used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading Our robin has been a keeper-at-home ever since those four bluish-green eggs demanded her attention.
abodenounUS /əˈboʊd/
any address at which you dwell more than temporarily
From this reading She has occasionally left, for a few minutes at a time, to procure food and drink, or to take a little exercise; but she has never forgotten her quiet abode, and the duties which there require her almost constant presence.
aboutprepositionUS /əˈbaʊt/
on the subject of; concerning
From this reading She loves the green fields, the leafy trees, and the clear blue sky, and delights to hop about with her mate over the fresh grass and the clean gravel-walks; but better than all she loves those pretty eggs, which lie so cozily in the bottom of her straw-built nest.
(quantifier) used with either mass or count nouns to indicate the whole number or amount of or every one of a class
From this reading She loves the green fields, the leafy trees, and the clear blue sky, and delights to hop about with her mate over the fresh grass and the clean gravel-walks; but better than all she loves those pretty eggs, which lie so cozily in the bottom of her straw-built nest.
(of actions or states) slightly short of or not quite accomplished; all but
From this reading She has occasionally left, for a few minutes at a time, to procure food and drink, or to take a little exercise; but she has never forgotten her quiet abode, and the duties which there require her almost constant presence.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading HOME DUTIES AND HOME PLEASURES.
in or near a particular place or position
From this reading She has occasionally left, for a few minutes at a time, to procure food and drink, or to take a little exercise; but she has never forgotten her quiet abode, and the duties which there require her almost constant presence.
the process whereby a person concentrates on some features of the environment to the (relative) exclusion of others
From this reading Our robin has been a keeper-at-home ever since those four bluish-green eggs demanded her attention.
beenauxiliary verbUS /bɪn/
the past participle of “be”
From this reading Our robin has been a keeper-at-home ever since those four bluish-green eggs demanded her attention.
earlier than; in front of
From this reading Before she commenced house-keeping, she was very fond of travelling, and many a mile has she wandered, over hill and valley, in company with her friends.
(comparative of “good”) superior to another (of the same class or set or kind) in excellence or quality or desirability or suitability; more highly skilled than another
From this reading She loves the green fields, the leafy trees, and the clear blue sky, and delights to hop about with her mate over the fresh grass and the clean gravel-walks; but better than all she loves those pretty eggs, which lie so cozily in the bottom of her straw-built nest.
of the color intermediate between green and violet; having a color similar to that of a clear unclouded sky
From this reading She loves the green fields, the leafy trees, and the clear blue sky, and delights to hop about with her mate over the fresh grass and the clean gravel-walks; but better than all she loves those pretty eggs, which lie so cozily in the bottom of her straw-built nest.
bluish-green
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Our robin has been a keeper-at-home ever since those four bluish-green eggs demanded her attention.
the lower side of anything
From this reading She loves the green fields, the leafy trees, and the clear blue sky, and delights to hop about with her mate over the fresh grass and the clean gravel-walks; but better than all she loves those pretty eggs, which lie so cozily in the bottom of her straw-built nest.
used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before
From this reading She has occasionally left, for a few minutes at a time, to procure food and drink, or to take a little exercise; but she has never forgotten her quiet abode, and the duties which there require her almost constant presence.
free from dirt or impurities; or having clean habits
From this reading She loves the green fields, the leafy trees, and the clear blue sky, and delights to hop about with her mate over the fresh grass and the clean gravel-walks; but better than all she loves those pretty eggs, which lie so cozily in the bottom of her straw-built nest.
rid of obstructions
From this reading She loves the green fields, the leafy trees, and the clear blue sky, and delights to hop about with her mate over the fresh grass and the clean gravel-walks; but better than all she loves those pretty eggs, which lie so cozily in the bottom of her straw-built nest.
commencedverbUS /kəˈmenst/
past form of “commence” — take the first step or steps in carrying out an action
From this reading Before she commenced house-keeping, she was very fond of travelling, and many a mile has she wandered, over hill and valley, in company with her friends.
an institution created to conduct business
From this reading Before she commenced house-keeping, she was very fond of travelling, and many a mile has she wandered, over hill and valley, in company with her friends.
unvarying in nature
From this reading She has occasionally left, for a few minutes at a time, to procure food and drink, or to take a little exercise; but she has never forgotten her quiet abode, and the duties which there require her almost constant presence.
cozilyadverb
in a cozy manner
From this reading She loves the green fields, the leafy trees, and the clear blue sky, and delights to hop about with her mate over the fresh grass and the clean gravel-walks; but better than all she loves those pretty eggs, which lie so cozily in the bottom of her straw-built nest.
delightsnounUS /dɪˈlaɪts/
plural of “delight” — a feeling of extreme pleasure or satisfaction
From this reading She loves the green fields, the leafy trees, and the clear blue sky, and delights to hop about with her mate over the fresh grass and the clean gravel-walks; but better than all she loves those pretty eggs, which lie so cozily in the bottom of her straw-built nest.
past form of “demand” — request urgently and forcefully
From this reading Our robin has been a keeper-at-home ever since those four bluish-green eggs demanded her attention.
take in liquids
From this reading She has occasionally left, for a few minutes at a time, to procure food and drink, or to take a little exercise; but she has never forgotten her quiet abode, and the duties which there require her almost constant presence.
plural of “duty” — the social force that binds you to the courses of action demanded by that force
From this reading HOME DUTIES AND HOME PLEASURES.
eggsnounUS /eɡz/
oval reproductive body of a fowl (especially a hen) used as food
From this reading Our robin has been a keeper-at-home ever since those four bluish-green eggs demanded her attention.
at any time
From this reading Our robin has been a keeper-at-home ever since those four bluish-green eggs demanded her attention.
the activity of exerting your muscles in various ways to keep fit
From this reading She has occasionally left, for a few minutes at a time, to procure food and drink, or to take a little exercise; but she has never forgotten her quiet abode, and the duties which there require her almost constant presence.
a quantifier that can be used with count nouns and is often preceded by “a”; a small but indefinite number
From this reading She has occasionally left, for a few minutes at a time, to procure food and drink, or to take a little exercise; but she has never forgotten her quiet abode, and the duties which there require her almost constant presence.
United States comedian and film actor (1880-1946)
From this reading She loves the green fields, the leafy trees, and the clear blue sky, and delights to hop about with her mate over the fresh grass and the clean gravel-walks; but better than all she loves those pretty eggs, which lie so cozily in the bottom of her straw-built nest.
having or displaying warmth or affection
From this reading Before she commenced house-keeping, she was very fond of travelling, and many a mile has she wandered, over hill and valley, in company with her friends.
any substance that can be metabolized by an animal to give energy and build tissue
From this reading She has occasionally left, for a few minutes at a time, to procure food and drink, or to take a little exercise; but she has never forgotten her quiet abode, and the duties which there require her almost constant presence.
intended to be given to, or used by, somebody
From this reading She has occasionally left, for a few minutes at a time, to procure food and drink, or to take a little exercise; but she has never forgotten her quiet abode, and the duties which there require her almost constant presence.
Not remembered; lapsed from memory.
From this reading She has occasionally left, for a few minutes at a time, to procure food and drink, or to take a little exercise; but she has never forgotten her quiet abode, and the duties which there require her almost constant presence.
the cardinal number that is the sum of three and one
From this reading Our robin has been a keeper-at-home ever since those four bluish-green eggs demanded her attention.
recently made, produced, or harvested
From this reading She loves the green fields, the leafy trees, and the clear blue sky, and delights to hop about with her mate over the fresh grass and the clean gravel-walks; but better than all she loves those pretty eggs, which lie so cozily in the bottom of her straw-built nest.
plural of “friend” — a person you know well and regard with affection and trust
From this reading Before she commenced house-keeping, she was very fond of travelling, and many a mile has she wandered, over hill and valley, in company with her friends.
shoot down, of birds
From this reading She loves the green fields, the leafy trees, and the clear blue sky, and delights to hop about with her mate over the fresh grass and the clean gravel-walks; but better than all she loves those pretty eggs, which lie so cozily in the bottom of her straw-built nest.
gravel-walks
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading She loves the green fields, the leafy trees, and the clear blue sky, and delights to hop about with her mate over the fresh grass and the clean gravel-walks; but better than all she loves those pretty eggs, which lie so cozily in the bottom of her straw-built nest.
green color or pigment; resembling the color of growing grass
From this reading She loves the green fields, the leafy trees, and the clear blue sky, and delights to hop about with her mate over the fresh grass and the clean gravel-walks; but better than all she loves those pretty eggs, which lie so cozily in the bottom of her straw-built nest.
hasauxiliary verbUS /hæz/
the form of “have” used with he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading Our robin has been a keeper-at-home ever since those four bluish-green eggs demanded her attention.
belonging to a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned
From this reading Our robin has been a keeper-at-home ever since those four bluish-green eggs demanded her attention.
a local and well-defined elevation of the land
From this reading Before she commenced house-keeping, she was very fond of travelling, and many a mile has she wandered, over hill and valley, in company with her friends.
where you live at a particular time
From this reading HOME DUTIES AND HOME PLEASURES.
hopverbUS /hɑːp/
jump lightly
From this reading She loves the green fields, the leafy trees, and the clear blue sky, and delights to hop about with her mate over the fresh grass and the clean gravel-walks; but better than all she loves those pretty eggs, which lie so cozily in the bottom of her straw-built nest.
house-keeping
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Before she commenced house-keeping, she was very fond of travelling, and many a mile has she wandered, over hill and valley, in company with her friends.
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading She loves the green fields, the leafy trees, and the clear blue sky, and delights to hop about with her mate over the fresh grass and the clean gravel-walks; but better than all she loves those pretty eggs, which lie so cozily in the bottom of her straw-built nest.
keeper-at-home
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Our robin has been a keeper-at-home ever since those four bluish-green eggs demanded her attention.
leafyadjectiveUS /ˈliːfi/
having or covered with leaves
From this reading She loves the green fields, the leafy trees, and the clear blue sky, and delights to hop about with her mate over the fresh grass and the clean gravel-walks; but better than all she loves those pretty eggs, which lie so cozily in the bottom of her straw-built nest.
location near or direction toward the left side; i.e. the side to the north when a person or object faces east
From this reading She has occasionally left, for a few minutes at a time, to procure food and drink, or to take a little exercise; but she has never forgotten her quiet abode, and the duties which there require her almost constant presence.
be located or situated somewhere; occupy a certain position
From this reading She loves the green fields, the leafy trees, and the clear blue sky, and delights to hop about with her mate over the fresh grass and the clean gravel-walks; but better than all she loves those pretty eggs, which lie so cozily in the bottom of her straw-built nest.
limited or below average in number or quantity or magnitude or extent
From this reading She has occasionally left, for a few minutes at a time, to procure food and drink, or to take a little exercise; but she has never forgotten her quiet abode, and the duties which there require her almost constant presence.
plural of “love” — a strong positive emotion of regard and affection
From this reading She loves the green fields, the leafy trees, and the clear blue sky, and delights to hop about with her mate over the fresh grass and the clean gravel-walks; but better than all she loves those pretty eggs, which lie so cozily in the bottom of her straw-built nest.
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 Before she commenced house-keeping, she was very fond of travelling, and many a mile has she wandered, over hill and valley, in company with her friends.
the officer below the master on a commercial ship
From this reading She loves the green fields, the leafy trees, and the clear blue sky, and delights to hop about with her mate over the fresh grass and the clean gravel-walks; but better than all she loves those pretty eggs, which lie so cozily in the bottom of her straw-built nest.
a unit of length equal to 1,760 yards or 5,280 feet; exactly 1609.344 meters
From this reading Before she commenced house-keeping, she was very fond of travelling, and many a mile has she wandered, over hill and valley, in company with her friends.
a written account of what transpired at a meeting
From this reading She has occasionally left, for a few minutes at a time, to procure food and drink, or to take a little exercise; but she has never forgotten her quiet abode, and the duties which there require her almost constant presence.
nestnounUS /nest/
a structure in which animals lay eggs or give birth to their young
From this reading She loves the green fields, the leafy trees, and the clear blue sky, and delights to hop about with her mate over the fresh grass and the clean gravel-walks; but better than all she loves those pretty eggs, which lie so cozily in the bottom of her straw-built nest.
not ever; at no time in the past or future
From this reading She has occasionally left, for a few minutes at a time, to procure food and drink, or to take a little exercise; but she has never forgotten her quiet abode, and the duties which there require her almost constant presence.
sporadically and infrequently
From this reading She has occasionally left, for a few minutes at a time, to procure food and drink, or to take a little exercise; but she has never forgotten her quiet abode, and the duties which there require her almost constant presence.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading She loves the green fields, the leafy trees, and the clear blue sky, and delights to hop about with her mate over the fresh grass and the clean gravel-walks; but better than all she loves those pretty eggs, which lie so cozily in the bottom of her straw-built nest.
used to join alternatives or possibilities
From this reading She has occasionally left, for a few minutes at a time, to procure food and drink, or to take a little exercise; but she has never forgotten her quiet abode, and the duties which there require her almost constant presence.
belonging to the speaker and others
From this reading Our robin has been a keeper-at-home ever since those four bluish-green eggs demanded her attention.
overprepositionUS /ˈoʊvər/
above and across; more than
From this reading She loves the green fields, the leafy trees, and the clear blue sky, and delights to hop about with her mate over the fresh grass and the clean gravel-walks; but better than all she loves those pretty eggs, which lie so cozily in the bottom of her straw-built nest.
PLEASURESnounUS /ˈpleʒərz/
plural of “pleasure” — a fundamental feeling that is hard to define but that people desire to experience
From this reading HOME DUTIES AND HOME PLEASURES.
the state of being present; current existence
From this reading She has occasionally left, for a few minutes at a time, to procure food and drink, or to take a little exercise; but she has never forgotten her quiet abode, and the duties which there require her almost constant presence.
pleasing by delicacy or grace; not imposing
From this reading She loves the green fields, the leafy trees, and the clear blue sky, and delights to hop about with her mate over the fresh grass and the clean gravel-walks; but better than all she loves those pretty eggs, which lie so cozily in the bottom of her straw-built nest.
procureverbUS /proʊˈkjʊr/
get by special effort
From this reading She has occasionally left, for a few minutes at a time, to procure food and drink, or to take a little exercise; but she has never forgotten her quiet abode, and the duties which there require her almost constant presence.
quietadjectiveUS /ˈkwaɪət/
characterized by an absence or near absence of agitation or activity
From this reading She has occasionally left, for a few minutes at a time, to procure food and drink, or to take a little exercise; but she has never forgotten her quiet abode, and the duties which there require her almost constant presence.
require as useful, just, or proper
From this reading She has occasionally left, for a few minutes at a time, to procure food and drink, or to take a little exercise; but she has never forgotten her quiet abode, and the duties which there require her almost constant presence.
robinnounUS /ˈrɑːbən/
small Old World songbird with a reddish breast
From this reading Our robin has been a keeper-at-home ever since those four bluish-green eggs demanded her attention.
a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading She has occasionally left, for a few minutes at a time, to procure food and drink, or to take a little exercise; but she has never forgotten her quiet abode, and the duties which there require her almost constant presence.
sinceprepositionUS /sɪns/
from a time in the past until now
From this reading Our robin has been a keeper-at-home ever since those four bluish-green eggs demanded her attention.
the atmosphere and outer space as viewed from the earth
From this reading She loves the green fields, the leafy trees, and the clear blue sky, and delights to hop about with her mate over the fresh grass and the clean gravel-walks; but better than all she loves those pretty eggs, which lie so cozily in the bottom of her straw-built nest.
for that reason; with the result that
From this reading She loves the green fields, the leafy trees, and the clear blue sky, and delights to hop about with her mate over the fresh grass and the clean gravel-walks; but better than all she loves those pretty eggs, which lie so cozily in the bottom of her straw-built nest.
straw-built
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading She loves the green fields, the leafy trees, and the clear blue sky, and delights to hop about with her mate over the fresh grass and the clean gravel-walks; but better than all she loves those pretty eggs, which lie so cozily in the bottom of her straw-built nest.
carry out
From this reading She has occasionally left, for a few minutes at a time, to procure food and drink, or to take a little exercise; but she has never forgotten her quiet abode, and the duties which there require her almost constant presence.
used to introduce the second part of a comparison
From this reading She loves the green fields, the leafy trees, and the clear blue sky, and delights to hop about with her mate over the fresh grass and the clean gravel-walks; but better than all she loves those pretty eggs, which lie so cozily in the bottom of her straw-built nest.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading She has occasionally left, for a few minutes at a time, to procure food and drink, or to take a little exercise; but she has never forgotten her quiet abode, and the duties which there require her almost constant presence.
in or at that place or location
From this reading She has occasionally left, for a few minutes at a time, to procure food and drink, or to take a little exercise; but she has never forgotten her quiet abode, and the duties which there require her almost constant presence.
the plural of “that”: the people or things further away, or already known
From this reading Our robin has been a keeper-at-home ever since those four bluish-green eggs demanded her attention.
an instance or single occasion for some event
From this reading She has occasionally left, for a few minutes at a time, to procure food and drink, or to take a little exercise; but she has never forgotten her quiet abode, and the duties which there require her almost constant presence.
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading She has occasionally left, for a few minutes at a time, to procure food and drink, or to take a little exercise; but she has never forgotten her quiet abode, and the duties which there require her almost constant presence.
the act of going from one place to another
From this reading Before she commenced house-keeping, she was very fond of travelling, and many a mile has she wandered, over hill and valley, in company with her friends.
plural of “tree” — a tall perennial woody plant having a main trunk and branches forming a distinct elevated crown; includes both gymnosperms and angiosperms
From this reading She loves the green fields, the leafy trees, and the clear blue sky, and delights to hop about with her mate over the fresh grass and the clean gravel-walks; but better than all she loves those pretty eggs, which lie so cozily in the bottom of her straw-built nest.
a long depression in the surface of the land that usually contains a river
From this reading Before she commenced house-keeping, she was very fond of travelling, and many a mile has she wandered, over hill and valley, in company with her friends.
precisely as stated
From this reading Before she commenced house-keeping, she was very fond of travelling, and many a mile has she wandered, over hill and valley, in company with her friends.
past form of “wander” — move about aimlessly or without any destination, often in search of food or employment
From this reading Before she commenced house-keeping, she was very fond of travelling, and many a mile has she wandered, over hill and valley, in company with her friends.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading Before she commenced house-keeping, she was very fond of travelling, and many a mile has she wandered, over hill and valley, in company with her friends.
used to introduce a clause giving more about a thing just mentioned
From this reading She has occasionally left, for a few minutes at a time, to procure food and drink, or to take a little exercise; but she has never forgotten her quiet abode, and the duties which there require her almost constant presence.
in the company of; together with
From this reading She loves the green fields, the leafy trees, and the clear blue sky, and delights to hop about with her mate over the fresh grass and the clean gravel-walks; but better than all she loves those pretty eggs, which lie so cozily in the bottom of her straw-built nest.
