Chapter VII

commonly used or practiced; usual

From this reading The bracken was long ago brown and dead, but the blackberry leaves, though purpled by the frost, still clung with their accustomed obstinacy to the stalks, and provided thick cover for the pheasants.

in the past

From this reading The bracken was long ago brown and dead, but the blackberry leaves, though purpled by the frost, still clung with their accustomed obstinacy to the stalks, and provided thick cover for the pheasants.

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

From this reading THE GREY TERROR Gales and cold rain prevailing, we spent much of our time indoors, while the wind roared through the coppice, and clouds of dead leaves whirled through the air, settling in rustling drifts in every hollow.

(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 The old beech-trees were nearly bare, and, indeed, all the trees except the evergreens, especially those on the west side of the wood, had lost their leaves; only the oaks had foliage still to boast of, and most of this was brown and withered.

surrounded by; in the middle of a group

From this reading On fine days, especially when frost was in the air, we were as frisky as ever, and had magnificent games among the heaps of dead leaves.

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

From this reading THE GREY TERROR Gales and cold rain prevailing, we spent much of our time indoors, while the wind roared through the coppice, and clouds of dead leaves whirled through the air, settling in rustling drifts in every hollow.

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

From this reading But it was only November, and we young ones had as yet no idea of retiring for the winter.

completely unclothed

From this reading The old beech-trees were nearly bare, and, indeed, all the trees except the evergreens, especially those on the west side of the wood, had lost their leaves; only the oaks had foliage still to boast of, and most of this was brown and withered.

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

From this reading The old beech-trees were nearly bare, and, indeed, all the trees except the evergreens, especially those on the west side of the wood, had lost their leaves; only the oaks had foliage still to boast of, and most of this was brown and withered.

large sweet black or very dark purple edible aggregate fruit of any of various bushes of the genus Rubus

From this reading The bracken was long ago brown and dead, but the blackberry leaves, though purpled by the frost, still clung with their accustomed obstinacy to the stalks, and provided thick cover for the pheasants.

show off

From this reading The old beech-trees were nearly bare, and, indeed, all the trees except the evergreens, especially those on the west side of the wood, had lost their leaves; only the oaks had foliage still to boast of, and most of this was brown and withered.

fern of southeastern Asia; not hardy in cold temperate regions

From this reading The bracken was long ago brown and dead, but the blackberry leaves, though purpled by the frost, still clung with their accustomed obstinacy to the stalks, and provided thick cover for the pheasants.

an orange of low brightness and saturation

From this reading The bracken was long ago brown and dead, but the blackberry leaves, though purpled by the frost, still clung with their accustomed obstinacy to the stalks, and provided thick cover for the pheasants.

used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before

From this reading The bracken was long ago brown and dead, but the blackberry leaves, though purpled by the frost, still clung with their accustomed obstinacy to the stalks, and provided thick cover for the pheasants.

showing who or what does the action

From this reading The bracken was long ago brown and dead, but the blackberry leaves, though purpled by the frost, still clung with their accustomed obstinacy to the stalks, and provided thick cover for the pheasants.

plural of “cloud” — any collection of particles (e.g., smoke or dust) or gases that is visible

From this reading THE GREY TERROR Gales and cold rain prevailing, we spent much of our time indoors, while the wind roared through the coppice, and clouds of dead leaves whirled through the air, settling in rustling drifts in every hollow.

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

From this reading The bracken was long ago brown and dead, but the blackberry leaves, though purpled by the frost, still clung with their accustomed obstinacy to the stalks, and provided thick cover for the pheasants.

having a low or inadequate temperature or feeling a sensation of coldness or having been made cold by e.g. ice or refrigeration

From this reading THE GREY TERROR Gales and cold rain prevailing, we spent much of our time indoors, while the wind roared through the coppice, and clouds of dead leaves whirled through the air, settling in rustling drifts in every hollow.

a dense growth of bushes

From this reading THE GREY TERROR Gales and cold rain prevailing, we spent much of our time indoors, while the wind roared through the coppice, and clouds of dead leaves whirled through the air, settling in rustling drifts in every hollow.

provide with a covering or cause to be covered

From this reading The bracken was long ago brown and dead, but the blackberry leaves, though purpled by the frost, still clung with their accustomed obstinacy to the stalks, and provided thick cover for the pheasants.

the time during which someone's life continues

From this reading On fine days, especially when frost was in the air, we were as frisky as ever, and had magnificent games among the heaps of dead leaves.

no longer having or seeming to have or expecting to have life

From this reading THE GREY TERROR Gales and cold rain prevailing, we spent much of our time indoors, while the wind roared through the coppice, and clouds of dead leaves whirled through the air, settling in rustling drifts in every hollow.

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

From this reading THE GREY TERROR Gales and cold rain prevailing, we spent much of our time indoors, while the wind roared through the coppice, and clouds of dead leaves whirled through the air, settling in rustling drifts in every hollow.

to a distinctly greater extent or degree than is common

From this reading The old beech-trees were nearly bare, and, indeed, all the trees except the evergreens, especially those on the west side of the wood, had lost their leaves; only the oaks had foliage still to boast of, and most of this was brown and withered.

at any time

From this reading On fine days, especially when frost was in the air, we were as frisky as ever, and had magnificent games among the heaps of dead leaves.

plural of “evergreen” — a plant having foliage that persists and remains green throughout the year

From this reading The old beech-trees were nearly bare, and, indeed, all the trees except the evergreens, especially those on the west side of the wood, had lost their leaves; only the oaks had foliage still to boast of, and most of this was brown and withered.

all the members of a group, with none left out

From this reading THE GREY TERROR Gales and cold rain prevailing, we spent much of our time indoors, while the wind roared through the coppice, and clouds of dead leaves whirled through the air, settling in rustling drifts in every hollow.

apart from; not including

From this reading The old beech-trees were nearly bare, and, indeed, all the trees except the evergreens, especially those on the west side of the wood, had lost their leaves; only the oaks had foliage still to boast of, and most of this was brown and withered.

being satisfactory or in satisfactory condition

From this reading On fine days, especially when frost was in the air, we were as frisky as ever, and had magnificent games among the heaps of dead leaves.

the main organ of photosynthesis and transpiration in higher plants

From this reading The old beech-trees were nearly bare, and, indeed, all the trees except the evergreens, especially those on the west side of the wood, had lost their leaves; only the oaks had foliage still to boast of, and most of this was brown and withered.

intended to be given to, or used by, somebody

From this reading The bracken was long ago brown and dead, but the blackberry leaves, though purpled by the frost, still clung with their accustomed obstinacy to the stalks, and provided thick cover for the pheasants.

playful like a lively kitten

From this reading On fine days, especially when frost was in the air, we were as frisky as ever, and had magnificent games among the heaps of dead leaves.

ice crystals forming a white deposit (especially on objects outside)

From this reading The bracken was long ago brown and dead, but the blackberry leaves, though purpled by the frost, still clung with their accustomed obstinacy to the stalks, and provided thick cover for the pheasants.

plural of “gale” — a strong wind moving 45-90 knots; force 7 to 10 on Beaufort scale

From this reading THE GREY TERROR Gales and cold rain prevailing, we spent much of our time indoors, while the wind roared through the coppice, and clouds of dead leaves whirled through the air, settling in rustling drifts in every hollow.

plural of “game” — a contest with rules to determine a winner

From this reading On fine days, especially when frost was in the air, we were as frisky as ever, and had magnificent games among the heaps of dead leaves.

of an achromatic color of any lightness intermediate between the extremes of white and black

From this reading THE GREY TERROR Gales and cold rain prevailing, we spent much of our time indoors, while the wind roared through the coppice, and clouds of dead leaves whirled through the air, settling in rustling drifts in every hollow.

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

From this reading The old beech-trees were nearly bare, and, indeed, all the trees except the evergreens, especially those on the west side of the wood, had lost their leaves; only the oaks had foliage still to boast of, and most of this was brown and withered.

a large number or amount

From this reading On fine days, especially when frost was in the air, we were as frisky as ever, and had magnificent games among the heaps of dead leaves.

not solid; having a space or gap or cavity

From this reading THE GREY TERROR Gales and cold rain prevailing, we spent much of our time indoors, while the wind roared through the coppice, and clouds of dead leaves whirled through the air, settling in rustling drifts in every hollow.

the content of cognition; the main thing you are thinking about

From this reading But it was only November, and we young ones had as yet no idea of retiring for the winter.

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

From this reading THE GREY TERROR Gales and cold rain prevailing, we spent much of our time indoors, while the wind roared through the coppice, and clouds of dead leaves whirled through the air, settling in rustling drifts in every hollow.

in truth (often tends to intensify)

From this reading The old beech-trees were nearly bare, and, indeed, all the trees except the evergreens, especially those on the west side of the wood, had lost their leaves; only the oaks had foliage still to boast of, and most of this was brown and withered.

within a building

From this reading THE GREY TERROR Gales and cold rain prevailing, we spent much of our time indoors, while the wind roared through the coppice, and clouds of dead leaves whirled through the air, settling in rustling drifts in every hollow.

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading But it was only November, and we young ones had as yet no idea of retiring for the winter.

plural of “leaf” — the main organ of photosynthesis and transpiration in higher plants

From this reading THE GREY TERROR Gales and cold rain prevailing, we spent much of our time indoors, while the wind roared through the coppice, and clouds of dead leaves whirled through the air, settling in rustling drifts in every hollow.

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 The bracken was long ago brown and dead, but the blackberry leaves, though purpled by the frost, still clung with their accustomed obstinacy to the stalks, and provided thick cover for the pheasants.

no longer in your possession or control; unable to be found or recovered

From this reading The old beech-trees were nearly bare, and, indeed, all the trees except the evergreens, especially those on the west side of the wood, had lost their leaves; only the oaks had foliage still to boast of, and most of this was brown and withered.

characterized by grandeur

From this reading On fine days, especially when frost was in the air, we were as frisky as ever, and had magnificent games among the heaps of dead leaves.

used to form the superlative

From this reading The old beech-trees were nearly bare, and, indeed, all the trees except the evergreens, especially those on the west side of the wood, had lost their leaves; only the oaks had foliage still to boast of, and most of this was brown and withered.

to a great degree or extent

From this reading THE GREY TERROR Gales and cold rain prevailing, we spent much of our time indoors, while the wind roared through the coppice, and clouds of dead leaves whirled through the air, settling in rustling drifts in every hollow.

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

From this reading The old beech-trees were nearly bare, and, indeed, all the trees except the evergreens, especially those on the west side of the wood, had lost their leaves; only the oaks had foliage still to boast of, and most of this was brown and withered.

not any; not one

From this reading But it was only November, and we young ones had as yet no idea of retiring for the winter.

the month following October and preceding December

From this reading But it was only November, and we young ones had as yet no idea of retiring for the winter.

plural of “oak” — the hard durable wood of any oak; used especially for furniture and flooring

From this reading The old beech-trees were nearly bare, and, indeed, all the trees except the evergreens, especially those on the west side of the wood, had lost their leaves; only the oaks had foliage still to boast of, and most of this was brown and withered.

the trait of being difficult to handle or overcome

From this reading The bracken was long ago brown and dead, but the blackberry leaves, though purpled by the frost, still clung with their accustomed obstinacy to the stalks, and provided thick cover for the pheasants.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading THE GREY TERROR Gales and cold rain prevailing, we spent much of our time indoors, while the wind roared through the coppice, and clouds of dead leaves whirled through the air, settling in rustling drifts in every hollow.

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

From this reading The old beech-trees were nearly bare, and, indeed, all the trees except the evergreens, especially those on the west side of the wood, had lost their leaves; only the oaks had foliage still to boast of, and most of this was brown and withered.

touching and supported by a surface

From this reading The old beech-trees were nearly bare, and, indeed, all the trees except the evergreens, especially those on the west side of the wood, had lost their leaves; only the oaks had foliage still to boast of, and most of this was brown and withered.

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

From this reading But it was only November, and we young ones had as yet no idea of retiring for the winter.

and nothing more

From this reading The old beech-trees were nearly bare, and, indeed, all the trees except the evergreens, especially those on the west side of the wood, had lost their leaves; only the oaks had foliage still to boast of, and most of this was brown and withered.

belonging to the speaker and others

From this reading THE GREY TERROR Gales and cold rain prevailing, we spent much of our time indoors, while the wind roared through the coppice, and clouds of dead leaves whirled through the air, settling in rustling drifts in every hollow.

plural of “pheasant” — large long-tailed gallinaceous bird native to the Old World but introduced elsewhere

From this reading The bracken was long ago brown and dead, but the blackberry leaves, though purpled by the frost, still clung with their accustomed obstinacy to the stalks, and provided thick cover for the pheasants.

most frequent or common

From this reading THE GREY TERROR Gales and cold rain prevailing, we spent much of our time indoors, while the wind roared through the coppice, and clouds of dead leaves whirled through the air, settling in rustling drifts in every hollow.

past form of “provide” — give something useful or necessary to

From this reading The bracken was long ago brown and dead, but the blackberry leaves, though purpled by the frost, still clung with their accustomed obstinacy to the stalks, and provided thick cover for the pheasants.

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

From this reading The bracken was long ago brown and dead, but the blackberry leaves, though purpled by the frost, still clung with their accustomed obstinacy to the stalks, and provided thick cover for the pheasants.

water falling in drops from vapor condensed in the atmosphere

From this reading THE GREY TERROR Gales and cold rain prevailing, we spent much of our time indoors, while the wind roared through the coppice, and clouds of dead leaves whirled through the air, settling in rustling drifts in every hollow.

not arrogant or presuming

From this reading But it was only November, and we young ones had as yet no idea of retiring for the winter.

past form of “roar” — make a loud noise, as of wind, water, or vehicles

From this reading THE GREY TERROR Gales and cold rain prevailing, we spent much of our time indoors, while the wind roared through the coppice, and clouds of dead leaves whirled through the air, settling in rustling drifts in every hollow.

the stealing of cattle

From this reading THE GREY TERROR Gales and cold rain prevailing, we spent much of our time indoors, while the wind roared through the coppice, and clouds of dead leaves whirled through the air, settling in rustling drifts in every hollow.

a gradual sinking to a lower level

From this reading THE GREY TERROR Gales and cold rain prevailing, we spent much of our time indoors, while the wind roared through the coppice, and clouds of dead leaves whirled through the air, settling in rustling drifts in every hollow.

a place within a region identified relative to a center or reference location

From this reading The old beech-trees were nearly bare, and, indeed, all the trees except the evergreens, especially those on the west side of the wood, had lost their leaves; only the oaks had foliage still to boast of, and most of this was brown and withered.

depleted of energy, force, or strength

From this reading THE GREY TERROR Gales and cold rain prevailing, we spent much of our time indoors, while the wind roared through the coppice, and clouds of dead leaves whirled through the air, settling in rustling drifts in every hollow.

plural of “stalk” — material consisting of seed coverings and small pieces of stem or leaves that have been separated from the seeds

From this reading The bracken was long ago brown and dead, but the blackberry leaves, though purpled by the frost, still clung with their accustomed obstinacy to the stalks, and provided thick cover for the pheasants.

not in physical motion

From this reading The bracken was long ago brown and dead, but the blackberry leaves, though purpled by the frost, still clung with their accustomed obstinacy to the stalks, and provided thick cover for the pheasants.

an overwhelming feeling of fear and anxiety

From this reading THE GREY TERROR Gales and cold rain prevailing, we spent much of our time indoors, while the wind roared through the coppice, and clouds of dead leaves whirled through the air, settling in rustling drifts in every hollow.

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

From this reading THE GREY TERROR Gales and cold rain prevailing, we spent much of our time indoors, while the wind roared through the coppice, and clouds of dead leaves whirled through the air, settling in rustling drifts in every hollow.

belonging to the people or things already mentioned

From this reading The bracken was long ago brown and dead, but the blackberry leaves, though purpled by the frost, still clung with their accustomed obstinacy to the stalks, and provided thick cover for the pheasants.

not thin; of a specific thickness or of relatively great extent from one surface to the opposite usually in the smallest of the three solid dimensions

From this reading The bracken was long ago brown and dead, but the blackberry leaves, though purpled by the frost, still clung with their accustomed obstinacy to the stalks, and provided thick cover for the pheasants.

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

From this reading The old beech-trees were nearly bare, and, indeed, all the trees except the evergreens, especially those on the west side of the wood, had lost their leaves; only the oaks had foliage still to boast of, and most of this was brown and withered.

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

From this reading The old beech-trees were nearly bare, and, indeed, all the trees except the evergreens, especially those on the west side of the wood, had lost their leaves; only the oaks had foliage still to boast of, and most of this was brown and withered.

in spite of the fact that

From this reading The bracken was long ago brown and dead, but the blackberry leaves, though purpled by the frost, still clung with their accustomed obstinacy to the stalks, and provided thick cover for the pheasants.

from one end or side of something to the other

From this reading THE GREY TERROR Gales and cold rain prevailing, we spent much of our time indoors, while the wind roared through the coppice, and clouds of dead leaves whirled through the air, settling in rustling drifts in every hollow.

an instance or single occasion for some event

From this reading THE GREY TERROR Gales and cold rain prevailing, we spent much of our time indoors, while the wind roared through the coppice, and clouds of dead leaves whirled through the air, settling in rustling drifts in every hollow.

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

From this reading The bracken was long ago brown and dead, but the blackberry leaves, though purpled by the frost, still clung with their accustomed obstinacy to the stalks, and provided thick cover for the pheasants.

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 The old beech-trees were nearly bare, and, indeed, all the trees except the evergreens, especially those on the west side of the wood, had lost their leaves; only the oaks had foliage still to boast of, and most of this was brown and withered.

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

From this reading The bracken was long ago brown and dead, but the blackberry leaves, though purpled by the frost, still clung with their accustomed obstinacy to the stalks, and provided thick cover for the pheasants.

the speaker together with one or more other people

From this reading THE GREY TERROR Gales and cold rain prevailing, we spent much of our time indoors, while the wind roared through the coppice, and clouds of dead leaves whirled through the air, settling in rustling drifts in every hollow.

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

From this reading The old beech-trees were nearly bare, and, indeed, all the trees except the evergreens, especially those on the west side of the wood, had lost their leaves; only the oaks had foliage still to boast of, and most of this was brown and withered.

the countries of (originally) Europe and (now including) North America and South America

From this reading The old beech-trees were nearly bare, and, indeed, all the trees except the evergreens, especially those on the west side of the wood, had lost their leaves; only the oaks had foliage still to boast of, and most of this was brown and withered.

at the time that

From this reading On fine days, especially when frost was in the air, we were as frisky as ever, and had magnificent games among the heaps of dead leaves.

during the time that

From this reading THE GREY TERROR Gales and cold rain prevailing, we spent much of our time indoors, while the wind roared through the coppice, and clouds of dead leaves whirled through the air, settling in rustling drifts in every hollow.

past form of “whirl” — turn in a twisting or spinning motion

From this reading THE GREY TERROR Gales and cold rain prevailing, we spent much of our time indoors, while the wind roared through the coppice, and clouds of dead leaves whirled through the air, settling in rustling drifts in every hollow.

air moving (sometimes with considerable force) from an area of high pressure to an area of low pressure

From this reading THE GREY TERROR Gales and cold rain prevailing, we spent much of our time indoors, while the wind roared through the coppice, and clouds of dead leaves whirled through the air, settling in rustling drifts in every hollow.

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

From this reading But it was only November, and we young ones had as yet no idea of retiring for the winter.

in the company of; together with

From this reading The bracken was long ago brown and dead, but the blackberry leaves, though purpled by the frost, still clung with their accustomed obstinacy to the stalks, and provided thick cover for the pheasants.

lean and wrinkled by shrinkage as from age or illness

From this reading The old beech-trees were nearly bare, and, indeed, all the trees except the evergreens, especially those on the west side of the wood, had lost their leaves; only the oaks had foliage still to boast of, and most of this was brown and withered.

the hard fibrous lignified substance under the bark of trees

From this reading The old beech-trees were nearly bare, and, indeed, all the trees except the evergreens, especially those on the west side of the wood, had lost their leaves; only the oaks had foliage still to boast of, and most of this was brown and withered.

but in spite of that

From this reading But it was only November, and we young ones had as yet no idea of retiring for the winter.

(used of living things especially persons) in an early period of life or development or growth

From this reading But it was only November, and we young ones had as yet no idea of retiring for the winter.