Chapter V

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

From this reading We remember that the Christmas festival of to-day is a gradual evolution from times that long antedated the Christian period.

an unfortunate mishap; especially one causing damage or injury

From this reading This was no mere accident.

plural of “adaptation” — a written work (as a novel) that has been recast in a new form

From this reading We remember that though it celebrates the mightiest event in the history of Christendom, it was overlaid upon heathen festivals, and many of its observances are only adaptations of pagan to Christian ceremonial.

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

From this reading THE EVOLUTION OF CHRISTMAS Now I must own that at first sight it is difficult to explain how the Christ-child of the past--the Holy One whose birth is remembered and honored in that feast which we call Christmas, should gradually have been changed into the white-haired, white-bearded, merry-hearted and kindly old pagan whom we sometimes call Christ-Kinkle but more frequently Santa Klaus.

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

From this reading We remember that the Christmas festival of to-day is a gradual evolution from times that long antedated the Christian period.

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

From this reading We remember that though it celebrates the mightiest event in the history of Christendom, it was overlaid upon heathen festivals, and many of its observances are only adaptations of pagan to Christian ceremonial.

in or near a particular place or position

From this reading THE EVOLUTION OF CHRISTMAS Now I must own that at first sight it is difficult to explain how the Christ-child of the past--the Holy One whose birth is remembered and honored in that feast which we call Christmas, should gradually have been changed into the white-haired, white-bearded, merry-hearted and kindly old pagan whom we sometimes call Christ-Kinkle but more frequently Santa Klaus.

the past participle of “be”

From this reading THE EVOLUTION OF CHRISTMAS Now I must own that at first sight it is difficult to explain how the Christ-child of the past--the Holy One whose birth is remembered and honored in that feast which we call Christmas, should gradually have been changed into the white-haired, white-bearded, merry-hearted and kindly old pagan whom we sometimes call Christ-Kinkle but more frequently Santa Klaus.

the time when something begins (especially life)

From this reading THE EVOLUTION OF CHRISTMAS Now I must own that at first sight it is difficult to explain how the Christ-child of the past--the Holy One whose birth is remembered and honored in that feast which we call Christmas, should gradually have been changed into the white-haired, white-bearded, merry-hearted and kindly old pagan whom we sometimes call Christ-Kinkle but more frequently Santa Klaus.

a senior member of the Christian clergy having spiritual and administrative authority; appointed in Christian churches to oversee priests or ministers; considered in some churches to be successors of the twelve Apostles of Christ

From this reading Yet at the very moment when we come face to face with this difficult problem we have reached the explanation which seemed impossible when we strove to understand the much less startling transformation of Saint Nicholas, Bishop of Myra, into Santa Klaus, patron of the Christmas season.

used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before

From this reading THE EVOLUTION OF CHRISTMAS Now I must own that at first sight it is difficult to explain how the Christ-child of the past--the Holy One whose birth is remembered and honored in that feast which we call Christmas, should gradually have been changed into the white-haired, white-bearded, merry-hearted and kindly old pagan whom we sometimes call Christ-Kinkle but more frequently Santa Klaus.

assign a specified (usually proper) proper name to

From this reading THE EVOLUTION OF CHRISTMAS Now I must own that at first sight it is difficult to explain how the Christ-child of the past--the Holy One whose birth is remembered and honored in that feast which we call Christmas, should gradually have been changed into the white-haired, white-bearded, merry-hearted and kindly old pagan whom we sometimes call Christ-Kinkle but more frequently Santa Klaus.

third-person singular of “celebrate” — behave as expected during of holidays or rites

From this reading We remember that though it celebrates the mightiest event in the history of Christendom, it was overlaid upon heathen festivals, and many of its observances are only adaptations of pagan to Christian ceremonial.

a formal event performed on a special occasion

From this reading We remember that though it celebrates the mightiest event in the history of Christendom, it was overlaid upon heathen festivals, and many of its observances are only adaptations of pagan to Christian ceremonial.

made or become different in nature or form

From this reading THE EVOLUTION OF CHRISTMAS Now I must own that at first sight it is difficult to explain how the Christ-child of the past--the Holy One whose birth is remembered and honored in that feast which we call Christmas, should gradually have been changed into the white-haired, white-bearded, merry-hearted and kindly old pagan whom we sometimes call Christ-Kinkle but more frequently Santa Klaus.

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

From this reading THE EVOLUTION OF CHRISTMAS Now I must own that at first sight it is difficult to explain how the Christ-child of the past--the Holy One whose birth is remembered and honored in that feast which we call Christmas, should gradually have been changed into the white-haired, white-bearded, merry-hearted and kindly old pagan whom we sometimes call Christ-Kinkle but more frequently Santa Klaus.

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

From this reading THE EVOLUTION OF CHRISTMAS Now I must own that at first sight it is difficult to explain how the Christ-child of the past--the Holy One whose birth is remembered and honored in that feast which we call Christmas, should gradually have been changed into the white-haired, white-bearded, merry-hearted and kindly old pagan whom we sometimes call Christ-Kinkle but more frequently Santa Klaus.

the collective body of Christians throughout the world and history (found predominantly in Europe and the Americas and Australia)

From this reading We remember that though it celebrates the mightiest event in the history of Christendom, it was overlaid upon heathen festivals, and many of its observances are only adaptations of pagan to Christian ceremonial.

relating to or characteristic of Christianity

From this reading We remember that the Christmas festival of to-day is a gradual evolution from times that long antedated the Christian period.

period extending from Dec. 24 to Jan. 6

From this reading THE EVOLUTION OF CHRISTMAS Now I must own that at first sight it is difficult to explain how the Christ-child of the past--the Holy One whose birth is remembered and honored in that feast which we call Christmas, should gradually have been changed into the white-haired, white-bearded, merry-hearted and kindly old pagan whom we sometimes call Christ-Kinkle but more frequently Santa Klaus.

move toward, travel toward something or somebody or approach something or somebody

From this reading Yet at the very moment when we come face to face with this difficult problem we have reached the explanation which seemed impossible when we strove to understand the much less startling transformation of Saint Nicholas, Bishop of Myra, into Santa Klaus, patron of the Christmas season.

not easy; requiring great physical or mental effort to accomplish or comprehend or endure

From this reading THE EVOLUTION OF CHRISTMAS Now I must own that at first sight it is difficult to explain how the Christ-child of the past--the Holy One whose birth is remembered and honored in that feast which we call Christmas, should gradually have been changed into the white-haired, white-bearded, merry-hearted and kindly old pagan whom we sometimes call Christ-Kinkle but more frequently Santa Klaus.

something that happens at a given place and time

From this reading We remember that though it celebrates the mightiest event in the history of Christendom, it was overlaid upon heathen festivals, and many of its observances are only adaptations of pagan to Christian ceremonial.

a process in which something passes by degrees to a different stage (especially a more advanced or mature stage)

From this reading THE EVOLUTION OF CHRISTMAS Now I must own that at first sight it is difficult to explain how the Christ-child of the past--the Holy One whose birth is remembered and honored in that feast which we call Christmas, should gradually have been changed into the white-haired, white-bearded, merry-hearted and kindly old pagan whom we sometimes call Christ-Kinkle but more frequently Santa Klaus.

make plain and comprehensible

From this reading THE EVOLUTION OF CHRISTMAS Now I must own that at first sight it is difficult to explain how the Christ-child of the past--the Holy One whose birth is remembered and honored in that feast which we call Christmas, should gradually have been changed into the white-haired, white-bearded, merry-hearted and kindly old pagan whom we sometimes call Christ-Kinkle but more frequently Santa Klaus.

a statement that makes something comprehensible by describing the relevant structure or operation or circumstances etc.

From this reading Yet at the very moment when we come face to face with this difficult problem we have reached the explanation which seemed impossible when we strove to understand the much less startling transformation of Saint Nicholas, Bishop of Myra, into Santa Klaus, patron of the Christmas season.

the front of the human head from the forehead to the chin and ear to ear

From this reading Yet at the very moment when we come face to face with this difficult problem we have reached the explanation which seemed impossible when we strove to understand the much less startling transformation of Saint Nicholas, Bishop of Myra, into Santa Klaus, patron of the Christmas season.

a ceremonial dinner party for many people

From this reading THE EVOLUTION OF CHRISTMAS Now I must own that at first sight it is difficult to explain how the Christ-child of the past--the Holy One whose birth is remembered and honored in that feast which we call Christmas, should gradually have been changed into the white-haired, white-bearded, merry-hearted and kindly old pagan whom we sometimes call Christ-Kinkle but more frequently Santa Klaus.

a day or period of time set aside for feasting and celebration

From this reading We remember that the Christmas festival of to-day is a gradual evolution from times that long antedated the Christian period.

plural of “festival” — a day or period of time set aside for feasting and celebration

From this reading We remember that though it celebrates the mightiest event in the history of Christendom, it was overlaid upon heathen festivals, and many of its observances are only adaptations of pagan to Christian ceremonial.

preceding all others in time or space or degree

From this reading THE EVOLUTION OF CHRISTMAS Now I must own that at first sight it is difficult to explain how the Christ-child of the past--the Holy One whose birth is remembered and honored in that feast which we call Christmas, should gradually have been changed into the white-haired, white-bearded, merry-hearted and kindly old pagan whom we sometimes call Christ-Kinkle but more frequently Santa Klaus.

many times at short intervals

From this reading THE EVOLUTION OF CHRISTMAS Now I must own that at first sight it is difficult to explain how the Christ-child of the past--the Holy One whose birth is remembered and honored in that feast which we call Christmas, should gradually have been changed into the white-haired, white-bearded, merry-hearted and kindly old pagan whom we sometimes call Christ-Kinkle but more frequently Santa Klaus.

showing where something starts, or who sent it

From this reading We remember that the Christmas festival of to-day is a gradual evolution from times that long antedated the Christian period.

proceeding in small stages

From this reading We remember that the Christmas festival of to-day is a gradual evolution from times that long antedated the Christian period.

in a gradual manner

From this reading THE EVOLUTION OF CHRISTMAS Now I must own that at first sight it is difficult to explain how the Christ-child of the past--the Holy One whose birth is remembered and honored in that feast which we call Christmas, should gradually have been changed into the white-haired, white-bearded, merry-hearted and kindly old pagan whom we sometimes call Christ-Kinkle but more frequently Santa Klaus.

used with a past participle to form the perfect tenses

From this reading THE EVOLUTION OF CHRISTMAS Now I must own that at first sight it is difficult to explain how the Christ-child of the past--the Holy One whose birth is remembered and honored in that feast which we call Christmas, should gradually have been changed into the white-haired, white-bearded, merry-hearted and kindly old pagan whom we sometimes call Christ-Kinkle but more frequently Santa Klaus.

a person who does not acknowledge your god

From this reading We remember that though it celebrates the mightiest event in the history of Christendom, it was overlaid upon heathen festivals, and many of its observances are only adaptations of pagan to Christian ceremonial.

the aggregate of past events

From this reading We remember that though it celebrates the mightiest event in the history of Christendom, it was overlaid upon heathen festivals, and many of its observances are only adaptations of pagan to Christian ceremonial.

a sacred place of pilgrimage

From this reading THE EVOLUTION OF CHRISTMAS Now I must own that at first sight it is difficult to explain how the Christ-child of the past--the Holy One whose birth is remembered and honored in that feast which we call Christmas, should gradually have been changed into the white-haired, white-bearded, merry-hearted and kindly old pagan whom we sometimes call Christ-Kinkle but more frequently Santa Klaus.

having an illustrious reputation; respected

From this reading THE EVOLUTION OF CHRISTMAS Now I must own that at first sight it is difficult to explain how the Christ-child of the past--the Holy One whose birth is remembered and honored in that feast which we call Christmas, should gradually have been changed into the white-haired, white-bearded, merry-hearted and kindly old pagan whom we sometimes call Christ-Kinkle but more frequently Santa Klaus.

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

From this reading THE EVOLUTION OF CHRISTMAS Now I must own that at first sight it is difficult to explain how the Christ-child of the past--the Holy One whose birth is remembered and honored in that feast which we call Christmas, should gradually have been changed into the white-haired, white-bearded, merry-hearted and kindly old pagan whom we sometimes call Christ-Kinkle but more frequently Santa Klaus.

the person speaking or writing, as the subject of the verb

From this reading THE EVOLUTION OF CHRISTMAS Now I must own that at first sight it is difficult to explain how the Christ-child of the past--the Holy One whose birth is remembered and honored in that feast which we call Christmas, should gradually have been changed into the white-haired, white-bearded, merry-hearted and kindly old pagan whom we sometimes call Christ-Kinkle but more frequently Santa Klaus.

not capable of occurring or being accomplished or dealt with

From this reading Yet at the very moment when we come face to face with this difficult problem we have reached the explanation which seemed impossible when we strove to understand the much less startling transformation of Saint Nicholas, Bishop of Myra, into Santa Klaus, patron of the Christmas season.

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

From this reading THE EVOLUTION OF CHRISTMAS Now I must own that at first sight it is difficult to explain how the Christ-child of the past--the Holy One whose birth is remembered and honored in that feast which we call Christmas, should gradually have been changed into the white-haired, white-bearded, merry-hearted and kindly old pagan whom we sometimes call Christ-Kinkle but more frequently Santa Klaus.

moving to the inside of something

From this reading THE EVOLUTION OF CHRISTMAS Now I must own that at first sight it is difficult to explain how the Christ-child of the past--the Holy One whose birth is remembered and honored in that feast which we call Christmas, should gradually have been changed into the white-haired, white-bearded, merry-hearted and kindly old pagan whom we sometimes call Christ-Kinkle but more frequently Santa Klaus.

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

From this reading THE EVOLUTION OF CHRISTMAS Now I must own that at first sight it is difficult to explain how the Christ-child of the past--the Holy One whose birth is remembered and honored in that feast which we call Christmas, should gradually have been changed into the white-haired, white-bearded, merry-hearted and kindly old pagan whom we sometimes call Christ-Kinkle but more frequently Santa Klaus.

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading THE EVOLUTION OF CHRISTMAS Now I must own that at first sight it is difficult to explain how the Christ-child of the past--the Holy One whose birth is remembered and honored in that feast which we call Christmas, should gradually have been changed into the white-haired, white-bearded, merry-hearted and kindly old pagan whom we sometimes call Christ-Kinkle but more frequently Santa Klaus.

belonging to the thing or animal already mentioned

From this reading We remember that though it celebrates the mightiest event in the history of Christendom, it was overlaid upon heathen festivals, and many of its observances are only adaptations of pagan to Christian ceremonial.

showing or motivated by sympathy and understanding and generosity

From this reading THE EVOLUTION OF CHRISTMAS Now I must own that at first sight it is difficult to explain how the Christ-child of the past--the Holy One whose birth is remembered and honored in that feast which we call Christmas, should gradually have been changed into the white-haired, white-bearded, merry-hearted and kindly old pagan whom we sometimes call Christ-Kinkle but more frequently Santa Klaus.

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

From this reading THE EVOLUTION OF CHRISTMAS Now I must own that at first sight it is difficult to explain how the Christ-child of the past--the Holy One whose birth is remembered and honored in that feast which we call Christmas, should gradually have been changed into the white-haired, white-bearded, merry-hearted and kindly old pagan whom we sometimes call Christ-Kinkle but more frequently Santa Klaus.

used to form the comparative of some adjectives and adverbs

From this reading Yet at the very moment when we come face to face with this difficult problem we have reached the explanation which seemed impossible when we strove to understand the much less startling transformation of Saint Nicholas, Bishop of Myra, into Santa Klaus, patron of the Christmas season.

primarily temporal sense; being or indicating a relatively great or greater than average duration or passage of time or a duration as specified

From this reading We remember that the Christmas festival of to-day is a gradual evolution from times that long antedated the Christian period.

a quantifier that can be used with count nouns and is often preceded by “as” or “too” or “so” or “that”; amounting to a large but indefinite number

From this reading We remember that though it celebrates the mightiest event in the history of Christendom, it was overlaid upon heathen festivals, and many of its observances are only adaptations of pagan to Christian ceremonial.

being nothing more than specified

From this reading This was no mere accident.

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

From this reading THE EVOLUTION OF CHRISTMAS Now I must own that at first sight it is difficult to explain how the Christ-child of the past--the Holy One whose birth is remembered and honored in that feast which we call Christmas, should gradually have been changed into the white-haired, white-bearded, merry-hearted and kindly old pagan whom we sometimes call Christ-Kinkle but more frequently Santa Klaus.

superlative of “mighty” — having or showing great strength or force or intensity

From this reading We remember that though it celebrates the mightiest event in the history of Christendom, it was overlaid upon heathen festivals, and many of its observances are only adaptations of pagan to Christian ceremonial.

a particular point in time

From this reading Yet at the very moment when we come face to face with this difficult problem we have reached the explanation which seemed impossible when we strove to understand the much less startling transformation of Saint Nicholas, Bishop of Myra, into Santa Klaus, patron of the Christmas season.

(comparative of “much” used with mass nouns) a quantifier meaning greater in size or amount or extent or degree

From this reading THE EVOLUTION OF CHRISTMAS Now I must own that at first sight it is difficult to explain how the Christ-child of the past--the Holy One whose birth is remembered and honored in that feast which we call Christmas, should gradually have been changed into the white-haired, white-bearded, merry-hearted and kindly old pagan whom we sometimes call Christ-Kinkle but more frequently Santa Klaus.

to a great degree or extent

From this reading Yet at the very moment when we come face to face with this difficult problem we have reached the explanation which seemed impossible when we strove to understand the much less startling transformation of Saint Nicholas, Bishop of Myra, into Santa Klaus, patron of the Christmas season.

used to say something is necessary, or almost certainly true

From this reading THE EVOLUTION OF CHRISTMAS Now I must own that at first sight it is difficult to explain how the Christ-child of the past--the Holy One whose birth is remembered and honored in that feast which we call Christmas, should gradually have been changed into the white-haired, white-bearded, merry-hearted and kindly old pagan whom we sometimes call Christ-Kinkle but more frequently Santa Klaus.

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

From this reading Yet at the very moment when we come face to face with this difficult problem we have reached the explanation which seemed impossible when we strove to understand the much less startling transformation of Saint Nicholas, Bishop of Myra, into Santa Klaus, patron of the Christmas season.

a bishop in Asia Minor who is associated with Santa Claus (4th century)

From this reading Yet at the very moment when we come face to face with this difficult problem we have reached the explanation which seemed impossible when we strove to understand the much less startling transformation of Saint Nicholas, Bishop of Myra, into Santa Klaus, patron of the Christmas season.

not any; not one

From this reading This was no mere accident.

in the historical present; at this point in the narration of a series of past events

From this reading THE EVOLUTION OF CHRISTMAS Now I must own that at first sight it is difficult to explain how the Christ-child of the past--the Holy One whose birth is remembered and honored in that feast which we call Christmas, should gradually have been changed into the white-haired, white-bearded, merry-hearted and kindly old pagan whom we sometimes call Christ-Kinkle but more frequently Santa Klaus.

plural of “observance” — the act of observing; taking a patient look

From this reading We remember that though it celebrates the mightiest event in the history of Christendom, it was overlaid upon heathen festivals, and many of its observances are only adaptations of pagan to Christian ceremonial.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading THE EVOLUTION OF CHRISTMAS Now I must own that at first sight it is difficult to explain how the Christ-child of the past--the Holy One whose birth is remembered and honored in that feast which we call Christmas, should gradually have been changed into the white-haired, white-bearded, merry-hearted and kindly old pagan whom we sometimes call Christ-Kinkle but more frequently Santa Klaus.

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

From this reading THE EVOLUTION OF CHRISTMAS Now I must own that at first sight it is difficult to explain how the Christ-child of the past--the Holy One whose birth is remembered and honored in that feast which we call Christmas, should gradually have been changed into the white-haired, white-bearded, merry-hearted and kindly old pagan whom we sometimes call Christ-Kinkle but more frequently Santa Klaus.

used to mean any person in general, including the speaker

From this reading THE EVOLUTION OF CHRISTMAS Now I must own that at first sight it is difficult to explain how the Christ-child of the past--the Holy One whose birth is remembered and honored in that feast which we call Christmas, should gradually have been changed into the white-haired, white-bearded, merry-hearted and kindly old pagan whom we sometimes call Christ-Kinkle but more frequently Santa Klaus.

and nothing more

From this reading We remember that though it celebrates the mightiest event in the history of Christendom, it was overlaid upon heathen festivals, and many of its observances are only adaptations of pagan to Christian ceremonial.

inflected form of “overlay” — put something on top of something else

From this reading We remember that though it celebrates the mightiest event in the history of Christendom, it was overlaid upon heathen festivals, and many of its observances are only adaptations of pagan to Christian ceremonial.

have ownership or possession of

From this reading THE EVOLUTION OF CHRISTMAS Now I must own that at first sight it is difficult to explain how the Christ-child of the past--the Holy One whose birth is remembered and honored in that feast which we call Christmas, should gradually have been changed into the white-haired, white-bearded, merry-hearted and kindly old pagan whom we sometimes call Christ-Kinkle but more frequently Santa Klaus.

a person who does not acknowledge your god

From this reading THE EVOLUTION OF CHRISTMAS Now I must own that at first sight it is difficult to explain how the Christ-child of the past--the Holy One whose birth is remembered and honored in that feast which we call Christmas, should gradually have been changed into the white-haired, white-bearded, merry-hearted and kindly old pagan whom we sometimes call Christ-Kinkle but more frequently Santa Klaus.

the time that has elapsed

From this reading THE EVOLUTION OF CHRISTMAS Now I must own that at first sight it is difficult to explain how the Christ-child of the past--the Holy One whose birth is remembered and honored in that feast which we call Christmas, should gradually have been changed into the white-haired, white-bearded, merry-hearted and kindly old pagan whom we sometimes call Christ-Kinkle but more frequently Santa Klaus.

a regular customer

From this reading Yet at the very moment when we come face to face with this difficult problem we have reached the explanation which seemed impossible when we strove to understand the much less startling transformation of Saint Nicholas, Bishop of Myra, into Santa Klaus, patron of the Christmas season.

an amount of time

From this reading We remember that the Christmas festival of to-day is a gradual evolution from times that long antedated the Christian period.

a state of difficulty that needs to be resolved

From this reading Yet at the very moment when we come face to face with this difficult problem we have reached the explanation which seemed impossible when we strove to understand the much less startling transformation of Saint Nicholas, Bishop of Myra, into Santa Klaus, patron of the Christmas season.

past form of “reach” — reach a destination, either real or abstract

From this reading Yet at the very moment when we come face to face with this difficult problem we have reached the explanation which seemed impossible when we strove to understand the much less startling transformation of Saint Nicholas, Bishop of Myra, into Santa Klaus, patron of the Christmas season.

To recall to mind.

From this reading We remember that the Christmas festival of to-day is a gradual evolution from times that long antedated the Christian period.

past form of “remember” — recall knowledge from memory; have a recollection

From this reading THE EVOLUTION OF CHRISTMAS Now I must own that at first sight it is difficult to explain how the Christ-child of the past--the Holy One whose birth is remembered and honored in that feast which we call Christmas, should gradually have been changed into the white-haired, white-bearded, merry-hearted and kindly old pagan whom we sometimes call Christ-Kinkle but more frequently Santa Klaus.

a person who has died and has been declared a saint by canonization

From this reading Yet at the very moment when we come face to face with this difficult problem we have reached the explanation which seemed impossible when we strove to understand the much less startling transformation of Saint Nicholas, Bishop of Myra, into Santa Klaus, patron of the Christmas season.

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

From this reading THE EVOLUTION OF CHRISTMAS Now I must own that at first sight it is difficult to explain how the Christ-child of the past--the Holy One whose birth is remembered and honored in that feast which we call Christmas, should gradually have been changed into the white-haired, white-bearded, merry-hearted and kindly old pagan whom we sometimes call Christ-Kinkle but more frequently Santa Klaus.

a period of the year marked by special events or activities in some field

From this reading Yet at the very moment when we come face to face with this difficult problem we have reached the explanation which seemed impossible when we strove to understand the much less startling transformation of Saint Nicholas, Bishop of Myra, into Santa Klaus, patron of the Christmas season.

past form of “seem” — give a certain impression or have a certain outward aspect

From this reading Yet at the very moment when we come face to face with this difficult problem we have reached the explanation which seemed impossible when we strove to understand the much less startling transformation of Saint Nicholas, Bishop of Myra, into Santa Klaus, patron of the Christmas season.

used to say what is right, expected, or advisable

From this reading THE EVOLUTION OF CHRISTMAS Now I must own that at first sight it is difficult to explain how the Christ-child of the past--the Holy One whose birth is remembered and honored in that feast which we call Christmas, should gradually have been changed into the white-haired, white-bearded, merry-hearted and kindly old pagan whom we sometimes call Christ-Kinkle but more frequently Santa Klaus.

an instance of visual perception

From this reading THE EVOLUTION OF CHRISTMAS Now I must own that at first sight it is difficult to explain how the Christ-child of the past--the Holy One whose birth is remembered and honored in that feast which we call Christmas, should gradually have been changed into the white-haired, white-bearded, merry-hearted and kindly old pagan whom we sometimes call Christ-Kinkle but more frequently Santa Klaus.

on certain occasions or in certain cases but not always

From this reading THE EVOLUTION OF CHRISTMAS Now I must own that at first sight it is difficult to explain how the Christ-child of the past--the Holy One whose birth is remembered and honored in that feast which we call Christmas, should gradually have been changed into the white-haired, white-bearded, merry-hearted and kindly old pagan whom we sometimes call Christ-Kinkle but more frequently Santa Klaus.

so remarkably different or sudden as to cause momentary shock or alarm

From this reading Yet at the very moment when we come face to face with this difficult problem we have reached the explanation which seemed impossible when we strove to understand the much less startling transformation of Saint Nicholas, Bishop of Myra, into Santa Klaus, patron of the Christmas season.

inflected form of “strive” — attempt by employing effort

From this reading Yet at the very moment when we come face to face with this difficult problem we have reached the explanation which seemed impossible when we strove to understand the much less startling transformation of Saint Nicholas, Bishop of Myra, into Santa Klaus, patron of the Christmas season.

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading THE EVOLUTION OF CHRISTMAS Now I must own that at first sight it is difficult to explain how the Christ-child of the past--the Holy One whose birth is remembered and honored in that feast which we call Christmas, should gradually have been changed into the white-haired, white-bearded, merry-hearted and kindly old pagan whom we sometimes call Christ-Kinkle but more frequently Santa Klaus.

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

From this reading THE EVOLUTION OF CHRISTMAS Now I must own that at first sight it is difficult to explain how the Christ-child of the past--the Holy One whose birth is remembered and honored in that feast which we call Christmas, should gradually have been changed into the white-haired, white-bearded, merry-hearted and kindly old pagan whom we sometimes call Christ-Kinkle but more frequently Santa Klaus.

used for a person or thing that is near, or that has just been mentioned

From this reading Yet at the very moment when we come face to face with this difficult problem we have reached the explanation which seemed impossible when we strove to understand the much less startling transformation of Saint Nicholas, Bishop of Myra, into Santa Klaus, patron of the Christmas season.

in spite of the fact that

From this reading We remember that though it celebrates the mightiest event in the history of Christendom, it was overlaid upon heathen festivals, and many of its observances are only adaptations of pagan to Christian ceremonial.

a more or less definite period of time now or previously present

From this reading We remember that the Christmas festival of to-day is a gradual evolution from times that long antedated the Christian period.

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

From this reading THE EVOLUTION OF CHRISTMAS Now I must own that at first sight it is difficult to explain how the Christ-child of the past--the Holy One whose birth is remembered and honored in that feast which we call Christmas, should gradually have been changed into the white-haired, white-bearded, merry-hearted and kindly old pagan whom we sometimes call Christ-Kinkle but more frequently Santa Klaus.

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

From this reading We remember that the Christmas festival of to-day is a gradual evolution from times that long antedated the Christian period.

a qualitative change

From this reading Yet at the very moment when we come face to face with this difficult problem we have reached the explanation which seemed impossible when we strove to understand the much less startling transformation of Saint Nicholas, Bishop of Myra, into Santa Klaus, patron of the Christmas season.

know and comprehend the nature or meaning of

From this reading Yet at the very moment when we come face to face with this difficult problem we have reached the explanation which seemed impossible when we strove to understand the much less startling transformation of Saint Nicholas, Bishop of Myra, into Santa Klaus, patron of the Christmas season.

a formal word for “on”

From this reading We remember that though it celebrates the mightiest event in the history of Christendom, it was overlaid upon heathen festivals, and many of its observances are only adaptations of pagan to Christian ceremonial.

precisely as stated

From this reading Yet at the very moment when we come face to face with this difficult problem we have reached the explanation which seemed impossible when we strove to understand the much less startling transformation of Saint Nicholas, Bishop of Myra, into Santa Klaus, patron of the Christmas season.

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

From this reading We remember that though it celebrates the mightiest event in the history of Christendom, it was overlaid upon heathen festivals, and many of its observances are only adaptations of pagan to Christian ceremonial.

the speaker together with one or more other people

From this reading THE EVOLUTION OF CHRISTMAS Now I must own that at first sight it is difficult to explain how the Christ-child of the past--the Holy One whose birth is remembered and honored in that feast which we call Christmas, should gradually have been changed into the white-haired, white-bearded, merry-hearted and kindly old pagan whom we sometimes call Christ-Kinkle but more frequently Santa Klaus.

at the time that

From this reading Yet at the very moment when we come face to face with this difficult problem we have reached the explanation which seemed impossible when we strove to understand the much less startling transformation of Saint Nicholas, Bishop of Myra, into Santa Klaus, patron of the Christmas season.

used to introduce a clause giving more about a thing just mentioned

From this reading THE EVOLUTION OF CHRISTMAS Now I must own that at first sight it is difficult to explain how the Christ-child of the past--the Holy One whose birth is remembered and honored in that feast which we call Christmas, should gradually have been changed into the white-haired, white-bearded, merry-hearted and kindly old pagan whom we sometimes call Christ-Kinkle but more frequently Santa Klaus.

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From this reading THE EVOLUTION OF CHRISTMAS Now I must own that at first sight it is difficult to explain how the Christ-child of the past--the Holy One whose birth is remembered and honored in that feast which we call Christmas, should gradually have been changed into the white-haired, white-bearded, merry-hearted and kindly old pagan whom we sometimes call Christ-Kinkle but more frequently Santa Klaus.

showing characteristics of age, especially having grey or white hair

From this reading THE EVOLUTION OF CHRISTMAS Now I must own that at first sight it is difficult to explain how the Christ-child of the past--the Holy One whose birth is remembered and honored in that feast which we call Christmas, should gradually have been changed into the white-haired, white-bearded, merry-hearted and kindly old pagan whom we sometimes call Christ-Kinkle but more frequently Santa Klaus.

the form of “who” used as the object of a verb or preposition

From this reading THE EVOLUTION OF CHRISTMAS Now I must own that at first sight it is difficult to explain how the Christ-child of the past--the Holy One whose birth is remembered and honored in that feast which we call Christmas, should gradually have been changed into the white-haired, white-bearded, merry-hearted and kindly old pagan whom we sometimes call Christ-Kinkle but more frequently Santa Klaus.

belonging to which person

From this reading THE EVOLUTION OF CHRISTMAS Now I must own that at first sight it is difficult to explain how the Christ-child of the past--the Holy One whose birth is remembered and honored in that feast which we call Christmas, should gradually have been changed into the white-haired, white-bearded, merry-hearted and kindly old pagan whom we sometimes call Christ-Kinkle but more frequently Santa Klaus.

in the company of; together with

From this reading Yet at the very moment when we come face to face with this difficult problem we have reached the explanation which seemed impossible when we strove to understand the much less startling transformation of Saint Nicholas, Bishop of Myra, into Santa Klaus, patron of the Christmas season.

but in spite of that

From this reading Yet at the very moment when we come face to face with this difficult problem we have reached the explanation which seemed impossible when we strove to understand the much less startling transformation of Saint Nicholas, Bishop of Myra, into Santa Klaus, patron of the Christmas season.