Chapter XXVII · Chapter 27

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

From this reading AUNT WILLIAM'S DAY It was a chilly spring afternoon and Aunt William was seated by the fire doing wool-work, for she disapproved of the idle habits of the present day and thought that a lady should always have her fingers employed in some way; not, of course, either with cards or cigarettes.

on the subject of; concerning

From this reading It was neither embroidery nor tapestry; it was made on canvas with what is known for some mysterious reason as Berlin wool; and was so simple that it used to be called the Idiot Stitch; but the curious elaboration of the design and sort of dignified middle-Victorian futility about it cast a glamour over the whole, and dispelled any association of idiocy from the complete work.

the part of the day between noon and evening

From this reading AUNT WILLIAM'S DAY It was a chilly spring afternoon and Aunt William was seated by the fire doing wool-work, for she disapproved of the idle habits of the present day and thought that a lady should always have her fingers employed in some way; not, of course, either with cards or cigarettes.

at all times; all the time and on every occasion

From this reading AUNT WILLIAM'S DAY It was a chilly spring afternoon and Aunt William was seated by the fire doing wool-work, for she disapproved of the idle habits of the present day and thought that a lady should always have her fingers employed in some way; not, of course, either with cards or cigarettes.

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

From this reading AUNT WILLIAM'S DAY It was a chilly spring afternoon and Aunt William was seated by the fire doing wool-work, for she disapproved of the idle habits of the present day and thought that a lady should always have her fingers employed in some way; not, of course, either with cards or cigarettes.

one or some or every or all without specification

From this reading It was neither embroidery nor tapestry; it was made on canvas with what is known for some mysterious reason as Berlin wool; and was so simple that it used to be called the Idiot Stitch; but the curious elaboration of the design and sort of dignified middle-Victorian futility about it cast a glamour over the whole, and dispelled any association of idiocy from the complete work.

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

From this reading It was neither embroidery nor tapestry; it was made on canvas with what is known for some mysterious reason as Berlin wool; and was so simple that it used to be called the Idiot Stitch; but the curious elaboration of the design and sort of dignified middle-Victorian futility about it cast a glamour over the whole, and dispelled any association of idiocy from the complete work.

a formal organization of people or groups of people

From this reading It was neither embroidery nor tapestry; it was made on canvas with what is known for some mysterious reason as Berlin wool; and was so simple that it used to be called the Idiot Stitch; but the curious elaboration of the design and sort of dignified middle-Victorian futility about it cast a glamour over the whole, and dispelled any association of idiocy from the complete work.

in or near a particular place or position

From this reading A banner screen was now in front of the fire, which Aunt William had worked during a winter at St. Leonards, and which represented enormous squashed roses like purple cauliflowers, with a red-brown background--a shade called, in her youth, Bismarck brown, and for which she always retained a certain weakness.

the sister of your father or mother; the wife of your uncle

From this reading AUNT WILLIAM'S DAY It was a chilly spring afternoon and Aunt William was seated by the fire doing wool-work, for she disapproved of the idle habits of the present day and thought that a lady should always have her fingers employed in some way; not, of course, either with cards or cigarettes.

a person's social heritage: previous experience or training

From this reading She was getting on steadily with the foot-stool she was making; a neat design of a fox's head with a background of green leaves.

long strip of cloth or paper used for decoration or advertising

From this reading A banner screen was now in front of the fire, which Aunt William had worked during a winter at St. Leonards, and which represented enormous squashed roses like purple cauliflowers, with a red-brown background--a shade called, in her youth, Bismarck brown, and for which she always retained a certain weakness.

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

From this reading It was neither embroidery nor tapestry; it was made on canvas with what is known for some mysterious reason as Berlin wool; and was so simple that it used to be called the Idiot Stitch; but the curious elaboration of the design and sort of dignified middle-Victorian futility about it cast a glamour over the whole, and dispelled any association of idiocy from the complete work.

capital of Germany located in eastern Germany

From this reading It was neither embroidery nor tapestry; it was made on canvas with what is known for some mysterious reason as Berlin wool; and was so simple that it used to be called the Idiot Stitch; but the curious elaboration of the design and sort of dignified middle-Victorian futility about it cast a glamour over the whole, and dispelled any association of idiocy from the complete work.

German statesman under whose leadership Germany was united (1815-1898)

From this reading A banner screen was now in front of the fire, which Aunt William had worked during a winter at St. Leonards, and which represented enormous squashed roses like purple cauliflowers, with a red-brown background--a shade called, in her youth, Bismarck brown, and for which she always retained a certain weakness.

an orange of low brightness and saturation

From this reading A banner screen was now in front of the fire, which Aunt William had worked during a winter at St. Leonards, and which represented enormous squashed roses like purple cauliflowers, with a red-brown background--a shade called, in her youth, Bismarck brown, and for which she always retained a certain weakness.

used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before

From this reading It was neither embroidery nor tapestry; it was made on canvas with what is known for some mysterious reason as Berlin wool; and was so simple that it used to be called the Idiot Stitch; but the curious elaboration of the design and sort of dignified middle-Victorian futility about it cast a glamour over the whole, and dispelled any association of idiocy from the complete work.

showing who or what does the action

From this reading AUNT WILLIAM'S DAY It was a chilly spring afternoon and Aunt William was seated by the fire doing wool-work, for she disapproved of the idle habits of the present day and thought that a lady should always have her fingers employed in some way; not, of course, either with cards or cigarettes.

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

From this reading It was neither embroidery nor tapestry; it was made on canvas with what is known for some mysterious reason as Berlin wool; and was so simple that it used to be called the Idiot Stitch; but the curious elaboration of the design and sort of dignified middle-Victorian futility about it cast a glamour over the whole, and dispelled any association of idiocy from the complete work.

a heavy, closely woven fabric (used for clothing or chairs or sails or tents)

From this reading It was neither embroidery nor tapestry; it was made on canvas with what is known for some mysterious reason as Berlin wool; and was so simple that it used to be called the Idiot Stitch; but the curious elaboration of the design and sort of dignified middle-Victorian futility about it cast a glamour over the whole, and dispelled any association of idiocy from the complete work.

a game played with playing cards

From this reading AUNT WILLIAM'S DAY It was a chilly spring afternoon and Aunt William was seated by the fire doing wool-work, for she disapproved of the idle habits of the present day and thought that a lady should always have her fingers employed in some way; not, of course, either with cards or cigarettes.

put or send forth

From this reading It was neither embroidery nor tapestry; it was made on canvas with what is known for some mysterious reason as Berlin wool; and was so simple that it used to be called the Idiot Stitch; but the curious elaboration of the design and sort of dignified middle-Victorian futility about it cast a glamour over the whole, and dispelled any association of idiocy from the complete work.

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

From this reading A banner screen was now in front of the fire, which Aunt William had worked during a winter at St. Leonards, and which represented enormous squashed roses like purple cauliflowers, with a red-brown background--a shade called, in her youth, Bismarck brown, and for which she always retained a certain weakness.

definite but not specified or identified

From this reading A banner screen was now in front of the fire, which Aunt William had worked during a winter at St. Leonards, and which represented enormous squashed roses like purple cauliflowers, with a red-brown background--a shade called, in her youth, Bismarck brown, and for which she always retained a certain weakness.

not characterized by emotion

From this reading AUNT WILLIAM'S DAY It was a chilly spring afternoon and Aunt William was seated by the fire doing wool-work, for she disapproved of the idle habits of the present day and thought that a lady should always have her fingers employed in some way; not, of course, either with cards or cigarettes.

plural of “cigarette” — finely ground tobacco wrapped in paper; for smoking

From this reading AUNT WILLIAM'S DAY It was a chilly spring afternoon and Aunt William was seated by the fire doing wool-work, for she disapproved of the idle habits of the present day and thought that a lady should always have her fingers employed in some way; not, of course, either with cards or cigarettes.

come or bring to a finish or an end

From this reading It was neither embroidery nor tapestry; it was made on canvas with what is known for some mysterious reason as Berlin wool; and was so simple that it used to be called the Idiot Stitch; but the curious elaboration of the design and sort of dignified middle-Victorian futility about it cast a glamour over the whole, and dispelled any association of idiocy from the complete work.

education imparted in a series of lessons or meetings

From this reading AUNT WILLIAM'S DAY It was a chilly spring afternoon and Aunt William was seated by the fire doing wool-work, for she disapproved of the idle habits of the present day and thought that a lady should always have her fingers employed in some way; not, of course, either with cards or cigarettes.

beyond or deviating from the usual or expected

From this reading It was neither embroidery nor tapestry; it was made on canvas with what is known for some mysterious reason as Berlin wool; and was so simple that it used to be called the Idiot Stitch; but the curious elaboration of the design and sort of dignified middle-Victorian futility about it cast a glamour over the whole, and dispelled any association of idiocy from the complete work.

time for Earth to make a complete rotation on its axis

From this reading AUNT WILLIAM'S DAY It was a chilly spring afternoon and Aunt William was seated by the fire doing wool-work, for she disapproved of the idle habits of the present day and thought that a lady should always have her fingers employed in some way; not, of course, either with cards or cigarettes.

the act of working out the form of something (as by making a sketch or outline or plan)

From this reading She was getting on steadily with the foot-stool she was making; a neat design of a fox's head with a background of green leaves.

having or expressing dignity; especially formality or stateliness in bearing or appearance

From this reading It was neither embroidery nor tapestry; it was made on canvas with what is known for some mysterious reason as Berlin wool; and was so simple that it used to be called the Idiot Stitch; but the curious elaboration of the design and sort of dignified middle-Victorian futility about it cast a glamour over the whole, and dispelled any association of idiocy from the complete work.

past form of “disapprove” — consider bad or wrong

From this reading AUNT WILLIAM'S DAY It was a chilly spring afternoon and Aunt William was seated by the fire doing wool-work, for she disapproved of the idle habits of the present day and thought that a lady should always have her fingers employed in some way; not, of course, either with cards or cigarettes.

inflected form of “dispel” — force to go away; used both with concrete and metaphoric meanings

From this reading It was neither embroidery nor tapestry; it was made on canvas with what is known for some mysterious reason as Berlin wool; and was so simple that it used to be called the Idiot Stitch; but the curious elaboration of the design and sort of dignified middle-Victorian futility about it cast a glamour over the whole, and dispelled any association of idiocy from the complete work.

-ing form of “do” — engage in

From this reading AUNT WILLIAM'S DAY It was a chilly spring afternoon and Aunt William was seated by the fire doing wool-work, for she disapproved of the idle habits of the present day and thought that a lady should always have her fingers employed in some way; not, of course, either with cards or cigarettes.

having finished or arrived at completion

From this reading In the course of her life Aunt William had done many, many miles of wool-work.

all through a period, or at some point within it

From this reading A banner screen was now in front of the fire, which Aunt William had worked during a winter at St. Leonards, and which represented enormous squashed roses like purple cauliflowers, with a red-brown background--a shade called, in her youth, Bismarck brown, and for which she always retained a certain weakness.

one or the other of two

From this reading AUNT WILLIAM'S DAY It was a chilly spring afternoon and Aunt William was seated by the fire doing wool-work, for she disapproved of the idle habits of the present day and thought that a lady should always have her fingers employed in some way; not, of course, either with cards or cigarettes.

addition of extra material or illustration or clarifying detail

From this reading It was neither embroidery nor tapestry; it was made on canvas with what is known for some mysterious reason as Berlin wool; and was so simple that it used to be called the Idiot Stitch; but the curious elaboration of the design and sort of dignified middle-Victorian futility about it cast a glamour over the whole, and dispelled any association of idiocy from the complete work.

elaboration of an interpretation by the use of decorative (sometimes fictitious) detail

From this reading It was neither embroidery nor tapestry; it was made on canvas with what is known for some mysterious reason as Berlin wool; and was so simple that it used to be called the Idiot Stitch; but the curious elaboration of the design and sort of dignified middle-Victorian futility about it cast a glamour over the whole, and dispelled any association of idiocy from the complete work.

having your services engaged for; or having a job especially one that pays wages or a salary

From this reading AUNT WILLIAM'S DAY It was a chilly spring afternoon and Aunt William was seated by the fire doing wool-work, for she disapproved of the idle habits of the present day and thought that a lady should always have her fingers employed in some way; not, of course, either with cards or cigarettes.

extraordinarily large in size or extent or amount or power or degree

From this reading A banner screen was now in front of the fire, which Aunt William had worked during a winter at St. Leonards, and which represented enormous squashed roses like purple cauliflowers, with a red-brown background--a shade called, in her youth, Bismarck brown, and for which she always retained a certain weakness.

plural of “finger” — any of the terminal members of the hand (sometimes excepting the thumb)

From this reading AUNT WILLIAM'S DAY It was a chilly spring afternoon and Aunt William was seated by the fire doing wool-work, for she disapproved of the idle habits of the present day and thought that a lady should always have her fingers employed in some way; not, of course, either with cards or cigarettes.

start firing a weapon

From this reading AUNT WILLIAM'S DAY It was a chilly spring afternoon and Aunt William was seated by the fire doing wool-work, for she disapproved of the idle habits of the present day and thought that a lady should always have her fingers employed in some way; not, of course, either with cards or cigarettes.

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

From this reading She was getting on steadily with the foot-stool she was making; a neat design of a fox's head with a background of green leaves.

intended to be given to, or used by, somebody

From this reading AUNT WILLIAM'S DAY It was a chilly spring afternoon and Aunt William was seated by the fire doing wool-work, for she disapproved of the idle habits of the present day and thought that a lady should always have her fingers employed in some way; not, of course, either with cards or cigarettes.

possessive form of “fox” — alert carnivorous mammal with pointed muzzle and ears and a bushy tail; most are predators that do not hunt in packs

From this reading She was getting on steadily with the foot-stool she was making; a neat design of a fox's head with a background of green leaves.

showing where something starts, or who sent it

From this reading It was neither embroidery nor tapestry; it was made on canvas with what is known for some mysterious reason as Berlin wool; and was so simple that it used to be called the Idiot Stitch; but the curious elaboration of the design and sort of dignified middle-Victorian futility about it cast a glamour over the whole, and dispelled any association of idiocy from the complete work.

the side that is forward or prominent

From this reading A banner screen was now in front of the fire, which Aunt William had worked during a winter at St. Leonards, and which represented enormous squashed roses like purple cauliflowers, with a red-brown background--a shade called, in her youth, Bismarck brown, and for which she always retained a certain weakness.

uselessness as a consequence of having no practical result

From this reading It was neither embroidery nor tapestry; it was made on canvas with what is known for some mysterious reason as Berlin wool; and was so simple that it used to be called the Idiot Stitch; but the curious elaboration of the design and sort of dignified middle-Victorian futility about it cast a glamour over the whole, and dispelled any association of idiocy from the complete work.

the act of acquiring something

From this reading She was getting on steadily with the foot-stool she was making; a neat design of a fox's head with a background of green leaves.

alluring beauty or charm (often with sex-appeal)

From this reading It was neither embroidery nor tapestry; it was made on canvas with what is known for some mysterious reason as Berlin wool; and was so simple that it used to be called the Idiot Stitch; but the curious elaboration of the design and sort of dignified middle-Victorian futility about it cast a glamour over the whole, and dispelled any association of idiocy from the complete work.

green color or pigment; resembling the color of growing grass

From this reading She was getting on steadily with the foot-stool she was making; a neat design of a fox's head with a background of green leaves.

plural of “habit” — an established custom

From this reading AUNT WILLIAM'S DAY It was a chilly spring afternoon and Aunt William was seated by the fire doing wool-work, for she disapproved of the idle habits of the present day and thought that a lady should always have her fingers employed in some way; not, of course, either with cards or cigarettes.

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

From this reading In the course of her life Aunt William had done many, many miles of wool-work.

used with a past participle to form the perfect tenses

From this reading AUNT WILLIAM'S DAY It was a chilly spring afternoon and Aunt William was seated by the fire doing wool-work, for she disapproved of the idle habits of the present day and thought that a lady should always have her fingers employed in some way; not, of course, either with cards or cigarettes.

the upper part of the human body or the front part of the body in animals; contains the face and brains

From this reading She was getting on steadily with the foot-stool she was making; a neat design of a fox's head with a background of green leaves.

belonging to a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned

From this reading AUNT WILLIAM'S DAY It was a chilly spring afternoon and Aunt William was seated by the fire doing wool-work, for she disapproved of the idle habits of the present day and thought that a lady should always have her fingers employed in some way; not, of course, either with cards or cigarettes.

extreme mental retardation

From this reading It was neither embroidery nor tapestry; it was made on canvas with what is known for some mysterious reason as Berlin wool; and was so simple that it used to be called the Idiot Stitch; but the curious elaboration of the design and sort of dignified middle-Victorian futility about it cast a glamour over the whole, and dispelled any association of idiocy from the complete work.

a person of subnormal intelligence

From this reading It was neither embroidery nor tapestry; it was made on canvas with what is known for some mysterious reason as Berlin wool; and was so simple that it used to be called the Idiot Stitch; but the curious elaboration of the design and sort of dignified middle-Victorian futility about it cast a glamour over the whole, and dispelled any association of idiocy from the complete work.

not in action or at work

From this reading AUNT WILLIAM'S DAY It was a chilly spring afternoon and Aunt William was seated by the fire doing wool-work, for she disapproved of the idle habits of the present day and thought that a lady should always have her fingers employed in some way; not, of course, either with cards or cigarettes.

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

From this reading AUNT WILLIAM'S DAY It was a chilly spring afternoon and Aunt William was seated by the fire doing wool-work, for she disapproved of the idle habits of the present day and thought that a lady should always have her fingers employed in some way; not, of course, either with cards or cigarettes.

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

From this reading It was neither embroidery nor tapestry; it was made on canvas with what is known for some mysterious reason as Berlin wool; and was so simple that it used to be called the Idiot Stitch; but the curious elaboration of the design and sort of dignified middle-Victorian futility about it cast a glamour over the whole, and dispelled any association of idiocy from the complete work.

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading AUNT WILLIAM'S DAY It was a chilly spring afternoon and Aunt William was seated by the fire doing wool-work, for she disapproved of the idle habits of the present day and thought that a lady should always have her fingers employed in some way; not, of course, either with cards or cigarettes.

apprehended with certainty

From this reading It was neither embroidery nor tapestry; it was made on canvas with what is known for some mysterious reason as Berlin wool; and was so simple that it used to be called the Idiot Stitch; but the curious elaboration of the design and sort of dignified middle-Victorian futility about it cast a glamour over the whole, and dispelled any association of idiocy from the complete work.

a polite name for any woman

From this reading AUNT WILLIAM'S DAY It was a chilly spring afternoon and Aunt William was seated by the fire doing wool-work, for she disapproved of the idle habits of the present day and thought that a lady should always have her fingers employed in some way; not, of course, either with cards or cigarettes.

plural of “leaf” — the main organ of photosynthesis and transpiration in higher plants

From this reading She was getting on steadily with the foot-stool she was making; a neat design of a fox's head with a background of green leaves.

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

From this reading A banner screen was now in front of the fire, which Aunt William had worked during a winter at St. Leonards, and which represented enormous squashed roses like purple cauliflowers, with a red-brown background--a shade called, in her youth, Bismarck brown, and for which she always retained a certain weakness.

a characteristic state or mode of living

From this reading In the course of her life Aunt William had done many, many miles of wool-work.

prefer or wish to do something

From this reading A banner screen was now in front of the fire, which Aunt William had worked during a winter at St. Leonards, and which represented enormous squashed roses like purple cauliflowers, with a red-brown background--a shade called, in her youth, Bismarck brown, and for which she always retained a certain weakness.

produced by a manufacturing process

From this reading It was neither embroidery nor tapestry; it was made on canvas with what is known for some mysterious reason as Berlin wool; and was so simple that it used to be called the Idiot Stitch; but the curious elaboration of the design and sort of dignified middle-Victorian futility about it cast a glamour over the whole, and dispelled any association of idiocy from the complete work.

the act that results in something coming to be

From this reading She was getting on steadily with the foot-stool she was making; a neat design of a fox's head with a background of green leaves.

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 In the course of her life Aunt William had done many, many miles of wool-work.

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

From this reading It was neither embroidery nor tapestry; it was made on canvas with what is known for some mysterious reason as Berlin wool; and was so simple that it used to be called the Idiot Stitch; but the curious elaboration of the design and sort of dignified middle-Victorian futility about it cast a glamour over the whole, and dispelled any association of idiocy from the complete work.

plural of “mile” — a unit of length equal to 1,760 yards or 5,280 feet; exactly 1609.344 meters

From this reading In the course of her life Aunt William had done many, many miles of wool-work.

of an obscure nature

From this reading It was neither embroidery nor tapestry; it was made on canvas with what is known for some mysterious reason as Berlin wool; and was so simple that it used to be called the Idiot Stitch; but the curious elaboration of the design and sort of dignified middle-Victorian futility about it cast a glamour over the whole, and dispelled any association of idiocy from the complete work.

clean or organized

From this reading She was getting on steadily with the foot-stool she was making; a neat design of a fox's head with a background of green leaves.

not one and not the other of two

From this reading It was neither embroidery nor tapestry; it was made on canvas with what is known for some mysterious reason as Berlin wool; and was so simple that it used to be called the Idiot Stitch; but the curious elaboration of the design and sort of dignified middle-Victorian futility about it cast a glamour over the whole, and dispelled any association of idiocy from the complete work.

and not; used after a negative to add a second negative

From this reading It was neither embroidery nor tapestry; it was made on canvas with what is known for some mysterious reason as Berlin wool; and was so simple that it used to be called the Idiot Stitch; but the curious elaboration of the design and sort of dignified middle-Victorian futility about it cast a glamour over the whole, and dispelled any association of idiocy from the complete work.

used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative

From this reading AUNT WILLIAM'S DAY It was a chilly spring afternoon and Aunt William was seated by the fire doing wool-work, for she disapproved of the idle habits of the present day and thought that a lady should always have her fingers employed in some way; not, of course, either with cards or cigarettes.

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

From this reading A banner screen was now in front of the fire, which Aunt William had worked during a winter at St. Leonards, and which represented enormous squashed roses like purple cauliflowers, with a red-brown background--a shade called, in her youth, Bismarck brown, and for which she always retained a certain weakness.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading AUNT WILLIAM'S DAY It was a chilly spring afternoon and Aunt William was seated by the fire doing wool-work, for she disapproved of the idle habits of the present day and thought that a lady should always have her fingers employed in some way; not, of course, either with cards or cigarettes.

touching and supported by a surface

From this reading She was getting on steadily with the foot-stool she was making; a neat design of a fox's head with a background of green leaves.

used to join alternatives or possibilities

From this reading AUNT WILLIAM'S DAY It was a chilly spring afternoon and Aunt William was seated by the fire doing wool-work, for she disapproved of the idle habits of the present day and thought that a lady should always have her fingers employed in some way; not, of course, either with cards or cigarettes.

above and across; more than

From this reading It was neither embroidery nor tapestry; it was made on canvas with what is known for some mysterious reason as Berlin wool; and was so simple that it used to be called the Idiot Stitch; but the curious elaboration of the design and sort of dignified middle-Victorian futility about it cast a glamour over the whole, and dispelled any association of idiocy from the complete work.

give an exhibition of to an interested audience

From this reading AUNT WILLIAM'S DAY It was a chilly spring afternoon and Aunt William was seated by the fire doing wool-work, for she disapproved of the idle habits of the present day and thought that a lady should always have her fingers employed in some way; not, of course, either with cards or cigarettes.

a purple color or pigment

From this reading A banner screen was now in front of the fire, which Aunt William had worked during a winter at St. Leonards, and which represented enormous squashed roses like purple cauliflowers, with a red-brown background--a shade called, in her youth, Bismarck brown, and for which she always retained a certain weakness.

a rational motive for a belief or action

From this reading It was neither embroidery nor tapestry; it was made on canvas with what is known for some mysterious reason as Berlin wool; and was so simple that it used to be called the Idiot Stitch; but the curious elaboration of the design and sort of dignified middle-Victorian futility about it cast a glamour over the whole, and dispelled any association of idiocy from the complete work.

of brown tinged with red

From this reading A banner screen was now in front of the fire, which Aunt William had worked during a winter at St. Leonards, and which represented enormous squashed roses like purple cauliflowers, with a red-brown background--a shade called, in her youth, Bismarck brown, and for which she always retained a certain weakness.

represented accurately or precisely

From this reading A banner screen was now in front of the fire, which Aunt William had worked during a winter at St. Leonards, and which represented enormous squashed roses like purple cauliflowers, with a red-brown background--a shade called, in her youth, Bismarck brown, and for which she always retained a certain weakness.

continued in your keeping or use or memory

From this reading A banner screen was now in front of the fire, which Aunt William had worked during a winter at St. Leonards, and which represented enormous squashed roses like purple cauliflowers, with a red-brown background--a shade called, in her youth, Bismarck brown, and for which she always retained a certain weakness.

plural of “rose” — any of many shrubs of the genus Rosa that bear roses

From this reading A banner screen was now in front of the fire, which Aunt William had worked during a winter at St. Leonards, and which represented enormous squashed roses like purple cauliflowers, with a red-brown background--a shade called, in her youth, Bismarck brown, and for which she always retained a certain weakness.

a white or silvered surface where pictures can be projected for viewing

From this reading A banner screen was now in front of the fire, which Aunt William had worked during a winter at St. Leonards, and which represented enormous squashed roses like purple cauliflowers, with a red-brown background--a shade called, in her youth, Bismarck brown, and for which she always retained a certain weakness.

(of persons) having the torso erect and legs bent with the body supported on the buttocks

From this reading AUNT WILLIAM'S DAY It was a chilly spring afternoon and Aunt William was seated by the fire doing wool-work, for she disapproved of the idle habits of the present day and thought that a lady should always have her fingers employed in some way; not, of course, either with cards or cigarettes.

relative darkness caused by light rays being intercepted by an opaque body

From this reading A banner screen was now in front of the fire, which Aunt William had worked during a winter at St. Leonards, and which represented enormous squashed roses like purple cauliflowers, with a red-brown background--a shade called, in her youth, Bismarck brown, and for which she always retained a certain weakness.

a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned, as the subject

From this reading AUNT WILLIAM'S DAY It was a chilly spring afternoon and Aunt William was seated by the fire doing wool-work, for she disapproved of the idle habits of the present day and thought that a lady should always have her fingers employed in some way; not, of course, either with cards or cigarettes.

used to say what is right, expected, or advisable

From this reading AUNT WILLIAM'S DAY It was a chilly spring afternoon and Aunt William was seated by the fire doing wool-work, for she disapproved of the idle habits of the present day and thought that a lady should always have her fingers employed in some way; not, of course, either with cards or cigarettes.

having few parts; not complex or complicated or involved

From this reading It was neither embroidery nor tapestry; it was made on canvas with what is known for some mysterious reason as Berlin wool; and was so simple that it used to be called the Idiot Stitch; but the curious elaboration of the design and sort of dignified middle-Victorian futility about it cast a glamour over the whole, and dispelled any association of idiocy from the complete work.

for that reason; with the result that

From this reading It was neither embroidery nor tapestry; it was made on canvas with what is known for some mysterious reason as Berlin wool; and was so simple that it used to be called the Idiot Stitch; but the curious elaboration of the design and sort of dignified middle-Victorian futility about it cast a glamour over the whole, and dispelled any association of idiocy from the complete work.

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

From this reading AUNT WILLIAM'S DAY It was a chilly spring afternoon and Aunt William was seated by the fire doing wool-work, for she disapproved of the idle habits of the present day and thought that a lady should always have her fingers employed in some way; not, of course, either with cards or cigarettes.

a category of things distinguished by some common characteristic or quality

From this reading It was neither embroidery nor tapestry; it was made on canvas with what is known for some mysterious reason as Berlin wool; and was so simple that it used to be called the Idiot Stitch; but the curious elaboration of the design and sort of dignified middle-Victorian futility about it cast a glamour over the whole, and dispelled any association of idiocy from the complete work.

the season of growth

From this reading AUNT WILLIAM'S DAY It was a chilly spring afternoon and Aunt William was seated by the fire doing wool-work, for she disapproved of the idle habits of the present day and thought that a lady should always have her fingers employed in some way; not, of course, either with cards or cigarettes.

that has been violently compressed

From this reading A banner screen was now in front of the fire, which Aunt William had worked during a winter at St. Leonards, and which represented enormous squashed roses like purple cauliflowers, with a red-brown background--a shade called, in her youth, Bismarck brown, and for which she always retained a certain weakness.

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

From this reading A banner screen was now in front of the fire, which Aunt William had worked during a winter at St. Leonards, and which represented enormous squashed roses like purple cauliflowers, with a red-brown background--a shade called, in her youth, Bismarck brown, and for which she always retained a certain weakness.

at a steady rate or pace

From this reading She was getting on steadily with the foot-stool she was making; a neat design of a fox's head with a background of green leaves.

a link or loop or knot made by an implement in knitting, crocheting, embroidery, or sewing

From this reading It was neither embroidery nor tapestry; it was made on canvas with what is known for some mysterious reason as Berlin wool; and was so simple that it used to be called the Idiot Stitch; but the curious elaboration of the design and sort of dignified middle-Victorian futility about it cast a glamour over the whole, and dispelled any association of idiocy from the complete work.

something that resembles a tapestry in its intricacy

From this reading It was neither embroidery nor tapestry; it was made on canvas with what is known for some mysterious reason as Berlin wool; and was so simple that it used to be called the Idiot Stitch; but the curious elaboration of the design and sort of dignified middle-Victorian futility about it cast a glamour over the whole, and dispelled any association of idiocy from the complete work.

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading AUNT WILLIAM'S DAY It was a chilly spring afternoon and Aunt William was seated by the fire doing wool-work, for she disapproved of the idle habits of the present day and thought that a lady should always have her fingers employed in some way; not, of course, either with cards or cigarettes.

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

From this reading AUNT WILLIAM'S DAY It was a chilly spring afternoon and Aunt William was seated by the fire doing wool-work, for she disapproved of the idle habits of the present day and thought that a lady should always have her fingers employed in some way; not, of course, either with cards or cigarettes.

the content of cognition; the main thing you are thinking about

From this reading AUNT WILLIAM'S DAY It was a chilly spring afternoon and Aunt William was seated by the fire doing wool-work, for she disapproved of the idle habits of the present day and thought that a lady should always have her fingers employed in some way; not, of course, either with cards or cigarettes.

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

From this reading It was neither embroidery nor tapestry; it was made on canvas with what is known for some mysterious reason as Berlin wool; and was so simple that it used to be called the Idiot Stitch; but the curious elaboration of the design and sort of dignified middle-Victorian futility about it cast a glamour over the whole, and dispelled any association of idiocy from the complete work.

employed in accomplishing something

From this reading It was neither embroidery nor tapestry; it was made on canvas with what is known for some mysterious reason as Berlin wool; and was so simple that it used to be called the Idiot Stitch; but the curious elaboration of the design and sort of dignified middle-Victorian futility about it cast a glamour over the whole, and dispelled any association of idiocy from the complete work.

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

From this reading AUNT WILLIAM'S DAY It was a chilly spring afternoon and Aunt William was seated by the fire doing wool-work, for she disapproved of the idle habits of the present day and thought that a lady should always have her fingers employed in some way; not, of course, either with cards or cigarettes.

how something is done or how it happens

From this reading AUNT WILLIAM'S DAY It was a chilly spring afternoon and Aunt William was seated by the fire doing wool-work, for she disapproved of the idle habits of the present day and thought that a lady should always have her fingers employed in some way; not, of course, either with cards or cigarettes.

a flaw or weak point

From this reading A banner screen was now in front of the fire, which Aunt William had worked during a winter at St. Leonards, and which represented enormous squashed roses like purple cauliflowers, with a red-brown background--a shade called, in her youth, Bismarck brown, and for which she always retained a certain weakness.

used to ask for information about something

From this reading It was neither embroidery nor tapestry; it was made on canvas with what is known for some mysterious reason as Berlin wool; and was so simple that it used to be called the Idiot Stitch; but the curious elaboration of the design and sort of dignified middle-Victorian futility about it cast a glamour over the whole, and dispelled any association of idiocy from the complete work.

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

From this reading A banner screen was now in front of the fire, which Aunt William had worked during a winter at St. Leonards, and which represented enormous squashed roses like purple cauliflowers, with a red-brown background--a shade called, in her youth, Bismarck brown, and for which she always retained a certain weakness.

including all components without exception; being one unit or constituting the full amount or extent or duration; complete

From this reading It was neither embroidery nor tapestry; it was made on canvas with what is known for some mysterious reason as Berlin wool; and was so simple that it used to be called the Idiot Stitch; but the curious elaboration of the design and sort of dignified middle-Victorian futility about it cast a glamour over the whole, and dispelled any association of idiocy from the complete work.

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

From this reading AUNT WILLIAM'S DAY It was a chilly spring afternoon and Aunt William was seated by the fire doing wool-work, for she disapproved of the idle habits of the present day and thought that a lady should always have her fingers employed in some way; not, of course, either with cards or cigarettes.

possessive form of “williams” — United States country singer and songwriter (1923-1953)

From this reading AUNT WILLIAM'S DAY It was a chilly spring afternoon and Aunt William was seated by the fire doing wool-work, for she disapproved of the idle habits of the present day and thought that a lady should always have her fingers employed in some way; not, of course, either with cards or cigarettes.

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

From this reading A banner screen was now in front of the fire, which Aunt William had worked during a winter at St. Leonards, and which represented enormous squashed roses like purple cauliflowers, with a red-brown background--a shade called, in her youth, Bismarck brown, and for which she always retained a certain weakness.

in the company of; together with

From this reading AUNT WILLIAM'S DAY It was a chilly spring afternoon and Aunt William was seated by the fire doing wool-work, for she disapproved of the idle habits of the present day and thought that a lady should always have her fingers employed in some way; not, of course, either with cards or cigarettes.

a fabric made from the hair of sheep

From this reading It was neither embroidery nor tapestry; it was made on canvas with what is known for some mysterious reason as Berlin wool; and was so simple that it used to be called the Idiot Stitch; but the curious elaboration of the design and sort of dignified middle-Victorian futility about it cast a glamour over the whole, and dispelled any association of idiocy from the complete work.

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

From this reading AUNT WILLIAM'S DAY It was a chilly spring afternoon and Aunt William was seated by the fire doing wool-work, for she disapproved of the idle habits of the present day and thought that a lady should always have her fingers employed in some way; not, of course, either with cards or cigarettes.

exert oneself by doing mental or physical work for a purpose or out of necessity

From this reading It was neither embroidery nor tapestry; it was made on canvas with what is known for some mysterious reason as Berlin wool; and was so simple that it used to be called the Idiot Stitch; but the curious elaboration of the design and sort of dignified middle-Victorian futility about it cast a glamour over the whole, and dispelled any association of idiocy from the complete work.

past form of “work” — exert oneself by doing mental or physical work for a purpose or out of necessity

From this reading A banner screen was now in front of the fire, which Aunt William had worked during a winter at St. Leonards, and which represented enormous squashed roses like purple cauliflowers, with a red-brown background--a shade called, in her youth, Bismarck brown, and for which she always retained a certain weakness.

a young person (especially a young man or boy)

From this reading A banner screen was now in front of the fire, which Aunt William had worked during a winter at St. Leonards, and which represented enormous squashed roses like purple cauliflowers, with a red-brown background--a shade called, in her youth, Bismarck brown, and for which she always retained a certain weakness.