Chapter IV · Chapter 4

on the subject of; concerning

From this reading The Donkey wished he might move about and talk with some of the other toys he saw all around him, but he dared not, as the old gentleman and the two ladies were standing in front of him and looking straight at the toy.

(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 The Donkey wished he might move about and talk with some of the other toys he saw all around him, but he dared not, as the old gentleman and the two ladies were standing in front of him and looking straight at the toy.

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

From this reading THE CHINA CAT The Nodding Donkey stood straight and stiff on his four legs, with his shiny, new coat of varnish--the one he had received in the workshop of Santa Claus at the North Pole.

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

From this reading "Isn't he the dearest Donkey you ever saw, Angelina?" said one of the ladies to the other.

react verbally

From this reading "He certainly is, Geraldine," was the answer.

surrounding, or on every side of, something

From this reading The Donkey wished he might move about and talk with some of the other toys he saw all around him, but he dared not, as the old gentleman and the two ladies were standing in front of him and looking straight at the toy.

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

From this reading The Donkey wished he might move about and talk with some of the other toys he saw all around him, but he dared not, as the old gentleman and the two ladies were standing in front of him and looking straight at the toy.

in or near a particular place or position

From this reading THE CHINA CAT The Nodding Donkey stood straight and stiff on his four legs, with his shiny, new coat of varnish--the one he had received in the workshop of Santa Claus at the North Pole.

past form of “bang” — strike violently

From this reading All the Donkey dared do was to nod his head, for, being made on purpose to do that, it was perfectly proper for him to do so, just as the Jumping Jack jumped, or some of the funny Clowns banged together their brass cymbals.

the -ing form of “be”

From this reading All the Donkey dared do was to nod his head, for, being made on purpose to do that, it was perfectly proper for him to do so, just as the Jumping Jack jumped, or some of the funny Clowns banged together their brass cymbals.

an alloy of copper and zinc

From this reading All the Donkey dared do was to nod his head, for, being made on purpose to do that, it was perfectly proper for him to do so, just as the Jumping Jack jumped, or some of the funny Clowns banged together their brass cymbals.

used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before

From this reading The Donkey wished he might move about and talk with some of the other toys he saw all around him, but he dared not, as the old gentleman and the two ladies were standing in front of him and looking straight at the toy.

feline mammal usually having thick soft fur and no ability to roar: domestic cats; wildcats

From this reading THE CHINA CAT The Nodding Donkey stood straight and stiff on his four legs, with his shiny, new coat of varnish--the one he had received in the workshop of Santa Claus at the North Pole.

definitely or positively (“sure” is sometimes used informally for “surely”)

From this reading "He certainly is, Geraldine," was the answer.

a communist nation that covers a vast territory in eastern Asia; the most populous country in the world

From this reading THE CHINA CAT The Nodding Donkey stood straight and stiff on his four legs, with his shiny, new coat of varnish--the one he had received in the workshop of Santa Claus at the North Pole.

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

From this reading THE CHINA CAT The Nodding Donkey stood straight and stiff on his four legs, with his shiny, new coat of varnish--the one he had received in the workshop of Santa Claus at the North Pole.

plural of “clown” — a rude or vulgar fool

From this reading All the Donkey dared do was to nod his head, for, being made on purpose to do that, it was perfectly proper for him to do so, just as the Jumping Jack jumped, or some of the funny Clowns banged together their brass cymbals.

an outer garment that has sleeves and covers the body from shoulder down; worn outdoors

From this reading THE CHINA CAT The Nodding Donkey stood straight and stiff on his four legs, with his shiny, new coat of varnish--the one he had received in the workshop of Santa Claus at the North Pole.

plural of “cymbal” — a percussion instrument consisting of a concave brass disk; makes a loud crashing sound when hit with a drumstick or when two are struck together

From this reading All the Donkey dared do was to nod his head, for, being made on purpose to do that, it was perfectly proper for him to do so, just as the Jumping Jack jumped, or some of the funny Clowns banged together their brass cymbals.

past form of “dare” — take upon oneself; act presumptuously, without permission

From this reading The Donkey wished he might move about and talk with some of the other toys he saw all around him, but he dared not, as the old gentleman and the two ladies were standing in front of him and looking straight at the toy.

a beloved person; used as terms of endearment

From this reading "Isn't he the dearest Donkey you ever saw, Angelina?" said one of the ladies to the other.

used to form questions and negatives, and to give emphasis

From this reading All the Donkey dared do was to nod his head, for, being made on purpose to do that, it was perfectly proper for him to do so, just as the Jumping Jack jumped, or some of the funny Clowns banged together their brass cymbals.

the symbol of the Democratic Party; introduced in cartoons by Thomas Nast in 1874

From this reading THE CHINA CAT The Nodding Donkey stood straight and stiff on his four legs, with his shiny, new coat of varnish--the one he had received in the workshop of Santa Claus at the North Pole.

at any time

From this reading "Isn't he the dearest Donkey you ever saw, Angelina?" said one of the ladies to the other.

intended to be given to, or used by, somebody

From this reading All the Donkey dared do was to nod his head, for, being made on purpose to do that, it was perfectly proper for him to do so, just as the Jumping Jack jumped, or some of the funny Clowns banged together their brass cymbals.

the cardinal number that is the sum of three and one

From this reading THE CHINA CAT The Nodding Donkey stood straight and stiff on his four legs, with his shiny, new coat of varnish--the one he had received in the workshop of Santa Claus at the North Pole.

the side that is forward or prominent

From this reading The Donkey wished he might move about and talk with some of the other toys he saw all around him, but he dared not, as the old gentleman and the two ladies were standing in front of him and looking straight at the toy.

arousing or provoking laughter

From this reading All the Donkey dared do was to nod his head, for, being made on purpose to do that, it was perfectly proper for him to do so, just as the Jumping Jack jumped, or some of the funny Clowns banged together their brass cymbals.

a man of refinement

From this reading The Donkey wished he might move about and talk with some of the other toys he saw all around him, but he dared not, as the old gentleman and the two ladies were standing in front of him and looking straight at the toy.

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

From this reading "He certainly is, Geraldine," was the answer.

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

From this reading THE CHINA CAT The Nodding Donkey stood straight and stiff on his four legs, with his shiny, new coat of varnish--the one he had received in the workshop of Santa Claus at the North Pole.

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

From this reading THE CHINA CAT The Nodding Donkey stood straight and stiff on his four legs, with his shiny, new coat of varnish--the one he had received in the workshop of Santa Claus at the North Pole.

the upper part of the human body or the front part of the body in animals; contains the face and brains

From this reading All the Donkey dared do was to nod his head, for, being made on purpose to do that, it was perfectly proper for him to do so, just as the Jumping Jack jumped, or some of the funny Clowns banged together their brass cymbals.

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

From this reading The Donkey wished he might move about and talk with some of the other toys he saw all around him, but he dared not, as the old gentleman and the two ladies were standing in front of him and looking straight at the toy.

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

From this reading THE CHINA CAT The Nodding Donkey stood straight and stiff on his four legs, with his shiny, new coat of varnish--the one he had received in the workshop of Santa Claus at the North Pole.

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

From this reading THE CHINA CAT The Nodding Donkey stood straight and stiff on his four legs, with his shiny, new coat of varnish--the one he had received in the workshop of Santa Claus at the North Pole.

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

From this reading "He certainly is, Geraldine," was the answer.

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

From this reading "Isn't he the dearest Donkey you ever saw, Angelina?" said one of the ladies to the other.

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading All the Donkey dared do was to nod his head, for, being made on purpose to do that, it was perfectly proper for him to do so, just as the Jumping Jack jumped, or some of the funny Clowns banged together their brass cymbals.

a small worthless amount

From this reading All the Donkey dared do was to nod his head, for, being made on purpose to do that, it was perfectly proper for him to do so, just as the Jumping Jack jumped, or some of the funny Clowns banged together their brass cymbals.

past form of “jump” — move forward by leaps and bounds

From this reading All the Donkey dared do was to nod his head, for, being made on purpose to do that, it was perfectly proper for him to do so, just as the Jumping Jack jumped, or some of the funny Clowns banged together their brass cymbals.

the act of participating in an athletic competition in which you must jump

From this reading All the Donkey dared do was to nod his head, for, being made on purpose to do that, it was perfectly proper for him to do so, just as the Jumping Jack jumped, or some of the funny Clowns banged together their brass cymbals.

and nothing more

From this reading All the Donkey dared do was to nod his head, for, being made on purpose to do that, it was perfectly proper for him to do so, just as the Jumping Jack jumped, or some of the funny Clowns banged together their brass cymbals.

plural of “lady” — a polite name for any woman

From this reading The Donkey wished he might move about and talk with some of the other toys he saw all around him, but he dared not, as the old gentleman and the two ladies were standing in front of him and looking straight at the toy.

staying power

From this reading THE CHINA CAT The Nodding Donkey stood straight and stiff on his four legs, with his shiny, new coat of varnish--the one he had received in the workshop of Santa Claus at the North Pole.

the act of directing the eyes toward something and perceiving it visually

From this reading The Donkey wished he might move about and talk with some of the other toys he saw all around him, but he dared not, as the old gentleman and the two ladies were standing in front of him and looking straight at the toy.

produced by a manufacturing process

From this reading All the Donkey dared do was to nod his head, for, being made on purpose to do that, it was perfectly proper for him to do so, just as the Jumping Jack jumped, or some of the funny Clowns banged together their brass cymbals.

used to say something is possible but not certain

From this reading The Donkey wished he might move about and talk with some of the other toys he saw all around him, but he dared not, as the old gentleman and the two ladies were standing in front of him and looking straight at the toy.

change location; move, travel, or proceed, also metaphorically

From this reading The Donkey wished he might move about and talk with some of the other toys he saw all around him, but he dared not, as the old gentleman and the two ladies were standing in front of him and looking straight at the toy.

not of long duration; having just (or relatively recently) come into being or been made or acquired or discovered

From this reading THE CHINA CAT The Nodding Donkey stood straight and stiff on his four legs, with his shiny, new coat of varnish--the one he had received in the workshop of Santa Claus at the North Pole.

express or signify by nodding

From this reading All the Donkey dared do was to nod his head, for, being made on purpose to do that, it was perfectly proper for him to do so, just as the Jumping Jack jumped, or some of the funny Clowns banged together their brass cymbals.

having branches or flower heads that bend downward

From this reading THE CHINA CAT The Nodding Donkey stood straight and stiff on his four legs, with his shiny, new coat of varnish--the one he had received in the workshop of Santa Claus at the North Pole.

the region of the United States lying to the north of the Mason-Dixon line

From this reading THE CHINA CAT The Nodding Donkey stood straight and stiff on his four legs, with his shiny, new coat of varnish--the one he had received in the workshop of Santa Claus at the North Pole.

used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative

From this reading The Donkey wished he might move about and talk with some of the other toys he saw all around him, but he dared not, as the old gentleman and the two ladies were standing in front of him and looking straight at the toy.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading THE CHINA CAT The Nodding Donkey stood straight and stiff on his four legs, with his shiny, new coat of varnish--the one he had received in the workshop of Santa Claus at the North Pole.

(used especially of persons) having lived for a relatively long time or attained a specific age

From this reading The Donkey wished he might move about and talk with some of the other toys he saw all around him, but he dared not, as the old gentleman and the two ladies were standing in front of him and looking straight at the toy.

touching and supported by a surface

From this reading THE CHINA CAT The Nodding Donkey stood straight and stiff on his four legs, with his shiny, new coat of varnish--the one he had received in the workshop of Santa Claus at the North Pole.

used to mean any person in general, including the speaker

From this reading THE CHINA CAT The Nodding Donkey stood straight and stiff on his four legs, with his shiny, new coat of varnish--the one he had received in the workshop of Santa Claus at the North Pole.

used to join alternatives or possibilities

From this reading All the Donkey dared do was to nod his head, for, being made on purpose to do that, it was perfectly proper for him to do so, just as the Jumping Jack jumped, or some of the funny Clowns banged together their brass cymbals.

not the same one or ones already mentioned or implied

From this reading The Donkey wished he might move about and talk with some of the other toys he saw all around him, but he dared not, as the old gentleman and the two ladies were standing in front of him and looking straight at the toy.

completely and without qualification; used informally as intensifiers

From this reading All the Donkey dared do was to nod his head, for, being made on purpose to do that, it was perfectly proper for him to do so, just as the Jumping Jack jumped, or some of the funny Clowns banged together their brass cymbals.

a long (usually round) rod of wood or metal or plastic

From this reading THE CHINA CAT The Nodding Donkey stood straight and stiff on his four legs, with his shiny, new coat of varnish--the one he had received in the workshop of Santa Claus at the North Pole.

marked by suitability or rightness or appropriateness

From this reading All the Donkey dared do was to nod his head, for, being made on purpose to do that, it was perfectly proper for him to do so, just as the Jumping Jack jumped, or some of the funny Clowns banged together their brass cymbals.

an anticipated outcome that is intended or that guides your planned actions

From this reading All the Donkey dared do was to nod his head, for, being made on purpose to do that, it was perfectly proper for him to do so, just as the Jumping Jack jumped, or some of the funny Clowns banged together their brass cymbals.

conforming to the established language usage of educated native speakers

From this reading THE CHINA CAT The Nodding Donkey stood straight and stiff on his four legs, with his shiny, new coat of varnish--the one he had received in the workshop of Santa Claus at the North Pole.

being the one previously mentioned or spoken of

From this reading "Isn't he the dearest Donkey you ever saw, Angelina?" said one of the ladies to the other.

the legendary patron saint of children; an imaginary being who is thought to bring presents to children at Christmas

From this reading THE CHINA CAT The Nodding Donkey stood straight and stiff on his four legs, with his shiny, new coat of varnish--the one he had received in the workshop of Santa Claus at the North Pole.

cut with a saw

From this reading The Donkey wished he might move about and talk with some of the other toys he saw all around him, but he dared not, as the old gentleman and the two ladies were standing in front of him and looking straight at the toy.

reflecting light

From this reading THE CHINA CAT The Nodding Donkey stood straight and stiff on his four legs, with his shiny, new coat of varnish--the one he had received in the workshop of Santa Claus at the North Pole.

for that reason; with the result that

From this reading All the Donkey dared do was to nod his head, for, being made on purpose to do that, it was perfectly proper for him to do so, just as the Jumping Jack jumped, or some of the funny Clowns banged together their brass cymbals.

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

From this reading The Donkey wished he might move about and talk with some of the other toys he saw all around him, but he dared not, as the old gentleman and the two ladies were standing in front of him and looking straight at the toy.

having a supporting base

From this reading The Donkey wished he might move about and talk with some of the other toys he saw all around him, but he dared not, as the old gentleman and the two ladies were standing in front of him and looking straight at the toy.

not moving or operating freely

From this reading THE CHINA CAT The Nodding Donkey stood straight and stiff on his four legs, with his shiny, new coat of varnish--the one he had received in the workshop of Santa Claus at the North Pole.

Maintained an upright posture.

From this reading THE CHINA CAT The Nodding Donkey stood straight and stiff on his four legs, with his shiny, new coat of varnish--the one he had received in the workshop of Santa Claus at the North Pole.

successive (without a break)

From this reading THE CHINA CAT The Nodding Donkey stood straight and stiff on his four legs, with his shiny, new coat of varnish--the one he had received in the workshop of Santa Claus at the North Pole.

exchange thoughts; talk with

From this reading The Donkey wished he might move about and talk with some of the other toys he saw all around him, but he dared not, as the old gentleman and the two ladies were standing in front of him and looking straight at the toy.

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading All the Donkey dared do was to nod his head, for, being made on purpose to do that, it was perfectly proper for him to do so, just as the Jumping Jack jumped, or some of the funny Clowns banged together their brass cymbals.

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

From this reading THE CHINA CAT The Nodding Donkey stood straight and stiff on his four legs, with his shiny, new coat of varnish--the one he had received in the workshop of Santa Claus at the North Pole.

belonging to the people or things already mentioned

From this reading All the Donkey dared do was to nod his head, for, being made on purpose to do that, it was perfectly proper for him to do so, just as the Jumping Jack jumped, or some of the funny Clowns banged together their brass cymbals.

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

From this reading All the Donkey dared do was to nod his head, for, being made on purpose to do that, it was perfectly proper for him to do so, just as the Jumping Jack jumped, or some of the funny Clowns banged together their brass cymbals.

in contact with each other or in proximity

From this reading All the Donkey dared do was to nod his head, for, being made on purpose to do that, it was perfectly proper for him to do so, just as the Jumping Jack jumped, or some of the funny Clowns banged together their brass cymbals.

an artifact designed to be played with

From this reading The Donkey wished he might move about and talk with some of the other toys he saw all around him, but he dared not, as the old gentleman and the two ladies were standing in front of him and looking straight at the toy.

plural of “toy” — an artifact designed to be played with

From this reading The Donkey wished he might move about and talk with some of the other toys he saw all around him, but he dared not, as the old gentleman and the two ladies were standing in front of him and looking straight at the toy.

the cardinal number that is the sum of one and one or a numeral representing this number

From this reading The Donkey wished he might move about and talk with some of the other toys he saw all around him, but he dared not, as the old gentleman and the two ladies were standing in front of him and looking straight at the toy.

a coating that provides a hard, lustrous, transparent finish to a surface

From this reading THE CHINA CAT The Nodding Donkey stood straight and stiff on his four legs, with his shiny, new coat of varnish--the one he had received in the workshop of Santa Claus at the North Pole.

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

From this reading All the Donkey dared do was to nod his head, for, being made on purpose to do that, it was perfectly proper for him to do so, just as the Jumping Jack jumped, or some of the funny Clowns banged together their brass cymbals.

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

From this reading The Donkey wished he might move about and talk with some of the other toys he saw all around him, but he dared not, as the old gentleman and the two ladies were standing in front of him and looking straight at the toy.

past form of “wish” — hope for; have a wish

From this reading The Donkey wished he might move about and talk with some of the other toys he saw all around him, but he dared not, as the old gentleman and the two ladies were standing in front of him and looking straight at the toy.

in the company of; together with

From this reading THE CHINA CAT The Nodding Donkey stood straight and stiff on his four legs, with his shiny, new coat of varnish--the one he had received in the workshop of Santa Claus at the North Pole.

small workplace where handcrafts or manufacturing are done

From this reading THE CHINA CAT The Nodding Donkey stood straight and stiff on his four legs, with his shiny, new coat of varnish--the one he had received in the workshop of Santa Claus at the North Pole.

the person or people being spoken to

From this reading "Isn't he the dearest Donkey you ever saw, Angelina?" said one of the ladies to the other.