used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading She had the two boys home for the Easter holidays; the house was full of the ordinary noise, mirth and confusion natural to a large young family under no more severe discipline than that exercised by a young elder sister.
perfect or complete or pure
From this reading That is to say, she was so far from being alone that her solitude was absolute.
(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 While all these things were going on, Bee was left at Kingswarden alone.
aloneadjectiveUS /əˈloʊn/
Having no one else present.
From this reading While all these things were going on, Bee was left at Kingswarden alone.
amongprepositionUS /əˈmʌŋ/
surrounded by; in the middle of a group
From this reading She had all the children and was very busy among them.
a feeling of delight at being entertained
From this reading The big boys, were in their boyish way, gentlemen, and deferred to Bee more or less--which set a good example to the younger ones; but she was enveloped in a torrent of talk, fun, games and jest, which raged round her from before she got up in the morning till at least the twilight, when the nursery children got tired, and the big boys having exhausted every method of amusement during the day, began to feel the burden of nothing to do, and retired into short-lived attempts at reading, or games of beggar-my-neighbour, or any other simple mode of possible recreation--descending to the level of imaginary football with an old hat through the corridor before it was time to go to bed.
the form of “a” used before a word that begins with a vowel sound
From this reading The big boys, were in their boyish way, gentlemen, and deferred to Bee more or less--which set a good example to the younger ones; but she was enveloped in a torrent of talk, fun, games and jest, which raged round her from before she got up in the morning till at least the twilight, when the nursery children got tired, and the big boys having exhausted every method of amusement during the day, began to feel the burden of nothing to do, and retired into short-lived attempts at reading, or games of beggar-my-neighbour, or any other simple mode of possible recreation--descending to the level of imaginary football with an old hat through the corridor before it was time to go to bed.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading She had all the children and was very busy among them.
one or some or every or all without specification
From this reading The big boys, were in their boyish way, gentlemen, and deferred to Bee more or less--which set a good example to the younger ones; but she was enveloped in a torrent of talk, fun, games and jest, which raged round her from before she got up in the morning till at least the twilight, when the nursery children got tired, and the big boys having exhausted every method of amusement during the day, began to feel the burden of nothing to do, and retired into short-lived attempts at reading, or games of beggar-my-neighbour, or any other simple mode of possible recreation--descending to the level of imaginary football with an old hat through the corridor before it was time to go to bed.
in or near a particular place or position
From this reading While all these things were going on, Bee was left at Kingswarden alone.
attemptsnounUS /əˈtempts/
plural of “attempt” — earnest and conscientious activity intended to do or accomplish something
From this reading The big boys, were in their boyish way, gentlemen, and deferred to Bee more or less--which set a good example to the younger ones; but she was enveloped in a torrent of talk, fun, games and jest, which raged round her from before she got up in the morning till at least the twilight, when the nursery children got tired, and the big boys having exhausted every method of amusement during the day, began to feel the burden of nothing to do, and retired into short-lived attempts at reading, or games of beggar-my-neighbour, or any other simple mode of possible recreation--descending to the level of imaginary football with an old hat through the corridor before it was time to go to bed.
a piece of furniture that provides a place to sleep
From this reading The big boys, were in their boyish way, gentlemen, and deferred to Bee more or less--which set a good example to the younger ones; but she was enveloped in a torrent of talk, fun, games and jest, which raged round her from before she got up in the morning till at least the twilight, when the nursery children got tired, and the big boys having exhausted every method of amusement during the day, began to feel the burden of nothing to do, and retired into short-lived attempts at reading, or games of beggar-my-neighbour, or any other simple mode of possible recreation--descending to the level of imaginary football with an old hat through the corridor before it was time to go to bed.
BeenounUS /biː/
any of numerous hairy-bodied insects including social and solitary species
From this reading While all these things were going on, Bee was left at Kingswarden alone.
earlier than; in front of
From this reading The big boys, were in their boyish way, gentlemen, and deferred to Bee more or less--which set a good example to the younger ones; but she was enveloped in a torrent of talk, fun, games and jest, which raged round her from before she got up in the morning till at least the twilight, when the nursery children got tired, and the big boys having exhausted every method of amusement during the day, began to feel the burden of nothing to do, and retired into short-lived attempts at reading, or games of beggar-my-neighbour, or any other simple mode of possible recreation--descending to the level of imaginary football with an old hat through the corridor before it was time to go to bed.
inflected form of “begin” — take the first step or steps in carrying out an action
From this reading The big boys, were in their boyish way, gentlemen, and deferred to Bee more or less--which set a good example to the younger ones; but she was enveloped in a torrent of talk, fun, games and jest, which raged round her from before she got up in the morning till at least the twilight, when the nursery children got tired, and the big boys having exhausted every method of amusement during the day, began to feel the burden of nothing to do, and retired into short-lived attempts at reading, or games of beggar-my-neighbour, or any other simple mode of possible recreation--descending to the level of imaginary football with an old hat through the corridor before it was time to go to bed.
beggar-my-neighbournoun
a card game for two players in which the object is to win all of the other player's cards
From this reading The big boys, were in their boyish way, gentlemen, and deferred to Bee more or less--which set a good example to the younger ones; but she was enveloped in a torrent of talk, fun, games and jest, which raged round her from before she got up in the morning till at least the twilight, when the nursery children got tired, and the big boys having exhausted every method of amusement during the day, began to feel the burden of nothing to do, and retired into short-lived attempts at reading, or games of beggar-my-neighbour, or any other simple mode of possible recreation--descending to the level of imaginary football with an old hat through the corridor before it was time to go to bed.
beingauxiliary verbUS /ˈbiːɪŋ/
the -ing form of “be”
From this reading That is to say, she was so far from being alone that her solitude was absolute.
above average in size or number or quantity or magnitude or extent
From this reading The big boys, were in their boyish way, gentlemen, and deferred to Bee more or less--which set a good example to the younger ones; but she was enveloped in a torrent of talk, fun, games and jest, which raged round her from before she got up in the morning till at least the twilight, when the nursery children got tired, and the big boys having exhausted every method of amusement during the day, began to feel the burden of nothing to do, and retired into short-lived attempts at reading, or games of beggar-my-neighbour, or any other simple mode of possible recreation--descending to the level of imaginary football with an old hat through the corridor before it was time to go to bed.
boyishadjectiveUS /ˈbɔɪɪʃ/
befitting or characteristic of a young boy
From this reading The big boys, were in their boyish way, gentlemen, and deferred to Bee more or less--which set a good example to the younger ones; but she was enveloped in a torrent of talk, fun, games and jest, which raged round her from before she got up in the morning till at least the twilight, when the nursery children got tired, and the big boys having exhausted every method of amusement during the day, began to feel the burden of nothing to do, and retired into short-lived attempts at reading, or games of beggar-my-neighbour, or any other simple mode of possible recreation--descending to the level of imaginary football with an old hat through the corridor before it was time to go to bed.
plural of “boy” — a youthful male person
From this reading She had the two boys home for the Easter holidays; the house was full of the ordinary noise, mirth and confusion natural to a large young family under no more severe discipline than that exercised by a young elder sister.
an onerous or difficult concern
From this reading The big boys, were in their boyish way, gentlemen, and deferred to Bee more or less--which set a good example to the younger ones; but she was enveloped in a torrent of talk, fun, games and jest, which raged round her from before she got up in the morning till at least the twilight, when the nursery children got tired, and the big boys having exhausted every method of amusement during the day, began to feel the burden of nothing to do, and retired into short-lived attempts at reading, or games of beggar-my-neighbour, or any other simple mode of possible recreation--descending to the level of imaginary football with an old hat through the corridor before it was time to go to bed.
actively or fully engaged or occupied
From this reading She had all the children and was very busy among them.
used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before
From this reading The big boys, were in their boyish way, gentlemen, and deferred to Bee more or less--which set a good example to the younger ones; but she was enveloped in a torrent of talk, fun, games and jest, which raged round her from before she got up in the morning till at least the twilight, when the nursery children got tired, and the big boys having exhausted every method of amusement during the day, began to feel the burden of nothing to do, and retired into short-lived attempts at reading, or games of beggar-my-neighbour, or any other simple mode of possible recreation--descending to the level of imaginary football with an old hat through the corridor before it was time to go to bed.
showing who or what does the action
From this reading She had the two boys home for the Easter holidays; the house was full of the ordinary noise, mirth and confusion natural to a large young family under no more severe discipline than that exercised by a young elder sister.
plural of “child” — a young person of either sex
From this reading She had all the children and was very busy among them.
disorder resulting from a failure to behave predictably
From this reading She had the two boys home for the Easter holidays; the house was full of the ordinary noise, mirth and confusion natural to a large young family under no more severe discipline than that exercised by a young elder sister.
corridornounUS /ˈkɔːrədər/
an enclosed passageway; rooms usually open onto it
From this reading The big boys, were in their boyish way, gentlemen, and deferred to Bee more or less--which set a good example to the younger ones; but she was enveloped in a torrent of talk, fun, games and jest, which raged round her from before she got up in the morning till at least the twilight, when the nursery children got tired, and the big boys having exhausted every method of amusement during the day, began to feel the burden of nothing to do, and retired into short-lived attempts at reading, or games of beggar-my-neighbour, or any other simple mode of possible recreation--descending to the level of imaginary football with an old hat through the corridor before it was time to go to bed.
time for Earth to make a complete rotation on its axis
From this reading The big boys, were in their boyish way, gentlemen, and deferred to Bee more or less--which set a good example to the younger ones; but she was enveloped in a torrent of talk, fun, games and jest, which raged round her from before she got up in the morning till at least the twilight, when the nursery children got tired, and the big boys having exhausted every method of amusement during the day, began to feel the burden of nothing to do, and retired into short-lived attempts at reading, or games of beggar-my-neighbour, or any other simple mode of possible recreation--descending to the level of imaginary football with an old hat through the corridor before it was time to go to bed.
deferredverbUS /dɪˈfɜːrd/
inflected form of “defer” — hold back to a later time
From this reading The big boys, were in their boyish way, gentlemen, and deferred to Bee more or less--which set a good example to the younger ones; but she was enveloped in a torrent of talk, fun, games and jest, which raged round her from before she got up in the morning till at least the twilight, when the nursery children got tired, and the big boys having exhausted every method of amusement during the day, began to feel the burden of nothing to do, and retired into short-lived attempts at reading, or games of beggar-my-neighbour, or any other simple mode of possible recreation--descending to the level of imaginary football with an old hat through the corridor before it was time to go to bed.
descendingadjectiveUS /dɪˈsendɪŋ/
coming down or downward
From this reading The big boys, were in their boyish way, gentlemen, and deferred to Bee more or less--which set a good example to the younger ones; but she was enveloped in a torrent of talk, fun, games and jest, which raged round her from before she got up in the morning till at least the twilight, when the nursery children got tired, and the big boys having exhausted every method of amusement during the day, began to feel the burden of nothing to do, and retired into short-lived attempts at reading, or games of beggar-my-neighbour, or any other simple mode of possible recreation--descending to the level of imaginary football with an old hat through the corridor before it was time to go to bed.
disciplinenounUS /ˈdɪsəplən/
a branch of knowledge
From this reading She had the two boys home for the Easter holidays; the house was full of the ordinary noise, mirth and confusion natural to a large young family under no more severe discipline than that exercised by a young elder sister.
used to form questions and negatives, and to give emphasis
From this reading The big boys, were in their boyish way, gentlemen, and deferred to Bee more or less--which set a good example to the younger ones; but she was enveloped in a torrent of talk, fun, games and jest, which raged round her from before she got up in the morning till at least the twilight, when the nursery children got tired, and the big boys having exhausted every method of amusement during the day, began to feel the burden of nothing to do, and retired into short-lived attempts at reading, or games of beggar-my-neighbour, or any other simple mode of possible recreation--descending to the level of imaginary football with an old hat through the corridor before it was time to go to bed.
all through a period, or at some point within it
From this reading The big boys, were in their boyish way, gentlemen, and deferred to Bee more or less--which set a good example to the younger ones; but she was enveloped in a torrent of talk, fun, games and jest, which raged round her from before she got up in the morning till at least the twilight, when the nursery children got tired, and the big boys having exhausted every method of amusement during the day, began to feel the burden of nothing to do, and retired into short-lived attempts at reading, or games of beggar-my-neighbour, or any other simple mode of possible recreation--descending to the level of imaginary football with an old hat through the corridor before it was time to go to bed.
EasternounUS /ˈiːstər/
a Christian celebration of the Resurrection of Christ; celebrated on the Sunday following the first full moon after the vernal equinox
From this reading She had the two boys home for the Easter holidays; the house was full of the ordinary noise, mirth and confusion natural to a large young family under no more severe discipline than that exercised by a young elder sister.
a person who is older than you are
From this reading She had the two boys home for the Easter holidays; the house was full of the ordinary noise, mirth and confusion natural to a large young family under no more severe discipline than that exercised by a young elder sister.
envelopedverbUS /enˈveləpt/
past form of “envelop” — enclose or enfold completely with or as if with a covering
From this reading The big boys, were in their boyish way, gentlemen, and deferred to Bee more or less--which set a good example to the younger ones; but she was enveloped in a torrent of talk, fun, games and jest, which raged round her from before she got up in the morning till at least the twilight, when the nursery children got tired, and the big boys having exhausted every method of amusement during the day, began to feel the burden of nothing to do, and retired into short-lived attempts at reading, or games of beggar-my-neighbour, or any other simple mode of possible recreation--descending to the level of imaginary football with an old hat through the corridor before it was time to go to bed.
everydeterminerUS /ˈevəri/
all the members of a group, with none left out
From this reading The big boys, were in their boyish way, gentlemen, and deferred to Bee more or less--which set a good example to the younger ones; but she was enveloped in a torrent of talk, fun, games and jest, which raged round her from before she got up in the morning till at least the twilight, when the nursery children got tired, and the big boys having exhausted every method of amusement during the day, began to feel the burden of nothing to do, and retired into short-lived attempts at reading, or games of beggar-my-neighbour, or any other simple mode of possible recreation--descending to the level of imaginary football with an old hat through the corridor before it was time to go to bed.
an item of information that is typical of a class or group
From this reading The big boys, were in their boyish way, gentlemen, and deferred to Bee more or less--which set a good example to the younger ones; but she was enveloped in a torrent of talk, fun, games and jest, which raged round her from before she got up in the morning till at least the twilight, when the nursery children got tired, and the big boys having exhausted every method of amusement during the day, began to feel the burden of nothing to do, and retired into short-lived attempts at reading, or games of beggar-my-neighbour, or any other simple mode of possible recreation--descending to the level of imaginary football with an old hat through the corridor before it was time to go to bed.
exercisedverbUS /ˈeksərsaɪzd/
past form of “exercise” — put to use
From this reading She had the two boys home for the Easter holidays; the house was full of the ordinary noise, mirth and confusion natural to a large young family under no more severe discipline than that exercised by a young elder sister.
drained of energy or effectiveness; extremely tired; completely exhausted
From this reading The big boys, were in their boyish way, gentlemen, and deferred to Bee more or less--which set a good example to the younger ones; but she was enveloped in a torrent of talk, fun, games and jest, which raged round her from before she got up in the morning till at least the twilight, when the nursery children got tired, and the big boys having exhausted every method of amusement during the day, began to feel the burden of nothing to do, and retired into short-lived attempts at reading, or games of beggar-my-neighbour, or any other simple mode of possible recreation--descending to the level of imaginary football with an old hat through the corridor before it was time to go to bed.
a social unit living together
From this reading She had the two boys home for the Easter holidays; the house was full of the ordinary noise, mirth and confusion natural to a large young family under no more severe discipline than that exercised by a young elder sister.
to a considerable degree; very much
From this reading That is to say, she was so far from being alone that her solitude was absolute.
undergo an emotional sensation or be in a particular state of mind
From this reading The big boys, were in their boyish way, gentlemen, and deferred to Bee more or less--which set a good example to the younger ones; but she was enveloped in a torrent of talk, fun, games and jest, which raged round her from before she got up in the morning till at least the twilight, when the nursery children got tired, and the big boys having exhausted every method of amusement during the day, began to feel the burden of nothing to do, and retired into short-lived attempts at reading, or games of beggar-my-neighbour, or any other simple mode of possible recreation--descending to the level of imaginary football with an old hat through the corridor before it was time to go to bed.
footballnounUS /ˈfʊtbɔːl/
any of various games played with a ball (round or oval) in which two teams try to kick or carry or propel the ball into each other's goal
From this reading The big boys, were in their boyish way, gentlemen, and deferred to Bee more or less--which set a good example to the younger ones; but she was enveloped in a torrent of talk, fun, games and jest, which raged round her from before she got up in the morning till at least the twilight, when the nursery children got tired, and the big boys having exhausted every method of amusement during the day, began to feel the burden of nothing to do, and retired into short-lived attempts at reading, or games of beggar-my-neighbour, or any other simple mode of possible recreation--descending to the level of imaginary football with an old hat through the corridor before it was time to go to bed.
intended to be given to, or used by, somebody
From this reading She had the two boys home for the Easter holidays; the house was full of the ordinary noise, mirth and confusion natural to a large young family under no more severe discipline than that exercised by a young elder sister.
showing where something starts, or who sent it
From this reading That is to say, she was so far from being alone that her solitude was absolute.
containing as much or as many as is possible or normal
From this reading She had the two boys home for the Easter holidays; the house was full of the ordinary noise, mirth and confusion natural to a large young family under no more severe discipline than that exercised by a young elder sister.
activities that are enjoyable or amusing
From this reading The big boys, were in their boyish way, gentlemen, and deferred to Bee more or less--which set a good example to the younger ones; but she was enveloped in a torrent of talk, fun, games and jest, which raged round her from before she got up in the morning till at least the twilight, when the nursery children got tired, and the big boys having exhausted every method of amusement during the day, began to feel the burden of nothing to do, and retired into short-lived attempts at reading, or games of beggar-my-neighbour, or any other simple mode of possible recreation--descending to the level of imaginary football with an old hat through the corridor before it was time to go to bed.
gamesnounUS /ɡeɪmz/
plural of “game” — a contest with rules to determine a winner
From this reading The big boys, were in their boyish way, gentlemen, and deferred to Bee more or less--which set a good example to the younger ones; but she was enveloped in a torrent of talk, fun, games and jest, which raged round her from before she got up in the morning till at least the twilight, when the nursery children got tired, and the big boys having exhausted every method of amusement during the day, began to feel the burden of nothing to do, and retired into short-lived attempts at reading, or games of beggar-my-neighbour, or any other simple mode of possible recreation--descending to the level of imaginary football with an old hat through the corridor before it was time to go to bed.
plural of “gentleman” — a man of refinement
From this reading The big boys, were in their boyish way, gentlemen, and deferred to Bee more or less--which set a good example to the younger ones; but she was enveloped in a torrent of talk, fun, games and jest, which raged round her from before she got up in the morning till at least the twilight, when the nursery children got tired, and the big boys having exhausted every method of amusement during the day, began to feel the burden of nothing to do, and retired into short-lived attempts at reading, or games of beggar-my-neighbour, or any other simple mode of possible recreation--descending to the level of imaginary football with an old hat through the corridor before it was time to go to bed.
change location; move, travel, or proceed, also metaphorically
From this reading The big boys, were in their boyish way, gentlemen, and deferred to Bee more or less--which set a good example to the younger ones; but she was enveloped in a torrent of talk, fun, games and jest, which raged round her from before she got up in the morning till at least the twilight, when the nursery children got tired, and the big boys having exhausted every method of amusement during the day, began to feel the burden of nothing to do, and retired into short-lived attempts at reading, or games of beggar-my-neighbour, or any other simple mode of possible recreation--descending to the level of imaginary football with an old hat through the corridor before it was time to go to bed.
the act of departing
From this reading While all these things were going on, Bee was left at Kingswarden alone.
having desirable or positive qualities especially those suitable for a thing specified
From this reading The big boys, were in their boyish way, gentlemen, and deferred to Bee more or less--which set a good example to the younger ones; but she was enveloped in a torrent of talk, fun, games and jest, which raged round her from before she got up in the morning till at least the twilight, when the nursery children got tired, and the big boys having exhausted every method of amusement during the day, began to feel the burden of nothing to do, and retired into short-lived attempts at reading, or games of beggar-my-neighbour, or any other simple mode of possible recreation--descending to the level of imaginary football with an old hat through the corridor before it was time to go to bed.
inflected form of “get” — come into the possession of something concrete or abstract
From this reading The big boys, were in their boyish way, gentlemen, and deferred to Bee more or less--which set a good example to the younger ones; but she was enveloped in a torrent of talk, fun, games and jest, which raged round her from before she got up in the morning till at least the twilight, when the nursery children got tired, and the big boys having exhausted every method of amusement during the day, began to feel the burden of nothing to do, and retired into short-lived attempts at reading, or games of beggar-my-neighbour, or any other simple mode of possible recreation--descending to the level of imaginary football with an old hat through the corridor before it was time to go to bed.
hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/
the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect
From this reading She had all the children and was very busy among them.
headdress that protects the head from bad weather; has shaped crown and usually a brim
From this reading The big boys, were in their boyish way, gentlemen, and deferred to Bee more or less--which set a good example to the younger ones; but she was enveloped in a torrent of talk, fun, games and jest, which raged round her from before she got up in the morning till at least the twilight, when the nursery children got tired, and the big boys having exhausted every method of amusement during the day, began to feel the burden of nothing to do, and retired into short-lived attempts at reading, or games of beggar-my-neighbour, or any other simple mode of possible recreation--descending to the level of imaginary football with an old hat through the corridor before it was time to go to bed.
havingauxiliary verbUS /ˈhævɪŋ/
the -ing form of “have”
From this reading The big boys, were in their boyish way, gentlemen, and deferred to Bee more or less--which set a good example to the younger ones; but she was enveloped in a torrent of talk, fun, games and jest, which raged round her from before she got up in the morning till at least the twilight, when the nursery children got tired, and the big boys having exhausted every method of amusement during the day, began to feel the burden of nothing to do, and retired into short-lived attempts at reading, or games of beggar-my-neighbour, or any other simple mode of possible recreation--descending to the level of imaginary football with an old hat through the corridor before it was time to go to bed.
belonging to a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned
From this reading That is to say, she was so far from being alone that her solitude was absolute.
holidaysnounUS /ˈhɑːlədeɪz/
plural of “holiday” — leisure time away from work devoted to rest or pleasure
From this reading She had the two boys home for the Easter holidays; the house was full of the ordinary noise, mirth and confusion natural to a large young family under no more severe discipline than that exercised by a young elder sister.
where you live at a particular time
From this reading She had the two boys home for the Easter holidays; the house was full of the ordinary noise, mirth and confusion natural to a large young family under no more severe discipline than that exercised by a young elder sister.
a dwelling that serves as living quarters for one or more families
From this reading She had the two boys home for the Easter holidays; the house was full of the ordinary noise, mirth and confusion natural to a large young family under no more severe discipline than that exercised by a young elder sister.
imaginaryadjectiveUS /ˌɪˈmædʒəneri/
not based on fact; existing only in the imagination
From this reading The big boys, were in their boyish way, gentlemen, and deferred to Bee more or less--which set a good example to the younger ones; but she was enveloped in a torrent of talk, fun, games and jest, which raged round her from before she got up in the morning till at least the twilight, when the nursery children got tired, and the big boys having exhausted every method of amusement during the day, began to feel the burden of nothing to do, and retired into short-lived attempts at reading, or games of beggar-my-neighbour, or any other simple mode of possible recreation--descending to the level of imaginary football with an old hat through the corridor before it was time to go to bed.
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading The big boys, were in their boyish way, gentlemen, and deferred to Bee more or less--which set a good example to the younger ones; but she was enveloped in a torrent of talk, fun, games and jest, which raged round her from before she got up in the morning till at least the twilight, when the nursery children got tired, and the big boys having exhausted every method of amusement during the day, began to feel the burden of nothing to do, and retired into short-lived attempts at reading, or games of beggar-my-neighbour, or any other simple mode of possible recreation--descending to the level of imaginary football with an old hat through the corridor before it was time to go to bed.
intoprepositionUS /ˈɪntuː/
moving to the inside of something
From this reading The big boys, were in their boyish way, gentlemen, and deferred to Bee more or less--which set a good example to the younger ones; but she was enveloped in a torrent of talk, fun, games and jest, which raged round her from before she got up in the morning till at least the twilight, when the nursery children got tired, and the big boys having exhausted every method of amusement during the day, began to feel the burden of nothing to do, and retired into short-lived attempts at reading, or games of beggar-my-neighbour, or any other simple mode of possible recreation--descending to the level of imaginary football with an old hat through the corridor before it was time to go to bed.
the form of “be” used with he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading That is to say, she was so far from being alone that her solitude was absolute.
a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned
From this reading The big boys, were in their boyish way, gentlemen, and deferred to Bee more or less--which set a good example to the younger ones; but she was enveloped in a torrent of talk, fun, games and jest, which raged round her from before she got up in the morning till at least the twilight, when the nursery children got tired, and the big boys having exhausted every method of amusement during the day, began to feel the burden of nothing to do, and retired into short-lived attempts at reading, or games of beggar-my-neighbour, or any other simple mode of possible recreation--descending to the level of imaginary football with an old hat through the corridor before it was time to go to bed.
a humorous anecdote or remark intended to provoke laughter
From this reading The big boys, were in their boyish way, gentlemen, and deferred to Bee more or less--which set a good example to the younger ones; but she was enveloped in a torrent of talk, fun, games and jest, which raged round her from before she got up in the morning till at least the twilight, when the nursery children got tired, and the big boys having exhausted every method of amusement during the day, began to feel the burden of nothing to do, and retired into short-lived attempts at reading, or games of beggar-my-neighbour, or any other simple mode of possible recreation--descending to the level of imaginary football with an old hat through the corridor before it was time to go to bed.
Kingswarden
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading While all these things were going on, Bee was left at Kingswarden alone.
largeadjectiveUS /lɑːrdʒ/
above average in size or number or quantity or magnitude or extent
From this reading She had the two boys home for the Easter holidays; the house was full of the ordinary noise, mirth and confusion natural to a large young family under no more severe discipline than that exercised by a young elder sister.
the superlative of “little” that can be used with mass nouns and is usually preceded by “the”; a quantifier meaning smallest in amount or extent or degree
From this reading The big boys, were in their boyish way, gentlemen, and deferred to Bee more or less--which set a good example to the younger ones; but she was enveloped in a torrent of talk, fun, games and jest, which raged round her from before she got up in the morning till at least the twilight, when the nursery children got tired, and the big boys having exhausted every method of amusement during the day, began to feel the burden of nothing to do, and retired into short-lived attempts at reading, or games of beggar-my-neighbour, or any other simple mode of possible recreation--descending to the level of imaginary football with an old hat through the corridor before it was time to go to bed.
location near or direction toward the left side; i.e. the side to the north when a person or object faces east
From this reading While all these things were going on, Bee was left at Kingswarden alone.
used to form the comparative of some adjectives and adverbs
From this reading The big boys, were in their boyish way, gentlemen, and deferred to Bee more or less--which set a good example to the younger ones; but she was enveloped in a torrent of talk, fun, games and jest, which raged round her from before she got up in the morning till at least the twilight, when the nursery children got tired, and the big boys having exhausted every method of amusement during the day, began to feel the burden of nothing to do, and retired into short-lived attempts at reading, or games of beggar-my-neighbour, or any other simple mode of possible recreation--descending to the level of imaginary football with an old hat through the corridor before it was time to go to bed.
a position on a scale of intensity or amount or quality
From this reading The big boys, were in their boyish way, gentlemen, and deferred to Bee more or less--which set a good example to the younger ones; but she was enveloped in a torrent of talk, fun, games and jest, which raged round her from before she got up in the morning till at least the twilight, when the nursery children got tired, and the big boys having exhausted every method of amusement during the day, began to feel the burden of nothing to do, and retired into short-lived attempts at reading, or games of beggar-my-neighbour, or any other simple mode of possible recreation--descending to the level of imaginary football with an old hat through the corridor before it was time to go to bed.
a way of doing something, especially a systematic way; implies an orderly logical arrangement (usually in steps)
From this reading The big boys, were in their boyish way, gentlemen, and deferred to Bee more or less--which set a good example to the younger ones; but she was enveloped in a torrent of talk, fun, games and jest, which raged round her from before she got up in the morning till at least the twilight, when the nursery children got tired, and the big boys having exhausted every method of amusement during the day, began to feel the burden of nothing to do, and retired into short-lived attempts at reading, or games of beggar-my-neighbour, or any other simple mode of possible recreation--descending to the level of imaginary football with an old hat through the corridor before it was time to go to bed.
mirthnounUS /mɜːrθ/
great merriment
From this reading She had the two boys home for the Easter holidays; the house was full of the ordinary noise, mirth and confusion natural to a large young family under no more severe discipline than that exercised by a young elder sister.
modenounUS /moʊd/
how something is done or how it happens
From this reading The big boys, were in their boyish way, gentlemen, and deferred to Bee more or less--which set a good example to the younger ones; but she was enveloped in a torrent of talk, fun, games and jest, which raged round her from before she got up in the morning till at least the twilight, when the nursery children got tired, and the big boys having exhausted every method of amusement during the day, began to feel the burden of nothing to do, and retired into short-lived attempts at reading, or games of beggar-my-neighbour, or any other simple mode of possible recreation--descending to the level of imaginary football with an old hat through the corridor before it was time to go to bed.
(comparative of “much” used with mass nouns) a quantifier meaning greater in size or amount or extent or degree
From this reading She had the two boys home for the Easter holidays; the house was full of the ordinary noise, mirth and confusion natural to a large young family under no more severe discipline than that exercised by a young elder sister.
the time period between dawn and noon
From this reading The big boys, were in their boyish way, gentlemen, and deferred to Bee more or less--which set a good example to the younger ones; but she was enveloped in a torrent of talk, fun, games and jest, which raged round her from before she got up in the morning till at least the twilight, when the nursery children got tired, and the big boys having exhausted every method of amusement during the day, began to feel the burden of nothing to do, and retired into short-lived attempts at reading, or games of beggar-my-neighbour, or any other simple mode of possible recreation--descending to the level of imaginary football with an old hat through the corridor before it was time to go to bed.
in accordance with nature; relating to or concerning nature
From this reading She had the two boys home for the Easter holidays; the house was full of the ordinary noise, mirth and confusion natural to a large young family under no more severe discipline than that exercised by a young elder sister.
not any; not one
From this reading She had the two boys home for the Easter holidays; the house was full of the ordinary noise, mirth and confusion natural to a large young family under no more severe discipline than that exercised by a young elder sister.
sound of any kind (especially unintelligible or dissonant sound)
From this reading She had the two boys home for the Easter holidays; the house was full of the ordinary noise, mirth and confusion natural to a large young family under no more severe discipline than that exercised by a young elder sister.
not one thing; not anything
From this reading The big boys, were in their boyish way, gentlemen, and deferred to Bee more or less--which set a good example to the younger ones; but she was enveloped in a torrent of talk, fun, games and jest, which raged round her from before she got up in the morning till at least the twilight, when the nursery children got tired, and the big boys having exhausted every method of amusement during the day, began to feel the burden of nothing to do, and retired into short-lived attempts at reading, or games of beggar-my-neighbour, or any other simple mode of possible recreation--descending to the level of imaginary football with an old hat through the corridor before it was time to go to bed.
nurserynounUS /ˈnɜːrsəri/
a child's room for a baby
From this reading The big boys, were in their boyish way, gentlemen, and deferred to Bee more or less--which set a good example to the younger ones; but she was enveloped in a torrent of talk, fun, games and jest, which raged round her from before she got up in the morning till at least the twilight, when the nursery children got tired, and the big boys having exhausted every method of amusement during the day, began to feel the burden of nothing to do, and retired into short-lived attempts at reading, or games of beggar-my-neighbour, or any other simple mode of possible recreation--descending to the level of imaginary football with an old hat through the corridor before it was time to go to bed.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading She had the two boys home for the Easter holidays; the house was full of the ordinary noise, mirth and confusion natural to a large young family under no more severe discipline than that exercised by a young elder sister.
(used especially of persons) having lived for a relatively long time or attained a specific age
From this reading The big boys, were in their boyish way, gentlemen, and deferred to Bee more or less--which set a good example to the younger ones; but she was enveloped in a torrent of talk, fun, games and jest, which raged round her from before she got up in the morning till at least the twilight, when the nursery children got tired, and the big boys having exhausted every method of amusement during the day, began to feel the burden of nothing to do, and retired into short-lived attempts at reading, or games of beggar-my-neighbour, or any other simple mode of possible recreation--descending to the level of imaginary football with an old hat through the corridor before it was time to go to bed.
touching and supported by a surface
From this reading While all these things were going on, Bee was left at Kingswarden alone.
plural of “one” — the smallest whole number or a numeral representing this number
From this reading The big boys, were in their boyish way, gentlemen, and deferred to Bee more or less--which set a good example to the younger ones; but she was enveloped in a torrent of talk, fun, games and jest, which raged round her from before she got up in the morning till at least the twilight, when the nursery children got tired, and the big boys having exhausted every method of amusement during the day, began to feel the burden of nothing to do, and retired into short-lived attempts at reading, or games of beggar-my-neighbour, or any other simple mode of possible recreation--descending to the level of imaginary football with an old hat through the corridor before it was time to go to bed.
used to join alternatives or possibilities
From this reading The big boys, were in their boyish way, gentlemen, and deferred to Bee more or less--which set a good example to the younger ones; but she was enveloped in a torrent of talk, fun, games and jest, which raged round her from before she got up in the morning till at least the twilight, when the nursery children got tired, and the big boys having exhausted every method of amusement during the day, began to feel the burden of nothing to do, and retired into short-lived attempts at reading, or games of beggar-my-neighbour, or any other simple mode of possible recreation--descending to the level of imaginary football with an old hat through the corridor before it was time to go to bed.
a judge of a probate court
From this reading She had the two boys home for the Easter holidays; the house was full of the ordinary noise, mirth and confusion natural to a large young family under no more severe discipline than that exercised by a young elder sister.
not the same one or ones already mentioned or implied
From this reading The big boys, were in their boyish way, gentlemen, and deferred to Bee more or less--which set a good example to the younger ones; but she was enveloped in a torrent of talk, fun, games and jest, which raged round her from before she got up in the morning till at least the twilight, when the nursery children got tired, and the big boys having exhausted every method of amusement during the day, began to feel the burden of nothing to do, and retired into short-lived attempts at reading, or games of beggar-my-neighbour, or any other simple mode of possible recreation--descending to the level of imaginary football with an old hat through the corridor before it was time to go to bed.
capable of happening or existing
From this reading The big boys, were in their boyish way, gentlemen, and deferred to Bee more or less--which set a good example to the younger ones; but she was enveloped in a torrent of talk, fun, games and jest, which raged round her from before she got up in the morning till at least the twilight, when the nursery children got tired, and the big boys having exhausted every method of amusement during the day, began to feel the burden of nothing to do, and retired into short-lived attempts at reading, or games of beggar-my-neighbour, or any other simple mode of possible recreation--descending to the level of imaginary football with an old hat through the corridor before it was time to go to bed.
ragedverbUS /reɪdʒd/
past form of “rage” — behave violently, as if in state of a great anger
From this reading The big boys, were in their boyish way, gentlemen, and deferred to Bee more or less--which set a good example to the younger ones; but she was enveloped in a torrent of talk, fun, games and jest, which raged round her from before she got up in the morning till at least the twilight, when the nursery children got tired, and the big boys having exhausted every method of amusement during the day, began to feel the burden of nothing to do, and retired into short-lived attempts at reading, or games of beggar-my-neighbour, or any other simple mode of possible recreation--descending to the level of imaginary football with an old hat through the corridor before it was time to go to bed.
the cognitive process of understanding a written linguistic message
From this reading The big boys, were in their boyish way, gentlemen, and deferred to Bee more or less--which set a good example to the younger ones; but she was enveloped in a torrent of talk, fun, games and jest, which raged round her from before she got up in the morning till at least the twilight, when the nursery children got tired, and the big boys having exhausted every method of amusement during the day, began to feel the burden of nothing to do, and retired into short-lived attempts at reading, or games of beggar-my-neighbour, or any other simple mode of possible recreation--descending to the level of imaginary football with an old hat through the corridor before it was time to go to bed.
recreationnounUS /ˌrekriˈeɪʃən/
an activity that diverts or amuses or stimulates
From this reading The big boys, were in their boyish way, gentlemen, and deferred to Bee more or less--which set a good example to the younger ones; but she was enveloped in a torrent of talk, fun, games and jest, which raged round her from before she got up in the morning till at least the twilight, when the nursery children got tired, and the big boys having exhausted every method of amusement during the day, began to feel the burden of nothing to do, and retired into short-lived attempts at reading, or games of beggar-my-neighbour, or any other simple mode of possible recreation--descending to the level of imaginary football with an old hat through the corridor before it was time to go to bed.
no longer active in your work or profession
From this reading The big boys, were in their boyish way, gentlemen, and deferred to Bee more or less--which set a good example to the younger ones; but she was enveloped in a torrent of talk, fun, games and jest, which raged round her from before she got up in the morning till at least the twilight, when the nursery children got tired, and the big boys having exhausted every method of amusement during the day, began to feel the burden of nothing to do, and retired into short-lived attempts at reading, or games of beggar-my-neighbour, or any other simple mode of possible recreation--descending to the level of imaginary football with an old hat through the corridor before it was time to go to bed.
a charge of ammunition for a single shot
From this reading The big boys, were in their boyish way, gentlemen, and deferred to Bee more or less--which set a good example to the younger ones; but she was enveloped in a torrent of talk, fun, games and jest, which raged round her from before she got up in the morning till at least the twilight, when the nursery children got tired, and the big boys having exhausted every method of amusement during the day, began to feel the burden of nothing to do, and retired into short-lived attempts at reading, or games of beggar-my-neighbour, or any other simple mode of possible recreation--descending to the level of imaginary football with an old hat through the corridor before it was time to go to bed.
express in words
From this reading That is to say, she was so far from being alone that her solitude was absolute.
put into a certain place or abstract location
From this reading The big boys, were in their boyish way, gentlemen, and deferred to Bee more or less--which set a good example to the younger ones; but she was enveloped in a torrent of talk, fun, games and jest, which raged round her from before she got up in the morning till at least the twilight, when the nursery children got tired, and the big boys having exhausted every method of amusement during the day, began to feel the burden of nothing to do, and retired into short-lived attempts at reading, or games of beggar-my-neighbour, or any other simple mode of possible recreation--descending to the level of imaginary football with an old hat through the corridor before it was time to go to bed.
intensely or extremely bad or unpleasant in degree or quality
From this reading She had the two boys home for the Easter holidays; the house was full of the ordinary noise, mirth and confusion natural to a large young family under no more severe discipline than that exercised by a young elder sister.
a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading That is to say, she was so far from being alone that her solitude was absolute.
short-livedadjectiveUS /ˈʃɔːrtˈlaɪvd/
lasting a very short time
From this reading The big boys, were in their boyish way, gentlemen, and deferred to Bee more or less--which set a good example to the younger ones; but she was enveloped in a torrent of talk, fun, games and jest, which raged round her from before she got up in the morning till at least the twilight, when the nursery children got tired, and the big boys having exhausted every method of amusement during the day, began to feel the burden of nothing to do, and retired into short-lived attempts at reading, or games of beggar-my-neighbour, or any other simple mode of possible recreation--descending to the level of imaginary football with an old hat through the corridor before it was time to go to bed.
having few parts; not complex or complicated or involved
From this reading The big boys, were in their boyish way, gentlemen, and deferred to Bee more or less--which set a good example to the younger ones; but she was enveloped in a torrent of talk, fun, games and jest, which raged round her from before she got up in the morning till at least the twilight, when the nursery children got tired, and the big boys having exhausted every method of amusement during the day, began to feel the burden of nothing to do, and retired into short-lived attempts at reading, or games of beggar-my-neighbour, or any other simple mode of possible recreation--descending to the level of imaginary football with an old hat through the corridor before it was time to go to bed.
a female person who has the same parents as another person
From this reading She had the two boys home for the Easter holidays; the house was full of the ordinary noise, mirth and confusion natural to a large young family under no more severe discipline than that exercised by a young elder sister.
for that reason; with the result that
From this reading That is to say, she was so far from being alone that her solitude was absolute.
solitudenounUS /ˈsɑːlətuːd/
a state of social isolation
From this reading That is to say, she was so far from being alone that her solitude was absolute.
exchange thoughts; talk with
From this reading The big boys, were in their boyish way, gentlemen, and deferred to Bee more or less--which set a good example to the younger ones; but she was enveloped in a torrent of talk, fun, games and jest, which raged round her from before she got up in the morning till at least the twilight, when the nursery children got tired, and the big boys having exhausted every method of amusement during the day, began to feel the burden of nothing to do, and retired into short-lived attempts at reading, or games of beggar-my-neighbour, or any other simple mode of possible recreation--descending to the level of imaginary football with an old hat through the corridor before it was time to go to bed.
used to introduce the second part of a comparison
From this reading She had the two boys home for the Easter holidays; the house was full of the ordinary noise, mirth and confusion natural to a large young family under no more severe discipline than that exercised by a young elder sister.
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading That is to say, she was so far from being alone that her solitude was absolute.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading She had all the children and was very busy among them.
belonging to the people or things already mentioned
From this reading The big boys, were in their boyish way, gentlemen, and deferred to Bee more or less--which set a good example to the younger ones; but she was enveloped in a torrent of talk, fun, games and jest, which raged round her from before she got up in the morning till at least the twilight, when the nursery children got tired, and the big boys having exhausted every method of amusement during the day, began to feel the burden of nothing to do, and retired into short-lived attempts at reading, or games of beggar-my-neighbour, or any other simple mode of possible recreation--descending to the level of imaginary football with an old hat through the corridor before it was time to go to bed.
the people or things already mentioned, as the object
From this reading She had all the children and was very busy among them.
the plural of “this”: the people or things near, or just mentioned
From this reading While all these things were going on, Bee was left at Kingswarden alone.
any movable possession (especially articles of clothing)
From this reading While all these things were going on, Bee was left at Kingswarden alone.
from one end or side of something to the other
From this reading The big boys, were in their boyish way, gentlemen, and deferred to Bee more or less--which set a good example to the younger ones; but she was enveloped in a torrent of talk, fun, games and jest, which raged round her from before she got up in the morning till at least the twilight, when the nursery children got tired, and the big boys having exhausted every method of amusement during the day, began to feel the burden of nothing to do, and retired into short-lived attempts at reading, or games of beggar-my-neighbour, or any other simple mode of possible recreation--descending to the level of imaginary football with an old hat through the corridor before it was time to go to bed.
up to a particular time
From this reading The big boys, were in their boyish way, gentlemen, and deferred to Bee more or less--which set a good example to the younger ones; but she was enveloped in a torrent of talk, fun, games and jest, which raged round her from before she got up in the morning till at least the twilight, when the nursery children got tired, and the big boys having exhausted every method of amusement during the day, began to feel the burden of nothing to do, and retired into short-lived attempts at reading, or games of beggar-my-neighbour, or any other simple mode of possible recreation--descending to the level of imaginary football with an old hat through the corridor before it was time to go to bed.
an instance or single occasion for some event
From this reading The big boys, were in their boyish way, gentlemen, and deferred to Bee more or less--which set a good example to the younger ones; but she was enveloped in a torrent of talk, fun, games and jest, which raged round her from before she got up in the morning till at least the twilight, when the nursery children got tired, and the big boys having exhausted every method of amusement during the day, began to feel the burden of nothing to do, and retired into short-lived attempts at reading, or games of beggar-my-neighbour, or any other simple mode of possible recreation--descending to the level of imaginary football with an old hat through the corridor before it was time to go to bed.
tiredadjectiveUS /ˈtaɪərd/
depleted of strength or energy
From this reading The big boys, were in their boyish way, gentlemen, and deferred to Bee more or less--which set a good example to the younger ones; but she was enveloped in a torrent of talk, fun, games and jest, which raged round her from before she got up in the morning till at least the twilight, when the nursery children got tired, and the big boys having exhausted every method of amusement during the day, began to feel the burden of nothing to do, and retired into short-lived attempts at reading, or games of beggar-my-neighbour, or any other simple mode of possible recreation--descending to the level of imaginary football with an old hat through the corridor before it was time to go to bed.
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading That is to say, she was so far from being alone that her solitude was absolute.
torrentnounUS /ˈtɔːrənt/
a heavy rain
From this reading The big boys, were in their boyish way, gentlemen, and deferred to Bee more or less--which set a good example to the younger ones; but she was enveloped in a torrent of talk, fun, games and jest, which raged round her from before she got up in the morning till at least the twilight, when the nursery children got tired, and the big boys having exhausted every method of amusement during the day, began to feel the burden of nothing to do, and retired into short-lived attempts at reading, or games of beggar-my-neighbour, or any other simple mode of possible recreation--descending to the level of imaginary football with an old hat through the corridor before it was time to go to bed.
twilightnounUS /ˈtwaɪlaɪt/
the time of day immediately following sunset
From this reading The big boys, were in their boyish way, gentlemen, and deferred to Bee more or less--which set a good example to the younger ones; but she was enveloped in a torrent of talk, fun, games and jest, which raged round her from before she got up in the morning till at least the twilight, when the nursery children got tired, and the big boys having exhausted every method of amusement during the day, began to feel the burden of nothing to do, and retired into short-lived attempts at reading, or games of beggar-my-neighbour, or any other simple mode of possible recreation--descending to the level of imaginary football with an old hat through the corridor before it was time to go to bed.
the cardinal number that is the sum of one and one or a numeral representing this number
From this reading She had the two boys home for the Easter holidays; the house was full of the ordinary noise, mirth and confusion natural to a large young family under no more severe discipline than that exercised by a young elder sister.
underprepositionUS /ˈʌndər/
below or beneath something; less than
From this reading She had the two boys home for the Easter holidays; the house was full of the ordinary noise, mirth and confusion natural to a large young family under no more severe discipline than that exercised by a young elder sister.
being or moving higher in position or greater in some value; being above a former position or level
From this reading The big boys, were in their boyish way, gentlemen, and deferred to Bee more or less--which set a good example to the younger ones; but she was enveloped in a torrent of talk, fun, games and jest, which raged round her from before she got up in the morning till at least the twilight, when the nursery children got tired, and the big boys having exhausted every method of amusement during the day, began to feel the burden of nothing to do, and retired into short-lived attempts at reading, or games of beggar-my-neighbour, or any other simple mode of possible recreation--descending to the level of imaginary football with an old hat through the corridor before it was time to go to bed.
precisely as stated
From this reading She had all the children and was very busy among them.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading While all these things were going on, Bee was left at Kingswarden alone.
how something is done or how it happens
From this reading The big boys, were in their boyish way, gentlemen, and deferred to Bee more or less--which set a good example to the younger ones; but she was enveloped in a torrent of talk, fun, games and jest, which raged round her from before she got up in the morning till at least the twilight, when the nursery children got tired, and the big boys having exhausted every method of amusement during the day, began to feel the burden of nothing to do, and retired into short-lived attempts at reading, or games of beggar-my-neighbour, or any other simple mode of possible recreation--descending to the level of imaginary football with an old hat through the corridor before it was time to go to bed.
wereauxiliary verbUS /wɜːr/
the past form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun
From this reading While all these things were going on, Bee was left at Kingswarden alone.
at the time that
From this reading The big boys, were in their boyish way, gentlemen, and deferred to Bee more or less--which set a good example to the younger ones; but she was enveloped in a torrent of talk, fun, games and jest, which raged round her from before she got up in the morning till at least the twilight, when the nursery children got tired, and the big boys having exhausted every method of amusement during the day, began to feel the burden of nothing to do, and retired into short-lived attempts at reading, or games of beggar-my-neighbour, or any other simple mode of possible recreation--descending to the level of imaginary football with an old hat through the corridor before it was time to go to bed.
used to introduce a clause giving more about a thing just mentioned
From this reading The big boys, were in their boyish way, gentlemen, and deferred to Bee more or less--which set a good example to the younger ones; but she was enveloped in a torrent of talk, fun, games and jest, which raged round her from before she got up in the morning till at least the twilight, when the nursery children got tired, and the big boys having exhausted every method of amusement during the day, began to feel the burden of nothing to do, and retired into short-lived attempts at reading, or games of beggar-my-neighbour, or any other simple mode of possible recreation--descending to the level of imaginary football with an old hat through the corridor before it was time to go to bed.
WhileconjunctionUS /waɪl/
during the time that
From this reading While all these things were going on, Bee was left at Kingswarden alone.
in the company of; together with
From this reading The big boys, were in their boyish way, gentlemen, and deferred to Bee more or less--which set a good example to the younger ones; but she was enveloped in a torrent of talk, fun, games and jest, which raged round her from before she got up in the morning till at least the twilight, when the nursery children got tired, and the big boys having exhausted every method of amusement during the day, began to feel the burden of nothing to do, and retired into short-lived attempts at reading, or games of beggar-my-neighbour, or any other simple mode of possible recreation--descending to the level of imaginary football with an old hat through the corridor before it was time to go to bed.
(used of living things especially persons) in an early period of life or development or growth
From this reading She had the two boys home for the Easter holidays; the house was full of the ordinary noise, mirth and confusion natural to a large young family under no more severe discipline than that exercised by a young elder sister.
used of the younger of two persons of the same name especially used to distinguish a son from his father
From this reading The big boys, were in their boyish way, gentlemen, and deferred to Bee more or less--which set a good example to the younger ones; but she was enveloped in a torrent of talk, fun, games and jest, which raged round her from before she got up in the morning till at least the twilight, when the nursery children got tired, and the big boys having exhausted every method of amusement during the day, began to feel the burden of nothing to do, and retired into short-lived attempts at reading, or games of beggar-my-neighbour, or any other simple mode of possible recreation--descending to the level of imaginary football with an old hat through the corridor before it was time to go to bed.
