Chapter I

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

From this reading One windy night in April, some five-and-twenty years ago, the young moon, peeping now and then between the scudding wisps of cloud, seemed to be maintaining a careful watch upon a little incident which was taking place outside the windows of Moseley’s school--a large brick building standing in a walled enclosure.

in the past

From this reading One windy night in April, some five-and-twenty years ago, the young moon, peeping now and then between the scudding wisps of cloud, seemed to be maintaining a careful watch upon a little incident which was taking place outside the windows of Moseley’s school--a large brick building standing in a walled enclosure.

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

From this reading One windy night in April, some five-and-twenty years ago, the young moon, peeping now and then between the scudding wisps of cloud, seemed to be maintaining a careful watch upon a little incident which was taking place outside the windows of Moseley’s school--a large brick building standing in a walled enclosure.

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

From this reading As if the striking of the hour had been a signal, a boy suddenly appeared, stepping softly from the shadow of the enclosure wall.

the month following March and preceding May

From this reading One windy night in April, some five-and-twenty years ago, the young moon, peeping now and then between the scudding wisps of cloud, seemed to be maintaining a careful watch upon a little incident which was taking place outside the windows of Moseley’s school--a large brick building standing in a walled enclosure.

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

From this reading As if the striking of the hour had been a signal, a boy suddenly appeared, stepping softly from the shadow of the enclosure wall.

in or near a particular place or position

From this reading Picking up a small pebble, he cast it up at one of the windows.

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

From this reading One windy night in April, some five-and-twenty years ago, the young moon, peeping now and then between the scudding wisps of cloud, seemed to be maintaining a careful watch upon a little incident which was taking place outside the windows of Moseley’s school--a large brick building standing in a walled enclosure.

the past participle of “be”

From this reading As if the striking of the hour had been a signal, a boy suddenly appeared, stepping softly from the shadow of the enclosure wall.

in the space, time, or range separating two things

From this reading One windy night in April, some five-and-twenty years ago, the young moon, peeping now and then between the scudding wisps of cloud, seemed to be maintaining a careful watch upon a little incident which was taking place outside the windows of Moseley’s school--a large brick building standing in a walled enclosure.

a youthful male person

From this reading As if the striking of the hour had been a signal, a boy suddenly appeared, stepping softly from the shadow of the enclosure wall.

rectangular block of clay baked by the sun or in a kiln; used as a building or paving material

From this reading One windy night in April, some five-and-twenty years ago, the young moon, peeping now and then between the scudding wisps of cloud, seemed to be maintaining a careful watch upon a little incident which was taking place outside the windows of Moseley’s school--a large brick building standing in a walled enclosure.

a structure that has a roof and walls and stands more or less permanently in one place

From this reading One windy night in April, some five-and-twenty years ago, the young moon, peeping now and then between the scudding wisps of cloud, seemed to be maintaining a careful watch upon a little incident which was taking place outside the windows of Moseley’s school--a large brick building standing in a walled enclosure.

exercising caution or showing care or attention

From this reading One windy night in April, some five-and-twenty years ago, the young moon, peeping now and then between the scudding wisps of cloud, seemed to be maintaining a careful watch upon a little incident which was taking place outside the windows of Moseley’s school--a large brick building standing in a walled enclosure.

put or send forth

From this reading Picking up a small pebble, he cast it up at one of the windows.

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

From this reading Save for the roaring of the wind in the elm-trees, no sound was to be heard until, presently, the clock in the old church-tower struck eleven.

a timepiece that shows the time of day

From this reading Save for the roaring of the wind in the elm-trees, no sound was to be heard until, presently, the clock in the old church-tower struck eleven.

make overcast or cloudy

From this reading One windy night in April, some five-and-twenty years ago, the young moon, peeping now and then between the scudding wisps of cloud, seemed to be maintaining a careful watch upon a little incident which was taking place outside the windows of Moseley’s school--a large brick building standing in a walled enclosure.

being one more than ten

From this reading Save for the roaring of the wind in the elm-trees, no sound was to be heard until, presently, the clock in the old church-tower struck eleven.

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

From this reading Save for the roaring of the wind in the elm-trees, no sound was to be heard until, presently, the clock in the old church-tower struck eleven.

a structure consisting of an area that has been enclosed for some purpose

From this reading One windy night in April, some five-and-twenty years ago, the young moon, peeping now and then between the scudding wisps of cloud, seemed to be maintaining a careful watch upon a little incident which was taking place outside the windows of Moseley’s school--a large brick building standing in a walled enclosure.

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

From this reading One windy night in April, some five-and-twenty years ago, the young moon, peeping now and then between the scudding wisps of cloud, seemed to be maintaining a careful watch upon a little incident which was taking place outside the windows of Moseley’s school--a large brick building standing in a walled enclosure.

intended to be given to, or used by, somebody

From this reading Save for the roaring of the wind in the elm-trees, no sound was to be heard until, presently, the clock in the old church-tower struck eleven.

showing where something starts, or who sent it

From this reading As if the striking of the hour had been a signal, a boy suddenly appeared, stepping softly from the shadow of the enclosure wall.

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

From this reading As if the striking of the hour had been a signal, a boy suddenly appeared, stepping softly from the shadow of the enclosure wall.

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

From this reading Picking up a small pebble, he cast it up at one of the windows.

detected or perceived by the sense of hearing

From this reading Save for the roaring of the wind in the elm-trees, no sound was to be heard until, presently, the clock in the old church-tower struck eleven.

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

From this reading As if the striking of the hour had been a signal, a boy suddenly appeared, stepping softly from the shadow of the enclosure wall.

on condition that; in the event that

From this reading As if the striking of the hour had been a signal, a boy suddenly appeared, stepping softly from the shadow of the enclosure wall.

without delay or hesitation; with no time intervening

From this reading The window opened immediately and a second boy appeared.

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

From this reading One windy night in April, some five-and-twenty years ago, the young moon, peeping now and then between the scudding wisps of cloud, seemed to be maintaining a careful watch upon a little incident which was taking place outside the windows of Moseley’s school--a large brick building standing in a walled enclosure.

a single distinct event

From this reading One windy night in April, some five-and-twenty years ago, the young moon, peeping now and then between the scudding wisps of cloud, seemed to be maintaining a careful watch upon a little incident which was taking place outside the windows of Moseley’s school--a large brick building standing in a walled enclosure.

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading Picking up a small pebble, he cast it up at one of the windows.

above average in size or number or quantity or magnitude or extent

From this reading One windy night in April, some five-and-twenty years ago, the young moon, peeping now and then between the scudding wisps of cloud, seemed to be maintaining a careful watch upon a little incident which was taking place outside the windows of Moseley’s school--a large brick building standing in a walled enclosure.

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

From this reading One windy night in April, some five-and-twenty years ago, the young moon, peeping now and then between the scudding wisps of cloud, seemed to be maintaining a careful watch upon a little incident which was taking place outside the windows of Moseley’s school--a large brick building standing in a walled enclosure.

-ing form of “maintain” — cause to continue in a certain state, position, or activity; e.g., “keep clean”

From this reading One windy night in April, some five-and-twenty years ago, the young moon, peeping now and then between the scudding wisps of cloud, seemed to be maintaining a careful watch upon a little incident which was taking place outside the windows of Moseley’s school--a large brick building standing in a walled enclosure.

the natural satellite of the Earth

From this reading One windy night in April, some five-and-twenty years ago, the young moon, peeping now and then between the scudding wisps of cloud, seemed to be maintaining a careful watch upon a little incident which was taking place outside the windows of Moseley’s school--a large brick building standing in a walled enclosure.

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

From this reading One windy night in April, some five-and-twenty years ago, the young moon, peeping now and then between the scudding wisps of cloud, seemed to be maintaining a careful watch upon a little incident which was taking place outside the windows of Moseley’s school--a large brick building standing in a walled enclosure.

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

From this reading One windy night in April, some five-and-twenty years ago, the young moon, peeping now and then between the scudding wisps of cloud, seemed to be maintaining a careful watch upon a little incident which was taking place outside the windows of Moseley’s school--a large brick building standing in a walled enclosure.

not any; not one

From this reading Save for the roaring of the wind in the elm-trees, no sound was to be heard until, presently, the clock in the old church-tower struck eleven.

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

From this reading One windy night in April, some five-and-twenty years ago, the young moon, peeping now and then between the scudding wisps of cloud, seemed to be maintaining a careful watch upon a little incident which was taking place outside the windows of Moseley’s school--a large brick building standing in a walled enclosure.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading One windy night in April, some five-and-twenty years ago, the young moon, peeping now and then between the scudding wisps of cloud, seemed to be maintaining a careful watch upon a little incident which was taking place outside the windows of Moseley’s school--a large brick building standing in a walled enclosure.

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

From this reading Save for the roaring of the wind in the elm-trees, no sound was to be heard until, presently, the clock in the old church-tower struck eleven.

used to mean any person in general, including the speaker

From this reading One windy night in April, some five-and-twenty years ago, the young moon, peeping now and then between the scudding wisps of cloud, seemed to be maintaining a careful watch upon a little incident which was taking place outside the windows of Moseley’s school--a large brick building standing in a walled enclosure.

used of mouth or eyes

From this reading The window opened immediately and a second boy appeared.

relating to or being on or near the outer side or limit

From this reading One windy night in April, some five-and-twenty years ago, the young moon, peeping now and then between the scudding wisps of cloud, seemed to be maintaining a careful watch upon a little incident which was taking place outside the windows of Moseley’s school--a large brick building standing in a walled enclosure.

a small smooth rounded rock

From this reading Picking up a small pebble, he cast it up at one of the windows.

-ing form of “peep” — look furtively

From this reading One windy night in April, some five-and-twenty years ago, the young moon, peeping now and then between the scudding wisps of cloud, seemed to be maintaining a careful watch upon a little incident which was taking place outside the windows of Moseley’s school--a large brick building standing in a walled enclosure.

the quantity of a crop that is harvested

From this reading Picking up a small pebble, he cast it up at one of the windows.

a point located with respect to surface features of some region

From this reading One windy night in April, some five-and-twenty years ago, the young moon, peeping now and then between the scudding wisps of cloud, seemed to be maintaining a careful watch upon a little incident which was taking place outside the windows of Moseley’s school--a large brick building standing in a walled enclosure.

in the near future

From this reading Save for the roaring of the wind in the elm-trees, no sound was to be heard until, presently, the clock in the old church-tower struck eleven.

a deep prolonged loud noise

From this reading Save for the roaring of the wind in the elm-trees, no sound was to be heard until, presently, the clock in the old church-tower struck eleven.

except for; apart from

From this reading Save for the roaring of the wind in the elm-trees, no sound was to be heard until, presently, the clock in the old church-tower struck eleven.

an educational institution

From this reading One windy night in April, some five-and-twenty years ago, the young moon, peeping now and then between the scudding wisps of cloud, seemed to be maintaining a careful watch upon a little incident which was taking place outside the windows of Moseley’s school--a large brick building standing in a walled enclosure.

the act of moving along swiftly (as before a gale)

From this reading One windy night in April, some five-and-twenty years ago, the young moon, peeping now and then between the scudding wisps of cloud, seemed to be maintaining a careful watch upon a little incident which was taking place outside the windows of Moseley’s school--a large brick building standing in a walled enclosure.

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

From this reading The window opened immediately and a second boy appeared.

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

From this reading One windy night in April, some five-and-twenty years ago, the young moon, peeping now and then between the scudding wisps of cloud, seemed to be maintaining a careful watch upon a little incident which was taking place outside the windows of Moseley’s school--a large brick building standing in a walled enclosure.

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

From this reading As if the striking of the hour had been a signal, a boy suddenly appeared, stepping softly from the shadow of the enclosure wall.

any nonverbal action or gesture that encodes a message

From this reading As if the striking of the hour had been a signal, a boy suddenly appeared, stepping softly from the shadow of the enclosure wall.

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

From this reading Picking up a small pebble, he cast it up at one of the windows.

with low volume

From this reading As if the striking of the hour had been a signal, a boy suddenly appeared, stepping softly from the shadow of the enclosure wall.

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

From this reading One windy night in April, some five-and-twenty years ago, the young moon, peeping now and then between the scudding wisps of cloud, seemed to be maintaining a careful watch upon a little incident which was taking place outside the windows of Moseley’s school--a large brick building standing in a walled enclosure.

the particular auditory effect produced by a given cause

From this reading Save for the roaring of the wind in the elm-trees, no sound was to be heard until, presently, the clock in the old church-tower struck eleven.

having a supporting base

From this reading One windy night in April, some five-and-twenty years ago, the young moon, peeping now and then between the scudding wisps of cloud, seemed to be maintaining a careful watch upon a little incident which was taking place outside the windows of Moseley’s school--a large brick building standing in a walled enclosure.

inflected form of “step” — shift or move by taking a step

From this reading As if the striking of the hour had been a signal, a boy suddenly appeared, stepping softly from the shadow of the enclosure wall.

sensational in appearance or thrilling in effect

From this reading As if the striking of the hour had been a signal, a boy suddenly appeared, stepping softly from the shadow of the enclosure wall.

(used in combination) affected by something overwhelming

From this reading Save for the roaring of the wind in the elm-trees, no sound was to be heard until, presently, the clock in the old church-tower struck eleven.

happening unexpectedly

From this reading As if the striking of the hour had been a signal, a boy suddenly appeared, stepping softly from the shadow of the enclosure wall.

the act of someone who picks up or takes something

From this reading One windy night in April, some five-and-twenty years ago, the young moon, peeping now and then between the scudding wisps of cloud, seemed to be maintaining a careful watch upon a little incident which was taking place outside the windows of Moseley’s school--a large brick building standing in a walled enclosure.

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

From this reading One windy night in April, some five-and-twenty years ago, the young moon, peeping now and then between the scudding wisps of cloud, seemed to be maintaining a careful watch upon a little incident which was taking place outside the windows of Moseley’s school--a large brick building standing in a walled enclosure.

subsequently or soon afterward (often used as sentence connectors)

From this reading One windy night in April, some five-and-twenty years ago, the young moon, peeping now and then between the scudding wisps of cloud, seemed to be maintaining a careful watch upon a little incident which was taking place outside the windows of Moseley’s school--a large brick building standing in a walled enclosure.

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

From this reading One windy night in April, some five-and-twenty years ago, the young moon, peeping now and then between the scudding wisps of cloud, seemed to be maintaining a careful watch upon a little incident which was taking place outside the windows of Moseley’s school--a large brick building standing in a walled enclosure.

up to a particular time

From this reading Save for the roaring of the wind in the elm-trees, no sound was to be heard until, presently, the clock in the old church-tower struck eleven.

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

From this reading Picking up a small pebble, he cast it up at one of the windows.

a formal word for “on”

From this reading One windy night in April, some five-and-twenty years ago, the young moon, peeping now and then between the scudding wisps of cloud, seemed to be maintaining a careful watch upon a little incident which was taking place outside the windows of Moseley’s school--a large brick building standing in a walled enclosure.

an architectural partition with a height and length greater than its thickness; used to divide or enclose an area or to support another structure

From this reading As if the striking of the hour had been a signal, a boy suddenly appeared, stepping softly from the shadow of the enclosure wall.

past form of “wall” — surround with a wall in order to fortify

From this reading One windy night in April, some five-and-twenty years ago, the young moon, peeping now and then between the scudding wisps of cloud, seemed to be maintaining a careful watch upon a little incident which was taking place outside the windows of Moseley’s school--a large brick building standing in a walled enclosure.

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

From this reading One windy night in April, some five-and-twenty years ago, the young moon, peeping now and then between the scudding wisps of cloud, seemed to be maintaining a careful watch upon a little incident which was taking place outside the windows of Moseley’s school--a large brick building standing in a walled enclosure.

look attentively

From this reading One windy night in April, some five-and-twenty years ago, the young moon, peeping now and then between the scudding wisps of cloud, seemed to be maintaining a careful watch upon a little incident which was taking place outside the windows of Moseley’s school--a large brick building standing in a walled enclosure.

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

From this reading One windy night in April, some five-and-twenty years ago, the young moon, peeping now and then between the scudding wisps of cloud, seemed to be maintaining a careful watch upon a little incident which was taking place outside the windows of Moseley’s school--a large brick building standing in a walled enclosure.

air moving (sometimes with considerable force) from an area of high pressure to an area of low pressure

From this reading Save for the roaring of the wind in the elm-trees, no sound was to be heard until, presently, the clock in the old church-tower struck eleven.

a framework of wood or metal that contains a glass windowpane and is built into a wall or roof to admit light or air

From this reading The window opened immediately and a second boy appeared.

(trademark) an operating system with a graphical user interface

From this reading One windy night in April, some five-and-twenty years ago, the young moon, peeping now and then between the scudding wisps of cloud, seemed to be maintaining a careful watch upon a little incident which was taking place outside the windows of Moseley’s school--a large brick building standing in a walled enclosure.

abounding in or exposed to the wind or breezes

From this reading One windy night in April, some five-and-twenty years ago, the young moon, peeping now and then between the scudding wisps of cloud, seemed to be maintaining a careful watch upon a little incident which was taking place outside the windows of Moseley’s school--a large brick building standing in a walled enclosure.

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

From this reading One windy night in April, some five-and-twenty years ago, the young moon, peeping now and then between the scudding wisps of cloud, seemed to be maintaining a careful watch upon a little incident which was taking place outside the windows of Moseley’s school--a large brick building standing in a walled enclosure.

a late time of life

From this reading One windy night in April, some five-and-twenty years ago, the young moon, peeping now and then between the scudding wisps of cloud, seemed to be maintaining a careful watch upon a little incident which was taking place outside the windows of Moseley’s school--a large brick building standing in a walled enclosure.

(used of living things especially persons) in an early period of life or development or growth

From this reading One windy night in April, some five-and-twenty years ago, the young moon, peeping now and then between the scudding wisps of cloud, seemed to be maintaining a careful watch upon a little incident which was taking place outside the windows of Moseley’s school--a large brick building standing in a walled enclosure.