Chapter XII

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

From this reading “_Sh_,” she whispered, laying a finger warningly upon her lips.

on the subject of; concerning

From this reading Clematis was so mingled a dog that he shook one’s faith in any definiteness of design on the part of Nature: it hurt William to see him about the premises, and William showed his feelings, for he feared that people might think Clematis belonged to him or to his family.

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

From this reading She gave him an apprehensive look, but he passed into the house absent-mindedly, not even glancing at Clematis, the humble and faithful dog in attendance upon Genesis--and that was remarkable, because the sight of Clematis was nearly always but too obviously painful to William.

at all times; all the time and on every occasion

From this reading She gave him an apprehensive look, but he passed into the house absent-mindedly, not even glancing at Clematis, the humble and faithful dog in attendance upon Genesis--and that was remarkable, because the sight of Clematis was nearly always but too obviously painful to William.

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

From this reading She gave him an apprehensive look, but he passed into the house absent-mindedly, not even glancing at Clematis, the humble and faithful dog in attendance upon Genesis--and that was remarkable, because the sight of Clematis was nearly always but too obviously painful to William.

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

From this reading William had entered the yard at the back gate, and, approaching over the lawn, had arrived at the steps of the porch before Jane perceived him.

one or some or every or all without specification

From this reading Clematis was so mingled a dog that he shook one’s faith in any definiteness of design on the part of Nature: it hurt William to see him about the premises, and William showed his feelings, for he feared that people might think Clematis belonged to him or to his family.

quick to understand

From this reading She gave him an apprehensive look, but he passed into the house absent-mindedly, not even glancing at Clematis, the humble and faithful dog in attendance upon Genesis--and that was remarkable, because the sight of Clematis was nearly always but too obviously painful to William.

the event of one object coming closer to another

From this reading William had entered the yard at the back gate, and, approaching over the lawn, had arrived at the steps of the porch before Jane perceived him.

past form of “arrive” — reach a destination; arrive by movement or progress

From this reading William had entered the yard at the back gate, and, approaching over the lawn, had arrived at the steps of the porch before Jane perceived him.

in or near a particular place or position

From this reading William had entered the yard at the back gate, and, approaching over the lawn, had arrived at the steps of the porch before Jane perceived him.

the act of being present (at a meeting or event etc.)

From this reading She gave him an apprehensive look, but he passed into the house absent-mindedly, not even glancing at Clematis, the humble and faithful dog in attendance upon Genesis--and that was remarkable, because the sight of Clematis was nearly always but too obviously painful to William.

in or to or toward a former location

From this reading William had entered the yard at the back gate, and, approaching over the lawn, had arrived at the steps of the porch before Jane perceived him.

for the reason that

From this reading She gave him an apprehensive look, but he passed into the house absent-mindedly, not even glancing at Clematis, the humble and faithful dog in attendance upon Genesis--and that was remarkable, because the sight of Clematis was nearly always but too obviously painful to William.

earlier than; in front of

From this reading William had entered the yard at the back gate, and, approaching over the lawn, had arrived at the steps of the porch before Jane perceived him.

past form of “belong” — be owned by; be in the possession of

From this reading Clematis was so mingled a dog that he shook one’s faith in any definiteness of design on the part of Nature: it hurt William to see him about the premises, and William showed his feelings, for he feared that people might think Clematis belonged to him or to his family.

used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before

From this reading She gave him an apprehensive look, but he passed into the house absent-mindedly, not even glancing at Clematis, the humble and faithful dog in attendance upon Genesis--and that was remarkable, because the sight of Clematis was nearly always but too obviously painful to William.

any of various ornamental climbing plants of the genus Clematis usually having showy flowers

From this reading She gave him an apprehensive look, but he passed into the house absent-mindedly, not even glancing at Clematis, the humble and faithful dog in attendance upon Genesis--and that was remarkable, because the sight of Clematis was nearly always but too obviously painful to William.

the quality of being predictable with great confidence

From this reading Clematis was so mingled a dog that he shook one’s faith in any definiteness of design on the part of Nature: it hurt William to see him about the premises, and William showed his feelings, for he feared that people might think Clematis belonged to him or to his family.

the act of working out the form of something (as by making a sketch or outline or plan)

From this reading Clematis was so mingled a dog that he shook one’s faith in any definiteness of design on the part of Nature: it hurt William to see him about the premises, and William showed his feelings, for he feared that people might think Clematis belonged to him or to his family.

a member of the genus Canis (probably descended from the common wolf) that has been domesticated by man since prehistoric times; occurs in many breeds

From this reading She gave him an apprehensive look, but he passed into the house absent-mindedly, not even glancing at Clematis, the humble and faithful dog in attendance upon Genesis--and that was remarkable, because the sight of Clematis was nearly always but too obviously painful to William.

past form of “enter” — to come or go into

From this reading William had entered the yard at the back gate, and, approaching over the lawn, had arrived at the steps of the porch before Jane perceived him.

divisible by two

From this reading She gave him an apprehensive look, but he passed into the house absent-mindedly, not even glancing at Clematis, the humble and faithful dog in attendance upon Genesis--and that was remarkable, because the sight of Clematis was nearly always but too obviously painful to William.

a strong belief in a supernatural power or powers that control human destiny

From this reading Clematis was so mingled a dog that he shook one’s faith in any definiteness of design on the part of Nature: it hurt William to see him about the premises, and William showed his feelings, for he feared that people might think Clematis belonged to him or to his family.

steadfast in affection or allegiance

From this reading She gave him an apprehensive look, but he passed into the house absent-mindedly, not even glancing at Clematis, the humble and faithful dog in attendance upon Genesis--and that was remarkable, because the sight of Clematis was nearly always but too obviously painful to William.

a social unit living together

From this reading Clematis was so mingled a dog that he shook one’s faith in any definiteness of design on the part of Nature: it hurt William to see him about the premises, and William showed his feelings, for he feared that people might think Clematis belonged to him or to his family.

past form of “fear” — be afraid or feel anxious or apprehensive about a possible or probable situation or event

From this reading Clematis was so mingled a dog that he shook one’s faith in any definiteness of design on the part of Nature: it hurt William to see him about the premises, and William showed his feelings, for he feared that people might think Clematis belonged to him or to his family.

emotional or moral sensitivity (especially in relation to personal principles or dignity)

From this reading Clematis was so mingled a dog that he shook one’s faith in any definiteness of design on the part of Nature: it hurt William to see him about the premises, and William showed his feelings, for he feared that people might think Clematis belonged to him or to his family.

feel or handle with the fingers

From this reading “_Sh_,” she whispered, laying a finger warningly upon her lips.

intended to be given to, or used by, somebody

From this reading Clematis was so mingled a dog that he shook one’s faith in any definiteness of design on the part of Nature: it hurt William to see him about the premises, and William showed his feelings, for he feared that people might think Clematis belonged to him or to his family.

a movable barrier in a fence or wall

From this reading William had entered the yard at the back gate, and, approaching over the lawn, had arrived at the steps of the porch before Jane perceived him.

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

From this reading She gave him an apprehensive look, but he passed into the house absent-mindedly, not even glancing at Clematis, the humble and faithful dog in attendance upon Genesis--and that was remarkable, because the sight of Clematis was nearly always but too obviously painful to William.

a coming into being

From this reading She gave him an apprehensive look, but he passed into the house absent-mindedly, not even glancing at Clematis, the humble and faithful dog in attendance upon Genesis--and that was remarkable, because the sight of Clematis was nearly always but too obviously painful to William.

-ing form of “glance” — throw a glance at; take a brief look at

From this reading She gave him an apprehensive look, but he passed into the house absent-mindedly, not even glancing at Clematis, the humble and faithful dog in attendance upon Genesis--and that was remarkable, because the sight of Clematis was nearly always but too obviously painful to William.

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

From this reading William had entered the yard at the back gate, and, approaching over the lawn, had arrived at the steps of the porch before Jane perceived him.

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

From this reading She gave him an apprehensive look, but he passed into the house absent-mindedly, not even glancing at Clematis, the humble and faithful dog in attendance upon Genesis--and that was remarkable, because the sight of Clematis was nearly always but too obviously painful to William.

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

From this reading “_Sh_,” she whispered, laying a finger warningly upon her lips.

the male already mentioned, as the object of a verb or preposition

From this reading Jane started, interrupting him.

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

From this reading Clematis was so mingled a dog that he shook one’s faith in any definiteness of design on the part of Nature: it hurt William to see him about the premises, and William showed his feelings, for he feared that people might think Clematis belonged to him or to his family.

a dwelling that serves as living quarters for one or more families

From this reading She gave him an apprehensive look, but he passed into the house absent-mindedly, not even glancing at Clematis, the humble and faithful dog in attendance upon Genesis--and that was remarkable, because the sight of Clematis was nearly always but too obviously painful to William.

low or inferior in station or quality

From this reading She gave him an apprehensive look, but he passed into the house absent-mindedly, not even glancing at Clematis, the humble and faithful dog in attendance upon Genesis--and that was remarkable, because the sight of Clematis was nearly always but too obviously painful to William.

be the source of pain

From this reading Clematis was so mingled a dog that he shook one’s faith in any definiteness of design on the part of Nature: it hurt William to see him about the premises, and William showed his feelings, for he feared that people might think Clematis belonged to him or to his family.

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

From this reading She gave him an apprehensive look, but he passed into the house absent-mindedly, not even glancing at Clematis, the humble and faithful dog in attendance upon Genesis--and that was remarkable, because the sight of Clematis was nearly always but too obviously painful to William.

-ing form of “interrupt” — make a break in

From this reading Jane started, interrupting him.

moving to the inside of something

From this reading She gave him an apprehensive look, but he passed into the house absent-mindedly, not even glancing at Clematis, the humble and faithful dog in attendance upon Genesis--and that was remarkable, because the sight of Clematis was nearly always but too obviously painful to William.

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading Clematis was so mingled a dog that he shook one’s faith in any definiteness of design on the part of Nature: it hurt William to see him about the premises, and William showed his feelings, for he feared that people might think Clematis belonged to him or to his family.

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

From this reading Jane started, interrupting him.

a field of cultivated and mowed grass

From this reading William had entered the yard at the back gate, and, approaching over the lawn, had arrived at the steps of the porch before Jane perceived him.

the production of eggs (especially in birds)

From this reading “_Sh_,” she whispered, laying a finger warningly upon her lips.

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

From this reading “_Sh_,” she whispered, laying a finger warningly upon her lips.

perceive with attention; direct one's gaze towards

From this reading She gave him an apprehensive look, but he passed into the house absent-mindedly, not even glancing at Clematis, the humble and faithful dog in attendance upon Genesis--and that was remarkable, because the sight of Clematis was nearly always but too obviously painful to William.

used to say something is possible but not certain

From this reading Clematis was so mingled a dog that he shook one’s faith in any definiteness of design on the part of Nature: it hurt William to see him about the premises, and William showed his feelings, for he feared that people might think Clematis belonged to him or to his family.

past form of “mingle” — to bring or combine together or with something else

From this reading Clematis was so mingled a dog that he shook one’s faith in any definiteness of design on the part of Nature: it hurt William to see him about the premises, and William showed his feelings, for he feared that people might think Clematis belonged to him or to his family.

the essential qualities or characteristics by which something is recognized

From this reading Clematis was so mingled a dog that he shook one’s faith in any definiteness of design on the part of Nature: it hurt William to see him about the premises, and William showed his feelings, for he feared that people might think Clematis belonged to him or to his family.

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

From this reading She gave him an apprehensive look, but he passed into the house absent-mindedly, not even glancing at Clematis, the humble and faithful dog in attendance upon Genesis--and that was remarkable, because the sight of Clematis was nearly always but too obviously painful to William.

used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative

From this reading She gave him an apprehensive look, but he passed into the house absent-mindedly, not even glancing at Clematis, the humble and faithful dog in attendance upon Genesis--and that was remarkable, because the sight of Clematis was nearly always but too obviously painful to William.

unmistakably (“plain” is often used informally for “plainly”)

From this reading She gave him an apprehensive look, but he passed into the house absent-mindedly, not even glancing at Clematis, the humble and faithful dog in attendance upon Genesis--and that was remarkable, because the sight of Clematis was nearly always but too obviously painful to William.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading William had entered the yard at the back gate, and, approaching over the lawn, had arrived at the steps of the porch before Jane perceived him.

touching and supported by a surface

From this reading Clematis was so mingled a dog that he shook one’s faith in any definiteness of design on the part of Nature: it hurt William to see him about the premises, and William showed his feelings, for he feared that people might think Clematis belonged to him or to his family.

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

From this reading Clematis was so mingled a dog that he shook one’s faith in any definiteness of design on the part of Nature: it hurt William to see him about the premises, and William showed his feelings, for he feared that people might think Clematis belonged to him or to his family.

used to join alternatives or possibilities

From this reading Clematis was so mingled a dog that he shook one’s faith in any definiteness of design on the part of Nature: it hurt William to see him about the premises, and William showed his feelings, for he feared that people might think Clematis belonged to him or to his family.

above and across; more than

From this reading William had entered the yard at the back gate, and, approaching over the lawn, had arrived at the steps of the porch before Jane perceived him.

causing physical or psychological pain

From this reading She gave him an apprehensive look, but he passed into the house absent-mindedly, not even glancing at Clematis, the humble and faithful dog in attendance upon Genesis--and that was remarkable, because the sight of Clematis was nearly always but too obviously painful to William.

something determined in relation to something that includes it

From this reading Clematis was so mingled a dog that he shook one’s faith in any definiteness of design on the part of Nature: it hurt William to see him about the premises, and William showed his feelings, for he feared that people might think Clematis belonged to him or to his family.

past form of “pass” — go across or through

From this reading She gave him an apprehensive look, but he passed into the house absent-mindedly, not even glancing at Clematis, the humble and faithful dog in attendance upon Genesis--and that was remarkable, because the sight of Clematis was nearly always but too obviously painful to William.

(plural) any group of human beings (men or women or children) collectively

From this reading Clematis was so mingled a dog that he shook one’s faith in any definiteness of design on the part of Nature: it hurt William to see him about the premises, and William showed his feelings, for he feared that people might think Clematis belonged to him or to his family.

detected by instinct or inference rather than by recognized perceptual cues

From this reading William had entered the yard at the back gate, and, approaching over the lawn, had arrived at the steps of the porch before Jane perceived him.

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

From this reading William had entered the yard at the back gate, and, approaching over the lawn, had arrived at the steps of the porch before Jane perceived him.

land and the buildings on it

From this reading Clematis was so mingled a dog that he shook one’s faith in any definiteness of design on the part of Nature: it hurt William to see him about the premises, and William showed his feelings, for he feared that people might think Clematis belonged to him or to his family.

unusual or striking

From this reading She gave him an apprehensive look, but he passed into the house absent-mindedly, not even glancing at Clematis, the humble and faithful dog in attendance upon Genesis--and that was remarkable, because the sight of Clematis was nearly always but too obviously painful to William.

perceive by sight or have the power to perceive by sight

From this reading Clematis was so mingled a dog that he shook one’s faith in any definiteness of design on the part of Nature: it hurt William to see him about the premises, and William showed his feelings, for he feared that people might think Clematis belonged to him or to his family.

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

From this reading “_Sh_,” she whispered, laying a finger warningly upon her lips.

a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned, as the subject

From this reading “_Sh_,” she whispered, laying a finger warningly upon her lips.

a disassembled barrel; the parts packed for storage or shipment

From this reading Clematis was so mingled a dog that he shook one’s faith in any definiteness of design on the part of Nature: it hurt William to see him about the premises, and William showed his feelings, for he feared that people might think Clematis belonged to him or to his family.

past form of “show” — give an exhibition of to an interested audience

From this reading Clematis was so mingled a dog that he shook one’s faith in any definiteness of design on the part of Nature: it hurt William to see him about the premises, and William showed his feelings, for he feared that people might think Clematis belonged to him or to his family.

an instance of visual perception

From this reading She gave him an apprehensive look, but he passed into the house absent-mindedly, not even glancing at Clematis, the humble and faithful dog in attendance upon Genesis--and that was remarkable, because the sight of Clematis was nearly always but too obviously painful to William.

for that reason; with the result that

From this reading Clematis was so mingled a dog that he shook one’s faith in any definiteness of design on the part of Nature: it hurt William to see him about the premises, and William showed his feelings, for he feared that people might think Clematis belonged to him or to his family.

past form of “start” — take the first step or steps in carrying out an action

From this reading Jane started, interrupting him.

a flight of stairs or a flight of steps

From this reading William had entered the yard at the back gate, and, approaching over the lawn, had arrived at the steps of the porch before Jane perceived him.

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading She gave him an apprehensive look, but he passed into the house absent-mindedly, not even glancing at Clematis, the humble and faithful dog in attendance upon Genesis--and that was remarkable, because the sight of Clematis was nearly always but too obviously painful to William.

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

From this reading William had entered the yard at the back gate, and, approaching over the lawn, had arrived at the steps of the porch before Jane perceived him.

judge or regard; look upon; judge

From this reading Clematis was so mingled a dog that he shook one’s faith in any definiteness of design on the part of Nature: it hurt William to see him about the premises, and William showed his feelings, for he feared that people might think Clematis belonged to him or to his family.

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

From this reading She gave him an apprehensive look, but he passed into the house absent-mindedly, not even glancing at Clematis, the humble and faithful dog in attendance upon Genesis--and that was remarkable, because the sight of Clematis was nearly always but too obviously painful to William.

to a degree exceeding normal or proper limits

From this reading She gave him an apprehensive look, but he passed into the house absent-mindedly, not even glancing at Clematis, the humble and faithful dog in attendance upon Genesis--and that was remarkable, because the sight of Clematis was nearly always but too obviously painful to William.

a formal word for “on”

From this reading “_Sh_,” she whispered, laying a finger warningly upon her lips.

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

From this reading “_Sh_,” she whispered, laying a finger warningly upon her lips.

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

From this reading She gave him an apprehensive look, but he passed into the house absent-mindedly, not even glancing at Clematis, the humble and faithful dog in attendance upon Genesis--and that was remarkable, because the sight of Clematis was nearly always but too obviously painful to William.

spoken in soft hushed tones without vibrations of the vocal cords

From this reading “_Sh_,” she whispered, laying a finger warningly upon her lips.

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

From this reading William had entered the yard at the back gate, and, approaching over the lawn, had arrived at the steps of the porch before Jane perceived him.

a unit of length equal to 3 feet; defined as 91.44 centimeters; originally taken to be the average length of a stride

From this reading William had entered the yard at the back gate, and, approaching over the lawn, had arrived at the steps of the porch before Jane perceived him.