Chapter IV · Chapter 4

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

From this reading But the first broad stare of the day's bright eyes drove all these dark dreams and wild shapes of the night from his mind; and nimble and fresh as a jay-bird--nimbler and fresher, indeed, than was his wont--Sprigg sprang from his bed and donned the red moccasins.

the opening of a subject to widespread discussion and debate

From this reading Yes, shod his feet the first thing; and, leaving his breeches to cover the naked legs of the stool, he went out on the front porch, there to take his morning airing and see what color red moccasins were by daylight.

(quantifier) used with either mass or count nouns to indicate the whole number or amount of or every one of a class

From this reading But the first broad stare of the day's bright eyes drove all these dark dreams and wild shapes of the night from his mind; and nimble and fresh as a jay-bird--nimbler and fresher, indeed, than was his wont--Sprigg sprang from his bed and donned the red moccasins.

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

From this reading Here, at the end of an hour, he was found by his mother, strutting to and fro like a young peacock in the pride of his first tail feathers.

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

From this reading But the first broad stare of the day's bright eyes drove all these dark dreams and wild shapes of the night from his mind; and nimble and fresh as a jay-bird--nimbler and fresher, indeed, than was his wont--Sprigg sprang from his bed and donned the red moccasins.

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

From this reading But the first broad stare of the day's bright eyes drove all these dark dreams and wild shapes of the night from his mind; and nimble and fresh as a jay-bird--nimbler and fresher, indeed, than was his wont--Sprigg sprang from his bed and donned the red moccasins.

in or near a particular place or position

From this reading Here, at the end of an hour, he was found by his mother, strutting to and fro like a young peacock in the pride of his first tail feathers.

a piece of furniture that provides a place to sleep

From this reading But the first broad stare of the day's bright eyes drove all these dark dreams and wild shapes of the night from his mind; and nimble and fresh as a jay-bird--nimbler and fresher, indeed, than was his wont--Sprigg sprang from his bed and donned the red moccasins.

(used in the plural) trousers ending above the knee

From this reading Yes, shod his feet the first thing; and, leaving his breeches to cover the naked legs of the stool, he went out on the front porch, there to take his morning airing and see what color red moccasins were by daylight.

plural of “breeze” — a slight wind (usually refreshing)

From this reading The morning breezes briskly fluttering his only garment and doing all they could for his health.

emitting or reflecting light readily or in large amounts

From this reading But the first broad stare of the day's bright eyes drove all these dark dreams and wild shapes of the night from his mind; and nimble and fresh as a jay-bird--nimbler and fresher, indeed, than was his wont--Sprigg sprang from his bed and donned the red moccasins.

in a brisk manner

From this reading The morning breezes briskly fluttering his only garment and doing all they could for his health.

having great (or a certain) extent from one side to the other

From this reading But the first broad stare of the day's bright eyes drove all these dark dreams and wild shapes of the night from his mind; and nimble and fresh as a jay-bird--nimbler and fresher, indeed, than was his wont--Sprigg sprang from his bed and donned the red moccasins.

used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before

From this reading But the first broad stare of the day's bright eyes drove all these dark dreams and wild shapes of the night from his mind; and nimble and fresh as a jay-bird--nimbler and fresher, indeed, than was his wont--Sprigg sprang from his bed and donned the red moccasins.

showing who or what does the action

From this reading Yes, shod his feet the first thing; and, leaving his breeches to cover the naked legs of the stool, he went out on the front porch, there to take his morning airing and see what color red moccasins were by daylight.

a visual attribute of things that results from the light they emit or transmit or reflect

From this reading Yes, shod his feet the first thing; and, leaving his breeches to cover the naked legs of the stool, he went out on the front porch, there to take his morning airing and see what color red moccasins were by daylight.

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

From this reading The morning breezes briskly fluttering his only garment and doing all they could for his health.

provide with a covering or cause to be covered

From this reading Yes, shod his feet the first thing; and, leaving his breeches to cover the naked legs of the stool, he went out on the front porch, there to take his morning airing and see what color red moccasins were by daylight.

absence of light or illumination

From this reading But the first broad stare of the day's bright eyes drove all these dark dreams and wild shapes of the night from his mind; and nimble and fresh as a jay-bird--nimbler and fresher, indeed, than was his wont--Sprigg sprang from his bed and donned the red moccasins.

possessive form of “day” — time for Earth to make a complete rotation on its axis

From this reading But the first broad stare of the day's bright eyes drove all these dark dreams and wild shapes of the night from his mind; and nimble and fresh as a jay-bird--nimbler and fresher, indeed, than was his wont--Sprigg sprang from his bed and donned the red moccasins.

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

From this reading Yes, shod his feet the first thing; and, leaving his breeches to cover the naked legs of the stool, he went out on the front porch, there to take his morning airing and see what color red moccasins were by daylight.

used to form questions and negatives, and to give emphasis

From this reading He Has Them--What Shall He Do With Them?

-ing form of “do” — engage in

From this reading The morning breezes briskly fluttering his only garment and doing all they could for his health.

inflected form of “don” — put clothing on one's body

From this reading But the first broad stare of the day's bright eyes drove all these dark dreams and wild shapes of the night from his mind; and nimble and fresh as a jay-bird--nimbler and fresher, indeed, than was his wont--Sprigg sprang from his bed and donned the red moccasins.

plural of “dream” — a series of mental images and emotions occurring during sleep

From this reading But the first broad stare of the day's bright eyes drove all these dark dreams and wild shapes of the night from his mind; and nimble and fresh as a jay-bird--nimbler and fresher, indeed, than was his wont--Sprigg sprang from his bed and donned the red moccasins.

a group of animals (a herd or flock) moving together

From this reading But the first broad stare of the day's bright eyes drove all these dark dreams and wild shapes of the night from his mind; and nimble and fresh as a jay-bird--nimbler and fresher, indeed, than was his wont--Sprigg sprang from his bed and donned the red moccasins.

either extremity of something that has length

From this reading Here, at the end of an hour, he was found by his mother, strutting to and fro like a young peacock in the pride of his first tail feathers.

opinion or judgment

From this reading But the first broad stare of the day's bright eyes drove all these dark dreams and wild shapes of the night from his mind; and nimble and fresh as a jay-bird--nimbler and fresher, indeed, than was his wont--Sprigg sprang from his bed and donned the red moccasins.

plural of “feather” — the light horny waterproof structure forming the external covering of birds

From this reading Here, at the end of an hour, he was found by his mother, strutting to and fro like a young peacock in the pride of his first tail feathers.

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

From this reading Yes, shod his feet the first thing; and, leaving his breeches to cover the naked legs of the stool, he went out on the front porch, there to take his morning airing and see what color red moccasins were by daylight.

preceding all others in time or space or degree

From this reading But the first broad stare of the day's bright eyes drove all these dark dreams and wild shapes of the night from his mind; and nimble and fresh as a jay-bird--nimbler and fresher, indeed, than was his wont--Sprigg sprang from his bed and donned the red moccasins.

the motion made by flapping up and down

From this reading The morning breezes briskly fluttering his only garment and doing all they could for his health.

intended to be given to, or used by, somebody

From this reading The morning breezes briskly fluttering his only garment and doing all they could for his health.

set up or found

From this reading Here, at the end of an hour, he was found by his mother, strutting to and fro like a young peacock in the pride of his first tail feathers.

recently made, produced, or harvested

From this reading But the first broad stare of the day's bright eyes drove all these dark dreams and wild shapes of the night from his mind; and nimble and fresh as a jay-bird--nimbler and fresher, indeed, than was his wont--Sprigg sprang from his bed and donned the red moccasins.

a first-year undergraduate

From this reading But the first broad stare of the day's bright eyes drove all these dark dreams and wild shapes of the night from his mind; and nimble and fresh as a jay-bird--nimbler and fresher, indeed, than was his wont--Sprigg sprang from his bed and donned the red moccasins.

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

From this reading Here, at the end of an hour, he was found by his mother, strutting to and fro like a young peacock in the pride of his first tail feathers.

showing where something starts, or who sent it

From this reading But the first broad stare of the day's bright eyes drove all these dark dreams and wild shapes of the night from his mind; and nimble and fresh as a jay-bird--nimbler and fresher, indeed, than was his wont--Sprigg sprang from his bed and donned the red moccasins.

the side that is forward or prominent

From this reading Yes, shod his feet the first thing; and, leaving his breeches to cover the naked legs of the stool, he went out on the front porch, there to take his morning airing and see what color red moccasins were by daylight.

an article of clothing

From this reading The morning breezes briskly fluttering his only garment and doing all they could for his health.

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

From this reading He Has Them--What Shall He Do With Them?

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

From this reading He Has Them--What Shall He Do With Them?

a healthy state of wellbeing free from disease

From this reading The morning breezes briskly fluttering his only garment and doing all they could for his health.

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

From this reading Here, at the end of an hour, he was found by his mother, strutting to and fro like a young peacock in the pride of his first tail feathers.

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

From this reading But the first broad stare of the day's bright eyes drove all these dark dreams and wild shapes of the night from his mind; and nimble and fresh as a jay-bird--nimbler and fresher, indeed, than was his wont--Sprigg sprang from his bed and donned the red moccasins.

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

From this reading Here, at the end of an hour, he was found by his mother, strutting to and fro like a young peacock in the pride of his first tail feathers.

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

From this reading Here, at the end of an hour, he was found by his mother, strutting to and fro like a young peacock in the pride of his first tail feathers.

in truth (often tends to intensify)

From this reading But the first broad stare of the day's bright eyes drove all these dark dreams and wild shapes of the night from his mind; and nimble and fresh as a jay-bird--nimbler and fresher, indeed, than was his wont--Sprigg sprang from his bed and donned the red moccasins.

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

From this reading But the first broad stare of the day's bright eyes drove all these dark dreams and wild shapes of the night from his mind; and nimble and fresh as a jay-bird--nimbler and fresher, indeed, than was his wont--Sprigg sprang from his bed and donned the red moccasins.

the act of departing

From this reading Yes, shod his feet the first thing; and, leaving his breeches to cover the naked legs of the stool, he went out on the front porch, there to take his morning airing and see what color red moccasins were by daylight.

staying power

From this reading Yes, shod his feet the first thing; and, leaving his breeches to cover the naked legs of the stool, he went out on the front porch, there to take his morning airing and see what color red moccasins were by daylight.

prefer or wish to do something

From this reading Here, at the end of an hour, he was found by his mother, strutting to and fro like a young peacock in the pride of his first tail feathers.

The element of a person that enables awareness and thought.

From this reading But the first broad stare of the day's bright eyes drove all these dark dreams and wild shapes of the night from his mind; and nimble and fresh as a jay-bird--nimbler and fresher, indeed, than was his wont--Sprigg sprang from his bed and donned the red moccasins.

plural of “moccasin” — soft leather shoe; originally worn by Native Americans

From this reading But the first broad stare of the day's bright eyes drove all these dark dreams and wild shapes of the night from his mind; and nimble and fresh as a jay-bird--nimbler and fresher, indeed, than was his wont--Sprigg sprang from his bed and donned the red moccasins.

the time period between dawn and noon

From this reading Yes, shod his feet the first thing; and, leaving his breeches to cover the naked legs of the stool, he went out on the front porch, there to take his morning airing and see what color red moccasins were by daylight.

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

From this reading Here, at the end of an hour, he was found by his mother, strutting to and fro like a young peacock in the pride of his first tail feathers.

completely unclothed

From this reading Yes, shod his feet the first thing; and, leaving his breeches to cover the naked legs of the stool, he went out on the front porch, there to take his morning airing and see what color red moccasins were by daylight.

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

From this reading But the first broad stare of the day's bright eyes drove all these dark dreams and wild shapes of the night from his mind; and nimble and fresh as a jay-bird--nimbler and fresher, indeed, than was his wont--Sprigg sprang from his bed and donned the red moccasins.

moving quickly and lightly

From this reading But the first broad stare of the day's bright eyes drove all these dark dreams and wild shapes of the night from his mind; and nimble and fresh as a jay-bird--nimbler and fresher, indeed, than was his wont--Sprigg sprang from his bed and donned the red moccasins.

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

From this reading But the first broad stare of the day's bright eyes drove all these dark dreams and wild shapes of the night from his mind; and nimble and fresh as a jay-bird--nimbler and fresher, indeed, than was his wont--Sprigg sprang from his bed and donned the red moccasins.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading But the first broad stare of the day's bright eyes drove all these dark dreams and wild shapes of the night from his mind; and nimble and fresh as a jay-bird--nimbler and fresher, indeed, than was his wont--Sprigg sprang from his bed and donned the red moccasins.

touching and supported by a surface

From this reading Yes, shod his feet the first thing; and, leaving his breeches to cover the naked legs of the stool, he went out on the front porch, there to take his morning airing and see what color red moccasins were by daylight.

and nothing more

From this reading The morning breezes briskly fluttering his only garment and doing all they could for his health.

not allowed to continue to bat or run

From this reading Yes, shod his feet the first thing; and, leaving his breeches to cover the naked legs of the stool, he went out on the front porch, there to take his morning airing and see what color red moccasins were by daylight.

European butterfly having reddish-brown wings each marked with a purple eyespot

From this reading Here, at the end of an hour, he was found by his mother, strutting to and fro like a young peacock in the pride of his first tail feathers.

a structure attached to the exterior of a building often forming a covered entrance

From this reading Yes, shod his feet the first thing; and, leaving his breeches to cover the naked legs of the stool, he went out on the front porch, there to take his morning airing and see what color red moccasins were by daylight.

a feeling of self-respect and personal worth

From this reading Here, at the end of an hour, he was found by his mother, strutting to and fro like a young peacock in the pride of his first tail feathers.

red color or pigment; the chromatic color resembling the hue of blood

From this reading But the first broad stare of the day's bright eyes drove all these dark dreams and wild shapes of the night from his mind; and nimble and fresh as a jay-bird--nimbler and fresher, indeed, than was his wont--Sprigg sprang from his bed and donned the red moccasins.

perceive by sight or have the power to perceive by sight

From this reading Yes, shod his feet the first thing; and, leaving his breeches to cover the naked legs of the stool, he went out on the front porch, there to take his morning airing and see what color red moccasins were by daylight.

used with I and we for the future, or to offer and suggest

From this reading He Has Them--What Shall He Do With Them?

plural of “shape” — any spatial attributes (especially as defined by outline)

From this reading But the first broad stare of the day's bright eyes drove all these dark dreams and wild shapes of the night from his mind; and nimble and fresh as a jay-bird--nimbler and fresher, indeed, than was his wont--Sprigg sprang from his bed and donned the red moccasins.

wearing footgear

From this reading Yes, shod his feet the first thing; and, leaving his breeches to cover the naked legs of the stool, he went out on the front porch, there to take his morning airing and see what color red moccasins were by daylight.

inflected form of “spring” — move forward by leaps and bounds

From this reading But the first broad stare of the day's bright eyes drove all these dark dreams and wild shapes of the night from his mind; and nimble and fresh as a jay-bird--nimbler and fresher, indeed, than was his wont--Sprigg sprang from his bed and donned the red moccasins.

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

From this reading But the first broad stare of the day's bright eyes drove all these dark dreams and wild shapes of the night from his mind; and nimble and fresh as a jay-bird--nimbler and fresher, indeed, than was his wont--Sprigg sprang from his bed and donned the red moccasins.

look at with fixed eyes

From this reading But the first broad stare of the day's bright eyes drove all these dark dreams and wild shapes of the night from his mind; and nimble and fresh as a jay-bird--nimbler and fresher, indeed, than was his wont--Sprigg sprang from his bed and donned the red moccasins.

a simple seat without a back or arms

From this reading Yes, shod his feet the first thing; and, leaving his breeches to cover the naked legs of the stool, he went out on the front porch, there to take his morning airing and see what color red moccasins were by daylight.

inflected form of “strut” — to walk with a lofty proud gait, often in an attempt to impress others

From this reading Here, at the end of an hour, he was found by his mother, strutting to and fro like a young peacock in the pride of his first tail feathers.

the posterior part of the body of a vertebrate especially when elongated and extending beyond the trunk or main part of the body

From this reading Here, at the end of an hour, he was found by his mother, strutting to and fro like a young peacock in the pride of his first tail feathers.

carry out

From this reading Yes, shod his feet the first thing; and, leaving his breeches to cover the naked legs of the stool, he went out on the front porch, there to take his morning airing and see what color red moccasins were by daylight.

used to introduce the second part of a comparison

From this reading But the first broad stare of the day's bright eyes drove all these dark dreams and wild shapes of the night from his mind; and nimble and fresh as a jay-bird--nimbler and fresher, indeed, than was his wont--Sprigg sprang from his bed and donned the red moccasins.

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

From this reading But the first broad stare of the day's bright eyes drove all these dark dreams and wild shapes of the night from his mind; and nimble and fresh as a jay-bird--nimbler and fresher, indeed, than was his wont--Sprigg sprang from his bed and donned the red moccasins.

the people or things already mentioned, as the object

From this reading He Has Them--What Shall He Do With Them?

in or at that place or location

From this reading Yes, shod his feet the first thing; and, leaving his breeches to cover the naked legs of the stool, he went out on the front porch, there to take his morning airing and see what color red moccasins were by daylight.

the plural of “this”: the people or things near, or just mentioned

From this reading But the first broad stare of the day's bright eyes drove all these dark dreams and wild shapes of the night from his mind; and nimble and fresh as a jay-bird--nimbler and fresher, indeed, than was his wont--Sprigg sprang from his bed and donned the red moccasins.

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

From this reading The morning breezes briskly fluttering his only garment and doing all they could for his health.

a special situation

From this reading Yes, shod his feet the first thing; and, leaving his breeches to cover the naked legs of the stool, he went out on the front porch, there to take his morning airing and see what color red moccasins were by daylight.

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

From this reading Yes, shod his feet the first thing; and, leaving his breeches to cover the naked legs of the stool, he went out on the front porch, there to take his morning airing and see what color red moccasins were by daylight.

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

From this reading But the first broad stare of the day's bright eyes drove all these dark dreams and wild shapes of the night from his mind; and nimble and fresh as a jay-bird--nimbler and fresher, indeed, than was his wont--Sprigg sprang from his bed and donned the red moccasins.

inflected form of “go” — change location; move, travel, or proceed, also metaphorically

From this reading Yes, shod his feet the first thing; and, leaving his breeches to cover the naked legs of the stool, he went out on the front porch, there to take his morning airing and see what color red moccasins were by daylight.

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

From this reading Yes, shod his feet the first thing; and, leaving his breeches to cover the naked legs of the stool, he went out on the front porch, there to take his morning airing and see what color red moccasins were by daylight.

used to ask for information about something

From this reading He Has Them--What Shall He Do With Them?

marked by extreme lack of restraint or control

From this reading But the first broad stare of the day's bright eyes drove all these dark dreams and wild shapes of the night from his mind; and nimble and fresh as a jay-bird--nimbler and fresher, indeed, than was his wont--Sprigg sprang from his bed and donned the red moccasins.

in the company of; together with

From this reading He Has Them--What Shall He Do With Them?

an established custom

From this reading But the first broad stare of the day's bright eyes drove all these dark dreams and wild shapes of the night from his mind; and nimble and fresh as a jay-bird--nimbler and fresher, indeed, than was his wont--Sprigg sprang from his bed and donned the red moccasins.

an affirmative

From this reading Yes, shod his feet the first thing; and, leaving his breeches to cover the naked legs of the stool, he went out on the front porch, there to take his morning airing and see what color red moccasins were by daylight.

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

From this reading Here, at the end of an hour, he was found by his mother, strutting to and fro like a young peacock in the pride of his first tail feathers.