Chapter IX

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

From this reading Only a few brief words were devoted to it by those who had gathered at the store on this particular evening.

used to show sadness, pity, or regret

From this reading There was decided the policies of the great political parties; the characters of great or notorious men were weighed and analyzed; the worth, financial, mental, and moral, of the citizens of Manville--not present--were frankly estimated; and, alas, sometimes, the virtues and vices of women received the attention of the gathering of do-little busybodies.

examined carefully and methodically; broken down for consideration of constituent parts

From this reading There was decided the policies of the great political parties; the characters of great or notorious men were weighed and analyzed; the worth, financial, mental, and moral, of the citizens of Manville--not present--were frankly estimated; and, alas, sometimes, the virtues and vices of women received the attention of the gathering of do-little busybodies.

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

From this reading Men Talk Too "STOUT'S GROCERY," as the sign over the door read, was the scene--especially on rainy evenings--of many heated debates and windy harangues on topics as varied as New England weather.

past form of “appear” — give a certain impression or have a certain outward aspect

From this reading The prophecy had appeared in the evening paper, and it had come to pass that the prophecy and the elements were working harmoniously.

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

From this reading Men Talk Too "STOUT'S GROCERY," as the sign over the door read, was the scene--especially on rainy evenings--of many heated debates and windy harangues on topics as varied as New England weather.

in or near a particular place or position

From this reading Only a few brief words were devoted to it by those who had gathered at the store on this particular evening.

the process whereby a person concentrates on some features of the environment to the (relative) exclusion of others

From this reading There was decided the policies of the great political parties; the characters of great or notorious men were weighed and analyzed; the worth, financial, mental, and moral, of the citizens of Manville--not present--were frankly estimated; and, alas, sometimes, the virtues and vices of women received the attention of the gathering of do-little busybodies.

of short duration or distance

From this reading Only a few brief words were devoted to it by those who had gathered at the store on this particular evening.

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

From this reading There was decided the policies of the great political parties; the characters of great or notorious men were weighed and analyzed; the worth, financial, mental, and moral, of the citizens of Manville--not present--were frankly estimated; and, alas, sometimes, the virtues and vices of women received the attention of the gathering of do-little busybodies.

showing who or what does the action

From this reading Only a few brief words were devoted to it by those who had gathered at the store on this particular evening.

plural of “character” — an imaginary person represented in a work of fiction (play or film or story)

From this reading There was decided the policies of the great political parties; the characters of great or notorious men were weighed and analyzed; the worth, financial, mental, and moral, of the citizens of Manville--not present--were frankly estimated; and, alas, sometimes, the virtues and vices of women received the attention of the gathering of do-little busybodies.

plural of “citizen” — a native or naturalized member of a state or other political community

From this reading There was decided the policies of the great political parties; the characters of great or notorious men were weighed and analyzed; the worth, financial, mental, and moral, of the citizens of Manville--not present--were frankly estimated; and, alas, sometimes, the virtues and vices of women received the attention of the gathering of do-little busybodies.

move toward, travel toward something or somebody or approach something or somebody

From this reading The prophecy had appeared in the evening paper, and it had come to pass that the prophecy and the elements were working harmoniously.

plural of “debate” — a discussion in which reasons are advanced for and against some proposition or proposal

From this reading Men Talk Too "STOUT'S GROCERY," as the sign over the door read, was the scene--especially on rainy evenings--of many heated debates and windy harangues on topics as varied as New England weather.

recognizable; marked

From this reading There was decided the policies of the great political parties; the characters of great or notorious men were weighed and analyzed; the worth, financial, mental, and moral, of the citizens of Manville--not present--were frankly estimated; and, alas, sometimes, the virtues and vices of women received the attention of the gathering of do-little busybodies.

zealous in devotion or affection

From this reading Only a few brief words were devoted to it by those who had gathered at the store on this particular evening.

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

From this reading There was decided the policies of the great political parties; the characters of great or notorious men were weighed and analyzed; the worth, financial, mental, and moral, of the citizens of Manville--not present--were frankly estimated; and, alas, sometimes, the virtues and vices of women received the attention of the gathering of do-little busybodies.

a swinging or sliding barrier that will close the entrance to a room or building or vehicle

From this reading Men Talk Too "STOUT'S GROCERY," as the sign over the door read, was the scene--especially on rainy evenings--of many heated debates and windy harangues on topics as varied as New England weather.

violent or severe weather (viewed as caused by the action of the four elements)

From this reading The prophecy had appeared in the evening paper, and it had come to pass that the prophecy and the elements were working harmoniously.

a division of the United Kingdom

From this reading Men Talk Too "STOUT'S GROCERY," as the sign over the door read, was the scene--especially on rainy evenings--of many heated debates and windy harangues on topics as varied as New England weather.

to a distinctly greater extent or degree than is common

From this reading Men Talk Too "STOUT'S GROCERY," as the sign over the door read, was the scene--especially on rainy evenings--of many heated debates and windy harangues on topics as varied as New England weather.

past form of “estimate” — judge tentatively or form an estimate of (quantities or time)

From this reading There was decided the policies of the great political parties; the characters of great or notorious men were weighed and analyzed; the worth, financial, mental, and moral, of the citizens of Manville--not present--were frankly estimated; and, alas, sometimes, the virtues and vices of women received the attention of the gathering of do-little busybodies.

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

From this reading The prophecy had appeared in the evening paper, and it had come to pass that the prophecy and the elements were working harmoniously.

plural of “evening” — the latter part of the day (the period of decreasing daylight from late afternoon until nightfall)

From this reading Men Talk Too "STOUT'S GROCERY," as the sign over the door read, was the scene--especially on rainy evenings--of many heated debates and windy harangues on topics as varied as New England weather.

a quantifier that can be used with count nouns and is often preceded by “a”; a small but indefinite number

From this reading Only a few brief words were devoted to it by those who had gathered at the store on this particular evening.

involving financial matters

From this reading There was decided the policies of the great political parties; the characters of great or notorious men were weighed and analyzed; the worth, financial, mental, and moral, of the citizens of Manville--not present--were frankly estimated; and, alas, sometimes, the virtues and vices of women received the attention of the gathering of do-little busybodies.

(used as intensives reflecting the speaker's attitude) it is sincerely the case that

From this reading There was decided the policies of the great political parties; the characters of great or notorious men were weighed and analyzed; the worth, financial, mental, and moral, of the citizens of Manville--not present--were frankly estimated; and, alas, sometimes, the virtues and vices of women received the attention of the gathering of do-little busybodies.

brought together in one place

From this reading Only a few brief words were devoted to it by those who had gathered at the store on this particular evening.

a group of persons together in one place

From this reading There was decided the policies of the great political parties; the characters of great or notorious men were weighed and analyzed; the worth, financial, mental, and moral, of the citizens of Manville--not present--were frankly estimated; and, alas, sometimes, the virtues and vices of women received the attention of the gathering of do-little busybodies.

relatively large in size or number or extent; larger than others of its kind

From this reading There was decided the policies of the great political parties; the characters of great or notorious men were weighed and analyzed; the worth, financial, mental, and moral, of the citizens of Manville--not present--were frankly estimated; and, alas, sometimes, the virtues and vices of women received the attention of the gathering of do-little busybodies.

a marketplace where groceries are sold

From this reading Men Talk Too "STOUT'S GROCERY," as the sign over the door read, was the scene--especially on rainy evenings--of many heated debates and windy harangues on topics as varied as New England weather.

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

From this reading The prophecy had appeared in the evening paper, and it had come to pass that the prophecy and the elements were working harmoniously.

plural of “harangue” — a loud bombastic declamation expressed with strong emotion

From this reading Men Talk Too "STOUT'S GROCERY," as the sign over the door read, was the scene--especially on rainy evenings--of many heated debates and windy harangues on topics as varied as New England weather.

in a harmonious manner

From this reading The prophecy had appeared in the evening paper, and it had come to pass that the prophecy and the elements were working harmoniously.

made warm or hot (“het” is a dialectal variant of “heated”)

From this reading Men Talk Too "STOUT'S GROCERY," as the sign over the door read, was the scene--especially on rainy evenings--of many heated debates and windy harangues on topics as varied as New England weather.

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

From this reading The prophecy had appeared in the evening paper, and it had come to pass that the prophecy and the elements were working harmoniously.

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading It was raining.

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

From this reading There was decided the policies of the great political parties; the characters of great or notorious men were weighed and analyzed; the worth, financial, mental, and moral, of the citizens of Manville--not present--were frankly estimated; and, alas, sometimes, the virtues and vices of women received the attention of the gathering of do-little busybodies.

a quantifier that can be used with count nouns and is often preceded by “as” or “too” or “so” or “that”; amounting to a large but indefinite number

From this reading Men Talk Too "STOUT'S GROCERY," as the sign over the door read, was the scene--especially on rainy evenings--of many heated debates and windy harangues on topics as varied as New England weather.

the force of workers available

From this reading Men Talk Too "STOUT'S GROCERY," as the sign over the door read, was the scene--especially on rainy evenings--of many heated debates and windy harangues on topics as varied as New England weather.

involving the mind or an intellectual process

From this reading There was decided the policies of the great political parties; the characters of great or notorious men were weighed and analyzed; the worth, financial, mental, and moral, of the citizens of Manville--not present--were frankly estimated; and, alas, sometimes, the virtues and vices of women received the attention of the gathering of do-little busybodies.

concerned with principles of right and wrong or conforming to standards of behavior and character based on those principles

From this reading There was decided the policies of the great political parties; the characters of great or notorious men were weighed and analyzed; the worth, financial, mental, and moral, of the citizens of Manville--not present--were frankly estimated; and, alas, sometimes, the virtues and vices of women received the attention of the gathering of do-little busybodies.

not of long duration; having just (or relatively recently) come into being or been made or acquired or discovered

From this reading Men Talk Too "STOUT'S GROCERY," as the sign over the door read, was the scene--especially on rainy evenings--of many heated debates and windy harangues on topics as varied as New England weather.

used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative

From this reading There was decided the policies of the great political parties; the characters of great or notorious men were weighed and analyzed; the worth, financial, mental, and moral, of the citizens of Manville--not present--were frankly estimated; and, alas, sometimes, the virtues and vices of women received the attention of the gathering of do-little busybodies.

known widely and usually unfavorably

From this reading There was decided the policies of the great political parties; the characters of great or notorious men were weighed and analyzed; the worth, financial, mental, and moral, of the citizens of Manville--not present--were frankly estimated; and, alas, sometimes, the virtues and vices of women received the attention of the gathering of do-little busybodies.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading Men Talk Too "STOUT'S GROCERY," as the sign over the door read, was the scene--especially on rainy evenings--of many heated debates and windy harangues on topics as varied as New England weather.

touching and supported by a surface

From this reading Men Talk Too "STOUT'S GROCERY," as the sign over the door read, was the scene--especially on rainy evenings--of many heated debates and windy harangues on topics as varied as New England weather.

and nothing more

From this reading Only a few brief words were devoted to it by those who had gathered at the store on this particular evening.

used to join alternatives or possibilities

From this reading There was decided the policies of the great political parties; the characters of great or notorious men were weighed and analyzed; the worth, financial, mental, and moral, of the citizens of Manville--not present--were frankly estimated; and, alas, sometimes, the virtues and vices of women received the attention of the gathering of do-little busybodies.

above and across; more than

From this reading Men Talk Too "STOUT'S GROCERY," as the sign over the door read, was the scene--especially on rainy evenings--of many heated debates and windy harangues on topics as varied as New England weather.

a material made of cellulose pulp derived mainly from wood or rags or certain grasses

From this reading The prophecy had appeared in the evening paper, and it had come to pass that the prophecy and the elements were working harmoniously.

unique or specific to a person or thing or category

From this reading Only a few brief words were devoted to it by those who had gathered at the store on this particular evening.

plural of “party” — an organization to gain political power

From this reading There was decided the policies of the great political parties; the characters of great or notorious men were weighed and analyzed; the worth, financial, mental, and moral, of the citizens of Manville--not present--were frankly estimated; and, alas, sometimes, the virtues and vices of women received the attention of the gathering of do-little busybodies.

go across or through

From this reading The prophecy had appeared in the evening paper, and it had come to pass that the prophecy and the elements were working harmoniously.

plural of “policy” — a plan of action adopted by an individual or social group

From this reading There was decided the policies of the great political parties; the characters of great or notorious men were weighed and analyzed; the worth, financial, mental, and moral, of the citizens of Manville--not present--were frankly estimated; and, alas, sometimes, the virtues and vices of women received the attention of the gathering of do-little busybodies.

involving or characteristic of politics or parties or politicians

From this reading There was decided the policies of the great political parties; the characters of great or notorious men were weighed and analyzed; the worth, financial, mental, and moral, of the citizens of Manville--not present--were frankly estimated; and, alas, sometimes, the virtues and vices of women received the attention of the gathering of do-little busybodies.

give an exhibition of to an interested audience

From this reading There was decided the policies of the great political parties; the characters of great or notorious men were weighed and analyzed; the worth, financial, mental, and moral, of the citizens of Manville--not present--were frankly estimated; and, alas, sometimes, the virtues and vices of women received the attention of the gathering of do-little busybodies.

A prediction of what will happen in the future, often divinely or magically inspired.

From this reading The prophecy had appeared in the evening paper, and it had come to pass that the prophecy and the elements were working harmoniously.

falling in drops or as if falling like rain

From this reading It was raining.

(of weather) wet by periods of rain

From this reading Men Talk Too "STOUT'S GROCERY," as the sign over the door read, was the scene--especially on rainy evenings--of many heated debates and windy harangues on topics as varied as New England weather.

interpret something that is written or printed

From this reading Men Talk Too "STOUT'S GROCERY," as the sign over the door read, was the scene--especially on rainy evenings--of many heated debates and windy harangues on topics as varied as New England weather.

conforming to the established language usage of educated native speakers

From this reading There was decided the policies of the great political parties; the characters of great or notorious men were weighed and analyzed; the worth, financial, mental, and moral, of the citizens of Manville--not present--were frankly estimated; and, alas, sometimes, the virtues and vices of women received the attention of the gathering of do-little busybodies.

the place where some action occurs

From this reading Men Talk Too "STOUT'S GROCERY," as the sign over the door read, was the scene--especially on rainy evenings--of many heated debates and windy harangues on topics as varied as New England weather.

a perceptible indication of something not immediately apparent (as a visible clue that something has happened)

From this reading Men Talk Too "STOUT'S GROCERY," as the sign over the door read, was the scene--especially on rainy evenings--of many heated debates and windy harangues on topics as varied as New England weather.

on certain occasions or in certain cases but not always

From this reading There was decided the policies of the great political parties; the characters of great or notorious men were weighed and analyzed; the worth, financial, mental, and moral, of the citizens of Manville--not present--were frankly estimated; and, alas, sometimes, the virtues and vices of women received the attention of the gathering of do-little busybodies.

a mercantile establishment for the retail sale of goods or services

From this reading Only a few brief words were devoted to it by those who had gathered at the store on this particular evening.

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

From this reading Men Talk Too "STOUT'S GROCERY," as the sign over the door read, was the scene--especially on rainy evenings--of many heated debates and windy harangues on topics as varied as New England weather.

exchange thoughts; talk with

From this reading Men Talk Too "STOUT'S GROCERY," as the sign over the door read, was the scene--especially on rainy evenings--of many heated debates and windy harangues on topics as varied as New England weather.

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading The prophecy had appeared in the evening paper, and it had come to pass that the prophecy and the elements were working harmoniously.

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

From this reading Men Talk Too "STOUT'S GROCERY," as the sign over the door read, was the scene--especially on rainy evenings--of many heated debates and windy harangues on topics as varied as New England weather.

in or at that place or location

From this reading There was decided the policies of the great political parties; the characters of great or notorious men were weighed and analyzed; the worth, financial, mental, and moral, of the citizens of Manville--not present--were frankly estimated; and, alas, sometimes, the virtues and vices of women received the attention of the gathering of do-little busybodies.

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

From this reading Only a few brief words were devoted to it by those who had gathered at the store on this particular evening.

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

From this reading Only a few brief words were devoted to it by those who had gathered at the store on this particular evening.

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

From this reading The prophecy had appeared in the evening paper, and it had come to pass that the prophecy and the elements were working harmoniously.

to a degree exceeding normal or proper limits

From this reading Men Talk Too "STOUT'S GROCERY," as the sign over the door read, was the scene--especially on rainy evenings--of many heated debates and windy harangues on topics as varied as New England weather.

plural of “topic” — the subject matter of a conversation or discussion

From this reading Men Talk Too "STOUT'S GROCERY," as the sign over the door read, was the scene--especially on rainy evenings--of many heated debates and windy harangues on topics as varied as New England weather.

characterized by variety

From this reading Men Talk Too "STOUT'S GROCERY," as the sign over the door read, was the scene--especially on rainy evenings--of many heated debates and windy harangues on topics as varied as New England weather.

plural of “vice” — moral weakness

From this reading There was decided the policies of the great political parties; the characters of great or notorious men were weighed and analyzed; the worth, financial, mental, and moral, of the citizens of Manville--not present--were frankly estimated; and, alas, sometimes, the virtues and vices of women received the attention of the gathering of do-little busybodies.

plural of “virtue” — the quality of doing what is right and avoiding what is wrong

From this reading There was decided the policies of the great political parties; the characters of great or notorious men were weighed and analyzed; the worth, financial, mental, and moral, of the citizens of Manville--not present--were frankly estimated; and, alas, sometimes, the virtues and vices of women received the attention of the gathering of do-little busybodies.

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

From this reading Men Talk Too "STOUT'S GROCERY," as the sign over the door read, was the scene--especially on rainy evenings--of many heated debates and windy harangues on topics as varied as New England weather.

the atmospheric conditions that comprise the state of the atmosphere in terms of temperature and wind and clouds and precipitation

From this reading Men Talk Too "STOUT'S GROCERY," as the sign over the door read, was the scene--especially on rainy evenings--of many heated debates and windy harangues on topics as varied as New England weather.

past form of “weigh” — have a certain weight

From this reading There was decided the policies of the great political parties; the characters of great or notorious men were weighed and analyzed; the worth, financial, mental, and moral, of the citizens of Manville--not present--were frankly estimated; and, alas, sometimes, the virtues and vices of women received the attention of the gathering of do-little busybodies.

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

From this reading There was decided the policies of the great political parties; the characters of great or notorious men were weighed and analyzed; the worth, financial, mental, and moral, of the citizens of Manville--not present--were frankly estimated; and, alas, sometimes, the virtues and vices of women received the attention of the gathering of do-little busybodies.

which person or people

From this reading Only a few brief words were devoted to it by those who had gathered at the store on this particular evening.

abounding in or exposed to the wind or breezes

From this reading Men Talk Too "STOUT'S GROCERY," as the sign over the door read, was the scene--especially on rainy evenings--of many heated debates and windy harangues on topics as varied as New England weather.

plural of “woman” — an adult female person (as opposed to a man)

From this reading There was decided the policies of the great political parties; the characters of great or notorious men were weighed and analyzed; the worth, financial, mental, and moral, of the citizens of Manville--not present--were frankly estimated; and, alas, sometimes, the virtues and vices of women received the attention of the gathering of do-little busybodies.

the words that are spoken

From this reading Only a few brief words were devoted to it by those who had gathered at the store on this particular evening.

actively engaged in paid work

From this reading The prophecy had appeared in the evening paper, and it had come to pass that the prophecy and the elements were working harmoniously.

an indefinite quantity of something having a specified value

From this reading There was decided the policies of the great political parties; the characters of great or notorious men were weighed and analyzed; the worth, financial, mental, and moral, of the citizens of Manville--not present--were frankly estimated; and, alas, sometimes, the virtues and vices of women received the attention of the gathering of do-little busybodies.