Chapter I · Chapter 1

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

From this reading Something unusual was about to happen--any one could see that; the tall pine trees swayed and nodded to each other as if whispering together, the leaves blew up against a corner of the fence as though they meant to sweep the old-fashioned brick path clean, and the gate swung to and fro on its hinges as in anticipation of a visitor.

on the subject of; concerning

From this reading Something unusual was about to happen--any one could see that; the tall pine trees swayed and nodded to each other as if whispering together, the leaves blew up against a corner of the fence as though they meant to sweep the old-fashioned brick path clean, and the gate swung to and fro on its hinges as in anticipation of a visitor.

touching and pressing; in opposition to

From this reading Something unusual was about to happen--any one could see that; the tall pine trees swayed and nodded to each other as if whispering together, the leaves blew up against a corner of the fence as though they meant to sweep the old-fashioned brick path clean, and the gate swung to and fro on its hinges as in anticipation of a visitor.

a mixture of gases (especially oxygen) required for breathing; the stuff that the wind consists of

From this reading Ever so many children had been born there, and had grown up under its sheltering roof, loved, married and had gone out into the world; it was a _very_ old house, and could have told wonderful stories if any one had listened to them; no, it could not be called an every-day house at all, but to-day it had a look of expectancy quite different from its usual sleepy air.

(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 Ever so many children had been born there, and had grown up under its sheltering roof, loved, married and had gone out into the world; it was a _very_ old house, and could have told wonderful stories if any one had listened to them; no, it could not be called an every-day house at all, but to-day it had a look of expectancy quite different from its usual sleepy air.

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

From this reading In a far-away corner of the United States stood an old farm-house which had put on its company manners and quite left off being an every-day house, though it really never could be called an "every-day" house--it was too old for that.

Belonging to the very distant past and no longer in existence or deeply revered.

From this reading The ancient box-hedge by the rose-garden stood like an old soldier at attention, so!

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

From this reading Something unusual was about to happen--any one could see that; the tall pine trees swayed and nodded to each other as if whispering together, the leaves blew up against a corner of the fence as though they meant to sweep the old-fashioned brick path clean, and the gate swung to and fro on its hinges as in anticipation of a visitor.

an expectation

From this reading Something unusual was about to happen--any one could see that; the tall pine trees swayed and nodded to each other as if whispering together, the leaves blew up against a corner of the fence as though they meant to sweep the old-fashioned brick path clean, and the gate swung to and fro on its hinges as in anticipation of a visitor.

one or some or every or all without specification

From this reading Something unusual was about to happen--any one could see that; the tall pine trees swayed and nodded to each other as if whispering together, the leaves blew up against a corner of the fence as though they meant to sweep the old-fashioned brick path clean, and the gate swung to and fro on its hinges as in anticipation of a visitor.

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

From this reading Something unusual was about to happen--any one could see that; the tall pine trees swayed and nodded to each other as if whispering together, the leaves blew up against a corner of the fence as though they meant to sweep the old-fashioned brick path clean, and the gate swung to and fro on its hinges as in anticipation of a visitor.

in or near a particular place or position

From this reading Ever so many children had been born there, and had grown up under its sheltering roof, loved, married and had gone out into the world; it was a _very_ old house, and could have told wonderful stories if any one had listened to them; no, it could not be called an every-day house at all, but to-day it had a look of expectancy quite different from its usual sleepy air.

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

From this reading The ancient box-hedge by the rose-garden stood like an old soldier at attention, so!

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

From this reading In a far-away corner of the United States stood an old farm-house which had put on its company manners and quite left off being an every-day house, though it really never could be called an "every-day" house--it was too old for that.

the past participle of “be”

From this reading Ever so many children had been born there, and had grown up under its sheltering roof, loved, married and had gone out into the world; it was a _very_ old house, and could have told wonderful stories if any one had listened to them; no, it could not be called an every-day house at all, but to-day it had a look of expectancy quite different from its usual sleepy air.

the -ing form of “be”

From this reading In a far-away corner of the United States stood an old farm-house which had put on its company manners and quite left off being an every-day house, though it really never could be called an "every-day" house--it was too old for that.

inflected form of “blow” — exhale hard

From this reading Something unusual was about to happen--any one could see that; the tall pine trees swayed and nodded to each other as if whispering together, the leaves blew up against a corner of the fence as though they meant to sweep the old-fashioned brick path clean, and the gate swung to and fro on its hinges as in anticipation of a visitor.

processing that involves blowing a gas

From this reading The fresh muslin curtains at the window were stiff with starch, they would not stir an inch to the breeze blowing in.

brought into existence

From this reading Ever so many children had been born there, and had grown up under its sheltering roof, loved, married and had gone out into the world; it was a _very_ old house, and could have told wonderful stories if any one had listened to them; no, it could not be called an every-day house at all, but to-day it had a look of expectancy quite different from its usual sleepy air.

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

From this reading The ancient box-hedge by the rose-garden stood like an old soldier at attention, so!

a slight wind (usually refreshing)

From this reading The fresh muslin curtains at the window were stiff with starch, they would not stir an inch to the breeze blowing in.

rectangular block of clay baked by the sun or in a kiln; used as a building or paving material

From this reading Something unusual was about to happen--any one could see that; the tall pine trees swayed and nodded to each other as if whispering together, the leaves blew up against a corner of the fence as though they meant to sweep the old-fashioned brick path clean, and the gate swung to and fro on its hinges as in anticipation of a visitor.

used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before

From this reading Ever so many children had been born there, and had grown up under its sheltering roof, loved, married and had gone out into the world; it was a _very_ old house, and could have told wonderful stories if any one had listened to them; no, it could not be called an every-day house at all, but to-day it had a look of expectancy quite different from its usual sleepy air.

showing who or what does the action

From this reading The ancient box-hedge by the rose-garden stood like an old soldier at attention, so!

past form of “call” — assign a specified (usually proper) proper name to

From this reading In a far-away corner of the United States stood an old farm-house which had put on its company manners and quite left off being an every-day house, though it really never could be called an "every-day" house--it was too old for that.

plural of “child” — a young person of either sex

From this reading Ever so many children had been born there, and had grown up under its sheltering roof, loved, married and had gone out into the world; it was a _very_ old house, and could have told wonderful stories if any one had listened to them; no, it could not be called an every-day house at all, but to-day it had a look of expectancy quite different from its usual sleepy air.

free from dirt or impurities; or having clean habits

From this reading Something unusual was about to happen--any one could see that; the tall pine trees swayed and nodded to each other as if whispering together, the leaves blew up against a corner of the fence as though they meant to sweep the old-fashioned brick path clean, and the gate swung to and fro on its hinges as in anticipation of a visitor.

an institution created to conduct business

From this reading In a far-away corner of the United States stood an old farm-house which had put on its company manners and quite left off being an every-day house, though it really never could be called an "every-day" house--it was too old for that.

a place off to the side of an area

From this reading Something unusual was about to happen--any one could see that; the tall pine trees swayed and nodded to each other as if whispering together, the leaves blew up against a corner of the fence as though they meant to sweep the old-fashioned brick path clean, and the gate swung to and fro on its hinges as in anticipation of a visitor.

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

From this reading Something unusual was about to happen--any one could see that; the tall pine trees swayed and nodded to each other as if whispering together, the leaves blew up against a corner of the fence as though they meant to sweep the old-fashioned brick path clean, and the gate swung to and fro on its hinges as in anticipation of a visitor.

plural of “curtain” — hanging cloth used as a blind (especially for a window)

From this reading The fresh muslin curtains at the window were stiff with starch, they would not stir an inch to the breeze blowing in.

unlike in nature or quality or form or degree

From this reading Ever so many children had been born there, and had grown up under its sheltering roof, loved, married and had gone out into the world; it was a _very_ old house, and could have told wonderful stories if any one had listened to them; no, it could not be called an every-day house at all, but to-day it had a look of expectancy quite different from its usual sleepy air.

every one of two or more people or things, taken separately

From this reading Something unusual was about to happen--any one could see that; the tall pine trees swayed and nodded to each other as if whispering together, the leaves blew up against a corner of the fence as though they meant to sweep the old-fashioned brick path clean, and the gate swung to and fro on its hinges as in anticipation of a visitor.

at any time

From this reading Ever so many children had been born there, and had grown up under its sheltering roof, loved, married and had gone out into the world; it was a _very_ old house, and could have told wonderful stories if any one had listened to them; no, it could not be called an every-day house at all, but to-day it had a look of expectancy quite different from its usual sleepy air.

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

From this reading In a far-away corner of the United States stood an old farm-house which had put on its company manners and quite left off being an every-day house, though it really never could be called an "every-day" house--it was too old for that.

an expectation

From this reading Ever so many children had been born there, and had grown up under its sheltering roof, loved, married and had gone out into the world; it was a _very_ old house, and could have told wonderful stories if any one had listened to them; no, it could not be called an every-day house at all, but to-day it had a look of expectancy quite different from its usual sleepy air.

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

From this reading In a far-away corner of the United States stood an old farm-house which had put on its company manners and quite left off being an every-day house, though it really never could be called an "every-day" house--it was too old for that.

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

From this reading In a far-away corner of the United States stood an old farm-house which had put on its company manners and quite left off being an every-day house, though it really never could be called an "every-day" house--it was too old for that.

enclose with a fence

From this reading Something unusual was about to happen--any one could see that; the tall pine trees swayed and nodded to each other as if whispering together, the leaves blew up against a corner of the fence as though they meant to sweep the old-fashioned brick path clean, and the gate swung to and fro on its hinges as in anticipation of a visitor.

intended to be given to, or used by, somebody

From this reading In a far-away corner of the United States stood an old farm-house which had put on its company manners and quite left off being an every-day house, though it really never could be called an "every-day" house--it was too old for that.

recently made, produced, or harvested

From this reading The fresh muslin curtains at the window were stiff with starch, they would not stir an inch to the breeze blowing in.

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

From this reading Something unusual was about to happen--any one could see that; the tall pine trees swayed and nodded to each other as if whispering together, the leaves blew up against a corner of the fence as though they meant to sweep the old-fashioned brick path clean, and the gate swung to and fro on its hinges as in anticipation of a visitor.

showing where something starts, or who sent it

From this reading Ever so many children had been born there, and had grown up under its sheltering roof, loved, married and had gone out into the world; it was a _very_ old house, and could have told wonderful stories if any one had listened to them; no, it could not be called an every-day house at all, but to-day it had a look of expectancy quite different from its usual sleepy air.

a movable barrier in a fence or wall

From this reading Something unusual was about to happen--any one could see that; the tall pine trees swayed and nodded to each other as if whispering together, the leaves blew up against a corner of the fence as though they meant to sweep the old-fashioned brick path clean, and the gate swung to and fro on its hinges as in anticipation of a visitor.

destroyed or killed

From this reading Ever so many children had been born there, and had grown up under its sheltering roof, loved, married and had gone out into the world; it was a _very_ old house, and could have told wonderful stories if any one had listened to them; no, it could not be called an every-day house at all, but to-day it had a look of expectancy quite different from its usual sleepy air.

(of animals) fully developed

From this reading Ever so many children had been born there, and had grown up under its sheltering roof, loved, married and had gone out into the world; it was a _very_ old house, and could have told wonderful stories if any one had listened to them; no, it could not be called an every-day house at all, but to-day it had a look of expectancy quite different from its usual sleepy air.

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

From this reading In a far-away corner of the United States stood an old farm-house which had put on its company manners and quite left off being an every-day house, though it really never could be called an "every-day" house--it was too old for that.

come to pass

From this reading Something unusual was about to happen--any one could see that; the tall pine trees swayed and nodded to each other as if whispering together, the leaves blew up against a corner of the fence as though they meant to sweep the old-fashioned brick path clean, and the gate swung to and fro on its hinges as in anticipation of a visitor.

used with a past participle to form the perfect tenses

From this reading Ever so many children had been born there, and had grown up under its sheltering roof, loved, married and had gone out into the world; it was a _very_ old house, and could have told wonderful stories if any one had listened to them; no, it could not be called an every-day house at all, but to-day it had a look of expectancy quite different from its usual sleepy air.

plural of “hinge” — a joint that holds two parts together so that one can swing relative to the other

From this reading Something unusual was about to happen--any one could see that; the tall pine trees swayed and nodded to each other as if whispering together, the leaves blew up against a corner of the fence as though they meant to sweep the old-fashioned brick path clean, and the gate swung to and fro on its hinges as in anticipation of a visitor.

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

From this reading In a far-away corner of the United States stood an old farm-house which had put on its company manners and quite left off being an every-day house, though it really never could be called an "every-day" house--it was too old for that.

on condition that; in the event that

From this reading Something unusual was about to happen--any one could see that; the tall pine trees swayed and nodded to each other as if whispering together, the leaves blew up against a corner of the fence as though they meant to sweep the old-fashioned brick path clean, and the gate swung to and fro on its hinges as in anticipation of a visitor.

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

From this reading Something unusual was about to happen--any one could see that; the tall pine trees swayed and nodded to each other as if whispering together, the leaves blew up against a corner of the fence as though they meant to sweep the old-fashioned brick path clean, and the gate swung to and fro on its hinges as in anticipation of a visitor.

a unit of length equal to one twelfth of a foot

From this reading The fresh muslin curtains at the window were stiff with starch, they would not stir an inch to the breeze blowing in.

moving to the inside of something

From this reading Ever so many children had been born there, and had grown up under its sheltering roof, loved, married and had gone out into the world; it was a _very_ old house, and could have told wonderful stories if any one had listened to them; no, it could not be called an every-day house at all, but to-day it had a look of expectancy quite different from its usual sleepy air.

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading In a far-away corner of the United States stood an old farm-house which had put on its company manners and quite left off being an every-day house, though it really never could be called an "every-day" house--it was too old for that.

belonging to the thing or animal already mentioned

From this reading Something unusual was about to happen--any one could see that; the tall pine trees swayed and nodded to each other as if whispering together, the leaves blew up against a corner of the fence as though they meant to sweep the old-fashioned brick path clean, and the gate swung to and fro on its hinges as in anticipation of a visitor.

plural of “leaf” — the main organ of photosynthesis and transpiration in higher plants

From this reading Something unusual was about to happen--any one could see that; the tall pine trees swayed and nodded to each other as if whispering together, the leaves blew up against a corner of the fence as though they meant to sweep the old-fashioned brick path clean, and the gate swung to and fro on its hinges as in anticipation of a visitor.

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 In a far-away corner of the United States stood an old farm-house which had put on its company manners and quite left off being an every-day house, though it really never could be called an "every-day" house--it was too old for that.

prefer or wish to do something

From this reading The ancient box-hedge by the rose-garden stood like an old soldier at attention, so!

past form of “listen” — hear with intention

From this reading Ever so many children had been born there, and had grown up under its sheltering roof, loved, married and had gone out into the world; it was a _very_ old house, and could have told wonderful stories if any one had listened to them; no, it could not be called an every-day house at all, but to-day it had a look of expectancy quite different from its usual sleepy air.

perceive with attention; direct one's gaze towards

From this reading Ever so many children had been born there, and had grown up under its sheltering roof, loved, married and had gone out into the world; it was a _very_ old house, and could have told wonderful stories if any one had listened to them; no, it could not be called an every-day house at all, but to-day it had a look of expectancy quite different from its usual sleepy air.

held dear

From this reading Ever so many children had been born there, and had grown up under its sheltering roof, loved, married and had gone out into the world; it was a _very_ old house, and could have told wonderful stories if any one had listened to them; no, it could not be called an every-day house at all, but to-day it had a look of expectancy quite different from its usual sleepy air.

social deportment

From this reading In a far-away corner of the United States stood an old farm-house which had put on its company manners and quite left off being an every-day house, though it really never could be called an "every-day" house--it was too old for that.

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 Ever so many children had been born there, and had grown up under its sheltering roof, loved, married and had gone out into the world; it was a _very_ old house, and could have told wonderful stories if any one had listened to them; no, it could not be called an every-day house at all, but to-day it had a look of expectancy quite different from its usual sleepy air.

joined in matrimony

From this reading Ever so many children had been born there, and had grown up under its sheltering roof, loved, married and had gone out into the world; it was a _very_ old house, and could have told wonderful stories if any one had listened to them; no, it could not be called an every-day house at all, but to-day it had a look of expectancy quite different from its usual sleepy air.

inflected form of “mean” — mean or intend to express or convey

From this reading Something unusual was about to happen--any one could see that; the tall pine trees swayed and nodded to each other as if whispering together, the leaves blew up against a corner of the fence as though they meant to sweep the old-fashioned brick path clean, and the gate swung to and fro on its hinges as in anticipation of a visitor.

plain-woven cotton fabric

From this reading The fresh muslin curtains at the window were stiff with starch, they would not stir an inch to the breeze blowing in.

not ever; at no time in the past or future

From this reading In a far-away corner of the United States stood an old farm-house which had put on its company manners and quite left off being an every-day house, though it really never could be called an "every-day" house--it was too old for that.

not any; not one

From this reading Ever so many children had been born there, and had grown up under its sheltering roof, loved, married and had gone out into the world; it was a _very_ old house, and could have told wonderful stories if any one had listened to them; no, it could not be called an every-day house at all, but to-day it had a look of expectancy quite different from its usual sleepy air.

inflected form of “nod” — express or signify by nodding

From this reading Something unusual was about to happen--any one could see that; the tall pine trees swayed and nodded to each other as if whispering together, the leaves blew up against a corner of the fence as though they meant to sweep the old-fashioned brick path clean, and the gate swung to and fro on its hinges as in anticipation of a visitor.

used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative

From this reading Ever so many children had been born there, and had grown up under its sheltering roof, loved, married and had gone out into the world; it was a _very_ old house, and could have told wonderful stories if any one had listened to them; no, it could not be called an every-day house at all, but to-day it had a look of expectancy quite different from its usual sleepy air.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading Something unusual was about to happen--any one could see that; the tall pine trees swayed and nodded to each other as if whispering together, the leaves blew up against a corner of the fence as though they meant to sweep the old-fashioned brick path clean, and the gate swung to and fro on its hinges as in anticipation of a visitor.

from a particular thing or place or position (“forth” is obsolete)

From this reading In a far-away corner of the United States stood an old farm-house which had put on its company manners and quite left off being an every-day house, though it really never could be called an "every-day" house--it was too old for that.

(used especially of persons) having lived for a relatively long time or attained a specific age

From this reading In a far-away corner of the United States stood an old farm-house which had put on its company manners and quite left off being an every-day house, though it really never could be called an "every-day" house--it was too old for that.

out of fashion

From this reading Something unusual was about to happen--any one could see that; the tall pine trees swayed and nodded to each other as if whispering together, the leaves blew up against a corner of the fence as though they meant to sweep the old-fashioned brick path clean, and the gate swung to and fro on its hinges as in anticipation of a visitor.

touching and supported by a surface

From this reading Something unusual was about to happen--any one could see that; the tall pine trees swayed and nodded to each other as if whispering together, the leaves blew up against a corner of the fence as though they meant to sweep the old-fashioned brick path clean, and the gate swung to and fro on its hinges as in anticipation of a visitor.

used to mean any person in general, including the speaker

From this reading Something unusual was about to happen--any one could see that; the tall pine trees swayed and nodded to each other as if whispering together, the leaves blew up against a corner of the fence as though they meant to sweep the old-fashioned brick path clean, and the gate swung to and fro on its hinges as in anticipation of a visitor.

not the same one or ones already mentioned or implied

From this reading Something unusual was about to happen--any one could see that; the tall pine trees swayed and nodded to each other as if whispering together, the leaves blew up against a corner of the fence as though they meant to sweep the old-fashioned brick path clean, and the gate swung to and fro on its hinges as in anticipation of a visitor.

not allowed to continue to bat or run

From this reading Ever so many children had been born there, and had grown up under its sheltering roof, loved, married and had gone out into the world; it was a _very_ old house, and could have told wonderful stories if any one had listened to them; no, it could not be called an every-day house at all, but to-day it had a look of expectancy quite different from its usual sleepy air.

a course of conduct

From this reading Something unusual was about to happen--any one could see that; the tall pine trees swayed and nodded to each other as if whispering together, the leaves blew up against a corner of the fence as though they meant to sweep the old-fashioned brick path clean, and the gate swung to and fro on its hinges as in anticipation of a visitor.

a coniferous tree

From this reading Something unusual was about to happen--any one could see that; the tall pine trees swayed and nodded to each other as if whispering together, the leaves blew up against a corner of the fence as though they meant to sweep the old-fashioned brick path clean, and the gate swung to and fro on its hinges as in anticipation of a visitor.

put into a certain place or abstract location

From this reading In a far-away corner of the United States stood an old farm-house which had put on its company manners and quite left off being an every-day house, though it really never could be called an "every-day" house--it was too old for that.

to a degree (not used with a negative)

From this reading In a far-away corner of the United States stood an old farm-house which had put on its company manners and quite left off being an every-day house, though it really never could be called an "every-day" house--it was too old for that.

in accordance with truth or fact or reality

From this reading In a far-away corner of the United States stood an old farm-house which had put on its company manners and quite left off being an every-day house, though it really never could be called an "every-day" house--it was too old for that.

a protective covering that covers or forms the top of a building

From this reading Ever so many children had been born there, and had grown up under its sheltering roof, loved, married and had gone out into the world; it was a _very_ old house, and could have told wonderful stories if any one had listened to them; no, it could not be called an every-day house at all, but to-day it had a look of expectancy quite different from its usual sleepy air.

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

From this reading The ancient box-hedge by the rose-garden stood like an old soldier at attention, so!

perceive by sight or have the power to perceive by sight

From this reading Something unusual was about to happen--any one could see that; the tall pine trees swayed and nodded to each other as if whispering together, the leaves blew up against a corner of the fence as though they meant to sweep the old-fashioned brick path clean, and the gate swung to and fro on its hinges as in anticipation of a visitor.

-ing form of “shelter” — provide shelter for

From this reading Ever so many children had been born there, and had grown up under its sheltering roof, loved, married and had gone out into the world; it was a _very_ old house, and could have told wonderful stories if any one had listened to them; no, it could not be called an every-day house at all, but to-day it had a look of expectancy quite different from its usual sleepy air.

ready to fall asleep

From this reading Ever so many children had been born there, and had grown up under its sheltering roof, loved, married and had gone out into the world; it was a _very_ old house, and could have told wonderful stories if any one had listened to them; no, it could not be called an every-day house at all, but to-day it had a look of expectancy quite different from its usual sleepy air.

for that reason; with the result that

From this reading Ever so many children had been born there, and had grown up under its sheltering roof, loved, married and had gone out into the world; it was a _very_ old house, and could have told wonderful stories if any one had listened to them; no, it could not be called an every-day house at all, but to-day it had a look of expectancy quite different from its usual sleepy air.

an enlisted man or woman who serves in an army

From this reading The ancient box-hedge by the rose-garden stood like an old soldier at attention, so!

a thing, without saying which

From this reading Something unusual was about to happen--any one could see that; the tall pine trees swayed and nodded to each other as if whispering together, the leaves blew up against a corner of the fence as though they meant to sweep the old-fashioned brick path clean, and the gate swung to and fro on its hinges as in anticipation of a visitor.

a complex carbohydrate found chiefly in seeds, fruits, tubers, roots and stem pith of plants, notably in corn, potatoes, wheat, and rice

From this reading The fresh muslin curtains at the window were stiff with starch, they would not stir an inch to the breeze blowing in.

plural of “state” — the territory occupied by one of the constituent administrative districts of a nation

From this reading In a far-away corner of the United States stood an old farm-house which had put on its company manners and quite left off being an every-day house, though it really never could be called an "every-day" house--it was too old for that.

not moving or operating freely

From this reading The fresh muslin curtains at the window were stiff with starch, they would not stir an inch to the breeze blowing in.

move an implement through

From this reading The fresh muslin curtains at the window were stiff with starch, they would not stir an inch to the breeze blowing in.

Maintained an upright posture.

From this reading In a far-away corner of the United States stood an old farm-house which had put on its company manners and quite left off being an every-day house, though it really never could be called an "every-day" house--it was too old for that.

plural of “story” — 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 Ever so many children had been born there, and had grown up under its sheltering roof, loved, married and had gone out into the world; it was a _very_ old house, and could have told wonderful stories if any one had listened to them; no, it could not be called an every-day house at all, but to-day it had a look of expectancy quite different from its usual sleepy air.

past form of “sway” — move back and forth or sideways

From this reading Something unusual was about to happen--any one could see that; the tall pine trees swayed and nodded to each other as if whispering together, the leaves blew up against a corner of the fence as though they meant to sweep the old-fashioned brick path clean, and the gate swung to and fro on its hinges as in anticipation of a visitor.

sweep across or over

From this reading Something unusual was about to happen--any one could see that; the tall pine trees swayed and nodded to each other as if whispering together, the leaves blew up against a corner of the fence as though they meant to sweep the old-fashioned brick path clean, and the gate swung to and fro on its hinges as in anticipation of a visitor.

inflected form of “swing” — move in a curve or arc, usually with the intent of hitting

From this reading Something unusual was about to happen--any one could see that; the tall pine trees swayed and nodded to each other as if whispering together, the leaves blew up against a corner of the fence as though they meant to sweep the old-fashioned brick path clean, and the gate swung to and fro on its hinges as in anticipation of a visitor.

great in vertical dimension; high in stature

From this reading Something unusual was about to happen--any one could see that; the tall pine trees swayed and nodded to each other as if whispering together, the leaves blew up against a corner of the fence as though they meant to sweep the old-fashioned brick path clean, and the gate swung to and fro on its hinges as in anticipation of a visitor.

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading Something unusual was about to happen--any one could see that; the tall pine trees swayed and nodded to each other as if whispering together, the leaves blew up against a corner of the fence as though they meant to sweep the old-fashioned brick path clean, and the gate swung to and fro on its hinges as in anticipation of a visitor.

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

From this reading Something unusual was about to happen--any one could see that; the tall pine trees swayed and nodded to each other as if whispering together, the leaves blew up against a corner of the fence as though they meant to sweep the old-fashioned brick path clean, and the gate swung to and fro on its hinges as in anticipation of a visitor.

the people or things already mentioned, as the object

From this reading Ever so many children had been born there, and had grown up under its sheltering roof, loved, married and had gone out into the world; it was a _very_ old house, and could have told wonderful stories if any one had listened to them; no, it could not be called an every-day house at all, but to-day it had a look of expectancy quite different from its usual sleepy air.

in or at that place or location

From this reading Ever so many children had been born there, and had grown up under its sheltering roof, loved, married and had gone out into the world; it was a _very_ old house, and could have told wonderful stories if any one had listened to them; no, it could not be called an every-day house at all, but to-day it had a look of expectancy quite different from its usual sleepy air.

the people, animals, or things already mentioned, as the subject

From this reading Something unusual was about to happen--any one could see that; the tall pine trees swayed and nodded to each other as if whispering together, the leaves blew up against a corner of the fence as though they meant to sweep the old-fashioned brick path clean, and the gate swung to and fro on its hinges as in anticipation of a visitor.

in spite of the fact that

From this reading Something unusual was about to happen--any one could see that; the tall pine trees swayed and nodded to each other as if whispering together, the leaves blew up against a corner of the fence as though they meant to sweep the old-fashioned brick path clean, and the gate swung to and fro on its hinges as in anticipation of a visitor.

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

From this reading Something unusual was about to happen--any one could see that; the tall pine trees swayed and nodded to each other as if whispering together, the leaves blew up against a corner of the fence as though they meant to sweep the old-fashioned brick path clean, and the gate swung to and fro on its hinges as in anticipation of a visitor.

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

From this reading Ever so many children had been born there, and had grown up under its sheltering roof, loved, married and had gone out into the world; it was a _very_ old house, and could have told wonderful stories if any one had listened to them; no, it could not be called an every-day house at all, but to-day it had a look of expectancy quite different from its usual sleepy air.

in contact with each other or in proximity

From this reading Something unusual was about to happen--any one could see that; the tall pine trees swayed and nodded to each other as if whispering together, the leaves blew up against a corner of the fence as though they meant to sweep the old-fashioned brick path clean, and the gate swung to and fro on its hinges as in anticipation of a visitor.

inflected form of “tell” — express in words

From this reading Ever so many children had been born there, and had grown up under its sheltering roof, loved, married and had gone out into the world; it was a _very_ old house, and could have told wonderful stories if any one had listened to them; no, it could not be called an every-day house at all, but to-day it had a look of expectancy quite different from its usual sleepy air.

to a degree exceeding normal or proper limits

From this reading In a far-away corner of the United States stood an old farm-house which had put on its company manners and quite left off being an every-day house, though it really never could be called an "every-day" house--it was too old for that.

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 Something unusual was about to happen--any one could see that; the tall pine trees swayed and nodded to each other as if whispering together, the leaves blew up against a corner of the fence as though they meant to sweep the old-fashioned brick path clean, and the gate swung to and fro on its hinges as in anticipation of a visitor.

below or beneath something; less than

From this reading Ever so many children had been born there, and had grown up under its sheltering roof, loved, married and had gone out into the world; it was a _very_ old house, and could have told wonderful stories if any one had listened to them; no, it could not be called an every-day house at all, but to-day it had a look of expectancy quite different from its usual sleepy air.

characterized by unity; being or joined into a single entity

From this reading In a far-away corner of the United States stood an old farm-house which had put on its company manners and quite left off being an every-day house, though it really never could be called an "every-day" house--it was too old for that.

not usual or common or ordinary

From this reading Something unusual was about to happen--any one could see that; the tall pine trees swayed and nodded to each other as if whispering together, the leaves blew up against a corner of the fence as though they meant to sweep the old-fashioned brick path clean, and the gate swung to and fro on its hinges as in anticipation of a visitor.

being or moving higher in position or greater in some value; being above a former position or level

From this reading Something unusual was about to happen--any one could see that; the tall pine trees swayed and nodded to each other as if whispering together, the leaves blew up against a corner of the fence as though they meant to sweep the old-fashioned brick path clean, and the gate swung to and fro on its hinges as in anticipation of a visitor.

occurring or encountered or experienced or observed frequently or in accordance with regular practice or procedure

From this reading Ever so many children had been born there, and had grown up under its sheltering roof, loved, married and had gone out into the world; it was a _very_ old house, and could have told wonderful stories if any one had listened to them; no, it could not be called an every-day house at all, but to-day it had a look of expectancy quite different from its usual sleepy air.

precisely as stated

From this reading Ever so many children had been born there, and had grown up under its sheltering roof, loved, married and had gone out into the world; it was a _very_ old house, and could have told wonderful stories if any one had listened to them; no, it could not be called an every-day house at all, but to-day it had a look of expectancy quite different from its usual sleepy air.

someone who visits

From this reading Something unusual was about to happen--any one could see that; the tall pine trees swayed and nodded to each other as if whispering together, the leaves blew up against a corner of the fence as though they meant to sweep the old-fashioned brick path clean, and the gate swung to and fro on its hinges as in anticipation of a visitor.

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

From this reading Something unusual was about to happen--any one could see that; the tall pine trees swayed and nodded to each other as if whispering together, the leaves blew up against a corner of the fence as though they meant to sweep the old-fashioned brick path clean, and the gate swung to and fro on its hinges as in anticipation of a visitor.

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

From this reading The fresh muslin curtains at the window were stiff with starch, they would not stir an inch to the breeze blowing in.

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

From this reading In a far-away corner of the United States stood an old farm-house which had put on its company manners and quite left off being an every-day house, though it really never could be called an "every-day" house--it was too old for that.

a light noise, like the noise of silk clothing or leaves blowing in the wind

From this reading Something unusual was about to happen--any one could see that; the tall pine trees swayed and nodded to each other as if whispering together, the leaves blew up against a corner of the fence as though they meant to sweep the old-fashioned brick path clean, and the gate swung to and fro on its hinges as in anticipation of a visitor.

a framework of wood or metal that contains a glass windowpane and is built into a wall or roof to admit light or air

From this reading The fresh muslin curtains at the window were stiff with starch, they would not stir an inch to the breeze blowing in.

in the company of; together with

From this reading The fresh muslin curtains at the window were stiff with starch, they would not stir an inch to the breeze blowing in.

extraordinarily good or great; used especially as intensifiers

From this reading Ever so many children had been born there, and had grown up under its sheltering roof, loved, married and had gone out into the world; it was a _very_ old house, and could have told wonderful stories if any one had listened to them; no, it could not be called an every-day house at all, but to-day it had a look of expectancy quite different from its usual sleepy air.

everything that exists anywhere

From this reading Ever so many children had been born there, and had grown up under its sheltering roof, loved, married and had gone out into the world; it was a _very_ old house, and could have told wonderful stories if any one had listened to them; no, it could not be called an every-day house at all, but to-day it had a look of expectancy quite different from its usual sleepy air.

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

From this reading The fresh muslin curtains at the window were stiff with starch, they would not stir an inch to the breeze blowing in.