Chapter II

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

From this reading The fire in the grate, quite discountenanced and overborne by the light which pours in from the west window, keeps up a persevering crackle, intent to catch the ear, and keep itself in notice by that means if by no other.

on the subject of; concerning

From this reading It is the only sound you can hear, except the hum of the eight-day clock in the passage without, and Jenny’s distant step upon the kitchen floor;--Menie is out again on some further explorations about the garden--Mrs Laurie sits and works alone.

anew

From this reading It is the only sound you can hear, except the hum of the eight-day clock in the passage without, and Jenny’s distant step upon the kitchen floor;--Menie is out again on some further explorations about the garden--Mrs Laurie sits and works alone.

how long something has existed

From this reading Every piece of wood about it is dark with age and careful preservation; rich ancient mahogany glimmering clear in the polish of many a year’s labour--little tables with twisted spiral legs and fantastic ornaments almost as black as ebony--and here in the corner a fine old cabinet of oak, with its carved projections of flower and berry burnished bright, and standing out in clear relief from the dark background.

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

From this reading Every piece of wood about it is dark with age and careful preservation; rich ancient mahogany glimmering clear in the polish of many a year’s labour--little tables with twisted spiral legs and fantastic ornaments almost as black as ebony--and here in the corner a fine old cabinet of oak, with its carved projections of flower and berry burnished bright, and standing out in clear relief from the dark background.

Having no one else present.

From this reading Mrs Laurie of Burnside sits alone in her sunny parlour.

with ambition; in an ambitious and energetic manner

From this reading You might call this room a drawing-room if you were ambitiously disposed--it is only the parlour in Burnside.

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

From this reading Every piece of wood about it is dark with age and careful preservation; rich ancient mahogany glimmering clear in the polish of many a year’s labour--little tables with twisted spiral legs and fantastic ornaments almost as black as ebony--and here in the corner a fine old cabinet of oak, with its carved projections of flower and berry burnished bright, and standing out in clear relief from the dark background.

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

From this reading The fire in the grate, quite discountenanced and overborne by the light which pours in from the west window, keeps up a persevering crackle, intent to catch the ear, and keep itself in notice by that means if by no other.

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

From this reading Every piece of wood about it is dark with age and careful preservation; rich ancient mahogany glimmering clear in the polish of many a year’s labour--little tables with twisted spiral legs and fantastic ornaments almost as black as ebony--and here in the corner a fine old cabinet of oak, with its carved projections of flower and berry burnished bright, and standing out in clear relief from the dark background.

a person's social heritage: previous experience or training

From this reading Every piece of wood about it is dark with age and careful preservation; rich ancient mahogany glimmering clear in the polish of many a year’s labour--little tables with twisted spiral legs and fantastic ornaments almost as black as ebony--and here in the corner a fine old cabinet of oak, with its carved projections of flower and berry burnished bright, and standing out in clear relief from the dark background.

any of numerous small and pulpy edible fruits; used as desserts or in making jams and jellies and preserves

From this reading Every piece of wood about it is dark with age and careful preservation; rich ancient mahogany glimmering clear in the polish of many a year’s labour--little tables with twisted spiral legs and fantastic ornaments almost as black as ebony--and here in the corner a fine old cabinet of oak, with its carved projections of flower and berry burnished bright, and standing out in clear relief from the dark background.

being of the achromatic color of maximum darkness; having little or no hue owing to absorption of almost all incident light

From this reading Every piece of wood about it is dark with age and careful preservation; rich ancient mahogany glimmering clear in the polish of many a year’s labour--little tables with twisted spiral legs and fantastic ornaments almost as black as ebony--and here in the corner a fine old cabinet of oak, with its carved projections of flower and berry burnished bright, and standing out in clear relief from the dark background.

emitting or reflecting light readily or in large amounts

From this reading Every piece of wood about it is dark with age and careful preservation; rich ancient mahogany glimmering clear in the polish of many a year’s labour--little tables with twisted spiral legs and fantastic ornaments almost as black as ebony--and here in the corner a fine old cabinet of oak, with its carved projections of flower and berry burnished bright, and standing out in clear relief from the dark background.

made smooth and bright by or as if by rubbing; reflecting a sheen or glow

From this reading Every piece of wood about it is dark with age and careful preservation; rich ancient mahogany glimmering clear in the polish of many a year’s labour--little tables with twisted spiral legs and fantastic ornaments almost as black as ebony--and here in the corner a fine old cabinet of oak, with its carved projections of flower and berry burnished bright, and standing out in clear relief from the dark background.

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 Mrs Laurie of Burnside sits alone in her sunny parlour.

showing who or what does the action

From this reading The fire in the grate, quite discountenanced and overborne by the light which pours in from the west window, keeps up a persevering crackle, intent to catch the ear, and keep itself in notice by that means if by no other.

a piece of furniture resembling a cupboard with doors and shelves and drawers; for storage or display

From this reading Every piece of wood about it is dark with age and careful preservation; rich ancient mahogany glimmering clear in the polish of many a year’s labour--little tables with twisted spiral legs and fantastic ornaments almost as black as ebony--and here in the corner a fine old cabinet of oak, with its carved projections of flower and berry burnished bright, and standing out in clear relief from the dark background.

assign a specified (usually proper) proper name to

From this reading You might call this room a drawing-room if you were ambitiously disposed--it is only the parlour in Burnside.

to be able to, or to be allowed to

From this reading It is the only sound you can hear, except the hum of the eight-day clock in the passage without, and Jenny’s distant step upon the kitchen floor;--Menie is out again on some further explorations about the garden--Mrs Laurie sits and works alone.

exercising caution or showing care or attention

From this reading Every piece of wood about it is dark with age and careful preservation; rich ancient mahogany glimmering clear in the polish of many a year’s labour--little tables with twisted spiral legs and fantastic ornaments almost as black as ebony--and here in the corner a fine old cabinet of oak, with its carved projections of flower and berry burnished bright, and standing out in clear relief from the dark background.

made for or formed by carving (“carven” is archaic or literary)

From this reading Every piece of wood about it is dark with age and careful preservation; rich ancient mahogany glimmering clear in the polish of many a year’s labour--little tables with twisted spiral legs and fantastic ornaments almost as black as ebony--and here in the corner a fine old cabinet of oak, with its carved projections of flower and berry burnished bright, and standing out in clear relief from the dark background.

discover or come upon accidentally, suddenly, or unexpectedly; catch somebody doing something or in a certain state

From this reading The fire in the grate, quite discountenanced and overborne by the light which pours in from the west window, keeps up a persevering crackle, intent to catch the ear, and keep itself in notice by that means if by no other.

rid of obstructions

From this reading Every piece of wood about it is dark with age and careful preservation; rich ancient mahogany glimmering clear in the polish of many a year’s labour--little tables with twisted spiral legs and fantastic ornaments almost as black as ebony--and here in the corner a fine old cabinet of oak, with its carved projections of flower and berry burnished bright, and standing out in clear relief from the dark background.

a timepiece that shows the time of day

From this reading It is the only sound you can hear, except the hum of the eight-day clock in the passage without, and Jenny’s distant step upon the kitchen floor;--Menie is out again on some further explorations about the garden--Mrs Laurie sits and works alone.

a place off to the side of an area

From this reading Every piece of wood about it is dark with age and careful preservation; rich ancient mahogany glimmering clear in the polish of many a year’s labour--little tables with twisted spiral legs and fantastic ornaments almost as black as ebony--and here in the corner a fine old cabinet of oak, with its carved projections of flower and berry burnished bright, and standing out in clear relief from the dark background.

make a crackling sound

From this reading The fire in the grate, quite discountenanced and overborne by the light which pours in from the west window, keeps up a persevering crackle, intent to catch the ear, and keep itself in notice by that means if by no other.

absence of light or illumination

From this reading Every piece of wood about it is dark with age and careful preservation; rich ancient mahogany glimmering clear in the polish of many a year’s labour--little tables with twisted spiral legs and fantastic ornaments almost as black as ebony--and here in the corner a fine old cabinet of oak, with its carved projections of flower and berry burnished bright, and standing out in clear relief from the dark background.

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

From this reading The fire in the grate, quite discountenanced and overborne by the light which pours in from the west window, keeps up a persevering crackle, intent to catch the ear, and keep itself in notice by that means if by no other.

having made preparations

From this reading You might call this room a drawing-room if you were ambitiously disposed--it is only the parlour in Burnside.

separated in space or coming from or going to a distance

From this reading It is the only sound you can hear, except the hum of the eight-day clock in the passage without, and Jenny’s distant step upon the kitchen floor;--Menie is out again on some further explorations about the garden--Mrs Laurie sits and works alone.

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

From this reading You might call this room a drawing-room if you were ambitiously disposed--it is only the parlour in Burnside.

the sense organ for hearing and equilibrium

From this reading The fire in the grate, quite discountenanced and overborne by the light which pours in from the west window, keeps up a persevering crackle, intent to catch the ear, and keep itself in notice by that means if by no other.

a very dark black

From this reading Every piece of wood about it is dark with age and careful preservation; rich ancient mahogany glimmering clear in the polish of many a year’s labour--little tables with twisted spiral legs and fantastic ornaments almost as black as ebony--and here in the corner a fine old cabinet of oak, with its carved projections of flower and berry burnished bright, and standing out in clear relief from the dark background.

lasting for eight days

From this reading It is the only sound you can hear, except the hum of the eight-day clock in the passage without, and Jenny’s distant step upon the kitchen floor;--Menie is out again on some further explorations about the garden--Mrs Laurie sits and works alone.

all the members of a group, with none left out

From this reading Every piece of wood about it is dark with age and careful preservation; rich ancient mahogany glimmering clear in the polish of many a year’s labour--little tables with twisted spiral legs and fantastic ornaments almost as black as ebony--and here in the corner a fine old cabinet of oak, with its carved projections of flower and berry burnished bright, and standing out in clear relief from the dark background.

apart from; not including

From this reading It is the only sound you can hear, except the hum of the eight-day clock in the passage without, and Jenny’s distant step upon the kitchen floor;--Menie is out again on some further explorations about the garden--Mrs Laurie sits and works alone.

plural of “exploration” — to travel for the purpose of discovery

From this reading It is the only sound you can hear, except the hum of the eight-day clock in the passage without, and Jenny’s distant step upon the kitchen floor;--Menie is out again on some further explorations about the garden--Mrs Laurie sits and works alone.

ludicrously odd

From this reading Every piece of wood about it is dark with age and careful preservation; rich ancient mahogany glimmering clear in the polish of many a year’s labour--little tables with twisted spiral legs and fantastic ornaments almost as black as ebony--and here in the corner a fine old cabinet of oak, with its carved projections of flower and berry burnished bright, and standing out in clear relief from the dark background.

being satisfactory or in satisfactory condition

From this reading Every piece of wood about it is dark with age and careful preservation; rich ancient mahogany glimmering clear in the polish of many a year’s labour--little tables with twisted spiral legs and fantastic ornaments almost as black as ebony--and here in the corner a fine old cabinet of oak, with its carved projections of flower and berry burnished bright, and standing out in clear relief from the dark background.

start firing a weapon

From this reading The fire in the grate, quite discountenanced and overborne by the light which pours in from the west window, keeps up a persevering crackle, intent to catch the ear, and keep itself in notice by that means if by no other.

the inside lower horizontal surface (as of a room, hallway, tent, or other structure)

From this reading It is the only sound you can hear, except the hum of the eight-day clock in the passage without, and Jenny’s distant step upon the kitchen floor;--Menie is out again on some further explorations about the garden--Mrs Laurie sits and works alone.

a plant cultivated for its blooms or blossoms

From this reading Every piece of wood about it is dark with age and careful preservation; rich ancient mahogany glimmering clear in the polish of many a year’s labour--little tables with twisted spiral legs and fantastic ornaments almost as black as ebony--and here in the corner a fine old cabinet of oak, with its carved projections of flower and berry burnished bright, and standing out in clear relief from the dark background.

showing where something starts, or who sent it

From this reading The fire in the grate, quite discountenanced and overborne by the light which pours in from the west window, keeps up a persevering crackle, intent to catch the ear, and keep itself in notice by that means if by no other.

to or at a greater extent or degree or a more advanced stage (“further” is used more often than “farther” in this abstract sense)

From this reading It is the only sound you can hear, except the hum of the eight-day clock in the passage without, and Jenny’s distant step upon the kitchen floor;--Menie is out again on some further explorations about the garden--Mrs Laurie sits and works alone.

a plot of ground where plants are cultivated

From this reading It is the only sound you can hear, except the hum of the eight-day clock in the passage without, and Jenny’s distant step upon the kitchen floor;--Menie is out again on some further explorations about the garden--Mrs Laurie sits and works alone.

a slight suggestion or vague understanding

From this reading Every piece of wood about it is dark with age and careful preservation; rich ancient mahogany glimmering clear in the polish of many a year’s labour--little tables with twisted spiral legs and fantastic ornaments almost as black as ebony--and here in the corner a fine old cabinet of oak, with its carved projections of flower and berry burnished bright, and standing out in clear relief from the dark background.

a frame of iron bars to hold a fire

From this reading The fire in the grate, quite discountenanced and overborne by the light which pours in from the west window, keeps up a persevering crackle, intent to catch the ear, and keep itself in notice by that means if by no other.

perceive (sound) via the auditory sense

From this reading It is the only sound you can hear, except the hum of the eight-day clock in the passage without, and Jenny’s distant step upon the kitchen floor;--Menie is out again on some further explorations about the garden--Mrs Laurie sits and works alone.

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

From this reading Mrs Laurie of Burnside sits alone in her sunny parlour.

in or at this place; where the speaker or writer is

From this reading Every piece of wood about it is dark with age and careful preservation; rich ancient mahogany glimmering clear in the polish of many a year’s labour--little tables with twisted spiral legs and fantastic ornaments almost as black as ebony--and here in the corner a fine old cabinet of oak, with its carved projections of flower and berry burnished bright, and standing out in clear relief from the dark background.

sing with closed lips

From this reading It is the only sound you can hear, except the hum of the eight-day clock in the passage without, and Jenny’s distant step upon the kitchen floor;--Menie is out again on some further explorations about the garden--Mrs Laurie sits and works alone.

on condition that; in the event that

From this reading The fire in the grate, quite discountenanced and overborne by the light which pours in from the west window, keeps up a persevering crackle, intent to catch the ear, and keep itself in notice by that means if by no other.

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

From this reading Mrs Laurie of Burnside sits alone in her sunny parlour.

an anticipated outcome that is intended or that guides your planned actions

From this reading The fire in the grate, quite discountenanced and overborne by the light which pours in from the west window, keeps up a persevering crackle, intent to catch the ear, and keep itself in notice by that means if by no other.

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

From this reading It is the only sound you can hear, except the hum of the eight-day clock in the passage without, and Jenny’s distant step upon the kitchen floor;--Menie is out again on some further explorations about the garden--Mrs Laurie sits and works alone.

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading It is the only sound you can hear, except the hum of the eight-day clock in the passage without, and Jenny’s distant step upon the kitchen floor;--Menie is out again on some further explorations about the garden--Mrs Laurie sits and works alone.

belonging to the thing or animal already mentioned

From this reading Every piece of wood about it is dark with age and careful preservation; rich ancient mahogany glimmering clear in the polish of many a year’s labour--little tables with twisted spiral legs and fantastic ornaments almost as black as ebony--and here in the corner a fine old cabinet of oak, with its carved projections of flower and berry burnished bright, and standing out in clear relief from the dark background.

used when the thing doing the action is also its object

From this reading The fire in the grate, quite discountenanced and overborne by the light which pours in from the west window, keeps up a persevering crackle, intent to catch the ear, and keep itself in notice by that means if by no other.

possessive form of “jenny” — United States architect who designed the first skyscraper in which a metal skeleton was used (1832-1907)

From this reading It is the only sound you can hear, except the hum of the eight-day clock in the passage without, and Jenny’s distant step upon the kitchen floor;--Menie is out again on some further explorations about the garden--Mrs Laurie sits and works alone.

cause to continue in a certain state, position, or activity; e.g., “keep clean”

From this reading The fire in the grate, quite discountenanced and overborne by the light which pours in from the west window, keeps up a persevering crackle, intent to catch the ear, and keep itself in notice by that means if by no other.

plural of “keep” — the financial means whereby one lives

From this reading The fire in the grate, quite discountenanced and overborne by the light which pours in from the west window, keeps up a persevering crackle, intent to catch the ear, and keep itself in notice by that means if by no other.

a room equipped for preparing meals

From this reading It is the only sound you can hear, except the hum of the eight-day clock in the passage without, and Jenny’s distant step upon the kitchen floor;--Menie is out again on some further explorations about the garden--Mrs Laurie sits and works alone.

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

From this reading Every piece of wood about it is dark with age and careful preservation; rich ancient mahogany glimmering clear in the polish of many a year’s labour--little tables with twisted spiral legs and fantastic ornaments almost as black as ebony--and here in the corner a fine old cabinet of oak, with its carved projections of flower and berry burnished bright, and standing out in clear relief from the dark background.

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

From this reading Mrs Laurie of Burnside sits alone in her sunny parlour.

staying power

From this reading Every piece of wood about it is dark with age and careful preservation; rich ancient mahogany glimmering clear in the polish of many a year’s labour--little tables with twisted spiral legs and fantastic ornaments almost as black as ebony--and here in the corner a fine old cabinet of oak, with its carved projections of flower and berry burnished bright, and standing out in clear relief from the dark background.

of comparatively little physical weight or density

From this reading The fire in the grate, quite discountenanced and overborne by the light which pours in from the west window, keeps up a persevering crackle, intent to catch the ear, and keep itself in notice by that means if by no other.

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

From this reading Every piece of wood about it is dark with age and careful preservation; rich ancient mahogany glimmering clear in the polish of many a year’s labour--little tables with twisted spiral legs and fantastic ornaments almost as black as ebony--and here in the corner a fine old cabinet of oak, with its carved projections of flower and berry burnished bright, and standing out in clear relief from the dark background.

wood of any of various mahogany trees; much used for cabinetwork and furniture

From this reading Every piece of wood about it is dark with age and careful preservation; rich ancient mahogany glimmering clear in the polish of many a year’s labour--little tables with twisted spiral legs and fantastic ornaments almost as black as ebony--and here in the corner a fine old cabinet of oak, with its carved projections of flower and berry burnished bright, and standing out in clear relief from the dark background.

a quantifier that can be used with count nouns and is often preceded by “as” or “too” or “so” or “that”; amounting to a large but indefinite number

From this reading Every piece of wood about it is dark with age and careful preservation; rich ancient mahogany glimmering clear in the polish of many a year’s labour--little tables with twisted spiral legs and fantastic ornaments almost as black as ebony--and here in the corner a fine old cabinet of oak, with its carved projections of flower and berry burnished bright, and standing out in clear relief from the dark background.

thing or person that acts to produce a particular effect or achieve an end

From this reading The fire in the grate, quite discountenanced and overborne by the light which pours in from the west window, keeps up a persevering crackle, intent to catch the ear, and keep itself in notice by that means if by no other.

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

From this reading It is the only sound you can hear, except the hum of the eight-day clock in the passage without, and Jenny’s distant step upon the kitchen floor;--Menie is out again on some further explorations about the garden--Mrs Laurie sits and works alone.

used to say something is possible but not certain

From this reading You might call this room a drawing-room if you were ambitiously disposed--it is only the parlour in Burnside.

a form of address for a married woman

From this reading Mrs Laurie of Burnside sits alone in her sunny parlour.

not any; not one

From this reading The fire in the grate, quite discountenanced and overborne by the light which pours in from the west window, keeps up a persevering crackle, intent to catch the ear, and keep itself in notice by that means if by no other.

an announcement containing information about an event

From this reading The fire in the grate, quite discountenanced and overborne by the light which pours in from the west window, keeps up a persevering crackle, intent to catch the ear, and keep itself in notice by that means if by no other.

the hard durable wood of any oak; used especially for furniture and flooring

From this reading Every piece of wood about it is dark with age and careful preservation; rich ancient mahogany glimmering clear in the polish of many a year’s labour--little tables with twisted spiral legs and fantastic ornaments almost as black as ebony--and here in the corner a fine old cabinet of oak, with its carved projections of flower and berry burnished bright, and standing out in clear relief from the dark background.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading Mrs Laurie of Burnside sits alone in her sunny parlour.

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

From this reading Every piece of wood about it is dark with age and careful preservation; rich ancient mahogany glimmering clear in the polish of many a year’s labour--little tables with twisted spiral legs and fantastic ornaments almost as black as ebony--and here in the corner a fine old cabinet of oak, with its carved projections of flower and berry burnished bright, and standing out in clear relief from the dark background.

touching and supported by a surface

From this reading It is the only sound you can hear, except the hum of the eight-day clock in the passage without, and Jenny’s distant step upon the kitchen floor;--Menie is out again on some further explorations about the garden--Mrs Laurie sits and works alone.

and nothing more

From this reading It is the only sound you can hear, except the hum of the eight-day clock in the passage without, and Jenny’s distant step upon the kitchen floor;--Menie is out again on some further explorations about the garden--Mrs Laurie sits and works alone.

plural of “ornament” — something used to beautify

From this reading Every piece of wood about it is dark with age and careful preservation; rich ancient mahogany glimmering clear in the polish of many a year’s labour--little tables with twisted spiral legs and fantastic ornaments almost as black as ebony--and here in the corner a fine old cabinet of oak, with its carved projections of flower and berry burnished bright, and standing out in clear relief from the dark background.

not the same one or ones already mentioned or implied

From this reading The fire in the grate, quite discountenanced and overborne by the light which pours in from the west window, keeps up a persevering crackle, intent to catch the ear, and keep itself in notice by that means if by no other.

not allowed to continue to bat or run

From this reading It is the only sound you can hear, except the hum of the eight-day clock in the passage without, and Jenny’s distant step upon the kitchen floor;--Menie is out again on some further explorations about the garden--Mrs Laurie sits and works alone.

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

From this reading The fire in the grate, quite discountenanced and overborne by the light which pours in from the west window, keeps up a persevering crackle, intent to catch the ear, and keep itself in notice by that means if by no other.

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

From this reading Mrs Laurie of Burnside sits alone in her sunny parlour.

the act of passing from one state or place to the next

From this reading It is the only sound you can hear, except the hum of the eight-day clock in the passage without, and Jenny’s distant step upon the kitchen floor;--Menie is out again on some further explorations about the garden--Mrs Laurie sits and works alone.

quietly and steadily persevering especially in detail or exactness

From this reading The fire in the grate, quite discountenanced and overborne by the light which pours in from the west window, keeps up a persevering crackle, intent to catch the ear, and keep itself in notice by that means if by no other.

a separate part of a whole

From this reading Every piece of wood about it is dark with age and careful preservation; rich ancient mahogany glimmering clear in the polish of many a year’s labour--little tables with twisted spiral legs and fantastic ornaments almost as black as ebony--and here in the corner a fine old cabinet of oak, with its carved projections of flower and berry burnished bright, and standing out in clear relief from the dark background.

the property of being smooth and shiny

From this reading Every piece of wood about it is dark with age and careful preservation; rich ancient mahogany glimmering clear in the polish of many a year’s labour--little tables with twisted spiral legs and fantastic ornaments almost as black as ebony--and here in the corner a fine old cabinet of oak, with its carved projections of flower and berry burnished bright, and standing out in clear relief from the dark background.

third-person singular of “pour” — cause to run

From this reading The fire in the grate, quite discountenanced and overborne by the light which pours in from the west window, keeps up a persevering crackle, intent to catch the ear, and keep itself in notice by that means if by no other.

the activity of protecting something from loss or danger

From this reading Every piece of wood about it is dark with age and careful preservation; rich ancient mahogany glimmering clear in the polish of many a year’s labour--little tables with twisted spiral legs and fantastic ornaments almost as black as ebony--and here in the corner a fine old cabinet of oak, with its carved projections of flower and berry burnished bright, and standing out in clear relief from the dark background.

plural of “projection” — a prediction made by extrapolating from past observations

From this reading Every piece of wood about it is dark with age and careful preservation; rich ancient mahogany glimmering clear in the polish of many a year’s labour--little tables with twisted spiral legs and fantastic ornaments almost as black as ebony--and here in the corner a fine old cabinet of oak, with its carved projections of flower and berry burnished bright, and standing out in clear relief from the dark background.

to a degree (not used with a negative)

From this reading The fire in the grate, quite discountenanced and overborne by the light which pours in from the west window, keeps up a persevering crackle, intent to catch the ear, and keep itself in notice by that means if by no other.

the feeling that comes when something burdensome is removed or reduced

From this reading Every piece of wood about it is dark with age and careful preservation; rich ancient mahogany glimmering clear in the polish of many a year’s labour--little tables with twisted spiral legs and fantastic ornaments almost as black as ebony--and here in the corner a fine old cabinet of oak, with its carved projections of flower and berry burnished bright, and standing out in clear relief from the dark background.

possessing material wealth

From this reading Every piece of wood about it is dark with age and careful preservation; rich ancient mahogany glimmering clear in the polish of many a year’s labour--little tables with twisted spiral legs and fantastic ornaments almost as black as ebony--and here in the corner a fine old cabinet of oak, with its carved projections of flower and berry burnished bright, and standing out in clear relief from the dark background.

an area within a building enclosed by walls and floor and ceiling

From this reading You might call this room a drawing-room if you were ambitiously disposed--it is only the parlour in Burnside.

third-person singular of “sit” — be seated

From this reading Mrs Laurie of Burnside sits alone in her sunny parlour.

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

From this reading It is the only sound you can hear, except the hum of the eight-day clock in the passage without, and Jenny’s distant step upon the kitchen floor;--Menie is out again on some further explorations about the garden--Mrs Laurie sits and works alone.

the particular auditory effect produced by a given cause

From this reading It is the only sound you can hear, except the hum of the eight-day clock in the passage without, and Jenny’s distant step upon the kitchen floor;--Menie is out again on some further explorations about the garden--Mrs Laurie sits and works alone.

a plane curve traced by a point circling about the center but at increasing distances from the center

From this reading Every piece of wood about it is dark with age and careful preservation; rich ancient mahogany glimmering clear in the polish of many a year’s labour--little tables with twisted spiral legs and fantastic ornaments almost as black as ebony--and here in the corner a fine old cabinet of oak, with its carved projections of flower and berry burnished bright, and standing out in clear relief from the dark background.

having a supporting base

From this reading Every piece of wood about it is dark with age and careful preservation; rich ancient mahogany glimmering clear in the polish of many a year’s labour--little tables with twisted spiral legs and fantastic ornaments almost as black as ebony--and here in the corner a fine old cabinet of oak, with its carved projections of flower and berry burnished bright, and standing out in clear relief from the dark background.

any maneuver made as part of progress toward a goal

From this reading It is the only sound you can hear, except the hum of the eight-day clock in the passage without, and Jenny’s distant step upon the kitchen floor;--Menie is out again on some further explorations about the garden--Mrs Laurie sits and works alone.

bright and pleasant; promoting a feeling of cheer

From this reading Mrs Laurie of Burnside sits alone in her sunny parlour.

plural of “table” — a set of data arranged in rows and columns

From this reading Every piece of wood about it is dark with age and careful preservation; rich ancient mahogany glimmering clear in the polish of many a year’s labour--little tables with twisted spiral legs and fantastic ornaments almost as black as ebony--and here in the corner a fine old cabinet of oak, with its carved projections of flower and berry burnished bright, and standing out in clear relief from the dark background.

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading The fire in the grate, quite discountenanced and overborne by the light which pours in from the west window, keeps up a persevering crackle, intent to catch the ear, and keep itself in notice by that means if by no other.

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

From this reading The fire in the grate, quite discountenanced and overborne by the light which pours in from the west window, keeps up a persevering crackle, intent to catch the ear, and keep itself in notice by that means if by no other.

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

From this reading You might call this room a drawing-room if you were ambitiously disposed--it is only the parlour in Burnside.

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

From this reading The fire in the grate, quite discountenanced and overborne by the light which pours in from the west window, keeps up a persevering crackle, intent to catch the ear, and keep itself in notice by that means if by no other.

having an intended meaning altered or misrepresented

From this reading Every piece of wood about it is dark with age and careful preservation; rich ancient mahogany glimmering clear in the polish of many a year’s labour--little tables with twisted spiral legs and fantastic ornaments almost as black as ebony--and here in the corner a fine old cabinet of oak, with its carved projections of flower and berry burnished bright, and standing out in clear relief from the dark background.

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

From this reading The fire in the grate, quite discountenanced and overborne by the light which pours in from the west window, keeps up a persevering crackle, intent to catch the ear, and keep itself in notice by that means if by no other.

a formal word for “on”

From this reading It is the only sound you can hear, except the hum of the eight-day clock in the passage without, and Jenny’s distant step upon the kitchen floor;--Menie is out again on some further explorations about the garden--Mrs Laurie sits and works alone.

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

From this reading You might call this room a drawing-room if you were ambitiously disposed--it is only the parlour in Burnside.

the countries of (originally) Europe and (now including) North America and South America

From this reading The fire in the grate, quite discountenanced and overborne by the light which pours in from the west window, keeps up a persevering crackle, intent to catch the ear, and keep itself in notice by that means if by no other.

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

From this reading The fire in the grate, quite discountenanced and overborne by the light which pours in from the west window, keeps up a persevering crackle, intent to catch the ear, and keep itself in notice by that means if by no other.

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

From this reading The fire in the grate, quite discountenanced and overborne by the light which pours in from the west window, keeps up a persevering crackle, intent to catch the ear, and keep itself in notice by that means if by no other.

in the company of; together with

From this reading Every piece of wood about it is dark with age and careful preservation; rich ancient mahogany glimmering clear in the polish of many a year’s labour--little tables with twisted spiral legs and fantastic ornaments almost as black as ebony--and here in the corner a fine old cabinet of oak, with its carved projections of flower and berry burnished bright, and standing out in clear relief from the dark background.

not having, not using, or not accompanied by

From this reading It is the only sound you can hear, except the hum of the eight-day clock in the passage without, and Jenny’s distant step upon the kitchen floor;--Menie is out again on some further explorations about the garden--Mrs Laurie sits and works alone.

the hard fibrous lignified substance under the bark of trees

From this reading Every piece of wood about it is dark with age and careful preservation; rich ancient mahogany glimmering clear in the polish of many a year’s labour--little tables with twisted spiral legs and fantastic ornaments almost as black as ebony--and here in the corner a fine old cabinet of oak, with its carved projections of flower and berry burnished bright, and standing out in clear relief from the dark background.

buildings for carrying on industrial labor

From this reading It is the only sound you can hear, except the hum of the eight-day clock in the passage without, and Jenny’s distant step upon the kitchen floor;--Menie is out again on some further explorations about the garden--Mrs Laurie sits and works alone.

possessive form of “year” — a period of time containing 365 (or 366) days

From this reading Every piece of wood about it is dark with age and careful preservation; rich ancient mahogany glimmering clear in the polish of many a year’s labour--little tables with twisted spiral legs and fantastic ornaments almost as black as ebony--and here in the corner a fine old cabinet of oak, with its carved projections of flower and berry burnished bright, and standing out in clear relief from the dark background.

the person or people being spoken to

From this reading It is the only sound you can hear, except the hum of the eight-day clock in the passage without, and Jenny’s distant step upon the kitchen floor;--Menie is out again on some further explorations about the garden--Mrs Laurie sits and works alone.