used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading A PICNIC IN THE SNOW "WHAT a good gray day this is!" exclaimed Betty next morning, turning from the window to look around the cheerful breakfast-room, all aglow with an open wood-fire.
aglowadjectiveUS /əˈɡloʊ/
softly bright or radiant
From this reading A PICNIC IN THE SNOW "WHAT a good gray day this is!" exclaimed Betty next morning, turning from the window to look around the cheerful breakfast-room, all aglow with an open wood-fire.
(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 A PICNIC IN THE SNOW "WHAT a good gray day this is!" exclaimed Betty next morning, turning from the window to look around the cheerful breakfast-room, all aglow with an open wood-fire.
the form of “be” used with “I”
From this reading For that reason I am glad that mothah had to take the early train to town this mawning, to finish her shopping.
the form of “a” used before a word that begins with a vowel sound
From this reading A PICNIC IN THE SNOW "WHAT a good gray day this is!" exclaimed Betty next morning, turning from the window to look around the cheerful breakfast-room, all aglow with an open wood-fire.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading "It's so bleak outside that there is no temptation to go gadding, and so cosy indoors that we'll be glad of the chance to stay at home and finish tying up our Christmas packages."
surrounding, or on every side of, something
From this reading A PICNIC IN THE SNOW "WHAT a good gray day this is!" exclaimed Betty next morning, turning from the window to look around the cheerful breakfast-room, all aglow with an open wood-fire.
assented
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading "Yes," assented Lloyd, who, having finished her breakfast, was standing on the hearth-rug, her back to the fire and her hands clasped behind her.
in or near a particular place or position
From this reading "It's so bleak outside that there is no temptation to go gadding, and so cosy indoors that we'll be glad of the chance to stay at home and finish tying up our Christmas packages."
in or to or toward a former location
From this reading "Yes," assented Lloyd, who, having finished her breakfast, was standing on the hearth-rug, her back to the fire and her hands clasped behind her.
used with a past participle to form the passive, or with -ing for continuous tenses
From this reading "It's so bleak outside that there is no temptation to go gadding, and so cosy indoors that we'll be glad of the chance to stay at home and finish tying up our Christmas packages."
befoah
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading "And for once I intend to have mine all ready the day befoah, so I need not be rushed up to the last minute.
behindprepositionUS /bɪˈhaɪnd/
at or toward the back of something
From this reading "Yes," assented Lloyd, who, having finished her breakfast, was standing on the hearth-rug, her back to the fire and her hands clasped behind her.
Betty
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading A PICNIC IN THE SNOW "WHAT a good gray day this is!" exclaimed Betty next morning, turning from the window to look around the cheerful breakfast-room, all aglow with an open wood-fire.
bleakadjectiveUS /bliːk/
offering little or no hope
From this reading "It's so bleak outside that there is no temptation to go gadding, and so cosy indoors that we'll be glad of the chance to stay at home and finish tying up our Christmas packages."
eat an early morning meal
From this reading "Yes," assented Lloyd, who, having finished her breakfast, was standing on the hearth-rug, her back to the fire and her hands clasped behind her.
breakfast-room
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading A PICNIC IN THE SNOW "WHAT a good gray day this is!" exclaimed Betty next morning, turning from the window to look around the cheerful breakfast-room, all aglow with an open wood-fire.
a possibility due to a favorable combination of circumstances
From this reading "It's so bleak outside that there is no temptation to go gadding, and so cosy indoors that we'll be glad of the chance to stay at home and finish tying up our Christmas packages."
being full of or promoting cheer; having or showing good spirits
From this reading A PICNIC IN THE SNOW "WHAT a good gray day this is!" exclaimed Betty next morning, turning from the window to look around the cheerful breakfast-room, all aglow with an open wood-fire.
period extending from Dec. 24 to Jan. 6
From this reading "It's so bleak outside that there is no temptation to go gadding, and so cosy indoors that we'll be glad of the chance to stay at home and finish tying up our Christmas packages."
past form of “clasp” — hold firmly and tightly
From this reading "Yes," assented Lloyd, who, having finished her breakfast, was standing on the hearth-rug, her back to the fire and her hands clasped behind her.
cosynounUS /ˈkoʊzi/
a padded cloth covering to keep a teapot warm
From this reading "It's so bleak outside that there is no temptation to go gadding, and so cosy indoors that we'll be glad of the chance to stay at home and finish tying up our Christmas packages."
time for Earth to make a complete rotation on its axis
From this reading A PICNIC IN THE SNOW "WHAT a good gray day this is!" exclaimed Betty next morning, turning from the window to look around the cheerful breakfast-room, all aglow with an open wood-fire.
earlyadjectiveUS /ˈɜːrli/
at or near the beginning of a period of time or course of events or before the usual or expected time
From this reading For that reason I am glad that mothah had to take the early train to town this mawning, to finish her shopping.
past form of “exclaim” — utter aloud; often with surprise, horror, or joy
From this reading A PICNIC IN THE SNOW "WHAT a good gray day this is!" exclaimed Betty next morning, turning from the window to look around the cheerful breakfast-room, all aglow with an open wood-fire.
come or bring to a finish or an end
From this reading "It's so bleak outside that there is no temptation to go gadding, and so cosy indoors that we'll be glad of the chance to stay at home and finish tying up our Christmas packages."
(of materials or goods) brought to the desired final state
From this reading "Yes," assented Lloyd, who, having finished her breakfast, was standing on the hearth-rug, her back to the fire and her hands clasped behind her.
start firing a weapon
From this reading "Yes," assented Lloyd, who, having finished her breakfast, was standing on the hearth-rug, her back to the fire and her hands clasped behind her.
intended to be given to, or used by, somebody
From this reading "And for once I intend to have mine all ready the day befoah, so I need not be rushed up to the last minute.
showing where something starts, or who sent it
From this reading A PICNIC IN THE SNOW "WHAT a good gray day this is!" exclaimed Betty next morning, turning from the window to look around the cheerful breakfast-room, all aglow with an open wood-fire.
gaddingverbUS /ˈɡædɪŋ/
inflected form of “gad” — wander aimlessly in search of pleasure
From this reading "It's so bleak outside that there is no temptation to go gadding, and so cosy indoors that we'll be glad of the chance to stay at home and finish tying up our Christmas packages."
showing or causing joy and pleasure; especially made happy
From this reading "It's so bleak outside that there is no temptation to go gadding, and so cosy indoors that we'll be glad of the chance to stay at home and finish tying up our Christmas packages."
change location; move, travel, or proceed, also metaphorically
From this reading "It's so bleak outside that there is no temptation to go gadding, and so cosy indoors that we'll be glad of the chance to stay at home and finish tying up our Christmas packages."
having desirable or positive qualities especially those suitable for a thing specified
From this reading A PICNIC IN THE SNOW "WHAT a good gray day this is!" exclaimed Betty next morning, turning from the window to look around the cheerful breakfast-room, all aglow with an open wood-fire.
a neutral achromatic color midway between white and black
From this reading A PICNIC IN THE SNOW "WHAT a good gray day this is!" exclaimed Betty next morning, turning from the window to look around the cheerful breakfast-room, all aglow with an open wood-fire.
hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/
the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect
From this reading For that reason I am glad that mothah had to take the early train to town this mawning, to finish her shopping.
(with “in”) guardianship over; in divorce cases it is the right to house and care for and discipline a child
From this reading "Yes," assented Lloyd, who, having finished her breakfast, was standing on the hearth-rug, her back to the fire and her hands clasped behind her.
haveauxiliary verbUS /hæv/
used with a past participle to form the perfect tenses
From this reading "And for once I intend to have mine all ready the day befoah, so I need not be rushed up to the last minute.
havingauxiliary verbUS /ˈhævɪŋ/
the -ing form of “have”
From this reading "Yes," assented Lloyd, who, having finished her breakfast, was standing on the hearth-rug, her back to the fire and her hands clasped behind her.
hearth-rug
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading "Yes," assented Lloyd, who, having finished her breakfast, was standing on the hearth-rug, her back to the fire and her hands clasped behind her.
belonging to a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned
From this reading "Yes," assented Lloyd, who, having finished her breakfast, was standing on the hearth-rug, her back to the fire and her hands clasped behind her.
where you live at a particular time
From this reading "It's so bleak outside that there is no temptation to go gadding, and so cosy indoors that we'll be glad of the chance to stay at home and finish tying up our Christmas packages."
the person speaking or writing, as the subject of the verb
From this reading "And for once I intend to have mine all ready the day befoah, so I need not be rushed up to the last minute.
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading A PICNIC IN THE SNOW "WHAT a good gray day this is!" exclaimed Betty next morning, turning from the window to look around the cheerful breakfast-room, all aglow with an open wood-fire.
indoorsadverbUS /ˈɪndɔːrz/
within a building
From this reading "It's so bleak outside that there is no temptation to go gadding, and so cosy indoors that we'll be glad of the chance to stay at home and finish tying up our Christmas packages."
have in mind as a purpose
From this reading "And for once I intend to have mine all ready the day befoah, so I need not be rushed up to the last minute.
the form of “be” used with he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading A PICNIC IN THE SNOW "WHAT a good gray day this is!" exclaimed Betty next morning, turning from the window to look around the cheerful breakfast-room, all aglow with an open wood-fire.
It's
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading "It's so bleak outside that there is no temptation to go gadding, and so cosy indoors that we'll be glad of the chance to stay at home and finish tying up our Christmas packages."
immediately past
From this reading "And for once I intend to have mine all ready the day befoah, so I need not be rushed up to the last minute.
LloydnounUS /lɔɪd/
United States comic actor in silent films; he used physical danger as a source of comedy (1893-1971)
From this reading "Yes," assented Lloyd, who, having finished her breakfast, was standing on the hearth-rug, her back to the fire and her hands clasped behind her.
perceive with attention; direct one's gaze towards
From this reading A PICNIC IN THE SNOW "WHAT a good gray day this is!" exclaimed Betty next morning, turning from the window to look around the cheerful breakfast-room, all aglow with an open wood-fire.
mawning
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading For that reason I am glad that mothah had to take the early train to town this mawning, to finish her shopping.
the one or ones belonging to the person speaking
From this reading "And for once I intend to have mine all ready the day befoah, so I need not be rushed up to the last minute.
a unit of time equal to 60 seconds or 1/60th of an hour
From this reading "And for once I intend to have mine all ready the day befoah, so I need not be rushed up to the last minute.
the time period between dawn and noon
From this reading A PICNIC IN THE SNOW "WHAT a good gray day this is!" exclaimed Betty next morning, turning from the window to look around the cheerful breakfast-room, all aglow with an open wood-fire.
mothah
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading For that reason I am glad that mothah had to take the early train to town this mawning, to finish her shopping.
a condition requiring relief
From this reading "And for once I intend to have mine all ready the day befoah, so I need not be rushed up to the last minute.
immediately following in time or order
From this reading A PICNIC IN THE SNOW "WHAT a good gray day this is!" exclaimed Betty next morning, turning from the window to look around the cheerful breakfast-room, all aglow with an open wood-fire.
not any; not one
From this reading "It's so bleak outside that there is no temptation to go gadding, and so cosy indoors that we'll be glad of the chance to stay at home and finish tying up our Christmas packages."
used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative
From this reading "And for once I intend to have mine all ready the day befoah, so I need not be rushed up to the last minute.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading "It's so bleak outside that there is no temptation to go gadding, and so cosy indoors that we'll be glad of the chance to stay at home and finish tying up our Christmas packages."
touching and supported by a surface
From this reading "Yes," assented Lloyd, who, having finished her breakfast, was standing on the hearth-rug, her back to the fire and her hands clasped behind her.
on one occasion
From this reading "And for once I intend to have mine all ready the day befoah, so I need not be rushed up to the last minute.
To move from a closed position.
From this reading A PICNIC IN THE SNOW "WHAT a good gray day this is!" exclaimed Betty next morning, turning from the window to look around the cheerful breakfast-room, all aglow with an open wood-fire.
belonging to the speaker and others
From this reading "It's so bleak outside that there is no temptation to go gadding, and so cosy indoors that we'll be glad of the chance to stay at home and finish tying up our Christmas packages."
relating to or being on or near the outer side or limit
From this reading "It's so bleak outside that there is no temptation to go gadding, and so cosy indoors that we'll be glad of the chance to stay at home and finish tying up our Christmas packages."
packagesnounUS /ˈpækədʒəz/
plural of “package” — a collection of things wrapped or boxed together
From this reading "It's so bleak outside that there is no temptation to go gadding, and so cosy indoors that we'll be glad of the chance to stay at home and finish tying up our Christmas packages."
PICNICnounUS /ˈpɪknɪk/
a day devoted to an outdoor social gathering
From this reading A PICNIC IN THE SNOW "WHAT a good gray day this is!" exclaimed Betty next morning, turning from the window to look around the cheerful breakfast-room, all aglow with an open wood-fire.
completely prepared or in condition for immediate action or use or progress
From this reading "And for once I intend to have mine all ready the day befoah, so I need not be rushed up to the last minute.
a rational motive for a belief or action
From this reading For that reason I am glad that mothah had to take the early train to town this mawning, to finish her shopping.
done under pressure
From this reading "And for once I intend to have mine all ready the day befoah, so I need not be rushed up to the last minute.
shoppingnounUS /ˈʃɑːpɪŋ/
searching for or buying goods or services
From this reading For that reason I am glad that mothah had to take the early train to town this mawning, to finish her shopping.
precipitation falling from clouds in the form of ice crystals
From this reading A PICNIC IN THE SNOW "WHAT a good gray day this is!" exclaimed Betty next morning, turning from the window to look around the cheerful breakfast-room, all aglow with an open wood-fire.
for that reason; with the result that
From this reading "It's so bleak outside that there is no temptation to go gadding, and so cosy indoors that we'll be glad of the chance to stay at home and finish tying up our Christmas packages."
having a supporting base
From this reading "Yes," assented Lloyd, who, having finished her breakfast, was standing on the hearth-rug, her back to the fire and her hands clasped behind her.
stay the same; remain in a certain state
From this reading "It's so bleak outside that there is no temptation to go gadding, and so cosy indoors that we'll be glad of the chance to stay at home and finish tying up our Christmas packages."
carry out
From this reading For that reason I am glad that mothah had to take the early train to town this mawning, to finish her shopping.
temptationnounUS /temˈteɪʃən/
something that seduces or has the quality to seduce
From this reading "It's so bleak outside that there is no temptation to go gadding, and so cosy indoors that we'll be glad of the chance to stay at home and finish tying up our Christmas packages."
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading "It's so bleak outside that there is no temptation to go gadding, and so cosy indoors that we'll be glad of the chance to stay at home and finish tying up our Christmas packages."
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading A PICNIC IN THE SNOW "WHAT a good gray day this is!" exclaimed Betty next morning, turning from the window to look around the cheerful breakfast-room, all aglow with an open wood-fire.
in or at that place or location
From this reading "It's so bleak outside that there is no temptation to go gadding, and so cosy indoors that we'll be glad of the chance to stay at home and finish tying up our Christmas packages."
used for a person or thing that is near, or that has just been mentioned
From this reading A PICNIC IN THE SNOW "WHAT a good gray day this is!" exclaimed Betty next morning, turning from the window to look around the cheerful breakfast-room, all aglow with an open wood-fire.
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading A PICNIC IN THE SNOW "WHAT a good gray day this is!" exclaimed Betty next morning, turning from the window to look around the cheerful breakfast-room, all aglow with an open wood-fire.
an urban area with a fixed boundary that is smaller than a city
From this reading For that reason I am glad that mothah had to take the early train to town this mawning, to finish her shopping.
create by training and teaching
From this reading For that reason I am glad that mothah had to take the early train to town this mawning, to finish her shopping.
the act of changing or reversing the direction of the course
From this reading A PICNIC IN THE SNOW "WHAT a good gray day this is!" exclaimed Betty next morning, turning from the window to look around the cheerful breakfast-room, all aglow with an open wood-fire.
tyingnounUS /ˈtaɪɪŋ/
the act of tying or binding things together
From this reading "It's so bleak outside that there is no temptation to go gadding, and so cosy indoors that we'll be glad of the chance to stay at home and finish tying up our Christmas packages."
being or moving higher in position or greater in some value; being above a former position or level
From this reading "It's so bleak outside that there is no temptation to go gadding, and so cosy indoors that we'll be glad of the chance to stay at home and finish tying up our Christmas packages."
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading "Yes," assented Lloyd, who, having finished her breakfast, was standing on the hearth-rug, her back to the fire and her hands clasped behind her.
we'll
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading "It's so bleak outside that there is no temptation to go gadding, and so cosy indoors that we'll be glad of the chance to stay at home and finish tying up our Christmas packages."
used to ask for information about something
From this reading A PICNIC IN THE SNOW "WHAT a good gray day this is!" exclaimed Betty next morning, turning from the window to look around the cheerful breakfast-room, all aglow with an open wood-fire.
which person or people
From this reading "Yes," assented Lloyd, who, having finished her breakfast, was standing on the hearth-rug, her back to the fire and her hands clasped behind her.
a framework of wood or metal that contains a glass windowpane and is built into a wall or roof to admit light or air
From this reading A PICNIC IN THE SNOW "WHAT a good gray day this is!" exclaimed Betty next morning, turning from the window to look around the cheerful breakfast-room, all aglow with an open wood-fire.
in the company of; together with
From this reading A PICNIC IN THE SNOW "WHAT a good gray day this is!" exclaimed Betty next morning, turning from the window to look around the cheerful breakfast-room, all aglow with an open wood-fire.
wood-fire
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading A PICNIC IN THE SNOW "WHAT a good gray day this is!" exclaimed Betty next morning, turning from the window to look around the cheerful breakfast-room, all aglow with an open wood-fire.
an affirmative
From this reading "Yes," assented Lloyd, who, having finished her breakfast, was standing on the hearth-rug, her back to the fire and her hands clasped behind her.
