Chapter I

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

From this reading You must not suppose that the Princess Idleways was a great, grand woman, for she was not: she was only a little lovely girl named Laura.

later than; following

From this reading She lived in a great castle high up in the mountains, from the windows of which she could see hill after hill stretching far away up to the clouds, and eagles flapping their great wings over deep ravines, down which tumbled foaming cascades.

(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 To be sure, she was of high birth; that is to say, her father and grandfather and great-grandfather, as well as all the fine lady grandmothers, were people who, not obliged to labor for themselves or others, having always had more time and wealth and pleasure than they knew what to do with, were something like the beautiful roses which grow more and more beautiful with planting and transplanting, and shielding from too hot a sun or too sharp a wind; but, for all that, roses, as you know, have thorns.

past form of “allow” — make it possible through a specific action or lack of action for something to happen

From this reading The castle was a very ancient building, and part of it was nearly a ruin; indeed, it was so old that Laura's father--who was a soldier, and not much at home--had decided not to repair it, but allowed the stones to fall, and would not have them touched; so the wild vines grew luxuriantly over them, and made a beautiful drapery.

at all times; all the time and on every occasion

From this reading To be sure, she was of high birth; that is to say, her father and grandfather and great-grandfather, as well as all the fine lady grandmothers, were people who, not obliged to labor for themselves or others, having always had more time and wealth and pleasure than they knew what to do with, were something like the beautiful roses which grow more and more beautiful with planting and transplanting, and shielding from too hot a sun or too sharp a wind; but, for all that, roses, as you know, have thorns.

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

From this reading The castle was a very ancient building, and part of it was nearly a ruin; indeed, it was so old that Laura's father--who was a soldier, and not much at home--had decided not to repair it, but allowed the stones to fall, and would not have them touched; so the wild vines grew luxuriantly over them, and made a beautiful drapery.

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

From this reading To be sure, she was of high birth; that is to say, her father and grandfather and great-grandfather, as well as all the fine lady grandmothers, were people who, not obliged to labor for themselves or others, having always had more time and wealth and pleasure than they knew what to do with, were something like the beautiful roses which grow more and more beautiful with planting and transplanting, and shielding from too hot a sun or too sharp a wind; but, for all that, roses, as you know, have thorns.

one or some or every or all without specification

From this reading Little Laura Idleways was as bright and bewitching in appearance as any rosebud, but she had a few thorns which could prick.

outward or visible aspect of a person or thing

From this reading Little Laura Idleways was as bright and bewitching in appearance as any rosebud, but she had a few thorns which could prick.

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

From this reading To be sure, she was of high birth; that is to say, her father and grandfather and great-grandfather, as well as all the fine lady grandmothers, were people who, not obliged to labor for themselves or others, having always had more time and wealth and pleasure than they knew what to do with, were something like the beautiful roses which grow more and more beautiful with planting and transplanting, and shielding from too hot a sun or too sharp a wind; but, for all that, roses, as you know, have thorns.

in or near a particular place or position

From this reading The castle was a very ancient building, and part of it was nearly a ruin; indeed, it was so old that Laura's father--who was a soldier, and not much at home--had decided not to repair it, but allowed the stones to fall, and would not have them touched; so the wild vines grew luxuriantly over them, and made a beautiful drapery.

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

From this reading She lived in a great castle high up in the mountains, from the windows of which she could see hill after hill stretching far away up to the clouds, and eagles flapping their great wings over deep ravines, down which tumbled foaming cascades.

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

From this reading To be sure, she was of high birth; that is to say, her father and grandfather and great-grandfather, as well as all the fine lady grandmothers, were people who, not obliged to labor for themselves or others, having always had more time and wealth and pleasure than they knew what to do with, were something like the beautiful roses which grow more and more beautiful with planting and transplanting, and shielding from too hot a sun or too sharp a wind; but, for all that, roses, as you know, have thorns.

delighting the senses or exciting intellectual or emotional admiration

From this reading To be sure, she was of high birth; that is to say, her father and grandfather and great-grandfather, as well as all the fine lady grandmothers, were people who, not obliged to labor for themselves or others, having always had more time and wealth and pleasure than they knew what to do with, were something like the beautiful roses which grow more and more beautiful with planting and transplanting, and shielding from too hot a sun or too sharp a wind; but, for all that, roses, as you know, have thorns.

capturing interest as if by a spell

From this reading Little Laura Idleways was as bright and bewitching in appearance as any rosebud, but she had a few thorns which could prick.

the time when something begins (especially life)

From this reading To be sure, she was of high birth; that is to say, her father and grandfather and great-grandfather, as well as all the fine lady grandmothers, were people who, not obliged to labor for themselves or others, having always had more time and wealth and pleasure than they knew what to do with, were something like the beautiful roses which grow more and more beautiful with planting and transplanting, and shielding from too hot a sun or too sharp a wind; but, for all that, roses, as you know, have thorns.

emitting or reflecting light readily or in large amounts

From this reading Little Laura Idleways was as bright and bewitching in appearance as any rosebud, but she had a few thorns which could prick.

a structure that has a roof and walls and stands more or less permanently in one place

From this reading The castle was a very ancient building, and part of it was nearly a ruin; indeed, it was so old that Laura's father--who was a soldier, and not much at home--had decided not to repair it, but allowed the stones to fall, and would not have them touched; so the wild vines grew luxuriantly over them, and made a beautiful drapery.

used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before

From this reading To be sure, she was of high birth; that is to say, her father and grandfather and great-grandfather, as well as all the fine lady grandmothers, were people who, not obliged to labor for themselves or others, having always had more time and wealth and pleasure than they knew what to do with, were something like the beautiful roses which grow more and more beautiful with planting and transplanting, and shielding from too hot a sun or too sharp a wind; but, for all that, roses, as you know, have thorns.

a mountain range in the northwestern United States extending through Washington and Oregon and northern California; a part of the Coast Range

From this reading She lived in a great castle high up in the mountains, from the windows of which she could see hill after hill stretching far away up to the clouds, and eagles flapping their great wings over deep ravines, down which tumbled foaming cascades.

a large and stately mansion

From this reading She lived in a great castle high up in the mountains, from the windows of which she could see hill after hill stretching far away up to the clouds, and eagles flapping their great wings over deep ravines, down which tumbled foaming cascades.

plural of “cloud” — any collection of particles (e.g., smoke or dust) or gases that is visible

From this reading She lived in a great castle high up in the mountains, from the windows of which she could see hill after hill stretching far away up to the clouds, and eagles flapping their great wings over deep ravines, down which tumbled foaming cascades.

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

From this reading Little Laura Idleways was as bright and bewitching in appearance as any rosebud, but she had a few thorns which could prick.

recognizable; marked

From this reading The castle was a very ancient building, and part of it was nearly a ruin; indeed, it was so old that Laura's father--who was a soldier, and not much at home--had decided not to repair it, but allowed the stones to fall, and would not have them touched; so the wild vines grew luxuriantly over them, and made a beautiful drapery.

relatively deep or strong; affecting one deeply

From this reading She lived in a great castle high up in the mountains, from the windows of which she could see hill after hill stretching far away up to the clouds, and eagles flapping their great wings over deep ravines, down which tumbled foaming cascades.

used to form questions and negatives, and to give emphasis

From this reading To be sure, she was of high birth; that is to say, her father and grandfather and great-grandfather, as well as all the fine lady grandmothers, were people who, not obliged to labor for themselves or others, having always had more time and wealth and pleasure than they knew what to do with, were something like the beautiful roses which grow more and more beautiful with planting and transplanting, and shielding from too hot a sun or too sharp a wind; but, for all that, roses, as you know, have thorns.

being or moving lower in position or less in some value

From this reading She lived in a great castle high up in the mountains, from the windows of which she could see hill after hill stretching far away up to the clouds, and eagles flapping their great wings over deep ravines, down which tumbled foaming cascades.

hanging cloth used as a blind (especially for a window)

From this reading The castle was a very ancient building, and part of it was nearly a ruin; indeed, it was so old that Laura's father--who was a soldier, and not much at home--had decided not to repair it, but allowed the stones to fall, and would not have them touched; so the wild vines grew luxuriantly over them, and made a beautiful drapery.

plural of “eagle” — any of various large keen-sighted diurnal birds of prey noted for their broad wings and strong soaring flight

From this reading She lived in a great castle high up in the mountains, from the windows of which she could see hill after hill stretching far away up to the clouds, and eagles flapping their great wings over deep ravines, down which tumbled foaming cascades.

descend in free fall under the influence of gravity

From this reading The castle was a very ancient building, and part of it was nearly a ruin; indeed, it was so old that Laura's father--who was a soldier, and not much at home--had decided not to repair it, but allowed the stones to fall, and would not have them touched; so the wild vines grew luxuriantly over them, and made a beautiful drapery.

to a considerable degree; very much

From this reading She lived in a great castle high up in the mountains, from the windows of which she could see hill after hill stretching far away up to the clouds, and eagles flapping their great wings over deep ravines, down which tumbled foaming cascades.

a male parent (also used as a term of address to your father)

From this reading To be sure, she was of high birth; that is to say, her father and grandfather and great-grandfather, as well as all the fine lady grandmothers, were people who, not obliged to labor for themselves or others, having always had more time and wealth and pleasure than they knew what to do with, were something like the beautiful roses which grow more and more beautiful with planting and transplanting, and shielding from too hot a sun or too sharp a wind; but, for all that, roses, as you know, have thorns.

a quantifier that can be used with count nouns and is often preceded by “a”; a small but indefinite number

From this reading Little Laura Idleways was as bright and bewitching in appearance as any rosebud, but she had a few thorns which could prick.

being satisfactory or in satisfactory condition

From this reading To be sure, she was of high birth; that is to say, her father and grandfather and great-grandfather, as well as all the fine lady grandmothers, were people who, not obliged to labor for themselves or others, having always had more time and wealth and pleasure than they knew what to do with, were something like the beautiful roses which grow more and more beautiful with planting and transplanting, and shielding from too hot a sun or too sharp a wind; but, for all that, roses, as you know, have thorns.

the motion made by flapping up and down

From this reading She lived in a great castle high up in the mountains, from the windows of which she could see hill after hill stretching far away up to the clouds, and eagles flapping their great wings over deep ravines, down which tumbled foaming cascades.

emitting or filled with bubbles as from carbonation or fermentation

From this reading She lived in a great castle high up in the mountains, from the windows of which she could see hill after hill stretching far away up to the clouds, and eagles flapping their great wings over deep ravines, down which tumbled foaming cascades.

intended to be given to, or used by, somebody

From this reading You must not suppose that the Princess Idleways was a great, grand woman, for she was not: she was only a little lovely girl named Laura.

showing where something starts, or who sent it

From this reading To be sure, she was of high birth; that is to say, her father and grandfather and great-grandfather, as well as all the fine lady grandmothers, were people who, not obliged to labor for themselves or others, having always had more time and wealth and pleasure than they knew what to do with, were something like the beautiful roses which grow more and more beautiful with planting and transplanting, and shielding from too hot a sun or too sharp a wind; but, for all that, roses, as you know, have thorns.

a young female

From this reading You must not suppose that the Princess Idleways was a great, grand woman, for she was not: she was only a little lovely girl named Laura.

of behavior that is impressive and ambitious in scale or scope

From this reading You must not suppose that the Princess Idleways was a great, grand woman, for she was not: she was only a little lovely girl named Laura.

the father of your father or mother

From this reading To be sure, she was of high birth; that is to say, her father and grandfather and great-grandfather, as well as all the fine lady grandmothers, were people who, not obliged to labor for themselves or others, having always had more time and wealth and pleasure than they knew what to do with, were something like the beautiful roses which grow more and more beautiful with planting and transplanting, and shielding from too hot a sun or too sharp a wind; but, for all that, roses, as you know, have thorns.

plural of “grandmother” — the mother of your father or mother

From this reading To be sure, she was of high birth; that is to say, her father and grandfather and great-grandfather, as well as all the fine lady grandmothers, were people who, not obliged to labor for themselves or others, having always had more time and wealth and pleasure than they knew what to do with, were something like the beautiful roses which grow more and more beautiful with planting and transplanting, and shielding from too hot a sun or too sharp a wind; but, for all that, roses, as you know, have thorns.

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

From this reading You must not suppose that the Princess Idleways was a great, grand woman, for she was not: she was only a little lovely girl named Laura.

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

From this reading To be sure, she was of high birth; that is to say, her father and grandfather and great-grandfather, as well as all the fine lady grandmothers, were people who, not obliged to labor for themselves or others, having always had more time and wealth and pleasure than they knew what to do with, were something like the beautiful roses which grow more and more beautiful with planting and transplanting, and shielding from too hot a sun or too sharp a wind; but, for all that, roses, as you know, have thorns.

inflected form of “grow” — pass into a condition gradually, take on a specific property or attribute; become

From this reading The castle was a very ancient building, and part of it was nearly a ruin; indeed, it was so old that Laura's father--who was a soldier, and not much at home--had decided not to repair it, but allowed the stones to fall, and would not have them touched; so the wild vines grew luxuriantly over them, and made a beautiful drapery.

pass into a condition gradually, take on a specific property or attribute; become

From this reading To be sure, she was of high birth; that is to say, her father and grandfather and great-grandfather, as well as all the fine lady grandmothers, were people who, not obliged to labor for themselves or others, having always had more time and wealth and pleasure than they knew what to do with, were something like the beautiful roses which grow more and more beautiful with planting and transplanting, and shielding from too hot a sun or too sharp a wind; but, for all that, roses, as you know, have thorns.

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

From this reading To be sure, she was of high birth; that is to say, her father and grandfather and great-grandfather, as well as all the fine lady grandmothers, were people who, not obliged to labor for themselves or others, having always had more time and wealth and pleasure than they knew what to do with, were something like the beautiful roses which grow more and more beautiful with planting and transplanting, and shielding from too hot a sun or too sharp a wind; but, for all that, roses, as you know, have thorns.

used with a past participle to form the perfect tenses

From this reading To be sure, she was of high birth; that is to say, her father and grandfather and great-grandfather, as well as all the fine lady grandmothers, were people who, not obliged to labor for themselves or others, having always had more time and wealth and pleasure than they knew what to do with, were something like the beautiful roses which grow more and more beautiful with planting and transplanting, and shielding from too hot a sun or too sharp a wind; but, for all that, roses, as you know, have thorns.

the -ing form of “have”

From this reading To be sure, she was of high birth; that is to say, her father and grandfather and great-grandfather, as well as all the fine lady grandmothers, were people who, not obliged to labor for themselves or others, having always had more time and wealth and pleasure than they knew what to do with, were something like the beautiful roses which grow more and more beautiful with planting and transplanting, and shielding from too hot a sun or too sharp a wind; but, for all that, roses, as you know, have thorns.

belonging to a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned

From this reading To be sure, she was of high birth; that is to say, her father and grandfather and great-grandfather, as well as all the fine lady grandmothers, were people who, not obliged to labor for themselves or others, having always had more time and wealth and pleasure than they knew what to do with, were something like the beautiful roses which grow more and more beautiful with planting and transplanting, and shielding from too hot a sun or too sharp a wind; but, for all that, roses, as you know, have thorns.

greater than normal in degree or intensity or amount

From this reading To be sure, she was of high birth; that is to say, her father and grandfather and great-grandfather, as well as all the fine lady grandmothers, were people who, not obliged to labor for themselves or others, having always had more time and wealth and pleasure than they knew what to do with, were something like the beautiful roses which grow more and more beautiful with planting and transplanting, and shielding from too hot a sun or too sharp a wind; but, for all that, roses, as you know, have thorns.

a local and well-defined elevation of the land

From this reading She lived in a great castle high up in the mountains, from the windows of which she could see hill after hill stretching far away up to the clouds, and eagles flapping their great wings over deep ravines, down which tumbled foaming cascades.

where you live at a particular time

From this reading The castle was a very ancient building, and part of it was nearly a ruin; indeed, it was so old that Laura's father--who was a soldier, and not much at home--had decided not to repair it, but allowed the stones to fall, and would not have them touched; so the wild vines grew luxuriantly over them, and made a beautiful drapery.

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 To be sure, she was of high birth; that is to say, her father and grandfather and great-grandfather, as well as all the fine lady grandmothers, were people who, not obliged to labor for themselves or others, having always had more time and wealth and pleasure than they knew what to do with, were something like the beautiful roses which grow more and more beautiful with planting and transplanting, and shielding from too hot a sun or too sharp a wind; but, for all that, roses, as you know, have thorns.

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

From this reading You must not suppose that the Princess Idleways was a great, grand woman, for she was not: she was only a little lovely girl named Laura.

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

From this reading Little Laura Idleways was as bright and bewitching in appearance as any rosebud, but she had a few thorns which could prick.

in truth (often tends to intensify)

From this reading The castle was a very ancient building, and part of it was nearly a ruin; indeed, it was so old that Laura's father--who was a soldier, and not much at home--had decided not to repair it, but allowed the stones to fall, and would not have them touched; so the wild vines grew luxuriantly over them, and made a beautiful drapery.

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

From this reading To be sure, she was of high birth; that is to say, her father and grandfather and great-grandfather, as well as all the fine lady grandmothers, were people who, not obliged to labor for themselves or others, having always had more time and wealth and pleasure than they knew what to do with, were something like the beautiful roses which grow more and more beautiful with planting and transplanting, and shielding from too hot a sun or too sharp a wind; but, for all that, roses, as you know, have thorns.

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading The castle was a very ancient building, and part of it was nearly a ruin; indeed, it was so old that Laura's father--who was a soldier, and not much at home--had decided not to repair it, but allowed the stones to fall, and would not have them touched; so the wild vines grew luxuriantly over them, and made a beautiful drapery.

inflected form of “know” — be cognizant or aware of a fact or a specific piece of information; possess knowledge or information about

From this reading To be sure, she was of high birth; that is to say, her father and grandfather and great-grandfather, as well as all the fine lady grandmothers, were people who, not obliged to labor for themselves or others, having always had more time and wealth and pleasure than they knew what to do with, were something like the beautiful roses which grow more and more beautiful with planting and transplanting, and shielding from too hot a sun or too sharp a wind; but, for all that, roses, as you know, have thorns.

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

From this reading To be sure, she was of high birth; that is to say, her father and grandfather and great-grandfather, as well as all the fine lady grandmothers, were people who, not obliged to labor for themselves or others, having always had more time and wealth and pleasure than they knew what to do with, were something like the beautiful roses which grow more and more beautiful with planting and transplanting, and shielding from too hot a sun or too sharp a wind; but, for all that, roses, as you know, have thorns.

a social class comprising those who do manual labor or work for wages

From this reading To be sure, she was of high birth; that is to say, her father and grandfather and great-grandfather, as well as all the fine lady grandmothers, were people who, not obliged to labor for themselves or others, having always had more time and wealth and pleasure than they knew what to do with, were something like the beautiful roses which grow more and more beautiful with planting and transplanting, and shielding from too hot a sun or too sharp a wind; but, for all that, roses, as you know, have thorns.

a polite name for any woman

From this reading To be sure, she was of high birth; that is to say, her father and grandfather and great-grandfather, as well as all the fine lady grandmothers, were people who, not obliged to labor for themselves or others, having always had more time and wealth and pleasure than they knew what to do with, were something like the beautiful roses which grow more and more beautiful with planting and transplanting, and shielding from too hot a sun or too sharp a wind; but, for all that, roses, as you know, have thorns.

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

From this reading You must not suppose that the Princess Idleways was a great, grand woman, for she was not: she was only a little lovely girl named Laura.

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

From this reading The castle was a very ancient building, and part of it was nearly a ruin; indeed, it was so old that Laura's father--who was a soldier, and not much at home--had decided not to repair it, but allowed the stones to fall, and would not have them touched; so the wild vines grew luxuriantly over them, and made a beautiful drapery.

prefer or wish to do something

From this reading To be sure, she was of high birth; that is to say, her father and grandfather and great-grandfather, as well as all the fine lady grandmothers, were people who, not obliged to labor for themselves or others, having always had more time and wealth and pleasure than they knew what to do with, were something like the beautiful roses which grow more and more beautiful with planting and transplanting, and shielding from too hot a sun or too sharp a wind; but, for all that, roses, as you know, have thorns.

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

From this reading You must not suppose that the Princess Idleways was a great, grand woman, for she was not: she was only a little lovely girl named Laura.

past form of “live” — be an inhabitant of or reside in

From this reading She lived in a great castle high up in the mountains, from the windows of which she could see hill after hill stretching far away up to the clouds, and eagles flapping their great wings over deep ravines, down which tumbled foaming cascades.

appealing to the emotions as well as the eye

From this reading You must not suppose that the Princess Idleways was a great, grand woman, for she was not: she was only a little lovely girl named Laura.

in an abundant and luxuriant manner

From this reading The castle was a very ancient building, and part of it was nearly a ruin; indeed, it was so old that Laura's father--who was a soldier, and not much at home--had decided not to repair it, but allowed the stones to fall, and would not have them touched; so the wild vines grew luxuriantly over them, and made a beautiful drapery.

produced by a manufacturing process

From this reading The castle was a very ancient building, and part of it was nearly a ruin; indeed, it was so old that Laura's father--who was a soldier, and not much at home--had decided not to repair it, but allowed the stones to fall, and would not have them touched; so the wild vines grew luxuriantly over them, and made a beautiful drapery.

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

From this reading To be sure, she was of high birth; that is to say, her father and grandfather and great-grandfather, as well as all the fine lady grandmothers, were people who, not obliged to labor for themselves or others, having always had more time and wealth and pleasure than they knew what to do with, were something like the beautiful roses which grow more and more beautiful with planting and transplanting, and shielding from too hot a sun or too sharp a wind; but, for all that, roses, as you know, have thorns.

plural of “mountain” — a land mass that projects well above its surroundings; higher than a hill

From this reading She lived in a great castle high up in the mountains, from the windows of which she could see hill after hill stretching far away up to the clouds, and eagles flapping their great wings over deep ravines, down which tumbled foaming cascades.

to a great degree or extent

From this reading The castle was a very ancient building, and part of it was nearly a ruin; indeed, it was so old that Laura's father--who was a soldier, and not much at home--had decided not to repair it, but allowed the stones to fall, and would not have them touched; so the wild vines grew luxuriantly over them, and made a beautiful drapery.

used to say something is necessary, or almost certainly true

From this reading You must not suppose that the Princess Idleways was a great, grand woman, for she was not: she was only a little lovely girl named Laura.

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

From this reading You must not suppose that the Princess Idleways was a great, grand woman, for she was not: she was only a little lovely girl named Laura.

(of actions or states) slightly short of or not quite accomplished; all but

From this reading The castle was a very ancient building, and part of it was nearly a ruin; indeed, it was so old that Laura's father--who was a soldier, and not much at home--had decided not to repair it, but allowed the stones to fall, and would not have them touched; so the wild vines grew luxuriantly over them, and made a beautiful drapery.

used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative

From this reading You must not suppose that the Princess Idleways was a great, grand woman, for she was not: she was only a little lovely girl named Laura.

under a moral obligation to do something

From this reading To be sure, she was of high birth; that is to say, her father and grandfather and great-grandfather, as well as all the fine lady grandmothers, were people who, not obliged to labor for themselves or others, having always had more time and wealth and pleasure than they knew what to do with, were something like the beautiful roses which grow more and more beautiful with planting and transplanting, and shielding from too hot a sun or too sharp a wind; but, for all that, roses, as you know, have thorns.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading To be sure, she was of high birth; that is to say, her father and grandfather and great-grandfather, as well as all the fine lady grandmothers, were people who, not obliged to labor for themselves or others, having always had more time and wealth and pleasure than they knew what to do with, were something like the beautiful roses which grow more and more beautiful with planting and transplanting, and shielding from too hot a sun or too sharp a wind; but, for all that, roses, as you know, have thorns.

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

From this reading The castle was a very ancient building, and part of it was nearly a ruin; indeed, it was so old that Laura's father--who was a soldier, and not much at home--had decided not to repair it, but allowed the stones to fall, and would not have them touched; so the wild vines grew luxuriantly over them, and made a beautiful drapery.

and nothing more

From this reading You must not suppose that the Princess Idleways was a great, grand woman, for she was not: she was only a little lovely girl named Laura.

used to join alternatives or possibilities

From this reading To be sure, she was of high birth; that is to say, her father and grandfather and great-grandfather, as well as all the fine lady grandmothers, were people who, not obliged to labor for themselves or others, having always had more time and wealth and pleasure than they knew what to do with, were something like the beautiful roses which grow more and more beautiful with planting and transplanting, and shielding from too hot a sun or too sharp a wind; but, for all that, roses, as you know, have thorns.

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

From this reading To be sure, she was of high birth; that is to say, her father and grandfather and great-grandfather, as well as all the fine lady grandmothers, were people who, not obliged to labor for themselves or others, having always had more time and wealth and pleasure than they knew what to do with, were something like the beautiful roses which grow more and more beautiful with planting and transplanting, and shielding from too hot a sun or too sharp a wind; but, for all that, roses, as you know, have thorns.

above and across; more than

From this reading She lived in a great castle high up in the mountains, from the windows of which she could see hill after hill stretching far away up to the clouds, and eagles flapping their great wings over deep ravines, down which tumbled foaming cascades.

something determined in relation to something that includes it

From this reading The castle was a very ancient building, and part of it was nearly a ruin; indeed, it was so old that Laura's father--who was a soldier, and not much at home--had decided not to repair it, but allowed the stones to fall, and would not have them touched; so the wild vines grew luxuriantly over them, and made a beautiful drapery.

(plural) any group of human beings (men or women or children) collectively

From this reading To be sure, she was of high birth; that is to say, her father and grandfather and great-grandfather, as well as all the fine lady grandmothers, were people who, not obliged to labor for themselves or others, having always had more time and wealth and pleasure than they knew what to do with, were something like the beautiful roses which grow more and more beautiful with planting and transplanting, and shielding from too hot a sun or too sharp a wind; but, for all that, roses, as you know, have thorns.

the act of fixing firmly in place

From this reading To be sure, she was of high birth; that is to say, her father and grandfather and great-grandfather, as well as all the fine lady grandmothers, were people who, not obliged to labor for themselves or others, having always had more time and wealth and pleasure than they knew what to do with, were something like the beautiful roses which grow more and more beautiful with planting and transplanting, and shielding from too hot a sun or too sharp a wind; but, for all that, roses, as you know, have thorns.

a fundamental feeling that is hard to define but that people desire to experience

From this reading To be sure, she was of high birth; that is to say, her father and grandfather and great-grandfather, as well as all the fine lady grandmothers, were people who, not obliged to labor for themselves or others, having always had more time and wealth and pleasure than they knew what to do with, were something like the beautiful roses which grow more and more beautiful with planting and transplanting, and shielding from too hot a sun or too sharp a wind; but, for all that, roses, as you know, have thorns.

make a small hole into, as with a needle or a thorn

From this reading Little Laura Idleways was as bright and bewitching in appearance as any rosebud, but she had a few thorns which could prick.

The daughter of a monarch; a female member of a royal family.

From this reading You must not suppose that the Princess Idleways was a great, grand woman, for she was not: she was only a little lovely girl named Laura.

plural of “ravine” — a deep narrow steep-sided valley (especially one formed by running water)

From this reading She lived in a great castle high up in the mountains, from the windows of which she could see hill after hill stretching far away up to the clouds, and eagles flapping their great wings over deep ravines, down which tumbled foaming cascades.

the act of putting something in working order again

From this reading The castle was a very ancient building, and part of it was nearly a ruin; indeed, it was so old that Laura's father--who was a soldier, and not much at home--had decided not to repair it, but allowed the stones to fall, and would not have them touched; so the wild vines grew luxuriantly over them, and made a beautiful drapery.

the bud of a rose

From this reading Little Laura Idleways was as bright and bewitching in appearance as any rosebud, but she had a few thorns which could prick.

plural of “rose” — any of many shrubs of the genus Rosa that bear roses

From this reading To be sure, she was of high birth; that is to say, her father and grandfather and great-grandfather, as well as all the fine lady grandmothers, were people who, not obliged to labor for themselves or others, having always had more time and wealth and pleasure than they knew what to do with, were something like the beautiful roses which grow more and more beautiful with planting and transplanting, and shielding from too hot a sun or too sharp a wind; but, for all that, roses, as you know, have thorns.

an irrecoverable state of devastation and destruction

From this reading The castle was a very ancient building, and part of it was nearly a ruin; indeed, it was so old that Laura's father--who was a soldier, and not much at home--had decided not to repair it, but allowed the stones to fall, and would not have them touched; so the wild vines grew luxuriantly over them, and made a beautiful drapery.

express in words

From this reading To be sure, she was of high birth; that is to say, her father and grandfather and great-grandfather, as well as all the fine lady grandmothers, were people who, not obliged to labor for themselves or others, having always had more time and wealth and pleasure than they knew what to do with, were something like the beautiful roses which grow more and more beautiful with planting and transplanting, and shielding from too hot a sun or too sharp a wind; but, for all that, roses, as you know, have thorns.

perceive by sight or have the power to perceive by sight

From this reading She lived in a great castle high up in the mountains, from the windows of which she could see hill after hill stretching far away up to the clouds, and eagles flapping their great wings over deep ravines, down which tumbled foaming cascades.

(of something seen or heard) clearly defined

From this reading To be sure, she was of high birth; that is to say, her father and grandfather and great-grandfather, as well as all the fine lady grandmothers, were people who, not obliged to labor for themselves or others, having always had more time and wealth and pleasure than they knew what to do with, were something like the beautiful roses which grow more and more beautiful with planting and transplanting, and shielding from too hot a sun or too sharp a wind; but, for all that, roses, as you know, have thorns.

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

From this reading You must not suppose that the Princess Idleways was a great, grand woman, for she was not: she was only a little lovely girl named Laura.

the act of shielding from harm

From this reading To be sure, she was of high birth; that is to say, her father and grandfather and great-grandfather, as well as all the fine lady grandmothers, were people who, not obliged to labor for themselves or others, having always had more time and wealth and pleasure than they knew what to do with, were something like the beautiful roses which grow more and more beautiful with planting and transplanting, and shielding from too hot a sun or too sharp a wind; but, for all that, roses, as you know, have thorns.

for that reason; with the result that

From this reading The castle was a very ancient building, and part of it was nearly a ruin; indeed, it was so old that Laura's father--who was a soldier, and not much at home--had decided not to repair it, but allowed the stones to fall, and would not have them touched; so the wild vines grew luxuriantly over them, and made a beautiful drapery.

an enlisted man or woman who serves in an army

From this reading The castle was a very ancient building, and part of it was nearly a ruin; indeed, it was so old that Laura's father--who was a soldier, and not much at home--had decided not to repair it, but allowed the stones to fall, and would not have them touched; so the wild vines grew luxuriantly over them, and made a beautiful drapery.

a thing, without saying which

From this reading To be sure, she was of high birth; that is to say, her father and grandfather and great-grandfather, as well as all the fine lady grandmothers, were people who, not obliged to labor for themselves or others, having always had more time and wealth and pleasure than they knew what to do with, were something like the beautiful roses which grow more and more beautiful with planting and transplanting, and shielding from too hot a sun or too sharp a wind; but, for all that, roses, as you know, have thorns.

plural of “stone” — a lump or mass of hard consolidated mineral matter

From this reading The castle was a very ancient building, and part of it was nearly a ruin; indeed, it was so old that Laura's father--who was a soldier, and not much at home--had decided not to repair it, but allowed the stones to fall, and would not have them touched; so the wild vines grew luxuriantly over them, and made a beautiful drapery.

act of expanding by lengthening or widening

From this reading She lived in a great castle high up in the mountains, from the windows of which she could see hill after hill stretching far away up to the clouds, and eagles flapping their great wings over deep ravines, down which tumbled foaming cascades.

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

From this reading To be sure, she was of high birth; that is to say, her father and grandfather and great-grandfather, as well as all the fine lady grandmothers, were people who, not obliged to labor for themselves or others, having always had more time and wealth and pleasure than they knew what to do with, were something like the beautiful roses which grow more and more beautiful with planting and transplanting, and shielding from too hot a sun or too sharp a wind; but, for all that, roses, as you know, have thorns.

express a supposition

From this reading You must not suppose that the Princess Idleways was a great, grand woman, for she was not: she was only a little lovely girl named Laura.

having or feeling no doubt or uncertainty; confident and assured

From this reading To be sure, she was of high birth; that is to say, her father and grandfather and great-grandfather, as well as all the fine lady grandmothers, were people who, not obliged to labor for themselves or others, having always had more time and wealth and pleasure than they knew what to do with, were something like the beautiful roses which grow more and more beautiful with planting and transplanting, and shielding from too hot a sun or too sharp a wind; but, for all that, roses, as you know, have thorns.

used to introduce the second part of a comparison

From this reading To be sure, she was of high birth; that is to say, her father and grandfather and great-grandfather, as well as all the fine lady grandmothers, were people who, not obliged to labor for themselves or others, having always had more time and wealth and pleasure than they knew what to do with, were something like the beautiful roses which grow more and more beautiful with planting and transplanting, and shielding from too hot a sun or too sharp a wind; but, for all that, roses, as you know, have thorns.

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading You must not suppose that the Princess Idleways was a great, grand woman, for she was not: she was only a little lovely girl named Laura.

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

From this reading You must not suppose that the Princess Idleways was a great, grand woman, for she was not: she was only a little lovely girl named Laura.

belonging to the people or things already mentioned

From this reading She lived in a great castle high up in the mountains, from the windows of which she could see hill after hill stretching far away up to the clouds, and eagles flapping their great wings over deep ravines, down which tumbled foaming cascades.

the people or things already mentioned, as the object

From this reading The castle was a very ancient building, and part of it was nearly a ruin; indeed, it was so old that Laura's father--who was a soldier, and not much at home--had decided not to repair it, but allowed the stones to fall, and would not have them touched; so the wild vines grew luxuriantly over them, and made a beautiful drapery.

used when the people doing the action are also its object

From this reading To be sure, she was of high birth; that is to say, her father and grandfather and great-grandfather, as well as all the fine lady grandmothers, were people who, not obliged to labor for themselves or others, having always had more time and wealth and pleasure than they knew what to do with, were something like the beautiful roses which grow more and more beautiful with planting and transplanting, and shielding from too hot a sun or too sharp a wind; but, for all that, roses, as you know, have thorns.

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

From this reading To be sure, she was of high birth; that is to say, her father and grandfather and great-grandfather, as well as all the fine lady grandmothers, were people who, not obliged to labor for themselves or others, having always had more time and wealth and pleasure than they knew what to do with, were something like the beautiful roses which grow more and more beautiful with planting and transplanting, and shielding from too hot a sun or too sharp a wind; but, for all that, roses, as you know, have thorns.

plural of “thorn” — something that causes irritation and annoyance

From this reading To be sure, she was of high birth; that is to say, her father and grandfather and great-grandfather, as well as all the fine lady grandmothers, were people who, not obliged to labor for themselves or others, having always had more time and wealth and pleasure than they knew what to do with, were something like the beautiful roses which grow more and more beautiful with planting and transplanting, and shielding from too hot a sun or too sharp a wind; but, for all that, roses, as you know, have thorns.

an instance or single occasion for some event

From this reading To be sure, she was of high birth; that is to say, her father and grandfather and great-grandfather, as well as all the fine lady grandmothers, were people who, not obliged to labor for themselves or others, having always had more time and wealth and pleasure than they knew what to do with, were something like the beautiful roses which grow more and more beautiful with planting and transplanting, and shielding from too hot a sun or too sharp a wind; but, for all that, roses, as you know, have thorns.

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

From this reading To be sure, she was of high birth; that is to say, her father and grandfather and great-grandfather, as well as all the fine lady grandmothers, were people who, not obliged to labor for themselves or others, having always had more time and wealth and pleasure than they knew what to do with, were something like the beautiful roses which grow more and more beautiful with planting and transplanting, and shielding from too hot a sun or too sharp a wind; but, for all that, roses, as you know, have thorns.

to a degree exceeding normal or proper limits

From this reading To be sure, she was of high birth; that is to say, her father and grandfather and great-grandfather, as well as all the fine lady grandmothers, were people who, not obliged to labor for themselves or others, having always had more time and wealth and pleasure than they knew what to do with, were something like the beautiful roses which grow more and more beautiful with planting and transplanting, and shielding from too hot a sun or too sharp a wind; but, for all that, roses, as you know, have thorns.

having come into contact

From this reading The castle was a very ancient building, and part of it was nearly a ruin; indeed, it was so old that Laura's father--who was a soldier, and not much at home--had decided not to repair it, but allowed the stones to fall, and would not have them touched; so the wild vines grew luxuriantly over them, and made a beautiful drapery.

the act of removing something from one location and introducing it in another location

From this reading To be sure, she was of high birth; that is to say, her father and grandfather and great-grandfather, as well as all the fine lady grandmothers, were people who, not obliged to labor for themselves or others, having always had more time and wealth and pleasure than they knew what to do with, were something like the beautiful roses which grow more and more beautiful with planting and transplanting, and shielding from too hot a sun or too sharp a wind; but, for all that, roses, as you know, have thorns.

past form of “tumble” — fall down, as if collapsing

From this reading She lived in a great castle high up in the mountains, from the windows of which she could see hill after hill stretching far away up to the clouds, and eagles flapping their great wings over deep ravines, down which tumbled foaming cascades.

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

From this reading She lived in a great castle high up in the mountains, from the windows of which she could see hill after hill stretching far away up to the clouds, and eagles flapping their great wings over deep ravines, down which tumbled foaming cascades.

precisely as stated

From this reading The castle was a very ancient building, and part of it was nearly a ruin; indeed, it was so old that Laura's father--who was a soldier, and not much at home--had decided not to repair it, but allowed the stones to fall, and would not have them touched; so the wild vines grew luxuriantly over them, and made a beautiful drapery.

plural of “vine” — a plant with a weak stem that derives support from climbing, twining, or creeping along a surface

From this reading The castle was a very ancient building, and part of it was nearly a ruin; indeed, it was so old that Laura's father--who was a soldier, and not much at home--had decided not to repair it, but allowed the stones to fall, and would not have them touched; so the wild vines grew luxuriantly over them, and made a beautiful drapery.

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

From this reading You must not suppose that the Princess Idleways was a great, grand woman, for she was not: she was only a little lovely girl named Laura.

the state of being rich and affluent; having a plentiful supply of material goods and money

From this reading To be sure, she was of high birth; that is to say, her father and grandfather and great-grandfather, as well as all the fine lady grandmothers, were people who, not obliged to labor for themselves or others, having always had more time and wealth and pleasure than they knew what to do with, were something like the beautiful roses which grow more and more beautiful with planting and transplanting, and shielding from too hot a sun or too sharp a wind; but, for all that, roses, as you know, have thorns.

(often used as a combining form) in a good or proper or satisfactory manner or to a high standard (“good” is a nonstandard dialectal variant for “well”)

From this reading To be sure, she was of high birth; that is to say, her father and grandfather and great-grandfather, as well as all the fine lady grandmothers, were people who, not obliged to labor for themselves or others, having always had more time and wealth and pleasure than they knew what to do with, were something like the beautiful roses which grow more and more beautiful with planting and transplanting, and shielding from too hot a sun or too sharp a wind; but, for all that, roses, as you know, have thorns.

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

From this reading To be sure, she was of high birth; that is to say, her father and grandfather and great-grandfather, as well as all the fine lady grandmothers, were people who, not obliged to labor for themselves or others, having always had more time and wealth and pleasure than they knew what to do with, were something like the beautiful roses which grow more and more beautiful with planting and transplanting, and shielding from too hot a sun or too sharp a wind; but, for all that, roses, as you know, have thorns.

used to ask for information about something

From this reading To be sure, she was of high birth; that is to say, her father and grandfather and great-grandfather, as well as all the fine lady grandmothers, were people who, not obliged to labor for themselves or others, having always had more time and wealth and pleasure than they knew what to do with, were something like the beautiful roses which grow more and more beautiful with planting and transplanting, and shielding from too hot a sun or too sharp a wind; but, for all that, roses, as you know, have thorns.

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

From this reading To be sure, she was of high birth; that is to say, her father and grandfather and great-grandfather, as well as all the fine lady grandmothers, were people who, not obliged to labor for themselves or others, having always had more time and wealth and pleasure than they knew what to do with, were something like the beautiful roses which grow more and more beautiful with planting and transplanting, and shielding from too hot a sun or too sharp a wind; but, for all that, roses, as you know, have thorns.

which person or people

From this reading To be sure, she was of high birth; that is to say, her father and grandfather and great-grandfather, as well as all the fine lady grandmothers, were people who, not obliged to labor for themselves or others, having always had more time and wealth and pleasure than they knew what to do with, were something like the beautiful roses which grow more and more beautiful with planting and transplanting, and shielding from too hot a sun or too sharp a wind; but, for all that, roses, as you know, have thorns.

marked by extreme lack of restraint or control

From this reading The castle was a very ancient building, and part of it was nearly a ruin; indeed, it was so old that Laura's father--who was a soldier, and not much at home--had decided not to repair it, but allowed the stones to fall, and would not have them touched; so the wild vines grew luxuriantly over them, and made a beautiful drapery.

air moving (sometimes with considerable force) from an area of high pressure to an area of low pressure

From this reading To be sure, she was of high birth; that is to say, her father and grandfather and great-grandfather, as well as all the fine lady grandmothers, were people who, not obliged to labor for themselves or others, having always had more time and wealth and pleasure than they knew what to do with, were something like the beautiful roses which grow more and more beautiful with planting and transplanting, and shielding from too hot a sun or too sharp a wind; but, for all that, roses, as you know, have thorns.

(trademark) an operating system with a graphical user interface

From this reading She lived in a great castle high up in the mountains, from the windows of which she could see hill after hill stretching far away up to the clouds, and eagles flapping their great wings over deep ravines, down which tumbled foaming cascades.

a means of flight or ascent

From this reading She lived in a great castle high up in the mountains, from the windows of which she could see hill after hill stretching far away up to the clouds, and eagles flapping their great wings over deep ravines, down which tumbled foaming cascades.

in the company of; together with

From this reading To be sure, she was of high birth; that is to say, her father and grandfather and great-grandfather, as well as all the fine lady grandmothers, were people who, not obliged to labor for themselves or others, having always had more time and wealth and pleasure than they knew what to do with, were something like the beautiful roses which grow more and more beautiful with planting and transplanting, and shielding from too hot a sun or too sharp a wind; but, for all that, roses, as you know, have thorns.

an adult female person (as opposed to a man)

From this reading You must not suppose that the Princess Idleways was a great, grand woman, for she was not: she was only a little lovely girl named Laura.

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

From this reading The castle was a very ancient building, and part of it was nearly a ruin; indeed, it was so old that Laura's father--who was a soldier, and not much at home--had decided not to repair it, but allowed the stones to fall, and would not have them touched; so the wild vines grew luxuriantly over them, and made a beautiful drapery.

the person or people being spoken to

From this reading You must not suppose that the Princess Idleways was a great, grand woman, for she was not: she was only a little lovely girl named Laura.