Chapter IV

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

From this reading “I’ve been hearing something from Miss Menie, mem,” said Jenny, entering the parlour of Burnside with a determined air, and planting herself firmly behind the door.

(followed by “to”) in agreement with or accordant with

From this reading Jenny was very short, very much of one thickness from the shoulders to the edge of the full round skirts under which pattered her hasty feet--and had a slight deformity, variously estimated by herself and her rustic equals according to the humour of the moment--being no more than “a high shouther” in Jenny’s sunshiny weather, but reaching the length of a desperate “thraw” when Jenny’s temper had come to be as “thrawn” as her frame.

tending to become more severe or wider in scope

From this reading Her lips closed upon each other firmly; her brow was marked with sundry horizontal lines, which it was by no means difficult to deepen into a frown; and Jenny’s eyes, grey, keen, and active, were at this present moment set in fierce steadiness and gravity; while the little snort of her “fuff,” and the little nod of her cap, with its full, well-ironed borders, gave timely intimation of the mood in which Jenny came.

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

From this reading “I’ve been hearing something from Miss Menie, mem,” said Jenny, entering the parlour of Burnside with a determined air, and planting herself firmly behind the door.

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

From this reading “I’ve been hearing something from Miss Menie, mem,” said Jenny, entering the parlour of Burnside with a determined air, and planting herself firmly behind the door.

one or some or every or all without specification

From this reading A full circle, bunchy, substantial, and comfortable, were Jenny’s woollen skirts, striped in cheerful colours; and you had no warrant for supposing that any slovenly superfluous bulk increased the natural dimensions of the round, considerable waist, or stiff, well-tightened boddice, of which Jenny’s clean short gown and firmly tied apron-strings defined the shape so well.

past form of “appear” — give a certain impression or have a certain outward aspect

From this reading Very scanty was Jenny’s hair, and very little of it appeared under her white muslin cap; and Jenny’s complexion was nothing to boast of, though some withered bloom remained upon her cheeks.

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

From this reading A full circle, bunchy, substantial, and comfortable, were Jenny’s woollen skirts, striped in cheerful colours; and you had no warrant for supposing that any slovenly superfluous bulk increased the natural dimensions of the round, considerable waist, or stiff, well-tightened boddice, of which Jenny’s clean short gown and firmly tied apron-strings defined the shape so well.

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

From this reading Jenny was very short, very much of one thickness from the shoulders to the edge of the full round skirts under which pattered her hasty feet--and had a slight deformity, variously estimated by herself and her rustic equals according to the humour of the moment--being no more than “a high shouther” in Jenny’s sunshiny weather, but reaching the length of a desperate “thraw” when Jenny’s temper had come to be as “thrawn” as her frame.

in or near a particular place or position

From this reading Her lips closed upon each other firmly; her brow was marked with sundry horizontal lines, which it was by no means difficult to deepen into a frown; and Jenny’s eyes, grey, keen, and active, were at this present moment set in fierce steadiness and gravity; while the little snort of her “fuff,” and the little nod of her cap, with its full, well-ironed borders, gave timely intimation of the mood in which Jenny came.

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

From this reading Jenny was very short, very much of one thickness from the shoulders to the edge of the full round skirts under which pattered her hasty feet--and had a slight deformity, variously estimated by herself and her rustic equals according to the humour of the moment--being no more than “a high shouther” in Jenny’s sunshiny weather, but reaching the length of a desperate “thraw” when Jenny’s temper had come to be as “thrawn” as her frame.

the past participle of “be”

From this reading “I’ve been hearing something from Miss Menie, mem,” said Jenny, entering the parlour of Burnside with a determined air, and planting herself firmly behind the door.

at or toward the back of something

From this reading “I’ve been hearing something from Miss Menie, mem,” said Jenny, entering the parlour of Burnside with a determined air, and planting herself firmly behind the door.

the -ing form of “be”

From this reading Jenny was very short, very much of one thickness from the shoulders to the edge of the full round skirts under which pattered her hasty feet--and had a slight deformity, variously estimated by herself and her rustic equals according to the humour of the moment--being no more than “a high shouther” in Jenny’s sunshiny weather, but reaching the length of a desperate “thraw” when Jenny’s temper had come to be as “thrawn” as her frame.

the organic process of bearing flowers

From this reading Very scanty was Jenny’s hair, and very little of it appeared under her white muslin cap; and Jenny’s complexion was nothing to boast of, though some withered bloom remained upon her cheeks.

show off

From this reading Very scanty was Jenny’s hair, and very little of it appeared under her white muslin cap; and Jenny’s complexion was nothing to boast of, though some withered bloom remained upon her cheeks.

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

From this reading A full circle, bunchy, substantial, and comfortable, were Jenny’s woollen skirts, striped in cheerful colours; and you had no warrant for supposing that any slovenly superfluous bulk increased the natural dimensions of the round, considerable waist, or stiff, well-tightened boddice, of which Jenny’s clean short gown and firmly tied apron-strings defined the shape so well.

plural of “border” — a line that indicates a boundary

From this reading Her lips closed upon each other firmly; her brow was marked with sundry horizontal lines, which it was by no means difficult to deepen into a frown; and Jenny’s eyes, grey, keen, and active, were at this present moment set in fierce steadiness and gravity; while the little snort of her “fuff,” and the little nod of her cap, with its full, well-ironed borders, gave timely intimation of the mood in which Jenny came.

the part of the face above the eyes

From this reading Her lips closed upon each other firmly; her brow was marked with sundry horizontal lines, which it was by no means difficult to deepen into a frown; and Jenny’s eyes, grey, keen, and active, were at this present moment set in fierce steadiness and gravity; while the little snort of her “fuff,” and the little nod of her cap, with its full, well-ironed borders, gave timely intimation of the mood in which Jenny came.

the property resulting from being or relating to the greater in number of two parts; the main part

From this reading A full circle, bunchy, substantial, and comfortable, were Jenny’s woollen skirts, striped in cheerful colours; and you had no warrant for supposing that any slovenly superfluous bulk increased the natural dimensions of the round, considerable waist, or stiff, well-tightened boddice, of which Jenny’s clean short gown and firmly tied apron-strings defined the shape so well.

occurring close together in bunches or clusters

From this reading A full circle, bunchy, substantial, and comfortable, were Jenny’s woollen skirts, striped in cheerful colours; and you had no warrant for supposing that any slovenly superfluous bulk increased the natural dimensions of the round, considerable waist, or stiff, well-tightened boddice, of which Jenny’s clean short gown and firmly tied apron-strings defined the shape so well.

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 “I’ve been hearing something from Miss Menie, mem,” said Jenny, entering the parlour of Burnside with a determined air, and planting herself firmly behind the door.

used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before

From this reading Jenny was very short, very much of one thickness from the shoulders to the edge of the full round skirts under which pattered her hasty feet--and had a slight deformity, variously estimated by herself and her rustic equals according to the humour of the moment--being no more than “a high shouther” in Jenny’s sunshiny weather, but reaching the length of a desperate “thraw” when Jenny’s temper had come to be as “thrawn” as her frame.

showing who or what does the action

From this reading Jenny was very short, very much of one thickness from the shoulders to the edge of the full round skirts under which pattered her hasty feet--and had a slight deformity, variously estimated by herself and her rustic equals according to the humour of the moment--being no more than “a high shouther” in Jenny’s sunshiny weather, but reaching the length of a desperate “thraw” when Jenny’s temper had come to be as “thrawn” as her frame.

inflected form of “come” — move toward, travel toward something or somebody or approach something or somebody

From this reading Her lips closed upon each other firmly; her brow was marked with sundry horizontal lines, which it was by no means difficult to deepen into a frown; and Jenny’s eyes, grey, keen, and active, were at this present moment set in fierce steadiness and gravity; while the little snort of her “fuff,” and the little nod of her cap, with its full, well-ironed borders, gave timely intimation of the mood in which Jenny came.

a tight-fitting headdress

From this reading Very scanty was Jenny’s hair, and very little of it appeared under her white muslin cap; and Jenny’s complexion was nothing to boast of, though some withered bloom remained upon her cheeks.

plural of “cheek” — either side of the face below the eyes

From this reading Very scanty was Jenny’s hair, and very little of it appeared under her white muslin cap; and Jenny’s complexion was nothing to boast of, though some withered bloom remained upon her cheeks.

being full of or promoting cheer; having or showing good spirits

From this reading A full circle, bunchy, substantial, and comfortable, were Jenny’s woollen skirts, striped in cheerful colours; and you had no warrant for supposing that any slovenly superfluous bulk increased the natural dimensions of the round, considerable waist, or stiff, well-tightened boddice, of which Jenny’s clean short gown and firmly tied apron-strings defined the shape so well.

ellipse in which the two axes are of equal length; a plane curve generated by one point moving at a constant distance from a fixed point

From this reading A full circle, bunchy, substantial, and comfortable, were Jenny’s woollen skirts, striped in cheerful colours; and you had no warrant for supposing that any slovenly superfluous bulk increased the natural dimensions of the round, considerable waist, or stiff, well-tightened boddice, of which Jenny’s clean short gown and firmly tied apron-strings defined the shape so well.

free from dirt or impurities; or having clean habits

From this reading A full circle, bunchy, substantial, and comfortable, were Jenny’s woollen skirts, striped in cheerful colours; and you had no warrant for supposing that any slovenly superfluous bulk increased the natural dimensions of the round, considerable waist, or stiff, well-tightened boddice, of which Jenny’s clean short gown and firmly tied apron-strings defined the shape so well.

not open or affording passage or access

From this reading Her lips closed upon each other firmly; her brow was marked with sundry horizontal lines, which it was by no means difficult to deepen into a frown; and Jenny’s eyes, grey, keen, and active, were at this present moment set in fierce steadiness and gravity; while the little snort of her “fuff,” and the little nod of her cap, with its full, well-ironed borders, gave timely intimation of the mood in which Jenny came.

a distinguishing emblem

From this reading A full circle, bunchy, substantial, and comfortable, were Jenny’s woollen skirts, striped in cheerful colours; and you had no warrant for supposing that any slovenly superfluous bulk increased the natural dimensions of the round, considerable waist, or stiff, well-tightened boddice, of which Jenny’s clean short gown and firmly tied apron-strings defined the shape so well.

move toward, travel toward something or somebody or approach something or somebody

From this reading Jenny was very short, very much of one thickness from the shoulders to the edge of the full round skirts under which pattered her hasty feet--and had a slight deformity, variously estimated by herself and her rustic equals according to the humour of the moment--being no more than “a high shouther” in Jenny’s sunshiny weather, but reaching the length of a desperate “thraw” when Jenny’s temper had come to be as “thrawn” as her frame.

providing or experiencing physical well-being or relief (“comfy” is informal)

From this reading A full circle, bunchy, substantial, and comfortable, were Jenny’s woollen skirts, striped in cheerful colours; and you had no warrant for supposing that any slovenly superfluous bulk increased the natural dimensions of the round, considerable waist, or stiff, well-tightened boddice, of which Jenny’s clean short gown and firmly tied apron-strings defined the shape so well.

the coloring of a person's face

From this reading Very scanty was Jenny’s hair, and very little of it appeared under her white muslin cap; and Jenny’s complexion was nothing to boast of, though some withered bloom remained upon her cheeks.

large or relatively large in number or amount or extent or degree

From this reading A full circle, bunchy, substantial, and comfortable, were Jenny’s woollen skirts, striped in cheerful colours; and you had no warrant for supposing that any slovenly superfluous bulk increased the natural dimensions of the round, considerable waist, or stiff, well-tightened boddice, of which Jenny’s clean short gown and firmly tied apron-strings defined the shape so well.

make more intense, stronger, or more marked

From this reading Her lips closed upon each other firmly; her brow was marked with sundry horizontal lines, which it was by no means difficult to deepen into a frown; and Jenny’s eyes, grey, keen, and active, were at this present moment set in fierce steadiness and gravity; while the little snort of her “fuff,” and the little nod of her cap, with its full, well-ironed borders, gave timely intimation of the mood in which Jenny came.

clearly characterized or delimited

From this reading A full circle, bunchy, substantial, and comfortable, were Jenny’s woollen skirts, striped in cheerful colours; and you had no warrant for supposing that any slovenly superfluous bulk increased the natural dimensions of the round, considerable waist, or stiff, well-tightened boddice, of which Jenny’s clean short gown and firmly tied apron-strings defined the shape so well.

an affliction in which some part of the body is misshapen or malformed

From this reading Jenny was very short, very much of one thickness from the shoulders to the edge of the full round skirts under which pattered her hasty feet--and had a slight deformity, variously estimated by herself and her rustic equals according to the humour of the moment--being no more than “a high shouther” in Jenny’s sunshiny weather, but reaching the length of a desperate “thraw” when Jenny’s temper had come to be as “thrawn” as her frame.

arising from or marked by despair or loss of hope

From this reading Jenny was very short, very much of one thickness from the shoulders to the edge of the full round skirts under which pattered her hasty feet--and had a slight deformity, variously estimated by herself and her rustic equals according to the humour of the moment--being no more than “a high shouther” in Jenny’s sunshiny weather, but reaching the length of a desperate “thraw” when Jenny’s temper had come to be as “thrawn” as her frame.

characterized by great determination

From this reading “I’ve been hearing something from Miss Menie, mem,” said Jenny, entering the parlour of Burnside with a determined air, and planting herself firmly behind the door.

not easy; requiring great physical or mental effort to accomplish or comprehend or endure

From this reading Her lips closed upon each other firmly; her brow was marked with sundry horizontal lines, which it was by no means difficult to deepen into a frown; and Jenny’s eyes, grey, keen, and active, were at this present moment set in fierce steadiness and gravity; while the little snort of her “fuff,” and the little nod of her cap, with its full, well-ironed borders, gave timely intimation of the mood in which Jenny came.

plural of “dimension” — the magnitude of something in a particular direction (especially length or width or height)

From this reading A full circle, bunchy, substantial, and comfortable, were Jenny’s woollen skirts, striped in cheerful colours; and you had no warrant for supposing that any slovenly superfluous bulk increased the natural dimensions of the round, considerable waist, or stiff, well-tightened boddice, of which Jenny’s clean short gown and firmly tied apron-strings defined the shape so well.

a swinging or sliding barrier that will close the entrance to a room or building or vehicle

From this reading “I’ve been hearing something from Miss Menie, mem,” said Jenny, entering the parlour of Burnside with a determined air, and planting herself firmly behind the door.

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

From this reading Her lips closed upon each other firmly; her brow was marked with sundry horizontal lines, which it was by no means difficult to deepen into a frown; and Jenny’s eyes, grey, keen, and active, were at this present moment set in fierce steadiness and gravity; while the little snort of her “fuff,” and the little nod of her cap, with its full, well-ironed borders, gave timely intimation of the mood in which Jenny came.

the boundary of a surface

From this reading Jenny was very short, very much of one thickness from the shoulders to the edge of the full round skirts under which pattered her hasty feet--and had a slight deformity, variously estimated by herself and her rustic equals according to the humour of the moment--being no more than “a high shouther” in Jenny’s sunshiny weather, but reaching the length of a desperate “thraw” when Jenny’s temper had come to be as “thrawn” as her frame.

a movement into or inward

From this reading “I’ve been hearing something from Miss Menie, mem,” said Jenny, entering the parlour of Burnside with a determined air, and planting herself firmly behind the door.

plural of “equal” — a person who is of equal standing with another in a group

From this reading Jenny was very short, very much of one thickness from the shoulders to the edge of the full round skirts under which pattered her hasty feet--and had a slight deformity, variously estimated by herself and her rustic equals according to the humour of the moment--being no more than “a high shouther” in Jenny’s sunshiny weather, but reaching the length of a desperate “thraw” when Jenny’s temper had come to be as “thrawn” as her frame.

past form of “estimate” — judge tentatively or form an estimate of (quantities or time)

From this reading Jenny was very short, very much of one thickness from the shoulders to the edge of the full round skirts under which pattered her hasty feet--and had a slight deformity, variously estimated by herself and her rustic equals according to the humour of the moment--being no more than “a high shouther” in Jenny’s sunshiny weather, but reaching the length of a desperate “thraw” when Jenny’s temper had come to be as “thrawn” as her frame.

opinion or judgment

From this reading Her lips closed upon each other firmly; her brow was marked with sundry horizontal lines, which it was by no means difficult to deepen into a frown; and Jenny’s eyes, grey, keen, and active, were at this present moment set in fierce steadiness and gravity; while the little snort of her “fuff,” and the little nod of her cap, with its full, well-ironed borders, gave timely intimation of the mood in which Jenny came.

plural of “foot” — the part of the leg of a human being below the ankle joint

From this reading Jenny was very short, very much of one thickness from the shoulders to the edge of the full round skirts under which pattered her hasty feet--and had a slight deformity, variously estimated by herself and her rustic equals according to the humour of the moment--being no more than “a high shouther” in Jenny’s sunshiny weather, but reaching the length of a desperate “thraw” when Jenny’s temper had come to be as “thrawn” as her frame.

marked by extreme and violent energy

From this reading Her lips closed upon each other firmly; her brow was marked with sundry horizontal lines, which it was by no means difficult to deepen into a frown; and Jenny’s eyes, grey, keen, and active, were at this present moment set in fierce steadiness and gravity; while the little snort of her “fuff,” and the little nod of her cap, with its full, well-ironed borders, gave timely intimation of the mood in which Jenny came.

with resolute determination

From this reading “I’ve been hearing something from Miss Menie, mem,” said Jenny, entering the parlour of Burnside with a determined air, and planting herself firmly behind the door.

intended to be given to, or used by, somebody

From this reading A full circle, bunchy, substantial, and comfortable, were Jenny’s woollen skirts, striped in cheerful colours; and you had no warrant for supposing that any slovenly superfluous bulk increased the natural dimensions of the round, considerable waist, or stiff, well-tightened boddice, of which Jenny’s clean short gown and firmly tied apron-strings defined the shape so well.

enclose in or as if in a frame

From this reading Jenny was very short, very much of one thickness from the shoulders to the edge of the full round skirts under which pattered her hasty feet--and had a slight deformity, variously estimated by herself and her rustic equals according to the humour of the moment--being no more than “a high shouther” in Jenny’s sunshiny weather, but reaching the length of a desperate “thraw” when Jenny’s temper had come to be as “thrawn” as her frame.

showing where something starts, or who sent it

From this reading “I’ve been hearing something from Miss Menie, mem,” said Jenny, entering the parlour of Burnside with a determined air, and planting herself firmly behind the door.

look angry or sullen, wrinkle one's forehead, as if to signal disapproval

From this reading Her lips closed upon each other firmly; her brow was marked with sundry horizontal lines, which it was by no means difficult to deepen into a frown; and Jenny’s eyes, grey, keen, and active, were at this present moment set in fierce steadiness and gravity; while the little snort of her “fuff,” and the little nod of her cap, with its full, well-ironed borders, gave timely intimation of the mood in which Jenny came.

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

From this reading Her lips closed upon each other firmly; her brow was marked with sundry horizontal lines, which it was by no means difficult to deepen into a frown; and Jenny’s eyes, grey, keen, and active, were at this present moment set in fierce steadiness and gravity; while the little snort of her “fuff,” and the little nod of her cap, with its full, well-ironed borders, gave timely intimation of the mood in which Jenny came.

containing as much or as many as is possible or normal

From this reading Jenny was very short, very much of one thickness from the shoulders to the edge of the full round skirts under which pattered her hasty feet--and had a slight deformity, variously estimated by herself and her rustic equals according to the humour of the moment--being no more than “a high shouther” in Jenny’s sunshiny weather, but reaching the length of a desperate “thraw” when Jenny’s temper had come to be as “thrawn” as her frame.

inflected form of “give” — cause to have, in the abstract sense or physical sense

From this reading Her lips closed upon each other firmly; her brow was marked with sundry horizontal lines, which it was by no means difficult to deepen into a frown; and Jenny’s eyes, grey, keen, and active, were at this present moment set in fierce steadiness and gravity; while the little snort of her “fuff,” and the little nod of her cap, with its full, well-ironed borders, gave timely intimation of the mood in which Jenny came.

a woman's dress, usually with a close-fitting bodice and a long flared skirt, often worn on formal occasions

From this reading A full circle, bunchy, substantial, and comfortable, were Jenny’s woollen skirts, striped in cheerful colours; and you had no warrant for supposing that any slovenly superfluous bulk increased the natural dimensions of the round, considerable waist, or stiff, well-tightened boddice, of which Jenny’s clean short gown and firmly tied apron-strings defined the shape so well.

(physics) the force of attraction between all masses in the universe; especially the attraction of the earth's mass for bodies near its surface

From this reading Her lips closed upon each other firmly; her brow was marked with sundry horizontal lines, which it was by no means difficult to deepen into a frown; and Jenny’s eyes, grey, keen, and active, were at this present moment set in fierce steadiness and gravity; while the little snort of her “fuff,” and the little nod of her cap, with its full, well-ironed borders, gave timely intimation of the mood in which Jenny came.

of an achromatic color of any lightness intermediate between the extremes of white and black

From this reading Her lips closed upon each other firmly; her brow was marked with sundry horizontal lines, which it was by no means difficult to deepen into a frown; and Jenny’s eyes, grey, keen, and active, were at this present moment set in fierce steadiness and gravity; while the little snort of her “fuff,” and the little nod of her cap, with its full, well-ironed borders, gave timely intimation of the mood in which Jenny came.

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

From this reading Jenny was very short, very much of one thickness from the shoulders to the edge of the full round skirts under which pattered her hasty feet--and had a slight deformity, variously estimated by herself and her rustic equals according to the humour of the moment--being no more than “a high shouther” in Jenny’s sunshiny weather, but reaching the length of a desperate “thraw” when Jenny’s temper had come to be as “thrawn” as her frame.

a covering for the body (or parts of it) consisting of a dense growth of threadlike structures (as on the human head); helps to prevent heat loss

From this reading Very scanty was Jenny’s hair, and very little of it appeared under her white muslin cap; and Jenny’s complexion was nothing to boast of, though some withered bloom remained upon her cheeks.

excessively quick

From this reading Jenny was very short, very much of one thickness from the shoulders to the edge of the full round skirts under which pattered her hasty feet--and had a slight deformity, variously estimated by herself and her rustic equals according to the humour of the moment--being no more than “a high shouther” in Jenny’s sunshiny weather, but reaching the length of a desperate “thraw” when Jenny’s temper had come to be as “thrawn” as her frame.

(law) a proceeding (usually by a court) where evidence is taken for the purpose of determining an issue of fact and reaching a decision based on that evidence

From this reading “I’ve been hearing something from Miss Menie, mem,” said Jenny, entering the parlour of Burnside with a determined air, and planting herself firmly behind the door.

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

From this reading Jenny was very short, very much of one thickness from the shoulders to the edge of the full round skirts under which pattered her hasty feet--and had a slight deformity, variously estimated by herself and her rustic equals according to the humour of the moment--being no more than “a high shouther” in Jenny’s sunshiny weather, but reaching the length of a desperate “thraw” when Jenny’s temper had come to be as “thrawn” as her frame.

used when the woman or girl doing the action is also its object

From this reading “I’ve been hearing something from Miss Menie, mem,” said Jenny, entering the parlour of Burnside with a determined air, and planting herself firmly behind the door.

greater than normal in degree or intensity or amount

From this reading Jenny was very short, very much of one thickness from the shoulders to the edge of the full round skirts under which pattered her hasty feet--and had a slight deformity, variously estimated by herself and her rustic equals according to the humour of the moment--being no more than “a high shouther” in Jenny’s sunshiny weather, but reaching the length of a desperate “thraw” when Jenny’s temper had come to be as “thrawn” as her frame.

parallel to or in the plane of the horizon or a base line

From this reading Her lips closed upon each other firmly; her brow was marked with sundry horizontal lines, which it was by no means difficult to deepen into a frown; and Jenny’s eyes, grey, keen, and active, were at this present moment set in fierce steadiness and gravity; while the little snort of her “fuff,” and the little nod of her cap, with its full, well-ironed borders, gave timely intimation of the mood in which Jenny came.

a characteristic (habitual or relatively temporary) state of feeling

From this reading Jenny was very short, very much of one thickness from the shoulders to the edge of the full round skirts under which pattered her hasty feet--and had a slight deformity, variously estimated by herself and her rustic equals according to the humour of the moment--being no more than “a high shouther” in Jenny’s sunshiny weather, but reaching the length of a desperate “thraw” when Jenny’s temper had come to be as “thrawn” as her frame.

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

From this reading “I’ve been hearing something from Miss Menie, mem,” said Jenny, entering the parlour of Burnside with a determined air, and planting herself firmly behind the door.

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

From this reading Jenny was very short, very much of one thickness from the shoulders to the edge of the full round skirts under which pattered her hasty feet--and had a slight deformity, variously estimated by herself and her rustic equals according to the humour of the moment--being no more than “a high shouther” in Jenny’s sunshiny weather, but reaching the length of a desperate “thraw” when Jenny’s temper had come to be as “thrawn” as her frame.

made greater in size or amount or degree

From this reading A full circle, bunchy, substantial, and comfortable, were Jenny’s woollen skirts, striped in cheerful colours; and you had no warrant for supposing that any slovenly superfluous bulk increased the natural dimensions of the round, considerable waist, or stiff, well-tightened boddice, of which Jenny’s clean short gown and firmly tied apron-strings defined the shape so well.

an indirect suggestion

From this reading Her lips closed upon each other firmly; her brow was marked with sundry horizontal lines, which it was by no means difficult to deepen into a frown; and Jenny’s eyes, grey, keen, and active, were at this present moment set in fierce steadiness and gravity; while the little snort of her “fuff,” and the little nod of her cap, with its full, well-ironed borders, gave timely intimation of the mood in which Jenny came.

moving to the inside of something

From this reading Her lips closed upon each other firmly; her brow was marked with sundry horizontal lines, which it was by no means difficult to deepen into a frown; and Jenny’s eyes, grey, keen, and active, were at this present moment set in fierce steadiness and gravity; while the little snort of her “fuff,” and the little nod of her cap, with its full, well-ironed borders, gave timely intimation of the mood in which Jenny came.

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading Very scanty was Jenny’s hair, and very little of it appeared under her white muslin cap; and Jenny’s complexion was nothing to boast of, though some withered bloom remained upon her cheeks.

belonging to the thing or animal already mentioned

From this reading Her lips closed upon each other firmly; her brow was marked with sundry horizontal lines, which it was by no means difficult to deepen into a frown; and Jenny’s eyes, grey, keen, and active, were at this present moment set in fierce steadiness and gravity; while the little snort of her “fuff,” and the little nod of her cap, with its full, well-ironed borders, gave timely intimation of the mood in which Jenny came.

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

From this reading “I’ve been hearing something from Miss Menie, mem,” said Jenny, entering the parlour of Burnside with a determined air, and planting herself firmly behind the door.

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

From this reading Jenny was very short, very much of one thickness from the shoulders to the edge of the full round skirts under which pattered her hasty feet--and had a slight deformity, variously estimated by herself and her rustic equals according to the humour of the moment--being no more than “a high shouther” in Jenny’s sunshiny weather, but reaching the length of a desperate “thraw” when Jenny’s temper had come to be as “thrawn” as her frame.

having or demonstrating ability to recognize or draw fine distinctions

From this reading Her lips closed upon each other firmly; her brow was marked with sundry horizontal lines, which it was by no means difficult to deepen into a frown; and Jenny’s eyes, grey, keen, and active, were at this present moment set in fierce steadiness and gravity; while the little snort of her “fuff,” and the little nod of her cap, with its full, well-ironed borders, gave timely intimation of the mood in which Jenny came.

the linear extent in space from one end to the other; the longest dimension of something that is fixed in place

From this reading Jenny was very short, very much of one thickness from the shoulders to the edge of the full round skirts under which pattered her hasty feet--and had a slight deformity, variously estimated by herself and her rustic equals according to the humour of the moment--being no more than “a high shouther” in Jenny’s sunshiny weather, but reaching the length of a desperate “thraw” when Jenny’s temper had come to be as “thrawn” as her frame.

plural of “line” — a formation of people or things one beside another

From this reading Her lips closed upon each other firmly; her brow was marked with sundry horizontal lines, which it was by no means difficult to deepen into a frown; and Jenny’s eyes, grey, keen, and active, were at this present moment set in fierce steadiness and gravity; while the little snort of her “fuff,” and the little nod of her cap, with its full, well-ironed borders, gave timely intimation of the mood in which Jenny came.

plural of “lip” — either of two fleshy folds of tissue that surround the mouth and play a role in speaking

From this reading Her lips closed upon each other firmly; her brow was marked with sundry horizontal lines, which it was by no means difficult to deepen into a frown; and Jenny’s eyes, grey, keen, and active, were at this present moment set in fierce steadiness and gravity; while the little snort of her “fuff,” and the little nod of her cap, with its full, well-ironed borders, gave timely intimation of the mood in which Jenny came.

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

From this reading Very scanty was Jenny’s hair, and very little of it appeared under her white muslin cap; and Jenny’s complexion was nothing to boast of, though some withered bloom remained upon her cheeks.

strongly marked; easily noticeable

From this reading Her lips closed upon each other firmly; her brow was marked with sundry horizontal lines, which it was by no means difficult to deepen into a frown; and Jenny’s eyes, grey, keen, and active, were at this present moment set in fierce steadiness and gravity; while the little snort of her “fuff,” and the little nod of her cap, with its full, well-ironed borders, gave timely intimation of the mood in which Jenny came.

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

From this reading Her lips closed upon each other firmly; her brow was marked with sundry horizontal lines, which it was by no means difficult to deepen into a frown; and Jenny’s eyes, grey, keen, and active, were at this present moment set in fierce steadiness and gravity; while the little snort of her “fuff,” and the little nod of her cap, with its full, well-ironed borders, gave timely intimation of the mood in which Jenny came.

the 13th letter of the Hebrew alphabet

From this reading “I’ve been hearing something from Miss Menie, mem,” said Jenny, entering the parlour of Burnside with a determined air, and planting herself firmly behind the door.

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

From this reading “I’ve been hearing something from Miss Menie, mem,” said Jenny, entering the parlour of Burnside with a determined air, and planting herself firmly behind the door.

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

From this reading “I’ve been hearing something from Miss Menie, mem,” said Jenny, entering the parlour of Burnside with a determined air, and planting herself firmly behind the door.

a particular point in time

From this reading Jenny was very short, very much of one thickness from the shoulders to the edge of the full round skirts under which pattered her hasty feet--and had a slight deformity, variously estimated by herself and her rustic equals according to the humour of the moment--being no more than “a high shouther” in Jenny’s sunshiny weather, but reaching the length of a desperate “thraw” when Jenny’s temper had come to be as “thrawn” as her frame.

a characteristic (habitual or relatively temporary) state of feeling

From this reading Her lips closed upon each other firmly; her brow was marked with sundry horizontal lines, which it was by no means difficult to deepen into a frown; and Jenny’s eyes, grey, keen, and active, were at this present moment set in fierce steadiness and gravity; while the little snort of her “fuff,” and the little nod of her cap, with its full, well-ironed borders, gave timely intimation of the mood in which Jenny came.

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

From this reading Jenny was very short, very much of one thickness from the shoulders to the edge of the full round skirts under which pattered her hasty feet--and had a slight deformity, variously estimated by herself and her rustic equals according to the humour of the moment--being no more than “a high shouther” in Jenny’s sunshiny weather, but reaching the length of a desperate “thraw” when Jenny’s temper had come to be as “thrawn” as her frame.

to a great degree or extent

From this reading Jenny was very short, very much of one thickness from the shoulders to the edge of the full round skirts under which pattered her hasty feet--and had a slight deformity, variously estimated by herself and her rustic equals according to the humour of the moment--being no more than “a high shouther” in Jenny’s sunshiny weather, but reaching the length of a desperate “thraw” when Jenny’s temper had come to be as “thrawn” as her frame.

plain-woven cotton fabric

From this reading Very scanty was Jenny’s hair, and very little of it appeared under her white muslin cap; and Jenny’s complexion was nothing to boast of, though some withered bloom remained upon her cheeks.

in accordance with nature; relating to or concerning nature

From this reading A full circle, bunchy, substantial, and comfortable, were Jenny’s woollen skirts, striped in cheerful colours; and you had no warrant for supposing that any slovenly superfluous bulk increased the natural dimensions of the round, considerable waist, or stiff, well-tightened boddice, of which Jenny’s clean short gown and firmly tied apron-strings defined the shape so well.

not any; not one

From this reading Jenny was very short, very much of one thickness from the shoulders to the edge of the full round skirts under which pattered her hasty feet--and had a slight deformity, variously estimated by herself and her rustic equals according to the humour of the moment--being no more than “a high shouther” in Jenny’s sunshiny weather, but reaching the length of a desperate “thraw” when Jenny’s temper had come to be as “thrawn” as her frame.

express or signify by nodding

From this reading Her lips closed upon each other firmly; her brow was marked with sundry horizontal lines, which it was by no means difficult to deepen into a frown; and Jenny’s eyes, grey, keen, and active, were at this present moment set in fierce steadiness and gravity; while the little snort of her “fuff,” and the little nod of her cap, with its full, well-ironed borders, gave timely intimation of the mood in which Jenny came.

not one thing; not anything

From this reading Very scanty was Jenny’s hair, and very little of it appeared under her white muslin cap; and Jenny’s complexion was nothing to boast of, though some withered bloom remained upon her cheeks.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading “I’ve been hearing something from Miss Menie, mem,” said Jenny, entering the parlour of Burnside with a determined air, and planting herself firmly behind the door.

used to mean any person in general, including the speaker

From this reading Jenny was very short, very much of one thickness from the shoulders to the edge of the full round skirts under which pattered her hasty feet--and had a slight deformity, variously estimated by herself and her rustic equals according to the humour of the moment--being no more than “a high shouther” in Jenny’s sunshiny weather, but reaching the length of a desperate “thraw” when Jenny’s temper had come to be as “thrawn” as her frame.

used to join alternatives or possibilities

From this reading A full circle, bunchy, substantial, and comfortable, were Jenny’s woollen skirts, striped in cheerful colours; and you had no warrant for supposing that any slovenly superfluous bulk increased the natural dimensions of the round, considerable waist, or stiff, well-tightened boddice, of which Jenny’s clean short gown and firmly tied apron-strings defined the shape so well.

not the same one or ones already mentioned or implied

From this reading Her lips closed upon each other firmly; her brow was marked with sundry horizontal lines, which it was by no means difficult to deepen into a frown; and Jenny’s eyes, grey, keen, and active, were at this present moment set in fierce steadiness and gravity; while the little snort of her “fuff,” and the little nod of her cap, with its full, well-ironed borders, gave timely intimation of the mood in which Jenny came.

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

From this reading “I’ve been hearing something from Miss Menie, mem,” said Jenny, entering the parlour of Burnside with a determined air, and planting herself firmly behind the door.

past form of “patter” — rain gently

From this reading Jenny was very short, very much of one thickness from the shoulders to the edge of the full round skirts under which pattered her hasty feet--and had a slight deformity, variously estimated by herself and her rustic equals according to the humour of the moment--being no more than “a high shouther” in Jenny’s sunshiny weather, but reaching the length of a desperate “thraw” when Jenny’s temper had come to be as “thrawn” as her frame.

the act of fixing firmly in place

From this reading “I’ve been hearing something from Miss Menie, mem,” said Jenny, entering the parlour of Burnside with a determined air, and planting herself firmly behind the door.

give an exhibition of to an interested audience

From this reading Her lips closed upon each other firmly; her brow was marked with sundry horizontal lines, which it was by no means difficult to deepen into a frown; and Jenny’s eyes, grey, keen, and active, were at this present moment set in fierce steadiness and gravity; while the little snort of her “fuff,” and the little nod of her cap, with its full, well-ironed borders, gave timely intimation of the mood in which Jenny came.

the act of physically reaching or thrusting out

From this reading Jenny was very short, very much of one thickness from the shoulders to the edge of the full round skirts under which pattered her hasty feet--and had a slight deformity, variously estimated by herself and her rustic equals according to the humour of the moment--being no more than “a high shouther” in Jenny’s sunshiny weather, but reaching the length of a desperate “thraw” when Jenny’s temper had come to be as “thrawn” as her frame.

past form of “remain” — stay the same; remain in a certain state

From this reading Very scanty was Jenny’s hair, and very little of it appeared under her white muslin cap; and Jenny’s complexion was nothing to boast of, though some withered bloom remained upon her cheeks.

a charge of ammunition for a single shot

From this reading Jenny was very short, very much of one thickness from the shoulders to the edge of the full round skirts under which pattered her hasty feet--and had a slight deformity, variously estimated by herself and her rustic equals according to the humour of the moment--being no more than “a high shouther” in Jenny’s sunshiny weather, but reaching the length of a desperate “thraw” when Jenny’s temper had come to be as “thrawn” as her frame.

characteristic of rural life

From this reading Jenny was very short, very much of one thickness from the shoulders to the edge of the full round skirts under which pattered her hasty feet--and had a slight deformity, variously estimated by herself and her rustic equals according to the humour of the moment--being no more than “a high shouther” in Jenny’s sunshiny weather, but reaching the length of a desperate “thraw” when Jenny’s temper had come to be as “thrawn” as her frame.

being the one previously mentioned or spoken of

From this reading “I’ve been hearing something from Miss Menie, mem,” said Jenny, entering the parlour of Burnside with a determined air, and planting herself firmly behind the door.

lacking in magnitude or quantity

From this reading Very scanty was Jenny’s hair, and very little of it appeared under her white muslin cap; and Jenny’s complexion was nothing to boast of, though some withered bloom remained upon her cheeks.

put into a certain place or abstract location

From this reading Her lips closed upon each other firmly; her brow was marked with sundry horizontal lines, which it was by no means difficult to deepen into a frown; and Jenny’s eyes, grey, keen, and active, were at this present moment set in fierce steadiness and gravity; while the little snort of her “fuff,” and the little nod of her cap, with its full, well-ironed borders, gave timely intimation of the mood in which Jenny came.

any spatial attributes (especially as defined by outline)

From this reading A full circle, bunchy, substantial, and comfortable, were Jenny’s woollen skirts, striped in cheerful colours; and you had no warrant for supposing that any slovenly superfluous bulk increased the natural dimensions of the round, considerable waist, or stiff, well-tightened boddice, of which Jenny’s clean short gown and firmly tied apron-strings defined the shape so well.

primarily temporal sense; indicating or being or seeming to be limited in duration

From this reading Jenny was very short, very much of one thickness from the shoulders to the edge of the full round skirts under which pattered her hasty feet--and had a slight deformity, variously estimated by herself and her rustic equals according to the humour of the moment--being no more than “a high shouther” in Jenny’s sunshiny weather, but reaching the length of a desperate “thraw” when Jenny’s temper had come to be as “thrawn” as her frame.

plural of “shoulder” — the part of the body between the neck and the upper arm

From this reading Jenny was very short, very much of one thickness from the shoulders to the edge of the full round skirts under which pattered her hasty feet--and had a slight deformity, variously estimated by herself and her rustic equals according to the humour of the moment--being no more than “a high shouther” in Jenny’s sunshiny weather, but reaching the length of a desperate “thraw” when Jenny’s temper had come to be as “thrawn” as her frame.

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

From this reading Jenny was very short, very much of one thickness from the shoulders to the edge of the full round skirts under which pattered her hasty feet--and had a slight deformity, variously estimated by herself and her rustic equals according to the humour of the moment--being no more than “a high shouther” in Jenny’s sunshiny weather, but reaching the length of a desperate “thraw” when Jenny’s temper had come to be as “thrawn” as her frame.

plural of “skirt” — cloth covering that forms the part of a garment below the waist

From this reading Jenny was very short, very much of one thickness from the shoulders to the edge of the full round skirts under which pattered her hasty feet--and had a slight deformity, variously estimated by herself and her rustic equals according to the humour of the moment--being no more than “a high shouther” in Jenny’s sunshiny weather, but reaching the length of a desperate “thraw” when Jenny’s temper had come to be as “thrawn” as her frame.

a deliberate discourteous act (usually as an expression of anger or disapproval)

From this reading Jenny was very short, very much of one thickness from the shoulders to the edge of the full round skirts under which pattered her hasty feet--and had a slight deformity, variously estimated by herself and her rustic equals according to the humour of the moment--being no more than “a high shouther” in Jenny’s sunshiny weather, but reaching the length of a desperate “thraw” when Jenny’s temper had come to be as “thrawn” as her frame.

negligent of neatness especially in dress and person; habitually dirty and unkempt

From this reading A full circle, bunchy, substantial, and comfortable, were Jenny’s woollen skirts, striped in cheerful colours; and you had no warrant for supposing that any slovenly superfluous bulk increased the natural dimensions of the round, considerable waist, or stiff, well-tightened boddice, of which Jenny’s clean short gown and firmly tied apron-strings defined the shape so well.

indicate contempt by breathing noisily and forcefully through the nose

From this reading Her lips closed upon each other firmly; her brow was marked with sundry horizontal lines, which it was by no means difficult to deepen into a frown; and Jenny’s eyes, grey, keen, and active, were at this present moment set in fierce steadiness and gravity; while the little snort of her “fuff,” and the little nod of her cap, with its full, well-ironed borders, gave timely intimation of the mood in which Jenny came.

for that reason; with the result that

From this reading A full circle, bunchy, substantial, and comfortable, were Jenny’s woollen skirts, striped in cheerful colours; and you had no warrant for supposing that any slovenly superfluous bulk increased the natural dimensions of the round, considerable waist, or stiff, well-tightened boddice, of which Jenny’s clean short gown and firmly tied apron-strings defined the shape so well.

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

From this reading Very scanty was Jenny’s hair, and very little of it appeared under her white muslin cap; and Jenny’s complexion was nothing to boast of, though some withered bloom remained upon her cheeks.

a thing, without saying which

From this reading “I’ve been hearing something from Miss Menie, mem,” said Jenny, entering the parlour of Burnside with a determined air, and planting herself firmly behind the door.

freedom from wavering or indecision; constancy of resolve or conduct

From this reading Her lips closed upon each other firmly; her brow was marked with sundry horizontal lines, which it was by no means difficult to deepen into a frown; and Jenny’s eyes, grey, keen, and active, were at this present moment set in fierce steadiness and gravity; while the little snort of her “fuff,” and the little nod of her cap, with its full, well-ironed borders, gave timely intimation of the mood in which Jenny came.

not moving or operating freely

From this reading A full circle, bunchy, substantial, and comfortable, were Jenny’s woollen skirts, striped in cheerful colours; and you had no warrant for supposing that any slovenly superfluous bulk increased the natural dimensions of the round, considerable waist, or stiff, well-tightened boddice, of which Jenny’s clean short gown and firmly tied apron-strings defined the shape so well.

marked or decorated with stripes

From this reading A full circle, bunchy, substantial, and comfortable, were Jenny’s woollen skirts, striped in cheerful colours; and you had no warrant for supposing that any slovenly superfluous bulk increased the natural dimensions of the round, considerable waist, or stiff, well-tightened boddice, of which Jenny’s clean short gown and firmly tied apron-strings defined the shape so well.

of considerable importance, size, or worth

From this reading A full circle, bunchy, substantial, and comfortable, were Jenny’s woollen skirts, striped in cheerful colours; and you had no warrant for supposing that any slovenly superfluous bulk increased the natural dimensions of the round, considerable waist, or stiff, well-tightened boddice, of which Jenny’s clean short gown and firmly tied apron-strings defined the shape so well.

consisting of a haphazard assortment of different kinds

From this reading Her lips closed upon each other firmly; her brow was marked with sundry horizontal lines, which it was by no means difficult to deepen into a frown; and Jenny’s eyes, grey, keen, and active, were at this present moment set in fierce steadiness and gravity; while the little snort of her “fuff,” and the little nod of her cap, with its full, well-ironed borders, gave timely intimation of the mood in which Jenny came.

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

From this reading Jenny was very short, very much of one thickness from the shoulders to the edge of the full round skirts under which pattered her hasty feet--and had a slight deformity, variously estimated by herself and her rustic equals according to the humour of the moment--being no more than “a high shouther” in Jenny’s sunshiny weather, but reaching the length of a desperate “thraw” when Jenny’s temper had come to be as “thrawn” as her frame.

serving no useful purpose; having no excuse for being

From this reading A full circle, bunchy, substantial, and comfortable, were Jenny’s woollen skirts, striped in cheerful colours; and you had no warrant for supposing that any slovenly superfluous bulk increased the natural dimensions of the round, considerable waist, or stiff, well-tightened boddice, of which Jenny’s clean short gown and firmly tied apron-strings defined the shape so well.

-ing form of “suppose” — express a supposition

From this reading A full circle, bunchy, substantial, and comfortable, were Jenny’s woollen skirts, striped in cheerful colours; and you had no warrant for supposing that any slovenly superfluous bulk increased the natural dimensions of the round, considerable waist, or stiff, well-tightened boddice, of which Jenny’s clean short gown and firmly tied apron-strings defined the shape so well.

a sudden outburst of anger

From this reading Jenny was very short, very much of one thickness from the shoulders to the edge of the full round skirts under which pattered her hasty feet--and had a slight deformity, variously estimated by herself and her rustic equals according to the humour of the moment--being no more than “a high shouther” in Jenny’s sunshiny weather, but reaching the length of a desperate “thraw” when Jenny’s temper had come to be as “thrawn” as her frame.

used to introduce the second part of a comparison

From this reading Jenny was very short, very much of one thickness from the shoulders to the edge of the full round skirts under which pattered her hasty feet--and had a slight deformity, variously estimated by herself and her rustic equals according to the humour of the moment--being no more than “a high shouther” in Jenny’s sunshiny weather, but reaching the length of a desperate “thraw” when Jenny’s temper had come to be as “thrawn” as her frame.

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading A full circle, bunchy, substantial, and comfortable, were Jenny’s woollen skirts, striped in cheerful colours; and you had no warrant for supposing that any slovenly superfluous bulk increased the natural dimensions of the round, considerable waist, or stiff, well-tightened boddice, of which Jenny’s clean short gown and firmly tied apron-strings defined the shape so well.

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

From this reading “I’ve been hearing something from Miss Menie, mem,” said Jenny, entering the parlour of Burnside with a determined air, and planting herself firmly behind the door.

the dimension through an object as opposed to its length or width

From this reading Jenny was very short, very much of one thickness from the shoulders to the edge of the full round skirts under which pattered her hasty feet--and had a slight deformity, variously estimated by herself and her rustic equals according to the humour of the moment--being no more than “a high shouther” in Jenny’s sunshiny weather, but reaching the length of a desperate “thraw” when Jenny’s temper had come to be as “thrawn” as her frame.

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

From this reading Her lips closed upon each other firmly; her brow was marked with sundry horizontal lines, which it was by no means difficult to deepen into a frown; and Jenny’s eyes, grey, keen, and active, were at this present moment set in fierce steadiness and gravity; while the little snort of her “fuff,” and the little nod of her cap, with its full, well-ironed borders, gave timely intimation of the mood in which Jenny came.

in spite of the fact that

From this reading Very scanty was Jenny’s hair, and very little of it appeared under her white muslin cap; and Jenny’s complexion was nothing to boast of, though some withered bloom remained upon her cheeks.

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

From this reading Jenny was very short, very much of one thickness from the shoulders to the edge of the full round skirts under which pattered her hasty feet--and had a slight deformity, variously estimated by herself and her rustic equals according to the humour of the moment--being no more than “a high shouther” in Jenny’s sunshiny weather, but reaching the length of a desperate “thraw” when Jenny’s temper had come to be as “thrawn” as her frame.

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

From this reading Jenny was very short, very much of one thickness from the shoulders to the edge of the full round skirts under which pattered her hasty feet--and had a slight deformity, variously estimated by herself and her rustic equals according to the humour of the moment--being no more than “a high shouther” in Jenny’s sunshiny weather, but reaching the length of a desperate “thraw” when Jenny’s temper had come to be as “thrawn” as her frame.

bound or secured closely

From this reading A full circle, bunchy, substantial, and comfortable, were Jenny’s woollen skirts, striped in cheerful colours; and you had no warrant for supposing that any slovenly superfluous bulk increased the natural dimensions of the round, considerable waist, or stiff, well-tightened boddice, of which Jenny’s clean short gown and firmly tied apron-strings defined the shape so well.

before a time limit expires

From this reading Her lips closed upon each other firmly; her brow was marked with sundry horizontal lines, which it was by no means difficult to deepen into a frown; and Jenny’s eyes, grey, keen, and active, were at this present moment set in fierce steadiness and gravity; while the little snort of her “fuff,” and the little nod of her cap, with its full, well-ironed borders, gave timely intimation of the mood in which Jenny came.

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

From this reading Jenny was very short, very much of one thickness from the shoulders to the edge of the full round skirts under which pattered her hasty feet--and had a slight deformity, variously estimated by herself and her rustic equals according to the humour of the moment--being no more than “a high shouther” in Jenny’s sunshiny weather, but reaching the length of a desperate “thraw” when Jenny’s temper had come to be as “thrawn” as her frame.

below or beneath something; less than

From this reading Jenny was very short, very much of one thickness from the shoulders to the edge of the full round skirts under which pattered her hasty feet--and had a slight deformity, variously estimated by herself and her rustic equals according to the humour of the moment--being no more than “a high shouther” in Jenny’s sunshiny weather, but reaching the length of a desperate “thraw” when Jenny’s temper had come to be as “thrawn” as her frame.

a formal word for “on”

From this reading Very scanty was Jenny’s hair, and very little of it appeared under her white muslin cap; and Jenny’s complexion was nothing to boast of, though some withered bloom remained upon her cheeks.

in diverse ways

From this reading Jenny was very short, very much of one thickness from the shoulders to the edge of the full round skirts under which pattered her hasty feet--and had a slight deformity, variously estimated by herself and her rustic equals according to the humour of the moment--being no more than “a high shouther” in Jenny’s sunshiny weather, but reaching the length of a desperate “thraw” when Jenny’s temper had come to be as “thrawn” as her frame.

precisely as stated

From this reading Jenny was very short, very much of one thickness from the shoulders to the edge of the full round skirts under which pattered her hasty feet--and had a slight deformity, variously estimated by herself and her rustic equals according to the humour of the moment--being no more than “a high shouther” in Jenny’s sunshiny weather, but reaching the length of a desperate “thraw” when Jenny’s temper had come to be as “thrawn” as her frame.

the narrowing of the body between the ribs and hips

From this reading A full circle, bunchy, substantial, and comfortable, were Jenny’s woollen skirts, striped in cheerful colours; and you had no warrant for supposing that any slovenly superfluous bulk increased the natural dimensions of the round, considerable waist, or stiff, well-tightened boddice, of which Jenny’s clean short gown and firmly tied apron-strings defined the shape so well.

a writ from a court commanding police to perform specified acts

From this reading A full circle, bunchy, substantial, and comfortable, were Jenny’s woollen skirts, striped in cheerful colours; and you had no warrant for supposing that any slovenly superfluous bulk increased the natural dimensions of the round, considerable waist, or stiff, well-tightened boddice, of which Jenny’s clean short gown and firmly tied apron-strings defined the shape so well.

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

From this reading Jenny was very short, very much of one thickness from the shoulders to the edge of the full round skirts under which pattered her hasty feet--and had a slight deformity, variously estimated by herself and her rustic equals according to the humour of the moment--being no more than “a high shouther” in Jenny’s sunshiny weather, but reaching the length of a desperate “thraw” when Jenny’s temper had come to be as “thrawn” as her frame.

the atmospheric conditions that comprise the state of the atmosphere in terms of temperature and wind and clouds and precipitation

From this reading Jenny was very short, very much of one thickness from the shoulders to the edge of the full round skirts under which pattered her hasty feet--and had a slight deformity, variously estimated by herself and her rustic equals according to the humour of the moment--being no more than “a high shouther” in Jenny’s sunshiny weather, but reaching the length of a desperate “thraw” when Jenny’s temper had come to be as “thrawn” as her frame.

(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 A full circle, bunchy, substantial, and comfortable, were Jenny’s woollen skirts, striped in cheerful colours; and you had no warrant for supposing that any slovenly superfluous bulk increased the natural dimensions of the round, considerable waist, or stiff, well-tightened boddice, of which Jenny’s clean short gown and firmly tied apron-strings defined the shape so well.

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

From this reading Her lips closed upon each other firmly; her brow was marked with sundry horizontal lines, which it was by no means difficult to deepen into a frown; and Jenny’s eyes, grey, keen, and active, were at this present moment set in fierce steadiness and gravity; while the little snort of her “fuff,” and the little nod of her cap, with its full, well-ironed borders, gave timely intimation of the mood in which Jenny came.

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

From this reading A full circle, bunchy, substantial, and comfortable, were Jenny’s woollen skirts, striped in cheerful colours; and you had no warrant for supposing that any slovenly superfluous bulk increased the natural dimensions of the round, considerable waist, or stiff, well-tightened boddice, of which Jenny’s clean short gown and firmly tied apron-strings defined the shape so well.

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

From this reading A full circle, bunchy, substantial, and comfortable, were Jenny’s woollen skirts, striped in cheerful colours; and you had no warrant for supposing that any slovenly superfluous bulk increased the natural dimensions of the round, considerable waist, or stiff, well-tightened boddice, of which Jenny’s clean short gown and firmly tied apron-strings defined the shape so well.

at the time that

From this reading Jenny was very short, very much of one thickness from the shoulders to the edge of the full round skirts under which pattered her hasty feet--and had a slight deformity, variously estimated by herself and her rustic equals according to the humour of the moment--being no more than “a high shouther” in Jenny’s sunshiny weather, but reaching the length of a desperate “thraw” when Jenny’s temper had come to be as “thrawn” as her frame.

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

From this reading Jenny was very short, very much of one thickness from the shoulders to the edge of the full round skirts under which pattered her hasty feet--and had a slight deformity, variously estimated by herself and her rustic equals according to the humour of the moment--being no more than “a high shouther” in Jenny’s sunshiny weather, but reaching the length of a desperate “thraw” when Jenny’s temper had come to be as “thrawn” as her frame.

during the time that

From this reading Her lips closed upon each other firmly; her brow was marked with sundry horizontal lines, which it was by no means difficult to deepen into a frown; and Jenny’s eyes, grey, keen, and active, were at this present moment set in fierce steadiness and gravity; while the little snort of her “fuff,” and the little nod of her cap, with its full, well-ironed borders, gave timely intimation of the mood in which Jenny came.

a Caucasian

From this reading Very scanty was Jenny’s hair, and very little of it appeared under her white muslin cap; and Jenny’s complexion was nothing to boast of, though some withered bloom remained upon her cheeks.

in the company of; together with

From this reading “I’ve been hearing something from Miss Menie, mem,” said Jenny, entering the parlour of Burnside with a determined air, and planting herself firmly behind the door.

lean and wrinkled by shrinkage as from age or illness

From this reading Very scanty was Jenny’s hair, and very little of it appeared under her white muslin cap; and Jenny’s complexion was nothing to boast of, though some withered bloom remained upon her cheeks.

a fabric made from the hair of sheep

From this reading A full circle, bunchy, substantial, and comfortable, were Jenny’s woollen skirts, striped in cheerful colours; and you had no warrant for supposing that any slovenly superfluous bulk increased the natural dimensions of the round, considerable waist, or stiff, well-tightened boddice, of which Jenny’s clean short gown and firmly tied apron-strings defined the shape so well.

the person or people being spoken to

From this reading A full circle, bunchy, substantial, and comfortable, were Jenny’s woollen skirts, striped in cheerful colours; and you had no warrant for supposing that any slovenly superfluous bulk increased the natural dimensions of the round, considerable waist, or stiff, well-tightened boddice, of which Jenny’s clean short gown and firmly tied apron-strings defined the shape so well.