Chapter VI

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

From this reading A FAIRY TALE--AND THOUGHTS "The name of the story," said Miss Lilly, "is 'A Fairy House,'" and then she went on to read it.

on the subject of; concerning

From this reading "There she stayed with nothing to do for some time, which is about the worst punishment a fairy can have to endure.

(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 I do not know exactly what it was that she had done, perhaps only something that we should scarcely think wrong at all, such as jumping on a mushroom before it was full grown, or drinking too much dew out of a lily-cup, and thereby leaving the poor flower thirsty through the hot noontide.

at all times; all the time and on every occasion

From this reading Most likely it was nothing worse than something of this kind, but still it was a fault that had to be corrected; so the little culprit was banished to a desert part of fairyland, a bleak and barren spot, which you would scarcely have thought could be found in the magic country which we always think of as so bright and beautiful.

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

From this reading A FAIRY TALE--AND THOUGHTS "The name of the story," said Miss Lilly, "is 'A Fairy House,'" and then she went on to read it.

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

From this reading I do not know exactly what it was that she had done, perhaps only something that we should scarcely think wrong at all, such as jumping on a mushroom before it was full grown, or drinking too much dew out of a lily-cup, and thereby leaving the poor flower thirsty through the hot noontide.

in or near a particular place or position

From this reading I do not know exactly what it was that she had done, perhaps only something that we should scarcely think wrong at all, such as jumping on a mushroom before it was full grown, or drinking too much dew out of a lily-cup, and thereby leaving the poor flower thirsty through the hot noontide.

past form of “banish” — expel from a community or group

From this reading Most likely it was nothing worse than something of this kind, but still it was a fault that had to be corrected; so the little culprit was banished to a desert part of fairyland, a bleak and barren spot, which you would scarcely have thought could be found in the magic country which we always think of as so bright and beautiful.

providing no shelter or sustenance

From this reading Most likely it was nothing worse than something of this kind, but still it was a fault that had to be corrected; so the little culprit was banished to a desert part of fairyland, a bleak and barren spot, which you would scarcely have thought could be found in the magic country which we always think of as so bright and beautiful.

used with a past participle to form the passive, or with -ing for continuous tenses

From this reading "Once upon a time there was a fairy who had done something wrong, and for this reason had to be punished.

delighting the senses or exciting intellectual or emotional admiration

From this reading Most likely it was nothing worse than something of this kind, but still it was a fault that had to be corrected; so the little culprit was banished to a desert part of fairyland, a bleak and barren spot, which you would scarcely have thought could be found in the magic country which we always think of as so bright and beautiful.

earlier than; in front of

From this reading I do not know exactly what it was that she had done, perhaps only something that we should scarcely think wrong at all, such as jumping on a mushroom before it was full grown, or drinking too much dew out of a lily-cup, and thereby leaving the poor flower thirsty through the hot noontide.

offering little or no hope

From this reading Most likely it was nothing worse than something of this kind, but still it was a fault that had to be corrected; so the little culprit was banished to a desert part of fairyland, a bleak and barren spot, which you would scarcely have thought could be found in the magic country which we always think of as so bright and beautiful.

emitting or reflecting light readily or in large amounts

From this reading Most likely it was nothing worse than something of this kind, but still it was a fault that had to be corrected; so the little culprit was banished to a desert part of fairyland, a bleak and barren spot, which you would scarcely have thought could be found in the magic country which we always think of as so bright and beautiful.

used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before

From this reading Most likely it was nothing worse than something of this kind, but still it was a fault that had to be corrected; so the little culprit was banished to a desert part of fairyland, a bleak and barren spot, which you would scarcely have thought could be found in the magic country which we always think of as so bright and beautiful.

to be able to, or to be allowed to

From this reading "There she stayed with nothing to do for some time, which is about the worst punishment a fairy can have to endure.

having something undesirable neutralized

From this reading Most likely it was nothing worse than something of this kind, but still it was a fault that had to be corrected; so the little culprit was banished to a desert part of fairyland, a bleak and barren spot, which you would scarcely have thought could be found in the magic country which we always think of as so bright and beautiful.

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

From this reading Most likely it was nothing worse than something of this kind, but still it was a fault that had to be corrected; so the little culprit was banished to a desert part of fairyland, a bleak and barren spot, which you would scarcely have thought could be found in the magic country which we always think of as so bright and beautiful.

a politically organized body of people under a single government

From this reading Most likely it was nothing worse than something of this kind, but still it was a fault that had to be corrected; so the little culprit was banished to a desert part of fairyland, a bleak and barren spot, which you would scarcely have thought could be found in the magic country which we always think of as so bright and beautiful.

someone who perpetrates wrongdoing

From this reading Most likely it was nothing worse than something of this kind, but still it was a fault that had to be corrected; so the little culprit was banished to a desert part of fairyland, a bleak and barren spot, which you would scarcely have thought could be found in the magic country which we always think of as so bright and beautiful.

leave someone who needs or counts on you; leave in the lurch

From this reading Most likely it was nothing worse than something of this kind, but still it was a fault that had to be corrected; so the little culprit was banished to a desert part of fairyland, a bleak and barren spot, which you would scarcely have thought could be found in the magic country which we always think of as so bright and beautiful.

water that has condensed on a cool surface overnight from water vapor in the air

From this reading I do not know exactly what it was that she had done, perhaps only something that we should scarcely think wrong at all, such as jumping on a mushroom before it was full grown, or drinking too much dew out of a lily-cup, and thereby leaving the poor flower thirsty through the hot noontide.

used to form questions and negatives, and to give emphasis

From this reading I do not know exactly what it was that she had done, perhaps only something that we should scarcely think wrong at all, such as jumping on a mushroom before it was full grown, or drinking too much dew out of a lily-cup, and thereby leaving the poor flower thirsty through the hot noontide.

having finished or arrived at completion

From this reading "Once upon a time there was a fairy who had done something wrong, and for this reason had to be punished.

the act of consuming liquids

From this reading I do not know exactly what it was that she had done, perhaps only something that we should scarcely think wrong at all, such as jumping on a mushroom before it was full grown, or drinking too much dew out of a lily-cup, and thereby leaving the poor flower thirsty through the hot noontide.

put up with something or somebody unpleasant

From this reading "There she stayed with nothing to do for some time, which is about the worst punishment a fairy can have to endure.

indicating exactness or preciseness

From this reading I do not know exactly what it was that she had done, perhaps only something that we should scarcely think wrong at all, such as jumping on a mushroom before it was full grown, or drinking too much dew out of a lily-cup, and thereby leaving the poor flower thirsty through the hot noontide.

a small being, human in form, playful and having magical powers

From this reading A FAIRY TALE--AND THOUGHTS "The name of the story," said Miss Lilly, "is 'A Fairy House,'" and then she went on to read it.

something existing solely in the imagination (but often mistaken for reality)

From this reading Most likely it was nothing worse than something of this kind, but still it was a fault that had to be corrected; so the little culprit was banished to a desert part of fairyland, a bleak and barren spot, which you would scarcely have thought could be found in the magic country which we always think of as so bright and beautiful.

a wrong action attributable to bad judgment or ignorance or inattention

From this reading Most likely it was nothing worse than something of this kind, but still it was a fault that had to be corrected; so the little culprit was banished to a desert part of fairyland, a bleak and barren spot, which you would scarcely have thought could be found in the magic country which we always think of as so bright and beautiful.

a plant cultivated for its blooms or blossoms

From this reading I do not know exactly what it was that she had done, perhaps only something that we should scarcely think wrong at all, such as jumping on a mushroom before it was full grown, or drinking too much dew out of a lily-cup, and thereby leaving the poor flower thirsty through the hot noontide.

intended to be given to, or used by, somebody

From this reading "Once upon a time there was a fairy who had done something wrong, and for this reason had to be punished.

set up or found

From this reading Most likely it was nothing worse than something of this kind, but still it was a fault that had to be corrected; so the little culprit was banished to a desert part of fairyland, a bleak and barren spot, which you would scarcely have thought could be found in the magic country which we always think of as so bright and beautiful.

containing as much or as many as is possible or normal

From this reading I do not know exactly what it was that she had done, perhaps only something that we should scarcely think wrong at all, such as jumping on a mushroom before it was full grown, or drinking too much dew out of a lily-cup, and thereby leaving the poor flower thirsty through the hot noontide.

(of animals) fully developed

From this reading I do not know exactly what it was that she had done, perhaps only something that we should scarcely think wrong at all, such as jumping on a mushroom before it was full grown, or drinking too much dew out of a lily-cup, and thereby leaving the poor flower thirsty through the hot noontide.

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

From this reading "Once upon a time there was a fairy who had done something wrong, and for this reason had to be punished.

used with a past participle to form the perfect tenses

From this reading Most likely it was nothing worse than something of this kind, but still it was a fault that had to be corrected; so the little culprit was banished to a desert part of fairyland, a bleak and barren spot, which you would scarcely have thought could be found in the magic country which we always think of as so bright and beautiful.

used of physical heat; having a high or higher than desirable temperature or giving off heat or feeling or causing a sensation of heat or burning

From this reading I do not know exactly what it was that she had done, perhaps only something that we should scarcely think wrong at all, such as jumping on a mushroom before it was full grown, or drinking too much dew out of a lily-cup, and thereby leaving the poor flower thirsty through the hot noontide.

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

From this reading A FAIRY TALE--AND THOUGHTS "The name of the story," said Miss Lilly, "is 'A Fairy House,'" and then she went on to read it.

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

From this reading I do not know exactly what it was that she had done, perhaps only something that we should scarcely think wrong at all, such as jumping on a mushroom before it was full grown, or drinking too much dew out of a lily-cup, and thereby leaving the poor flower thirsty through the hot noontide.

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

From this reading Most likely it was nothing worse than something of this kind, but still it was a fault that had to be corrected; so the little culprit was banished to a desert part of fairyland, a bleak and barren spot, which you would scarcely have thought could be found in the magic country which we always think of as so bright and beautiful.

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

From this reading A FAIRY TALE--AND THOUGHTS "The name of the story," said Miss Lilly, "is 'A Fairy House,'" and then she went on to read it.

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading A FAIRY TALE--AND THOUGHTS "The name of the story," said Miss Lilly, "is 'A Fairy House,'" and then she went on to read it.

the act of participating in an athletic competition in which you must jump

From this reading I do not know exactly what it was that she had done, perhaps only something that we should scarcely think wrong at all, such as jumping on a mushroom before it was full grown, or drinking too much dew out of a lily-cup, and thereby leaving the poor flower thirsty through the hot noontide.

having or showing a tender and considerate and helpful nature; used especially of persons and their behavior

From this reading Most likely it was nothing worse than something of this kind, but still it was a fault that had to be corrected; so the little culprit was banished to a desert part of fairyland, a bleak and barren spot, which you would scarcely have thought could be found in the magic country which we always think of as so bright and beautiful.

be cognizant or aware of a fact or a specific piece of information; possess knowledge or information about

From this reading I do not know exactly what it was that she had done, perhaps only something that we should scarcely think wrong at all, such as jumping on a mushroom before it was full grown, or drinking too much dew out of a lily-cup, and thereby leaving the poor flower thirsty through the hot noontide.

the act of departing

From this reading I do not know exactly what it was that she had done, perhaps only something that we should scarcely think wrong at all, such as jumping on a mushroom before it was full grown, or drinking too much dew out of a lily-cup, and thereby leaving the poor flower thirsty through the hot noontide.

has a good chance of being the case or of coming about

From this reading Most likely it was nothing worse than something of this kind, but still it was a fault that had to be corrected; so the little culprit was banished to a desert part of fairyland, a bleak and barren spot, which you would scarcely have thought could be found in the magic country which we always think of as so bright and beautiful.

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

From this reading A FAIRY TALE--AND THOUGHTS "The name of the story," said Miss Lilly, "is 'A Fairy House,'" and then she went on to read it.

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

From this reading I do not know exactly what it was that she had done, perhaps only something that we should scarcely think wrong at all, such as jumping on a mushroom before it was full grown, or drinking too much dew out of a lily-cup, and thereby leaving the poor flower thirsty through the hot noontide.

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

From this reading Most likely it was nothing worse than something of this kind, but still it was a fault that had to be corrected; so the little culprit was banished to a desert part of fairyland, a bleak and barren spot, which you would scarcely have thought could be found in the magic country which we always think of as so bright and beautiful.

any art that invokes supernatural powers

From this reading Most likely it was nothing worse than something of this kind, but still it was a fault that had to be corrected; so the little culprit was banished to a desert part of fairyland, a bleak and barren spot, which you would scarcely have thought could be found in the magic country which we always think of as so bright and beautiful.

fail to perceive or to catch with the senses or the mind

From this reading A FAIRY TALE--AND THOUGHTS "The name of the story," said Miss Lilly, "is 'A Fairy House,'" and then she went on to read it.

used to form the superlative

From this reading Most likely it was nothing worse than something of this kind, but still it was a fault that had to be corrected; so the little culprit was banished to a desert part of fairyland, a bleak and barren spot, which you would scarcely have thought could be found in the magic country which we always think of as so bright and beautiful.

to a great degree or extent

From this reading I do not know exactly what it was that she had done, perhaps only something that we should scarcely think wrong at all, such as jumping on a mushroom before it was full grown, or drinking too much dew out of a lily-cup, and thereby leaving the poor flower thirsty through the hot noontide.

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

From this reading I do not know exactly what it was that she had done, perhaps only something that we should scarcely think wrong at all, such as jumping on a mushroom before it was full grown, or drinking too much dew out of a lily-cup, and thereby leaving the poor flower thirsty through the hot noontide.

assign a specified (usually proper) proper name to

From this reading A FAIRY TALE--AND THOUGHTS "The name of the story," said Miss Lilly, "is 'A Fairy House,'" and then she went on to read it.

the middle of the day

From this reading I do not know exactly what it was that she had done, perhaps only something that we should scarcely think wrong at all, such as jumping on a mushroom before it was full grown, or drinking too much dew out of a lily-cup, and thereby leaving the poor flower thirsty through the hot noontide.

used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative

From this reading I do not know exactly what it was that she had done, perhaps only something that we should scarcely think wrong at all, such as jumping on a mushroom before it was full grown, or drinking too much dew out of a lily-cup, and thereby leaving the poor flower thirsty through the hot noontide.

not one thing; not anything

From this reading Most likely it was nothing worse than something of this kind, but still it was a fault that had to be corrected; so the little culprit was banished to a desert part of fairyland, a bleak and barren spot, which you would scarcely have thought could be found in the magic country which we always think of as so bright and beautiful.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading A FAIRY TALE--AND THOUGHTS "The name of the story," said Miss Lilly, "is 'A Fairy House,'" and then she went on to read it.

touching and supported by a surface

From this reading A FAIRY TALE--AND THOUGHTS "The name of the story," said Miss Lilly, "is 'A Fairy House,'" and then she went on to read it.

on one occasion

From this reading "Once upon a time there was a fairy who had done something wrong, and for this reason had to be punished.

and nothing more

From this reading I do not know exactly what it was that she had done, perhaps only something that we should scarcely think wrong at all, such as jumping on a mushroom before it was full grown, or drinking too much dew out of a lily-cup, and thereby leaving the poor flower thirsty through the hot noontide.

used to join alternatives or possibilities

From this reading I do not know exactly what it was that she had done, perhaps only something that we should scarcely think wrong at all, such as jumping on a mushroom before it was full grown, or drinking too much dew out of a lily-cup, and thereby leaving the poor flower thirsty through the hot noontide.

not allowed to continue to bat or run

From this reading I do not know exactly what it was that she had done, perhaps only something that we should scarcely think wrong at all, such as jumping on a mushroom before it was full grown, or drinking too much dew out of a lily-cup, and thereby leaving the poor flower thirsty through the hot noontide.

something determined in relation to something that includes it

From this reading Most likely it was nothing worse than something of this kind, but still it was a fault that had to be corrected; so the little culprit was banished to a desert part of fairyland, a bleak and barren spot, which you would scarcely have thought could be found in the magic country which we always think of as so bright and beautiful.

by chance

From this reading I do not know exactly what it was that she had done, perhaps only something that we should scarcely think wrong at all, such as jumping on a mushroom before it was full grown, or drinking too much dew out of a lily-cup, and thereby leaving the poor flower thirsty through the hot noontide.

deserving or inciting pity

From this reading I do not know exactly what it was that she had done, perhaps only something that we should scarcely think wrong at all, such as jumping on a mushroom before it was full grown, or drinking too much dew out of a lily-cup, and thereby leaving the poor flower thirsty through the hot noontide.

subjected to a penalty (as pain or shame or restraint or loss) for an offense or fault or in order to coerce some behavior (as a confession or obedience)

From this reading "Once upon a time there was a fairy who had done something wrong, and for this reason had to be punished.

the act of punishing

From this reading "There she stayed with nothing to do for some time, which is about the worst punishment a fairy can have to endure.

interpret something that is written or printed

From this reading A FAIRY TALE--AND THOUGHTS "The name of the story," said Miss Lilly, "is 'A Fairy House,'" and then she went on to read it.

a rational motive for a belief or action

From this reading "Once upon a time there was a fairy who had done something wrong, and for this reason had to be punished.

being the one previously mentioned or spoken of

From this reading A FAIRY TALE--AND THOUGHTS "The name of the story," said Miss Lilly, "is 'A Fairy House,'" and then she went on to read it.

only a very short time before

From this reading I do not know exactly what it was that she had done, perhaps only something that we should scarcely think wrong at all, such as jumping on a mushroom before it was full grown, or drinking too much dew out of a lily-cup, and thereby leaving the poor flower thirsty through the hot noontide.

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

From this reading A FAIRY TALE--AND THOUGHTS "The name of the story," said Miss Lilly, "is 'A Fairy House,'" and then she went on to read it.

used to say what is right, expected, or advisable

From this reading I do not know exactly what it was that she had done, perhaps only something that we should scarcely think wrong at all, such as jumping on a mushroom before it was full grown, or drinking too much dew out of a lily-cup, and thereby leaving the poor flower thirsty through the hot noontide.

for that reason; with the result that

From this reading Most likely it was nothing worse than something of this kind, but still it was a fault that had to be corrected; so the little culprit was banished to a desert part of fairyland, a bleak and barren spot, which you would scarcely have thought could be found in the magic country which we always think of as so bright and beautiful.

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

From this reading "There she stayed with nothing to do for some time, which is about the worst punishment a fairy can have to endure.

a thing, without saying which

From this reading "Once upon a time there was a fairy who had done something wrong, and for this reason had to be punished.

a point located with respect to surface features of some region

From this reading Most likely it was nothing worse than something of this kind, but still it was a fault that had to be corrected; so the little culprit was banished to a desert part of fairyland, a bleak and barren spot, which you would scarcely have thought could be found in the magic country which we always think of as so bright and beautiful.

past form of “stay” — stay the same; remain in a certain state

From this reading "There she stayed with nothing to do for some time, which is about the worst punishment a fairy can have to endure.

not in physical motion

From this reading Most likely it was nothing worse than something of this kind, but still it was a fault that had to be corrected; so the little culprit was banished to a desert part of fairyland, a bleak and barren spot, which you would scarcely have thought could be found in the magic country which we always think of as so bright and beautiful.

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 A FAIRY TALE--AND THOUGHTS "The name of the story," said Miss Lilly, "is 'A Fairy House,'" and then she went on to read it.

of the kind already mentioned

From this reading I do not know exactly what it was that she had done, perhaps only something that we should scarcely think wrong at all, such as jumping on a mushroom before it was full grown, or drinking too much dew out of a lily-cup, and thereby leaving the poor flower thirsty through the hot noontide.

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 A FAIRY TALE--AND THOUGHTS "The name of the story," said Miss Lilly, "is 'A Fairy House,'" and then she went on to read it.

used to introduce the second part of a comparison

From this reading Most likely it was nothing worse than something of this kind, but still it was a fault that had to be corrected; so the little culprit was banished to a desert part of fairyland, a bleak and barren spot, which you would scarcely have thought could be found in the magic country which we always think of as so bright and beautiful.

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading I do not know exactly what it was that she had done, perhaps only something that we should scarcely think wrong at all, such as jumping on a mushroom before it was full grown, or drinking too much dew out of a lily-cup, and thereby leaving the poor flower thirsty through the hot noontide.

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

From this reading A FAIRY TALE--AND THOUGHTS "The name of the story," said Miss Lilly, "is 'A Fairy House,'" and then she went on to read it.

subsequently or soon afterward (often used as sentence connectors)

From this reading A FAIRY TALE--AND THOUGHTS "The name of the story," said Miss Lilly, "is 'A Fairy House,'" and then she went on to read it.

in or at that place or location

From this reading "Once upon a time there was a fairy who had done something wrong, and for this reason had to be punished.

by that means or because of that

From this reading I do not know exactly what it was that she had done, perhaps only something that we should scarcely think wrong at all, such as jumping on a mushroom before it was full grown, or drinking too much dew out of a lily-cup, and thereby leaving the poor flower thirsty through the hot noontide.

judge or regard; look upon; judge

From this reading I do not know exactly what it was that she had done, perhaps only something that we should scarcely think wrong at all, such as jumping on a mushroom before it was full grown, or drinking too much dew out of a lily-cup, and thereby leaving the poor flower thirsty through the hot noontide.

needing moisture

From this reading I do not know exactly what it was that she had done, perhaps only something that we should scarcely think wrong at all, such as jumping on a mushroom before it was full grown, or drinking too much dew out of a lily-cup, and thereby leaving the poor flower thirsty through the hot noontide.

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

From this reading "Once upon a time there was a fairy who had done something wrong, and for this reason had to be punished.

the content of cognition; the main thing you are thinking about

From this reading Most likely it was nothing worse than something of this kind, but still it was a fault that had to be corrected; so the little culprit was banished to a desert part of fairyland, a bleak and barren spot, which you would scarcely have thought could be found in the magic country which we always think of as so bright and beautiful.

plural of “thought” — the content of cognition; the main thing you are thinking about

From this reading A FAIRY TALE--AND THOUGHTS "The name of the story," said Miss Lilly, "is 'A Fairy House,'" and then she went on to read it.

from one end or side of something to the other

From this reading I do not know exactly what it was that she had done, perhaps only something that we should scarcely think wrong at all, such as jumping on a mushroom before it was full grown, or drinking too much dew out of a lily-cup, and thereby leaving the poor flower thirsty through the hot noontide.

an instance or single occasion for some event

From this reading "Once upon a time there was a fairy who had done something wrong, and for this reason had to be punished.

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

From this reading A FAIRY TALE--AND THOUGHTS "The name of the story," said Miss Lilly, "is 'A Fairy House,'" and then she went on to read it.

to a degree exceeding normal or proper limits

From this reading I do not know exactly what it was that she had done, perhaps only something that we should scarcely think wrong at all, such as jumping on a mushroom before it was full grown, or drinking too much dew out of a lily-cup, and thereby leaving the poor flower thirsty through the hot noontide.

a formal word for “on”

From this reading "Once upon a time there was a fairy who had done something wrong, and for this reason had to be punished.

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

From this reading "Once upon a time there was a fairy who had done something wrong, and for this reason had to be punished.

the speaker together with one or more other people

From this reading I do not know exactly what it was that she had done, perhaps only something that we should scarcely think wrong at all, such as jumping on a mushroom before it was full grown, or drinking too much dew out of a lily-cup, and thereby leaving the poor flower thirsty through the hot noontide.

inflected form of “go” — change location; move, travel, or proceed, also metaphorically

From this reading A FAIRY TALE--AND THOUGHTS "The name of the story," said Miss Lilly, "is 'A Fairy House,'" and then she went on to read it.

used to ask for information about something

From this reading I do not know exactly what it was that she had done, perhaps only something that we should scarcely think wrong at all, such as jumping on a mushroom before it was full grown, or drinking too much dew out of a lily-cup, and thereby leaving the poor flower thirsty through the hot noontide.

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

From this reading Most likely it was nothing worse than something of this kind, but still it was a fault that had to be corrected; so the little culprit was banished to a desert part of fairyland, a bleak and barren spot, which you would scarcely have thought could be found in the magic country which we always think of as so bright and beautiful.

which person or people

From this reading "Once upon a time there was a fairy who had done something wrong, and for this reason had to be punished.

in the company of; together with

From this reading "There she stayed with nothing to do for some time, which is about the worst punishment a fairy can have to endure.

(comparative of “bad”) inferior to another in quality or condition or desirability

From this reading Most likely it was nothing worse than something of this kind, but still it was a fault that had to be corrected; so the little culprit was banished to a desert part of fairyland, a bleak and barren spot, which you would scarcely have thought could be found in the magic country which we always think of as so bright and beautiful.

the least favorable outcome

From this reading "There she stayed with nothing to do for some time, which is about the worst punishment a fairy can have to endure.

used for something imagined, polite, or habitual in the past

From this reading Most likely it was nothing worse than something of this kind, but still it was a fault that had to be corrected; so the little culprit was banished to a desert part of fairyland, a bleak and barren spot, which you would scarcely have thought could be found in the magic country which we always think of as so bright and beautiful.

not correct; not in conformity with fact or truth

From this reading "Once upon a time there was a fairy who had done something wrong, and for this reason had to be punished.

the person or people being spoken to

From this reading Most likely it was nothing worse than something of this kind, but still it was a fault that had to be corrected; so the little culprit was banished to a desert part of fairyland, a bleak and barren spot, which you would scarcely have thought could be found in the magic country which we always think of as so bright and beautiful.