Chapter I · Chapter 1

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

From this reading _By Arrangement with Alfred A. Knopf_ _This is a record and act of memory of you at Dower House--of June nights on the porch, with the foliage of the willow tree powdered against the stars; the white-panelled hearth of the yellow room in smouldering winter dusks; dinner with the candles wavering in tepid April airs; and the blue envelopment of late September noons.

higher than, or over, something

From this reading A pattern of wild geese, flying low and unconcerned above the hills, wavered against the serene, ashen evening.

perform an action, or work out or perform (an action)

From this reading _By Arrangement with Alfred A. Knopf_ _This is a record and act of memory of you at Dower House--of June nights on the porch, with the foliage of the willow tree powdered against the stars; the white-panelled hearth of the yellow room in smouldering winter dusks; dinner with the candles wavering in tepid April airs; and the blue envelopment of late September noons.

touching and pressing; in opposition to

From this reading _By Arrangement with Alfred A. Knopf_ _This is a record and act of memory of you at Dower House--of June nights on the porch, with the foliage of the willow tree powdered against the stars; the white-panelled hearth of the yellow room in smouldering winter dusks; dinner with the candles wavering in tepid April airs; and the blue envelopment of late September noons.

affected manners intended to impress others

From this reading _By Arrangement with Alfred A. Knopf_ _This is a record and act of memory of you at Dower House--of June nights on the porch, with the foliage of the willow tree powdered against the stars; the white-panelled hearth of the yellow room in smouldering winter dusks; dinner with the candles wavering in tepid April airs; and the blue envelopment of late September noons.

king of Wessex; defeated the Vikings and encouraged writing in English (849-899)

From this reading _By Arrangement with Alfred A. Knopf_ _This is a record and act of memory of you at Dower House--of June nights on the porch, with the foliage of the willow tree powdered against the stars; the white-panelled hearth of the yellow room in smouldering winter dusks; dinner with the candles wavering in tepid April airs; and the blue envelopment of late September noons.

prior to a specified or implied time

From this reading It was early October, but a crisping frost had already stamped the maple trees with gold, the Spanish oaks were hung with patches of wine red, the sumach was brilliant in the darkening underbrush.

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

From this reading _By Arrangement with Alfred A. Knopf_ _This is a record and act of memory of you at Dower House--of June nights on the porch, with the foliage of the willow tree powdered against the stars; the white-panelled hearth of the yellow room in smouldering winter dusks; dinner with the candles wavering in tepid April airs; and the blue envelopment of late September noons.

the month following March and preceding May

From this reading _By Arrangement with Alfred A. Knopf_ _This is a record and act of memory of you at Dower House--of June nights on the porch, with the foliage of the willow tree powdered against the stars; the white-panelled hearth of the yellow room in smouldering winter dusks; dinner with the candles wavering in tepid April airs; and the blue envelopment of late September noons.

the thing arranged or agreed to

From this reading _By Arrangement with Alfred A. Knopf_ _This is a record and act of memory of you at Dower House--of June nights on the porch, with the foliage of the willow tree powdered against the stars; the white-panelled hearth of the yellow room in smouldering winter dusks; dinner with the candles wavering in tepid April airs; and the blue envelopment of late September noons.

anemic looking from illness or emotion

From this reading A pattern of wild geese, flying low and unconcerned above the hills, wavered against the serene, ashen evening.

in or near a particular place or position

From this reading _By Arrangement with Alfred A. Knopf_ _This is a record and act of memory of you at Dower House--of June nights on the porch, with the foliage of the willow tree powdered against the stars; the white-panelled hearth of the yellow room in smouldering winter dusks; dinner with the candles wavering in tepid April airs; and the blue envelopment of late September noons.

on the far side of; further than

From this reading A quiet reach like the old grey house and green fields, the little valleys filled with trees and placid town beyond the hill, where the calendar of our days and companionship is set._ A twilight like blue dust sifted into the shallow fold of the thickly wooded hills.

of the color intermediate between green and violet; having a color similar to that of a clear unclouded sky

From this reading _By Arrangement with Alfred A. Knopf_ _This is a record and act of memory of you at Dower House--of June nights on the porch, with the foliage of the willow tree powdered against the stars; the white-panelled hearth of the yellow room in smouldering winter dusks; dinner with the candles wavering in tepid April airs; and the blue envelopment of late September noons.

of surpassing excellence

From this reading It was early October, but a crisping frost had already stamped the maple trees with gold, the Spanish oaks were hung with patches of wine red, the sumach was brilliant in the darkening underbrush.

used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before

From this reading It was early October, but a crisping frost had already stamped the maple trees with gold, the Spanish oaks were hung with patches of wine red, the sumach was brilliant in the darkening underbrush.

showing who or what does the action

From this reading _By Arrangement with Alfred A. Knopf_ _This is a record and act of memory of you at Dower House--of June nights on the porch, with the foliage of the willow tree powdered against the stars; the white-panelled hearth of the yellow room in smouldering winter dusks; dinner with the candles wavering in tepid April airs; and the blue envelopment of late September noons.

a system of timekeeping that defines the beginning and length and divisions of the year

From this reading A quiet reach like the old grey house and green fields, the little valleys filled with trees and placid town beyond the hill, where the calendar of our days and companionship is set._ A twilight like blue dust sifted into the shallow fold of the thickly wooded hills.

plural of “candle” — stick of wax with a wick in the middle

From this reading _By Arrangement with Alfred A. Knopf_ _This is a record and act of memory of you at Dower House--of June nights on the porch, with the foliage of the willow tree powdered against the stars; the white-panelled hearth of the yellow room in smouldering winter dusks; dinner with the candles wavering in tepid April airs; and the blue envelopment of late September noons.

a tract of land with few or no trees in the middle of a wooded area

From this reading Howat Penny, standing in the comparative clearing of a road, decided that the shifting, regular flight would not come close enough for a shot.

at or within a short distance in space or time or having elements near each other

From this reading Howat Penny, standing in the comparative clearing of a road, decided that the shifting, regular flight would not come close enough for a shot.

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

From this reading Howat Penny, standing in the comparative clearing of a road, decided that the shifting, regular flight would not come close enough for a shot.

the state of being with someone

From this reading A quiet reach like the old grey house and green fields, the little valleys filled with trees and placid town beyond the hill, where the calendar of our days and companionship is set._ A twilight like blue dust sifted into the shallow fold of the thickly wooded hills.

relating to or based on or involving comparison

From this reading Howat Penny, standing in the comparative clearing of a road, decided that the shifting, regular flight would not come close enough for a shot.

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

From this reading It was early October, but a crisping frost had already stamped the maple trees with gold, the Spanish oaks were hung with patches of wine red, the sumach was brilliant in the darkening underbrush.

becoming dark or darker as from waning light or clouding over

From this reading It was early October, but a crisping frost had already stamped the maple trees with gold, the Spanish oaks were hung with patches of wine red, the sumach was brilliant in the darkening underbrush.

the time during which someone's life continues

From this reading A quiet reach like the old grey house and green fields, the little valleys filled with trees and placid town beyond the hill, where the calendar of our days and companionship is set._ A twilight like blue dust sifted into the shallow fold of the thickly wooded hills.

recognizable; marked

From this reading Howat Penny, standing in the comparative clearing of a road, decided that the shifting, regular flight would not come close enough for a shot.

the main meal of the day served in the evening or at midday

From this reading _By Arrangement with Alfred A. Knopf_ _This is a record and act of memory of you at Dower House--of June nights on the porch, with the foliage of the willow tree powdered against the stars; the white-panelled hearth of the yellow room in smouldering winter dusks; dinner with the candles wavering in tepid April airs; and the blue envelopment of late September noons.

money or property brought by a woman to her husband at marriage

From this reading _By Arrangement with Alfred A. Knopf_ _This is a record and act of memory of you at Dower House--of June nights on the porch, with the foliage of the willow tree powdered against the stars; the white-panelled hearth of the yellow room in smouldering winter dusks; dinner with the candles wavering in tepid April airs; and the blue envelopment of late September noons.

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

From this reading _By Arrangement with Alfred A. Knopf_ _This is a record and act of memory of you at Dower House--of June nights on the porch, with the foliage of the willow tree powdered against the stars; the white-panelled hearth of the yellow room in smouldering winter dusks; dinner with the candles wavering in tepid April airs; and the blue envelopment of late September noons.

remove the dust from

From this reading A quiet reach like the old grey house and green fields, the little valleys filled with trees and placid town beyond the hill, where the calendar of our days and companionship is set._ A twilight like blue dust sifted into the shallow fold of the thickly wooded hills.

at or near the beginning of a period of time or course of events or before the usual or expected time

From this reading It was early October, but a crisping frost had already stamped the maple trees with gold, the Spanish oaks were hung with patches of wine red, the sumach was brilliant in the darkening underbrush.

an adequate quantity; a quantity that is large enough to achieve a purpose

From this reading Howat Penny, standing in the comparative clearing of a road, decided that the shifting, regular flight would not come close enough for a shot.

the act of enclosing something inside something else

From this reading _By Arrangement with Alfred A. Knopf_ _This is a record and act of memory of you at Dower House--of June nights on the porch, with the foliage of the willow tree powdered against the stars; the white-panelled hearth of the yellow room in smouldering winter dusks; dinner with the candles wavering in tepid April airs; and the blue envelopment of late September noons.

the latter part of the day (the period of decreasing daylight from late afternoon until nightfall)

From this reading A pattern of wild geese, flying low and unconcerned above the hills, wavered against the serene, ashen evening.

United States comedian and film actor (1880-1946)

From this reading A quiet reach like the old grey house and green fields, the little valleys filled with trees and placid town beyond the hill, where the calendar of our days and companionship is set._ A twilight like blue dust sifted into the shallow fold of the thickly wooded hills.

(usually followed by “with” or used as a combining form) generously supplied with

From this reading A quiet reach like the old grey house and green fields, the little valleys filled with trees and placid town beyond the hill, where the calendar of our days and companionship is set._ A twilight like blue dust sifted into the shallow fold of the thickly wooded hills.

a formation of aircraft in flight

From this reading Howat Penny, standing in the comparative clearing of a road, decided that the shifting, regular flight would not come close enough for a shot.

moving swiftly

From this reading A pattern of wild geese, flying low and unconcerned above the hills, wavered against the serene, ashen evening.

an angular or rounded shape made by folding

From this reading A quiet reach like the old grey house and green fields, the little valleys filled with trees and placid town beyond the hill, where the calendar of our days and companionship is set._ A twilight like blue dust sifted into the shallow fold of the thickly wooded hills.

the main organ of photosynthesis and transpiration in higher plants

From this reading _By Arrangement with Alfred A. Knopf_ _This is a record and act of memory of you at Dower House--of June nights on the porch, with the foliage of the willow tree powdered against the stars; the white-panelled hearth of the yellow room in smouldering winter dusks; dinner with the candles wavering in tepid April airs; and the blue envelopment of late September noons.

intended to be given to, or used by, somebody

From this reading Howat Penny, standing in the comparative clearing of a road, decided that the shifting, regular flight would not come close enough for a shot.

ice crystals forming a white deposit (especially on objects outside)

From this reading It was early October, but a crisping frost had already stamped the maple trees with gold, the Spanish oaks were hung with patches of wine red, the sumach was brilliant in the darkening underbrush.

plural of “goose” — web-footed long-necked typically gregarious migratory aquatic birds usually larger and less aquatic than ducks

From this reading A pattern of wild geese, flying low and unconcerned above the hills, wavered against the serene, ashen evening.

coins made of gold

From this reading It was early October, but a crisping frost had already stamped the maple trees with gold, the Spanish oaks were hung with patches of wine red, the sumach was brilliant in the darkening underbrush.

green color or pigment; resembling the color of growing grass

From this reading A quiet reach like the old grey house and green fields, the little valleys filled with trees and placid town beyond the hill, where the calendar of our days and companionship is set._ A twilight like blue dust sifted into the shallow fold of the thickly wooded hills.

of an achromatic color of any lightness intermediate between the extremes of white and black

From this reading A quiet reach like the old grey house and green fields, the little valleys filled with trees and placid town beyond the hill, where the calendar of our days and companionship is set._ A twilight like blue dust sifted into the shallow fold of the thickly wooded hills.

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

From this reading It was early October, but a crisping frost had already stamped the maple trees with gold, the Spanish oaks were hung with patches of wine red, the sumach was brilliant in the darkening underbrush.

an open recess in a wall at the base of a chimney where a fire can be built

From this reading _By Arrangement with Alfred A. Knopf_ _This is a record and act of memory of you at Dower House--of June nights on the porch, with the foliage of the willow tree powdered against the stars; the white-panelled hearth of the yellow room in smouldering winter dusks; dinner with the candles wavering in tepid April airs; and the blue envelopment of late September noons.

a local and well-defined elevation of the land

From this reading A quiet reach like the old grey house and green fields, the little valleys filled with trees and placid town beyond the hill, where the calendar of our days and companionship is set._ A twilight like blue dust sifted into the shallow fold of the thickly wooded hills.

plural of “hill” — a local and well-defined elevation of the land

From this reading A quiet reach like the old grey house and green fields, the little valleys filled with trees and placid town beyond the hill, where the calendar of our days and companionship is set._ A twilight like blue dust sifted into the shallow fold of the thickly wooded hills.

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

From this reading _By Arrangement with Alfred A. Knopf_ _This is a record and act of memory of you at Dower House--of June nights on the porch, with the foliage of the willow tree powdered against the stars; the white-panelled hearth of the yellow room in smouldering winter dusks; dinner with the candles wavering in tepid April airs; and the blue envelopment of late September noons.

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

From this reading Howat Penny, standing in the comparative clearing of a road, decided that the shifting, regular flight would not come close enough for a shot.

inflected form of “hang” — be suspended or hanging

From this reading It was early October, but a crisping frost had already stamped the maple trees with gold, the Spanish oaks were hung with patches of wine red, the sumach was brilliant in the darkening underbrush.

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

From this reading _By Arrangement with Alfred A. Knopf_ _This is a record and act of memory of you at Dower House--of June nights on the porch, with the foliage of the willow tree powdered against the stars; the white-panelled hearth of the yellow room in smouldering winter dusks; dinner with the candles wavering in tepid April airs; and the blue envelopment of late September noons.

moving to the inside of something

From this reading A quiet reach like the old grey house and green fields, the little valleys filled with trees and placid town beyond the hill, where the calendar of our days and companionship is set._ A twilight like blue dust sifted into the shallow fold of the thickly wooded hills.

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

From this reading _By Arrangement with Alfred A. Knopf_ _This is a record and act of memory of you at Dower House--of June nights on the porch, with the foliage of the willow tree powdered against the stars; the white-panelled hearth of the yellow room in smouldering winter dusks; dinner with the candles wavering in tepid April airs; and the blue envelopment of late September noons.

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading It was early October, but a crisping frost had already stamped the maple trees with gold, the Spanish oaks were hung with patches of wine red, the sumach was brilliant in the darkening underbrush.

the month following May and preceding July

From this reading _By Arrangement with Alfred A. Knopf_ _This is a record and act of memory of you at Dower House--of June nights on the porch, with the foliage of the willow tree powdered against the stars; the white-panelled hearth of the yellow room in smouldering winter dusks; dinner with the candles wavering in tepid April airs; and the blue envelopment of late September noons.

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

From this reading _By Arrangement with Alfred A. Knopf_ _This is a record and act of memory of you at Dower House--of June nights on the porch, with the foliage of the willow tree powdered against the stars; the white-panelled hearth of the yellow room in smouldering winter dusks; dinner with the candles wavering in tepid April airs; and the blue envelopment of late September noons.

being or occurring at an advanced period of time or after a usual or expected time

From this reading _By Arrangement with Alfred A. Knopf_ _This is a record and act of memory of you at Dower House--of June nights on the porch, with the foliage of the willow tree powdered against the stars; the white-panelled hearth of the yellow room in smouldering winter dusks; dinner with the candles wavering in tepid April airs; and the blue envelopment of late September noons.

prefer or wish to do something

From this reading A quiet reach like the old grey house and green fields, the little valleys filled with trees and placid town beyond the hill, where the calendar of our days and companionship is set._ A twilight like blue dust sifted into the shallow fold of the thickly wooded hills.

limited or below average in number or quantity or magnitude or extent

From this reading A quiet reach like the old grey house and green fields, the little valleys filled with trees and placid town beyond the hill, where the calendar of our days and companionship is set._ A twilight like blue dust sifted into the shallow fold of the thickly wooded hills.

less than normal in degree or intensity or amount

From this reading A pattern of wild geese, flying low and unconcerned above the hills, wavered against the serene, ashen evening.

wood of any of various maple trees; especially the hard close-grained wood of the sugar maple; used especially for furniture and flooring

From this reading It was early October, but a crisping frost had already stamped the maple trees with gold, the Spanish oaks were hung with patches of wine red, the sumach was brilliant in the darkening underbrush.

The faculty by which the mind stores and remembers information and knowledge.

From this reading _By Arrangement with Alfred A. Knopf_ _This is a record and act of memory of you at Dower House--of June nights on the porch, with the foliage of the willow tree powdered against the stars; the white-panelled hearth of the yellow room in smouldering winter dusks; dinner with the candles wavering in tepid April airs; and the blue envelopment of late September noons.

Periods of darkness between sunset and sunrise.

From this reading _By Arrangement with Alfred A. Knopf_ _This is a record and act of memory of you at Dower House--of June nights on the porch, with the foliage of the willow tree powdered against the stars; the white-panelled hearth of the yellow room in smouldering winter dusks; dinner with the candles wavering in tepid April airs; and the blue envelopment of late September noons.

plural of “noon” — the middle of the day

From this reading _By Arrangement with Alfred A. Knopf_ _This is a record and act of memory of you at Dower House--of June nights on the porch, with the foliage of the willow tree powdered against the stars; the white-panelled hearth of the yellow room in smouldering winter dusks; dinner with the candles wavering in tepid April airs; and the blue envelopment of late September noons.

used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative

From this reading Howat Penny, standing in the comparative clearing of a road, decided that the shifting, regular flight would not come close enough for a shot.

plural of “oak” — the hard durable wood of any oak; used especially for furniture and flooring

From this reading It was early October, but a crisping frost had already stamped the maple trees with gold, the Spanish oaks were hung with patches of wine red, the sumach was brilliant in the darkening underbrush.

the month following September and preceding November

From this reading It was early October, but a crisping frost had already stamped the maple trees with gold, the Spanish oaks were hung with patches of wine red, the sumach was brilliant in the darkening underbrush.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading _By Arrangement with Alfred A. Knopf_ _This is a record and act of memory of you at Dower House--of June nights on the porch, with the foliage of the willow tree powdered against the stars; the white-panelled hearth of the yellow room in smouldering winter dusks; dinner with the candles wavering in tepid April airs; and the blue envelopment of late September noons.

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

From this reading A quiet reach like the old grey house and green fields, the little valleys filled with trees and placid town beyond the hill, where the calendar of our days and companionship is set._ A twilight like blue dust sifted into the shallow fold of the thickly wooded hills.

touching and supported by a surface

From this reading _By Arrangement with Alfred A. Knopf_ _This is a record and act of memory of you at Dower House--of June nights on the porch, with the foliage of the willow tree powdered against the stars; the white-panelled hearth of the yellow room in smouldering winter dusks; dinner with the candles wavering in tepid April airs; and the blue envelopment of late September noons.

belonging to the speaker and others

From this reading A quiet reach like the old grey house and green fields, the little valleys filled with trees and placid town beyond the hill, where the calendar of our days and companionship is set._ A twilight like blue dust sifted into the shallow fold of the thickly wooded hills.

plural of “patch” — a small contrasting part of something

From this reading It was early October, but a crisping frost had already stamped the maple trees with gold, the Spanish oaks were hung with patches of wine red, the sumach was brilliant in the darkening underbrush.

a perceptual structure

From this reading A pattern of wild geese, flying low and unconcerned above the hills, wavered against the serene, ashen evening.

a fractional monetary unit of Ireland and the United Kingdom; equal to one hundredth of a pound

From this reading Howat Penny, standing in the comparative clearing of a road, decided that the shifting, regular flight would not come close enough for a shot.

(of a body of water) free from disturbance by heavy waves

From this reading A quiet reach like the old grey house and green fields, the little valleys filled with trees and placid town beyond the hill, where the calendar of our days and companionship is set._ A twilight like blue dust sifted into the shallow fold of the thickly wooded hills.

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

From this reading _By Arrangement with Alfred A. Knopf_ _This is a record and act of memory of you at Dower House--of June nights on the porch, with the foliage of the willow tree powdered against the stars; the white-panelled hearth of the yellow room in smouldering winter dusks; dinner with the candles wavering in tepid April airs; and the blue envelopment of late September noons.

consisting of fine particles

From this reading _By Arrangement with Alfred A. Knopf_ _This is a record and act of memory of you at Dower House--of June nights on the porch, with the foliage of the willow tree powdered against the stars; the white-panelled hearth of the yellow room in smouldering winter dusks; dinner with the candles wavering in tepid April airs; and the blue envelopment of late September noons.

characterized by an absence or near absence of agitation or activity

From this reading A quiet reach like the old grey house and green fields, the little valleys filled with trees and placid town beyond the hill, where the calendar of our days and companionship is set._ A twilight like blue dust sifted into the shallow fold of the thickly wooded hills.

reach a destination, either real or abstract

From this reading A quiet reach like the old grey house and green fields, the little valleys filled with trees and placid town beyond the hill, where the calendar of our days and companionship is set._ A twilight like blue dust sifted into the shallow fold of the thickly wooded hills.

anything (such as a document or a phonograph record or a photograph) providing permanent evidence of or information about past events

From this reading _By Arrangement with Alfred A. Knopf_ _This is a record and act of memory of you at Dower House--of June nights on the porch, with the foliage of the willow tree powdered against the stars; the white-panelled hearth of the yellow room in smouldering winter dusks; dinner with the candles wavering in tepid April airs; and the blue envelopment of late September noons.

red color or pigment; the chromatic color resembling the hue of blood

From this reading It was early October, but a crisping frost had already stamped the maple trees with gold, the Spanish oaks were hung with patches of wine red, the sumach was brilliant in the darkening underbrush.

in accordance with fixed order or procedure or principle

From this reading Howat Penny, standing in the comparative clearing of a road, decided that the shifting, regular flight would not come close enough for a shot.

an open way (generally public) for travel or transportation

From this reading Howat Penny, standing in the comparative clearing of a road, decided that the shifting, regular flight would not come close enough for a shot.

an area within a building enclosed by walls and floor and ceiling

From this reading _By Arrangement with Alfred A. Knopf_ _This is a record and act of memory of you at Dower House--of June nights on the porch, with the foliage of the willow tree powdered against the stars; the white-panelled hearth of the yellow room in smouldering winter dusks; dinner with the candles wavering in tepid April airs; and the blue envelopment of late September noons.

the month following August and preceding October

From this reading _By Arrangement with Alfred A. Knopf_ _This is a record and act of memory of you at Dower House--of June nights on the porch, with the foliage of the willow tree powdered against the stars; the white-panelled hearth of the yellow room in smouldering winter dusks; dinner with the candles wavering in tepid April airs; and the blue envelopment of late September noons.

not agitated; without losing self-possession

From this reading A pattern of wild geese, flying low and unconcerned above the hills, wavered against the serene, ashen evening.

put into a certain place or abstract location

From this reading A quiet reach like the old grey house and green fields, the little valleys filled with trees and placid town beyond the hill, where the calendar of our days and companionship is set._ A twilight like blue dust sifted into the shallow fold of the thickly wooded hills.

lacking physical depth; having little spatial extension downward or inward from an outer surface or backward or outward from a center

From this reading A quiet reach like the old grey house and green fields, the little valleys filled with trees and placid town beyond the hill, where the calendar of our days and companionship is set._ A twilight like blue dust sifted into the shallow fold of the thickly wooded hills.

continuously varying

From this reading Howat Penny, standing in the comparative clearing of a road, decided that the shifting, regular flight would not come close enough for a shot.

the act of firing a projectile

From this reading Howat Penny, standing in the comparative clearing of a road, decided that the shifting, regular flight would not come close enough for a shot.

past form of “sift” — move as if through a sieve

From this reading A quiet reach like the old grey house and green fields, the little valleys filled with trees and placid town beyond the hill, where the calendar of our days and companionship is set._ A twilight like blue dust sifted into the shallow fold of the thickly wooded hills.

showing scarcely suppressed anger

From this reading _By Arrangement with Alfred A. Knopf_ _This is a record and act of memory of you at Dower House--of June nights on the porch, with the foliage of the willow tree powdered against the stars; the white-panelled hearth of the yellow room in smouldering winter dusks; dinner with the candles wavering in tepid April airs; and the blue envelopment of late September noons.

the Romance language spoken in most of Spain and the countries colonized by Spain

From this reading It was early October, but a crisping frost had already stamped the maple trees with gold, the Spanish oaks were hung with patches of wine red, the sumach was brilliant in the darkening underbrush.

past form of “stamp” — walk heavily

From this reading It was early October, but a crisping frost had already stamped the maple trees with gold, the Spanish oaks were hung with patches of wine red, the sumach was brilliant in the darkening underbrush.

having a supporting base

From this reading Howat Penny, standing in the comparative clearing of a road, decided that the shifting, regular flight would not come close enough for a shot.

plural of “star” — (astronomy) a celestial body of hot gases that radiates energy derived from thermonuclear reactions in the interior

From this reading _By Arrangement with Alfred A. Knopf_ _This is a record and act of memory of you at Dower House--of June nights on the porch, with the foliage of the willow tree powdered against the stars; the white-panelled hearth of the yellow room in smouldering winter dusks; dinner with the candles wavering in tepid April airs; and the blue envelopment of late September noons.

a shrub or tree of the genus Rhus (usually limited to the non-poisonous members of the genus)

From this reading It was early October, but a crisping frost had already stamped the maple trees with gold, the Spanish oaks were hung with patches of wine red, the sumach was brilliant in the darkening underbrush.

moderately warm

From this reading _By Arrangement with Alfred A. Knopf_ _This is a record and act of memory of you at Dower House--of June nights on the porch, with the foliage of the willow tree powdered against the stars; the white-panelled hearth of the yellow room in smouldering winter dusks; dinner with the candles wavering in tepid April airs; and the blue envelopment of late September noons.

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading Howat Penny, standing in the comparative clearing of a road, decided that the shifting, regular flight would not come close enough for a shot.

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

From this reading _By Arrangement with Alfred A. Knopf_ _This is a record and act of memory of you at Dower House--of June nights on the porch, with the foliage of the willow tree powdered against the stars; the white-panelled hearth of the yellow room in smouldering winter dusks; dinner with the candles wavering in tepid April airs; and the blue envelopment of late September noons.

spoken with poor articulation as if with a thick tongue

From this reading A quiet reach like the old grey house and green fields, the little valleys filled with trees and placid town beyond the hill, where the calendar of our days and companionship is set._ A twilight like blue dust sifted into the shallow fold of the thickly wooded hills.

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

From this reading _By Arrangement with Alfred A. Knopf_ _This is a record and act of memory of you at Dower House--of June nights on the porch, with the foliage of the willow tree powdered against the stars; the white-panelled hearth of the yellow room in smouldering winter dusks; dinner with the candles wavering in tepid April airs; and the blue envelopment of late September noons.

an urban area with a fixed boundary that is smaller than a city

From this reading A quiet reach like the old grey house and green fields, the little valleys filled with trees and placid town beyond the hill, where the calendar of our days and companionship is set._ A twilight like blue dust sifted into the shallow fold of the thickly wooded hills.

a tall perennial woody plant having a main trunk and branches forming a distinct elevated crown; includes both gymnosperms and angiosperms

From this reading _By Arrangement with Alfred A. Knopf_ _This is a record and act of memory of you at Dower House--of June nights on the porch, with the foliage of the willow tree powdered against the stars; the white-panelled hearth of the yellow room in smouldering winter dusks; dinner with the candles wavering in tepid April airs; and the blue envelopment of late September noons.

plural of “tree” — a tall perennial woody plant having a main trunk and branches forming a distinct elevated crown; includes both gymnosperms and angiosperms

From this reading A quiet reach like the old grey house and green fields, the little valleys filled with trees and placid town beyond the hill, where the calendar of our days and companionship is set._ A twilight like blue dust sifted into the shallow fold of the thickly wooded hills.

the time of day immediately following sunset

From this reading A quiet reach like the old grey house and green fields, the little valleys filled with trees and placid town beyond the hill, where the calendar of our days and companionship is set._ A twilight like blue dust sifted into the shallow fold of the thickly wooded hills.

lacking in interest or care or feeling

From this reading A pattern of wild geese, flying low and unconcerned above the hills, wavered against the serene, ashen evening.

the brush (small trees and bushes and ferns etc.) growing beneath taller trees in a wood or forest

From this reading It was early October, but a crisping frost had already stamped the maple trees with gold, the Spanish oaks were hung with patches of wine red, the sumach was brilliant in the darkening underbrush.

plural of “valley” — a long depression in the surface of the land that usually contains a river

From this reading A quiet reach like the old grey house and green fields, the little valleys filled with trees and placid town beyond the hill, where the calendar of our days and companionship is set._ A twilight like blue dust sifted into the shallow fold of the thickly wooded hills.

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

From this reading It was early October, but a crisping frost had already stamped the maple trees with gold, the Spanish oaks were hung with patches of wine red, the sumach was brilliant in the darkening underbrush.

past form of “waver” — pause or hold back in uncertainty or unwillingness

From this reading A pattern of wild geese, flying low and unconcerned above the hills, wavered against the serene, ashen evening.

indecision in speech or action

From this reading _By Arrangement with Alfred A. Knopf_ _This is a record and act of memory of you at Dower House--of June nights on the porch, with the foliage of the willow tree powdered against the stars; the white-panelled hearth of the yellow room in smouldering winter dusks; dinner with the candles wavering in tepid April airs; and the blue envelopment of late September noons.

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

From this reading It was early October, but a crisping frost had already stamped the maple trees with gold, the Spanish oaks were hung with patches of wine red, the sumach was brilliant in the darkening underbrush.

in or at the place that

From this reading A quiet reach like the old grey house and green fields, the little valleys filled with trees and placid town beyond the hill, where the calendar of our days and companionship is set._ A twilight like blue dust sifted into the shallow fold of the thickly wooded hills.

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

From this reading _By Arrangement with Alfred A. Knopf_ _This is a record and act of memory of you at Dower House--of June nights on the porch, with the foliage of the willow tree powdered against the stars; the white-panelled hearth of the yellow room in smouldering winter dusks; dinner with the candles wavering in tepid April airs; and the blue envelopment of late September noons.

marked by extreme lack of restraint or control

From this reading A pattern of wild geese, flying low and unconcerned above the hills, wavered against the serene, ashen evening.

any of numerous deciduous trees and shrubs of the genus Salix

From this reading _By Arrangement with Alfred A. Knopf_ _This is a record and act of memory of you at Dower House--of June nights on the porch, with the foliage of the willow tree powdered against the stars; the white-panelled hearth of the yellow room in smouldering winter dusks; dinner with the candles wavering in tepid April airs; and the blue envelopment of late September noons.

fermented juice (of grapes especially)

From this reading It was early October, but a crisping frost had already stamped the maple trees with gold, the Spanish oaks were hung with patches of wine red, the sumach was brilliant in the darkening underbrush.

the coldest season of the year; in the northern hemisphere it extends from the winter solstice to the vernal equinox

From this reading _By Arrangement with Alfred A. Knopf_ _This is a record and act of memory of you at Dower House--of June nights on the porch, with the foliage of the willow tree powdered against the stars; the white-panelled hearth of the yellow room in smouldering winter dusks; dinner with the candles wavering in tepid April airs; and the blue envelopment of late September noons.

in the company of; together with

From this reading _By Arrangement with Alfred A. Knopf_ _This is a record and act of memory of you at Dower House--of June nights on the porch, with the foliage of the willow tree powdered against the stars; the white-panelled hearth of the yellow room in smouldering winter dusks; dinner with the candles wavering in tepid April airs; and the blue envelopment of late September noons.

covered with growing trees and bushes etc

From this reading A quiet reach like the old grey house and green fields, the little valleys filled with trees and placid town beyond the hill, where the calendar of our days and companionship is set._ A twilight like blue dust sifted into the shallow fold of the thickly wooded hills.

used for something imagined, polite, or habitual in the past

From this reading Howat Penny, standing in the comparative clearing of a road, decided that the shifting, regular flight would not come close enough for a shot.

of the color intermediate between green and orange in the color spectrum; of something resembling the color of an egg yolk

From this reading _By Arrangement with Alfred A. Knopf_ _This is a record and act of memory of you at Dower House--of June nights on the porch, with the foliage of the willow tree powdered against the stars; the white-panelled hearth of the yellow room in smouldering winter dusks; dinner with the candles wavering in tepid April airs; and the blue envelopment of late September noons.

the person or people being spoken to

From this reading _By Arrangement with Alfred A. Knopf_ _This is a record and act of memory of you at Dower House--of June nights on the porch, with the foliage of the willow tree powdered against the stars; the white-panelled hearth of the yellow room in smouldering winter dusks; dinner with the candles wavering in tepid April airs; and the blue envelopment of late September noons.