Chapter III · An Elegant Epistle

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

From this reading On Bournemouth cliffs, where pine-trees cluster to the edge, sat an elderly spinster, knitting a homely stocking.

from one side of something to the other

From this reading She wore, in spite of the heat, a handsome cashmere shawl, pinned across her spare shoulders with a portrait brooch, and that hideous variety of Early Victorian head-gear known as the mushroom hat.

past form of “act” — perform an action, or work out or perform (an action)

From this reading This quaint survival of the last century knitted as assiduously as was possible under the circumstances, for at a discreet distance were two young people, towards whom she acted the part of chaperon.

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

From this reading On Bournemouth cliffs, where pine-trees cluster to the edge, sat an elderly spinster, knitting a homely stocking.

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

From this reading She wore, in spite of the heat, a handsome cashmere shawl, pinned across her spare shoulders with a portrait brooch, and that hideous variety of Early Victorian head-gear known as the mushroom hat.

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

From this reading She wore, in spite of the heat, a handsome cashmere shawl, pinned across her spare shoulders with a portrait brooch, and that hideous variety of Early Victorian head-gear known as the mushroom hat.

with care and persistence

From this reading This quaint survival of the last century knitted as assiduously as was possible under the circumstances, for at a discreet distance were two young people, towards whom she acted the part of chaperon.

in or near a particular place or position

From this reading This quaint survival of the last century knitted as assiduously as was possible under the circumstances, for at a discreet distance were two young people, towards whom she acted the part of chaperon.

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

From this reading On Bournemouth cliffs, where pine-trees cluster to the edge, sat an elderly spinster, knitting a homely stocking.

past form of “brighten” — make more cheerful through the use of color

From this reading From under this streamed a frizzy crop of gray curls, which framed a rosy, wrinkled face, brightened by twinkling eyes.

a decorative pin worn by women

From this reading She wore, in spite of the heat, a handsome cashmere shawl, pinned across her spare shoulders with a portrait brooch, and that hideous variety of Early Victorian head-gear known as the mushroom hat.

showing who or what does the action

From this reading From under this streamed a frizzy crop of gray curls, which framed a rosy, wrinkled face, brightened by twinkling eyes.

a soft fabric made from the wool of the Cashmere goat

From this reading She wore, in spite of the heat, a handsome cashmere shawl, pinned across her spare shoulders with a portrait brooch, and that hideous variety of Early Victorian head-gear known as the mushroom hat.

a period of 100 years

From this reading This quaint survival of the last century knitted as assiduously as was possible under the circumstances, for at a discreet distance were two young people, towards whom she acted the part of chaperon.

one who accompanies and supervises a young woman or gatherings of young people

From this reading This quaint survival of the last century knitted as assiduously as was possible under the circumstances, for at a discreet distance were two young people, towards whom she acted the part of chaperon.

your overall circumstances or condition in life (including everything that happens to you)

From this reading This quaint survival of the last century knitted as assiduously as was possible under the circumstances, for at a discreet distance were two young people, towards whom she acted the part of chaperon.

plural of “cliff” — a steep high face of rock

From this reading On Bournemouth cliffs, where pine-trees cluster to the edge, sat an elderly spinster, knitting a homely stocking.

come together as in a cluster or flock

From this reading On Bournemouth cliffs, where pine-trees cluster to the edge, sat an elderly spinster, knitting a homely stocking.

the yield from plants in a single growing season

From this reading From under this streamed a frizzy crop of gray curls, which framed a rosy, wrinkled face, brightened by twinkling eyes.

plural of “curl” — a round shape formed by a series of concentric circles (as formed by leaves or flower petals)

From this reading From under this streamed a frizzy crop of gray curls, which framed a rosy, wrinkled face, brightened by twinkling eyes.

marked by prudence or modesty and wise self-restraint

From this reading This quaint survival of the last century knitted as assiduously as was possible under the circumstances, for at a discreet distance were two young people, towards whom she acted the part of chaperon.

the property created by the space between two objects or points

From this reading This quaint survival of the last century knitted as assiduously as was possible under the circumstances, for at a discreet distance were two young people, towards whom she acted the part of chaperon.

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

From this reading She wore, in spite of the heat, a handsome cashmere shawl, pinned across her spare shoulders with a portrait brooch, and that hideous variety of Early Victorian head-gear known as the mushroom hat.

the boundary of a surface

From this reading On Bournemouth cliffs, where pine-trees cluster to the edge, sat an elderly spinster, knitting a homely stocking.

advanced in years; (“aged” is pronounced as two syllables)

From this reading On Bournemouth cliffs, where pine-trees cluster to the edge, sat an elderly spinster, knitting a homely stocking.

opinion or judgment

From this reading From under this streamed a frizzy crop of gray curls, which framed a rosy, wrinkled face, brightened by twinkling eyes.

the front of the human head from the forehead to the chin and ear to ear

From this reading From under this streamed a frizzy crop of gray curls, which framed a rosy, wrinkled face, brightened by twinkling eyes.

intended to be given to, or used by, somebody

From this reading This quaint survival of the last century knitted as assiduously as was possible under the circumstances, for at a discreet distance were two young people, towards whom she acted the part of chaperon.

provided with a frame

From this reading From under this streamed a frizzy crop of gray curls, which framed a rosy, wrinkled face, brightened by twinkling eyes.

(of hair) in small tight curls

From this reading From under this streamed a frizzy crop of gray curls, which framed a rosy, wrinkled face, brightened by twinkling eyes.

showing where something starts, or who sent it

From this reading From under this streamed a frizzy crop of gray curls, which framed a rosy, wrinkled face, brightened by twinkling eyes.

a neutral achromatic color midway between white and black

From this reading From under this streamed a frizzy crop of gray curls, which framed a rosy, wrinkled face, brightened by twinkling eyes.

pleasing in appearance especially by reason of conformity to ideals of form and proportion

From this reading She wore, in spite of the heat, a handsome cashmere shawl, pinned across her spare shoulders with a portrait brooch, and that hideous variety of Early Victorian head-gear known as the mushroom hat.

headdress that protects the head from bad weather; has shaped crown and usually a brim

From this reading She wore, in spite of the heat, a handsome cashmere shawl, pinned across her spare shoulders with a portrait brooch, and that hideous variety of Early Victorian head-gear known as the mushroom hat.

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

From this reading She wore, in spite of the heat, a handsome cashmere shawl, pinned across her spare shoulders with a portrait brooch, and that hideous variety of Early Victorian head-gear known as the mushroom hat.

the locus of feelings and intuitions

From this reading These, sparkling as those of sweet seventeen, proved that their owner was still young in heart.

a form of energy that is transferred by a difference in temperature

From this reading She wore, in spite of the heat, a handsome cashmere shawl, pinned across her spare shoulders with a portrait brooch, and that hideous variety of Early Victorian head-gear known as the mushroom hat.

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

From this reading She wore, in spite of the heat, a handsome cashmere shawl, pinned across her spare shoulders with a portrait brooch, and that hideous variety of Early Victorian head-gear known as the mushroom hat.

grossly offensive to decency or morality; causing horror

From this reading She wore, in spite of the heat, a handsome cashmere shawl, pinned across her spare shoulders with a portrait brooch, and that hideous variety of Early Victorian head-gear known as the mushroom hat.

lacking in physical beauty or proportion

From this reading On Bournemouth cliffs, where pine-trees cluster to the edge, sat an elderly spinster, knitting a homely stocking.

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

From this reading She wore, in spite of the heat, a handsome cashmere shawl, pinned across her spare shoulders with a portrait brooch, and that hideous variety of Early Victorian head-gear known as the mushroom hat.

made by intertwining threads in a series of connected loops rather than by weaving

From this reading This quaint survival of the last century knitted as assiduously as was possible under the circumstances, for at a discreet distance were two young people, towards whom she acted the part of chaperon.

needlework created by interlacing yarn in a series of connected loops using straight eyeless needles or by machine

From this reading On Bournemouth cliffs, where pine-trees cluster to the edge, sat an elderly spinster, knitting a homely stocking.

apprehended with certainty

From this reading She wore, in spite of the heat, a handsome cashmere shawl, pinned across her spare shoulders with a portrait brooch, and that hideous variety of Early Victorian head-gear known as the mushroom hat.

immediately past

From this reading This quaint survival of the last century knitted as assiduously as was possible under the circumstances, for at a discreet distance were two young people, towards whom she acted the part of chaperon.

common name for an edible agaric (contrasting with the inedible toadstool)

From this reading She wore, in spite of the heat, a handsome cashmere shawl, pinned across her spare shoulders with a portrait brooch, and that hideous variety of Early Victorian head-gear known as the mushroom hat.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading She wore, in spite of the heat, a handsome cashmere shawl, pinned across her spare shoulders with a portrait brooch, and that hideous variety of Early Victorian head-gear known as the mushroom hat.

touching and supported by a surface

From this reading On Bournemouth cliffs, where pine-trees cluster to the edge, sat an elderly spinster, knitting a homely stocking.

(law) someone who owns (is legal possessor of) a business

From this reading These, sparkling as those of sweet seventeen, proved that their owner was still young in heart.

something determined in relation to something that includes it

From this reading This quaint survival of the last century knitted as assiduously as was possible under the circumstances, for at a discreet distance were two young people, towards whom she acted the part of chaperon.

(plural) any group of human beings (men or women or children) collectively

From this reading This quaint survival of the last century knitted as assiduously as was possible under the circumstances, for at a discreet distance were two young people, towards whom she acted the part of chaperon.

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

From this reading On Bournemouth cliffs, where pine-trees cluster to the edge, sat an elderly spinster, knitting a homely stocking.

inflected form of “pin” — to hold fast or prevent from moving

From this reading She wore, in spite of the heat, a handsome cashmere shawl, pinned across her spare shoulders with a portrait brooch, and that hideous variety of Early Victorian head-gear known as the mushroom hat.

a word picture of a person's appearance and character

From this reading She wore, in spite of the heat, a handsome cashmere shawl, pinned across her spare shoulders with a portrait brooch, and that hideous variety of Early Victorian head-gear known as the mushroom hat.

capable of happening or existing

From this reading This quaint survival of the last century knitted as assiduously as was possible under the circumstances, for at a discreet distance were two young people, towards whom she acted the part of chaperon.

established beyond doubt

From this reading These, sparkling as those of sweet seventeen, proved that their owner was still young in heart.

strange in an interesting or pleasing way

From this reading This quaint survival of the last century knitted as assiduously as was possible under the circumstances, for at a discreet distance were two young people, towards whom she acted the part of chaperon.

reflecting optimism

From this reading From under this streamed a frizzy crop of gray curls, which framed a rosy, wrinkled face, brightened by twinkling eyes.

the seventh and last day of the week; observed as the Sabbath by Jews and some Christians

From this reading On Bournemouth cliffs, where pine-trees cluster to the edge, sat an elderly spinster, knitting a homely stocking.

being one more than sixteen

From this reading These, sparkling as those of sweet seventeen, proved that their owner was still young in heart.

cloak consisting of an oblong piece of cloth used to cover the head and shoulders

From this reading She wore, in spite of the heat, a handsome cashmere shawl, pinned across her spare shoulders with a portrait brooch, and that hideous variety of Early Victorian head-gear known as the mushroom hat.

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

From this reading She wore, in spite of the heat, a handsome cashmere shawl, pinned across her spare shoulders with a portrait brooch, and that hideous variety of Early Victorian head-gear known as the mushroom hat.

plural of “shoulder” — the part of the body between the neck and the upper arm

From this reading She wore, in spite of the heat, a handsome cashmere shawl, pinned across her spare shoulders with a portrait brooch, and that hideous variety of Early Victorian head-gear known as the mushroom hat.

refrain from harming

From this reading She wore, in spite of the heat, a handsome cashmere shawl, pinned across her spare shoulders with a portrait brooch, and that hideous variety of Early Victorian head-gear known as the mushroom hat.

shining with brilliant points of light like stars

From this reading These, sparkling as those of sweet seventeen, proved that their owner was still young in heart.

an elderly unmarried woman

From this reading On Bournemouth cliffs, where pine-trees cluster to the edge, sat an elderly spinster, knitting a homely stocking.

feeling a need to see others suffer

From this reading She wore, in spite of the heat, a handsome cashmere shawl, pinned across her spare shoulders with a portrait brooch, and that hideous variety of Early Victorian head-gear known as the mushroom hat.

not in physical motion

From this reading These, sparkling as those of sweet seventeen, proved that their owner was still young in heart.

close-fitting hosiery to cover the foot and leg; come in matched pairs (usually used in the plural)

From this reading On Bournemouth cliffs, where pine-trees cluster to the edge, sat an elderly spinster, knitting a homely stocking.

past form of “stream” — to extend, wave or float outward, as if in the wind

From this reading From under this streamed a frizzy crop of gray curls, which framed a rosy, wrinkled face, brightened by twinkling eyes.

a state of surviving; remaining alive

From this reading This quaint survival of the last century knitted as assiduously as was possible under the circumstances, for at a discreet distance were two young people, towards whom she acted the part of chaperon.

having or denoting the characteristic taste of sugar

From this reading These, sparkling as those of sweet seventeen, proved that their owner was still young in heart.

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading She wore, in spite of the heat, a handsome cashmere shawl, pinned across her spare shoulders with a portrait brooch, and that hideous variety of Early Victorian head-gear known as the mushroom hat.

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

From this reading On Bournemouth cliffs, where pine-trees cluster to the edge, sat an elderly spinster, knitting a homely stocking.

belonging to the people or things already mentioned

From this reading These, sparkling as those of sweet seventeen, proved that their owner was still young in heart.

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

From this reading These, sparkling as those of sweet seventeen, proved that their owner was still young in heart.

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

From this reading From under this streamed a frizzy crop of gray curls, which framed a rosy, wrinkled face, brightened by twinkling eyes.

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

From this reading These, sparkling as those of sweet seventeen, proved that their owner was still young in heart.

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

From this reading On Bournemouth cliffs, where pine-trees cluster to the edge, sat an elderly spinster, knitting a homely stocking.

in the direction of

From this reading This quaint survival of the last century knitted as assiduously as was possible under the circumstances, for at a discreet distance were two young people, towards whom she acted the part of chaperon.

a very short time (as the time it takes the eye to blink or the heart to beat)

From this reading From under this streamed a frizzy crop of gray curls, which framed a rosy, wrinkled face, brightened by twinkling eyes.

the cardinal number that is the sum of one and one or a numeral representing this number

From this reading This quaint survival of the last century knitted as assiduously as was possible under the circumstances, for at a discreet distance were two young people, towards whom she acted the part of chaperon.

below or beneath something; less than

From this reading From under this streamed a frizzy crop of gray curls, which framed a rosy, wrinkled face, brightened by twinkling eyes.

a collection containing a variety of sorts of things

From this reading She wore, in spite of the heat, a handsome cashmere shawl, pinned across her spare shoulders with a portrait brooch, and that hideous variety of Early Victorian head-gear known as the mushroom hat.

of or relating to Queen Victoria of Great Britain or to the age in which she ruled

From this reading She wore, in spite of the heat, a handsome cashmere shawl, pinned across her spare shoulders with a portrait brooch, and that hideous variety of Early Victorian head-gear known as the mushroom hat.

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

From this reading These, sparkling as those of sweet seventeen, proved that their owner was still young in heart.

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

From this reading This quaint survival of the last century knitted as assiduously as was possible under the circumstances, for at a discreet distance were two young people, towards whom she acted the part of chaperon.

in or at the place that

From this reading On Bournemouth cliffs, where pine-trees cluster to the edge, sat an elderly spinster, knitting a homely stocking.

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

From this reading From under this streamed a frizzy crop of gray curls, which framed a rosy, wrinkled face, brightened by twinkling eyes.

the form of “who” used as the object of a verb or preposition

From this reading This quaint survival of the last century knitted as assiduously as was possible under the circumstances, for at a discreet distance were two young people, towards whom she acted the part of chaperon.

in the company of; together with

From this reading She wore, in spite of the heat, a handsome cashmere shawl, pinned across her spare shoulders with a portrait brooch, and that hideous variety of Early Victorian head-gear known as the mushroom hat.

inflected form of “wear” — be dressed in

From this reading She wore, in spite of the heat, a handsome cashmere shawl, pinned across her spare shoulders with a portrait brooch, and that hideous variety of Early Victorian head-gear known as the mushroom hat.

marked by wrinkles

From this reading From under this streamed a frizzy crop of gray curls, which framed a rosy, wrinkled face, brightened by twinkling eyes.

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

From this reading These, sparkling as those of sweet seventeen, proved that their owner was still young in heart.