and anticipate or expect something

From this reading The day was to bring forth strange things, but it began as any Sunday might, with bright weather that was a little hot, with a pleasant walk up through the fields while the bells were ringing, with entry into the cool, dim little church and a silent wait, for Aunt Mattie was one of the people who are always early.

the act of traveling by foot

From this reading The day was to bring forth strange things, but it began as any Sunday might, with bright weather that was a little hot, with a pleasant walk up through the fields while the bells were ringing, with entry into the cool, dim little church and a silent wait, for Aunt Mattie was one of the people who are always early.

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

From this reading THE WATCH FIRES OF APPLEDORE It was Easter Sunday and Billy and his Aunt were going to church.

look attentively

From this reading THE WATCH FIRES OF APPLEDORE It was Easter Sunday and Billy and his Aunt were going to church.

the atmospheric conditions that comprise the state of the atmosphere in terms of temperature and wind and clouds and precipitation

From this reading The day was to bring forth strange things, but it began as any Sunday might, with bright weather that was a little hot, with a pleasant walk up through the fields while the bells were ringing, with entry into the cool, dim little church and a silent wait, for Aunt Mattie was one of the people who are always early.

(often used as a combining form) in a good or proper or satisfactory manner or to a high standard (“good” is a nonstandard dialectal variant for “well”)

From this reading There was a good deal of stiff rustling of the Appledore population’s Sunday best, as in twos and threes the congregation filed in, fishermen and their wives, some more prosperous ones who farmed as well as fished, the hotel proprietor, and Harvey Jarreth in a suit of very new clothes.

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

From this reading THE WATCH FIRES OF APPLEDORE It was Easter Sunday and Billy and his Aunt were going to church.

at the time that

From this reading Billy knew well that one should not look around, but he nevertheless turned full about to smile a greeting at Sally Shute when she came into the pew behind him.

during the time that

From this reading The day was to bring forth strange things, but it began as any Sunday might, with bright weather that was a little hot, with a pleasant walk up through the fields while the bells were ringing, with entry into the cool, dim little church and a silent wait, for Aunt Mattie was one of the people who are always early.

which person or people

From this reading The day was to bring forth strange things, but it began as any Sunday might, with bright weather that was a little hot, with a pleasant walk up through the fields while the bells were ringing, with entry into the cool, dim little church and a silent wait, for Aunt Mattie was one of the people who are always early.

in the company of; together with

From this reading The day was to bring forth strange things, but it began as any Sunday might, with bright weather that was a little hot, with a pleasant walk up through the fields while the bells were ringing, with entry into the cool, dim little church and a silent wait, for Aunt Mattie was one of the people who are always early.

plural of “wife” — a married woman; a man's partner in marriage

From this reading There was a good deal of stiff rustling of the Appledore population’s Sunday best, as in twos and threes the congregation filed in, fishermen and their wives, some more prosperous ones who farmed as well as fished, the hotel proprietor, and Harvey Jarreth in a suit of very new clothes.

of the color intermediate between green and orange in the color spectrum; of something resembling the color of an egg yolk

From this reading Her stiff skirts stood out almost straight around her and her yellow braids were brushed until they shone.