Chapter XXVIII · Chapter 28

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

From this reading After a time, it might be in a week or two, or it might be in a year, the funeral sermon would be preached in the church, and they would go to hear that.

higher than, or over, something

From this reading It is customary among the negroes to keep the remains of their friends a very short time after death, but Aunt Patsy had lived so long upon this earth that it was generally conceded that her spirit would not object to her body remaining above ground until all necessary arrangements should be completed, and until all people who had known or heard of her had had an opportunity of taking a last look at her.

(followed by “to”) in agreement with or accordant with

From this reading Aunt Patsy never finished her crazy quilt, several pieces being wanted to one corner of it; but in the few days preceding her burial two old women of the congregation, with trembling hands and uncertain eyes, sewed in these pieces, and finished the quilt, in which the body of the venerable sister was wrapped, according to her well-known wish and desire.

later than; following

From this reading After a time, it might be in a week or two, or it might be in a year, the funeral sermon would be preached in the church, and they would go to hear that.

(quantifier) used with either mass or count nouns to indicate the whole number or amount of or every one of a class

From this reading It is customary among the negroes to keep the remains of their friends a very short time after death, but Aunt Patsy had lived so long upon this earth that it was generally conceded that her spirit would not object to her body remaining above ground until all necessary arrangements should be completed, and until all people who had known or heard of her had had an opportunity of taking a last look at her.

surrounded by; in the middle of a group

From this reading It is customary among the negroes to keep the remains of their friends a very short time after death, but Aunt Patsy had lived so long upon this earth that it was generally conceded that her spirit would not object to her body remaining above ground until all necessary arrangements should be completed, and until all people who had known or heard of her had had an opportunity of taking a last look at her.

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

From this reading It is customary among the negroes to keep the remains of their friends a very short time after death, but Aunt Patsy had lived so long upon this earth that it was generally conceded that her spirit would not object to her body remaining above ground until all necessary arrangements should be completed, and until all people who had known or heard of her had had an opportunity of taking a last look at her.

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

From this reading Mrs Keswick and Annie attended the ceremonies in the cabin, but they did not go to the burial.

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

From this reading Mrs Keswick and Annie attended the ceremonies in the cabin, but they did not go to the burial.

plural of “arrangement” — the thing arranged or agreed to

From this reading It is customary among the negroes to keep the remains of their friends a very short time after death, but Aunt Patsy had lived so long upon this earth that it was generally conceded that her spirit would not object to her body remaining above ground until all necessary arrangements should be completed, and until all people who had known or heard of her had had an opportunity of taking a last look at her.

in or near a particular place or position

From this reading It is customary among the negroes to keep the remains of their friends a very short time after death, but Aunt Patsy had lived so long upon this earth that it was generally conceded that her spirit would not object to her body remaining above ground until all necessary arrangements should be completed, and until all people who had known or heard of her had had an opportunity of taking a last look at her.

playing or singing with instrumental or vocal accompaniment

From this reading Mrs Keswick and Annie attended the ceremonies in the cabin, but they did not go to the burial.

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

From this reading On the next day, old Aunt Patsy was buried.

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

From this reading After a time, it might be in a week or two, or it might be in a year, the funeral sermon would be preached in the church, and they would go to hear that.

the -ing form of “be”

From this reading Aunt Patsy never finished her crazy quilt, several pieces being wanted to one corner of it; but in the few days preceding her burial two old women of the congregation, with trembling hands and uncertain eyes, sewed in these pieces, and finished the quilt, in which the body of the venerable sister was wrapped, according to her well-known wish and desire.

the entire physical structure of an organism (an animal, plant, or human being)

From this reading Aunt Patsy never finished her crazy quilt, several pieces being wanted to one corner of it; but in the few days preceding her burial two old women of the congregation, with trembling hands and uncertain eyes, sewed in these pieces, and finished the quilt, in which the body of the venerable sister was wrapped, according to her well-known wish and desire.

the ritual placing of a corpse in a grave

From this reading Mrs Keswick and Annie attended the ceremonies in the cabin, but they did not go to the burial.

placed in a grave

From this reading On the next day, old Aunt Patsy was buried.

used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before

From this reading Mrs Keswick and Annie attended the ceremonies in the cabin, but they did not go to the burial.

small room on a ship or boat where people sleep

From this reading Mrs Keswick and Annie attended the ceremonies in the cabin, but they did not go to the burial.

plural of “ceremony” — a formal event performed on a special occasion

From this reading Mrs Keswick and Annie attended the ceremonies in the cabin, but they did not go to the burial.

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

From this reading After a time, it might be in a week or two, or it might be in a year, the funeral sermon would be preached in the church, and they would go to hear that.

successfully completed or brought to an end

From this reading It is customary among the negroes to keep the remains of their friends a very short time after death, but Aunt Patsy had lived so long upon this earth that it was generally conceded that her spirit would not object to her body remaining above ground until all necessary arrangements should be completed, and until all people who had known or heard of her had had an opportunity of taking a last look at her.

past form of “concede” — admit (to a wrongdoing)

From this reading It is customary among the negroes to keep the remains of their friends a very short time after death, but Aunt Patsy had lived so long upon this earth that it was generally conceded that her spirit would not object to her body remaining above ground until all necessary arrangements should be completed, and until all people who had known or heard of her had had an opportunity of taking a last look at her.

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

From this reading Aunt Patsy never finished her crazy quilt, several pieces being wanted to one corner of it; but in the few days preceding her burial two old women of the congregation, with trembling hands and uncertain eyes, sewed in these pieces, and finished the quilt, in which the body of the venerable sister was wrapped, according to her well-known wish and desire.

a place off to the side of an area

From this reading Aunt Patsy never finished her crazy quilt, several pieces being wanted to one corner of it; but in the few days preceding her burial two old women of the congregation, with trembling hands and uncertain eyes, sewed in these pieces, and finished the quilt, in which the body of the venerable sister was wrapped, according to her well-known wish and desire.

affected with madness or insanity

From this reading Aunt Patsy never finished her crazy quilt, several pieces being wanted to one corner of it; but in the few days preceding her burial two old women of the congregation, with trembling hands and uncertain eyes, sewed in these pieces, and finished the quilt, in which the body of the venerable sister was wrapped, according to her well-known wish and desire.

in accordance with convention or custom

From this reading It is customary among the negroes to keep the remains of their friends a very short time after death, but Aunt Patsy had lived so long upon this earth that it was generally conceded that her spirit would not object to her body remaining above ground until all necessary arrangements should be completed, and until all people who had known or heard of her had had an opportunity of taking a last look at her.

time for Earth to make a complete rotation on its axis

From this reading On the next day, old Aunt Patsy was buried.

the time during which someone's life continues

From this reading Aunt Patsy never finished her crazy quilt, several pieces being wanted to one corner of it; but in the few days preceding her burial two old women of the congregation, with trembling hands and uncertain eyes, sewed in these pieces, and finished the quilt, in which the body of the venerable sister was wrapped, according to her well-known wish and desire.

the event of dying or departure from life

From this reading It is customary among the negroes to keep the remains of their friends a very short time after death, but Aunt Patsy had lived so long upon this earth that it was generally conceded that her spirit would not object to her body remaining above ground until all necessary arrangements should be completed, and until all people who had known or heard of her had had an opportunity of taking a last look at her.

the feeling that accompanies an unsatisfied state

From this reading Aunt Patsy never finished her crazy quilt, several pieces being wanted to one corner of it; but in the few days preceding her burial two old women of the congregation, with trembling hands and uncertain eyes, sewed in these pieces, and finished the quilt, in which the body of the venerable sister was wrapped, according to her well-known wish and desire.

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

From this reading Mrs Keswick and Annie attended the ceremonies in the cabin, but they did not go to the burial.

the 3rd planet from the sun; the planet we live on

From this reading It is customary among the negroes to keep the remains of their friends a very short time after death, but Aunt Patsy had lived so long upon this earth that it was generally conceded that her spirit would not object to her body remaining above ground until all necessary arrangements should be completed, and until all people who had known or heard of her had had an opportunity of taking a last look at her.

opinion or judgment

From this reading Aunt Patsy never finished her crazy quilt, several pieces being wanted to one corner of it; but in the few days preceding her burial two old women of the congregation, with trembling hands and uncertain eyes, sewed in these pieces, and finished the quilt, in which the body of the venerable sister was wrapped, according to her well-known wish and desire.

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

From this reading Aunt Patsy never finished her crazy quilt, several pieces being wanted to one corner of it; but in the few days preceding her burial two old women of the congregation, with trembling hands and uncertain eyes, sewed in these pieces, and finished the quilt, in which the body of the venerable sister was wrapped, according to her well-known wish and desire.

(of materials or goods) brought to the desired final state

From this reading Aunt Patsy never finished her crazy quilt, several pieces being wanted to one corner of it; but in the few days preceding her burial two old women of the congregation, with trembling hands and uncertain eyes, sewed in these pieces, and finished the quilt, in which the body of the venerable sister was wrapped, according to her well-known wish and desire.

plural of “friend” — a person you know well and regard with affection and trust

From this reading It is customary among the negroes to keep the remains of their friends a very short time after death, but Aunt Patsy had lived so long upon this earth that it was generally conceded that her spirit would not object to her body remaining above ground until all necessary arrangements should be completed, and until all people who had known or heard of her had had an opportunity of taking a last look at her.

a ceremony at which a dead person is buried or cremated

From this reading After a time, it might be in a week or two, or it might be in a year, the funeral sermon would be preached in the church, and they would go to hear that.

usually; as a rule

From this reading It is customary among the negroes to keep the remains of their friends a very short time after death, but Aunt Patsy had lived so long upon this earth that it was generally conceded that her spirit would not object to her body remaining above ground until all necessary arrangements should be completed, and until all people who had known or heard of her had had an opportunity of taking a last look at her.

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

From this reading Mrs Keswick and Annie attended the ceremonies in the cabin, but they did not go to the burial.

the solid part of the earth's surface

From this reading It is customary among the negroes to keep the remains of their friends a very short time after death, but Aunt Patsy had lived so long upon this earth that it was generally conceded that her spirit would not object to her body remaining above ground until all necessary arrangements should be completed, and until all people who had known or heard of her had had an opportunity of taking a last look at her.

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

From this reading It is customary among the negroes to keep the remains of their friends a very short time after death, but Aunt Patsy had lived so long upon this earth that it was generally conceded that her spirit would not object to her body remaining above ground until all necessary arrangements should be completed, and until all people who had known or heard of her had had an opportunity of taking a last look at her.

(with “in”) guardianship over; in divorce cases it is the right to house and care for and discipline a child

From this reading Aunt Patsy never finished her crazy quilt, several pieces being wanted to one corner of it; but in the few days preceding her burial two old women of the congregation, with trembling hands and uncertain eyes, sewed in these pieces, and finished the quilt, in which the body of the venerable sister was wrapped, according to her well-known wish and desire.

perceive (sound) via the auditory sense

From this reading After a time, it might be in a week or two, or it might be in a year, the funeral sermon would be preached in the church, and they would go to hear that.

detected or perceived by the sense of hearing

From this reading It is customary among the negroes to keep the remains of their friends a very short time after death, but Aunt Patsy had lived so long upon this earth that it was generally conceded that her spirit would not object to her body remaining above ground until all necessary arrangements should be completed, and until all people who had known or heard of her had had an opportunity of taking a last look at her.

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

From this reading Aunt Patsy never finished her crazy quilt, several pieces being wanted to one corner of it; but in the few days preceding her burial two old women of the congregation, with trembling hands and uncertain eyes, sewed in these pieces, and finished the quilt, in which the body of the venerable sister was wrapped, according to her well-known wish and desire.

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

From this reading Mrs Keswick and Annie attended the ceremonies in the cabin, but they did not go to the burial.

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

From this reading It is customary among the negroes to keep the remains of their friends a very short time after death, but Aunt Patsy had lived so long upon this earth that it was generally conceded that her spirit would not object to her body remaining above ground until all necessary arrangements should be completed, and until all people who had known or heard of her had had an opportunity of taking a last look at her.

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading After a time, it might be in a week or two, or it might be in a year, the funeral sermon would be preached in the church, and they would go to hear that.

cause to continue in a certain state, position, or activity; e.g., “keep clean”

From this reading It is customary among the negroes to keep the remains of their friends a very short time after death, but Aunt Patsy had lived so long upon this earth that it was generally conceded that her spirit would not object to her body remaining above ground until all necessary arrangements should be completed, and until all people who had known or heard of her had had an opportunity of taking a last look at her.

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

From this reading Mrs Keswick and Annie attended the ceremonies in the cabin, but they did not go to the burial.

apprehended with certainty

From this reading It is customary among the negroes to keep the remains of their friends a very short time after death, but Aunt Patsy had lived so long upon this earth that it was generally conceded that her spirit would not object to her body remaining above ground until all necessary arrangements should be completed, and until all people who had known or heard of her had had an opportunity of taking a last look at her.

immediately past

From this reading It is customary among the negroes to keep the remains of their friends a very short time after death, but Aunt Patsy had lived so long upon this earth that it was generally conceded that her spirit would not object to her body remaining above ground until all necessary arrangements should be completed, and until all people who had known or heard of her had had an opportunity of taking a last look at her.

past form of “live” — be an inhabitant of or reside in

From this reading It is customary among the negroes to keep the remains of their friends a very short time after death, but Aunt Patsy had lived so long upon this earth that it was generally conceded that her spirit would not object to her body remaining above ground until all necessary arrangements should be completed, and until all people who had known or heard of her had had an opportunity of taking a last look at her.

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

From this reading It is customary among the negroes to keep the remains of their friends a very short time after death, but Aunt Patsy had lived so long upon this earth that it was generally conceded that her spirit would not object to her body remaining above ground until all necessary arrangements should be completed, and until all people who had known or heard of her had had an opportunity of taking a last look at her.

perceive with attention; direct one's gaze towards

From this reading It is customary among the negroes to keep the remains of their friends a very short time after death, but Aunt Patsy had lived so long upon this earth that it was generally conceded that her spirit would not object to her body remaining above ground until all necessary arrangements should be completed, and until all people who had known or heard of her had had an opportunity of taking a last look at her.

used to say something is possible but not certain

From this reading After a time, it might be in a week or two, or it might be in a year, the funeral sermon would be preached in the church, and they would go to hear that.

a form of address for a married woman

From this reading Mrs Keswick and Annie attended the ceremonies in the cabin, but they did not go to the burial.

absolutely essential

From this reading It is customary among the negroes to keep the remains of their friends a very short time after death, but Aunt Patsy had lived so long upon this earth that it was generally conceded that her spirit would not object to her body remaining above ground until all necessary arrangements should be completed, and until all people who had known or heard of her had had an opportunity of taking a last look at her.

plural of “negro” — a person with African ancestry, "Negro" and "Negroid" are archaic and pejorative today

From this reading It is customary among the negroes to keep the remains of their friends a very short time after death, but Aunt Patsy had lived so long upon this earth that it was generally conceded that her spirit would not object to her body remaining above ground until all necessary arrangements should be completed, and until all people who had known or heard of her had had an opportunity of taking a last look at her.

not ever; at no time in the past or future

From this reading Aunt Patsy never finished her crazy quilt, several pieces being wanted to one corner of it; but in the few days preceding her burial two old women of the congregation, with trembling hands and uncertain eyes, sewed in these pieces, and finished the quilt, in which the body of the venerable sister was wrapped, according to her well-known wish and desire.

immediately following in time or order

From this reading On the next day, old Aunt Patsy was buried.

used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative

From this reading Mrs Keswick and Annie attended the ceremonies in the cabin, but they did not go to the burial.

a tangible and visible entity; an entity that can cast a shadow

From this reading It is customary among the negroes to keep the remains of their friends a very short time after death, but Aunt Patsy had lived so long upon this earth that it was generally conceded that her spirit would not object to her body remaining above ground until all necessary arrangements should be completed, and until all people who had known or heard of her had had an opportunity of taking a last look at her.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading Aunt Patsy never finished her crazy quilt, several pieces being wanted to one corner of it; but in the few days preceding her burial two old women of the congregation, with trembling hands and uncertain eyes, sewed in these pieces, and finished the quilt, in which the body of the venerable sister was wrapped, according to her well-known wish and desire.

(used especially of persons) having lived for a relatively long time or attained a specific age

From this reading On the next day, old Aunt Patsy was buried.

touching and supported by a surface

From this reading On the next day, old Aunt Patsy was buried.

used to mean any person in general, including the speaker

From this reading Aunt Patsy never finished her crazy quilt, several pieces being wanted to one corner of it; but in the few days preceding her burial two old women of the congregation, with trembling hands and uncertain eyes, sewed in these pieces, and finished the quilt, in which the body of the venerable sister was wrapped, according to her well-known wish and desire.

a possibility due to a favorable combination of circumstances

From this reading It is customary among the negroes to keep the remains of their friends a very short time after death, but Aunt Patsy had lived so long upon this earth that it was generally conceded that her spirit would not object to her body remaining above ground until all necessary arrangements should be completed, and until all people who had known or heard of her had had an opportunity of taking a last look at her.

used to join alternatives or possibilities

From this reading After a time, it might be in a week or two, or it might be in a year, the funeral sermon would be preached in the church, and they would go to hear that.

a person who is gullible and easy to take advantage of

From this reading On the next day, old Aunt Patsy was buried.

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

From this reading It is customary among the negroes to keep the remains of their friends a very short time after death, but Aunt Patsy had lived so long upon this earth that it was generally conceded that her spirit would not object to her body remaining above ground until all necessary arrangements should be completed, and until all people who had known or heard of her had had an opportunity of taking a last look at her.

plural of “piece” — a separate part of a whole

From this reading Aunt Patsy never finished her crazy quilt, several pieces being wanted to one corner of it; but in the few days preceding her burial two old women of the congregation, with trembling hands and uncertain eyes, sewed in these pieces, and finished the quilt, in which the body of the venerable sister was wrapped, according to her well-known wish and desire.

past form of “preach” — deliver a sermon

From this reading After a time, it might be in a week or two, or it might be in a year, the funeral sermon would be preached in the church, and they would go to hear that.

existing or coming before

From this reading Aunt Patsy never finished her crazy quilt, several pieces being wanted to one corner of it; but in the few days preceding her burial two old women of the congregation, with trembling hands and uncertain eyes, sewed in these pieces, and finished the quilt, in which the body of the venerable sister was wrapped, according to her well-known wish and desire.

bedding made of two layers of cloth filled with stuffing and stitched together

From this reading Aunt Patsy never finished her crazy quilt, several pieces being wanted to one corner of it; but in the few days preceding her burial two old women of the congregation, with trembling hands and uncertain eyes, sewed in these pieces, and finished the quilt, in which the body of the venerable sister was wrapped, according to her well-known wish and desire.

not used up

From this reading It is customary among the negroes to keep the remains of their friends a very short time after death, but Aunt Patsy had lived so long upon this earth that it was generally conceded that her spirit would not object to her body remaining above ground until all necessary arrangements should be completed, and until all people who had known or heard of her had had an opportunity of taking a last look at her.

any object that is left unused or still extant

From this reading It is customary among the negroes to keep the remains of their friends a very short time after death, but Aunt Patsy had lived so long upon this earth that it was generally conceded that her spirit would not object to her body remaining above ground until all necessary arrangements should be completed, and until all people who had known or heard of her had had an opportunity of taking a last look at her.

an address of a religious nature (usually delivered during a church service)

From this reading After a time, it might be in a week or two, or it might be in a year, the funeral sermon would be preached in the church, and they would go to hear that.

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

From this reading Aunt Patsy never finished her crazy quilt, several pieces being wanted to one corner of it; but in the few days preceding her burial two old women of the congregation, with trembling hands and uncertain eyes, sewed in these pieces, and finished the quilt, in which the body of the venerable sister was wrapped, according to her well-known wish and desire.

fastened with stitches

From this reading Aunt Patsy never finished her crazy quilt, several pieces being wanted to one corner of it; but in the few days preceding her burial two old women of the congregation, with trembling hands and uncertain eyes, sewed in these pieces, and finished the quilt, in which the body of the venerable sister was wrapped, according to her well-known wish and desire.

primarily temporal sense; indicating or being or seeming to be limited in duration

From this reading It is customary among the negroes to keep the remains of their friends a very short time after death, but Aunt Patsy had lived so long upon this earth that it was generally conceded that her spirit would not object to her body remaining above ground until all necessary arrangements should be completed, and until all people who had known or heard of her had had an opportunity of taking a last look at her.

used to say what is right, expected, or advisable

From this reading It is customary among the negroes to keep the remains of their friends a very short time after death, but Aunt Patsy had lived so long upon this earth that it was generally conceded that her spirit would not object to her body remaining above ground until all necessary arrangements should be completed, and until all people who had known or heard of her had had an opportunity of taking a last look at her.

a female person who has the same parents as another person

From this reading Aunt Patsy never finished her crazy quilt, several pieces being wanted to one corner of it; but in the few days preceding her burial two old women of the congregation, with trembling hands and uncertain eyes, sewed in these pieces, and finished the quilt, in which the body of the venerable sister was wrapped, according to her well-known wish and desire.

for that reason; with the result that

From this reading It is customary among the negroes to keep the remains of their friends a very short time after death, but Aunt Patsy had lived so long upon this earth that it was generally conceded that her spirit would not object to her body remaining above ground until all necessary arrangements should be completed, and until all people who had known or heard of her had had an opportunity of taking a last look at her.

the vital principle or animating force within living things

From this reading It is customary among the negroes to keep the remains of their friends a very short time after death, but Aunt Patsy had lived so long upon this earth that it was generally conceded that her spirit would not object to her body remaining above ground until all necessary arrangements should be completed, and until all people who had known or heard of her had had an opportunity of taking a last look at her.

the act of someone who picks up or takes something

From this reading It is customary among the negroes to keep the remains of their friends a very short time after death, but Aunt Patsy had lived so long upon this earth that it was generally conceded that her spirit would not object to her body remaining above ground until all necessary arrangements should be completed, and until all people who had known or heard of her had had an opportunity of taking a last look at her.

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading After a time, it might be in a week or two, or it might be in a year, the funeral sermon would be preached in the church, and they would go to hear that.

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

From this reading On the next day, old Aunt Patsy was buried.

belonging to the people or things already mentioned

From this reading It is customary among the negroes to keep the remains of their friends a very short time after death, but Aunt Patsy had lived so long upon this earth that it was generally conceded that her spirit would not object to her body remaining above ground until all necessary arrangements should be completed, and until all people who had known or heard of her had had an opportunity of taking a last look at her.

the plural of “this”: the people or things near, or just mentioned

From this reading Aunt Patsy never finished her crazy quilt, several pieces being wanted to one corner of it; but in the few days preceding her burial two old women of the congregation, with trembling hands and uncertain eyes, sewed in these pieces, and finished the quilt, in which the body of the venerable sister was wrapped, according to her well-known wish and desire.

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

From this reading Mrs Keswick and Annie attended the ceremonies in the cabin, but they did not go to the burial.

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

From this reading It is customary among the negroes to keep the remains of their friends a very short time after death, but Aunt Patsy had lived so long upon this earth that it was generally conceded that her spirit would not object to her body remaining above ground until all necessary arrangements should be completed, and until all people who had known or heard of her had had an opportunity of taking a last look at her.

an instance or single occasion for some event

From this reading After a time, it might be in a week or two, or it might be in a year, the funeral sermon would be preached in the church, and they would go to hear that.

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

From this reading Mrs Keswick and Annie attended the ceremonies in the cabin, but they did not go to the burial.

a shaky motion

From this reading Aunt Patsy never finished her crazy quilt, several pieces being wanted to one corner of it; but in the few days preceding her burial two old women of the congregation, with trembling hands and uncertain eyes, sewed in these pieces, and finished the quilt, in which the body of the venerable sister was wrapped, according to her well-known wish and desire.

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

From this reading After a time, it might be in a week or two, or it might be in a year, the funeral sermon would be preached in the church, and they would go to hear that.

lacking or indicating lack of confidence or assurance

From this reading Aunt Patsy never finished her crazy quilt, several pieces being wanted to one corner of it; but in the few days preceding her burial two old women of the congregation, with trembling hands and uncertain eyes, sewed in these pieces, and finished the quilt, in which the body of the venerable sister was wrapped, according to her well-known wish and desire.

up to a particular time

From this reading It is customary among the negroes to keep the remains of their friends a very short time after death, but Aunt Patsy had lived so long upon this earth that it was generally conceded that her spirit would not object to her body remaining above ground until all necessary arrangements should be completed, and until all people who had known or heard of her had had an opportunity of taking a last look at her.

a formal word for “on”

From this reading It is customary among the negroes to keep the remains of their friends a very short time after death, but Aunt Patsy had lived so long upon this earth that it was generally conceded that her spirit would not object to her body remaining above ground until all necessary arrangements should be completed, and until all people who had known or heard of her had had an opportunity of taking a last look at her.

impressive by reason of age

From this reading Aunt Patsy never finished her crazy quilt, several pieces being wanted to one corner of it; but in the few days preceding her burial two old women of the congregation, with trembling hands and uncertain eyes, sewed in these pieces, and finished the quilt, in which the body of the venerable sister was wrapped, according to her well-known wish and desire.

precisely as stated

From this reading It is customary among the negroes to keep the remains of their friends a very short time after death, but Aunt Patsy had lived so long upon this earth that it was generally conceded that her spirit would not object to her body remaining above ground until all necessary arrangements should be completed, and until all people who had known or heard of her had had an opportunity of taking a last look at her.

desired or wished for or sought

From this reading Aunt Patsy never finished her crazy quilt, several pieces being wanted to one corner of it; but in the few days preceding her burial two old women of the congregation, with trembling hands and uncertain eyes, sewed in these pieces, and finished the quilt, in which the body of the venerable sister was wrapped, according to her well-known wish and desire.

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

From this reading On the next day, old Aunt Patsy was buried.

any period of seven consecutive days

From this reading After a time, it might be in a week or two, or it might be in a year, the funeral sermon would be preached in the church, and they would go to hear that.

widely or fully known

From this reading Aunt Patsy never finished her crazy quilt, several pieces being wanted to one corner of it; but in the few days preceding her burial two old women of the congregation, with trembling hands and uncertain eyes, sewed in these pieces, and finished the quilt, in which the body of the venerable sister was wrapped, according to her well-known wish and desire.

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

From this reading Aunt Patsy never finished her crazy quilt, several pieces being wanted to one corner of it; but in the few days preceding her burial two old women of the congregation, with trembling hands and uncertain eyes, sewed in these pieces, and finished the quilt, in which the body of the venerable sister was wrapped, according to her well-known wish and desire.

which person or people

From this reading It is customary among the negroes to keep the remains of their friends a very short time after death, but Aunt Patsy had lived so long upon this earth that it was generally conceded that her spirit would not object to her body remaining above ground until all necessary arrangements should be completed, and until all people who had known or heard of her had had an opportunity of taking a last look at her.

hope for; have a wish

From this reading Aunt Patsy never finished her crazy quilt, several pieces being wanted to one corner of it; but in the few days preceding her burial two old women of the congregation, with trembling hands and uncertain eyes, sewed in these pieces, and finished the quilt, in which the body of the venerable sister was wrapped, according to her well-known wish and desire.

in the company of; together with

From this reading Aunt Patsy never finished her crazy quilt, several pieces being wanted to one corner of it; but in the few days preceding her burial two old women of the congregation, with trembling hands and uncertain eyes, sewed in these pieces, and finished the quilt, in which the body of the venerable sister was wrapped, according to her well-known wish and desire.

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

From this reading Aunt Patsy never finished her crazy quilt, several pieces being wanted to one corner of it; but in the few days preceding her burial two old women of the congregation, with trembling hands and uncertain eyes, sewed in these pieces, and finished the quilt, in which the body of the venerable sister was wrapped, according to her well-known wish and desire.

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

From this reading After a time, it might be in a week or two, or it might be in a year, the funeral sermon would be preached in the church, and they would go to hear that.

covered with or as if with clothes or a wrap or cloak

From this reading Aunt Patsy never finished her crazy quilt, several pieces being wanted to one corner of it; but in the few days preceding her burial two old women of the congregation, with trembling hands and uncertain eyes, sewed in these pieces, and finished the quilt, in which the body of the venerable sister was wrapped, according to her well-known wish and desire.

a period of time containing 365 (or 366) days

From this reading After a time, it might be in a week or two, or it might be in a year, the funeral sermon would be preached in the church, and they would go to hear that.