Chapter XV · Chapter 15

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

From this reading THE BALL OF MY LORD HOWE Many a night after that last parting I stood guard on that dreary outpost, gazing out across the snow at the dim lights of the city far to the eastward.

from one side of something to the other

From this reading THE BALL OF MY LORD HOWE Many a night after that last parting I stood guard on that dreary outpost, gazing out across the snow at the dim lights of the city far to the eastward.

inflected form of “admit” — declare to be true or admit the existence or reality or truth of

From this reading They were handsome in their scarlet uniforms, with their epaulets and their sabres, making, indeed, a very gallant show, while those ragged patriots out upon the snow had not shoes to their feet, and were altogether too disreputable to be admitted even to the kitchens of their houses.

later than; following

From this reading THE BALL OF MY LORD HOWE Many a night after that last parting I stood guard on that dreary outpost, gazing out across the snow at the dim lights of the city far to the eastward.

to a complete degree or to the full or entire extent (“whole” is often used informally for “wholly”)

From this reading They were handsome in their scarlet uniforms, with their epaulets and their sabres, making, indeed, a very gallant show, while those ragged patriots out upon the snow had not shoes to their feet, and were altogether too disreputable to be admitted even to the kitchens of their houses.

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

From this reading True, my Lord Howe ruled the city with an iron hand, but he was a gallant gentleman, and his officers made good partners for their fair daughters at the balls.

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

From this reading Aye, for the city was gay that winter, gay with parties and dances, balls and dinners, and the bells rang as merrily as if we were not starving and dying out on the bleak, hillsides.

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

From this reading Aye, for the city was gay that winter, gay with parties and dances, balls and dinners, and the bells rang as merrily as if we were not starving and dying out on the bleak, hillsides.

in or near a particular place or position

From this reading THE BALL OF MY LORD HOWE Many a night after that last parting I stood guard on that dreary outpost, gazing out across the snow at the dim lights of the city far to the eastward.

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

From this reading Aye, for the city was gay that winter, gay with parties and dances, balls and dinners, and the bells rang as merrily as if we were not starving and dying out on the bleak, hillsides.

round object that is hit or thrown or kicked in games

From this reading THE BALL OF MY LORD HOWE Many a night after that last parting I stood guard on that dreary outpost, gazing out across the snow at the dim lights of the city far to the eastward.

plural of “ball” — round object that is hit or thrown or kicked in games

From this reading Aye, for the city was gay that winter, gay with parties and dances, balls and dinners, and the bells rang as merrily as if we were not starving and dying out on the bleak, hillsides.

used with a past participle to form the passive, or with -ing for continuous tenses

From this reading They were handsome in their scarlet uniforms, with their epaulets and their sabres, making, indeed, a very gallant show, while those ragged patriots out upon the snow had not shoes to their feet, and were altogether too disreputable to be admitted even to the kitchens of their houses.

plural of “bell” — a hollow device made of metal that makes a ringing sound when struck

From this reading Aye, for the city was gay that winter, gay with parties and dances, balls and dinners, and the bells rang as merrily as if we were not starving and dying out on the bleak, hillsides.

offering little or no hope

From this reading Aye, for the city was gay that winter, gay with parties and dances, balls and dinners, and the bells rang as merrily as if we were not starving and dying out on the bleak, hillsides.

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

From this reading Aye, those old burghers were warm and comfortable as they sat by their fires, with a glass of their wine or toddy at their side.

used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before

From this reading True, my Lord Howe ruled the city with an iron hand, but he was a gallant gentleman, and his officers made good partners for their fair daughters at the balls.

showing who or what does the action

From this reading Aye, those old burghers were warm and comfortable as they sat by their fires, with a glass of their wine or toddy at their side.

a large and densely populated urban area; may include several independent administrative districts

From this reading THE BALL OF MY LORD HOWE Many a night after that last parting I stood guard on that dreary outpost, gazing out across the snow at the dim lights of the city far to the eastward.

providing or experiencing physical well-being or relief (“comfy” is informal)

From this reading Aye, those old burghers were warm and comfortable as they sat by their fires, with a glass of their wine or toddy at their side.

plural of “dance” — an artistic form of nonverbal communication

From this reading Aye, for the city was gay that winter, gay with parties and dances, balls and dinners, and the bells rang as merrily as if we were not starving and dying out on the bleak, hillsides.

plural of “daughter” — a female human offspring

From this reading True, my Lord Howe ruled the city with an iron hand, but he was a gallant gentleman, and his officers made good partners for their fair daughters at the balls.

lacking in light; not bright or harsh

From this reading THE BALL OF MY LORD HOWE Many a night after that last parting I stood guard on that dreary outpost, gazing out across the snow at the dim lights of the city far to the eastward.

plural of “dinner” — the main meal of the day served in the evening or at midday

From this reading Aye, for the city was gay that winter, gay with parties and dances, balls and dinners, and the bells rang as merrily as if we were not starving and dying out on the bleak, hillsides.

lacking respectability in character or behavior or appearance

From this reading They were handsome in their scarlet uniforms, with their epaulets and their sabres, making, indeed, a very gallant show, while those ragged patriots out upon the snow had not shoes to their feet, and were altogether too disreputable to be admitted even to the kitchens of their houses.

lacking in liveliness or charm or surprise

From this reading THE BALL OF MY LORD HOWE Many a night after that last parting I stood guard on that dreary outpost, gazing out across the snow at the dim lights of the city far to the eastward.

in or associated with the process of passing from life or ceasing to be

From this reading Aye, for the city was gay that winter, gay with parties and dances, balls and dinners, and the bells rang as merrily as if we were not starving and dying out on the bleak, hillsides.

moving toward the east

From this reading THE BALL OF MY LORD HOWE Many a night after that last parting I stood guard on that dreary outpost, gazing out across the snow at the dim lights of the city far to the eastward.

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

From this reading They were handsome in their scarlet uniforms, with their epaulets and their sabres, making, indeed, a very gallant show, while those ragged patriots out upon the snow had not shoes to their feet, and were altogether too disreputable to be admitted even to the kitchens of their houses.

divisible by two

From this reading They were handsome in their scarlet uniforms, with their epaulets and their sabres, making, indeed, a very gallant show, while those ragged patriots out upon the snow had not shoes to their feet, and were altogether too disreputable to be admitted even to the kitchens of their houses.

free from favoritism or self-interest or bias or deception; conforming with established standards or rules

From this reading True, my Lord Howe ruled the city with an iron hand, but he was a gallant gentleman, and his officers made good partners for their fair daughters at the balls.

to a considerable degree; very much

From this reading THE BALL OF MY LORD HOWE Many a night after that last parting I stood guard on that dreary outpost, gazing out across the snow at the dim lights of the city far to the eastward.

plural of “foot” — the part of the leg of a human being below the ankle joint

From this reading They were handsome in their scarlet uniforms, with their epaulets and their sabres, making, indeed, a very gallant show, while those ragged patriots out upon the snow had not shoes to their feet, and were altogether too disreputable to be admitted even to the kitchens of their houses.

plural of “fire” — the event of something burning (often destructive)

From this reading Aye, those old burghers were warm and comfortable as they sat by their fires, with a glass of their wine or toddy at their side.

intended to be given to, or used by, somebody

From this reading Aye, for the city was gay that winter, gay with parties and dances, balls and dinners, and the bells rang as merrily as if we were not starving and dying out on the bleak, hillsides.

unflinching in battle or action

From this reading True, my Lord Howe ruled the city with an iron hand, but he was a gallant gentleman, and his officers made good partners for their fair daughters at the balls.

bright and pleasant; promoting a feeling of cheer

From this reading Aye, for the city was gay that winter, gay with parties and dances, balls and dinners, and the bells rang as merrily as if we were not starving and dying out on the bleak, hillsides.

-ing form of “gaze” — look at with fixed eyes

From this reading THE BALL OF MY LORD HOWE Many a night after that last parting I stood guard on that dreary outpost, gazing out across the snow at the dim lights of the city far to the eastward.

a man of refinement

From this reading True, my Lord Howe ruled the city with an iron hand, but he was a gallant gentleman, and his officers made good partners for their fair daughters at the balls.

a brittle transparent solid with irregular atomic structure

From this reading Aye, those old burghers were warm and comfortable as they sat by their fires, with a glass of their wine or toddy at their side.

having desirable or positive qualities especially those suitable for a thing specified

From this reading True, my Lord Howe ruled the city with an iron hand, but he was a gallant gentleman, and his officers made good partners for their fair daughters at the balls.

a person who keeps watch over something or someone

From this reading THE BALL OF MY LORD HOWE Many a night after that last parting I stood guard on that dreary outpost, gazing out across the snow at the dim lights of the city far to the eastward.

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

From this reading They were handsome in their scarlet uniforms, with their epaulets and their sabres, making, indeed, a very gallant show, while those ragged patriots out upon the snow had not shoes to their feet, and were altogether too disreputable to be admitted even to the kitchens of their houses.

the (prehensile) extremity of the superior limb

From this reading True, my Lord Howe ruled the city with an iron hand, but he was a gallant gentleman, and his officers made good partners for their fair daughters at the balls.

pleasing in appearance especially by reason of conformity to ideals of form and proportion

From this reading They were handsome in their scarlet uniforms, with their epaulets and their sabres, making, indeed, a very gallant show, while those ragged patriots out upon the snow had not shoes to their feet, and were altogether too disreputable to be admitted even to the kitchens of their houses.

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

From this reading True, my Lord Howe ruled the city with an iron hand, but he was a gallant gentleman, and his officers made good partners for their fair daughters at the balls.

plural of “hillside” — the side or slope of a hill

From this reading Aye, for the city was gay that winter, gay with parties and dances, balls and dinners, and the bells rang as merrily as if we were not starving and dying out on the bleak, hillsides.

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

From this reading True, my Lord Howe ruled the city with an iron hand, but he was a gallant gentleman, and his officers made good partners for their fair daughters at the balls.

plural of “house” — a dwelling that serves as living quarters for one or more families

From this reading They were handsome in their scarlet uniforms, with their epaulets and their sabres, making, indeed, a very gallant show, while those ragged patriots out upon the snow had not shoes to their feet, and were altogether too disreputable to be admitted even to the kitchens of their houses.

United States editor (1920-1993)

From this reading THE BALL OF MY LORD HOWE Many a night after that last parting I stood guard on that dreary outpost, gazing out across the snow at the dim lights of the city far to the eastward.

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

From this reading THE BALL OF MY LORD HOWE Many a night after that last parting I stood guard on that dreary outpost, gazing out across the snow at the dim lights of the city far to the eastward.

on condition that; in the event that

From this reading Aye, for the city was gay that winter, gay with parties and dances, balls and dinners, and the bells rang as merrily as if we were not starving and dying out on the bleak, hillsides.

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

From this reading They were handsome in their scarlet uniforms, with their epaulets and their sabres, making, indeed, a very gallant show, while those ragged patriots out upon the snow had not shoes to their feet, and were altogether too disreputable to be admitted even to the kitchens of their houses.

in truth (often tends to intensify)

From this reading They were handsome in their scarlet uniforms, with their epaulets and their sabres, making, indeed, a very gallant show, while those ragged patriots out upon the snow had not shoes to their feet, and were altogether too disreputable to be admitted even to the kitchens of their houses.

a heavy ductile magnetic metallic element; is silver-white in pure form but readily rusts; used in construction and tools and armament; plays a role in the transport of oxygen by the blood

From this reading True, my Lord Howe ruled the city with an iron hand, but he was a gallant gentleman, and his officers made good partners for their fair daughters at the balls.

plural of “kitchen” — a room equipped for preparing meals

From this reading They were handsome in their scarlet uniforms, with their epaulets and their sabres, making, indeed, a very gallant show, while those ragged patriots out upon the snow had not shoes to their feet, and were altogether too disreputable to be admitted even to the kitchens of their houses.

immediately past

From this reading THE BALL OF MY LORD HOWE Many a night after that last parting I stood guard on that dreary outpost, gazing out across the snow at the dim lights of the city far to the eastward.

plural of “light” — (physics) electromagnetic radiation that can produce a visual sensation

From this reading THE BALL OF MY LORD HOWE Many a night after that last parting I stood guard on that dreary outpost, gazing out across the snow at the dim lights of the city far to the eastward.

terms referring to the Judeo-Christian God

From this reading THE BALL OF MY LORD HOWE Many a night after that last parting I stood guard on that dreary outpost, gazing out across the snow at the dim lights of the city far to the eastward.

produced by a manufacturing process

From this reading True, my Lord Howe ruled the city with an iron hand, but he was a gallant gentleman, and his officers made good partners for their fair daughters at the balls.

the act that results in something coming to be

From this reading They were handsome in their scarlet uniforms, with their epaulets and their sabres, making, indeed, a very gallant show, while those ragged patriots out upon the snow had not shoes to their feet, and were altogether too disreputable to be admitted even to the kitchens of their houses.

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

From this reading THE BALL OF MY LORD HOWE Many a night after that last parting I stood guard on that dreary outpost, gazing out across the snow at the dim lights of the city far to the eastward.

in a joyous manner

From this reading Aye, for the city was gay that winter, gay with parties and dances, balls and dinners, and the bells rang as merrily as if we were not starving and dying out on the bleak, hillsides.

belonging to the person speaking

From this reading THE BALL OF MY LORD HOWE Many a night after that last parting I stood guard on that dreary outpost, gazing out across the snow at the dim lights of the city far to the eastward.

the time after sunset and before sunrise while it is dark outside

From this reading THE BALL OF MY LORD HOWE Many a night after that last parting I stood guard on that dreary outpost, gazing out across the snow at the dim lights of the city far to the eastward.

used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative

From this reading Aye, for the city was gay that winter, gay with parties and dances, balls and dinners, and the bells rang as merrily as if we were not starving and dying out on the bleak, hillsides.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading THE BALL OF MY LORD HOWE Many a night after that last parting I stood guard on that dreary outpost, gazing out across the snow at the dim lights of the city far to the eastward.

plural of “officer” — any person in the armed services who holds a position of authority or command

From this reading True, my Lord Howe ruled the city with an iron hand, but he was a gallant gentleman, and his officers made good partners for their fair daughters at the balls.

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

From this reading Aye, those old burghers were warm and comfortable as they sat by their fires, with a glass of their wine or toddy at their side.

touching and supported by a surface

From this reading THE BALL OF MY LORD HOWE Many a night after that last parting I stood guard on that dreary outpost, gazing out across the snow at the dim lights of the city far to the eastward.

used to join alternatives or possibilities

From this reading Aye, those old burghers were warm and comfortable as they sat by their fires, with a glass of their wine or toddy at their side.

not allowed to continue to bat or run

From this reading THE BALL OF MY LORD HOWE Many a night after that last parting I stood guard on that dreary outpost, gazing out across the snow at the dim lights of the city far to the eastward.

a station in a remote or sparsely populated location

From this reading THE BALL OF MY LORD HOWE Many a night after that last parting I stood guard on that dreary outpost, gazing out across the snow at the dim lights of the city far to the eastward.

plural of “party” — an organization to gain political power

From this reading Aye, for the city was gay that winter, gay with parties and dances, balls and dinners, and the bells rang as merrily as if we were not starving and dying out on the bleak, hillsides.

the act of departing politely

From this reading THE BALL OF MY LORD HOWE Many a night after that last parting I stood guard on that dreary outpost, gazing out across the snow at the dim lights of the city far to the eastward.

plural of “partner” — a person's partner in marriage

From this reading True, my Lord Howe ruled the city with an iron hand, but he was a gallant gentleman, and his officers made good partners for their fair daughters at the balls.

plural of “patriot” — one who loves and defends his or her country

From this reading They were handsome in their scarlet uniforms, with their epaulets and their sabres, making, indeed, a very gallant show, while those ragged patriots out upon the snow had not shoes to their feet, and were altogether too disreputable to be admitted even to the kitchens of their houses.

being or dressed in clothes that are worn or torn

From this reading They were handsome in their scarlet uniforms, with their epaulets and their sabres, making, indeed, a very gallant show, while those ragged patriots out upon the snow had not shoes to their feet, and were altogether too disreputable to be admitted even to the kitchens of their houses.

inflected form of “ring” — sound loudly and sonorously

From this reading Aye, for the city was gay that winter, gay with parties and dances, balls and dinners, and the bells rang as merrily as if we were not starving and dying out on the bleak, hillsides.

subject to a ruling authority

From this reading True, my Lord Howe ruled the city with an iron hand, but he was a gallant gentleman, and his officers made good partners for their fair daughters at the balls.

plural of “sabre” — a fencing sword with a v-shaped blade and a slightly curved handle

From this reading They were handsome in their scarlet uniforms, with their epaulets and their sabres, making, indeed, a very gallant show, while those ragged patriots out upon the snow had not shoes to their feet, and were altogether too disreputable to be admitted even to the kitchens of their houses.

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

From this reading Aye, those old burghers were warm and comfortable as they sat by their fires, with a glass of their wine or toddy at their side.

a variable color that is vivid red but sometimes with an orange tinge

From this reading They were handsome in their scarlet uniforms, with their epaulets and their sabres, making, indeed, a very gallant show, while those ragged patriots out upon the snow had not shoes to their feet, and were altogether too disreputable to be admitted even to the kitchens of their houses.

a particular situation

From this reading They were handsome in their scarlet uniforms, with their epaulets and their sabres, making, indeed, a very gallant show, while those ragged patriots out upon the snow had not shoes to their feet, and were altogether too disreputable to be admitted even to the kitchens of their houses.

give an exhibition of to an interested audience

From this reading They were handsome in their scarlet uniforms, with their epaulets and their sabres, making, indeed, a very gallant show, while those ragged patriots out upon the snow had not shoes to their feet, and were altogether too disreputable to be admitted even to the kitchens of their houses.

a place within a region identified relative to a center or reference location

From this reading Aye, those old burghers were warm and comfortable as they sat by their fires, with a glass of their wine or toddy at their side.

precipitation falling from clouds in the form of ice crystals

From this reading THE BALL OF MY LORD HOWE Many a night after that last parting I stood guard on that dreary outpost, gazing out across the snow at the dim lights of the city far to the eastward.

suffering from lack of food

From this reading Aye, for the city was gay that winter, gay with parties and dances, balls and dinners, and the bells rang as merrily as if we were not starving and dying out on the bleak, hillsides.

Maintained an upright posture.

From this reading THE BALL OF MY LORD HOWE Many a night after that last parting I stood guard on that dreary outpost, gazing out across the snow at the dim lights of the city far to the eastward.

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading THE BALL OF MY LORD HOWE Many a night after that last parting I stood guard on that dreary outpost, gazing out across the snow at the dim lights of the city far to the eastward.

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

From this reading THE BALL OF MY LORD HOWE Many a night after that last parting I stood guard on that dreary outpost, gazing out across the snow at the dim lights of the city far to the eastward.

belonging to the people or things already mentioned

From this reading Aye, those old burghers were warm and comfortable as they sat by their fires, with a glass of their wine or toddy at their side.

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

From this reading Aye, those old burghers were warm and comfortable as they sat by their fires, with a glass of their wine or toddy at their side.

the plural of “that”: the people or things further away, or already known

From this reading Aye, those old burghers were warm and comfortable as they sat by their fires, with a glass of their wine or toddy at their side.

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

From this reading THE BALL OF MY LORD HOWE Many a night after that last parting I stood guard on that dreary outpost, gazing out across the snow at the dim lights of the city far to the eastward.

a mixed drink made of liquor and water with sugar and spices and served hot

From this reading Aye, those old burghers were warm and comfortable as they sat by their fires, with a glass of their wine or toddy at their side.

to a degree exceeding normal or proper limits

From this reading They were handsome in their scarlet uniforms, with their epaulets and their sabres, making, indeed, a very gallant show, while those ragged patriots out upon the snow had not shoes to their feet, and were altogether too disreputable to be admitted even to the kitchens of their houses.

consistent with fact or reality; not false

From this reading True, my Lord Howe ruled the city with an iron hand, but he was a gallant gentleman, and his officers made good partners for their fair daughters at the balls.

plural of “uniform” — clothing of distinctive design worn by members of a particular group as a means of identification

From this reading They were handsome in their scarlet uniforms, with their epaulets and their sabres, making, indeed, a very gallant show, while those ragged patriots out upon the snow had not shoes to their feet, and were altogether too disreputable to be admitted even to the kitchens of their houses.

a formal word for “on”

From this reading They were handsome in their scarlet uniforms, with their epaulets and their sabres, making, indeed, a very gallant show, while those ragged patriots out upon the snow had not shoes to their feet, and were altogether too disreputable to be admitted even to the kitchens of their houses.

precisely as stated

From this reading They were handsome in their scarlet uniforms, with their epaulets and their sabres, making, indeed, a very gallant show, while those ragged patriots out upon the snow had not shoes to their feet, and were altogether too disreputable to be admitted even to the kitchens of their houses.

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

From this reading Aye, those old burghers were warm and comfortable as they sat by their fires, with a glass of their wine or toddy at their side.

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

From this reading Aye, for the city was gay that winter, gay with parties and dances, balls and dinners, and the bells rang as merrily as if we were not starving and dying out on the bleak, hillsides.

the speaker together with one or more other people

From this reading Aye, for the city was gay that winter, gay with parties and dances, balls and dinners, and the bells rang as merrily as if we were not starving and dying out on the bleak, hillsides.

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

From this reading Aye, for the city was gay that winter, gay with parties and dances, balls and dinners, and the bells rang as merrily as if we were not starving and dying out on the bleak, hillsides.

during the time that

From this reading They were handsome in their scarlet uniforms, with their epaulets and their sabres, making, indeed, a very gallant show, while those ragged patriots out upon the snow had not shoes to their feet, and were altogether too disreputable to be admitted even to the kitchens of their houses.

fermented juice (of grapes especially)

From this reading Aye, those old burghers were warm and comfortable as they sat by their fires, with a glass of their wine or toddy at their side.

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

From this reading Aye, for the city was gay that winter, gay with parties and dances, balls and dinners, and the bells rang as merrily as if we were not starving and dying out on the bleak, hillsides.

in the company of; together with

From this reading Aye, for the city was gay that winter, gay with parties and dances, balls and dinners, and the bells rang as merrily as if we were not starving and dying out on the bleak, hillsides.