Chapter I

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

From this reading On the second of January, in the year 1880, three newly-orphaned sisters, finding themselves left to their own devices, with an income of exactly one hundred pounds a year a-piece, sat down to consult together as to the use they should make of their independence.

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

From this reading On the second of January, in the year 1880, three newly-orphaned sisters, finding themselves left to their own devices, with an income of exactly one hundred pounds a year a-piece, sat down to consult together as to the use they should make of their independence.

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

From this reading On the second of January, in the year 1880, three newly-orphaned sisters, finding themselves left to their own devices, with an income of exactly one hundred pounds a year a-piece, sat down to consult together as to the use they should make of their independence.

the form of “be” used with “I”

From this reading That particular Friday was a terribly hot day for the colony, as weather records testify, but in this favoured spot it had been merely a little too warm for comfort, and, the sea-breeze coming up fresher and stronger as the sun went down, it was the perfection of an Australian summer evening at the hour of which I am writing.

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

From this reading On the second of January, in the year 1880, three newly-orphaned sisters, finding themselves left to their own devices, with an income of exactly one hundred pounds a year a-piece, sat down to consult together as to the use they should make of their independence.

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

From this reading The low sun, that blazed at the back of their heads, and threw their shadows and the shadow of every blade of grass into relief, touched that distant sail and made it shine like bridal satin; while a certain island rock, the home of sea-birds, blushed like a rose in the same necromantic light.

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

From this reading On the second of January, in the year 1880, three newly-orphaned sisters, finding themselves left to their own devices, with an income of exactly one hundred pounds a year a-piece, sat down to consult together as to the use they should make of their independence.

in or near a particular place or position

From this reading The low sun, that blazed at the back of their heads, and threw their shadows and the shadow of every blade of grass into relief, touched that distant sail and made it shine like bridal satin; while a certain island rock, the home of sea-birds, blushed like a rose in the same necromantic light.

a native or inhabitant of Australia

From this reading That particular Friday was a terribly hot day for the colony, as weather records testify, but in this favoured spot it had been merely a little too warm for comfort, and, the sea-breeze coming up fresher and stronger as the sun went down, it was the perfection of an Australian summer evening at the hour of which I am writing.

from a particular thing or place or position (“forth” is obsolete)

From this reading The place where they sat was a grassy cliff overlooking a wide bay of the Southern Ocean--a lonely spot, whence no sign of human life was visible, except in the sail of a little fishing boat far away.

in or to or toward a former location

From this reading The low sun, that blazed at the back of their heads, and threw their shadows and the shadow of every blade of grass into relief, touched that distant sail and made it shine like bridal satin; while a certain island rock, the home of sea-birds, blushed like a rose in the same necromantic light.

an indentation of a shoreline larger than a cove but smaller than a gulf

From this reading The place where they sat was a grassy cliff overlooking a wide bay of the Southern Ocean--a lonely spot, whence no sign of human life was visible, except in the sail of a little fishing boat far away.

the past participle of “be”

From this reading That particular Friday was a terribly hot day for the colony, as weather records testify, but in this favoured spot it had been merely a little too warm for comfort, and, the sea-breeze coming up fresher and stronger as the sun went down, it was the perfection of an Australian summer evening at the hour of which I am writing.

Directly under; in or to a lower position than.

From this reading As they sat, they could hear the waves breaking and seething on the sands and stones beneath them, but could only see the level plain of blue and purple water stretching from the toes of their boots to the indistinct horizon.

especially a leaf of grass or the broad portion of a leaf as distinct from the petiole

From this reading The low sun, that blazed at the back of their heads, and threw their shadows and the shadow of every blade of grass into relief, touched that distant sail and made it shine like bridal satin; while a certain island rock, the home of sea-birds, blushed like a rose in the same necromantic light.

past form of “blaze” — shine brightly and intensively

From this reading The low sun, that blazed at the back of their heads, and threw their shadows and the shadow of every blade of grass into relief, touched that distant sail and made it shine like bridal satin; while a certain island rock, the home of sea-birds, blushed like a rose in the same necromantic light.

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

From this reading As they sat, they could hear the waves breaking and seething on the sands and stones beneath them, but could only see the level plain of blue and purple water stretching from the toes of their boots to the indistinct horizon.

past form of “blush” — turn red, as if in embarrassment or shame

From this reading The low sun, that blazed at the back of their heads, and threw their shadows and the shadow of every blade of grass into relief, touched that distant sail and made it shine like bridal satin; while a certain island rock, the home of sea-birds, blushed like a rose in the same necromantic light.

a small vessel for travel on water

From this reading The place where they sat was a grassy cliff overlooking a wide bay of the Southern Ocean--a lonely spot, whence no sign of human life was visible, except in the sail of a little fishing boat far away.

plural of “boot” — footwear that covers the whole foot and lower leg

From this reading As they sat, they could hear the waves breaking and seething on the sands and stones beneath them, but could only see the level plain of blue and purple water stretching from the toes of their boots to the indistinct horizon.

the act of breaking something

From this reading As they sat, they could hear the waves breaking and seething on the sands and stones beneath them, but could only see the level plain of blue and purple water stretching from the toes of their boots to the indistinct horizon.

of or relating to a wedding

From this reading The low sun, that blazed at the back of their heads, and threw their shadows and the shadow of every blade of grass into relief, touched that distant sail and made it shine like bridal satin; while a certain island rock, the home of sea-birds, blushed like a rose in the same necromantic light.

used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before

From this reading As they sat, they could hear the waves breaking and seething on the sands and stones beneath them, but could only see the level plain of blue and purple water stretching from the toes of their boots to the indistinct horizon.

definite but not specified or identified

From this reading The low sun, that blazed at the back of their heads, and threw their shadows and the shadow of every blade of grass into relief, touched that distant sail and made it shine like bridal satin; while a certain island rock, the home of sea-birds, blushed like a rose in the same necromantic light.

a steep high face of rock

From this reading The place where they sat was a grassy cliff overlooking a wide bay of the Southern Ocean--a lonely spot, whence no sign of human life was visible, except in the sail of a little fishing boat far away.

a body of people who settle far from home but maintain ties with their homeland; inhabitants remain nationals of their home state but are not literally under the home state's system of government

From this reading That particular Friday was a terribly hot day for the colony, as weather records testify, but in this favoured spot it had been merely a little too warm for comfort, and, the sea-breeze coming up fresher and stronger as the sun went down, it was the perfection of an Australian summer evening at the hour of which I am writing.

a state of being relaxed and feeling no pain

From this reading That particular Friday was a terribly hot day for the colony, as weather records testify, but in this favoured spot it had been merely a little too warm for comfort, and, the sea-breeze coming up fresher and stronger as the sun went down, it was the perfection of an Australian summer evening at the hour of which I am writing.

the act of drawing spatially closer to something

From this reading That particular Friday was a terribly hot day for the colony, as weather records testify, but in this favoured spot it had been merely a little too warm for comfort, and, the sea-breeze coming up fresher and stronger as the sun went down, it was the perfection of an Australian summer evening at the hour of which I am writing.

get or ask advice from

From this reading On the second of January, in the year 1880, three newly-orphaned sisters, finding themselves left to their own devices, with an income of exactly one hundred pounds a year a-piece, sat down to consult together as to the use they should make of their independence.

the past of “can”; used for possibility or polite requests

From this reading As they sat, they could hear the waves breaking and seething on the sands and stones beneath them, but could only see the level plain of blue and purple water stretching from the toes of their boots to the indistinct horizon.

time for Earth to make a complete rotation on its axis

From this reading That particular Friday was a terribly hot day for the colony, as weather records testify, but in this favoured spot it had been merely a little too warm for comfort, and, the sea-breeze coming up fresher and stronger as the sun went down, it was the perfection of an Australian summer evening at the hour of which I am writing.

an inclination or desire; used in the plural in the phrase “left to your own devices”

From this reading On the second of January, in the year 1880, three newly-orphaned sisters, finding themselves left to their own devices, with an income of exactly one hundred pounds a year a-piece, sat down to consult together as to the use they should make of their independence.

separated in space or coming from or going to a distance

From this reading The low sun, that blazed at the back of their heads, and threw their shadows and the shadow of every blade of grass into relief, touched that distant sail and made it shine like bridal satin; while a certain island rock, the home of sea-birds, blushed like a rose in the same necromantic light.

being or moving lower in position or less in some value

From this reading On the second of January, in the year 1880, three newly-orphaned sisters, finding themselves left to their own devices, with an income of exactly one hundred pounds a year a-piece, sat down to consult together as to the use they should make of their independence.

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

From this reading That particular Friday was a terribly hot day for the colony, as weather records testify, but in this favoured spot it had been merely a little too warm for comfort, and, the sea-breeze coming up fresher and stronger as the sun went down, it was the perfection of an Australian summer evening at the hour of which I am writing.

all the members of a group, with none left out

From this reading The low sun, that blazed at the back of their heads, and threw their shadows and the shadow of every blade of grass into relief, touched that distant sail and made it shine like bridal satin; while a certain island rock, the home of sea-birds, blushed like a rose in the same necromantic light.

indicating exactness or preciseness

From this reading On the second of January, in the year 1880, three newly-orphaned sisters, finding themselves left to their own devices, with an income of exactly one hundred pounds a year a-piece, sat down to consult together as to the use they should make of their independence.

apart from; not including

From this reading The place where they sat was a grassy cliff overlooking a wide bay of the Southern Ocean--a lonely spot, whence no sign of human life was visible, except in the sail of a little fishing boat far away.

to a considerable degree; very much

From this reading The place where they sat was a grassy cliff overlooking a wide bay of the Southern Ocean--a lonely spot, whence no sign of human life was visible, except in the sail of a little fishing boat far away.

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

From this reading That particular Friday was a terribly hot day for the colony, as weather records testify, but in this favoured spot it had been merely a little too warm for comfort, and, the sea-breeze coming up fresher and stronger as the sun went down, it was the perfection of an Australian summer evening at the hour of which I am writing.

the act of determining the properties of something, usually by research or calculation

From this reading On the second of January, in the year 1880, three newly-orphaned sisters, finding themselves left to their own devices, with an income of exactly one hundred pounds a year a-piece, sat down to consult together as to the use they should make of their independence.

the act of someone who fishes as a diversion

From this reading The place where they sat was a grassy cliff overlooking a wide bay of the Southern Ocean--a lonely spot, whence no sign of human life was visible, except in the sail of a little fishing boat far away.

intended to be given to, or used by, somebody

From this reading That particular Friday was a terribly hot day for the colony, as weather records testify, but in this favoured spot it had been merely a little too warm for comfort, and, the sea-breeze coming up fresher and stronger as the sun went down, it was the perfection of an Australian summer evening at the hour of which I am writing.

a first-year undergraduate

From this reading That particular Friday was a terribly hot day for the colony, as weather records testify, but in this favoured spot it had been merely a little too warm for comfort, and, the sea-breeze coming up fresher and stronger as the sun went down, it was the perfection of an Australian summer evening at the hour of which I am writing.

the sixth day of the week; the fifth working day

From this reading That particular Friday was a terribly hot day for the colony, as weather records testify, but in this favoured spot it had been merely a little too warm for comfort, and, the sea-breeze coming up fresher and stronger as the sun went down, it was the perfection of an Australian summer evening at the hour of which I am writing.

showing where something starts, or who sent it

From this reading As they sat, they could hear the waves breaking and seething on the sands and stones beneath them, but could only see the level plain of blue and purple water stretching from the toes of their boots to the indistinct horizon.

shoot down, of birds

From this reading The low sun, that blazed at the back of their heads, and threw their shadows and the shadow of every blade of grass into relief, touched that distant sail and made it shine like bridal satin; while a certain island rock, the home of sea-birds, blushed like a rose in the same necromantic light.

abounding in grass

From this reading The place where they sat was a grassy cliff overlooking a wide bay of the Southern Ocean--a lonely spot, whence no sign of human life was visible, except in the sail of a little fishing boat far away.

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

From this reading That particular Friday was a terribly hot day for the colony, as weather records testify, but in this favoured spot it had been merely a little too warm for comfort, and, the sea-breeze coming up fresher and stronger as the sun went down, it was the perfection of an Australian summer evening at the hour of which I am writing.

plural of “head” — the upper part of the human body or the front part of the body in animals; contains the face and brains

From this reading The low sun, that blazed at the back of their heads, and threw their shadows and the shadow of every blade of grass into relief, touched that distant sail and made it shine like bridal satin; while a certain island rock, the home of sea-birds, blushed like a rose in the same necromantic light.

perceive (sound) via the auditory sense

From this reading As they sat, they could hear the waves breaking and seething on the sands and stones beneath them, but could only see the level plain of blue and purple water stretching from the toes of their boots to the indistinct horizon.

where you live at a particular time

From this reading The low sun, that blazed at the back of their heads, and threw their shadows and the shadow of every blade of grass into relief, touched that distant sail and made it shine like bridal satin; while a certain island rock, the home of sea-birds, blushed like a rose in the same necromantic light.

the line at which the sky and Earth appear to meet

From this reading As they sat, they could hear the waves breaking and seething on the sands and stones beneath them, but could only see the level plain of blue and purple water stretching from the toes of their boots to the indistinct horizon.

used of physical heat; having a high or higher than desirable temperature or giving off heat or feeling or causing a sensation of heat or burning

From this reading That particular Friday was a terribly hot day for the colony, as weather records testify, but in this favoured spot it had been merely a little too warm for comfort, and, the sea-breeze coming up fresher and stronger as the sun went down, it was the perfection of an Australian summer evening at the hour of which I am writing.

a period of time equal to 1/24th of a day

From this reading That particular Friday was a terribly hot day for the colony, as weather records testify, but in this favoured spot it had been merely a little too warm for comfort, and, the sea-breeze coming up fresher and stronger as the sun went down, it was the perfection of an Australian summer evening at the hour of which I am writing.

characteristic of humanity

From this reading The place where they sat was a grassy cliff overlooking a wide bay of the Southern Ocean--a lonely spot, whence no sign of human life was visible, except in the sail of a little fishing boat far away.

ten 10s

From this reading On the second of January, in the year 1880, three newly-orphaned sisters, finding themselves left to their own devices, with an income of exactly one hundred pounds a year a-piece, sat down to consult together as to the use they should make of their independence.

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

From this reading That particular Friday was a terribly hot day for the colony, as weather records testify, but in this favoured spot it had been merely a little too warm for comfort, and, the sea-breeze coming up fresher and stronger as the sun went down, it was the perfection of an Australian summer evening at the hour of which I am writing.

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

From this reading On the second of January, in the year 1880, three newly-orphaned sisters, finding themselves left to their own devices, with an income of exactly one hundred pounds a year a-piece, sat down to consult together as to the use they should make of their independence.

the financial gain (earned or unearned) accruing over a given period of time

From this reading On the second of January, in the year 1880, three newly-orphaned sisters, finding themselves left to their own devices, with an income of exactly one hundred pounds a year a-piece, sat down to consult together as to the use they should make of their independence.

freedom from control or influence of another or others

From this reading On the second of January, in the year 1880, three newly-orphaned sisters, finding themselves left to their own devices, with an income of exactly one hundred pounds a year a-piece, sat down to consult together as to the use they should make of their independence.

not clearly defined or easy to perceive or understand

From this reading As they sat, they could hear the waves breaking and seething on the sands and stones beneath them, but could only see the level plain of blue and purple water stretching from the toes of their boots to the indistinct horizon.

moving to the inside of something

From this reading The low sun, that blazed at the back of their heads, and threw their shadows and the shadow of every blade of grass into relief, touched that distant sail and made it shine like bridal satin; while a certain island rock, the home of sea-birds, blushed like a rose in the same necromantic light.

a land mass (smaller than a continent) that is surrounded by water

From this reading The low sun, that blazed at the back of their heads, and threw their shadows and the shadow of every blade of grass into relief, touched that distant sail and made it shine like bridal satin; while a certain island rock, the home of sea-birds, blushed like a rose in the same necromantic light.

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading The low sun, that blazed at the back of their heads, and threw their shadows and the shadow of every blade of grass into relief, touched that distant sail and made it shine like bridal satin; while a certain island rock, the home of sea-birds, blushed like a rose in the same necromantic light.

the first month of the year; begins 10 days after the winter solstice

From this reading On the second of January, in the year 1880, three newly-orphaned sisters, finding themselves left to their own devices, with an income of exactly one hundred pounds a year a-piece, sat down to consult together as to the use they should make of their independence.

location near or direction toward the left side; i.e. the side to the north when a person or object faces east

From this reading On the second of January, in the year 1880, three newly-orphaned sisters, finding themselves left to their own devices, with an income of exactly one hundred pounds a year a-piece, sat down to consult together as to the use they should make of their independence.

a position on a scale of intensity or amount or quality

From this reading As they sat, they could hear the waves breaking and seething on the sands and stones beneath them, but could only see the level plain of blue and purple water stretching from the toes of their boots to the indistinct horizon.

a characteristic state or mode of living

From this reading The place where they sat was a grassy cliff overlooking a wide bay of the Southern Ocean--a lonely spot, whence no sign of human life was visible, except in the sail of a little fishing boat far away.

of comparatively little physical weight or density

From this reading The low sun, that blazed at the back of their heads, and threw their shadows and the shadow of every blade of grass into relief, touched that distant sail and made it shine like bridal satin; while a certain island rock, the home of sea-birds, blushed like a rose in the same necromantic light.

prefer or wish to do something

From this reading The low sun, that blazed at the back of their heads, and threw their shadows and the shadow of every blade of grass into relief, touched that distant sail and made it shine like bridal satin; while a certain island rock, the home of sea-birds, blushed like a rose in the same necromantic light.

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

From this reading The place where they sat was a grassy cliff overlooking a wide bay of the Southern Ocean--a lonely spot, whence no sign of human life was visible, except in the sail of a little fishing boat far away.

lacking companions or companionship

From this reading The place where they sat was a grassy cliff overlooking a wide bay of the Southern Ocean--a lonely spot, whence no sign of human life was visible, except in the sail of a little fishing boat far away.

less than normal in degree or intensity or amount

From this reading The low sun, that blazed at the back of their heads, and threw their shadows and the shadow of every blade of grass into relief, touched that distant sail and made it shine like bridal satin; while a certain island rock, the home of sea-birds, blushed like a rose in the same necromantic light.

produced by a manufacturing process

From this reading The low sun, that blazed at the back of their heads, and threw their shadows and the shadow of every blade of grass into relief, touched that distant sail and made it shine like bridal satin; while a certain island rock, the home of sea-birds, blushed like a rose in the same necromantic light.

engage in

From this reading On the second of January, in the year 1880, three newly-orphaned sisters, finding themselves left to their own devices, with an income of exactly one hundred pounds a year a-piece, sat down to consult together as to the use they should make of their independence.

and nothing more

From this reading That particular Friday was a terribly hot day for the colony, as weather records testify, but in this favoured spot it had been merely a little too warm for comfort, and, the sea-breeze coming up fresher and stronger as the sun went down, it was the perfection of an Australian summer evening at the hour of which I am writing.

relating to or associated with necromancy

From this reading The low sun, that blazed at the back of their heads, and threw their shadows and the shadow of every blade of grass into relief, touched that distant sail and made it shine like bridal satin; while a certain island rock, the home of sea-birds, blushed like a rose in the same necromantic light.

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

From this reading On the second of January, in the year 1880, three newly-orphaned sisters, finding themselves left to their own devices, with an income of exactly one hundred pounds a year a-piece, sat down to consult together as to the use they should make of their independence.

not any; not one

From this reading The place where they sat was a grassy cliff overlooking a wide bay of the Southern Ocean--a lonely spot, whence no sign of human life was visible, except in the sail of a little fishing boat far away.

a large body of water constituting a principal part of the hydrosphere

From this reading The place where they sat was a grassy cliff overlooking a wide bay of the Southern Ocean--a lonely spot, whence no sign of human life was visible, except in the sail of a little fishing boat far away.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading On the second of January, in the year 1880, three newly-orphaned sisters, finding themselves left to their own devices, with an income of exactly one hundred pounds a year a-piece, sat down to consult together as to the use they should make of their independence.

touching and supported by a surface

From this reading On the second of January, in the year 1880, three newly-orphaned sisters, finding themselves left to their own devices, with an income of exactly one hundred pounds a year a-piece, sat down to consult together as to the use they should make of their independence.

used to mean any person in general, including the speaker

From this reading On the second of January, in the year 1880, three newly-orphaned sisters, finding themselves left to their own devices, with an income of exactly one hundred pounds a year a-piece, sat down to consult together as to the use they should make of their independence.

and nothing more

From this reading As they sat, they could hear the waves breaking and seething on the sands and stones beneath them, but could only see the level plain of blue and purple water stretching from the toes of their boots to the indistinct horizon.

used of a height or viewpoint

From this reading The place where they sat was a grassy cliff overlooking a wide bay of the Southern Ocean--a lonely spot, whence no sign of human life was visible, except in the sail of a little fishing boat far away.

have ownership or possession of

From this reading On the second of January, in the year 1880, three newly-orphaned sisters, finding themselves left to their own devices, with an income of exactly one hundred pounds a year a-piece, sat down to consult together as to the use they should make of their independence.

unique or specific to a person or thing or category

From this reading That particular Friday was a terribly hot day for the colony, as weather records testify, but in this favoured spot it had been merely a little too warm for comfort, and, the sea-breeze coming up fresher and stronger as the sun went down, it was the perfection of an Australian summer evening at the hour of which I am writing.

the state of being without a flaw or defect

From this reading That particular Friday was a terribly hot day for the colony, as weather records testify, but in this favoured spot it had been merely a little too warm for comfort, and, the sea-breeze coming up fresher and stronger as the sun went down, it was the perfection of an Australian summer evening at the hour of which I am writing.

a point located with respect to surface features of some region

From this reading The place where they sat was a grassy cliff overlooking a wide bay of the Southern Ocean--a lonely spot, whence no sign of human life was visible, except in the sail of a little fishing boat far away.

clearly revealed to the mind or the senses or judgment

From this reading As they sat, they could hear the waves breaking and seething on the sands and stones beneath them, but could only see the level plain of blue and purple water stretching from the toes of their boots to the indistinct horizon.

plural of “pound” — 16 ounces avoirdupois

From this reading On the second of January, in the year 1880, three newly-orphaned sisters, finding themselves left to their own devices, with an income of exactly one hundred pounds a year a-piece, sat down to consult together as to the use they should make of their independence.

a purple color or pigment

From this reading As they sat, they could hear the waves breaking and seething on the sands and stones beneath them, but could only see the level plain of blue and purple water stretching from the toes of their boots to the indistinct horizon.

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

From this reading That particular Friday was a terribly hot day for the colony, as weather records testify, but in this favoured spot it had been merely a little too warm for comfort, and, the sea-breeze coming up fresher and stronger as the sun went down, it was the perfection of an Australian summer evening at the hour of which I am writing.

the feeling that comes when something burdensome is removed or reduced

From this reading The low sun, that blazed at the back of their heads, and threw their shadows and the shadow of every blade of grass into relief, touched that distant sail and made it shine like bridal satin; while a certain island rock, the home of sea-birds, blushed like a rose in the same necromantic light.

a lump or mass of hard consolidated mineral matter

From this reading The low sun, that blazed at the back of their heads, and threw their shadows and the shadow of every blade of grass into relief, touched that distant sail and made it shine like bridal satin; while a certain island rock, the home of sea-birds, blushed like a rose in the same necromantic light.

any of many shrubs of the genus Rosa that bear roses

From this reading The low sun, that blazed at the back of their heads, and threw their shadows and the shadow of every blade of grass into relief, touched that distant sail and made it shine like bridal satin; while a certain island rock, the home of sea-birds, blushed like a rose in the same necromantic light.

traverse or travel on (a body of water)

From this reading The place where they sat was a grassy cliff overlooking a wide bay of the Southern Ocean--a lonely spot, whence no sign of human life was visible, except in the sail of a little fishing boat far away.

Identical; not different.

From this reading The low sun, that blazed at the back of their heads, and threw their shadows and the shadow of every blade of grass into relief, touched that distant sail and made it shine like bridal satin; while a certain island rock, the home of sea-birds, blushed like a rose in the same necromantic light.

the region of the shore of a lake or sea or ocean

From this reading As they sat, they could hear the waves breaking and seething on the sands and stones beneath them, but could only see the level plain of blue and purple water stretching from the toes of their boots to the indistinct horizon.

the seventh and last day of the week; observed as the Sabbath by Jews and some Christians

From this reading On the second of January, in the year 1880, three newly-orphaned sisters, finding themselves left to their own devices, with an income of exactly one hundred pounds a year a-piece, sat down to consult together as to the use they should make of their independence.

a smooth fabric of silk or rayon; has a glossy face and a dull back

From this reading The low sun, that blazed at the back of their heads, and threw their shadows and the shadow of every blade of grass into relief, touched that distant sail and made it shine like bridal satin; while a certain island rock, the home of sea-birds, blushed like a rose in the same necromantic light.

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

From this reading The low sun, that blazed at the back of their heads, and threw their shadows and the shadow of every blade of grass into relief, touched that distant sail and made it shine like bridal satin; while a certain island rock, the home of sea-birds, blushed like a rose in the same necromantic light.

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

From this reading That particular Friday was a terribly hot day for the colony, as weather records testify, but in this favoured spot it had been merely a little too warm for comfort, and, the sea-breeze coming up fresher and stronger as the sun went down, it was the perfection of an Australian summer evening at the hour of which I am writing.

1/60 of a minute; the basic unit of time adopted under the Systeme International d'Unites

From this reading On the second of January, in the year 1880, three newly-orphaned sisters, finding themselves left to their own devices, with an income of exactly one hundred pounds a year a-piece, sat down to consult together as to the use they should make of their independence.

perceive by sight or have the power to perceive by sight

From this reading As they sat, they could hear the waves breaking and seething on the sands and stones beneath them, but could only see the level plain of blue and purple water stretching from the toes of their boots to the indistinct horizon.

in constant agitation

From this reading As they sat, they could hear the waves breaking and seething on the sands and stones beneath them, but could only see the level plain of blue and purple water stretching from the toes of their boots to the indistinct horizon.

A dark area or shape produced by a body coming between rays of light and a surface.

From this reading The low sun, that blazed at the back of their heads, and threw their shadows and the shadow of every blade of grass into relief, touched that distant sail and made it shine like bridal satin; while a certain island rock, the home of sea-birds, blushed like a rose in the same necromantic light.

plural of “shadow” — shade within clear boundaries

From this reading The low sun, that blazed at the back of their heads, and threw their shadows and the shadow of every blade of grass into relief, touched that distant sail and made it shine like bridal satin; while a certain island rock, the home of sea-birds, blushed like a rose in the same necromantic light.

be bright by reflecting or casting light

From this reading The low sun, that blazed at the back of their heads, and threw their shadows and the shadow of every blade of grass into relief, touched that distant sail and made it shine like bridal satin; while a certain island rock, the home of sea-birds, blushed like a rose in the same necromantic light.

used to say what is right, expected, or advisable

From this reading On the second of January, in the year 1880, three newly-orphaned sisters, finding themselves left to their own devices, with an income of exactly one hundred pounds a year a-piece, sat down to consult together as to the use they should make of their independence.

a perceptible indication of something not immediately apparent (as a visible clue that something has happened)

From this reading The place where they sat was a grassy cliff overlooking a wide bay of the Southern Ocean--a lonely spot, whence no sign of human life was visible, except in the sail of a little fishing boat far away.

plural of “sister” — a female person who has the same parents as another person

From this reading On the second of January, in the year 1880, three newly-orphaned sisters, finding themselves left to their own devices, with an income of exactly one hundred pounds a year a-piece, sat down to consult together as to the use they should make of their independence.

in or characteristic of a region of the United States south of (approximately) the Mason-Dixon line

From this reading The place where they sat was a grassy cliff overlooking a wide bay of the Southern Ocean--a lonely spot, whence no sign of human life was visible, except in the sail of a little fishing boat far away.

a point located with respect to surface features of some region

From this reading The place where they sat was a grassy cliff overlooking a wide bay of the Southern Ocean--a lonely spot, whence no sign of human life was visible, except in the sail of a little fishing boat far away.

plural of “stone” — a lump or mass of hard consolidated mineral matter

From this reading As they sat, they could hear the waves breaking and seething on the sands and stones beneath them, but could only see the level plain of blue and purple water stretching from the toes of their boots to the indistinct horizon.

act of expanding by lengthening or widening

From this reading As they sat, they could hear the waves breaking and seething on the sands and stones beneath them, but could only see the level plain of blue and purple water stretching from the toes of their boots to the indistinct horizon.

comparative of “strong” — having strength or power greater than average or expected

From this reading That particular Friday was a terribly hot day for the colony, as weather records testify, but in this favoured spot it had been merely a little too warm for comfort, and, the sea-breeze coming up fresher and stronger as the sun went down, it was the perfection of an Australian summer evening at the hour of which I am writing.

the warmest season of the year; in the northern hemisphere it extends from the summer solstice to the autumnal equinox

From this reading That particular Friday was a terribly hot day for the colony, as weather records testify, but in this favoured spot it had been merely a little too warm for comfort, and, the sea-breeze coming up fresher and stronger as the sun went down, it was the perfection of an Australian summer evening at the hour of which I am writing.

the star that is the source of light and heat for the planets in the solar system

From this reading The low sun, that blazed at the back of their heads, and threw their shadows and the shadow of every blade of grass into relief, touched that distant sail and made it shine like bridal satin; while a certain island rock, the home of sea-birds, blushed like a rose in the same necromantic light.

used as intensifiers

From this reading That particular Friday was a terribly hot day for the colony, as weather records testify, but in this favoured spot it had been merely a little too warm for comfort, and, the sea-breeze coming up fresher and stronger as the sun went down, it was the perfection of an Australian summer evening at the hour of which I am writing.

give testimony in a court of law

From this reading That particular Friday was a terribly hot day for the colony, as weather records testify, but in this favoured spot it had been merely a little too warm for comfort, and, the sea-breeze coming up fresher and stronger as the sun went down, it was the perfection of an Australian summer evening at the hour of which I am writing.

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading The low sun, that blazed at the back of their heads, and threw their shadows and the shadow of every blade of grass into relief, touched that distant sail and made it shine like bridal satin; while a certain island rock, the home of sea-birds, blushed like a rose in the same necromantic light.

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

From this reading On the second of January, in the year 1880, three newly-orphaned sisters, finding themselves left to their own devices, with an income of exactly one hundred pounds a year a-piece, sat down to consult together as to the use they should make of their independence.

belonging to the people or things already mentioned

From this reading On the second of January, in the year 1880, three newly-orphaned sisters, finding themselves left to their own devices, with an income of exactly one hundred pounds a year a-piece, sat down to consult together as to the use they should make of their independence.

the people or things already mentioned, as the object

From this reading As they sat, they could hear the waves breaking and seething on the sands and stones beneath them, but could only see the level plain of blue and purple water stretching from the toes of their boots to the indistinct horizon.

used when the people doing the action are also its object

From this reading On the second of January, in the year 1880, three newly-orphaned sisters, finding themselves left to their own devices, with an income of exactly one hundred pounds a year a-piece, sat down to consult together as to the use they should make of their independence.

the people, animals, or things already mentioned, as the subject

From this reading On the second of January, in the year 1880, three newly-orphaned sisters, finding themselves left to their own devices, with an income of exactly one hundred pounds a year a-piece, sat down to consult together as to the use they should make of their independence.

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

From this reading That particular Friday was a terribly hot day for the colony, as weather records testify, but in this favoured spot it had been merely a little too warm for comfort, and, the sea-breeze coming up fresher and stronger as the sun went down, it was the perfection of an Australian summer evening at the hour of which I am writing.

the cardinal number that is the sum of one and one and one

From this reading On the second of January, in the year 1880, three newly-orphaned sisters, finding themselves left to their own devices, with an income of exactly one hundred pounds a year a-piece, sat down to consult together as to the use they should make of their independence.

inflected form of “throw” — propel through the air

From this reading The low sun, that blazed at the back of their heads, and threw their shadows and the shadow of every blade of grass into relief, touched that distant sail and made it shine like bridal satin; while a certain island rock, the home of sea-birds, blushed like a rose in the same necromantic light.

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

From this reading On the second of January, in the year 1880, three newly-orphaned sisters, finding themselves left to their own devices, with an income of exactly one hundred pounds a year a-piece, sat down to consult together as to the use they should make of their independence.

plural of “toe” — one of the digits of the foot

From this reading As they sat, they could hear the waves breaking and seething on the sands and stones beneath them, but could only see the level plain of blue and purple water stretching from the toes of their boots to the indistinct horizon.

in contact with each other or in proximity

From this reading On the second of January, in the year 1880, three newly-orphaned sisters, finding themselves left to their own devices, with an income of exactly one hundred pounds a year a-piece, sat down to consult together as to the use they should make of their independence.

to a degree exceeding normal or proper limits

From this reading That particular Friday was a terribly hot day for the colony, as weather records testify, but in this favoured spot it had been merely a little too warm for comfort, and, the sea-breeze coming up fresher and stronger as the sun went down, it was the perfection of an Australian summer evening at the hour of which I am writing.

having come into contact

From this reading The low sun, that blazed at the back of their heads, and threw their shadows and the shadow of every blade of grass into relief, touched that distant sail and made it shine like bridal satin; while a certain island rock, the home of sea-birds, blushed like a rose in the same necromantic light.

being or moving higher in position or greater in some value; being above a former position or level

From this reading That particular Friday was a terribly hot day for the colony, as weather records testify, but in this favoured spot it had been merely a little too warm for comfort, and, the sea-breeze coming up fresher and stronger as the sun went down, it was the perfection of an Australian summer evening at the hour of which I am writing.

the act of using

From this reading On the second of January, in the year 1880, three newly-orphaned sisters, finding themselves left to their own devices, with an income of exactly one hundred pounds a year a-piece, sat down to consult together as to the use they should make of their independence.

capable of being seen; or open to easy view

From this reading The place where they sat was a grassy cliff overlooking a wide bay of the Southern Ocean--a lonely spot, whence no sign of human life was visible, except in the sail of a little fishing boat far away.

having or producing a comfortable and agreeable degree of heat or imparting or maintaining heat

From this reading That particular Friday was a terribly hot day for the colony, as weather records testify, but in this favoured spot it had been merely a little too warm for comfort, and, the sea-breeze coming up fresher and stronger as the sun went down, it was the perfection of an Australian summer evening at the hour of which I am writing.

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

From this reading The place where they sat was a grassy cliff overlooking a wide bay of the Southern Ocean--a lonely spot, whence no sign of human life was visible, except in the sail of a little fishing boat far away.

binary compound that occurs at room temperature as a clear colorless odorless tasteless liquid; freezes into ice below 0 degrees centigrade and boils above 100 degrees centigrade; widely used as a solvent

From this reading As they sat, they could hear the waves breaking and seething on the sands and stones beneath them, but could only see the level plain of blue and purple water stretching from the toes of their boots to the indistinct horizon.

plural of “wave” — one of a series of ridges that moves across the surface of a liquid (especially across a large body of water)

From this reading As they sat, they could hear the waves breaking and seething on the sands and stones beneath them, but could only see the level plain of blue and purple water stretching from the toes of their boots to the indistinct horizon.

the atmospheric conditions that comprise the state of the atmosphere in terms of temperature and wind and clouds and precipitation

From this reading That particular Friday was a terribly hot day for the colony, as weather records testify, but in this favoured spot it had been merely a little too warm for comfort, and, the sea-breeze coming up fresher and stronger as the sun went down, it was the perfection of an Australian summer evening at the hour of which I am writing.

inflected form of “go” — change location; move, travel, or proceed, also metaphorically

From this reading That particular Friday was a terribly hot day for the colony, as weather records testify, but in this favoured spot it had been merely a little too warm for comfort, and, the sea-breeze coming up fresher and stronger as the sun went down, it was the perfection of an Australian summer evening at the hour of which I am writing.

an old word meaning “from where”

From this reading The place where they sat was a grassy cliff overlooking a wide bay of the Southern Ocean--a lonely spot, whence no sign of human life was visible, except in the sail of a little fishing boat far away.

in or at the place that

From this reading The place where they sat was a grassy cliff overlooking a wide bay of the Southern Ocean--a lonely spot, whence no sign of human life was visible, except in the sail of a little fishing boat far away.

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

From this reading That particular Friday was a terribly hot day for the colony, as weather records testify, but in this favoured spot it had been merely a little too warm for comfort, and, the sea-breeze coming up fresher and stronger as the sun went down, it was the perfection of an Australian summer evening at the hour of which I am writing.

during the time that

From this reading The low sun, that blazed at the back of their heads, and threw their shadows and the shadow of every blade of grass into relief, touched that distant sail and made it shine like bridal satin; while a certain island rock, the home of sea-birds, blushed like a rose in the same necromantic light.

having great (or a certain) extent from one side to the other

From this reading The place where they sat was a grassy cliff overlooking a wide bay of the Southern Ocean--a lonely spot, whence no sign of human life was visible, except in the sail of a little fishing boat far away.

in the company of; together with

From this reading On the second of January, in the year 1880, three newly-orphaned sisters, finding themselves left to their own devices, with an income of exactly one hundred pounds a year a-piece, sat down to consult together as to the use they should make of their independence.

the act of creating written works

From this reading That particular Friday was a terribly hot day for the colony, as weather records testify, but in this favoured spot it had been merely a little too warm for comfort, and, the sea-breeze coming up fresher and stronger as the sun went down, it was the perfection of an Australian summer evening at the hour of which I am writing.

a period of time containing 365 (or 366) days

From this reading On the second of January, in the year 1880, three newly-orphaned sisters, finding themselves left to their own devices, with an income of exactly one hundred pounds a year a-piece, sat down to consult together as to the use they should make of their independence.