Chapter I

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

From this reading The house of Blencarrow, which, without being one of the great houses of the county, was as comfortable and handsome as a country gentleman not exactly of the highest importance could desire, stood in a pretty little park of its own, by the side of a bright little mountain river, either in Cumberland or Westmoreland or North Lancashire--for the boundaries of these counties are to me somewhat confused, and I cannot aver where one ends and another begins.

(followed by “to”) in agreement with or accordant with

From this reading When sun or moon caught this distant lake, which it did periodically at certain times of the day and night, according to the season, it flashed suddenly into life, like one of those new signals of science by which the sun himself is made to interpret between man and man.

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

From this reading The house of Blencarrow, which, without being one of the great houses of the county, was as comfortable and handsome as a country gentleman not exactly of the highest importance could desire, stood in a pretty little park of its own, by the side of a bright little mountain river, either in Cumberland or Westmoreland or North Lancashire--for the boundaries of these counties are to me somewhat confused, and I cannot aver where one ends and another begins.

one more of the same kind, or a different one

From this reading The house of Blencarrow, which, without being one of the great houses of the county, was as comfortable and handsome as a country gentleman not exactly of the highest importance could desire, stood in a pretty little park of its own, by the side of a bright little mountain river, either in Cumberland or Westmoreland or North Lancashire--for the boundaries of these counties are to me somewhat confused, and I cannot aver where one ends and another begins.

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

From this reading The house of Blencarrow, which, without being one of the great houses of the county, was as comfortable and handsome as a country gentleman not exactly of the highest importance could desire, stood in a pretty little park of its own, by the side of a bright little mountain river, either in Cumberland or Westmoreland or North Lancashire--for the boundaries of these counties are to me somewhat confused, and I cannot aver where one ends and another begins.

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

From this reading The house of Blencarrow, which, without being one of the great houses of the county, was as comfortable and handsome as a country gentleman not exactly of the highest importance could desire, stood in a pretty little park of its own, by the side of a bright little mountain river, either in Cumberland or Westmoreland or North Lancashire--for the boundaries of these counties are to me somewhat confused, and I cannot aver where one ends and another begins.

in or near a particular place or position

From this reading It was built, as is not unusual in North-country houses, on the slope of a hill, so that the principal rooms, which were on a level with the great entrance, were on the other side elevated by at least one lofty story from the flower-garden which surrounded the house.

report or maintain

From this reading The house of Blencarrow, which, without being one of the great houses of the county, was as comfortable and handsome as a country gentleman not exactly of the highest importance could desire, stood in a pretty little park of its own, by the side of a bright little mountain river, either in Cumberland or Westmoreland or North Lancashire--for the boundaries of these counties are to me somewhat confused, and I cannot aver where one ends and another begins.

delighting the senses or exciting intellectual or emotional admiration

From this reading The windows of the drawing-room commanded thus a delightful view over a finely diversified country, ending in the far distance in a glimpse of water with a range of blue hills behind, which was one of the great lakes of that beautiful district.

plural of “begin” — Israeli statesman (born in Russia) who (as prime minister of Israel) negotiated a peace treaty with Anwar Sadat (then the president of Egypt) (1913-1992)

From this reading The house of Blencarrow, which, without being one of the great houses of the county, was as comfortable and handsome as a country gentleman not exactly of the highest importance could desire, stood in a pretty little park of its own, by the side of a bright little mountain river, either in Cumberland or Westmoreland or North Lancashire--for the boundaries of these counties are to me somewhat confused, and I cannot aver where one ends and another begins.

at or toward the back of something

From this reading The windows of the drawing-room commanded thus a delightful view over a finely diversified country, ending in the far distance in a glimpse of water with a range of blue hills behind, which was one of the great lakes of that beautiful district.

the -ing form of “be”

From this reading The house of Blencarrow, which, without being one of the great houses of the county, was as comfortable and handsome as a country gentleman not exactly of the highest importance could desire, stood in a pretty little park of its own, by the side of a bright little mountain river, either in Cumberland or Westmoreland or North Lancashire--for the boundaries of these counties are to me somewhat confused, and I cannot aver where one ends and another begins.

in the space, time, or range separating two things

From this reading When sun or moon caught this distant lake, which it did periodically at certain times of the day and night, according to the season, it flashed suddenly into life, like one of those new signals of science by which the sun himself is made to interpret between man and man.

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

From this reading THE BLENCARROW HOUSEHOLD.

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

From this reading The windows of the drawing-room commanded thus a delightful view over a finely diversified country, ending in the far distance in a glimpse of water with a range of blue hills behind, which was one of the great lakes of that beautiful district.

plural of “boundary” — the line or plane indicating the limit or extent of something

From this reading The house of Blencarrow, which, without being one of the great houses of the county, was as comfortable and handsome as a country gentleman not exactly of the highest importance could desire, stood in a pretty little park of its own, by the side of a bright little mountain river, either in Cumberland or Westmoreland or North Lancashire--for the boundaries of these counties are to me somewhat confused, and I cannot aver where one ends and another begins.

emitting or reflecting light readily or in large amounts

From this reading The house of Blencarrow, which, without being one of the great houses of the county, was as comfortable and handsome as a country gentleman not exactly of the highest importance could desire, stood in a pretty little park of its own, by the side of a bright little mountain river, either in Cumberland or Westmoreland or North Lancashire--for the boundaries of these counties are to me somewhat confused, and I cannot aver where one ends and another begins.

(used of soaps or cleaning agents) having a substance (an abrasive or filler) added to increase effectiveness

From this reading It was built, as is not unusual in North-country houses, on the slope of a hill, so that the principal rooms, which were on a level with the great entrance, were on the other side elevated by at least one lofty story from the flower-garden which surrounded the house.

showing who or what does the action

From this reading The house of Blencarrow, which, without being one of the great houses of the county, was as comfortable and handsome as a country gentleman not exactly of the highest importance could desire, stood in a pretty little park of its own, by the side of a bright little mountain river, either in Cumberland or Westmoreland or North Lancashire--for the boundaries of these counties are to me somewhat confused, and I cannot aver where one ends and another begins.

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

From this reading The house of Blencarrow, which, without being one of the great houses of the county, was as comfortable and handsome as a country gentleman not exactly of the highest importance could desire, stood in a pretty little park of its own, by the side of a bright little mountain river, either in Cumberland or Westmoreland or North Lancashire--for the boundaries of these counties are to me somewhat confused, and I cannot aver where one ends and another begins.

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

From this reading When sun or moon caught this distant lake, which it did periodically at certain times of the day and night, according to the season, it flashed suddenly into life, like one of those new signals of science by which the sun himself is made to interpret between man and man.

definite but not specified or identified

From this reading When sun or moon caught this distant lake, which it did periodically at certain times of the day and night, according to the season, it flashed suddenly into life, like one of those new signals of science by which the sun himself is made to interpret between man and man.

providing or experiencing physical well-being or relief (“comfy” is informal)

From this reading The house of Blencarrow, which, without being one of the great houses of the county, was as comfortable and handsome as a country gentleman not exactly of the highest importance could desire, stood in a pretty little park of its own, by the side of a bright little mountain river, either in Cumberland or Westmoreland or North Lancashire--for the boundaries of these counties are to me somewhat confused, and I cannot aver where one ends and another begins.

past form of “command” — be in command of

From this reading The windows of the drawing-room commanded thus a delightful view over a finely diversified country, ending in the far distance in a glimpse of water with a range of blue hills behind, which was one of the great lakes of that beautiful district.

perplexed by many conflicting situations or statements; filled with bewilderment

From this reading The house of Blencarrow, which, without being one of the great houses of the county, was as comfortable and handsome as a country gentleman not exactly of the highest importance could desire, stood in a pretty little park of its own, by the side of a bright little mountain river, either in Cumberland or Westmoreland or North Lancashire--for the boundaries of these counties are to me somewhat confused, and I cannot aver where one ends and another begins.

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

From this reading The house of Blencarrow, which, without being one of the great houses of the county, was as comfortable and handsome as a country gentleman not exactly of the highest importance could desire, stood in a pretty little park of its own, by the side of a bright little mountain river, either in Cumberland or Westmoreland or North Lancashire--for the boundaries of these counties are to me somewhat confused, and I cannot aver where one ends and another begins.

plural of “county” — (United Kingdom) a region created by territorial division for the purpose of local government

From this reading The house of Blencarrow, which, without being one of the great houses of the county, was as comfortable and handsome as a country gentleman not exactly of the highest importance could desire, stood in a pretty little park of its own, by the side of a bright little mountain river, either in Cumberland or Westmoreland or North Lancashire--for the boundaries of these counties are to me somewhat confused, and I cannot aver where one ends and another begins.

a politically organized body of people under a single government

From this reading The house of Blencarrow, which, without being one of the great houses of the county, was as comfortable and handsome as a country gentleman not exactly of the highest importance could desire, stood in a pretty little park of its own, by the side of a bright little mountain river, either in Cumberland or Westmoreland or North Lancashire--for the boundaries of these counties are to me somewhat confused, and I cannot aver where one ends and another begins.

(United Kingdom) a region created by territorial division for the purpose of local government

From this reading The house of Blencarrow, which, without being one of the great houses of the county, was as comfortable and handsome as a country gentleman not exactly of the highest importance could desire, stood in a pretty little park of its own, by the side of a bright little mountain river, either in Cumberland or Westmoreland or North Lancashire--for the boundaries of these counties are to me somewhat confused, and I cannot aver where one ends and another begins.

English general; son of George II; fought unsuccessfully in the battle of Fontenoy (1721-1765)

From this reading The house of Blencarrow, which, without being one of the great houses of the county, was as comfortable and handsome as a country gentleman not exactly of the highest importance could desire, stood in a pretty little park of its own, by the side of a bright little mountain river, either in Cumberland or Westmoreland or North Lancashire--for the boundaries of these counties are to me somewhat confused, and I cannot aver where one ends and another begins.

time for Earth to make a complete rotation on its axis

From this reading When sun or moon caught this distant lake, which it did periodically at certain times of the day and night, according to the season, it flashed suddenly into life, like one of those new signals of science by which the sun himself is made to interpret between man and man.

greatly pleasing or entertaining

From this reading The windows of the drawing-room commanded thus a delightful view over a finely diversified country, ending in the far distance in a glimpse of water with a range of blue hills behind, which was one of the great lakes of that beautiful district.

the feeling that accompanies an unsatisfied state

From this reading The house of Blencarrow, which, without being one of the great houses of the county, was as comfortable and handsome as a country gentleman not exactly of the highest importance could desire, stood in a pretty little park of its own, by the side of a bright little mountain river, either in Cumberland or Westmoreland or North Lancashire--for the boundaries of these counties are to me somewhat confused, and I cannot aver where one ends and another begins.

the past form of “do”, used in questions and negatives

From this reading When sun or moon caught this distant lake, which it did periodically at certain times of the day and night, according to the season, it flashed suddenly into life, like one of those new signals of science by which the sun himself is made to interpret between man and man.

the property created by the space between two objects or points

From this reading The windows of the drawing-room commanded thus a delightful view over a finely diversified country, ending in the far distance in a glimpse of water with a range of blue hills behind, which was one of the great lakes of that beautiful district.

separated in space or coming from or going to a distance

From this reading When sun or moon caught this distant lake, which it did periodically at certain times of the day and night, according to the season, it flashed suddenly into life, like one of those new signals of science by which the sun himself is made to interpret between man and man.

a region marked off for administrative or other purposes

From this reading The windows of the drawing-room commanded thus a delightful view over a finely diversified country, ending in the far distance in a glimpse of water with a range of blue hills behind, which was one of the great lakes of that beautiful district.

having variety of character or form or components; or having increased variety

From this reading The windows of the drawing-room commanded thus a delightful view over a finely diversified country, ending in the far distance in a glimpse of water with a range of blue hills behind, which was one of the great lakes of that beautiful district.

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

From this reading The windows of the drawing-room commanded thus a delightful view over a finely diversified country, ending in the far distance in a glimpse of water with a range of blue hills behind, which was one of the great lakes of that beautiful district.

one or the other of two

From this reading The house of Blencarrow, which, without being one of the great houses of the county, was as comfortable and handsome as a country gentleman not exactly of the highest importance could desire, stood in a pretty little park of its own, by the side of a bright little mountain river, either in Cumberland or Westmoreland or North Lancashire--for the boundaries of these counties are to me somewhat confused, and I cannot aver where one ends and another begins.

raised above the ground

From this reading It was built, as is not unusual in North-country houses, on the slope of a hill, so that the principal rooms, which were on a level with the great entrance, were on the other side elevated by at least one lofty story from the flower-garden which surrounded the house.

the end of a word (a suffix or inflectional ending or final morpheme)

From this reading The windows of the drawing-room commanded thus a delightful view over a finely diversified country, ending in the far distance in a glimpse of water with a range of blue hills behind, which was one of the great lakes of that beautiful district.

plural of “end” — either extremity of something that has length

From this reading The house of Blencarrow, which, without being one of the great houses of the county, was as comfortable and handsome as a country gentleman not exactly of the highest importance could desire, stood in a pretty little park of its own, by the side of a bright little mountain river, either in Cumberland or Westmoreland or North Lancashire--for the boundaries of these counties are to me somewhat confused, and I cannot aver where one ends and another begins.

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

From this reading It was built, as is not unusual in North-country houses, on the slope of a hill, so that the principal rooms, which were on a level with the great entrance, were on the other side elevated by at least one lofty story from the flower-garden which surrounded the house.

indicating exactness or preciseness

From this reading The house of Blencarrow, which, without being one of the great houses of the county, was as comfortable and handsome as a country gentleman not exactly of the highest importance could desire, stood in a pretty little park of its own, by the side of a bright little mountain river, either in Cumberland or Westmoreland or North Lancashire--for the boundaries of these counties are to me somewhat confused, and I cannot aver where one ends and another begins.

to a considerable degree; very much

From this reading The windows of the drawing-room commanded thus a delightful view over a finely diversified country, ending in the far distance in a glimpse of water with a range of blue hills behind, which was one of the great lakes of that beautiful district.

in tiny pieces

From this reading The windows of the drawing-room commanded thus a delightful view over a finely diversified country, ending in the far distance in a glimpse of water with a range of blue hills behind, which was one of the great lakes of that beautiful district.

past form of “flash” — gleam or glow intermittently

From this reading When sun or moon caught this distant lake, which it did periodically at certain times of the day and night, according to the season, it flashed suddenly into life, like one of those new signals of science by which the sun himself is made to interpret between man and man.

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

From this reading It was built, as is not unusual in North-country houses, on the slope of a hill, so that the principal rooms, which were on a level with the great entrance, were on the other side elevated by at least one lofty story from the flower-garden which surrounded the house.

intended to be given to, or used by, somebody

From this reading The house of Blencarrow, which, without being one of the great houses of the county, was as comfortable and handsome as a country gentleman not exactly of the highest importance could desire, stood in a pretty little park of its own, by the side of a bright little mountain river, either in Cumberland or Westmoreland or North Lancashire--for the boundaries of these counties are to me somewhat confused, and I cannot aver where one ends and another begins.

showing where something starts, or who sent it

From this reading It was built, as is not unusual in North-country houses, on the slope of a hill, so that the principal rooms, which were on a level with the great entrance, were on the other side elevated by at least one lofty story from the flower-garden which surrounded the house.

a man of refinement

From this reading The house of Blencarrow, which, without being one of the great houses of the county, was as comfortable and handsome as a country gentleman not exactly of the highest importance could desire, stood in a pretty little park of its own, by the side of a bright little mountain river, either in Cumberland or Westmoreland or North Lancashire--for the boundaries of these counties are to me somewhat confused, and I cannot aver where one ends and another begins.

a quick look

From this reading The windows of the drawing-room commanded thus a delightful view over a finely diversified country, ending in the far distance in a glimpse of water with a range of blue hills behind, which was one of the great lakes of that beautiful district.

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

From this reading The house of Blencarrow, which, without being one of the great houses of the county, was as comfortable and handsome as a country gentleman not exactly of the highest importance could desire, stood in a pretty little park of its own, by the side of a bright little mountain river, either in Cumberland or Westmoreland or North Lancashire--for the boundaries of these counties are to me somewhat confused, and I cannot aver where one ends and another begins.

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

From this reading The house of Blencarrow, which, without being one of the great houses of the county, was as comfortable and handsome as a country gentleman not exactly of the highest importance could desire, stood in a pretty little park of its own, by the side of a bright little mountain river, either in Cumberland or Westmoreland or North Lancashire--for the boundaries of these counties are to me somewhat confused, and I cannot aver where one ends and another begins.

superlative of “high” — greater than normal in degree or intensity or amount

From this reading The house of Blencarrow, which, without being one of the great houses of the county, was as comfortable and handsome as a country gentleman not exactly of the highest importance could desire, stood in a pretty little park of its own, by the side of a bright little mountain river, either in Cumberland or Westmoreland or North Lancashire--for the boundaries of these counties are to me somewhat confused, and I cannot aver where one ends and another begins.

a local and well-defined elevation of the land

From this reading It was built, as is not unusual in North-country houses, on the slope of a hill, so that the principal rooms, which were on a level with the great entrance, were on the other side elevated by at least one lofty story from the flower-garden which surrounded the house.

plural of “hill” — a local and well-defined elevation of the land

From this reading The windows of the drawing-room commanded thus a delightful view over a finely diversified country, ending in the far distance in a glimpse of water with a range of blue hills behind, which was one of the great lakes of that beautiful district.

used when the man or boy doing the action is also its object

From this reading When sun or moon caught this distant lake, which it did periodically at certain times of the day and night, according to the season, it flashed suddenly into life, like one of those new signals of science by which the sun himself is made to interpret between man and man.

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

From this reading The house of Blencarrow, which, without being one of the great houses of the county, was as comfortable and handsome as a country gentleman not exactly of the highest importance could desire, stood in a pretty little park of its own, by the side of a bright little mountain river, either in Cumberland or Westmoreland or North Lancashire--for the boundaries of these counties are to me somewhat confused, and I cannot aver where one ends and another begins.

a social unit living together

From this reading THE BLENCARROW HOUSEHOLD.

plural of “house” — a dwelling that serves as living quarters for one or more families

From this reading The house of Blencarrow, which, without being one of the great houses of the county, was as comfortable and handsome as a country gentleman not exactly of the highest importance could desire, stood in a pretty little park of its own, by the side of a bright little mountain river, either in Cumberland or Westmoreland or North Lancashire--for the boundaries of these counties are to me somewhat confused, and I cannot aver where one ends and another begins.

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

From this reading The house of Blencarrow, which, without being one of the great houses of the county, was as comfortable and handsome as a country gentleman not exactly of the highest importance could desire, stood in a pretty little park of its own, by the side of a bright little mountain river, either in Cumberland or Westmoreland or North Lancashire--for the boundaries of these counties are to me somewhat confused, and I cannot aver where one ends and another begins.

the quality of being important and worthy of note

From this reading The house of Blencarrow, which, without being one of the great houses of the county, was as comfortable and handsome as a country gentleman not exactly of the highest importance could desire, stood in a pretty little park of its own, by the side of a bright little mountain river, either in Cumberland or Westmoreland or North Lancashire--for the boundaries of these counties are to me somewhat confused, and I cannot aver where one ends and another begins.

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

From this reading The house of Blencarrow, which, without being one of the great houses of the county, was as comfortable and handsome as a country gentleman not exactly of the highest importance could desire, stood in a pretty little park of its own, by the side of a bright little mountain river, either in Cumberland or Westmoreland or North Lancashire--for the boundaries of these counties are to me somewhat confused, and I cannot aver where one ends and another begins.

make sense of; assign a meaning to

From this reading When sun or moon caught this distant lake, which it did periodically at certain times of the day and night, according to the season, it flashed suddenly into life, like one of those new signals of science by which the sun himself is made to interpret between man and man.

moving to the inside of something

From this reading When sun or moon caught this distant lake, which it did periodically at certain times of the day and night, according to the season, it flashed suddenly into life, like one of those new signals of science by which the sun himself is made to interpret between man and man.

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

From this reading It was built, as is not unusual in North-country houses, on the slope of a hill, so that the principal rooms, which were on a level with the great entrance, were on the other side elevated by at least one lofty story from the flower-garden which surrounded the house.

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading It was built, as is not unusual in North-country houses, on the slope of a hill, so that the principal rooms, which were on a level with the great entrance, were on the other side elevated by at least one lofty story from the flower-garden which surrounded the house.

belonging to the thing or animal already mentioned

From this reading The house of Blencarrow, which, without being one of the great houses of the county, was as comfortable and handsome as a country gentleman not exactly of the highest importance could desire, stood in a pretty little park of its own, by the side of a bright little mountain river, either in Cumberland or Westmoreland or North Lancashire--for the boundaries of these counties are to me somewhat confused, and I cannot aver where one ends and another begins.

a body of (usually fresh) water surrounded by land

From this reading When sun or moon caught this distant lake, which it did periodically at certain times of the day and night, according to the season, it flashed suddenly into life, like one of those new signals of science by which the sun himself is made to interpret between man and man.

plural of “lake” — a body of (usually fresh) water surrounded by land

From this reading The windows of the drawing-room commanded thus a delightful view over a finely diversified country, ending in the far distance in a glimpse of water with a range of blue hills behind, which was one of the great lakes of that beautiful district.

a historical area of northwestern England on the Irish Sea; noted for textiles

From this reading The house of Blencarrow, which, without being one of the great houses of the county, was as comfortable and handsome as a country gentleman not exactly of the highest importance could desire, stood in a pretty little park of its own, by the side of a bright little mountain river, either in Cumberland or Westmoreland or North Lancashire--for the boundaries of these counties are to me somewhat confused, and I cannot aver where one ends and another begins.

the superlative of “little” that can be used with mass nouns and is usually preceded by “the”; a quantifier meaning smallest in amount or extent or degree

From this reading It was built, as is not unusual in North-country houses, on the slope of a hill, so that the principal rooms, which were on a level with the great entrance, were on the other side elevated by at least one lofty story from the flower-garden which surrounded the house.

a position on a scale of intensity or amount or quality

From this reading It was built, as is not unusual in North-country houses, on the slope of a hill, so that the principal rooms, which were on a level with the great entrance, were on the other side elevated by at least one lofty story from the flower-garden which surrounded the house.

a characteristic state or mode of living

From this reading When sun or moon caught this distant lake, which it did periodically at certain times of the day and night, according to the season, it flashed suddenly into life, like one of those new signals of science by which the sun himself is made to interpret between man and man.

prefer or wish to do something

From this reading When sun or moon caught this distant lake, which it did periodically at certain times of the day and night, according to the season, it flashed suddenly into life, like one of those new signals of science by which the sun himself is made to interpret between man and man.

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

From this reading The house of Blencarrow, which, without being one of the great houses of the county, was as comfortable and handsome as a country gentleman not exactly of the highest importance could desire, stood in a pretty little park of its own, by the side of a bright little mountain river, either in Cumberland or Westmoreland or North Lancashire--for the boundaries of these counties are to me somewhat confused, and I cannot aver where one ends and another begins.

of high moral or intellectual value; elevated in nature or style

From this reading It was built, as is not unusual in North-country houses, on the slope of a hill, so that the principal rooms, which were on a level with the great entrance, were on the other side elevated by at least one lofty story from the flower-garden which surrounded the house.

produced by a manufacturing process

From this reading When sun or moon caught this distant lake, which it did periodically at certain times of the day and night, according to the season, it flashed suddenly into life, like one of those new signals of science by which the sun himself is made to interpret between man and man.

an adult person who is male (as opposed to a woman)

From this reading When sun or moon caught this distant lake, which it did periodically at certain times of the day and night, according to the season, it flashed suddenly into life, like one of those new signals of science by which the sun himself is made to interpret between man and man.

the person speaking, as the object of a verb or preposition

From this reading The house of Blencarrow, which, without being one of the great houses of the county, was as comfortable and handsome as a country gentleman not exactly of the highest importance could desire, stood in a pretty little park of its own, by the side of a bright little mountain river, either in Cumberland or Westmoreland or North Lancashire--for the boundaries of these counties are to me somewhat confused, and I cannot aver where one ends and another begins.

the natural satellite of the Earth

From this reading When sun or moon caught this distant lake, which it did periodically at certain times of the day and night, according to the season, it flashed suddenly into life, like one of those new signals of science by which the sun himself is made to interpret between man and man.

a land mass that projects well above its surroundings; higher than a hill

From this reading The house of Blencarrow, which, without being one of the great houses of the county, was as comfortable and handsome as a country gentleman not exactly of the highest importance could desire, stood in a pretty little park of its own, by the side of a bright little mountain river, either in Cumberland or Westmoreland or North Lancashire--for the boundaries of these counties are to me somewhat confused, and I cannot aver where one ends and another begins.

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

From this reading When sun or moon caught this distant lake, which it did periodically at certain times of the day and night, according to the season, it flashed suddenly into life, like one of those new signals of science by which the sun himself is made to interpret between man and man.

the time after sunset and before sunrise while it is dark outside

From this reading When sun or moon caught this distant lake, which it did periodically at certain times of the day and night, according to the season, it flashed suddenly into life, like one of those new signals of science by which the sun himself is made to interpret between man and man.

the region of the United States lying to the north of the Mason-Dixon line

From this reading The house of Blencarrow, which, without being one of the great houses of the county, was as comfortable and handsome as a country gentleman not exactly of the highest importance could desire, stood in a pretty little park of its own, by the side of a bright little mountain river, either in Cumberland or Westmoreland or North Lancashire--for the boundaries of these counties are to me somewhat confused, and I cannot aver where one ends and another begins.

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

From this reading It was built, as is not unusual in North-country houses, on the slope of a hill, so that the principal rooms, which were on a level with the great entrance, were on the other side elevated by at least one lofty story from the flower-garden which surrounded the house.

used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative

From this reading The house of Blencarrow, which, without being one of the great houses of the county, was as comfortable and handsome as a country gentleman not exactly of the highest importance could desire, stood in a pretty little park of its own, by the side of a bright little mountain river, either in Cumberland or Westmoreland or North Lancashire--for the boundaries of these counties are to me somewhat confused, and I cannot aver where one ends and another begins.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading The house of Blencarrow, which, without being one of the great houses of the county, was as comfortable and handsome as a country gentleman not exactly of the highest importance could desire, stood in a pretty little park of its own, by the side of a bright little mountain river, either in Cumberland or Westmoreland or North Lancashire--for the boundaries of these counties are to me somewhat confused, and I cannot aver where one ends and another begins.

touching and supported by a surface

From this reading It was built, as is not unusual in North-country houses, on the slope of a hill, so that the principal rooms, which were on a level with the great entrance, were on the other side elevated by at least one lofty story from the flower-garden which surrounded the house.

used to mean any person in general, including the speaker

From this reading The house of Blencarrow, which, without being one of the great houses of the county, was as comfortable and handsome as a country gentleman not exactly of the highest importance could desire, stood in a pretty little park of its own, by the side of a bright little mountain river, either in Cumberland or Westmoreland or North Lancashire--for the boundaries of these counties are to me somewhat confused, and I cannot aver where one ends and another begins.

used to join alternatives or possibilities

From this reading The house of Blencarrow, which, without being one of the great houses of the county, was as comfortable and handsome as a country gentleman not exactly of the highest importance could desire, stood in a pretty little park of its own, by the side of a bright little mountain river, either in Cumberland or Westmoreland or North Lancashire--for the boundaries of these counties are to me somewhat confused, and I cannot aver where one ends and another begins.

not the same one or ones already mentioned or implied

From this reading It was built, as is not unusual in North-country houses, on the slope of a hill, so that the principal rooms, which were on a level with the great entrance, were on the other side elevated by at least one lofty story from the flower-garden which surrounded the house.

above and across; more than

From this reading The windows of the drawing-room commanded thus a delightful view over a finely diversified country, ending in the far distance in a glimpse of water with a range of blue hills behind, which was one of the great lakes of that beautiful district.

have ownership or possession of

From this reading The house of Blencarrow, which, without being one of the great houses of the county, was as comfortable and handsome as a country gentleman not exactly of the highest importance could desire, stood in a pretty little park of its own, by the side of a bright little mountain river, either in Cumberland or Westmoreland or North Lancashire--for the boundaries of these counties are to me somewhat confused, and I cannot aver where one ends and another begins.

a large area of land preserved in its natural state as public property

From this reading The house of Blencarrow, which, without being one of the great houses of the county, was as comfortable and handsome as a country gentleman not exactly of the highest importance could desire, stood in a pretty little park of its own, by the side of a bright little mountain river, either in Cumberland or Westmoreland or North Lancashire--for the boundaries of these counties are to me somewhat confused, and I cannot aver where one ends and another begins.

in a sporadic manner

From this reading When sun or moon caught this distant lake, which it did periodically at certain times of the day and night, according to the season, it flashed suddenly into life, like one of those new signals of science by which the sun himself is made to interpret between man and man.

pleasing by delicacy or grace; not imposing

From this reading The house of Blencarrow, which, without being one of the great houses of the county, was as comfortable and handsome as a country gentleman not exactly of the highest importance could desire, stood in a pretty little park of its own, by the side of a bright little mountain river, either in Cumberland or Westmoreland or North Lancashire--for the boundaries of these counties are to me somewhat confused, and I cannot aver where one ends and another begins.

the original amount of a debt on which interest is calculated

From this reading It was built, as is not unusual in North-country houses, on the slope of a hill, so that the principal rooms, which were on a level with the great entrance, were on the other side elevated by at least one lofty story from the flower-garden which surrounded the house.

an area in which something acts or operates or has power or control: "the range of a supersonic jet"

From this reading The windows of the drawing-room commanded thus a delightful view over a finely diversified country, ending in the far distance in a glimpse of water with a range of blue hills behind, which was one of the great lakes of that beautiful district.

a large natural stream of water (larger than a creek)

From this reading The house of Blencarrow, which, without being one of the great houses of the county, was as comfortable and handsome as a country gentleman not exactly of the highest importance could desire, stood in a pretty little park of its own, by the side of a bright little mountain river, either in Cumberland or Westmoreland or North Lancashire--for the boundaries of these counties are to me somewhat confused, and I cannot aver where one ends and another begins.

apartment consisting of a series of connected rooms used as a living unit (as in a hotel)

From this reading It was built, as is not unusual in North-country houses, on the slope of a hill, so that the principal rooms, which were on a level with the great entrance, were on the other side elevated by at least one lofty story from the flower-garden which surrounded the house.

a particular branch of scientific knowledge

From this reading When sun or moon caught this distant lake, which it did periodically at certain times of the day and night, according to the season, it flashed suddenly into life, like one of those new signals of science by which the sun himself is made to interpret between man and man.

a period of the year marked by special events or activities in some field

From this reading When sun or moon caught this distant lake, which it did periodically at certain times of the day and night, according to the season, it flashed suddenly into life, like one of those new signals of science by which the sun himself is made to interpret between man and man.

a place within a region identified relative to a center or reference location

From this reading The house of Blencarrow, which, without being one of the great houses of the county, was as comfortable and handsome as a country gentleman not exactly of the highest importance could desire, stood in a pretty little park of its own, by the side of a bright little mountain river, either in Cumberland or Westmoreland or North Lancashire--for the boundaries of these counties are to me somewhat confused, and I cannot aver where one ends and another begins.

plural of “signal” — any nonverbal action or gesture that encodes a message

From this reading When sun or moon caught this distant lake, which it did periodically at certain times of the day and night, according to the season, it flashed suddenly into life, like one of those new signals of science by which the sun himself is made to interpret between man and man.

an elevated geological formation

From this reading It was built, as is not unusual in North-country houses, on the slope of a hill, so that the principal rooms, which were on a level with the great entrance, were on the other side elevated by at least one lofty story from the flower-garden which surrounded the house.

for that reason; with the result that

From this reading It was built, as is not unusual in North-country houses, on the slope of a hill, so that the principal rooms, which were on a level with the great entrance, were on the other side elevated by at least one lofty story from the flower-garden which surrounded the house.

to a small degree or extent

From this reading The house of Blencarrow, which, without being one of the great houses of the county, was as comfortable and handsome as a country gentleman not exactly of the highest importance could desire, stood in a pretty little park of its own, by the side of a bright little mountain river, either in Cumberland or Westmoreland or North Lancashire--for the boundaries of these counties are to me somewhat confused, and I cannot aver where one ends and another begins.

Maintained an upright posture.

From this reading The house of Blencarrow, which, without being one of the great houses of the county, was as comfortable and handsome as a country gentleman not exactly of the highest importance could desire, stood in a pretty little park of its own, by the side of a bright little mountain river, either in Cumberland or Westmoreland or North Lancashire--for the boundaries of these counties are to me somewhat confused, and I cannot aver where one ends and another begins.

a message that tells the particulars of an act or occurrence or course of events; presented in writing or drama or cinema or as a radio or television program

From this reading It was built, as is not unusual in North-country houses, on the slope of a hill, so that the principal rooms, which were on a level with the great entrance, were on the other side elevated by at least one lofty story from the flower-garden which surrounded the house.

happening unexpectedly

From this reading When sun or moon caught this distant lake, which it did periodically at certain times of the day and night, according to the season, it flashed suddenly into life, like one of those new signals of science by which the sun himself is made to interpret between man and man.

the star that is the source of light and heat for the planets in the solar system

From this reading When sun or moon caught this distant lake, which it did periodically at certain times of the day and night, according to the season, it flashed suddenly into life, like one of those new signals of science by which the sun himself is made to interpret between man and man.

confined on all sides

From this reading It was built, as is not unusual in North-country houses, on the slope of a hill, so that the principal rooms, which were on a level with the great entrance, were on the other side elevated by at least one lofty story from the flower-garden which surrounded the house.

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading It was built, as is not unusual in North-country houses, on the slope of a hill, so that the principal rooms, which were on a level with the great entrance, were on the other side elevated by at least one lofty story from the flower-garden which surrounded the house.

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

From this reading THE BLENCARROW HOUSEHOLD.

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

From this reading The house of Blencarrow, which, without being one of the great houses of the county, was as comfortable and handsome as a country gentleman not exactly of the highest importance could desire, stood in a pretty little park of its own, by the side of a bright little mountain river, either in Cumberland or Westmoreland or North Lancashire--for the boundaries of these counties are to me somewhat confused, and I cannot aver where one ends and another begins.

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

From this reading When sun or moon caught this distant lake, which it did periodically at certain times of the day and night, according to the season, it flashed suddenly into life, like one of those new signals of science by which the sun himself is made to interpret between man and man.

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

From this reading When sun or moon caught this distant lake, which it did periodically at certain times of the day and night, according to the season, it flashed suddenly into life, like one of those new signals of science by which the sun himself is made to interpret between man and man.

(used to introduce a logical conclusion) from that fact or reason or as a result

From this reading The windows of the drawing-room commanded thus a delightful view over a finely diversified country, ending in the far distance in a glimpse of water with a range of blue hills behind, which was one of the great lakes of that beautiful district.

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

From this reading When sun or moon caught this distant lake, which it did periodically at certain times of the day and night, according to the season, it flashed suddenly into life, like one of those new signals of science by which the sun himself is made to interpret between man and man.

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

From this reading The house of Blencarrow, which, without being one of the great houses of the county, was as comfortable and handsome as a country gentleman not exactly of the highest importance could desire, stood in a pretty little park of its own, by the side of a bright little mountain river, either in Cumberland or Westmoreland or North Lancashire--for the boundaries of these counties are to me somewhat confused, and I cannot aver where one ends and another begins.

not usual or common or ordinary

From this reading It was built, as is not unusual in North-country houses, on the slope of a hill, so that the principal rooms, which were on a level with the great entrance, were on the other side elevated by at least one lofty story from the flower-garden which surrounded the house.

a way of regarding situations or topics etc.

From this reading The windows of the drawing-room commanded thus a delightful view over a finely diversified country, ending in the far distance in a glimpse of water with a range of blue hills behind, which was one of the great lakes of that beautiful district.

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

From this reading The house of Blencarrow, which, without being one of the great houses of the county, was as comfortable and handsome as a country gentleman not exactly of the highest importance could desire, stood in a pretty little park of its own, by the side of a bright little mountain river, either in Cumberland or Westmoreland or North Lancashire--for the boundaries of these counties are to me somewhat confused, and I cannot aver where one ends and another begins.

binary compound that occurs at room temperature as a clear colorless odorless tasteless liquid; freezes into ice below 0 degrees centigrade and boils above 100 degrees centigrade; widely used as a solvent

From this reading The windows of the drawing-room commanded thus a delightful view over a finely diversified country, ending in the far distance in a glimpse of water with a range of blue hills behind, which was one of the great lakes of that beautiful district.

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

From this reading It was built, as is not unusual in North-country houses, on the slope of a hill, so that the principal rooms, which were on a level with the great entrance, were on the other side elevated by at least one lofty story from the flower-garden which surrounded the house.

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

From this reading The house of Blencarrow, which, without being one of the great houses of the county, was as comfortable and handsome as a country gentleman not exactly of the highest importance could desire, stood in a pretty little park of its own, by the side of a bright little mountain river, either in Cumberland or Westmoreland or North Lancashire--for the boundaries of these counties are to me somewhat confused, and I cannot aver where one ends and another begins.

at the time that

From this reading When sun or moon caught this distant lake, which it did periodically at certain times of the day and night, according to the season, it flashed suddenly into life, like one of those new signals of science by which the sun himself is made to interpret between man and man.

in or at the place that

From this reading The house of Blencarrow, which, without being one of the great houses of the county, was as comfortable and handsome as a country gentleman not exactly of the highest importance could desire, stood in a pretty little park of its own, by the side of a bright little mountain river, either in Cumberland or Westmoreland or North Lancashire--for the boundaries of these counties are to me somewhat confused, and I cannot aver where one ends and another begins.

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

From this reading The house of Blencarrow, which, without being one of the great houses of the county, was as comfortable and handsome as a country gentleman not exactly of the highest importance could desire, stood in a pretty little park of its own, by the side of a bright little mountain river, either in Cumberland or Westmoreland or North Lancashire--for the boundaries of these counties are to me somewhat confused, and I cannot aver where one ends and another begins.

(trademark) an operating system with a graphical user interface

From this reading The windows of the drawing-room commanded thus a delightful view over a finely diversified country, ending in the far distance in a glimpse of water with a range of blue hills behind, which was one of the great lakes of that beautiful district.

in the company of; together with

From this reading It was built, as is not unusual in North-country houses, on the slope of a hill, so that the principal rooms, which were on a level with the great entrance, were on the other side elevated by at least one lofty story from the flower-garden which surrounded the house.

not having, not using, or not accompanied by

From this reading The house of Blencarrow, which, without being one of the great houses of the county, was as comfortable and handsome as a country gentleman not exactly of the highest importance could desire, stood in a pretty little park of its own, by the side of a bright little mountain river, either in Cumberland or Westmoreland or North Lancashire--for the boundaries of these counties are to me somewhat confused, and I cannot aver where one ends and another begins.