used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading Here was a charm which could never have sat the display before them had it been dryly bought in their presence from one of the millionaire toy-shop keepers.
aloftadverbUS /əˈlɔːft/
at or on or to the masthead or upper rigging of a ship
From this reading THE CULT OF THE CANDY CANE When the littler boy looked fairly into the frosty gray of that Christmas morning, the trailed banner of his faith was snatched once more aloft; and in the breast of his complacent brother there swelled the conviction that one does ill to flaunt one's skepticism, when the rewards of belief are substantial and imminent.
the form of “a” used before a word that begins with a vowel sound
From this reading For before them was an array of gifts such as neither had ever looked upon before, save as forbidden treasure of the few persons whose immense wealth enables them to keep toy-shops.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading THE CULT OF THE CANDY CANE When the littler boy looked fairly into the frosty gray of that Christmas morning, the trailed banner of his faith was snatched once more aloft; and in the breast of his complacent brother there swelled the conviction that one does ill to flaunt one's skepticism, when the rewards of belief are substantial and imminent.
areauxiliary verbUS /ɑːr/
the form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun
From this reading THE CULT OF THE CANDY CANE When the littler boy looked fairly into the frosty gray of that Christmas morning, the trailed banner of his faith was snatched once more aloft; and in the breast of his complacent brother there swelled the conviction that one does ill to flaunt one's skepticism, when the rewards of belief are substantial and imminent.
arraynounUS /ərˈeɪ/
an orderly arrangement
From this reading For before them was an array of gifts such as neither had ever looked upon before, save as forbidden treasure of the few persons whose immense wealth enables them to keep toy-shops.
at the same time that; because; in the way that
From this reading For before them was an array of gifts such as neither had ever looked upon before, save as forbidden treasure of the few persons whose immense wealth enables them to keep toy-shops.
authenticatedadjectiveUS /ɔːˈθentəkeɪtɪd/
established as genuine
From this reading The tale of the princely Saint was now authenticated delightfully.
bannernounUS /ˈbænər/
long strip of cloth or paper used for decoration or advertising
From this reading THE CULT OF THE CANDY CANE When the littler boy looked fairly into the frosty gray of that Christmas morning, the trailed banner of his faith was snatched once more aloft; and in the breast of his complacent brother there swelled the conviction that one does ill to flaunt one's skepticism, when the rewards of belief are substantial and imminent.
beenauxiliary verbUS /bɪn/
the past participle of “be”
From this reading Here was a charm which could never have sat the display before them had it been dryly bought in their presence from one of the millionaire toy-shop keepers.
earlier than; in front of
From this reading For before them was an array of gifts such as neither had ever looked upon before, save as forbidden treasure of the few persons whose immense wealth enables them to keep toy-shops.
any cognitive content held as true
From this reading THE CULT OF THE CANDY CANE When the littler boy looked fairly into the frosty gray of that Christmas morning, the trailed banner of his faith was snatched once more aloft; and in the breast of his complacent brother there swelled the conviction that one does ill to flaunt one's skepticism, when the rewards of belief are substantial and imminent.
inflected form of “buy” — obtain by purchase; acquire by means of a financial transaction
From this reading Here was a charm which could never have sat the display before them had it been dryly bought in their presence from one of the millionaire toy-shop keepers.
a youthful male person
From this reading THE CULT OF THE CANDY CANE When the littler boy looked fairly into the frosty gray of that Christmas morning, the trailed banner of his faith was snatched once more aloft; and in the breast of his complacent brother there swelled the conviction that one does ill to flaunt one's skepticism, when the rewards of belief are substantial and imminent.
the front of the trunk from the neck to the abdomen
From this reading THE CULT OF THE CANDY CANE When the littler boy looked fairly into the frosty gray of that Christmas morning, the trailed banner of his faith was snatched once more aloft; and in the breast of his complacent brother there swelled the conviction that one does ill to flaunt one's skepticism, when the rewards of belief are substantial and imminent.
a male with the same parents as someone else
From this reading THE CULT OF THE CANDY CANE When the littler boy looked fairly into the frosty gray of that Christmas morning, the trailed banner of his faith was snatched once more aloft; and in the breast of his complacent brother there swelled the conviction that one does ill to flaunt one's skepticism, when the rewards of belief are substantial and imminent.
CANDYnounUS /ˈkændi/
a rich sweet made of flavored sugar and often combined with fruit or nuts
From this reading THE CULT OF THE CANDY CANE When the littler boy looked fairly into the frosty gray of that Christmas morning, the trailed banner of his faith was snatched once more aloft; and in the breast of his complacent brother there swelled the conviction that one does ill to flaunt one's skepticism, when the rewards of belief are substantial and imminent.
CANEnounUS /keɪn/
a stick that people can lean on to help them walk
From this reading THE CULT OF THE CANDY CANE When the littler boy looked fairly into the frosty gray of that Christmas morning, the trailed banner of his faith was snatched once more aloft; and in the breast of his complacent brother there swelled the conviction that one does ill to flaunt one's skepticism, when the rewards of belief are substantial and imminent.
attractiveness that interests or pleases or stimulates
From this reading Here was a charm which could never have sat the display before them had it been dryly bought in their presence from one of the millionaire toy-shop keepers.
period extending from Dec. 24 to Jan. 6
From this reading THE CULT OF THE CANDY CANE When the littler boy looked fairly into the frosty gray of that Christmas morning, the trailed banner of his faith was snatched once more aloft; and in the breast of his complacent brother there swelled the conviction that one does ill to flaunt one's skepticism, when the rewards of belief are substantial and imminent.
complacentadjectiveUS /kəmˈpleɪsənt/
contented to a fault with oneself or one's actions
From this reading THE CULT OF THE CANDY CANE When the littler boy looked fairly into the frosty gray of that Christmas morning, the trailed banner of his faith was snatched once more aloft; and in the breast of his complacent brother there swelled the conviction that one does ill to flaunt one's skepticism, when the rewards of belief are substantial and imminent.
an unshakable belief in something without need for proof or evidence
From this reading THE CULT OF THE CANDY CANE When the littler boy looked fairly into the frosty gray of that Christmas morning, the trailed banner of his faith was snatched once more aloft; and in the breast of his complacent brother there swelled the conviction that one does ill to flaunt one's skepticism, when the rewards of belief are substantial and imminent.
the past of “can”; used for possibility or polite requests
From this reading Here was a charm which could never have sat the display before them had it been dryly bought in their presence from one of the millionaire toy-shop keepers.
CULTnounUS /kʌlt/
followers of an exclusive system of beliefs and practices
From this reading THE CULT OF THE CANDY CANE When the littler boy looked fairly into the frosty gray of that Christmas morning, the trailed banner of his faith was snatched once more aloft; and in the breast of his complacent brother there swelled the conviction that one does ill to flaunt one's skepticism, when the rewards of belief are substantial and imminent.
delightfullyadverbUS /dɪˈlaɪtfəli/
in a delightful manner
From this reading The tale of the princely Saint was now authenticated delightfully.
displaynounUS /dɪˈspleɪ/
something intended to communicate a particular impression
From this reading Here was a charm which could never have sat the display before them had it been dryly bought in their presence from one of the millionaire toy-shop keepers.
doesauxiliary verbUS /dʌz/
the form of “do” used with he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading THE CULT OF THE CANDY CANE When the littler boy looked fairly into the frosty gray of that Christmas morning, the trailed banner of his faith was snatched once more aloft; and in the breast of his complacent brother there swelled the conviction that one does ill to flaunt one's skepticism, when the rewards of belief are substantial and imminent.
drylyadverbUS /ˈdraɪli/
in a dry laconic manner
From this reading Here was a charm which could never have sat the display before them had it been dryly bought in their presence from one of the millionaire toy-shop keepers.
enablesverbUS /eˈneɪbəlz/
third-person singular of “enable” — render capable or able for some task
From this reading For before them was an array of gifts such as neither had ever looked upon before, save as forbidden treasure of the few persons whose immense wealth enables them to keep toy-shops.
enhanceverbUS /enˈhæns/
increase
From this reading That which had made him seem unreal in moments of spiritual laxity--the impenetrable secrecy of his private life--was now seen to enhance manyfold his wondrous givings.
at any time
From this reading For before them was an array of gifts such as neither had ever looked upon before, save as forbidden treasure of the few persons whose immense wealth enables them to keep toy-shops.
to certain extent or degree
From this reading THE CULT OF THE CANDY CANE When the littler boy looked fairly into the frosty gray of that Christmas morning, the trailed banner of his faith was snatched once more aloft; and in the breast of his complacent brother there swelled the conviction that one does ill to flaunt one's skepticism, when the rewards of belief are substantial and imminent.
a strong belief in a supernatural power or powers that control human destiny
From this reading THE CULT OF THE CANDY CANE When the littler boy looked fairly into the frosty gray of that Christmas morning, the trailed banner of his faith was snatched once more aloft; and in the breast of his complacent brother there swelled the conviction that one does ill to flaunt one's skepticism, when the rewards of belief are substantial and imminent.
a quantifier that can be used with count nouns and is often preceded by “a”; a small but indefinite number
From this reading For before them was an array of gifts such as neither had ever looked upon before, save as forbidden treasure of the few persons whose immense wealth enables them to keep toy-shops.
flauntverbUS /flɔːnt/
display proudly; act ostentatiously or pretentiously
From this reading THE CULT OF THE CANDY CANE When the littler boy looked fairly into the frosty gray of that Christmas morning, the trailed banner of his faith was snatched once more aloft; and in the breast of his complacent brother there swelled the conviction that one does ill to flaunt one's skepticism, when the rewards of belief are substantial and imminent.
intended to be given to, or used by, somebody
From this reading For before them was an array of gifts such as neither had ever looked upon before, save as forbidden treasure of the few persons whose immense wealth enables them to keep toy-shops.
forbiddenadjectiveUS /fərˈbɪd.ən/
Not allowed; banned or prohibited by rule or law.
From this reading For before them was an array of gifts such as neither had ever looked upon before, save as forbidden treasure of the few persons whose immense wealth enables them to keep toy-shops.
showing where something starts, or who sent it
From this reading Here was a charm which could never have sat the display before them had it been dryly bought in their presence from one of the millionaire toy-shop keepers.
frostyadjectiveUS /ˈfrɔːsti/
devoid of warmth and cordiality; expressive of unfriendliness or disdain
From this reading THE CULT OF THE CANDY CANE When the littler boy looked fairly into the frosty gray of that Christmas morning, the trailed banner of his faith was snatched once more aloft; and in the breast of his complacent brother there swelled the conviction that one does ill to flaunt one's skepticism, when the rewards of belief are substantial and imminent.
plural of “gift” — something acquired without compensation
From this reading For before them was an array of gifts such as neither had ever looked upon before, save as forbidden treasure of the few persons whose immense wealth enables them to keep toy-shops.
givings
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading That which had made him seem unreal in moments of spiritual laxity--the impenetrable secrecy of his private life--was now seen to enhance manyfold his wondrous givings.
a neutral achromatic color midway between white and black
From this reading THE CULT OF THE CANDY CANE When the littler boy looked fairly into the frosty gray of that Christmas morning, the trailed banner of his faith was snatched once more aloft; and in the breast of his complacent brother there swelled the conviction that one does ill to flaunt one's skepticism, when the rewards of belief are substantial and imminent.
hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/
the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect
From this reading For before them was an array of gifts such as neither had ever looked upon before, save as forbidden treasure of the few persons whose immense wealth enables them to keep toy-shops.
haveauxiliary verbUS /hæv/
used with a past participle to form the perfect tenses
From this reading Here was a charm which could never have sat the display before them had it been dryly bought in their presence from one of the millionaire toy-shop keepers.
in or at this place; where the speaker or writer is
From this reading Here was a charm which could never have sat the display before them had it been dryly bought in their presence from one of the millionaire toy-shop keepers.
the male already mentioned, as the object of a verb or preposition
From this reading That which had made him seem unreal in moments of spiritual laxity--the impenetrable secrecy of his private life--was now seen to enhance manyfold his wondrous givings.
belonging to a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned
From this reading THE CULT OF THE CANDY CANE When the littler boy looked fairly into the frosty gray of that Christmas morning, the trailed banner of his faith was snatched once more aloft; and in the breast of his complacent brother there swelled the conviction that one does ill to flaunt one's skepticism, when the rewards of belief are substantial and imminent.
affected by an impairment of normal physical or mental function
From this reading THE CULT OF THE CANDY CANE When the littler boy looked fairly into the frosty gray of that Christmas morning, the trailed banner of his faith was snatched once more aloft; and in the breast of his complacent brother there swelled the conviction that one does ill to flaunt one's skepticism, when the rewards of belief are substantial and imminent.
unusually great in size or amount or degree or especially extent or scope
From this reading For before them was an array of gifts such as neither had ever looked upon before, save as forbidden treasure of the few persons whose immense wealth enables them to keep toy-shops.
imminentadjectiveUS /ˈɪmənənt/
close in time; about to occur
From this reading THE CULT OF THE CANDY CANE When the littler boy looked fairly into the frosty gray of that Christmas morning, the trailed banner of his faith was snatched once more aloft; and in the breast of his complacent brother there swelled the conviction that one does ill to flaunt one's skepticism, when the rewards of belief are substantial and imminent.
impenetrableadjectiveUS /ˌɪmˈpenətrəbəl/
not admitting of penetration or passage into or through
From this reading That which had made him seem unreal in moments of spiritual laxity--the impenetrable secrecy of his private life--was now seen to enhance manyfold his wondrous givings.
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading THE CULT OF THE CANDY CANE When the littler boy looked fairly into the frosty gray of that Christmas morning, the trailed banner of his faith was snatched once more aloft; and in the breast of his complacent brother there swelled the conviction that one does ill to flaunt one's skepticism, when the rewards of belief are substantial and imminent.
intoprepositionUS /ˈɪntuː/
moving to the inside of something
From this reading THE CULT OF THE CANDY CANE When the littler boy looked fairly into the frosty gray of that Christmas morning, the trailed banner of his faith was snatched once more aloft; and in the breast of his complacent brother there swelled the conviction that one does ill to flaunt one's skepticism, when the rewards of belief are substantial and imminent.
a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned
From this reading Here was a charm which could never have sat the display before them had it been dryly bought in their presence from one of the millionaire toy-shop keepers.
cause to continue in a certain state, position, or activity; e.g., “keep clean”
From this reading For before them was an array of gifts such as neither had ever looked upon before, save as forbidden treasure of the few persons whose immense wealth enables them to keep toy-shops.
keepersnounUS /ˈkiːpərz/
plural of “keeper” — someone in charge of other people
From this reading Here was a charm which could never have sat the display before them had it been dryly bought in their presence from one of the millionaire toy-shop keepers.
laxitynounUS /ˈlæksəti/
the condition of being physiologically lax
From this reading That which had made him seem unreal in moments of spiritual laxity--the impenetrable secrecy of his private life--was now seen to enhance manyfold his wondrous givings.
a characteristic state or mode of living
From this reading That which had made him seem unreal in moments of spiritual laxity--the impenetrable secrecy of his private life--was now seen to enhance manyfold his wondrous givings.
littleradjectiveUS /ˈlɪtələr/
small or little relative to something else
From this reading THE CULT OF THE CANDY CANE When the littler boy looked fairly into the frosty gray of that Christmas morning, the trailed banner of his faith was snatched once more aloft; and in the breast of his complacent brother there swelled the conviction that one does ill to flaunt one's skepticism, when the rewards of belief are substantial and imminent.
past form of “look” — perceive with attention; direct one's gaze towards
From this reading THE CULT OF THE CANDY CANE When the littler boy looked fairly into the frosty gray of that Christmas morning, the trailed banner of his faith was snatched once more aloft; and in the breast of his complacent brother there swelled the conviction that one does ill to flaunt one's skepticism, when the rewards of belief are substantial and imminent.
produced by a manufacturing process
From this reading That which had made him seem unreal in moments of spiritual laxity--the impenetrable secrecy of his private life--was now seen to enhance manyfold his wondrous givings.
manyfold
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading That which had made him seem unreal in moments of spiritual laxity--the impenetrable secrecy of his private life--was now seen to enhance manyfold his wondrous givings.
millionairenounUS /ˌmɪljəˈner/
a person whose material wealth is valued at more than a million dollars
From this reading Here was a charm which could never have sat the display before them had it been dryly bought in their presence from one of the millionaire toy-shop keepers.
plural of “moment” — a particular point in time
From this reading That which had made him seem unreal in moments of spiritual laxity--the impenetrable secrecy of his private life--was now seen to enhance manyfold his wondrous givings.
(comparative of “much” used with mass nouns) a quantifier meaning greater in size or amount or extent or degree
From this reading THE CULT OF THE CANDY CANE When the littler boy looked fairly into the frosty gray of that Christmas morning, the trailed banner of his faith was snatched once more aloft; and in the breast of his complacent brother there swelled the conviction that one does ill to flaunt one's skepticism, when the rewards of belief are substantial and imminent.
the time period between dawn and noon
From this reading THE CULT OF THE CANDY CANE When the littler boy looked fairly into the frosty gray of that Christmas morning, the trailed banner of his faith was snatched once more aloft; and in the breast of his complacent brother there swelled the conviction that one does ill to flaunt one's skepticism, when the rewards of belief are substantial and imminent.
not one and not the other of two
From this reading For before them was an array of gifts such as neither had ever looked upon before, save as forbidden treasure of the few persons whose immense wealth enables them to keep toy-shops.
not ever; at no time in the past or future
From this reading Here was a charm which could never have sat the display before them had it been dryly bought in their presence from one of the millionaire toy-shop keepers.
in the historical present; at this point in the narration of a series of past events
From this reading The tale of the princely Saint was now authenticated delightfully.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading THE CULT OF THE CANDY CANE When the littler boy looked fairly into the frosty gray of that Christmas morning, the trailed banner of his faith was snatched once more aloft; and in the breast of his complacent brother there swelled the conviction that one does ill to flaunt one's skepticism, when the rewards of belief are substantial and imminent.
on one occasion
From this reading THE CULT OF THE CANDY CANE When the littler boy looked fairly into the frosty gray of that Christmas morning, the trailed banner of his faith was snatched once more aloft; and in the breast of his complacent brother there swelled the conviction that one does ill to flaunt one's skepticism, when the rewards of belief are substantial and imminent.
used to mean any person in general, including the speaker
From this reading THE CULT OF THE CANDY CANE When the littler boy looked fairly into the frosty gray of that Christmas morning, the trailed banner of his faith was snatched once more aloft; and in the breast of his complacent brother there swelled the conviction that one does ill to flaunt one's skepticism, when the rewards of belief are substantial and imminent.
one's
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading THE CULT OF THE CANDY CANE When the littler boy looked fairly into the frosty gray of that Christmas morning, the trailed banner of his faith was snatched once more aloft; and in the breast of his complacent brother there swelled the conviction that one does ill to flaunt one's skepticism, when the rewards of belief are substantial and imminent.
plural of “person” — a human being
From this reading For before them was an array of gifts such as neither had ever looked upon before, save as forbidden treasure of the few persons whose immense wealth enables them to keep toy-shops.
the state of being present; current existence
From this reading Here was a charm which could never have sat the display before them had it been dryly bought in their presence from one of the millionaire toy-shop keepers.
princelyadjectiveUS /ˈprɪnsli/
ostentatiously rich and superior in quality
From this reading The tale of the princely Saint was now authenticated delightfully.
confined to particular persons or groups or providing privacy
From this reading That which had made him seem unreal in moments of spiritual laxity--the impenetrable secrecy of his private life--was now seen to enhance manyfold his wondrous givings.
rewardsnounUS /rɪˈwɔːrdz/
plural of “reward” — a recompense for worthy acts or retribution for wrongdoing
From this reading THE CULT OF THE CANDY CANE When the littler boy looked fairly into the frosty gray of that Christmas morning, the trailed banner of his faith was snatched once more aloft; and in the breast of his complacent brother there swelled the conviction that one does ill to flaunt one's skepticism, when the rewards of belief are substantial and imminent.
a person who has died and has been declared a saint by canonization
From this reading The tale of the princely Saint was now authenticated delightfully.
the seventh and last day of the week; observed as the Sabbath by Jews and some Christians
From this reading Here was a charm which could never have sat the display before them had it been dryly bought in their presence from one of the millionaire toy-shop keepers.
except for; apart from
From this reading For before them was an array of gifts such as neither had ever looked upon before, save as forbidden treasure of the few persons whose immense wealth enables them to keep toy-shops.
secrecynounUS /ˈsiːkrəsi/
the trait of keeping things secret
From this reading That which had made him seem unreal in moments of spiritual laxity--the impenetrable secrecy of his private life--was now seen to enhance manyfold his wondrous givings.
give a certain impression or have a certain outward aspect
From this reading That which had made him seem unreal in moments of spiritual laxity--the impenetrable secrecy of his private life--was now seen to enhance manyfold his wondrous givings.
inflected form of “see” — perceive by sight or have the power to perceive by sight
From this reading That which had made him seem unreal in moments of spiritual laxity--the impenetrable secrecy of his private life--was now seen to enhance manyfold his wondrous givings.
skepticismnounUS /ˈskeptɪsɪzəm/
doubt about the truth of something
From this reading THE CULT OF THE CANDY CANE When the littler boy looked fairly into the frosty gray of that Christmas morning, the trailed banner of his faith was snatched once more aloft; and in the breast of his complacent brother there swelled the conviction that one does ill to flaunt one's skepticism, when the rewards of belief are substantial and imminent.
snatchedverbUS /snætʃt/
past form of “snatch” — to grasp hastily or eagerly
From this reading THE CULT OF THE CANDY CANE When the littler boy looked fairly into the frosty gray of that Christmas morning, the trailed banner of his faith was snatched once more aloft; and in the breast of his complacent brother there swelled the conviction that one does ill to flaunt one's skepticism, when the rewards of belief are substantial and imminent.
concerned with sacred matters or religion or the church
From this reading That which had made him seem unreal in moments of spiritual laxity--the impenetrable secrecy of his private life--was now seen to enhance manyfold his wondrous givings.
substantialadjectiveUS /səbˈstænʃəl/
of considerable importance, size, or worth
From this reading THE CULT OF THE CANDY CANE When the littler boy looked fairly into the frosty gray of that Christmas morning, the trailed banner of his faith was snatched once more aloft; and in the breast of his complacent brother there swelled the conviction that one does ill to flaunt one's skepticism, when the rewards of belief are substantial and imminent.
of the kind already mentioned
From this reading For before them was an array of gifts such as neither had ever looked upon before, save as forbidden treasure of the few persons whose immense wealth enables them to keep toy-shops.
swelledadjectiveUS /sweld/
feeling self-importance
From this reading THE CULT OF THE CANDY CANE When the littler boy looked fairly into the frosty gray of that Christmas morning, the trailed banner of his faith was snatched once more aloft; and in the breast of his complacent brother there swelled the conviction that one does ill to flaunt one's skepticism, when the rewards of belief are substantial and imminent.
a message that tells the particulars of an act or occurrence or course of events; presented in writing or drama or cinema or as a radio or television program
From this reading The tale of the princely Saint was now authenticated delightfully.
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading THE CULT OF THE CANDY CANE When the littler boy looked fairly into the frosty gray of that Christmas morning, the trailed banner of his faith was snatched once more aloft; and in the breast of his complacent brother there swelled the conviction that one does ill to flaunt one's skepticism, when the rewards of belief are substantial and imminent.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading THE CULT OF THE CANDY CANE When the littler boy looked fairly into the frosty gray of that Christmas morning, the trailed banner of his faith was snatched once more aloft; and in the breast of his complacent brother there swelled the conviction that one does ill to flaunt one's skepticism, when the rewards of belief are substantial and imminent.
belonging to the people or things already mentioned
From this reading Here was a charm which could never have sat the display before them had it been dryly bought in their presence from one of the millionaire toy-shop keepers.
the people or things already mentioned, as the object
From this reading For before them was an array of gifts such as neither had ever looked upon before, save as forbidden treasure of the few persons whose immense wealth enables them to keep toy-shops.
in or at that place or location
From this reading THE CULT OF THE CANDY CANE When the littler boy looked fairly into the frosty gray of that Christmas morning, the trailed banner of his faith was snatched once more aloft; and in the breast of his complacent brother there swelled the conviction that one does ill to flaunt one's skepticism, when the rewards of belief are substantial and imminent.
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading THE CULT OF THE CANDY CANE When the littler boy looked fairly into the frosty gray of that Christmas morning, the trailed banner of his faith was snatched once more aloft; and in the breast of his complacent brother there swelled the conviction that one does ill to flaunt one's skepticism, when the rewards of belief are substantial and imminent.
toy-shop
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Here was a charm which could never have sat the display before them had it been dryly bought in their presence from one of the millionaire toy-shop keepers.
toy-shops
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading For before them was an array of gifts such as neither had ever looked upon before, save as forbidden treasure of the few persons whose immense wealth enables them to keep toy-shops.
trailedverbUS /treɪld/
past form of “trail” — to lag or linger behind
From this reading THE CULT OF THE CANDY CANE When the littler boy looked fairly into the frosty gray of that Christmas morning, the trailed banner of his faith was snatched once more aloft; and in the breast of his complacent brother there swelled the conviction that one does ill to flaunt one's skepticism, when the rewards of belief are substantial and imminent.
accumulated wealth in the form of money or jewels etc.
From this reading For before them was an array of gifts such as neither had ever looked upon before, save as forbidden treasure of the few persons whose immense wealth enables them to keep toy-shops.
unrealadjectiveUS /ənˈriːl/
lacking in reality or substance or genuineness; not corresponding to acknowledged facts or criteria
From this reading That which had made him seem unreal in moments of spiritual laxity--the impenetrable secrecy of his private life--was now seen to enhance manyfold his wondrous givings.
uponprepositionUS /əˈpɑːn/
a formal word for “on”
From this reading For before them was an array of gifts such as neither had ever looked upon before, save as forbidden treasure of the few persons whose immense wealth enables them to keep toy-shops.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading THE CULT OF THE CANDY CANE When the littler boy looked fairly into the frosty gray of that Christmas morning, the trailed banner of his faith was snatched once more aloft; and in the breast of his complacent brother there swelled the conviction that one does ill to flaunt one's skepticism, when the rewards of belief are substantial and imminent.
the state of being rich and affluent; having a plentiful supply of material goods and money
From this reading For before them was an array of gifts such as neither had ever looked upon before, save as forbidden treasure of the few persons whose immense wealth enables them to keep toy-shops.
at the time that
From this reading THE CULT OF THE CANDY CANE When the littler boy looked fairly into the frosty gray of that Christmas morning, the trailed banner of his faith was snatched once more aloft; and in the breast of his complacent brother there swelled the conviction that one does ill to flaunt one's skepticism, when the rewards of belief are substantial and imminent.
used to introduce a clause giving more about a thing just mentioned
From this reading That which had made him seem unreal in moments of spiritual laxity--the impenetrable secrecy of his private life--was now seen to enhance manyfold his wondrous givings.
belonging to which person
From this reading For before them was an array of gifts such as neither had ever looked upon before, save as forbidden treasure of the few persons whose immense wealth enables them to keep toy-shops.
wondrousadjectiveUS /ˈwʌndrəs/
extraordinarily good or great; used especially as intensifiers
From this reading That which had made him seem unreal in moments of spiritual laxity--the impenetrable secrecy of his private life--was now seen to enhance manyfold his wondrous givings.
