Chapter III

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

From this reading “It was a bright afternoon in September, and Mary had taken her knitting-work and was sitting beside her mother’s arm-chair at the door of their cottage; but she could not work, for her eyes were continually wandering off in the direction of the Seekonk road; and, at every waving of the trees, or the least unusual sound, she would start from her seat, and say, ‘They are coming!’ and then run to make some addition, or alteration, to the furniture of a small round table, white as snow which was spread with bowls and spoons, brown bread and baked apples, and a pan of new milk; and then, returning to the door, she would expect to find them near; but when she looked in every direction, she saw only the few quiet looking houses of the Plantation—the wide and almost unbroken forest, and the broad road before her—but no father or brother.

perform an action, or work out or perform (an action)

From this reading She had repeated this act several times, and at each successive one she was more sure that they were coming; until, at last, the continued disappointment was more than she could bear; and, clinging round her mother’s neck, she burst into tears.

a component that is added to something to improve it

From this reading “It was a bright afternoon in September, and Mary had taken her knitting-work and was sitting beside her mother’s arm-chair at the door of their cottage; but she could not work, for her eyes were continually wandering off in the direction of the Seekonk road; and, at every waving of the trees, or the least unusual sound, she would start from her seat, and say, ‘They are coming!’ and then run to make some addition, or alteration, to the furniture of a small round table, white as snow which was spread with bowls and spoons, brown bread and baked apples, and a pan of new milk; and then, returning to the door, she would expect to find them near; but when she looked in every direction, she saw only the few quiet looking houses of the Plantation—the wide and almost unbroken forest, and the broad road before her—but no father or brother.

the part of the day between noon and evening

From this reading “It was a bright afternoon in September, and Mary had taken her knitting-work and was sitting beside her mother’s arm-chair at the door of their cottage; but she could not work, for her eyes were continually wandering off in the direction of the Seekonk road; and, at every waving of the trees, or the least unusual sound, she would start from her seat, and say, ‘They are coming!’ and then run to make some addition, or alteration, to the furniture of a small round table, white as snow which was spread with bowls and spoons, brown bread and baked apples, and a pan of new milk; and then, returning to the door, she would expect to find them near; but when she looked in every direction, she saw only the few quiet looking houses of the Plantation—the wide and almost unbroken forest, and the broad road before her—but no father or brother.

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

From this reading “It was a bright afternoon in September, and Mary had taken her knitting-work and was sitting beside her mother’s arm-chair at the door of their cottage; but she could not work, for her eyes were continually wandering off in the direction of the Seekonk road; and, at every waving of the trees, or the least unusual sound, she would start from her seat, and say, ‘They are coming!’ and then run to make some addition, or alteration, to the furniture of a small round table, white as snow which was spread with bowls and spoons, brown bread and baked apples, and a pan of new milk; and then, returning to the door, she would expect to find them near; but when she looked in every direction, she saw only the few quiet looking houses of the Plantation—the wide and almost unbroken forest, and the broad road before her—but no father or brother.

an event that occurs when something passes from one state or phase to another

From this reading “It was a bright afternoon in September, and Mary had taken her knitting-work and was sitting beside her mother’s arm-chair at the door of their cottage; but she could not work, for her eyes were continually wandering off in the direction of the Seekonk road; and, at every waving of the trees, or the least unusual sound, she would start from her seat, and say, ‘They are coming!’ and then run to make some addition, or alteration, to the furniture of a small round table, white as snow which was spread with bowls and spoons, brown bread and baked apples, and a pan of new milk; and then, returning to the door, she would expect to find them near; but when she looked in every direction, she saw only the few quiet looking houses of the Plantation—the wide and almost unbroken forest, and the broad road before her—but no father or brother.

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

From this reading Two months had passed away and Mr. Gray and William had not returned, though Mrs. Gray had heard from them occasionally.

plural of “apple” — fruit with red or yellow or green skin and sweet to tart crisp whitish flesh

From this reading “It was a bright afternoon in September, and Mary had taken her knitting-work and was sitting beside her mother’s arm-chair at the door of their cottage; but she could not work, for her eyes were continually wandering off in the direction of the Seekonk road; and, at every waving of the trees, or the least unusual sound, she would start from her seat, and say, ‘They are coming!’ and then run to make some addition, or alteration, to the furniture of a small round table, white as snow which was spread with bowls and spoons, brown bread and baked apples, and a pan of new milk; and then, returning to the door, she would expect to find them near; but when she looked in every direction, she saw only the few quiet looking houses of the Plantation—the wide and almost unbroken forest, and the broad road before her—but no father or brother.

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

From this reading “It was a bright afternoon in September, and Mary had taken her knitting-work and was sitting beside her mother’s arm-chair at the door of their cottage; but she could not work, for her eyes were continually wandering off in the direction of the Seekonk road; and, at every waving of the trees, or the least unusual sound, she would start from her seat, and say, ‘They are coming!’ and then run to make some addition, or alteration, to the furniture of a small round table, white as snow which was spread with bowls and spoons, brown bread and baked apples, and a pan of new milk; and then, returning to the door, she would expect to find them near; but when she looked in every direction, she saw only the few quiet looking houses of the Plantation—the wide and almost unbroken forest, and the broad road before her—but no father or brother.

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

From this reading “It was a bright afternoon in September, and Mary had taken her knitting-work and was sitting beside her mother’s arm-chair at the door of their cottage; but she could not work, for her eyes were continually wandering off in the direction of the Seekonk road; and, at every waving of the trees, or the least unusual sound, she would start from her seat, and say, ‘They are coming!’ and then run to make some addition, or alteration, to the furniture of a small round table, white as snow which was spread with bowls and spoons, brown bread and baked apples, and a pan of new milk; and then, returning to the door, she would expect to find them near; but when she looked in every direction, she saw only the few quiet looking houses of the Plantation—the wide and almost unbroken forest, and the broad road before her—but no father or brother.

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

From this reading “It was a bright afternoon in September, and Mary had taken her knitting-work and was sitting beside her mother’s arm-chair at the door of their cottage; but she could not work, for her eyes were continually wandering off in the direction of the Seekonk road; and, at every waving of the trees, or the least unusual sound, she would start from her seat, and say, ‘They are coming!’ and then run to make some addition, or alteration, to the furniture of a small round table, white as snow which was spread with bowls and spoons, brown bread and baked apples, and a pan of new milk; and then, returning to the door, she would expect to find them near; but when she looked in every direction, she saw only the few quiet looking houses of the Plantation—the wide and almost unbroken forest, and the broad road before her—but no father or brother.

in or near a particular place or position

From this reading “It was a bright afternoon in September, and Mary had taken her knitting-work and was sitting beside her mother’s arm-chair at the door of their cottage; but she could not work, for her eyes were continually wandering off in the direction of the Seekonk road; and, at every waving of the trees, or the least unusual sound, she would start from her seat, and say, ‘They are coming!’ and then run to make some addition, or alteration, to the furniture of a small round table, white as snow which was spread with bowls and spoons, brown bread and baked apples, and a pan of new milk; and then, returning to the door, she would expect to find them near; but when she looked in every direction, she saw only the few quiet looking houses of the Plantation—the wide and almost unbroken forest, and the broad road before her—but no father or brother.

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

From this reading Two months had passed away and Mr. Gray and William had not returned, though Mrs. Gray had heard from them occasionally.

dried out by heat or excessive exposure to sunlight

From this reading “It was a bright afternoon in September, and Mary had taken her knitting-work and was sitting beside her mother’s arm-chair at the door of their cottage; but she could not work, for her eyes were continually wandering off in the direction of the Seekonk road; and, at every waving of the trees, or the least unusual sound, she would start from her seat, and say, ‘They are coming!’ and then run to make some addition, or alteration, to the furniture of a small round table, white as snow which was spread with bowls and spoons, brown bread and baked apples, and a pan of new milk; and then, returning to the door, she would expect to find them near; but when she looked in every direction, she saw only the few quiet looking houses of the Plantation—the wide and almost unbroken forest, and the broad road before her—but no father or brother.

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

From this reading “Mr. Gray and William had sent word, by some men belonging to the town, that they should be at home the night before, and they had not come.

have

From this reading She had repeated this act several times, and at each successive one she was more sure that they were coming; until, at last, the continued disappointment was more than she could bear; and, clinging round her mother’s neck, she burst into tears.

earlier than; in front of

From this reading “It was a bright afternoon in September, and Mary had taken her knitting-work and was sitting beside her mother’s arm-chair at the door of their cottage; but she could not work, for her eyes were continually wandering off in the direction of the Seekonk road; and, at every waving of the trees, or the least unusual sound, she would start from her seat, and say, ‘They are coming!’ and then run to make some addition, or alteration, to the furniture of a small round table, white as snow which was spread with bowls and spoons, brown bread and baked apples, and a pan of new milk; and then, returning to the door, she would expect to find them near; but when she looked in every direction, she saw only the few quiet looking houses of the Plantation—the wide and almost unbroken forest, and the broad road before her—but no father or brother.

happiness felt in a secure relationship

From this reading “Mr. Gray and William had sent word, by some men belonging to the town, that they should be at home the night before, and they had not come.

next to; at the side of

From this reading “It was a bright afternoon in September, and Mary had taken her knitting-work and was sitting beside her mother’s arm-chair at the door of their cottage; but she could not work, for her eyes were continually wandering off in the direction of the Seekonk road; and, at every waving of the trees, or the least unusual sound, she would start from her seat, and say, ‘They are coming!’ and then run to make some addition, or alteration, to the furniture of a small round table, white as snow which was spread with bowls and spoons, brown bread and baked apples, and a pan of new milk; and then, returning to the door, she would expect to find them near; but when she looked in every direction, she saw only the few quiet looking houses of the Plantation—the wide and almost unbroken forest, and the broad road before her—but no father or brother.

a bowling game played on a level lawn with biased wooden balls that are rolled at a jack

From this reading “It was a bright afternoon in September, and Mary had taken her knitting-work and was sitting beside her mother’s arm-chair at the door of their cottage; but she could not work, for her eyes were continually wandering off in the direction of the Seekonk road; and, at every waving of the trees, or the least unusual sound, she would start from her seat, and say, ‘They are coming!’ and then run to make some addition, or alteration, to the furniture of a small round table, white as snow which was spread with bowls and spoons, brown bread and baked apples, and a pan of new milk; and then, returning to the door, she would expect to find them near; but when she looked in every direction, she saw only the few quiet looking houses of the Plantation—the wide and almost unbroken forest, and the broad road before her—but no father or brother.

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

From this reading “It was a bright afternoon in September, and Mary had taken her knitting-work and was sitting beside her mother’s arm-chair at the door of their cottage; but she could not work, for her eyes were continually wandering off in the direction of the Seekonk road; and, at every waving of the trees, or the least unusual sound, she would start from her seat, and say, ‘They are coming!’ and then run to make some addition, or alteration, to the furniture of a small round table, white as snow which was spread with bowls and spoons, brown bread and baked apples, and a pan of new milk; and then, returning to the door, she would expect to find them near; but when she looked in every direction, she saw only the few quiet looking houses of the Plantation—the wide and almost unbroken forest, and the broad road before her—but no father or brother.

emitting or reflecting light readily or in large amounts

From this reading “It was a bright afternoon in September, and Mary had taken her knitting-work and was sitting beside her mother’s arm-chair at the door of their cottage; but she could not work, for her eyes were continually wandering off in the direction of the Seekonk road; and, at every waving of the trees, or the least unusual sound, she would start from her seat, and say, ‘They are coming!’ and then run to make some addition, or alteration, to the furniture of a small round table, white as snow which was spread with bowls and spoons, brown bread and baked apples, and a pan of new milk; and then, returning to the door, she would expect to find them near; but when she looked in every direction, she saw only the few quiet looking houses of the Plantation—the wide and almost unbroken forest, and the broad road before her—but no father or brother.

having great (or a certain) extent from one side to the other

From this reading “It was a bright afternoon in September, and Mary had taken her knitting-work and was sitting beside her mother’s arm-chair at the door of their cottage; but she could not work, for her eyes were continually wandering off in the direction of the Seekonk road; and, at every waving of the trees, or the least unusual sound, she would start from her seat, and say, ‘They are coming!’ and then run to make some addition, or alteration, to the furniture of a small round table, white as snow which was spread with bowls and spoons, brown bread and baked apples, and a pan of new milk; and then, returning to the door, she would expect to find them near; but when she looked in every direction, she saw only the few quiet looking houses of the Plantation—the wide and almost unbroken forest, and the broad road before her—but no father or brother.

a male with the same parents as someone else

From this reading “It was a bright afternoon in September, and Mary had taken her knitting-work and was sitting beside her mother’s arm-chair at the door of their cottage; but she could not work, for her eyes were continually wandering off in the direction of the Seekonk road; and, at every waving of the trees, or the least unusual sound, she would start from her seat, and say, ‘They are coming!’ and then run to make some addition, or alteration, to the furniture of a small round table, white as snow which was spread with bowls and spoons, brown bread and baked apples, and a pan of new milk; and then, returning to the door, she would expect to find them near; but when she looked in every direction, she saw only the few quiet looking houses of the Plantation—the wide and almost unbroken forest, and the broad road before her—but no father or brother.

an orange of low brightness and saturation

From this reading “It was a bright afternoon in September, and Mary had taken her knitting-work and was sitting beside her mother’s arm-chair at the door of their cottage; but she could not work, for her eyes were continually wandering off in the direction of the Seekonk road; and, at every waving of the trees, or the least unusual sound, she would start from her seat, and say, ‘They are coming!’ and then run to make some addition, or alteration, to the furniture of a small round table, white as snow which was spread with bowls and spoons, brown bread and baked apples, and a pan of new milk; and then, returning to the door, she would expect to find them near; but when she looked in every direction, she saw only the few quiet looking houses of the Plantation—the wide and almost unbroken forest, and the broad road before her—but no father or brother.

come open suddenly and violently, as if from internal pressure

From this reading She had repeated this act several times, and at each successive one she was more sure that they were coming; until, at last, the continued disappointment was more than she could bear; and, clinging round her mother’s neck, she burst into tears.

used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before

From this reading “But to return to my story.

showing who or what does the action

From this reading “Mr. Gray and William had sent word, by some men belonging to the town, that they should be at home the night before, and they had not come.

-ing form of “cling” — come or be in close contact with; stick or hold together and resist separation

From this reading She had repeated this act several times, and at each successive one she was more sure that they were coming; until, at last, the continued disappointment was more than she could bear; and, clinging round her mother’s neck, she burst into tears.

move toward, travel toward something or somebody or approach something or somebody

From this reading “Mr. Gray and William had sent word, by some men belonging to the town, that they should be at home the night before, and they had not come.

the act of drawing spatially closer to something

From this reading “It was a bright afternoon in September, and Mary had taken her knitting-work and was sitting beside her mother’s arm-chair at the door of their cottage; but she could not work, for her eyes were continually wandering off in the direction of the Seekonk road; and, at every waving of the trees, or the least unusual sound, she would start from her seat, and say, ‘They are coming!’ and then run to make some addition, or alteration, to the furniture of a small round table, white as snow which was spread with bowls and spoons, brown bread and baked apples, and a pan of new milk; and then, returning to the door, she would expect to find them near; but when she looked in every direction, she saw only the few quiet looking houses of the Plantation—the wide and almost unbroken forest, and the broad road before her—but no father or brother.

seemingly without interruption

From this reading “It was a bright afternoon in September, and Mary had taken her knitting-work and was sitting beside her mother’s arm-chair at the door of their cottage; but she could not work, for her eyes were continually wandering off in the direction of the Seekonk road; and, at every waving of the trees, or the least unusual sound, she would start from her seat, and say, ‘They are coming!’ and then run to make some addition, or alteration, to the furniture of a small round table, white as snow which was spread with bowls and spoons, brown bread and baked apples, and a pan of new milk; and then, returning to the door, she would expect to find them near; but when she looked in every direction, she saw only the few quiet looking houses of the Plantation—the wide and almost unbroken forest, and the broad road before her—but no father or brother.

without stop or interruption

From this reading She had repeated this act several times, and at each successive one she was more sure that they were coming; until, at last, the continued disappointment was more than she could bear; and, clinging round her mother’s neck, she burst into tears.

a small house with a single story

From this reading “It was a bright afternoon in September, and Mary had taken her knitting-work and was sitting beside her mother’s arm-chair at the door of their cottage; but she could not work, for her eyes were continually wandering off in the direction of the Seekonk road; and, at every waving of the trees, or the least unusual sound, she would start from her seat, and say, ‘They are coming!’ and then run to make some addition, or alteration, to the furniture of a small round table, white as snow which was spread with bowls and spoons, brown bread and baked apples, and a pan of new milk; and then, returning to the door, she would expect to find them near; but when she looked in every direction, she saw only the few quiet looking houses of the Plantation—the wide and almost unbroken forest, and the broad road before her—but no father or brother.

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

From this reading “It was a bright afternoon in September, and Mary had taken her knitting-work and was sitting beside her mother’s arm-chair at the door of their cottage; but she could not work, for her eyes were continually wandering off in the direction of the Seekonk road; and, at every waving of the trees, or the least unusual sound, she would start from her seat, and say, ‘They are coming!’ and then run to make some addition, or alteration, to the furniture of a small round table, white as snow which was spread with bowls and spoons, brown bread and baked apples, and a pan of new milk; and then, returning to the door, she would expect to find them near; but when she looked in every direction, she saw only the few quiet looking houses of the Plantation—the wide and almost unbroken forest, and the broad road before her—but no father or brother.

a line leading to a place or point

From this reading “It was a bright afternoon in September, and Mary had taken her knitting-work and was sitting beside her mother’s arm-chair at the door of their cottage; but she could not work, for her eyes were continually wandering off in the direction of the Seekonk road; and, at every waving of the trees, or the least unusual sound, she would start from her seat, and say, ‘They are coming!’ and then run to make some addition, or alteration, to the furniture of a small round table, white as snow which was spread with bowls and spoons, brown bread and baked apples, and a pan of new milk; and then, returning to the door, she would expect to find them near; but when she looked in every direction, she saw only the few quiet looking houses of the Plantation—the wide and almost unbroken forest, and the broad road before her—but no father or brother.

a feeling of dissatisfaction that results when your expectations are not realized

From this reading She had repeated this act several times, and at each successive one she was more sure that they were coming; until, at last, the continued disappointment was more than she could bear; and, clinging round her mother’s neck, she burst into tears.

a swinging or sliding barrier that will close the entrance to a room or building or vehicle

From this reading “It was a bright afternoon in September, and Mary had taken her knitting-work and was sitting beside her mother’s arm-chair at the door of their cottage; but she could not work, for her eyes were continually wandering off in the direction of the Seekonk road; and, at every waving of the trees, or the least unusual sound, she would start from her seat, and say, ‘They are coming!’ and then run to make some addition, or alteration, to the furniture of a small round table, white as snow which was spread with bowls and spoons, brown bread and baked apples, and a pan of new milk; and then, returning to the door, she would expect to find them near; but when she looked in every direction, she saw only the few quiet looking houses of the Plantation—the wide and almost unbroken forest, and the broad road before her—but no father or brother.

every one of two or more people or things, taken separately

From this reading She had repeated this act several times, and at each successive one she was more sure that they were coming; until, at last, the continued disappointment was more than she could bear; and, clinging round her mother’s neck, she burst into tears.

all the members of a group, with none left out

From this reading “It was a bright afternoon in September, and Mary had taken her knitting-work and was sitting beside her mother’s arm-chair at the door of their cottage; but she could not work, for her eyes were continually wandering off in the direction of the Seekonk road; and, at every waving of the trees, or the least unusual sound, she would start from her seat, and say, ‘They are coming!’ and then run to make some addition, or alteration, to the furniture of a small round table, white as snow which was spread with bowls and spoons, brown bread and baked apples, and a pan of new milk; and then, returning to the door, she would expect to find them near; but when she looked in every direction, she saw only the few quiet looking houses of the Plantation—the wide and almost unbroken forest, and the broad road before her—but no father or brother.

regard something as probable or likely

From this reading “It was a bright afternoon in September, and Mary had taken her knitting-work and was sitting beside her mother’s arm-chair at the door of their cottage; but she could not work, for her eyes were continually wandering off in the direction of the Seekonk road; and, at every waving of the trees, or the least unusual sound, she would start from her seat, and say, ‘They are coming!’ and then run to make some addition, or alteration, to the furniture of a small round table, white as snow which was spread with bowls and spoons, brown bread and baked apples, and a pan of new milk; and then, returning to the door, she would expect to find them near; but when she looked in every direction, she saw only the few quiet looking houses of the Plantation—the wide and almost unbroken forest, and the broad road before her—but no father or brother.

opinion or judgment

From this reading “It was a bright afternoon in September, and Mary had taken her knitting-work and was sitting beside her mother’s arm-chair at the door of their cottage; but she could not work, for her eyes were continually wandering off in the direction of the Seekonk road; and, at every waving of the trees, or the least unusual sound, she would start from her seat, and say, ‘They are coming!’ and then run to make some addition, or alteration, to the furniture of a small round table, white as snow which was spread with bowls and spoons, brown bread and baked apples, and a pan of new milk; and then, returning to the door, she would expect to find them near; but when she looked in every direction, she saw only the few quiet looking houses of the Plantation—the wide and almost unbroken forest, and the broad road before her—but no father or brother.

a male parent (also used as a term of address to your father)

From this reading “It was a bright afternoon in September, and Mary had taken her knitting-work and was sitting beside her mother’s arm-chair at the door of their cottage; but she could not work, for her eyes were continually wandering off in the direction of the Seekonk road; and, at every waving of the trees, or the least unusual sound, she would start from her seat, and say, ‘They are coming!’ and then run to make some addition, or alteration, to the furniture of a small round table, white as snow which was spread with bowls and spoons, brown bread and baked apples, and a pan of new milk; and then, returning to the door, she would expect to find them near; but when she looked in every direction, she saw only the few quiet looking houses of the Plantation—the wide and almost unbroken forest, and the broad road before her—but no father or brother.

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

From this reading “It was a bright afternoon in September, and Mary had taken her knitting-work and was sitting beside her mother’s arm-chair at the door of their cottage; but she could not work, for her eyes were continually wandering off in the direction of the Seekonk road; and, at every waving of the trees, or the least unusual sound, she would start from her seat, and say, ‘They are coming!’ and then run to make some addition, or alteration, to the furniture of a small round table, white as snow which was spread with bowls and spoons, brown bread and baked apples, and a pan of new milk; and then, returning to the door, she would expect to find them near; but when she looked in every direction, she saw only the few quiet looking houses of the Plantation—the wide and almost unbroken forest, and the broad road before her—but no father or brother.

come upon, as if by accident; meet with

From this reading “It was a bright afternoon in September, and Mary had taken her knitting-work and was sitting beside her mother’s arm-chair at the door of their cottage; but she could not work, for her eyes were continually wandering off in the direction of the Seekonk road; and, at every waving of the trees, or the least unusual sound, she would start from her seat, and say, ‘They are coming!’ and then run to make some addition, or alteration, to the furniture of a small round table, white as snow which was spread with bowls and spoons, brown bread and baked apples, and a pan of new milk; and then, returning to the door, she would expect to find them near; but when she looked in every direction, she saw only the few quiet looking houses of the Plantation—the wide and almost unbroken forest, and the broad road before her—but no father or brother.

intended to be given to, or used by, somebody

From this reading “It was a bright afternoon in September, and Mary had taken her knitting-work and was sitting beside her mother’s arm-chair at the door of their cottage; but she could not work, for her eyes were continually wandering off in the direction of the Seekonk road; and, at every waving of the trees, or the least unusual sound, she would start from her seat, and say, ‘They are coming!’ and then run to make some addition, or alteration, to the furniture of a small round table, white as snow which was spread with bowls and spoons, brown bread and baked apples, and a pan of new milk; and then, returning to the door, she would expect to find them near; but when she looked in every direction, she saw only the few quiet looking houses of the Plantation—the wide and almost unbroken forest, and the broad road before her—but no father or brother.

the trees and other plants in a large densely wooded area

From this reading “It was a bright afternoon in September, and Mary had taken her knitting-work and was sitting beside her mother’s arm-chair at the door of their cottage; but she could not work, for her eyes were continually wandering off in the direction of the Seekonk road; and, at every waving of the trees, or the least unusual sound, she would start from her seat, and say, ‘They are coming!’ and then run to make some addition, or alteration, to the furniture of a small round table, white as snow which was spread with bowls and spoons, brown bread and baked apples, and a pan of new milk; and then, returning to the door, she would expect to find them near; but when she looked in every direction, she saw only the few quiet looking houses of the Plantation—the wide and almost unbroken forest, and the broad road before her—but no father or brother.

showing where something starts, or who sent it

From this reading Two months had passed away and Mr. Gray and William had not returned, though Mrs. Gray had heard from them occasionally.

furnishings that make a room or other area ready for occupancy

From this reading “It was a bright afternoon in September, and Mary had taken her knitting-work and was sitting beside her mother’s arm-chair at the door of their cottage; but she could not work, for her eyes were continually wandering off in the direction of the Seekonk road; and, at every waving of the trees, or the least unusual sound, she would start from her seat, and say, ‘They are coming!’ and then run to make some addition, or alteration, to the furniture of a small round table, white as snow which was spread with bowls and spoons, brown bread and baked apples, and a pan of new milk; and then, returning to the door, she would expect to find them near; but when she looked in every direction, she saw only the few quiet looking houses of the Plantation—the wide and almost unbroken forest, and the broad road before her—but no father or brother.

a neutral achromatic color midway between white and black

From this reading Two months had passed away and Mr. Gray and William had not returned, though Mrs. Gray had heard from them occasionally.

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

From this reading Two months had passed away and Mr. Gray and William had not returned, though Mrs. Gray had heard from them occasionally.

detected or perceived by the sense of hearing

From this reading Two months had passed away and Mr. Gray and William had not returned, though Mrs. Gray had heard from them occasionally.

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

From this reading “It was a bright afternoon in September, and Mary had taken her knitting-work and was sitting beside her mother’s arm-chair at the door of their cottage; but she could not work, for her eyes were continually wandering off in the direction of the Seekonk road; and, at every waving of the trees, or the least unusual sound, she would start from her seat, and say, ‘They are coming!’ and then run to make some addition, or alteration, to the furniture of a small round table, white as snow which was spread with bowls and spoons, brown bread and baked apples, and a pan of new milk; and then, returning to the door, she would expect to find them near; but when she looked in every direction, she saw only the few quiet looking houses of the Plantation—the wide and almost unbroken forest, and the broad road before her—but no father or brother.

where you live at a particular time

From this reading “Mr. Gray and William had sent word, by some men belonging to the town, that they should be at home the night before, and they had not come.

plural of “house” — a dwelling that serves as living quarters for one or more families

From this reading “It was a bright afternoon in September, and Mary had taken her knitting-work and was sitting beside her mother’s arm-chair at the door of their cottage; but she could not work, for her eyes were continually wandering off in the direction of the Seekonk road; and, at every waving of the trees, or the least unusual sound, she would start from her seat, and say, ‘They are coming!’ and then run to make some addition, or alteration, to the furniture of a small round table, white as snow which was spread with bowls and spoons, brown bread and baked apples, and a pan of new milk; and then, returning to the door, she would expect to find them near; but when she looked in every direction, she saw only the few quiet looking houses of the Plantation—the wide and almost unbroken forest, and the broad road before her—but no father or brother.

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

From this reading “It was a bright afternoon in September, and Mary had taken her knitting-work and was sitting beside her mother’s arm-chair at the door of their cottage; but she could not work, for her eyes were continually wandering off in the direction of the Seekonk road; and, at every waving of the trees, or the least unusual sound, she would start from her seat, and say, ‘They are coming!’ and then run to make some addition, or alteration, to the furniture of a small round table, white as snow which was spread with bowls and spoons, brown bread and baked apples, and a pan of new milk; and then, returning to the door, she would expect to find them near; but when she looked in every direction, she saw only the few quiet looking houses of the Plantation—the wide and almost unbroken forest, and the broad road before her—but no father or brother.

moving to the inside of something

From this reading She had repeated this act several times, and at each successive one she was more sure that they were coming; until, at last, the continued disappointment was more than she could bear; and, clinging round her mother’s neck, she burst into tears.

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading “It was a bright afternoon in September, and Mary had taken her knitting-work and was sitting beside her mother’s arm-chair at the door of their cottage; but she could not work, for her eyes were continually wandering off in the direction of the Seekonk road; and, at every waving of the trees, or the least unusual sound, she would start from her seat, and say, ‘They are coming!’ and then run to make some addition, or alteration, to the furniture of a small round table, white as snow which was spread with bowls and spoons, brown bread and baked apples, and a pan of new milk; and then, returning to the door, she would expect to find them near; but when she looked in every direction, she saw only the few quiet looking houses of the Plantation—the wide and almost unbroken forest, and the broad road before her—but no father or brother.

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

From this reading “It was a bright afternoon in September, and Mary had taken her knitting-work and was sitting beside her mother’s arm-chair at the door of their cottage; but she could not work, for her eyes were continually wandering off in the direction of the Seekonk road; and, at every waving of the trees, or the least unusual sound, she would start from her seat, and say, ‘They are coming!’ and then run to make some addition, or alteration, to the furniture of a small round table, white as snow which was spread with bowls and spoons, brown bread and baked apples, and a pan of new milk; and then, returning to the door, she would expect to find them near; but when she looked in every direction, she saw only the few quiet looking houses of the Plantation—the wide and almost unbroken forest, and the broad road before her—but no father or brother.

immediately past

From this reading She had repeated this act several times, and at each successive one she was more sure that they were coming; until, at last, the continued disappointment was more than she could bear; and, clinging round her mother’s neck, she burst into tears.

the superlative of “little” that can be used with mass nouns and is usually preceded by “the”; a quantifier meaning smallest in amount or extent or degree

From this reading “It was a bright afternoon in September, and Mary had taken her knitting-work and was sitting beside her mother’s arm-chair at the door of their cottage; but she could not work, for her eyes were continually wandering off in the direction of the Seekonk road; and, at every waving of the trees, or the least unusual sound, she would start from her seat, and say, ‘They are coming!’ and then run to make some addition, or alteration, to the furniture of a small round table, white as snow which was spread with bowls and spoons, brown bread and baked apples, and a pan of new milk; and then, returning to the door, she would expect to find them near; but when she looked in every direction, she saw only the few quiet looking houses of the Plantation—the wide and almost unbroken forest, and the broad road before her—but no father or brother.

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

From this reading “It was a bright afternoon in September, and Mary had taken her knitting-work and was sitting beside her mother’s arm-chair at the door of their cottage; but she could not work, for her eyes were continually wandering off in the direction of the Seekonk road; and, at every waving of the trees, or the least unusual sound, she would start from her seat, and say, ‘They are coming!’ and then run to make some addition, or alteration, to the furniture of a small round table, white as snow which was spread with bowls and spoons, brown bread and baked apples, and a pan of new milk; and then, returning to the door, she would expect to find them near; but when she looked in every direction, she saw only the few quiet looking houses of the Plantation—the wide and almost unbroken forest, and the broad road before her—but no father or brother.

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

From this reading “It was a bright afternoon in September, and Mary had taken her knitting-work and was sitting beside her mother’s arm-chair at the door of their cottage; but she could not work, for her eyes were continually wandering off in the direction of the Seekonk road; and, at every waving of the trees, or the least unusual sound, she would start from her seat, and say, ‘They are coming!’ and then run to make some addition, or alteration, to the furniture of a small round table, white as snow which was spread with bowls and spoons, brown bread and baked apples, and a pan of new milk; and then, returning to the door, she would expect to find them near; but when she looked in every direction, she saw only the few quiet looking houses of the Plantation—the wide and almost unbroken forest, and the broad road before her—but no father or brother.

engage in

From this reading “It was a bright afternoon in September, and Mary had taken her knitting-work and was sitting beside her mother’s arm-chair at the door of their cottage; but she could not work, for her eyes were continually wandering off in the direction of the Seekonk road; and, at every waving of the trees, or the least unusual sound, she would start from her seat, and say, ‘They are coming!’ and then run to make some addition, or alteration, to the furniture of a small round table, white as snow which was spread with bowls and spoons, brown bread and baked apples, and a pan of new milk; and then, returning to the door, she would expect to find them near; but when she looked in every direction, she saw only the few quiet looking houses of the Plantation—the wide and almost unbroken forest, and the broad road before her—but no father or brother.

the mother of Jesus; Christians refer to her as the Virgin Mary; she is especially honored by Roman Catholics

From this reading “It was a bright afternoon in September, and Mary had taken her knitting-work and was sitting beside her mother’s arm-chair at the door of their cottage; but she could not work, for her eyes were continually wandering off in the direction of the Seekonk road; and, at every waving of the trees, or the least unusual sound, she would start from her seat, and say, ‘They are coming!’ and then run to make some addition, or alteration, to the furniture of a small round table, white as snow which was spread with bowls and spoons, brown bread and baked apples, and a pan of new milk; and then, returning to the door, she would expect to find them near; but when she looked in every direction, she saw only the few quiet looking houses of the Plantation—the wide and almost unbroken forest, and the broad road before her—but no father or brother.

the force of workers available

From this reading “Mr. Gray and William had sent word, by some men belonging to the town, that they should be at home the night before, and they had not come.

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

From this reading “It was a bright afternoon in September, and Mary had taken her knitting-work and was sitting beside her mother’s arm-chair at the door of their cottage; but she could not work, for her eyes were continually wandering off in the direction of the Seekonk road; and, at every waving of the trees, or the least unusual sound, she would start from her seat, and say, ‘They are coming!’ and then run to make some addition, or alteration, to the furniture of a small round table, white as snow which was spread with bowls and spoons, brown bread and baked apples, and a pan of new milk; and then, returning to the door, she would expect to find them near; but when she looked in every direction, she saw only the few quiet looking houses of the Plantation—the wide and almost unbroken forest, and the broad road before her—but no father or brother.

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

From this reading Two months had passed away and Mr. Gray and William had not returned, though Mrs. Gray had heard from them occasionally.

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

From this reading She had repeated this act several times, and at each successive one she was more sure that they were coming; until, at last, the continued disappointment was more than she could bear; and, clinging round her mother’s neck, she burst into tears.

possessive form of “mother” — a woman who has given birth to a child (also used as a term of address to your mother)

From this reading “It was a bright afternoon in September, and Mary had taken her knitting-work and was sitting beside her mother’s arm-chair at the door of their cottage; but she could not work, for her eyes were continually wandering off in the direction of the Seekonk road; and, at every waving of the trees, or the least unusual sound, she would start from her seat, and say, ‘They are coming!’ and then run to make some addition, or alteration, to the furniture of a small round table, white as snow which was spread with bowls and spoons, brown bread and baked apples, and a pan of new milk; and then, returning to the door, she would expect to find them near; but when she looked in every direction, she saw only the few quiet looking houses of the Plantation—the wide and almost unbroken forest, and the broad road before her—but no father or brother.

a form of address for a man

From this reading Two months had passed away and Mr. Gray and William had not returned, though Mrs. Gray had heard from them occasionally.

a form of address for a married woman

From this reading Two months had passed away and Mr. Gray and William had not returned, though Mrs. Gray had heard from them occasionally.

belonging to the person speaking

From this reading “But to return to my story.

near in time or place or relationship

From this reading “It was a bright afternoon in September, and Mary had taken her knitting-work and was sitting beside her mother’s arm-chair at the door of their cottage; but she could not work, for her eyes were continually wandering off in the direction of the Seekonk road; and, at every waving of the trees, or the least unusual sound, she would start from her seat, and say, ‘They are coming!’ and then run to make some addition, or alteration, to the furniture of a small round table, white as snow which was spread with bowls and spoons, brown bread and baked apples, and a pan of new milk; and then, returning to the door, she would expect to find them near; but when she looked in every direction, she saw only the few quiet looking houses of the Plantation—the wide and almost unbroken forest, and the broad road before her—but no father or brother.

the part of an organism (human or animal) that connects the head to the rest of the body

From this reading She had repeated this act several times, and at each successive one she was more sure that they were coming; until, at last, the continued disappointment was more than she could bear; and, clinging round her mother’s neck, she burst into tears.

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

From this reading “It was a bright afternoon in September, and Mary had taken her knitting-work and was sitting beside her mother’s arm-chair at the door of their cottage; but she could not work, for her eyes were continually wandering off in the direction of the Seekonk road; and, at every waving of the trees, or the least unusual sound, she would start from her seat, and say, ‘They are coming!’ and then run to make some addition, or alteration, to the furniture of a small round table, white as snow which was spread with bowls and spoons, brown bread and baked apples, and a pan of new milk; and then, returning to the door, she would expect to find them near; but when she looked in every direction, she saw only the few quiet looking houses of the Plantation—the wide and almost unbroken forest, and the broad road before her—but no father or brother.

the time after sunset and before sunrise while it is dark outside

From this reading “Mr. Gray and William had sent word, by some men belonging to the town, that they should be at home the night before, and they had not come.

not any; not one

From this reading “It was a bright afternoon in September, and Mary had taken her knitting-work and was sitting beside her mother’s arm-chair at the door of their cottage; but she could not work, for her eyes were continually wandering off in the direction of the Seekonk road; and, at every waving of the trees, or the least unusual sound, she would start from her seat, and say, ‘They are coming!’ and then run to make some addition, or alteration, to the furniture of a small round table, white as snow which was spread with bowls and spoons, brown bread and baked apples, and a pan of new milk; and then, returning to the door, she would expect to find them near; but when she looked in every direction, she saw only the few quiet looking houses of the Plantation—the wide and almost unbroken forest, and the broad road before her—but no father or brother.

used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative

From this reading Two months had passed away and Mr. Gray and William had not returned, though Mrs. Gray had heard from them occasionally.

sporadically and infrequently

From this reading Two months had passed away and Mr. Gray and William had not returned, though Mrs. Gray had heard from them occasionally.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading “It was a bright afternoon in September, and Mary had taken her knitting-work and was sitting beside her mother’s arm-chair at the door of their cottage; but she could not work, for her eyes were continually wandering off in the direction of the Seekonk road; and, at every waving of the trees, or the least unusual sound, she would start from her seat, and say, ‘They are coming!’ and then run to make some addition, or alteration, to the furniture of a small round table, white as snow which was spread with bowls and spoons, brown bread and baked apples, and a pan of new milk; and then, returning to the door, she would expect to find them near; but when she looked in every direction, she saw only the few quiet looking houses of the Plantation—the wide and almost unbroken forest, and the broad road before her—but no father or brother.

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

From this reading “It was a bright afternoon in September, and Mary had taken her knitting-work and was sitting beside her mother’s arm-chair at the door of their cottage; but she could not work, for her eyes were continually wandering off in the direction of the Seekonk road; and, at every waving of the trees, or the least unusual sound, she would start from her seat, and say, ‘They are coming!’ and then run to make some addition, or alteration, to the furniture of a small round table, white as snow which was spread with bowls and spoons, brown bread and baked apples, and a pan of new milk; and then, returning to the door, she would expect to find them near; but when she looked in every direction, she saw only the few quiet looking houses of the Plantation—the wide and almost unbroken forest, and the broad road before her—but no father or brother.

used to mean any person in general, including the speaker

From this reading She had repeated this act several times, and at each successive one she was more sure that they were coming; until, at last, the continued disappointment was more than she could bear; and, clinging round her mother’s neck, she burst into tears.

and nothing more

From this reading “It was a bright afternoon in September, and Mary had taken her knitting-work and was sitting beside her mother’s arm-chair at the door of their cottage; but she could not work, for her eyes were continually wandering off in the direction of the Seekonk road; and, at every waving of the trees, or the least unusual sound, she would start from her seat, and say, ‘They are coming!’ and then run to make some addition, or alteration, to the furniture of a small round table, white as snow which was spread with bowls and spoons, brown bread and baked apples, and a pan of new milk; and then, returning to the door, she would expect to find them near; but when she looked in every direction, she saw only the few quiet looking houses of the Plantation—the wide and almost unbroken forest, and the broad road before her—but no father or brother.

used to join alternatives or possibilities

From this reading “It was a bright afternoon in September, and Mary had taken her knitting-work and was sitting beside her mother’s arm-chair at the door of their cottage; but she could not work, for her eyes were continually wandering off in the direction of the Seekonk road; and, at every waving of the trees, or the least unusual sound, she would start from her seat, and say, ‘They are coming!’ and then run to make some addition, or alteration, to the furniture of a small round table, white as snow which was spread with bowls and spoons, brown bread and baked apples, and a pan of new milk; and then, returning to the door, she would expect to find them near; but when she looked in every direction, she saw only the few quiet looking houses of the Plantation—the wide and almost unbroken forest, and the broad road before her—but no father or brother.

make a sweeping movement

From this reading “It was a bright afternoon in September, and Mary had taken her knitting-work and was sitting beside her mother’s arm-chair at the door of their cottage; but she could not work, for her eyes were continually wandering off in the direction of the Seekonk road; and, at every waving of the trees, or the least unusual sound, she would start from her seat, and say, ‘They are coming!’ and then run to make some addition, or alteration, to the furniture of a small round table, white as snow which was spread with bowls and spoons, brown bread and baked apples, and a pan of new milk; and then, returning to the door, she would expect to find them near; but when she looked in every direction, she saw only the few quiet looking houses of the Plantation—the wide and almost unbroken forest, and the broad road before her—but no father or brother.

past form of “pass” — go across or through

From this reading Two months had passed away and Mr. Gray and William had not returned, though Mrs. Gray had heard from them occasionally.

an estate where cash crops are grown on a large scale (especially in tropical areas)

From this reading “It was a bright afternoon in September, and Mary had taken her knitting-work and was sitting beside her mother’s arm-chair at the door of their cottage; but she could not work, for her eyes were continually wandering off in the direction of the Seekonk road; and, at every waving of the trees, or the least unusual sound, she would start from her seat, and say, ‘They are coming!’ and then run to make some addition, or alteration, to the furniture of a small round table, white as snow which was spread with bowls and spoons, brown bread and baked apples, and a pan of new milk; and then, returning to the door, she would expect to find them near; but when she looked in every direction, she saw only the few quiet looking houses of the Plantation—the wide and almost unbroken forest, and the broad road before her—but no father or brother.

characterized by an absence or near absence of agitation or activity

From this reading “It was a bright afternoon in September, and Mary had taken her knitting-work and was sitting beside her mother’s arm-chair at the door of their cottage; but she could not work, for her eyes were continually wandering off in the direction of the Seekonk road; and, at every waving of the trees, or the least unusual sound, she would start from her seat, and say, ‘They are coming!’ and then run to make some addition, or alteration, to the furniture of a small round table, white as snow which was spread with bowls and spoons, brown bread and baked apples, and a pan of new milk; and then, returning to the door, she would expect to find them near; but when she looked in every direction, she saw only the few quiet looking houses of the Plantation—the wide and almost unbroken forest, and the broad road before her—but no father or brother.

recurring again and again

From this reading She had repeated this act several times, and at each successive one she was more sure that they were coming; until, at last, the continued disappointment was more than she could bear; and, clinging round her mother’s neck, she burst into tears.

go or come back to place, condition, or activity where one has been before

From this reading “But to return to my story.

past form of “return” — go or come back to place, condition, or activity where one has been before

From this reading Two months had passed away and Mr. Gray and William had not returned, though Mrs. Gray had heard from them occasionally.

tending to return to an earlier state

From this reading “It was a bright afternoon in September, and Mary had taken her knitting-work and was sitting beside her mother’s arm-chair at the door of their cottage; but she could not work, for her eyes were continually wandering off in the direction of the Seekonk road; and, at every waving of the trees, or the least unusual sound, she would start from her seat, and say, ‘They are coming!’ and then run to make some addition, or alteration, to the furniture of a small round table, white as snow which was spread with bowls and spoons, brown bread and baked apples, and a pan of new milk; and then, returning to the door, she would expect to find them near; but when she looked in every direction, she saw only the few quiet looking houses of the Plantation—the wide and almost unbroken forest, and the broad road before her—but no father or brother.

an open way (generally public) for travel or transportation

From this reading “It was a bright afternoon in September, and Mary had taken her knitting-work and was sitting beside her mother’s arm-chair at the door of their cottage; but she could not work, for her eyes were continually wandering off in the direction of the Seekonk road; and, at every waving of the trees, or the least unusual sound, she would start from her seat, and say, ‘They are coming!’ and then run to make some addition, or alteration, to the furniture of a small round table, white as snow which was spread with bowls and spoons, brown bread and baked apples, and a pan of new milk; and then, returning to the door, she would expect to find them near; but when she looked in every direction, she saw only the few quiet looking houses of the Plantation—the wide and almost unbroken forest, and the broad road before her—but no father or brother.

a charge of ammunition for a single shot

From this reading “It was a bright afternoon in September, and Mary had taken her knitting-work and was sitting beside her mother’s arm-chair at the door of their cottage; but she could not work, for her eyes were continually wandering off in the direction of the Seekonk road; and, at every waving of the trees, or the least unusual sound, she would start from her seat, and say, ‘They are coming!’ and then run to make some addition, or alteration, to the furniture of a small round table, white as snow which was spread with bowls and spoons, brown bread and baked apples, and a pan of new milk; and then, returning to the door, she would expect to find them near; but when she looked in every direction, she saw only the few quiet looking houses of the Plantation—the wide and almost unbroken forest, and the broad road before her—but no father or brother.

move fast by using one's feet, with one foot off the ground at any given time

From this reading “It was a bright afternoon in September, and Mary had taken her knitting-work and was sitting beside her mother’s arm-chair at the door of their cottage; but she could not work, for her eyes were continually wandering off in the direction of the Seekonk road; and, at every waving of the trees, or the least unusual sound, she would start from her seat, and say, ‘They are coming!’ and then run to make some addition, or alteration, to the furniture of a small round table, white as snow which was spread with bowls and spoons, brown bread and baked apples, and a pan of new milk; and then, returning to the door, she would expect to find them near; but when she looked in every direction, she saw only the few quiet looking houses of the Plantation—the wide and almost unbroken forest, and the broad road before her—but no father or brother.

cut with a saw

From this reading “It was a bright afternoon in September, and Mary had taken her knitting-work and was sitting beside her mother’s arm-chair at the door of their cottage; but she could not work, for her eyes were continually wandering off in the direction of the Seekonk road; and, at every waving of the trees, or the least unusual sound, she would start from her seat, and say, ‘They are coming!’ and then run to make some addition, or alteration, to the furniture of a small round table, white as snow which was spread with bowls and spoons, brown bread and baked apples, and a pan of new milk; and then, returning to the door, she would expect to find them near; but when she looked in every direction, she saw only the few quiet looking houses of the Plantation—the wide and almost unbroken forest, and the broad road before her—but no father or brother.

express in words

From this reading “It was a bright afternoon in September, and Mary had taken her knitting-work and was sitting beside her mother’s arm-chair at the door of their cottage; but she could not work, for her eyes were continually wandering off in the direction of the Seekonk road; and, at every waving of the trees, or the least unusual sound, she would start from her seat, and say, ‘They are coming!’ and then run to make some addition, or alteration, to the furniture of a small round table, white as snow which was spread with bowls and spoons, brown bread and baked apples, and a pan of new milk; and then, returning to the door, she would expect to find them near; but when she looked in every direction, she saw only the few quiet looking houses of the Plantation—the wide and almost unbroken forest, and the broad road before her—but no father or brother.

a space reserved for sitting (as in a theater or on a train or airplane)

From this reading “It was a bright afternoon in September, and Mary had taken her knitting-work and was sitting beside her mother’s arm-chair at the door of their cottage; but she could not work, for her eyes were continually wandering off in the direction of the Seekonk road; and, at every waving of the trees, or the least unusual sound, she would start from her seat, and say, ‘They are coming!’ and then run to make some addition, or alteration, to the furniture of a small round table, white as snow which was spread with bowls and spoons, brown bread and baked apples, and a pan of new milk; and then, returning to the door, she would expect to find them near; but when she looked in every direction, she saw only the few quiet looking houses of the Plantation—the wide and almost unbroken forest, and the broad road before her—but no father or brother.

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

From this reading “It was a bright afternoon in September, and Mary had taken her knitting-work and was sitting beside her mother’s arm-chair at the door of their cottage; but she could not work, for her eyes were continually wandering off in the direction of the Seekonk road; and, at every waving of the trees, or the least unusual sound, she would start from her seat, and say, ‘They are coming!’ and then run to make some addition, or alteration, to the furniture of a small round table, white as snow which was spread with bowls and spoons, brown bread and baked apples, and a pan of new milk; and then, returning to the door, she would expect to find them near; but when she looked in every direction, she saw only the few quiet looking houses of the Plantation—the wide and almost unbroken forest, and the broad road before her—but no father or brother.

100 senti equal 1 kroon in Estonia

From this reading “Mr. Gray and William had sent word, by some men belonging to the town, that they should be at home the night before, and they had not come.

the month following August and preceding October

From this reading “It was a bright afternoon in September, and Mary had taken her knitting-work and was sitting beside her mother’s arm-chair at the door of their cottage; but she could not work, for her eyes were continually wandering off in the direction of the Seekonk road; and, at every waving of the trees, or the least unusual sound, she would start from her seat, and say, ‘They are coming!’ and then run to make some addition, or alteration, to the furniture of a small round table, white as snow which was spread with bowls and spoons, brown bread and baked apples, and a pan of new milk; and then, returning to the door, she would expect to find them near; but when she looked in every direction, she saw only the few quiet looking houses of the Plantation—the wide and almost unbroken forest, and the broad road before her—but no father or brother.

(used with count nouns) of an indefinite number more than 2 or 3 but not many

From this reading She had repeated this act several times, and at each successive one she was more sure that they were coming; until, at last, the continued disappointment was more than she could bear; and, clinging round her mother’s neck, she burst into tears.

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

From this reading “It was a bright afternoon in September, and Mary had taken her knitting-work and was sitting beside her mother’s arm-chair at the door of their cottage; but she could not work, for her eyes were continually wandering off in the direction of the Seekonk road; and, at every waving of the trees, or the least unusual sound, she would start from her seat, and say, ‘They are coming!’ and then run to make some addition, or alteration, to the furniture of a small round table, white as snow which was spread with bowls and spoons, brown bread and baked apples, and a pan of new milk; and then, returning to the door, she would expect to find them near; but when she looked in every direction, she saw only the few quiet looking houses of the Plantation—the wide and almost unbroken forest, and the broad road before her—but no father or brother.

used to say what is right, expected, or advisable

From this reading “Mr. Gray and William had sent word, by some men belonging to the town, that they should be at home the night before, and they had not come.

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

From this reading “It was a bright afternoon in September, and Mary had taken her knitting-work and was sitting beside her mother’s arm-chair at the door of their cottage; but she could not work, for her eyes were continually wandering off in the direction of the Seekonk road; and, at every waving of the trees, or the least unusual sound, she would start from her seat, and say, ‘They are coming!’ and then run to make some addition, or alteration, to the furniture of a small round table, white as snow which was spread with bowls and spoons, brown bread and baked apples, and a pan of new milk; and then, returning to the door, she would expect to find them near; but when she looked in every direction, she saw only the few quiet looking houses of the Plantation—the wide and almost unbroken forest, and the broad road before her—but no father or brother.

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

From this reading “It was a bright afternoon in September, and Mary had taken her knitting-work and was sitting beside her mother’s arm-chair at the door of their cottage; but she could not work, for her eyes were continually wandering off in the direction of the Seekonk road; and, at every waving of the trees, or the least unusual sound, she would start from her seat, and say, ‘They are coming!’ and then run to make some addition, or alteration, to the furniture of a small round table, white as snow which was spread with bowls and spoons, brown bread and baked apples, and a pan of new milk; and then, returning to the door, she would expect to find them near; but when she looked in every direction, she saw only the few quiet looking houses of the Plantation—the wide and almost unbroken forest, and the broad road before her—but no father or brother.

precipitation falling from clouds in the form of ice crystals

From this reading “It was a bright afternoon in September, and Mary had taken her knitting-work and was sitting beside her mother’s arm-chair at the door of their cottage; but she could not work, for her eyes were continually wandering off in the direction of the Seekonk road; and, at every waving of the trees, or the least unusual sound, she would start from her seat, and say, ‘They are coming!’ and then run to make some addition, or alteration, to the furniture of a small round table, white as snow which was spread with bowls and spoons, brown bread and baked apples, and a pan of new milk; and then, returning to the door, she would expect to find them near; but when she looked in every direction, she saw only the few quiet looking houses of the Plantation—the wide and almost unbroken forest, and the broad road before her—but no father or brother.

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

From this reading “It was a bright afternoon in September, and Mary had taken her knitting-work and was sitting beside her mother’s arm-chair at the door of their cottage; but she could not work, for her eyes were continually wandering off in the direction of the Seekonk road; and, at every waving of the trees, or the least unusual sound, she would start from her seat, and say, ‘They are coming!’ and then run to make some addition, or alteration, to the furniture of a small round table, white as snow which was spread with bowls and spoons, brown bread and baked apples, and a pan of new milk; and then, returning to the door, she would expect to find them near; but when she looked in every direction, she saw only the few quiet looking houses of the Plantation—the wide and almost unbroken forest, and the broad road before her—but no father or brother.

the particular auditory effect produced by a given cause

From this reading “It was a bright afternoon in September, and Mary had taken her knitting-work and was sitting beside her mother’s arm-chair at the door of their cottage; but she could not work, for her eyes were continually wandering off in the direction of the Seekonk road; and, at every waving of the trees, or the least unusual sound, she would start from her seat, and say, ‘They are coming!’ and then run to make some addition, or alteration, to the furniture of a small round table, white as snow which was spread with bowls and spoons, brown bread and baked apples, and a pan of new milk; and then, returning to the door, she would expect to find them near; but when she looked in every direction, she saw only the few quiet looking houses of the Plantation—the wide and almost unbroken forest, and the broad road before her—but no father or brother.

plural of “spoon” — a piece of cutlery with a shallow bowl-shaped container and a handle; used to stir or serve or take up food

From this reading “It was a bright afternoon in September, and Mary had taken her knitting-work and was sitting beside her mother’s arm-chair at the door of their cottage; but she could not work, for her eyes were continually wandering off in the direction of the Seekonk road; and, at every waving of the trees, or the least unusual sound, she would start from her seat, and say, ‘They are coming!’ and then run to make some addition, or alteration, to the furniture of a small round table, white as snow which was spread with bowls and spoons, brown bread and baked apples, and a pan of new milk; and then, returning to the door, she would expect to find them near; but when she looked in every direction, she saw only the few quiet looking houses of the Plantation—the wide and almost unbroken forest, and the broad road before her—but no father or brother.

distribute or disperse widely

From this reading “It was a bright afternoon in September, and Mary had taken her knitting-work and was sitting beside her mother’s arm-chair at the door of their cottage; but she could not work, for her eyes were continually wandering off in the direction of the Seekonk road; and, at every waving of the trees, or the least unusual sound, she would start from her seat, and say, ‘They are coming!’ and then run to make some addition, or alteration, to the furniture of a small round table, white as snow which was spread with bowls and spoons, brown bread and baked apples, and a pan of new milk; and then, returning to the door, she would expect to find them near; but when she looked in every direction, she saw only the few quiet looking houses of the Plantation—the wide and almost unbroken forest, and the broad road before her—but no father or brother.

take the first step or steps in carrying out an action

From this reading “It was a bright afternoon in September, and Mary had taken her knitting-work and was sitting beside her mother’s arm-chair at the door of their cottage; but she could not work, for her eyes were continually wandering off in the direction of the Seekonk road; and, at every waving of the trees, or the least unusual sound, she would start from her seat, and say, ‘They are coming!’ and then run to make some addition, or alteration, to the furniture of a small round table, white as snow which was spread with bowls and spoons, brown bread and baked apples, and a pan of new milk; and then, returning to the door, she would expect to find them near; but when she looked in every direction, she saw only the few quiet looking houses of the Plantation—the wide and almost unbroken forest, and the broad road before her—but no father or brother.

a message that tells the particulars of an act or occurrence or course of events; presented in writing or drama or cinema or as a radio or television program

From this reading “But to return to my story.

in regular succession without gaps

From this reading She had repeated this act several times, and at each successive one she was more sure that they were coming; until, at last, the continued disappointment was more than she could bear; and, clinging round her mother’s neck, she burst into tears.

having or feeling no doubt or uncertainty; confident and assured

From this reading She had repeated this act several times, and at each successive one she was more sure that they were coming; until, at last, the continued disappointment was more than she could bear; and, clinging round her mother’s neck, she burst into tears.

a set of data arranged in rows and columns

From this reading “It was a bright afternoon in September, and Mary had taken her knitting-work and was sitting beside her mother’s arm-chair at the door of their cottage; but she could not work, for her eyes were continually wandering off in the direction of the Seekonk road; and, at every waving of the trees, or the least unusual sound, she would start from her seat, and say, ‘They are coming!’ and then run to make some addition, or alteration, to the furniture of a small round table, white as snow which was spread with bowls and spoons, brown bread and baked apples, and a pan of new milk; and then, returning to the door, she would expect to find them near; but when she looked in every direction, she saw only the few quiet looking houses of the Plantation—the wide and almost unbroken forest, and the broad road before her—but no father or brother.

understood in a certain way; made sense of

From this reading “It was a bright afternoon in September, and Mary had taken her knitting-work and was sitting beside her mother’s arm-chair at the door of their cottage; but she could not work, for her eyes were continually wandering off in the direction of the Seekonk road; and, at every waving of the trees, or the least unusual sound, she would start from her seat, and say, ‘They are coming!’ and then run to make some addition, or alteration, to the furniture of a small round table, white as snow which was spread with bowls and spoons, brown bread and baked apples, and a pan of new milk; and then, returning to the door, she would expect to find them near; but when she looked in every direction, she saw only the few quiet looking houses of the Plantation—the wide and almost unbroken forest, and the broad road before her—but no father or brother.

the process of shedding tears (usually accompanied by sobs or other inarticulate sounds)

From this reading She had repeated this act several times, and at each successive one she was more sure that they were coming; until, at last, the continued disappointment was more than she could bear; and, clinging round her mother’s neck, she burst into tears.

used to introduce the second part of a comparison

From this reading She had repeated this act several times, and at each successive one she was more sure that they were coming; until, at last, the continued disappointment was more than she could bear; and, clinging round her mother’s neck, she burst into tears.

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading She had repeated this act several times, and at each successive one she was more sure that they were coming; until, at last, the continued disappointment was more than she could bear; and, clinging round her mother’s neck, she burst into tears.

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

From this reading “It was a bright afternoon in September, and Mary had taken her knitting-work and was sitting beside her mother’s arm-chair at the door of their cottage; but she could not work, for her eyes were continually wandering off in the direction of the Seekonk road; and, at every waving of the trees, or the least unusual sound, she would start from her seat, and say, ‘They are coming!’ and then run to make some addition, or alteration, to the furniture of a small round table, white as snow which was spread with bowls and spoons, brown bread and baked apples, and a pan of new milk; and then, returning to the door, she would expect to find them near; but when she looked in every direction, she saw only the few quiet looking houses of the Plantation—the wide and almost unbroken forest, and the broad road before her—but no father or brother.

belonging to the people or things already mentioned

From this reading “It was a bright afternoon in September, and Mary had taken her knitting-work and was sitting beside her mother’s arm-chair at the door of their cottage; but she could not work, for her eyes were continually wandering off in the direction of the Seekonk road; and, at every waving of the trees, or the least unusual sound, she would start from her seat, and say, ‘They are coming!’ and then run to make some addition, or alteration, to the furniture of a small round table, white as snow which was spread with bowls and spoons, brown bread and baked apples, and a pan of new milk; and then, returning to the door, she would expect to find them near; but when she looked in every direction, she saw only the few quiet looking houses of the Plantation—the wide and almost unbroken forest, and the broad road before her—but no father or brother.

the people or things already mentioned, as the object

From this reading Two months had passed away and Mr. Gray and William had not returned, though Mrs. Gray had heard from them occasionally.

subsequently or soon afterward (often used as sentence connectors)

From this reading “It was a bright afternoon in September, and Mary had taken her knitting-work and was sitting beside her mother’s arm-chair at the door of their cottage; but she could not work, for her eyes were continually wandering off in the direction of the Seekonk road; and, at every waving of the trees, or the least unusual sound, she would start from her seat, and say, ‘They are coming!’ and then run to make some addition, or alteration, to the furniture of a small round table, white as snow which was spread with bowls and spoons, brown bread and baked apples, and a pan of new milk; and then, returning to the door, she would expect to find them near; but when she looked in every direction, she saw only the few quiet looking houses of the Plantation—the wide and almost unbroken forest, and the broad road before her—but no father or brother.

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

From this reading “It was a bright afternoon in September, and Mary had taken her knitting-work and was sitting beside her mother’s arm-chair at the door of their cottage; but she could not work, for her eyes were continually wandering off in the direction of the Seekonk road; and, at every waving of the trees, or the least unusual sound, she would start from her seat, and say, ‘They are coming!’ and then run to make some addition, or alteration, to the furniture of a small round table, white as snow which was spread with bowls and spoons, brown bread and baked apples, and a pan of new milk; and then, returning to the door, she would expect to find them near; but when she looked in every direction, she saw only the few quiet looking houses of the Plantation—the wide and almost unbroken forest, and the broad road before her—but no father or brother.

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

From this reading She had repeated this act several times, and at each successive one she was more sure that they were coming; until, at last, the continued disappointment was more than she could bear; and, clinging round her mother’s neck, she burst into tears.

in spite of the fact that

From this reading Two months had passed away and Mr. Gray and William had not returned, though Mrs. Gray had heard from them occasionally.

a more or less definite period of time now or previously present

From this reading She had repeated this act several times, and at each successive one she was more sure that they were coming; until, at last, the continued disappointment was more than she could bear; and, clinging round her mother’s neck, she burst into tears.

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

From this reading “But to return to my story.

an urban area with a fixed boundary that is smaller than a city

From this reading “Mr. Gray and William had sent word, by some men belonging to the town, that they should be at home the night before, and they had not come.

plural of “tree” — a tall perennial woody plant having a main trunk and branches forming a distinct elevated crown; includes both gymnosperms and angiosperms

From this reading “It was a bright afternoon in September, and Mary had taken her knitting-work and was sitting beside her mother’s arm-chair at the door of their cottage; but she could not work, for her eyes were continually wandering off in the direction of the Seekonk road; and, at every waving of the trees, or the least unusual sound, she would start from her seat, and say, ‘They are coming!’ and then run to make some addition, or alteration, to the furniture of a small round table, white as snow which was spread with bowls and spoons, brown bread and baked apples, and a pan of new milk; and then, returning to the door, she would expect to find them near; but when she looked in every direction, she saw only the few quiet looking houses of the Plantation—the wide and almost unbroken forest, and the broad road before her—but no father or brother.

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

From this reading Two months had passed away and Mr. Gray and William had not returned, though Mrs. Gray had heard from them occasionally.

marked by continuous or uninterrupted extension in space or time or sequence

From this reading “It was a bright afternoon in September, and Mary had taken her knitting-work and was sitting beside her mother’s arm-chair at the door of their cottage; but she could not work, for her eyes were continually wandering off in the direction of the Seekonk road; and, at every waving of the trees, or the least unusual sound, she would start from her seat, and say, ‘They are coming!’ and then run to make some addition, or alteration, to the furniture of a small round table, white as snow which was spread with bowls and spoons, brown bread and baked apples, and a pan of new milk; and then, returning to the door, she would expect to find them near; but when she looked in every direction, she saw only the few quiet looking houses of the Plantation—the wide and almost unbroken forest, and the broad road before her—but no father or brother.

up to a particular time

From this reading She had repeated this act several times, and at each successive one she was more sure that they were coming; until, at last, the continued disappointment was more than she could bear; and, clinging round her mother’s neck, she burst into tears.

not usual or common or ordinary

From this reading “It was a bright afternoon in September, and Mary had taken her knitting-work and was sitting beside her mother’s arm-chair at the door of their cottage; but she could not work, for her eyes were continually wandering off in the direction of the Seekonk road; and, at every waving of the trees, or the least unusual sound, she would start from her seat, and say, ‘They are coming!’ and then run to make some addition, or alteration, to the furniture of a small round table, white as snow which was spread with bowls and spoons, brown bread and baked apples, and a pan of new milk; and then, returning to the door, she would expect to find them near; but when she looked in every direction, she saw only the few quiet looking houses of the Plantation—the wide and almost unbroken forest, and the broad road before her—but no father or brother.

migratory

From this reading “It was a bright afternoon in September, and Mary had taken her knitting-work and was sitting beside her mother’s arm-chair at the door of their cottage; but she could not work, for her eyes were continually wandering off in the direction of the Seekonk road; and, at every waving of the trees, or the least unusual sound, she would start from her seat, and say, ‘They are coming!’ and then run to make some addition, or alteration, to the furniture of a small round table, white as snow which was spread with bowls and spoons, brown bread and baked apples, and a pan of new milk; and then, returning to the door, she would expect to find them near; but when she looked in every direction, she saw only the few quiet looking houses of the Plantation—the wide and almost unbroken forest, and the broad road before her—but no father or brother.

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

From this reading “It was a bright afternoon in September, and Mary had taken her knitting-work and was sitting beside her mother’s arm-chair at the door of their cottage; but she could not work, for her eyes were continually wandering off in the direction of the Seekonk road; and, at every waving of the trees, or the least unusual sound, she would start from her seat, and say, ‘They are coming!’ and then run to make some addition, or alteration, to the furniture of a small round table, white as snow which was spread with bowls and spoons, brown bread and baked apples, and a pan of new milk; and then, returning to the door, she would expect to find them near; but when she looked in every direction, she saw only the few quiet looking houses of the Plantation—the wide and almost unbroken forest, and the broad road before her—but no father or brother.

the act of signaling by a movement of the hand

From this reading “It was a bright afternoon in September, and Mary had taken her knitting-work and was sitting beside her mother’s arm-chair at the door of their cottage; but she could not work, for her eyes were continually wandering off in the direction of the Seekonk road; and, at every waving of the trees, or the least unusual sound, she would start from her seat, and say, ‘They are coming!’ and then run to make some addition, or alteration, to the furniture of a small round table, white as snow which was spread with bowls and spoons, brown bread and baked apples, and a pan of new milk; and then, returning to the door, she would expect to find them near; but when she looked in every direction, she saw only the few quiet looking houses of the Plantation—the wide and almost unbroken forest, and the broad road before her—but no father or brother.

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

From this reading “It was a bright afternoon in September, and Mary had taken her knitting-work and was sitting beside her mother’s arm-chair at the door of their cottage; but she could not work, for her eyes were continually wandering off in the direction of the Seekonk road; and, at every waving of the trees, or the least unusual sound, she would start from her seat, and say, ‘They are coming!’ and then run to make some addition, or alteration, to the furniture of a small round table, white as snow which was spread with bowls and spoons, brown bread and baked apples, and a pan of new milk; and then, returning to the door, she would expect to find them near; but when she looked in every direction, she saw only the few quiet looking houses of the Plantation—the wide and almost unbroken forest, and the broad road before her—but no father or brother.

at the time that

From this reading “It was a bright afternoon in September, and Mary had taken her knitting-work and was sitting beside her mother’s arm-chair at the door of their cottage; but she could not work, for her eyes were continually wandering off in the direction of the Seekonk road; and, at every waving of the trees, or the least unusual sound, she would start from her seat, and say, ‘They are coming!’ and then run to make some addition, or alteration, to the furniture of a small round table, white as snow which was spread with bowls and spoons, brown bread and baked apples, and a pan of new milk; and then, returning to the door, she would expect to find them near; but when she looked in every direction, she saw only the few quiet looking houses of the Plantation—the wide and almost unbroken forest, and the broad road before her—but no father or brother.

used to introduce a clause giving more about a thing just mentioned

From this reading “It was a bright afternoon in September, and Mary had taken her knitting-work and was sitting beside her mother’s arm-chair at the door of their cottage; but she could not work, for her eyes were continually wandering off in the direction of the Seekonk road; and, at every waving of the trees, or the least unusual sound, she would start from her seat, and say, ‘They are coming!’ and then run to make some addition, or alteration, to the furniture of a small round table, white as snow which was spread with bowls and spoons, brown bread and baked apples, and a pan of new milk; and then, returning to the door, she would expect to find them near; but when she looked in every direction, she saw only the few quiet looking houses of the Plantation—the wide and almost unbroken forest, and the broad road before her—but no father or brother.

a Caucasian

From this reading “It was a bright afternoon in September, and Mary had taken her knitting-work and was sitting beside her mother’s arm-chair at the door of their cottage; but she could not work, for her eyes were continually wandering off in the direction of the Seekonk road; and, at every waving of the trees, or the least unusual sound, she would start from her seat, and say, ‘They are coming!’ and then run to make some addition, or alteration, to the furniture of a small round table, white as snow which was spread with bowls and spoons, brown bread and baked apples, and a pan of new milk; and then, returning to the door, she would expect to find them near; but when she looked in every direction, she saw only the few quiet looking houses of the Plantation—the wide and almost unbroken forest, and the broad road before her—but no father or brother.

having great (or a certain) extent from one side to the other

From this reading “It was a bright afternoon in September, and Mary had taken her knitting-work and was sitting beside her mother’s arm-chair at the door of their cottage; but she could not work, for her eyes were continually wandering off in the direction of the Seekonk road; and, at every waving of the trees, or the least unusual sound, she would start from her seat, and say, ‘They are coming!’ and then run to make some addition, or alteration, to the furniture of a small round table, white as snow which was spread with bowls and spoons, brown bread and baked apples, and a pan of new milk; and then, returning to the door, she would expect to find them near; but when she looked in every direction, she saw only the few quiet looking houses of the Plantation—the wide and almost unbroken forest, and the broad road before her—but no father or brother.

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

From this reading Two months had passed away and Mr. Gray and William had not returned, though Mrs. Gray had heard from them occasionally.

in the company of; together with

From this reading “It was a bright afternoon in September, and Mary had taken her knitting-work and was sitting beside her mother’s arm-chair at the door of their cottage; but she could not work, for her eyes were continually wandering off in the direction of the Seekonk road; and, at every waving of the trees, or the least unusual sound, she would start from her seat, and say, ‘They are coming!’ and then run to make some addition, or alteration, to the furniture of a small round table, white as snow which was spread with bowls and spoons, brown bread and baked apples, and a pan of new milk; and then, returning to the door, she would expect to find them near; but when she looked in every direction, she saw only the few quiet looking houses of the Plantation—the wide and almost unbroken forest, and the broad road before her—but no father or brother.

a unit of language that native speakers can identify

From this reading “Mr. Gray and William had sent word, by some men belonging to the town, that they should be at home the night before, and they had not come.

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

From this reading “It was a bright afternoon in September, and Mary had taken her knitting-work and was sitting beside her mother’s arm-chair at the door of their cottage; but she could not work, for her eyes were continually wandering off in the direction of the Seekonk road; and, at every waving of the trees, or the least unusual sound, she would start from her seat, and say, ‘They are coming!’ and then run to make some addition, or alteration, to the furniture of a small round table, white as snow which was spread with bowls and spoons, brown bread and baked apples, and a pan of new milk; and then, returning to the door, she would expect to find them near; but when she looked in every direction, she saw only the few quiet looking houses of the Plantation—the wide and almost unbroken forest, and the broad road before her—but no father or brother.

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

From this reading “It was a bright afternoon in September, and Mary had taken her knitting-work and was sitting beside her mother’s arm-chair at the door of their cottage; but she could not work, for her eyes were continually wandering off in the direction of the Seekonk road; and, at every waving of the trees, or the least unusual sound, she would start from her seat, and say, ‘They are coming!’ and then run to make some addition, or alteration, to the furniture of a small round table, white as snow which was spread with bowls and spoons, brown bread and baked apples, and a pan of new milk; and then, returning to the door, she would expect to find them near; but when she looked in every direction, she saw only the few quiet looking houses of the Plantation—the wide and almost unbroken forest, and the broad road before her—but no father or brother.