Chapter VI · Chapter 6

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

From this reading The one which looked most feasible was a maple with low-growing branches, and throwing off my coat I was soon half-way to its top and on a level, or nearly so, with the window on which I had fixed my eye.

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

From this reading A narrow space intervened which, to an eye placed where mine was, offered a peep-hole of more or less satisfactory proportions, and this space, I soon saw, widened perceptibly from time to time as the wind caught at the shade and blew it in.

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

From this reading The one which looked most feasible was a maple with low-growing branches, and throwing off my coat I was soon half-way to its top and on a level, or nearly so, with the window on which I had fixed my eye.

an expectation

From this reading There were no curtains to this window--the house being half dismantled in anticipation of Mrs. Carew's departure--but it was still protected by a shade, and this was drawn down, nearly to the ledge.

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

From this reading A narrow space intervened which, to an eye placed where mine was, offered a peep-hole of more or less satisfactory proportions, and this space, I soon saw, widened perceptibly from time to time as the wind caught at the shade and blew it in.

in or near a particular place or position

From this reading A narrow space intervened which, to an eye placed where mine was, offered a peep-hole of more or less satisfactory proportions, and this space, I soon saw, widened perceptibly from time to time as the wind caught at the shade and blew it in.

the -ing form of “be”

From this reading There were no curtains to this window--the house being half dismantled in anticipation of Mrs. Carew's departure--but it was still protected by a shade, and this was drawn down, nearly to the ledge.

inflected form of “blow” — exhale hard

From this reading A narrow space intervened which, to an eye placed where mine was, offered a peep-hole of more or less satisfactory proportions, and this space, I soon saw, widened perceptibly from time to time as the wind caught at the shade and blew it in.

exhale hard

From this reading With utmost caution I shifted my position till I could bring my eye fairly in line with the interior of this room, and finding that the glimpse given revealed little but a blue wall and some snowy linen, I waited for the breeze to blow that I might see more.

of the color intermediate between green and violet; having a color similar to that of a clear unclouded sky

From this reading With utmost caution I shifted my position till I could bring my eye fairly in line with the interior of this room, and finding that the glimpse given revealed little but a blue wall and some snowy linen, I waited for the breeze to blow that I might see more.

plural of “branch” — a division of some larger or more complex organization

From this reading The one which looked most feasible was a maple with low-growing branches, and throwing off my coat I was soon half-way to its top and on a level, or nearly so, with the window on which I had fixed my eye.

a slight wind (usually refreshing)

From this reading With utmost caution I shifted my position till I could bring my eye fairly in line with the interior of this room, and finding that the glimpse given revealed little but a blue wall and some snowy linen, I waited for the breeze to blow that I might see more.

take something or somebody with oneself somewhere

From this reading With utmost caution I shifted my position till I could bring my eye fairly in line with the interior of this room, and finding that the glimpse given revealed little but a blue wall and some snowy linen, I waited for the breeze to blow that I might see more.

used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before

From this reading There were no curtains to this window--the house being half dismantled in anticipation of Mrs. Carew's departure--but it was still protected by a shade, and this was drawn down, nearly to the ledge.

showing who or what does the action

From this reading There were no curtains to this window--the house being half dismantled in anticipation of Mrs. Carew's departure--but it was still protected by a shade, and this was drawn down, nearly to the ledge.

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

From this reading There were no curtains to this window--the house being half dismantled in anticipation of Mrs. Carew's departure--but it was still protected by a shade, and this was drawn down, nearly to the ledge.

inflected form of “catch” — discover or come upon accidentally, suddenly, or unexpectedly; catch somebody doing something or in a certain state

From this reading A narrow space intervened which, to an eye placed where mine was, offered a peep-hole of more or less satisfactory proportions, and this space, I soon saw, widened perceptibly from time to time as the wind caught at the shade and blew it in.

the trait of being cautious; being attentive to possible danger

From this reading With utmost caution I shifted my position till I could bring my eye fairly in line with the interior of this room, and finding that the glimpse given revealed little but a blue wall and some snowy linen, I waited for the breeze to blow that I might see more.

an outer garment that has sleeves and covers the body from shoulder down; worn outdoors

From this reading The one which looked most feasible was a maple with low-growing branches, and throwing off my coat I was soon half-way to its top and on a level, or nearly so, with the window on which I had fixed my eye.

the past of “can”; used for possibility or polite requests

From this reading With utmost caution I shifted my position till I could bring my eye fairly in line with the interior of this room, and finding that the glimpse given revealed little but a blue wall and some snowy linen, I waited for the breeze to blow that I might see more.

plural of “curtain” — hanging cloth used as a blind (especially for a window)

From this reading There were no curtains to this window--the house being half dismantled in anticipation of Mrs. Carew's departure--but it was still protected by a shade, and this was drawn down, nearly to the ledge.

the act of departing

From this reading There were no curtains to this window--the house being half dismantled in anticipation of Mrs. Carew's departure--but it was still protected by a shade, and this was drawn down, nearly to the ledge.

torn down and broken up

From this reading There were no curtains to this window--the house being half dismantled in anticipation of Mrs. Carew's departure--but it was still protected by a shade, and this was drawn down, nearly to the ledge.

being or moving lower in position or less in some value

From this reading There were no curtains to this window--the house being half dismantled in anticipation of Mrs. Carew's departure--but it was still protected by a shade, and this was drawn down, nearly to the ledge.

showing the wearing effects of overwork or care or suffering

From this reading There were no curtains to this window--the house being half dismantled in anticipation of Mrs. Carew's departure--but it was still protected by a shade, and this was drawn down, nearly to the ledge.

the organ of sight

From this reading The one which looked most feasible was a maple with low-growing branches, and throwing off my coat I was soon half-way to its top and on a level, or nearly so, with the window on which I had fixed my eye.

to certain extent or degree

From this reading With utmost caution I shifted my position till I could bring my eye fairly in line with the interior of this room, and finding that the glimpse given revealed little but a blue wall and some snowy linen, I waited for the breeze to blow that I might see more.

capable of being done with means at hand and circumstances as they are

From this reading The one which looked most feasible was a maple with low-growing branches, and throwing off my coat I was soon half-way to its top and on a level, or nearly so, with the window on which I had fixed my eye.

the act of determining the properties of something, usually by research or calculation

From this reading With utmost caution I shifted my position till I could bring my eye fairly in line with the interior of this room, and finding that the glimpse given revealed little but a blue wall and some snowy linen, I waited for the breeze to blow that I might see more.

(of a number) having a fixed and unchanging value

From this reading The one which looked most feasible was a maple with low-growing branches, and throwing off my coat I was soon half-way to its top and on a level, or nearly so, with the window on which I had fixed my eye.

intended to be given to, or used by, somebody

From this reading With utmost caution I shifted my position till I could bring my eye fairly in line with the interior of this room, and finding that the glimpse given revealed little but a blue wall and some snowy linen, I waited for the breeze to blow that I might see more.

showing where something starts, or who sent it

From this reading A narrow space intervened which, to an eye placed where mine was, offered a peep-hole of more or less satisfactory proportions, and this space, I soon saw, widened perceptibly from time to time as the wind caught at the shade and blew it in.

acknowledged as a supposition

From this reading With utmost caution I shifted my position till I could bring my eye fairly in line with the interior of this room, and finding that the glimpse given revealed little but a blue wall and some snowy linen, I waited for the breeze to blow that I might see more.

a quick look

From this reading With utmost caution I shifted my position till I could bring my eye fairly in line with the interior of this room, and finding that the glimpse given revealed little but a blue wall and some snowy linen, I waited for the breeze to blow that I might see more.

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

From this reading The one which looked most feasible was a maple with low-growing branches, and throwing off my coat I was soon half-way to its top and on a level, or nearly so, with the window on which I had fixed my eye.

consisting of one of two equivalent parts in value or quantity

From this reading There were no curtains to this window--the house being half dismantled in anticipation of Mrs. Carew's departure--but it was still protected by a shade, and this was drawn down, nearly to the ledge.

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

From this reading The one which looked most feasible was a maple with low-growing branches, and throwing off my coat I was soon half-way to its top and on a level, or nearly so, with the window on which I had fixed my eye.

a dwelling that serves as living quarters for one or more families

From this reading There were no curtains to this window--the house being half dismantled in anticipation of Mrs. Carew's departure--but it was still protected by a shade, and this was drawn down, nearly to the ledge.

the person speaking or writing, as the subject of the verb

From this reading The one which looked most feasible was a maple with low-growing branches, and throwing off my coat I was soon half-way to its top and on a level, or nearly so, with the window on which I had fixed my eye.

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

From this reading There were no curtains to this window--the house being half dismantled in anticipation of Mrs. Carew's departure--but it was still protected by a shade, and this was drawn down, nearly to the ledge.

situated within or suitable for inside a building

From this reading With utmost caution I shifted my position till I could bring my eye fairly in line with the interior of this room, and finding that the glimpse given revealed little but a blue wall and some snowy linen, I waited for the breeze to blow that I might see more.

past form of “intervene” — get involved, so as to alter or hinder an action, or through force or threat of force

From this reading A narrow space intervened which, to an eye placed where mine was, offered a peep-hole of more or less satisfactory proportions, and this space, I soon saw, widened perceptibly from time to time as the wind caught at the shade and blew it in.

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading There were no curtains to this window--the house being half dismantled in anticipation of Mrs. Carew's departure--but it was still protected by a shade, and this was drawn down, nearly to the ledge.

belonging to the thing or animal already mentioned

From this reading The one which looked most feasible was a maple with low-growing branches, and throwing off my coat I was soon half-way to its top and on a level, or nearly so, with the window on which I had fixed my eye.

a projecting ridge on a mountain or submerged under water

From this reading There were no curtains to this window--the house being half dismantled in anticipation of Mrs. Carew's departure--but it was still protected by a shade, and this was drawn down, nearly to the ledge.

used to form the comparative of some adjectives and adverbs

From this reading A narrow space intervened which, to an eye placed where mine was, offered a peep-hole of more or less satisfactory proportions, and this space, I soon saw, widened perceptibly from time to time as the wind caught at the shade and blew it in.

a position on a scale of intensity or amount or quality

From this reading The one which looked most feasible was a maple with low-growing branches, and throwing off my coat I was soon half-way to its top and on a level, or nearly so, with the window on which I had fixed my eye.

a formation of people or things one beside another

From this reading With utmost caution I shifted my position till I could bring my eye fairly in line with the interior of this room, and finding that the glimpse given revealed little but a blue wall and some snowy linen, I waited for the breeze to blow that I might see more.

a fabric woven with fibers from the flax plant

From this reading With utmost caution I shifted my position till I could bring my eye fairly in line with the interior of this room, and finding that the glimpse given revealed little but a blue wall and some snowy linen, I waited for the breeze to blow that I might see more.

limited or below average in number or quantity or magnitude or extent

From this reading With utmost caution I shifted my position till I could bring my eye fairly in line with the interior of this room, and finding that the glimpse given revealed little but a blue wall and some snowy linen, I waited for the breeze to blow that I might see more.

past form of “look” — perceive with attention; direct one's gaze towards

From this reading The one which looked most feasible was a maple with low-growing branches, and throwing off my coat I was soon half-way to its top and on a level, or nearly so, with the window on which I had fixed my eye.

of plants that grow relatively low to the ground

From this reading The one which looked most feasible was a maple with low-growing branches, and throwing off my coat I was soon half-way to its top and on a level, or nearly so, with the window on which I had fixed my eye.

wood of any of various maple trees; especially the hard close-grained wood of the sugar maple; used especially for furniture and flooring

From this reading The one which looked most feasible was a maple with low-growing branches, and throwing off my coat I was soon half-way to its top and on a level, or nearly so, with the window on which I had fixed my eye.

used to say something is possible but not certain

From this reading With utmost caution I shifted my position till I could bring my eye fairly in line with the interior of this room, and finding that the glimpse given revealed little but a blue wall and some snowy linen, I waited for the breeze to blow that I might see more.

the one or ones belonging to the person speaking

From this reading A narrow space intervened which, to an eye placed where mine was, offered a peep-hole of more or less satisfactory proportions, and this space, I soon saw, widened perceptibly from time to time as the wind caught at the shade and blew it in.

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

From this reading A narrow space intervened which, to an eye placed where mine was, offered a peep-hole of more or less satisfactory proportions, and this space, I soon saw, widened perceptibly from time to time as the wind caught at the shade and blew it in.

used to form the superlative

From this reading The one which looked most feasible was a maple with low-growing branches, and throwing off my coat I was soon half-way to its top and on a level, or nearly so, with the window on which I had fixed my eye.

a form of address for a married woman

From this reading There were no curtains to this window--the house being half dismantled in anticipation of Mrs. Carew's departure--but it was still protected by a shade, and this was drawn down, nearly to the ledge.

belonging to the person speaking

From this reading The one which looked most feasible was a maple with low-growing branches, and throwing off my coat I was soon half-way to its top and on a level, or nearly so, with the window on which I had fixed my eye.

make or become more narrow or restricted

From this reading A narrow space intervened which, to an eye placed where mine was, offered a peep-hole of more or less satisfactory proportions, and this space, I soon saw, widened perceptibly from time to time as the wind caught at the shade and blew it in.

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

From this reading The one which looked most feasible was a maple with low-growing branches, and throwing off my coat I was soon half-way to its top and on a level, or nearly so, with the window on which I had fixed my eye.

not any; not one

From this reading There were no curtains to this window--the house being half dismantled in anticipation of Mrs. Carew's departure--but it was still protected by a shade, and this was drawn down, nearly to the ledge.

used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative

From this reading But not quite.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading There were no curtains to this window--the house being half dismantled in anticipation of Mrs. Carew's departure--but it was still protected by a shade, and this was drawn down, nearly to the ledge.

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

From this reading The one which looked most feasible was a maple with low-growing branches, and throwing off my coat I was soon half-way to its top and on a level, or nearly so, with the window on which I had fixed my eye.

past form of “offer” — make available or accessible, provide or furnish

From this reading A narrow space intervened which, to an eye placed where mine was, offered a peep-hole of more or less satisfactory proportions, and this space, I soon saw, widened perceptibly from time to time as the wind caught at the shade and blew it in.

touching and supported by a surface

From this reading The one which looked most feasible was a maple with low-growing branches, and throwing off my coat I was soon half-way to its top and on a level, or nearly so, with the window on which I had fixed my eye.

used to mean any person in general, including the speaker

From this reading The one which looked most feasible was a maple with low-growing branches, and throwing off my coat I was soon half-way to its top and on a level, or nearly so, with the window on which I had fixed my eye.

used to join alternatives or possibilities

From this reading The one which looked most feasible was a maple with low-growing branches, and throwing off my coat I was soon half-way to its top and on a level, or nearly so, with the window on which I had fixed my eye.

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

From this reading A narrow space intervened which, to an eye placed where mine was, offered a peep-hole of more or less satisfactory proportions, and this space, I soon saw, widened perceptibly from time to time as the wind caught at the shade and blew it in.

in a noticeable manner

From this reading A narrow space intervened which, to an eye placed where mine was, offered a peep-hole of more or less satisfactory proportions, and this space, I soon saw, widened perceptibly from time to time as the wind caught at the shade and blew it in.

situated in a particular spot or position

From this reading A narrow space intervened which, to an eye placed where mine was, offered a peep-hole of more or less satisfactory proportions, and this space, I soon saw, widened perceptibly from time to time as the wind caught at the shade and blew it in.

the particular portion of space occupied by something

From this reading With utmost caution I shifted my position till I could bring my eye fairly in line with the interior of this room, and finding that the glimpse given revealed little but a blue wall and some snowy linen, I waited for the breeze to blow that I might see more.

plural of “proportion” — the quotient obtained when the magnitude of a part is divided by the magnitude of the whole

From this reading A narrow space intervened which, to an eye placed where mine was, offered a peep-hole of more or less satisfactory proportions, and this space, I soon saw, widened perceptibly from time to time as the wind caught at the shade and blew it in.

kept safe or defended from danger or injury or loss

From this reading There were no curtains to this window--the house being half dismantled in anticipation of Mrs. Carew's departure--but it was still protected by a shade, and this was drawn down, nearly to the ledge.

to a degree (not used with a negative)

From this reading But not quite.

past form of “reveal” — make visible

From this reading With utmost caution I shifted my position till I could bring my eye fairly in line with the interior of this room, and finding that the glimpse given revealed little but a blue wall and some snowy linen, I waited for the breeze to blow that I might see more.

an area within a building enclosed by walls and floor and ceiling

From this reading With utmost caution I shifted my position till I could bring my eye fairly in line with the interior of this room, and finding that the glimpse given revealed little but a blue wall and some snowy linen, I waited for the breeze to blow that I might see more.

giving satisfaction

From this reading A narrow space intervened which, to an eye placed where mine was, offered a peep-hole of more or less satisfactory proportions, and this space, I soon saw, widened perceptibly from time to time as the wind caught at the shade and blew it in.

cut with a saw

From this reading A narrow space intervened which, to an eye placed where mine was, offered a peep-hole of more or less satisfactory proportions, and this space, I soon saw, widened perceptibly from time to time as the wind caught at the shade and blew it in.

perceive by sight or have the power to perceive by sight

From this reading With utmost caution I shifted my position till I could bring my eye fairly in line with the interior of this room, and finding that the glimpse given revealed little but a blue wall and some snowy linen, I waited for the breeze to blow that I might see more.

relative darkness caused by light rays being intercepted by an opaque body

From this reading There were no curtains to this window--the house being half dismantled in anticipation of Mrs. Carew's departure--but it was still protected by a shade, and this was drawn down, nearly to the ledge.

past form of “shift” — make a shift in or exchange of

From this reading With utmost caution I shifted my position till I could bring my eye fairly in line with the interior of this room, and finding that the glimpse given revealed little but a blue wall and some snowy linen, I waited for the breeze to blow that I might see more.

marked by the presence of snow

From this reading With utmost caution I shifted my position till I could bring my eye fairly in line with the interior of this room, and finding that the glimpse given revealed little but a blue wall and some snowy linen, I waited for the breeze to blow that I might see more.

for that reason; with the result that

From this reading The one which looked most feasible was a maple with low-growing branches, and throwing off my coat I was soon half-way to its top and on a level, or nearly so, with the window on which I had fixed my eye.

(quantifier) used with either mass nouns or plural count nouns to indicate an unspecified number or quantity

From this reading With utmost caution I shifted my position till I could bring my eye fairly in line with the interior of this room, and finding that the glimpse given revealed little but a blue wall and some snowy linen, I waited for the breeze to blow that I might see more.

in the near future

From this reading The one which looked most feasible was a maple with low-growing branches, and throwing off my coat I was soon half-way to its top and on a level, or nearly so, with the window on which I had fixed my eye.

the unlimited expanse in which everything is located

From this reading A narrow space intervened which, to an eye placed where mine was, offered a peep-hole of more or less satisfactory proportions, and this space, I soon saw, widened perceptibly from time to time as the wind caught at the shade and blew it in.

not in physical motion

From this reading There were no curtains to this window--the house being half dismantled in anticipation of Mrs. Carew's departure--but it was still protected by a shade, and this was drawn down, nearly to the ledge.

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading With utmost caution I shifted my position till I could bring my eye fairly in line with the interior of this room, and finding that the glimpse given revealed little but a blue wall and some snowy linen, I waited for the breeze to blow that I might see more.

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

From this reading The one which looked most feasible was a maple with low-growing branches, and throwing off my coat I was soon half-way to its top and on a level, or nearly so, with the window on which I had fixed my eye.

in or at that place or location

From this reading There were no curtains to this window--the house being half dismantled in anticipation of Mrs. Carew's departure--but it was still protected by a shade, and this was drawn down, nearly to the ledge.

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

From this reading There were no curtains to this window--the house being half dismantled in anticipation of Mrs. Carew's departure--but it was still protected by a shade, and this was drawn down, nearly to the ledge.

-ing form of “throw” — propel through the air

From this reading The one which looked most feasible was a maple with low-growing branches, and throwing off my coat I was soon half-way to its top and on a level, or nearly so, with the window on which I had fixed my eye.

up to a particular time

From this reading With utmost caution I shifted my position till I could bring my eye fairly in line with the interior of this room, and finding that the glimpse given revealed little but a blue wall and some snowy linen, I waited for the breeze to blow that I might see more.

an instance or single occasion for some event

From this reading A narrow space intervened which, to an eye placed where mine was, offered a peep-hole of more or less satisfactory proportions, and this space, I soon saw, widened perceptibly from time to time as the wind caught at the shade and blew it in.

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

From this reading The one which looked most feasible was a maple with low-growing branches, and throwing off my coat I was soon half-way to its top and on a level, or nearly so, with the window on which I had fixed my eye.

the upper part of anything

From this reading The one which looked most feasible was a maple with low-growing branches, and throwing off my coat I was soon half-way to its top and on a level, or nearly so, with the window on which I had fixed my eye.

of the greatest possible degree or extent or intensity

From this reading With utmost caution I shifted my position till I could bring my eye fairly in line with the interior of this room, and finding that the glimpse given revealed little but a blue wall and some snowy linen, I waited for the breeze to blow that I might see more.

past form of “wait” — stay in one place and anticipate or expect something

From this reading With utmost caution I shifted my position till I could bring my eye fairly in line with the interior of this room, and finding that the glimpse given revealed little but a blue wall and some snowy linen, I waited for the breeze to blow that I might see more.

an architectural partition with a height and length greater than its thickness; used to divide or enclose an area or to support another structure

From this reading With utmost caution I shifted my position till I could bring my eye fairly in line with the interior of this room, and finding that the glimpse given revealed little but a blue wall and some snowy linen, I waited for the breeze to blow that I might see more.

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

From this reading The one which looked most feasible was a maple with low-growing branches, and throwing off my coat I was soon half-way to its top and on a level, or nearly so, with the window on which I had fixed my eye.

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

From this reading There were no curtains to this window--the house being half dismantled in anticipation of Mrs. Carew's departure--but it was still protected by a shade, and this was drawn down, nearly to the ledge.

in or at the place that

From this reading A narrow space intervened which, to an eye placed where mine was, offered a peep-hole of more or less satisfactory proportions, and this space, I soon saw, widened perceptibly from time to time as the wind caught at the shade and blew it in.

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

From this reading The one which looked most feasible was a maple with low-growing branches, and throwing off my coat I was soon half-way to its top and on a level, or nearly so, with the window on which I had fixed my eye.

past form of “widen” — become broader or wider or more extensive

From this reading A narrow space intervened which, to an eye placed where mine was, offered a peep-hole of more or less satisfactory proportions, and this space, I soon saw, widened perceptibly from time to time as the wind caught at the shade and blew it in.

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

From this reading A narrow space intervened which, to an eye placed where mine was, offered a peep-hole of more or less satisfactory proportions, and this space, I soon saw, widened perceptibly from time to time as the wind caught at the shade and blew it in.

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 The one which looked most feasible was a maple with low-growing branches, and throwing off my coat I was soon half-way to its top and on a level, or nearly so, with the window on which I had fixed my eye.

in the company of; together with

From this reading The one which looked most feasible was a maple with low-growing branches, and throwing off my coat I was soon half-way to its top and on a level, or nearly so, with the window on which I had fixed my eye.