Chapter XXIII · “In the Silent Woody Places”

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

From this reading Bissy had a lodger--strictly Bissy, be it understood.

generally approved or compelling recognition

From this reading He accepted the guest, and any responsibility attaching to him--which, nevertheless, he did not anticipate would be serious.

a vaguely specified concern

From this reading Grandfather Aquaviva had declined from the first to be mixed up in the affair, or to do more than subordinate, for the occasion, his own domestic authority to that of the self-sufficient imp, who was wiser than an owl in his precocious generation.

the statement (oral or written) of an exchange of promises

From this reading To Bissy was due the happy thought, the conduct of the negotiations which followed, and the ultimate agreement.

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

From this reading Grandfather Aquaviva had declined from the first to be mixed up in the affair, or to do more than subordinate, for the occasion, his own domestic authority to that of the self-sufficient imp, who was wiser than an owl in his precocious generation.

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

From this reading To Bissy was due the happy thought, the conduct of the negotiations which followed, and the ultimate agreement.

regard something as probable or likely

From this reading He accepted the guest, and any responsibility attaching to him--which, nevertheless, he did not anticipate would be serious.

one or some or every or all without specification

From this reading He accepted the guest, and any responsibility attaching to him--which, nevertheless, he did not anticipate would be serious.

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

From this reading Grandfather Aquaviva had declined from the first to be mixed up in the affair, or to do more than subordinate, for the occasion, his own domestic authority to that of the self-sufficient imp, who was wiser than an owl in his precocious generation.

-ing form of “attach” — cause to be attached

From this reading He accepted the guest, and any responsibility attaching to him--which, nevertheless, he did not anticipate would be serious.

the power or right to give orders or make decisions

From this reading Grandfather Aquaviva had declined from the first to be mixed up in the affair, or to do more than subordinate, for the occasion, his own domestic authority to that of the self-sufficient imp, who was wiser than an owl in his precocious generation.

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

From this reading Bissy had a lodger--strictly Bissy, be it understood.

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

From this reading Bissy had a lodger--strictly Bissy, be it understood.

plural of “clue” — a slight indication

From this reading Report, in that detached province of horticulture, dealt mistily with reputations, and Bissy, while having his own clues to the stranger’s identity, had no reason to connect that with any definite scandal.

direct the course of; manage or control

From this reading To Bissy was due the happy thought, the conduct of the negotiations which followed, and the ultimate agreement.

connect, fasten, or put together two or more pieces

From this reading Report, in that detached province of horticulture, dealt mistily with reputations, and Bissy, while having his own clues to the stranger’s identity, had no reason to connect that with any definite scandal.

inflected form of “deal” — act on verbally or in some form of artistic expression

From this reading Report, in that detached province of horticulture, dealt mistily with reputations, and Bissy, while having his own clues to the stranger’s identity, had no reason to connect that with any definite scandal.

past form of “decline” — grow worse

From this reading Grandfather Aquaviva had declined from the first to be mixed up in the affair, or to do more than subordinate, for the occasion, his own domestic authority to that of the self-sufficient imp, who was wiser than an owl in his precocious generation.

precise; explicit and clearly defined

From this reading Report, in that detached province of horticulture, dealt mistily with reputations, and Bissy, while having his own clues to the stranger’s identity, had no reason to connect that with any definite scandal.

showing lack of emotional involvement

From this reading Report, in that detached province of horticulture, dealt mistily with reputations, and Bissy, while having his own clues to the stranger’s identity, had no reason to connect that with any definite scandal.

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

From this reading He accepted the guest, and any responsibility attaching to him--which, nevertheless, he did not anticipate would be serious.

used to form questions and negatives, and to give emphasis

From this reading Grandfather Aquaviva had declined from the first to be mixed up in the affair, or to do more than subordinate, for the occasion, his own domestic authority to that of the self-sufficient imp, who was wiser than an owl in his precocious generation.

of concern to or concerning the internal affairs of a nation

From this reading Grandfather Aquaviva had declined from the first to be mixed up in the affair, or to do more than subordinate, for the occasion, his own domestic authority to that of the self-sufficient imp, who was wiser than an owl in his precocious generation.

owed and payable immediately or on demand

From this reading To Bissy was due the happy thought, the conduct of the negotiations which followed, and the ultimate agreement.

preceding all others in time or space or degree

From this reading Grandfather Aquaviva had declined from the first to be mixed up in the affair, or to do more than subordinate, for the occasion, his own domestic authority to that of the self-sufficient imp, who was wiser than an owl in his precocious generation.

past form of “follow” — to travel behind, go after, come after

From this reading To Bissy was due the happy thought, the conduct of the negotiations which followed, and the ultimate agreement.

intended to be given to, or used by, somebody

From this reading Grandfather Aquaviva had declined from the first to be mixed up in the affair, or to do more than subordinate, for the occasion, his own domestic authority to that of the self-sufficient imp, who was wiser than an owl in his precocious generation.

showing where something starts, or who sent it

From this reading Grandfather Aquaviva had declined from the first to be mixed up in the affair, or to do more than subordinate, for the occasion, his own domestic authority to that of the self-sufficient imp, who was wiser than an owl in his precocious generation.

all the people living at the same time or of approximately the same age

From this reading Grandfather Aquaviva had declined from the first to be mixed up in the affair, or to do more than subordinate, for the occasion, his own domestic authority to that of the self-sufficient imp, who was wiser than an owl in his precocious generation.

the father of your father or mother

From this reading Grandfather Aquaviva had declined from the first to be mixed up in the affair, or to do more than subordinate, for the occasion, his own domestic authority to that of the self-sufficient imp, who was wiser than an owl in his precocious generation.

a visitor to whom hospitality is extended

From this reading He accepted the guest, and any responsibility attaching to him--which, nevertheless, he did not anticipate would be serious.

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

From this reading Bissy had a lodger--strictly Bissy, be it understood.

enjoying or showing or marked by joy or pleasure

From this reading To Bissy was due the happy thought, the conduct of the negotiations which followed, and the ultimate agreement.

the -ing form of “have”

From this reading Report, in that detached province of horticulture, dealt mistily with reputations, and Bissy, while having his own clues to the stranger’s identity, had no reason to connect that with any definite scandal.

a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned, as the subject

From this reading He accepted the guest, and any responsibility attaching to him--which, nevertheless, he did not anticipate would be serious.

the male already mentioned, as the object of a verb or preposition

From this reading He accepted the guest, and any responsibility attaching to him--which, nevertheless, he did not anticipate would be serious.

belonging to a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned

From this reading Grandfather Aquaviva had declined from the first to be mixed up in the affair, or to do more than subordinate, for the occasion, his own domestic authority to that of the self-sufficient imp, who was wiser than an owl in his precocious generation.

the cultivation of plants

From this reading Report, in that detached province of horticulture, dealt mistily with reputations, and Bissy, while having his own clues to the stranger’s identity, had no reason to connect that with any definite scandal.

the distinct personality of an individual regarded as a persisting entity

From this reading Report, in that detached province of horticulture, dealt mistily with reputations, and Bissy, while having his own clues to the stranger’s identity, had no reason to connect that with any definite scandal.

(folklore) fairies that are somewhat mischievous

From this reading Grandfather Aquaviva had declined from the first to be mixed up in the affair, or to do more than subordinate, for the occasion, his own domestic authority to that of the self-sufficient imp, who was wiser than an owl in his precocious generation.

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

From this reading Grandfather Aquaviva had declined from the first to be mixed up in the affair, or to do more than subordinate, for the occasion, his own domestic authority to that of the self-sufficient imp, who was wiser than an owl in his precocious generation.

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading Bissy had a lodger--strictly Bissy, be it understood.

a tenant in someone's house

From this reading Bissy had a lodger--strictly Bissy, be it understood.

in a misty manner

From this reading Report, in that detached province of horticulture, dealt mistily with reputations, and Bissy, while having his own clues to the stranger’s identity, had no reason to connect that with any definite scandal.

consisting of a haphazard assortment of different kinds

From this reading Grandfather Aquaviva had declined from the first to be mixed up in the affair, or to do more than subordinate, for the occasion, his own domestic authority to that of the self-sufficient imp, who was wiser than an owl in his precocious generation.

(comparative of “much” used with mass nouns) a quantifier meaning greater in size or amount or extent or degree

From this reading Grandfather Aquaviva had declined from the first to be mixed up in the affair, or to do more than subordinate, for the occasion, his own domestic authority to that of the self-sufficient imp, who was wiser than an owl in his precocious generation.

plural of “negotiation” — a discussion intended to produce an agreement

From this reading To Bissy was due the happy thought, the conduct of the negotiations which followed, and the ultimate agreement.

in spite of what has just been said

From this reading He accepted the guest, and any responsibility attaching to him--which, nevertheless, he did not anticipate would be serious.

not any; not one

From this reading Report, in that detached province of horticulture, dealt mistily with reputations, and Bissy, while having his own clues to the stranger’s identity, had no reason to connect that with any definite scandal.

used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative

From this reading He accepted the guest, and any responsibility attaching to him--which, nevertheless, he did not anticipate would be serious.

an event that occurs at a critical time

From this reading Grandfather Aquaviva had declined from the first to be mixed up in the affair, or to do more than subordinate, for the occasion, his own domestic authority to that of the self-sufficient imp, who was wiser than an owl in his precocious generation.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading Grandfather Aquaviva had declined from the first to be mixed up in the affair, or to do more than subordinate, for the occasion, his own domestic authority to that of the self-sufficient imp, who was wiser than an owl in his precocious generation.

used to join alternatives or possibilities

From this reading Grandfather Aquaviva had declined from the first to be mixed up in the affair, or to do more than subordinate, for the occasion, his own domestic authority to that of the self-sufficient imp, who was wiser than an owl in his precocious generation.

nocturnal bird of prey with hawk-like beak and claws and large head with front-facing eyes

From this reading Grandfather Aquaviva had declined from the first to be mixed up in the affair, or to do more than subordinate, for the occasion, his own domestic authority to that of the self-sufficient imp, who was wiser than an owl in his precocious generation.

have ownership or possession of

From this reading Grandfather Aquaviva had declined from the first to be mixed up in the affair, or to do more than subordinate, for the occasion, his own domestic authority to that of the self-sufficient imp, who was wiser than an owl in his precocious generation.

characterized by or characteristic of exceptionally early development or maturity (especially in mental aptitude)

From this reading Grandfather Aquaviva had declined from the first to be mixed up in the affair, or to do more than subordinate, for the occasion, his own domestic authority to that of the self-sufficient imp, who was wiser than an owl in his precocious generation.

the territory occupied by one of the constituent administrative districts of a nation

From this reading Report, in that detached province of horticulture, dealt mistily with reputations, and Bissy, while having his own clues to the stranger’s identity, had no reason to connect that with any definite scandal.

a rational motive for a belief or action

From this reading Report, in that detached province of horticulture, dealt mistily with reputations, and Bissy, while having his own clues to the stranger’s identity, had no reason to connect that with any definite scandal.

to give an account or representation of in words

From this reading Report, in that detached province of horticulture, dealt mistily with reputations, and Bissy, while having his own clues to the stranger’s identity, had no reason to connect that with any definite scandal.

plural of “reputation” — the state of being held in high esteem and honor

From this reading Report, in that detached province of horticulture, dealt mistily with reputations, and Bissy, while having his own clues to the stranger’s identity, had no reason to connect that with any definite scandal.

the social force that binds you to the courses of action demanded by that force

From this reading He accepted the guest, and any responsibility attaching to him--which, nevertheless, he did not anticipate would be serious.

disgraceful gossip about the private lives of other people

From this reading Report, in that detached province of horticulture, dealt mistily with reputations, and Bissy, while having his own clues to the stranger’s identity, had no reason to connect that with any definite scandal.

able to provide for your own needs without help from others

From this reading Grandfather Aquaviva had declined from the first to be mixed up in the affair, or to do more than subordinate, for the occasion, his own domestic authority to that of the self-sufficient imp, who was wiser than an owl in his precocious generation.

concerned with work or important matters rather than play or trivialities

From this reading He accepted the guest, and any responsibility attaching to him--which, nevertheless, he did not anticipate would be serious.

possessive form of “stranger” — anyone who does not belong in the environment in which they are found

From this reading Report, in that detached province of horticulture, dealt mistily with reputations, and Bissy, while having his own clues to the stranger’s identity, had no reason to connect that with any definite scandal.

restricted to something

From this reading Bissy had a lodger--strictly Bissy, be it understood.

lower in rank or importance

From this reading Grandfather Aquaviva had declined from the first to be mixed up in the affair, or to do more than subordinate, for the occasion, his own domestic authority to that of the self-sufficient imp, who was wiser than an owl in his precocious generation.

used to introduce the second part of a comparison

From this reading Grandfather Aquaviva had declined from the first to be mixed up in the affair, or to do more than subordinate, for the occasion, his own domestic authority to that of the self-sufficient imp, who was wiser than an owl in his precocious generation.

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading Grandfather Aquaviva had declined from the first to be mixed up in the affair, or to do more than subordinate, for the occasion, his own domestic authority to that of the self-sufficient imp, who was wiser than an owl in his precocious generation.

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

From this reading Grandfather Aquaviva had declined from the first to be mixed up in the affair, or to do more than subordinate, for the occasion, his own domestic authority to that of the self-sufficient imp, who was wiser than an owl in his precocious generation.

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

From this reading To Bissy was due the happy thought, the conduct of the negotiations which followed, and the ultimate agreement.

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

From this reading Grandfather Aquaviva had declined from the first to be mixed up in the affair, or to do more than subordinate, for the occasion, his own domestic authority to that of the self-sufficient imp, who was wiser than an owl in his precocious generation.

furthest or highest in degree or order; utmost or extreme

From this reading To Bissy was due the happy thought, the conduct of the negotiations which followed, and the ultimate agreement.

fully apprehended as to purport or meaning or explanation

From this reading Bissy had a lodger--strictly Bissy, be it understood.

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

From this reading Grandfather Aquaviva had declined from the first to be mixed up in the affair, or to do more than subordinate, for the occasion, his own domestic authority to that of the self-sufficient imp, who was wiser than an owl in his precocious generation.

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

From this reading Grandfather Aquaviva had declined from the first to be mixed up in the affair, or to do more than subordinate, for the occasion, his own domestic authority to that of the self-sufficient imp, who was wiser than an owl in his precocious generation.

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

From this reading To Bissy was due the happy thought, the conduct of the negotiations which followed, and the ultimate agreement.

during the time that

From this reading Report, in that detached province of horticulture, dealt mistily with reputations, and Bissy, while having his own clues to the stranger’s identity, had no reason to connect that with any definite scandal.

which person or people

From this reading Grandfather Aquaviva had declined from the first to be mixed up in the affair, or to do more than subordinate, for the occasion, his own domestic authority to that of the self-sufficient imp, who was wiser than an owl in his precocious generation.

comparative of “wise” — having or prompted by wisdom or discernment

From this reading Grandfather Aquaviva had declined from the first to be mixed up in the affair, or to do more than subordinate, for the occasion, his own domestic authority to that of the self-sufficient imp, who was wiser than an owl in his precocious generation.

in the company of; together with

From this reading Report, in that detached province of horticulture, dealt mistily with reputations, and Bissy, while having his own clues to the stranger’s identity, had no reason to connect that with any definite scandal.

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

From this reading He accepted the guest, and any responsibility attaching to him--which, nevertheless, he did not anticipate would be serious.