Chapter XVI · A Gracious Friend Raised Up

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

From this reading It was a warm, sunny winter morning, with an atmosphere which suggested the languor of May rather than the eagerness of early spring, and which was already in these few matutinal hours playing havoc with the snowbanks.

on the subject of; concerning

From this reading But as the mild morning air rendered it unnecessary to seek the comfort of a seat by the stove, Ben preferred to lounge about on the outskirts of the hay-market, exchanging indolent jokes with kindred idlers, and vaguely enjoying the sunshine.

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

From this reading But as the mild morning air rendered it unnecessary to seek the comfort of a seat by the stove, Ben preferred to lounge about on the outskirts of the hay-market, exchanging indolent jokes with kindred idlers, and vaguely enjoying the sunshine.

prior to a specified or implied time

From this reading It was a warm, sunny winter morning, with an atmosphere which suggested the languor of May rather than the eagerness of early spring, and which was already in these few matutinal hours playing havoc with the snowbanks.

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

From this reading It was a warm, sunny winter morning, with an atmosphere which suggested the languor of May rather than the eagerness of early spring, and which was already in these few matutinal hours playing havoc with the snowbanks.

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

From this reading The opportunity which Jessica sought came with unlooked-for promptness--in fact, before she had quite resolved what to ask for, and how best to prefer her request.

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

From this reading The effects of the thaw were unpleasantly visible on the sidewalks, where deep puddles were forming as the drifts melted away, and the back yard was one large expanse of treacherous slush.

make a request or demand for something to somebody

From this reading The opportunity which Jessica sought came with unlooked-for promptness--in fact, before she had quite resolved what to ask for, and how best to prefer her request.

a particular environment or surrounding influence

From this reading It was a warm, sunny winter morning, with an atmosphere which suggested the languor of May rather than the eagerness of early spring, and which was already in these few matutinal hours playing havoc with the snowbanks.

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

From this reading The effects of the thaw were unpleasantly visible on the sidewalks, where deep puddles were forming as the drifts melted away, and the back yard was one large expanse of treacherous slush.

in or to or toward a former location

From this reading The effects of the thaw were unpleasantly visible on the sidewalks, where deep puddles were forming as the drifts melted away, and the back yard was one large expanse of treacherous slush.

earlier than; in front of

From this reading The opportunity which Jessica sought came with unlooked-for promptness--in fact, before she had quite resolved what to ask for, and how best to prefer her request.

a mountain or tall hill

From this reading But as the mild morning air rendered it unnecessary to seek the comfort of a seat by the stove, Ben preferred to lounge about on the outskirts of the hay-market, exchanging indolent jokes with kindred idlers, and vaguely enjoying the sunshine.

the supreme effort one can make

From this reading The opportunity which Jessica sought came with unlooked-for promptness--in fact, before she had quite resolved what to ask for, and how best to prefer her request.

used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before

From this reading But as the mild morning air rendered it unnecessary to seek the comfort of a seat by the stove, Ben preferred to lounge about on the outskirts of the hay-market, exchanging indolent jokes with kindred idlers, and vaguely enjoying the sunshine.

showing who or what does the action

From this reading But as the mild morning air rendered it unnecessary to seek the comfort of a seat by the stove, Ben preferred to lounge about on the outskirts of the hay-market, exchanging indolent jokes with kindred idlers, and vaguely enjoying the sunshine.

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

From this reading The opportunity which Jessica sought came with unlooked-for promptness--in fact, before she had quite resolved what to ask for, and how best to prefer her request.

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

From this reading Jessica had hoped that her father would come, in order that he might cut away the ice and snow in front, and thus drain the walk for passers-by.

a state of being relaxed and feeling no pain

From this reading But as the mild morning air rendered it unnecessary to seek the comfort of a seat by the stove, Ben preferred to lounge about on the outskirts of the hay-market, exchanging indolent jokes with kindred idlers, and vaguely enjoying the sunshine.

separate with or as if with an instrument

From this reading Jessica had hoped that her father would come, in order that he might cut away the ice and snow in front, and thus drain the walk for passers-by.

relatively deep or strong; affecting one deeply

From this reading The effects of the thaw were unpleasantly visible on the sidewalks, where deep puddles were forming as the drifts melted away, and the back yard was one large expanse of treacherous slush.

flow off gradually

From this reading Jessica had hoped that her father would come, in order that he might cut away the ice and snow in front, and thus drain the walk for passers-by.

plural of “drift” — a force that moves something along

From this reading The effects of the thaw were unpleasantly visible on the sidewalks, where deep puddles were forming as the drifts melted away, and the back yard was one large expanse of treacherous slush.

a positive feeling of wanting to push ahead with something

From this reading It was a warm, sunny winter morning, with an atmosphere which suggested the languor of May rather than the eagerness of early spring, and which was already in these few matutinal hours playing havoc with the snowbanks.

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

From this reading It was a warm, sunny winter morning, with an atmosphere which suggested the languor of May rather than the eagerness of early spring, and which was already in these few matutinal hours playing havoc with the snowbanks.

property of a personal character that is portable but not used in business

From this reading The effects of the thaw were unpleasantly visible on the sidewalks, where deep puddles were forming as the drifts melted away, and the back yard was one large expanse of treacherous slush.

-ing form of “enjoy” — derive or receive pleasure from; get enjoyment from; take pleasure in

From this reading But as the mild morning air rendered it unnecessary to seek the comfort of a seat by the stove, Ben preferred to lounge about on the outskirts of the hay-market, exchanging indolent jokes with kindred idlers, and vaguely enjoying the sunshine.

-ing form of “exchange” — give to, and receive from, one another

From this reading But as the mild morning air rendered it unnecessary to seek the comfort of a seat by the stove, Ben preferred to lounge about on the outskirts of the hay-market, exchanging indolent jokes with kindred idlers, and vaguely enjoying the sunshine.

a wide scope

From this reading The effects of the thaw were unpleasantly visible on the sidewalks, where deep puddles were forming as the drifts melted away, and the back yard was one large expanse of treacherous slush.

a piece of information about circumstances that exist or events that have occurred

From this reading The opportunity which Jessica sought came with unlooked-for promptness--in fact, before she had quite resolved what to ask for, and how best to prefer her request.

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

From this reading Jessica had hoped that her father would come, in order that he might cut away the ice and snow in front, and thus drain the walk for passers-by.

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 warm, sunny winter morning, with an atmosphere which suggested the languor of May rather than the eagerness of early spring, and which was already in these few matutinal hours playing havoc with the snowbanks.

intended to be given to, or used by, somebody

From this reading The opportunity which Jessica sought came with unlooked-for promptness--in fact, before she had quite resolved what to ask for, and how best to prefer her request.

-ing form of “form” — create (as an entity)

From this reading The effects of the thaw were unpleasantly visible on the sidewalks, where deep puddles were forming as the drifts melted away, and the back yard was one large expanse of treacherous slush.

the side that is forward or prominent

From this reading Jessica had hoped that her father would come, in order that he might cut away the ice and snow in front, and thus drain the walk for passers-by.

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

From this reading The opportunity which Jessica sought came with unlooked-for promptness--in fact, before she had quite resolved what to ask for, and how best to prefer her request.

violent and needless disturbance

From this reading It was a warm, sunny winter morning, with an atmosphere which suggested the languor of May rather than the eagerness of early spring, and which was already in these few matutinal hours playing havoc with the snowbanks.

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

From this reading But as the mild morning air rendered it unnecessary to seek the comfort of a seat by the stove, Ben preferred to lounge about on the outskirts of the hay-market, exchanging indolent jokes with kindred idlers, and vaguely enjoying the sunshine.

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

From this reading Jessica had hoped that her father would come, in order that he might cut away the ice and snow in front, and thus drain the walk for passers-by.

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

From this reading The opportunity which Jessica sought came with unlooked-for promptness--in fact, before she had quite resolved what to ask for, and how best to prefer her request.

past form of “hope” — expect and wish

From this reading Jessica had hoped that her father would come, in order that he might cut away the ice and snow in front, and thus drain the walk for passers-by.

a period of time assigned for work

From this reading It was a warm, sunny winter morning, with an atmosphere which suggested the languor of May rather than the eagerness of early spring, and which was already in these few matutinal hours playing havoc with the snowbanks.

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

From this reading The opportunity which Jessica sought came with unlooked-for promptness--in fact, before she had quite resolved what to ask for, and how best to prefer her request.

water frozen in the solid state

From this reading Jessica had hoped that her father would come, in order that he might cut away the ice and snow in front, and thus drain the walk for passers-by.

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

From this reading But as the mild morning air rendered it unnecessary to seek the comfort of a seat by the stove, Ben preferred to lounge about on the outskirts of the hay-market, exchanging indolent jokes with kindred idlers, and vaguely enjoying the sunshine.

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

From this reading The opportunity which Jessica sought came with unlooked-for promptness--in fact, before she had quite resolved what to ask for, and how best to prefer her request.

disinclined to work or exertion

From this reading But as the mild morning air rendered it unnecessary to seek the comfort of a seat by the stove, Ben preferred to lounge about on the outskirts of the hay-market, exchanging indolent jokes with kindred idlers, and vaguely enjoying the sunshine.

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading It was a warm, sunny winter morning, with an atmosphere which suggested the languor of May rather than the eagerness of early spring, and which was already in these few matutinal hours playing havoc with the snowbanks.

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

From this reading The opportunity which Jessica sought came with unlooked-for promptness--in fact, before she had quite resolved what to ask for, and how best to prefer her request.

plural of “joke” — a humorous anecdote or remark intended to provoke laughter

From this reading But as the mild morning air rendered it unnecessary to seek the comfort of a seat by the stove, Ben preferred to lounge about on the outskirts of the hay-market, exchanging indolent jokes with kindred idlers, and vaguely enjoying the sunshine.

similar in quality or character

From this reading But as the mild morning air rendered it unnecessary to seek the comfort of a seat by the stove, Ben preferred to lounge about on the outskirts of the hay-market, exchanging indolent jokes with kindred idlers, and vaguely enjoying the sunshine.

a relaxed comfortable feeling

From this reading It was a warm, sunny winter morning, with an atmosphere which suggested the languor of May rather than the eagerness of early spring, and which was already in these few matutinal hours playing havoc with the snowbanks.

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

From this reading The effects of the thaw were unpleasantly visible on the sidewalks, where deep puddles were forming as the drifts melted away, and the back yard was one large expanse of treacherous slush.

sit or recline comfortably

From this reading But as the mild morning air rendered it unnecessary to seek the comfort of a seat by the stove, Ben preferred to lounge about on the outskirts of the hay-market, exchanging indolent jokes with kindred idlers, and vaguely enjoying the sunshine.

pertaining to or occurring in the morning

From this reading It was a warm, sunny winter morning, with an atmosphere which suggested the languor of May rather than the eagerness of early spring, and which was already in these few matutinal hours playing havoc with the snowbanks.

used to say something is possible, or to give permission

From this reading It was a warm, sunny winter morning, with an atmosphere which suggested the languor of May rather than the eagerness of early spring, and which was already in these few matutinal hours playing havoc with the snowbanks.

changed from a solid to a liquid state

From this reading The effects of the thaw were unpleasantly visible on the sidewalks, where deep puddles were forming as the drifts melted away, and the back yard was one large expanse of treacherous slush.

used to say something is possible but not certain

From this reading Jessica had hoped that her father would come, in order that he might cut away the ice and snow in front, and thus drain the walk for passers-by.

moderate in type or degree or effect or force; far from extreme

From this reading But as the mild morning air rendered it unnecessary to seek the comfort of a seat by the stove, Ben preferred to lounge about on the outskirts of the hay-market, exchanging indolent jokes with kindred idlers, and vaguely enjoying the sunshine.

the time period between dawn and noon

From this reading It was a warm, sunny winter morning, with an atmosphere which suggested the languor of May rather than the eagerness of early spring, and which was already in these few matutinal hours playing havoc with the snowbanks.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading It was a warm, sunny winter morning, with an atmosphere which suggested the languor of May rather than the eagerness of early spring, and which was already in these few matutinal hours playing havoc with the snowbanks.

touching and supported by a surface

From this reading The effects of the thaw were unpleasantly visible on the sidewalks, where deep puddles were forming as the drifts melted away, and the back yard was one large expanse of treacherous slush.

used to mean any person in general, including the speaker

From this reading The effects of the thaw were unpleasantly visible on the sidewalks, where deep puddles were forming as the drifts melted away, and the back yard was one large expanse of treacherous slush.

a possibility due to a favorable combination of circumstances

From this reading The opportunity which Jessica sought came with unlooked-for promptness--in fact, before she had quite resolved what to ask for, and how best to prefer her request.

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

From this reading Jessica had hoped that her father would come, in order that he might cut away the ice and snow in front, and thus drain the walk for passers-by.

outlying areas (as of a city or town)

From this reading But as the mild morning air rendered it unnecessary to seek the comfort of a seat by the stove, Ben preferred to lounge about on the outskirts of the hay-market, exchanging indolent jokes with kindred idlers, and vaguely enjoying the sunshine.

plural of “passer-by” — a person who passes by casually or by chance

From this reading Jessica had hoped that her father would come, in order that he might cut away the ice and snow in front, and thus drain the walk for passers-by.

the act of playing a musical instrument

From this reading It was a warm, sunny winter morning, with an atmosphere which suggested the languor of May rather than the eagerness of early spring, and which was already in these few matutinal hours playing havoc with the snowbanks.

like better; value more highly

From this reading The opportunity which Jessica sought came with unlooked-for promptness--in fact, before she had quite resolved what to ask for, and how best to prefer her request.

more desirable than another

From this reading But as the mild morning air rendered it unnecessary to seek the comfort of a seat by the stove, Ben preferred to lounge about on the outskirts of the hay-market, exchanging indolent jokes with kindred idlers, and vaguely enjoying the sunshine.

the characteristic of doing things without delay

From this reading The opportunity which Jessica sought came with unlooked-for promptness--in fact, before she had quite resolved what to ask for, and how best to prefer her request.

plural of “puddle” — a mixture of wet clay and sand that can be used to line a pond and that is impervious to water when dry

From this reading The effects of the thaw were unpleasantly visible on the sidewalks, where deep puddles were forming as the drifts melted away, and the back yard was one large expanse of treacherous slush.

to a degree (not used with a negative)

From this reading The opportunity which Jessica sought came with unlooked-for promptness--in fact, before she had quite resolved what to ask for, and how best to prefer her request.

on the contrary

From this reading It was a warm, sunny winter morning, with an atmosphere which suggested the languor of May rather than the eagerness of early spring, and which was already in these few matutinal hours playing havoc with the snowbanks.

past form of “render” — cause to become

From this reading But as the mild morning air rendered it unnecessary to seek the comfort of a seat by the stove, Ben preferred to lounge about on the outskirts of the hay-market, exchanging indolent jokes with kindred idlers, and vaguely enjoying the sunshine.

express the need or desire for

From this reading The opportunity which Jessica sought came with unlooked-for promptness--in fact, before she had quite resolved what to ask for, and how best to prefer her request.

determined

From this reading The opportunity which Jessica sought came with unlooked-for promptness--in fact, before she had quite resolved what to ask for, and how best to prefer her request.

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

From this reading But as the mild morning air rendered it unnecessary to seek the comfort of a seat by the stove, Ben preferred to lounge about on the outskirts of the hay-market, exchanging indolent jokes with kindred idlers, and vaguely enjoying the sunshine.

try to get or reach

From this reading But as the mild morning air rendered it unnecessary to seek the comfort of a seat by the stove, Ben preferred to lounge about on the outskirts of the hay-market, exchanging indolent jokes with kindred idlers, and vaguely enjoying the sunshine.

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

From this reading The opportunity which Jessica sought came with unlooked-for promptness--in fact, before she had quite resolved what to ask for, and how best to prefer her request.

plural of “sidewalk” — walk consisting of a paved area for pedestrians; usually beside a street or roadway

From this reading The effects of the thaw were unpleasantly visible on the sidewalks, where deep puddles were forming as the drifts melted away, and the back yard was one large expanse of treacherous slush.

make a splashing sound

From this reading The effects of the thaw were unpleasantly visible on the sidewalks, where deep puddles were forming as the drifts melted away, and the back yard was one large expanse of treacherous slush.

precipitation falling from clouds in the form of ice crystals

From this reading Jessica had hoped that her father would come, in order that he might cut away the ice and snow in front, and thus drain the walk for passers-by.

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

From this reading It was a warm, sunny winter morning, with an atmosphere which suggested the languor of May rather than the eagerness of early spring, and which was already in these few matutinal hours playing havoc with the snowbanks.

that is looked for

From this reading The opportunity which Jessica sought came with unlooked-for promptness--in fact, before she had quite resolved what to ask for, and how best to prefer her request.

the season of growth

From this reading It was a warm, sunny winter morning, with an atmosphere which suggested the languor of May rather than the eagerness of early spring, and which was already in these few matutinal hours playing havoc with the snowbanks.

a kitchen appliance used for cooking food

From this reading But as the mild morning air rendered it unnecessary to seek the comfort of a seat by the stove, Ben preferred to lounge about on the outskirts of the hay-market, exchanging indolent jokes with kindred idlers, and vaguely enjoying the sunshine.

past form of “suggest” — make a proposal, declare a plan for something

From this reading It was a warm, sunny winter morning, with an atmosphere which suggested the languor of May rather than the eagerness of early spring, and which was already in these few matutinal hours playing havoc with the snowbanks.

bright and pleasant; promoting a feeling of cheer

From this reading It was a warm, sunny winter morning, with an atmosphere which suggested the languor of May rather than the eagerness of early spring, and which was already in these few matutinal hours playing havoc with the snowbanks.

the rays of the sun

From this reading But as the mild morning air rendered it unnecessary to seek the comfort of a seat by the stove, Ben preferred to lounge about on the outskirts of the hay-market, exchanging indolent jokes with kindred idlers, and vaguely enjoying the sunshine.

used to introduce the second part of a comparison

From this reading It was a warm, sunny winter morning, with an atmosphere which suggested the languor of May rather than the eagerness of early spring, and which was already in these few matutinal hours playing havoc with the snowbanks.

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading Jessica had hoped that her father would come, in order that he might cut away the ice and snow in front, and thus drain the walk for passers-by.

the process whereby heat changes something from a solid to a liquid

From this reading The effects of the thaw were unpleasantly visible on the sidewalks, where deep puddles were forming as the drifts melted away, and the back yard was one large expanse of treacherous slush.

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

From this reading The opportunity which Jessica sought came with unlooked-for promptness--in fact, before she had quite resolved what to ask for, and how best to prefer her request.

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

From this reading It was a warm, sunny winter morning, with an atmosphere which suggested the languor of May rather than the eagerness of early spring, and which was already in these few matutinal hours playing havoc with the snowbanks.

(used to introduce a logical conclusion) from that fact or reason or as a result

From this reading Jessica had hoped that her father would come, in order that he might cut away the ice and snow in front, and thus drain the walk for passers-by.

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

From this reading The opportunity which Jessica sought came with unlooked-for promptness--in fact, before she had quite resolved what to ask for, and how best to prefer her request.

dangerously unstable and unpredictable

From this reading The effects of the thaw were unpleasantly visible on the sidewalks, where deep puddles were forming as the drifts melted away, and the back yard was one large expanse of treacherous slush.

not anticipated

From this reading The opportunity which Jessica sought came with unlooked-for promptness--in fact, before she had quite resolved what to ask for, and how best to prefer her request.

not necessary

From this reading But as the mild morning air rendered it unnecessary to seek the comfort of a seat by the stove, Ben preferred to lounge about on the outskirts of the hay-market, exchanging indolent jokes with kindred idlers, and vaguely enjoying the sunshine.

in an unpleasant manner

From this reading The effects of the thaw were unpleasantly visible on the sidewalks, where deep puddles were forming as the drifts melted away, and the back yard was one large expanse of treacherous slush.

in a vague way

From this reading But as the mild morning air rendered it unnecessary to seek the comfort of a seat by the stove, Ben preferred to lounge about on the outskirts of the hay-market, exchanging indolent jokes with kindred idlers, and vaguely enjoying the sunshine.

capable of being seen; or open to easy view

From this reading The effects of the thaw were unpleasantly visible on the sidewalks, where deep puddles were forming as the drifts melted away, and the back yard was one large expanse of treacherous slush.

the act of traveling by foot

From this reading Jessica had hoped that her father would come, in order that he might cut away the ice and snow in front, and thus drain the walk for passers-by.

having or producing a comfortable and agreeable degree of heat or imparting or maintaining heat

From this reading It was a warm, sunny winter morning, with an atmosphere which suggested the languor of May rather than the eagerness of early spring, and which was already in these few matutinal hours playing havoc with the snowbanks.

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

From this reading It was a warm, sunny winter morning, with an atmosphere which suggested the languor of May rather than the eagerness of early spring, and which was already in these few matutinal hours playing havoc with the snowbanks.

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

From this reading The effects of the thaw were unpleasantly visible on the sidewalks, where deep puddles were forming as the drifts melted away, and the back yard was one large expanse of treacherous slush.

used to ask for information about something

From this reading The opportunity which Jessica sought came with unlooked-for promptness--in fact, before she had quite resolved what to ask for, and how best to prefer her request.

in or at the place that

From this reading The effects of the thaw were unpleasantly visible on the sidewalks, where deep puddles were forming as the drifts melted away, and the back yard was one large expanse of treacherous slush.

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

From this reading The opportunity which Jessica sought came with unlooked-for promptness--in fact, before she had quite resolved what to ask for, and how best to prefer her request.

the coldest season of the year; in the northern hemisphere it extends from the winter solstice to the vernal equinox

From this reading It was a warm, sunny winter morning, with an atmosphere which suggested the languor of May rather than the eagerness of early spring, and which was already in these few matutinal hours playing havoc with the snowbanks.

in the company of; together with

From this reading The opportunity which Jessica sought came with unlooked-for promptness--in fact, before she had quite resolved what to ask for, and how best to prefer her request.

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

From this reading Jessica had hoped that her father would come, in order that he might cut away the ice and snow in front, and thus drain the walk for passers-by.

a unit of length equal to 3 feet; defined as 91.44 centimeters; originally taken to be the average length of a stride

From this reading The effects of the thaw were unpleasantly visible on the sidewalks, where deep puddles were forming as the drifts melted away, and the back yard was one large expanse of treacherous slush.