Chapter I

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

From this reading “I was meaning nae offence,” said meek Nelly Panton: “I’m sure ye ken, Jenny woman, I wouldna disturb the very cat by the fire if it was just me; but my mother, you see, has ta’en an ill turn, and there’s nae peace wi’ her, day or night, a’ for naething but because she’s anxious in her mind--and if you would just let me get a word o’ Miss Menie--”

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

From this reading “I was meaning nae offence,” said meek Nelly Panton: “I’m sure ye ken, Jenny woman, I wouldna disturb the very cat by the fire if it was just me; but my mother, you see, has ta’en an ill turn, and there’s nae peace wi’ her, day or night, a’ for naething but because she’s anxious in her mind--and if you would just let me get a word o’ Miss Menie--”

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

From this reading “And what for should I no ken?” exclaimed the hot and impatient Jenny Durward, sole servant, housekeeper, and self-constituted guardian of Mrs. Laurie of Burnside, and her young fatherless daughter.

used of a single unit or thing; not two or more

From this reading “Do ye think ony ane comes or gangs in the house out of my knowledge?

eagerly desirous

From this reading “I was meaning nae offence,” said meek Nelly Panton: “I’m sure ye ken, Jenny woman, I wouldna disturb the very cat by the fire if it was just me; but my mother, you see, has ta’en an ill turn, and there’s nae peace wi’ her, day or night, a’ for naething but because she’s anxious in her mind--and if you would just let me get a word o’ Miss Menie--”

in or near a particular place or position

From this reading And where should Miss Menie be but in, sitting at her seam in the mistress’s parlour, at this hour of the day?”

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

From this reading And where should Miss Menie be but in, sitting at her seam in the mistress’s parlour, at this hour of the day?”

for the reason that

From this reading “I was meaning nae offence,” said meek Nelly Panton: “I’m sure ye ken, Jenny woman, I wouldna disturb the very cat by the fire if it was just me; but my mother, you see, has ta’en an ill turn, and there’s nae peace wi’ her, day or night, a’ for naething but because she’s anxious in her mind--and if you would just let me get a word o’ Miss Menie--”

United States general in the American Civil War who was defeated by Robert E. Lee at the Battle of Fredericksburg (1824-1881)

From this reading “And what for should I no ken?” exclaimed the hot and impatient Jenny Durward, sole servant, housekeeper, and self-constituted guardian of Mrs. Laurie of Burnside, and her young fatherless daughter.

used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before

From this reading And where should Miss Menie be but in, sitting at her seam in the mistress’s parlour, at this hour of the day?”

showing who or what does the action

From this reading “I was meaning nae offence,” said meek Nelly Panton: “I’m sure ye ken, Jenny woman, I wouldna disturb the very cat by the fire if it was just me; but my mother, you see, has ta’en an ill turn, and there’s nae peace wi’ her, day or night, a’ for naething but because she’s anxious in her mind--and if you would just let me get a word o’ Miss Menie--”

feline mammal usually having thick soft fur and no ability to roar: domestic cats; wildcats

From this reading “I was meaning nae offence,” said meek Nelly Panton: “I’m sure ye ken, Jenny woman, I wouldna disturb the very cat by the fire if it was just me; but my mother, you see, has ta’en an ill turn, and there’s nae peace wi’ her, day or night, a’ for naething but because she’s anxious in her mind--and if you would just let me get a word o’ Miss Menie--”

plural of “come” — the thick white fluid containing spermatozoa that is ejaculated by the male genital tract

From this reading “Do ye think ony ane comes or gangs in the house out of my knowledge?

a female human offspring

From this reading “And what for should I no ken?” exclaimed the hot and impatient Jenny Durward, sole servant, housekeeper, and self-constituted guardian of Mrs. Laurie of Burnside, and her young fatherless daughter.

time for Earth to make a complete rotation on its axis

From this reading And where should Miss Menie be but in, sitting at her seam in the mistress’s parlour, at this hour of the day?”

move deeply

From this reading “I was meaning nae offence,” said meek Nelly Panton: “I’m sure ye ken, Jenny woman, I wouldna disturb the very cat by the fire if it was just me; but my mother, you see, has ta’en an ill turn, and there’s nae peace wi’ her, day or night, a’ for naething but because she’s anxious in her mind--and if you would just let me get a word o’ Miss Menie--”

used to form questions and negatives, and to give emphasis

From this reading “Do ye think ony ane comes or gangs in the house out of my knowledge?

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

From this reading “And what for should I no ken?” exclaimed the hot and impatient Jenny Durward, sole servant, housekeeper, and self-constituted guardian of Mrs. Laurie of Burnside, and her young fatherless daughter.

past form of “exclaim” — utter aloud; often with surprise, horror, or joy

From this reading “And what for should I no ken?” exclaimed the hot and impatient Jenny Durward, sole servant, housekeeper, and self-constituted guardian of Mrs. Laurie of Burnside, and her young fatherless daughter.

having no living father

From this reading “And what for should I no ken?” exclaimed the hot and impatient Jenny Durward, sole servant, housekeeper, and self-constituted guardian of Mrs. Laurie of Burnside, and her young fatherless daughter.

start firing a weapon

From this reading “I was meaning nae offence,” said meek Nelly Panton: “I’m sure ye ken, Jenny woman, I wouldna disturb the very cat by the fire if it was just me; but my mother, you see, has ta’en an ill turn, and there’s nae peace wi’ her, day or night, a’ for naething but because she’s anxious in her mind--and if you would just let me get a word o’ Miss Menie--”

intended to be given to, or used by, somebody

From this reading “And what for should I no ken?” exclaimed the hot and impatient Jenny Durward, sole servant, housekeeper, and self-constituted guardian of Mrs. Laurie of Burnside, and her young fatherless daughter.

plural of “gang” — an association of criminals

From this reading “Do ye think ony ane comes or gangs in the house out of my knowledge?

come into the possession of something concrete or abstract

From this reading “I was meaning nae offence,” said meek Nelly Panton: “I’m sure ye ken, Jenny woman, I wouldna disturb the very cat by the fire if it was just me; but my mother, you see, has ta’en an ill turn, and there’s nae peace wi’ her, day or night, a’ for naething but because she’s anxious in her mind--and if you would just let me get a word o’ Miss Menie--”

a person who cares for persons or property

From this reading “And what for should I no ken?” exclaimed the hot and impatient Jenny Durward, sole servant, housekeeper, and self-constituted guardian of Mrs. Laurie of Burnside, and her young fatherless daughter.

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

From this reading “I was meaning nae offence,” said meek Nelly Panton: “I’m sure ye ken, Jenny woman, I wouldna disturb the very cat by the fire if it was just me; but my mother, you see, has ta’en an ill turn, and there’s nae peace wi’ her, day or night, a’ for naething but because she’s anxious in her mind--and if you would just let me get a word o’ Miss Menie--”

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

From this reading “And what for should I no ken?” exclaimed the hot and impatient Jenny Durward, sole servant, housekeeper, and self-constituted guardian of Mrs. Laurie of Burnside, and her young fatherless daughter.

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 “And what for should I no ken?” exclaimed the hot and impatient Jenny Durward, sole servant, housekeeper, and self-constituted guardian of Mrs. Laurie of Burnside, and her young fatherless daughter.

a period of time equal to 1/24th of a day

From this reading And where should Miss Menie be but in, sitting at her seam in the mistress’s parlour, at this hour of the day?”

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

From this reading “Do ye think ony ane comes or gangs in the house out of my knowledge?

a servant who is employed to perform domestic task in a household

From this reading “And what for should I no ken?” exclaimed the hot and impatient Jenny Durward, sole servant, housekeeper, and self-constituted guardian of Mrs. Laurie of Burnside, and her young fatherless daughter.

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

From this reading “And what for should I no ken?” exclaimed the hot and impatient Jenny Durward, sole servant, housekeeper, and self-constituted guardian of Mrs. Laurie of Burnside, and her young fatherless daughter.

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

From this reading “I was meaning nae offence,” said meek Nelly Panton: “I’m sure ye ken, Jenny woman, I wouldna disturb the very cat by the fire if it was just me; but my mother, you see, has ta’en an ill turn, and there’s nae peace wi’ her, day or night, a’ for naething but because she’s anxious in her mind--and if you would just let me get a word o’ Miss Menie--”

on condition that; in the event that

From this reading “Ye’ll no ken, Jenny, if Miss Menie’s in?”

affected by an impairment of normal physical or mental function

From this reading “I was meaning nae offence,” said meek Nelly Panton: “I’m sure ye ken, Jenny woman, I wouldna disturb the very cat by the fire if it was just me; but my mother, you see, has ta’en an ill turn, and there’s nae peace wi’ her, day or night, a’ for naething but because she’s anxious in her mind--and if you would just let me get a word o’ Miss Menie--”

restless or short-tempered under delay or opposition

From this reading “And what for should I no ken?” exclaimed the hot and impatient Jenny Durward, sole servant, housekeeper, and self-constituted guardian of Mrs. Laurie of Burnside, and her young fatherless daughter.

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

From this reading “Ye’ll no ken, Jenny, if Miss Menie’s in?”

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading “I was meaning nae offence,” said meek Nelly Panton: “I’m sure ye ken, Jenny woman, I wouldna disturb the very cat by the fire if it was just me; but my mother, you see, has ta’en an ill turn, and there’s nae peace wi’ her, day or night, a’ for naething but because she’s anxious in her mind--and if you would just let me get a word o’ Miss Menie--”

United States architect who designed the first skyscraper in which a metal skeleton was used (1832-1907)

From this reading “Ye’ll no ken, Jenny, if Miss Menie’s in?”

and nothing more

From this reading “I was meaning nae offence,” said meek Nelly Panton: “I’m sure ye ken, Jenny woman, I wouldna disturb the very cat by the fire if it was just me; but my mother, you see, has ta’en an ill turn, and there’s nae peace wi’ her, day or night, a’ for naething but because she’s anxious in her mind--and if you would just let me get a word o’ Miss Menie--”

range of what one can know or understand

From this reading “Ye’ll no ken, Jenny, if Miss Menie’s in?”

the psychological result of perception and learning and reasoning

From this reading “Do ye think ony ane comes or gangs in the house out of my knowledge?

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

From this reading “And what for should I no ken?” exclaimed the hot and impatient Jenny Durward, sole servant, housekeeper, and self-constituted guardian of Mrs. Laurie of Burnside, and her young fatherless daughter.

used to make a suggestion or a command including the speaker

From this reading “I was meaning nae offence,” said meek Nelly Panton: “I’m sure ye ken, Jenny woman, I wouldna disturb the very cat by the fire if it was just me; but my mother, you see, has ta’en an ill turn, and there’s nae peace wi’ her, day or night, a’ for naething but because she’s anxious in her mind--and if you would just let me get a word o’ Miss Menie--”

the person speaking, as the object of a verb or preposition

From this reading “I was meaning nae offence,” said meek Nelly Panton: “I’m sure ye ken, Jenny woman, I wouldna disturb the very cat by the fire if it was just me; but my mother, you see, has ta’en an ill turn, and there’s nae peace wi’ her, day or night, a’ for naething but because she’s anxious in her mind--and if you would just let me get a word o’ Miss Menie--”

the message that is intended or expressed or signified

From this reading “I was meaning nae offence,” said meek Nelly Panton: “I’m sure ye ken, Jenny woman, I wouldna disturb the very cat by the fire if it was just me; but my mother, you see, has ta’en an ill turn, and there’s nae peace wi’ her, day or night, a’ for naething but because she’s anxious in her mind--and if you would just let me get a word o’ Miss Menie--”

humble in spirit or manner; suggesting retiring mildness or even cowed submissiveness

From this reading “I was meaning nae offence,” said meek Nelly Panton: “I’m sure ye ken, Jenny woman, I wouldna disturb the very cat by the fire if it was just me; but my mother, you see, has ta’en an ill turn, and there’s nae peace wi’ her, day or night, a’ for naething but because she’s anxious in her mind--and if you would just let me get a word o’ Miss Menie--”

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

From this reading And where should Miss Menie be but in, sitting at her seam in the mistress’s parlour, at this hour of the day?”

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

From this reading “Ye’ll no ken, Jenny, if Miss Menie’s in?”

The element of a person that enables awareness and thought.

From this reading “I was meaning nae offence,” said meek Nelly Panton: “I’m sure ye ken, Jenny woman, I wouldna disturb the very cat by the fire if it was just me; but my mother, you see, has ta’en an ill turn, and there’s nae peace wi’ her, day or night, a’ for naething but because she’s anxious in her mind--and if you would just let me get a word o’ Miss Menie--”

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

From this reading “Ye’ll no ken, Jenny, if Miss Menie’s in?”

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

From this reading And where should Miss Menie be but in, sitting at her seam in the mistress’s parlour, at this hour of the day?”

a woman who has given birth to a child (also used as a term of address to your mother)

From this reading “I was meaning nae offence,” said meek Nelly Panton: “I’m sure ye ken, Jenny woman, I wouldna disturb the very cat by the fire if it was just me; but my mother, you see, has ta’en an ill turn, and there’s nae peace wi’ her, day or night, a’ for naething but because she’s anxious in her mind--and if you would just let me get a word o’ Miss Menie--”

a form of address for a married woman

From this reading “And what for should I no ken?” exclaimed the hot and impatient Jenny Durward, sole servant, housekeeper, and self-constituted guardian of Mrs. Laurie of Burnside, and her young fatherless daughter.

belonging to the person speaking

From this reading “Do ye think ony ane comes or gangs in the house out of my knowledge?

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

From this reading “I was meaning nae offence,” said meek Nelly Panton: “I’m sure ye ken, Jenny woman, I wouldna disturb the very cat by the fire if it was just me; but my mother, you see, has ta’en an ill turn, and there’s nae peace wi’ her, day or night, a’ for naething but because she’s anxious in her mind--and if you would just let me get a word o’ Miss Menie--”

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

From this reading “I was meaning nae offence,” said meek Nelly Panton: “I’m sure ye ken, Jenny woman, I wouldna disturb the very cat by the fire if it was just me; but my mother, you see, has ta’en an ill turn, and there’s nae peace wi’ her, day or night, a’ for naething but because she’s anxious in her mind--and if you would just let me get a word o’ Miss Menie--”

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

From this reading “I was meaning nae offence,” said meek Nelly Panton: “I’m sure ye ken, Jenny woman, I wouldna disturb the very cat by the fire if it was just me; but my mother, you see, has ta’en an ill turn, and there’s nae peace wi’ her, day or night, a’ for naething but because she’s anxious in her mind--and if you would just let me get a word o’ Miss Menie--”

the time after sunset and before sunrise while it is dark outside

From this reading “I was meaning nae offence,” said meek Nelly Panton: “I’m sure ye ken, Jenny woman, I wouldna disturb the very cat by the fire if it was just me; but my mother, you see, has ta’en an ill turn, and there’s nae peace wi’ her, day or night, a’ for naething but because she’s anxious in her mind--and if you would just let me get a word o’ Miss Menie--”

not any; not one

From this reading “Ye’ll no ken, Jenny, if Miss Menie’s in?”

a nonmetallic bivalent element that is normally a colorless odorless tasteless nonflammable diatomic gas; constitutes 21 percent of the atmosphere by volume; the most abundant element in the earth's crust

From this reading “I was meaning nae offence,” said meek Nelly Panton: “I’m sure ye ken, Jenny woman, I wouldna disturb the very cat by the fire if it was just me; but my mother, you see, has ta’en an ill turn, and there’s nae peace wi’ her, day or night, a’ for naething but because she’s anxious in her mind--and if you would just let me get a word o’ Miss Menie--”

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading “And what for should I no ken?” exclaimed the hot and impatient Jenny Durward, sole servant, housekeeper, and self-constituted guardian of Mrs. Laurie of Burnside, and her young fatherless daughter.

the action of attacking an enemy

From this reading “I was meaning nae offence,” said meek Nelly Panton: “I’m sure ye ken, Jenny woman, I wouldna disturb the very cat by the fire if it was just me; but my mother, you see, has ta’en an ill turn, and there’s nae peace wi’ her, day or night, a’ for naething but because she’s anxious in her mind--and if you would just let me get a word o’ Miss Menie--”

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

From this reading “Do ye think ony ane comes or gangs in the house out of my knowledge?

used to join alternatives or possibilities

From this reading “Do ye think ony ane comes or gangs in the house out of my knowledge?

not allowed to continue to bat or run

From this reading “Do ye think ony ane comes or gangs in the house out of my knowledge?

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

From this reading “I was meaning nae offence,” said meek Nelly Panton: “I’m sure ye ken, Jenny woman, I wouldna disturb the very cat by the fire if it was just me; but my mother, you see, has ta’en an ill turn, and there’s nae peace wi’ her, day or night, a’ for naething but because she’s anxious in her mind--and if you would just let me get a word o’ Miss Menie--”

reception room in an inn or club where visitors can be received

From this reading And where should Miss Menie be but in, sitting at her seam in the mistress’s parlour, at this hour of the day?”

the state prevailing during the absence of war

From this reading “I was meaning nae offence,” said meek Nelly Panton: “I’m sure ye ken, Jenny woman, I wouldna disturb the very cat by the fire if it was just me; but my mother, you see, has ta’en an ill turn, and there’s nae peace wi’ her, day or night, a’ for naething but because she’s anxious in her mind--and if you would just let me get a word o’ Miss Menie--”

being the one previously mentioned or spoken of

From this reading “I was meaning nae offence,” said meek Nelly Panton: “I’m sure ye ken, Jenny woman, I wouldna disturb the very cat by the fire if it was just me; but my mother, you see, has ta’en an ill turn, and there’s nae peace wi’ her, day or night, a’ for naething but because she’s anxious in her mind--and if you would just let me get a word o’ Miss Menie--”

joint consisting of a line formed by joining two pieces

From this reading And where should Miss Menie be but in, sitting at her seam in the mistress’s parlour, at this hour of the day?”

perceive by sight or have the power to perceive by sight

From this reading “I was meaning nae offence,” said meek Nelly Panton: “I’m sure ye ken, Jenny woman, I wouldna disturb the very cat by the fire if it was just me; but my mother, you see, has ta’en an ill turn, and there’s nae peace wi’ her, day or night, a’ for naething but because she’s anxious in her mind--and if you would just let me get a word o’ Miss Menie--”

constituted by or established by itself

From this reading “And what for should I no ken?” exclaimed the hot and impatient Jenny Durward, sole servant, housekeeper, and self-constituted guardian of Mrs. Laurie of Burnside, and her young fatherless daughter.

a person working in the service of another (especially in the household)

From this reading “And what for should I no ken?” exclaimed the hot and impatient Jenny Durward, sole servant, housekeeper, and self-constituted guardian of Mrs. Laurie of Burnside, and her young fatherless daughter.

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

From this reading “I was meaning nae offence,” said meek Nelly Panton: “I’m sure ye ken, Jenny woman, I wouldna disturb the very cat by the fire if it was just me; but my mother, you see, has ta’en an ill turn, and there’s nae peace wi’ her, day or night, a’ for naething but because she’s anxious in her mind--and if you would just let me get a word o’ Miss Menie--”

used to say what is right, expected, or advisable

From this reading “And what for should I no ken?” exclaimed the hot and impatient Jenny Durward, sole servant, housekeeper, and self-constituted guardian of Mrs. Laurie of Burnside, and her young fatherless daughter.

(photography) the act of assuming a certain position (as for a photograph or portrait)

From this reading And where should Miss Menie be but in, sitting at her seam in the mistress’s parlour, at this hour of the day?”

the underside of footwear or a golf club

From this reading “And what for should I no ken?” exclaimed the hot and impatient Jenny Durward, sole servant, housekeeper, and self-constituted guardian of Mrs. Laurie of Burnside, and her young fatherless daughter.

having or feeling no doubt or uncertainty; confident and assured

From this reading “I was meaning nae offence,” said meek Nelly Panton: “I’m sure ye ken, Jenny woman, I wouldna disturb the very cat by the fire if it was just me; but my mother, you see, has ta’en an ill turn, and there’s nae peace wi’ her, day or night, a’ for naething but because she’s anxious in her mind--and if you would just let me get a word o’ Miss Menie--”

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

From this reading “I was meaning nae offence,” said meek Nelly Panton: “I’m sure ye ken, Jenny woman, I wouldna disturb the very cat by the fire if it was just me; but my mother, you see, has ta’en an ill turn, and there’s nae peace wi’ her, day or night, a’ for naething but because she’s anxious in her mind--and if you would just let me get a word o’ Miss Menie--”

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

From this reading “And what for should I no ken?” exclaimed the hot and impatient Jenny Durward, sole servant, housekeeper, and self-constituted guardian of Mrs. Laurie of Burnside, and her young fatherless daughter.

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

From this reading “I was meaning nae offence,” said meek Nelly Panton: “I’m sure ye ken, Jenny woman, I wouldna disturb the very cat by the fire if it was just me; but my mother, you see, has ta’en an ill turn, and there’s nae peace wi’ her, day or night, a’ for naething but because she’s anxious in her mind--and if you would just let me get a word o’ Miss Menie--”

judge or regard; look upon; judge

From this reading “Do ye think ony ane comes or gangs in the house out of my knowledge?

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

From this reading And where should Miss Menie be but in, sitting at her seam in the mistress’s parlour, at this hour of the day?”

change orientation or direction, also in the abstract sense

From this reading “I was meaning nae offence,” said meek Nelly Panton: “I’m sure ye ken, Jenny woman, I wouldna disturb the very cat by the fire if it was just me; but my mother, you see, has ta’en an ill turn, and there’s nae peace wi’ her, day or night, a’ for naething but because she’s anxious in her mind--and if you would just let me get a word o’ Miss Menie--”

precisely as stated

From this reading “I was meaning nae offence,” said meek Nelly Panton: “I’m sure ye ken, Jenny woman, I wouldna disturb the very cat by the fire if it was just me; but my mother, you see, has ta’en an ill turn, and there’s nae peace wi’ her, day or night, a’ for naething but because she’s anxious in her mind--and if you would just let me get a word o’ Miss Menie--”

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

From this reading “I was meaning nae offence,” said meek Nelly Panton: “I’m sure ye ken, Jenny woman, I wouldna disturb the very cat by the fire if it was just me; but my mother, you see, has ta’en an ill turn, and there’s nae peace wi’ her, day or night, a’ for naething but because she’s anxious in her mind--and if you would just let me get a word o’ Miss Menie--”

used to ask for information about something

From this reading “And what for should I no ken?” exclaimed the hot and impatient Jenny Durward, sole servant, housekeeper, and self-constituted guardian of Mrs. Laurie of Burnside, and her young fatherless daughter.

in or at the place that

From this reading And where should Miss Menie be but in, sitting at her seam in the mistress’s parlour, at this hour of the day?”

a midwestern state in north central United States

From this reading “I was meaning nae offence,” said meek Nelly Panton: “I’m sure ye ken, Jenny woman, I wouldna disturb the very cat by the fire if it was just me; but my mother, you see, has ta’en an ill turn, and there’s nae peace wi’ her, day or night, a’ for naething but because she’s anxious in her mind--and if you would just let me get a word o’ Miss Menie--”

an adult female person (as opposed to a man)

From this reading “I was meaning nae offence,” said meek Nelly Panton: “I’m sure ye ken, Jenny woman, I wouldna disturb the very cat by the fire if it was just me; but my mother, you see, has ta’en an ill turn, and there’s nae peace wi’ her, day or night, a’ for naething but because she’s anxious in her mind--and if you would just let me get a word o’ Miss Menie--”

a unit of language that native speakers can identify

From this reading “I was meaning nae offence,” said meek Nelly Panton: “I’m sure ye ken, Jenny woman, I wouldna disturb the very cat by the fire if it was just me; but my mother, you see, has ta’en an ill turn, and there’s nae peace wi’ her, day or night, a’ for naething but because she’s anxious in her mind--and if you would just let me get a word o’ Miss Menie--”

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

From this reading “I was meaning nae offence,” said meek Nelly Panton: “I’m sure ye ken, Jenny woman, I wouldna disturb the very cat by the fire if it was just me; but my mother, you see, has ta’en an ill turn, and there’s nae peace wi’ her, day or night, a’ for naething but because she’s anxious in her mind--and if you would just let me get a word o’ Miss Menie--”

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

From this reading “I was meaning nae offence,” said meek Nelly Panton: “I’m sure ye ken, Jenny woman, I wouldna disturb the very cat by the fire if it was just me; but my mother, you see, has ta’en an ill turn, and there’s nae peace wi’ her, day or night, a’ for naething but because she’s anxious in her mind--and if you would just let me get a word o’ Miss Menie--”

an old word for “you”, speaking to more than one person

From this reading “Do ye think ony ane comes or gangs in the house out of my knowledge?

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

From this reading “Ye’ll no ken, Jenny, if Miss Menie’s in?”

the person or people being spoken to

From this reading “I was meaning nae offence,” said meek Nelly Panton: “I’m sure ye ken, Jenny woman, I wouldna disturb the very cat by the fire if it was just me; but my mother, you see, has ta’en an ill turn, and there’s nae peace wi’ her, day or night, a’ for naething but because she’s anxious in her mind--and if you would just let me get a word o’ Miss Menie--”

(used of living things especially persons) in an early period of life or development or growth

From this reading “And what for should I no ken?” exclaimed the hot and impatient Jenny Durward, sole servant, housekeeper, and self-constituted guardian of Mrs. Laurie of Burnside, and her young fatherless daughter.