Chapter I · Chapter 1

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

From this reading It was his fancy which had dictated that the broad windows, with sills at the level of the floor, should not command the formal terraces and lawns of a landscape-gardener's devising, but should give exit instead upon a strip of rugged nature, where the murmur of the creek came up through unaltered foliage and underbrush.

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

From this reading Here in the almost severe wainscoting, in inglenook and chimney-corner, one found the index to his fancy.

prior to a specified or implied time

From this reading Shortening their entrance through one of the windows, the trio found their host, already in evening dress.

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

From this reading Here in the almost severe wainscoting, in inglenook and chimney-corner, one found the index to his fancy.

in or near a particular place or position

From this reading It was his fancy which had dictated that the broad windows, with sills at the level of the floor, should not command the formal terraces and lawns of a landscape-gardener's devising, but should give exit instead upon a strip of rugged nature, where the murmur of the creek came up through unaltered foliage and underbrush.

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

From this reading In the large living-room, Van Bristow, the master of "Idle Times," had expressed his tastes.

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

From this reading It was his fancy which had dictated that the broad windows, with sills at the level of the floor, should not command the formal terraces and lawns of a landscape-gardener's devising, but should give exit instead upon a strip of rugged nature, where the murmur of the creek came up through unaltered foliage and underbrush.

used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before

From this reading It was his fancy which had dictated that the broad windows, with sills at the level of the floor, should not command the formal terraces and lawns of a landscape-gardener's devising, but should give exit instead upon a strip of rugged nature, where the murmur of the creek came up through unaltered foliage and underbrush.

showing who or what does the action

From this reading Bristow was idling on the hearth with no more immediate concern than a cigarette and the enjoyment of the crackling logs, unspoiled by other light.

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

From this reading It was his fancy which had dictated that the broad windows, with sills at the level of the floor, should not command the formal terraces and lawns of a landscape-gardener's devising, but should give exit instead upon a strip of rugged nature, where the murmur of the creek came up through unaltered foliage and underbrush.

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

From this reading Here in the almost severe wainscoting, in inglenook and chimney-corner, one found the index to his fancy.

finely ground tobacco wrapped in paper; for smoking

From this reading Bristow was idling on the hearth with no more immediate concern than a cigarette and the enjoyment of the crackling logs, unspoiled by other light.

an authoritative direction or instruction to do something

From this reading It was his fancy which had dictated that the broad windows, with sills at the level of the floor, should not command the formal terraces and lawns of a landscape-gardener's devising, but should give exit instead upon a strip of rugged nature, where the murmur of the creek came up through unaltered foliage and underbrush.

something that interests you because it is important or affects you

From this reading Bristow was idling on the hearth with no more immediate concern than a cigarette and the enjoyment of the crackling logs, unspoiled by other light.

the residue that remains after animal fat has been rendered

From this reading Bristow was idling on the hearth with no more immediate concern than a cigarette and the enjoyment of the crackling logs, unspoiled by other light.

a natural stream of water smaller than a river (and often a tributary of a river)

From this reading It was his fancy which had dictated that the broad windows, with sills at the level of the floor, should not command the formal terraces and lawns of a landscape-gardener's devising, but should give exit instead upon a strip of rugged nature, where the murmur of the creek came up through unaltered foliage and underbrush.

the act that results in something coming to be

From this reading It was his fancy which had dictated that the broad windows, with sills at the level of the floor, should not command the formal terraces and lawns of a landscape-gardener's devising, but should give exit instead upon a strip of rugged nature, where the murmur of the creek came up through unaltered foliage and underbrush.

determined or decided upon as by an authority

From this reading It was his fancy which had dictated that the broad windows, with sills at the level of the floor, should not command the formal terraces and lawns of a landscape-gardener's devising, but should give exit instead upon a strip of rugged nature, where the murmur of the creek came up through unaltered foliage and underbrush.

put on clothes

From this reading Shortening their entrance through one of the windows, the trio found their host, already in evening dress.

the pleasure felt when having a good time

From this reading Bristow was idling on the hearth with no more immediate concern than a cigarette and the enjoyment of the crackling logs, unspoiled by other light.

something that provides access (to get in or get out)

From this reading Shortening their entrance through one of the windows, the trio found their host, already in evening dress.

the latter part of the day (the period of decreasing daylight from late afternoon until nightfall)

From this reading Shortening their entrance through one of the windows, the trio found their host, already in evening dress.

an opening that permits escape or release

From this reading It was his fancy which had dictated that the broad windows, with sills at the level of the floor, should not command the formal terraces and lawns of a landscape-gardener's devising, but should give exit instead upon a strip of rugged nature, where the murmur of the creek came up through unaltered foliage and underbrush.

communicated in words

From this reading In the large living-room, Van Bristow, the master of "Idle Times," had expressed his tastes.

something many people believe that is false

From this reading Here in the almost severe wainscoting, in inglenook and chimney-corner, one found the index to his fancy.

the inside lower horizontal surface (as of a room, hallway, tent, or other structure)

From this reading It was his fancy which had dictated that the broad windows, with sills at the level of the floor, should not command the formal terraces and lawns of a landscape-gardener's devising, but should give exit instead upon a strip of rugged nature, where the murmur of the creek came up through unaltered foliage and underbrush.

the main organ of photosynthesis and transpiration in higher plants

From this reading It was his fancy which had dictated that the broad windows, with sills at the level of the floor, should not command the formal terraces and lawns of a landscape-gardener's devising, but should give exit instead upon a strip of rugged nature, where the murmur of the creek came up through unaltered foliage and underbrush.

being in accord with established forms and conventions and requirements (as e.g. of formal dress)

From this reading It was his fancy which had dictated that the broad windows, with sills at the level of the floor, should not command the formal terraces and lawns of a landscape-gardener's devising, but should give exit instead upon a strip of rugged nature, where the murmur of the creek came up through unaltered foliage and underbrush.

set up or found

From this reading Here in the almost severe wainscoting, in inglenook and chimney-corner, one found the index to his fancy.

cause to have, in the abstract sense or physical sense

From this reading It was his fancy which had dictated that the broad windows, with sills at the level of the floor, should not command the formal terraces and lawns of a landscape-gardener's devising, but should give exit instead upon a strip of rugged nature, where the murmur of the creek came up through unaltered foliage and underbrush.

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

From this reading In the large living-room, Van Bristow, the master of "Idle Times," had expressed his tastes.

an open recess in a wall at the base of a chimney where a fire can be built

From this reading Bristow was idling on the hearth with no more immediate concern than a cigarette and the enjoyment of the crackling logs, unspoiled by other light.

in or at this place; where the speaker or writer is

From this reading Here in the almost severe wainscoting, in inglenook and chimney-corner, one found the index to his fancy.

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

From this reading In the large living-room, Van Bristow, the master of "Idle Times," had expressed his tastes.

a person who invites guests to a social event (such as a party in his or her own home) and who is responsible for them while they are there

From this reading Shortening their entrance through one of the windows, the trio found their host, already in evening dress.

not in action or at work

From this reading In the large living-room, Van Bristow, the master of "Idle Times," had expressed his tastes.

having no employment

From this reading Bristow was idling on the hearth with no more immediate concern than a cigarette and the enjoyment of the crackling logs, unspoiled by other light.

of the present time and place

From this reading Bristow was idling on the hearth with no more immediate concern than a cigarette and the enjoyment of the crackling logs, unspoiled by other light.

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

From this reading In the large living-room, Van Bristow, the master of "Idle Times," had expressed his tastes.

a numerical scale used to compare variables with one another or with some reference number

From this reading Here in the almost severe wainscoting, in inglenook and chimney-corner, one found the index to his fancy.

a corner by a fireplace

From this reading Here in the almost severe wainscoting, in inglenook and chimney-corner, one found the index to his fancy.

in place of, or as an alternative to

From this reading It was his fancy which had dictated that the broad windows, with sills at the level of the floor, should not command the formal terraces and lawns of a landscape-gardener's devising, but should give exit instead upon a strip of rugged nature, where the murmur of the creek came up through unaltered foliage and underbrush.

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading It was his fancy which had dictated that the broad windows, with sills at the level of the floor, should not command the formal terraces and lawns of a landscape-gardener's devising, but should give exit instead upon a strip of rugged nature, where the murmur of the creek came up through unaltered foliage and underbrush.

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

From this reading It was his fancy which had dictated that the broad windows, with sills at the level of the floor, should not command the formal terraces and lawns of a landscape-gardener's devising, but should give exit instead upon a strip of rugged nature, where the murmur of the creek came up through unaltered foliage and underbrush.

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

From this reading In the large living-room, Van Bristow, the master of "Idle Times," had expressed his tastes.

plural of “lawn” — a field of cultivated and mowed grass

From this reading It was his fancy which had dictated that the broad windows, with sills at the level of the floor, should not command the formal terraces and lawns of a landscape-gardener's devising, but should give exit instead upon a strip of rugged nature, where the murmur of the creek came up through unaltered foliage and underbrush.

a position on a scale of intensity or amount or quality

From this reading It was his fancy which had dictated that the broad windows, with sills at the level of the floor, should not command the formal terraces and lawns of a landscape-gardener's devising, but should give exit instead upon a strip of rugged nature, where the murmur of the creek came up through unaltered foliage and underbrush.

of comparatively little physical weight or density

From this reading Bristow was idling on the hearth with no more immediate concern than a cigarette and the enjoyment of the crackling logs, unspoiled by other light.

a room in a private house or establishment where people can sit and talk and relax

From this reading In the large living-room, Van Bristow, the master of "Idle Times," had expressed his tastes.

plural of “log” — a segment of the trunk of a tree when stripped of branches

From this reading Bristow was idling on the hearth with no more immediate concern than a cigarette and the enjoyment of the crackling logs, unspoiled by other light.

an artist of consummate skill

From this reading In the large living-room, Van Bristow, the master of "Idle Times," had expressed his tastes.

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

From this reading Bristow was idling on the hearth with no more immediate concern than a cigarette and the enjoyment of the crackling logs, unspoiled by other light.

a low continuous indistinct sound; often accompanied by movement of the lips without the production of articulate speech

From this reading It was his fancy which had dictated that the broad windows, with sills at the level of the floor, should not command the formal terraces and lawns of a landscape-gardener's devising, but should give exit instead upon a strip of rugged nature, where the murmur of the creek came up through unaltered foliage and underbrush.

the essential qualities or characteristics by which something is recognized

From this reading It was his fancy which had dictated that the broad windows, with sills at the level of the floor, should not command the formal terraces and lawns of a landscape-gardener's devising, but should give exit instead upon a strip of rugged nature, where the murmur of the creek came up through unaltered foliage and underbrush.

not any; not one

From this reading Bristow was idling on the hearth with no more immediate concern than a cigarette and the enjoyment of the crackling logs, unspoiled by other light.

used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative

From this reading It was his fancy which had dictated that the broad windows, with sills at the level of the floor, should not command the formal terraces and lawns of a landscape-gardener's devising, but should give exit instead upon a strip of rugged nature, where the murmur of the creek came up through unaltered foliage and underbrush.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading In the large living-room, Van Bristow, the master of "Idle Times," had expressed his tastes.

touching and supported by a surface

From this reading Bristow was idling on the hearth with no more immediate concern than a cigarette and the enjoyment of the crackling logs, unspoiled by other light.

used to mean any person in general, including the speaker

From this reading Here in the almost severe wainscoting, in inglenook and chimney-corner, one found the index to his fancy.

not the same one or ones already mentioned or implied

From this reading Bristow was idling on the hearth with no more immediate concern than a cigarette and the enjoyment of the crackling logs, unspoiled by other light.

sturdy and strong in constitution or construction; enduring

From this reading It was his fancy which had dictated that the broad windows, with sills at the level of the floor, should not command the formal terraces and lawns of a landscape-gardener's devising, but should give exit instead upon a strip of rugged nature, where the murmur of the creek came up through unaltered foliage and underbrush.

intensely or extremely bad or unpleasant in degree or quality

From this reading Here in the almost severe wainscoting, in inglenook and chimney-corner, one found the index to his fancy.

fat such as butter or lard used in baked goods

From this reading Shortening their entrance through one of the windows, the trio found their host, already in evening dress.

used to say what is right, expected, or advisable

From this reading It was his fancy which had dictated that the broad windows, with sills at the level of the floor, should not command the formal terraces and lawns of a landscape-gardener's devising, but should give exit instead upon a strip of rugged nature, where the murmur of the creek came up through unaltered foliage and underbrush.

United States operatic soprano (born in 1929)

From this reading It was his fancy which had dictated that the broad windows, with sills at the level of the floor, should not command the formal terraces and lawns of a landscape-gardener's devising, but should give exit instead upon a strip of rugged nature, where the murmur of the creek came up through unaltered foliage and underbrush.

take away possessions from someone

From this reading It was his fancy which had dictated that the broad windows, with sills at the level of the floor, should not command the formal terraces and lawns of a landscape-gardener's devising, but should give exit instead upon a strip of rugged nature, where the murmur of the creek came up through unaltered foliage and underbrush.

plural of “taste” — the sensation that results when taste buds in the tongue and throat convey information about the chemical composition of a soluble stimulus

From this reading In the large living-room, Van Bristow, the master of "Idle Times," had expressed his tastes.

plural of “terrace” — usually paved outdoor area adjoining a residence

From this reading It was his fancy which had dictated that the broad windows, with sills at the level of the floor, should not command the formal terraces and lawns of a landscape-gardener's devising, but should give exit instead upon a strip of rugged nature, where the murmur of the creek came up through unaltered foliage and underbrush.

used to introduce the second part of a comparison

From this reading Bristow was idling on the hearth with no more immediate concern than a cigarette and the enjoyment of the crackling logs, unspoiled by other light.

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading It was his fancy which had dictated that the broad windows, with sills at the level of the floor, should not command the formal terraces and lawns of a landscape-gardener's devising, but should give exit instead upon a strip of rugged nature, where the murmur of the creek came up through unaltered foliage and underbrush.

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

From this reading In the large living-room, Van Bristow, the master of "Idle Times," had expressed his tastes.

belonging to the people or things already mentioned

From this reading Shortening their entrance through one of the windows, the trio found their host, already in evening dress.

from one end or side of something to the other

From this reading It was his fancy which had dictated that the broad windows, with sills at the level of the floor, should not command the formal terraces and lawns of a landscape-gardener's devising, but should give exit instead upon a strip of rugged nature, where the murmur of the creek came up through unaltered foliage and underbrush.

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

From this reading In the large living-room, Van Bristow, the master of "Idle Times," had expressed his tastes.

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

From this reading Here in the almost severe wainscoting, in inglenook and chimney-corner, one found the index to his fancy.

the cardinal number that is the sum of one and one and one

From this reading Shortening their entrance through one of the windows, the trio found their host, already in evening dress.

remaining in an original state

From this reading It was his fancy which had dictated that the broad windows, with sills at the level of the floor, should not command the formal terraces and lawns of a landscape-gardener's devising, but should give exit instead upon a strip of rugged nature, where the murmur of the creek came up through unaltered foliage and underbrush.

the brush (small trees and bushes and ferns etc.) growing beneath taller trees in a wood or forest

From this reading It was his fancy which had dictated that the broad windows, with sills at the level of the floor, should not command the formal terraces and lawns of a landscape-gardener's devising, but should give exit instead upon a strip of rugged nature, where the murmur of the creek came up through unaltered foliage and underbrush.

not left to spoil

From this reading Bristow was idling on the hearth with no more immediate concern than a cigarette and the enjoyment of the crackling logs, unspoiled by other light.

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

From this reading It was his fancy which had dictated that the broad windows, with sills at the level of the floor, should not command the formal terraces and lawns of a landscape-gardener's devising, but should give exit instead upon a strip of rugged nature, where the murmur of the creek came up through unaltered foliage and underbrush.

a formal word for “on”

From this reading It was his fancy which had dictated that the broad windows, with sills at the level of the floor, should not command the formal terraces and lawns of a landscape-gardener's devising, but should give exit instead upon a strip of rugged nature, where the murmur of the creek came up through unaltered foliage and underbrush.

any creative group active in the innovation and application of new concepts and techniques in a given field (especially in the arts)

From this reading In the large living-room, Van Bristow, the master of "Idle Times," had expressed his tastes.

a wainscoted wall (or wainscoted walls collectively)

From this reading Here in the almost severe wainscoting, in inglenook and chimney-corner, one found the index to his fancy.

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

From this reading It was his fancy which had dictated that the broad windows, with sills at the level of the floor, should not command the formal terraces and lawns of a landscape-gardener's devising, but should give exit instead upon a strip of rugged nature, where the murmur of the creek came up through unaltered foliage and underbrush.

in or at the place that

From this reading It was his fancy which had dictated that the broad windows, with sills at the level of the floor, should not command the formal terraces and lawns of a landscape-gardener's devising, but should give exit instead upon a strip of rugged nature, where the murmur of the creek came up through unaltered foliage and underbrush.

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

From this reading It was his fancy which had dictated that the broad windows, with sills at the level of the floor, should not command the formal terraces and lawns of a landscape-gardener's devising, but should give exit instead upon a strip of rugged nature, where the murmur of the creek came up through unaltered foliage and underbrush.

(trademark) an operating system with a graphical user interface

From this reading It was his fancy which had dictated that the broad windows, with sills at the level of the floor, should not command the formal terraces and lawns of a landscape-gardener's devising, but should give exit instead upon a strip of rugged nature, where the murmur of the creek came up through unaltered foliage and underbrush.

in the company of; together with

From this reading It was his fancy which had dictated that the broad windows, with sills at the level of the floor, should not command the formal terraces and lawns of a landscape-gardener's devising, but should give exit instead upon a strip of rugged nature, where the murmur of the creek came up through unaltered foliage and underbrush.