Chapter XXXI

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

From this reading In spite of their able corps of managers, the Spencers did not often leave the mills for so long a time without the occasional presence of one or the other of the firm, though Ned frequently declared that the mills were like a clock that winds itself, so admirably adjusted was the intricate machinery of their management.

(usually followed by “to”) having the necessary means or skill or know-how or authority to do something

From this reading In spite of their able corps of managers, the Spencers did not often leave the mills for so long a time without the occasional presence of one or the other of the firm, though Ned frequently declared that the mills were like a clock that winds itself, so admirably adjusted was the intricate machinery of their management.

on the subject of; concerning

From this reading Ned Spencer returned alone to Hilcrest about the middle of April.

altered to accommodate to certain requirements or bring into a proper relation

From this reading In spite of their able corps of managers, the Spencers did not often leave the mills for so long a time without the occasional presence of one or the other of the firm, though Ned frequently declared that the mills were like a clock that winds itself, so admirably adjusted was the intricate machinery of their management.

in an admirable manner

From this reading In spite of their able corps of managers, the Spencers did not often leave the mills for so long a time without the occasional presence of one or the other of the firm, though Ned frequently declared that the mills were like a clock that winds itself, so admirably adjusted was the intricate machinery of their management.

later than; following

From this reading "I left Della and Frank to come more slowly," he said, after the greetings were over.

Having no one else present.

From this reading Ned Spencer returned alone to Hilcrest about the middle of April.

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

From this reading It was not without some little embarrassment and effort that Ned sought out the Mill House, immediately upon his return, and called on Margaret.

the month following March and preceding May

From this reading Ned Spencer returned alone to Hilcrest about the middle of April.

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

From this reading "Frank, poor chap, isn't half strong yet, but he was impatient that some one should be here.

used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before

From this reading "Frank, poor chap, isn't half strong yet, but he was impatient that some one should be here.

past form of “call” — assign a specified (usually proper) proper name to

From this reading It was not without some little embarrassment and effort that Ned sought out the Mill House, immediately upon his return, and called on Margaret.

a boy or man

From this reading "Frank, poor chap, isn't half strong yet, but he was impatient that some one should be here.

a timepiece that shows the time of day

From this reading In spite of their able corps of managers, the Spencers did not often leave the mills for so long a time without the occasional presence of one or the other of the firm, though Ned frequently declared that the mills were like a clock that winds itself, so admirably adjusted was the intricate machinery of their management.

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

From this reading "I left Della and Frank to come more slowly," he said, after the greetings were over.

an army unit usually consisting of two or more divisions and their support

From this reading In spite of their able corps of managers, the Spencers did not often leave the mills for so long a time without the occasional presence of one or the other of the firm, though Ned frequently declared that the mills were like a clock that winds itself, so admirably adjusted was the intricate machinery of their management.

made known or openly avowed

From this reading In spite of their able corps of managers, the Spencers did not often leave the mills for so long a time without the occasional presence of one or the other of the firm, though Ned frequently declared that the mills were like a clock that winds itself, so admirably adjusted was the intricate machinery of their management.

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

From this reading "I left Della and Frank to come more slowly," he said, after the greetings were over.

the past form of “do”, used in questions and negatives

From this reading In spite of their able corps of managers, the Spencers did not often leave the mills for so long a time without the occasional presence of one or the other of the firm, though Ned frequently declared that the mills were like a clock that winds itself, so admirably adjusted was the intricate machinery of their management.

earnest and conscientious activity intended to do or accomplish something

From this reading It was not without some little embarrassment and effort that Ned sought out the Mill House, immediately upon his return, and called on Margaret.

the shame you feel when your inadequacy or guilt is made public

From this reading It was not without some little embarrassment and effort that Ned sought out the Mill House, immediately upon his return, and called on Margaret.

marked by firm determination or resolution; not shakable

From this reading In spite of their able corps of managers, the Spencers did not often leave the mills for so long a time without the occasional presence of one or the other of the firm, though Ned frequently declared that the mills were like a clock that winds itself, so admirably adjusted was the intricate machinery of their management.

intended to be given to, or used by, somebody

From this reading In spite of their able corps of managers, the Spencers did not often leave the mills for so long a time without the occasional presence of one or the other of the firm, though Ned frequently declared that the mills were like a clock that winds itself, so admirably adjusted was the intricate machinery of their management.

characterized by directness in manner or speech; without subtlety or evasion

From this reading "I left Della and Frank to come more slowly," he said, after the greetings were over.

many times at short intervals

From this reading In spite of their able corps of managers, the Spencers did not often leave the mills for so long a time without the occasional presence of one or the other of the firm, though Ned frequently declared that the mills were like a clock that winds itself, so admirably adjusted was the intricate machinery of their management.

plural of “greeting” — (usually plural) an acknowledgment or expression of good will (especially on meeting)

From this reading "I left Della and Frank to come more slowly," he said, after the greetings were over.

consisting of one of two equivalent parts in value or quantity

From this reading "Frank, poor chap, isn't half strong yet, but he was impatient that some one should be here.

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

From this reading "I left Della and Frank to come more slowly," he said, after the greetings were over.

in or at this place; where the speaker or writer is

From this reading "Frank, poor chap, isn't half strong yet, but he was impatient that some one should be here.

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

From this reading Ned Spencer returned alone to Hilcrest about the middle of April.

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

From this reading It was not without some little embarrassment and effort that Ned sought out the Mill House, immediately upon his return, and called on Margaret.

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

From this reading It was not without some little embarrassment and effort that Ned sought out the Mill House, immediately upon his return, and called on Margaret.

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

From this reading "I left Della and Frank to come more slowly," he said, after the greetings were over.

without delay or hesitation; with no time intervening

From this reading It was not without some little embarrassment and effort that Ned sought out the Mill House, immediately upon his return, and called on Margaret.

restless or short-tempered under delay or opposition

From this reading "Frank, poor chap, isn't half strong yet, but he was impatient that some one should be here.

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

From this reading In spite of their able corps of managers, the Spencers did not often leave the mills for so long a time without the occasional presence of one or the other of the firm, though Ned frequently declared that the mills were like a clock that winds itself, so admirably adjusted was the intricate machinery of their management.

having many complexly arranged elements; elaborate

From this reading In spite of their able corps of managers, the Spencers did not often leave the mills for so long a time without the occasional presence of one or the other of the firm, though Ned frequently declared that the mills were like a clock that winds itself, so admirably adjusted was the intricate machinery of their management.

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

From this reading "Frank, poor chap, isn't half strong yet, but he was impatient that some one should be here.

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading It was not without some little embarrassment and effort that Ned sought out the Mill House, immediately upon his return, and called on Margaret.

used when the thing doing the action is also its object

From this reading In spite of their able corps of managers, the Spencers did not often leave the mills for so long a time without the occasional presence of one or the other of the firm, though Ned frequently declared that the mills were like a clock that winds itself, so admirably adjusted was the intricate machinery of their management.

go away from a place

From this reading In spite of their able corps of managers, the Spencers did not often leave the mills for so long a time without the occasional presence of one or the other of the firm, though Ned frequently declared that the mills were like a clock that winds itself, so admirably adjusted was the intricate machinery of their management.

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 "I left Della and Frank to come more slowly," he said, after the greetings were over.

prefer or wish to do something

From this reading In spite of their able corps of managers, the Spencers did not often leave the mills for so long a time without the occasional presence of one or the other of the firm, though Ned frequently declared that the mills were like a clock that winds itself, so admirably adjusted was the intricate machinery of their management.

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

From this reading It was not without some little embarrassment and effort that Ned sought out the Mill House, immediately upon his return, and called on Margaret.

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

From this reading In spite of their able corps of managers, the Spencers did not often leave the mills for so long a time without the occasional presence of one or the other of the firm, though Ned frequently declared that the mills were like a clock that winds itself, so admirably adjusted was the intricate machinery of their management.

machines or machine systems collectively

From this reading In spite of their able corps of managers, the Spencers did not often leave the mills for so long a time without the occasional presence of one or the other of the firm, though Ned frequently declared that the mills were like a clock that winds itself, so admirably adjusted was the intricate machinery of their management.

the act of managing something

From this reading In spite of their able corps of managers, the Spencers did not often leave the mills for so long a time without the occasional presence of one or the other of the firm, though Ned frequently declared that the mills were like a clock that winds itself, so admirably adjusted was the intricate machinery of their management.

plural of “manager” — someone who controls resources and expenditures

From this reading In spite of their able corps of managers, the Spencers did not often leave the mills for so long a time without the occasional presence of one or the other of the firm, though Ned frequently declared that the mills were like a clock that winds itself, so admirably adjusted was the intricate machinery of their management.

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

From this reading It was not without some little embarrassment and effort that Ned sought out the Mill House, immediately upon his return, and called on Margaret.

an area that is approximately central within some larger region

From this reading Ned Spencer returned alone to Hilcrest about the middle of April.

move about in a confused manner

From this reading It was not without some little embarrassment and effort that Ned sought out the Mill House, immediately upon his return, and called on Margaret.

United States architect who was the presidentially appointed architect of Washington D.C. (1781-1855)

From this reading In spite of their able corps of managers, the Spencers did not often leave the mills for so long a time without the occasional presence of one or the other of the firm, though Ned frequently declared that the mills were like a clock that winds itself, so admirably adjusted was the intricate machinery of their management.

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

From this reading "I left Della and Frank to come more slowly," he said, after the greetings were over.

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

From this reading Ned Spencer returned alone to Hilcrest about the middle of April.

used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative

From this reading In spite of their able corps of managers, the Spencers did not often leave the mills for so long a time without the occasional presence of one or the other of the firm, though Ned frequently declared that the mills were like a clock that winds itself, so admirably adjusted was the intricate machinery of their management.

occurring from time to time

From this reading In spite of their able corps of managers, the Spencers did not often leave the mills for so long a time without the occasional presence of one or the other of the firm, though Ned frequently declared that the mills were like a clock that winds itself, so admirably adjusted was the intricate machinery of their management.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading Ned Spencer returned alone to Hilcrest about the middle of April.

many times at short intervals

From this reading In spite of their able corps of managers, the Spencers did not often leave the mills for so long a time without the occasional presence of one or the other of the firm, though Ned frequently declared that the mills were like a clock that winds itself, so admirably adjusted was the intricate machinery of their management.

touching and supported by a surface

From this reading It was not without some little embarrassment and effort that Ned sought out the Mill House, immediately upon his return, and called on Margaret.

used to mean any person in general, including the speaker

From this reading In spite of their able corps of managers, the Spencers did not often leave the mills for so long a time without the occasional presence of one or the other of the firm, though Ned frequently declared that the mills were like a clock that winds itself, so admirably adjusted was the intricate machinery of their management.

used to join alternatives or possibilities

From this reading In spite of their able corps of managers, the Spencers did not often leave the mills for so long a time without the occasional presence of one or the other of the firm, though Ned frequently declared that the mills were like a clock that winds itself, so admirably adjusted was the intricate machinery of their management.

not the same one or ones already mentioned or implied

From this reading In spite of their able corps of managers, the Spencers did not often leave the mills for so long a time without the occasional presence of one or the other of the firm, though Ned frequently declared that the mills were like a clock that winds itself, so admirably adjusted was the intricate machinery of their management.

not allowed to continue to bat or run

From this reading It was not without some little embarrassment and effort that Ned sought out the Mill House, immediately upon his return, and called on Margaret.

above and across; more than

From this reading "I left Della and Frank to come more slowly," he said, after the greetings were over.

deserving or inciting pity

From this reading "Frank, poor chap, isn't half strong yet, but he was impatient that some one should be here.

the state of being present; current existence

From this reading In spite of their able corps of managers, the Spencers did not often leave the mills for so long a time without the occasional presence of one or the other of the firm, though Ned frequently declared that the mills were like a clock that winds itself, so admirably adjusted was the intricate machinery of their management.

go or come back to place, condition, or activity where one has been before

From this reading It was not without some little embarrassment and effort that Ned sought out the Mill House, immediately upon his return, and called on Margaret.

past form of “return” — go or come back to place, condition, or activity where one has been before

From this reading Ned Spencer returned alone to Hilcrest about the middle of April.

being the one previously mentioned or spoken of

From this reading "I left Della and Frank to come more slowly," he said, after the greetings were over.

used to say what is right, expected, or advisable

From this reading "Frank, poor chap, isn't half strong yet, but he was impatient that some one should be here.

without speed (“slow” is sometimes used informally for “slowly”)

From this reading "I left Della and Frank to come more slowly," he said, after the greetings were over.

for that reason; with the result that

From this reading In spite of their able corps of managers, the Spencers did not often leave the mills for so long a time without the occasional presence of one or the other of the firm, though Ned frequently declared that the mills were like a clock that winds itself, so admirably adjusted was the intricate machinery of their management.

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

From this reading It was not without some little embarrassment and effort that Ned sought out the Mill House, immediately upon his return, and called on Margaret.

that is looked for

From this reading It was not without some little embarrassment and effort that Ned sought out the Mill House, immediately upon his return, and called on Margaret.

English philosopher and sociologist who applied the theory of natural selection to human societies (1820-1903)

From this reading Ned Spencer returned alone to Hilcrest about the middle of April.

plural of “spencer” — English philosopher and sociologist who applied the theory of natural selection to human societies (1820-1903)

From this reading In spite of their able corps of managers, the Spencers did not often leave the mills for so long a time without the occasional presence of one or the other of the firm, though Ned frequently declared that the mills were like a clock that winds itself, so admirably adjusted was the intricate machinery of their management.

feeling a need to see others suffer

From this reading In spite of their able corps of managers, the Spencers did not often leave the mills for so long a time without the occasional presence of one or the other of the firm, though Ned frequently declared that the mills were like a clock that winds itself, so admirably adjusted was the intricate machinery of their management.

having strength or power greater than average or expected

From this reading "Frank, poor chap, isn't half strong yet, but he was impatient that some one should be here.

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading In spite of their able corps of managers, the Spencers did not often leave the mills for so long a time without the occasional presence of one or the other of the firm, though Ned frequently declared that the mills were like a clock that winds itself, so admirably adjusted was the intricate machinery of their management.

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

From this reading Ned Spencer returned alone to Hilcrest about the middle of April.

belonging to the people or things already mentioned

From this reading In spite of their able corps of managers, the Spencers did not often leave the mills for so long a time without the occasional presence of one or the other of the firm, though Ned frequently declared that the mills were like a clock that winds itself, so admirably adjusted was the intricate machinery of their management.

in spite of the fact that

From this reading In spite of their able corps of managers, the Spencers did not often leave the mills for so long a time without the occasional presence of one or the other of the firm, though Ned frequently declared that the mills were like a clock that winds itself, so admirably adjusted was the intricate machinery of their management.

an instance or single occasion for some event

From this reading In spite of their able corps of managers, the Spencers did not often leave the mills for so long a time without the occasional presence of one or the other of the firm, though Ned frequently declared that the mills were like a clock that winds itself, so admirably adjusted was the intricate machinery of their management.

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

From this reading Ned Spencer returned alone to Hilcrest about the middle of April.

a formal word for “on”

From this reading It was not without some little embarrassment and effort that Ned sought out the Mill House, immediately upon his return, and called on Margaret.

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

From this reading In spite of their able corps of managers, the Spencers did not often leave the mills for so long a time without the occasional presence of one or the other of the firm, though Ned frequently declared that the mills were like a clock that winds itself, so admirably adjusted was the intricate machinery of their management.

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

From this reading In spite of their able corps of managers, the Spencers did not often leave the mills for so long a time without the occasional presence of one or the other of the firm, though Ned frequently declared that the mills were like a clock that winds itself, so admirably adjusted was the intricate machinery of their management.

plural of “wind” — air moving (sometimes with considerable force) from an area of high pressure to an area of low pressure

From this reading In spite of their able corps of managers, the Spencers did not often leave the mills for so long a time without the occasional presence of one or the other of the firm, though Ned frequently declared that the mills were like a clock that winds itself, so admirably adjusted was the intricate machinery of their management.

not having, not using, or not accompanied by

From this reading In spite of their able corps of managers, the Spencers did not often leave the mills for so long a time without the occasional presence of one or the other of the firm, though Ned frequently declared that the mills were like a clock that winds itself, so admirably adjusted was the intricate machinery of their management.

but in spite of that

From this reading "Frank, poor chap, isn't half strong yet, but he was impatient that some one should be here.