Chapter VII · Chapter 7

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

From this reading NEIGHBORS AND WASPS And now affairs at the lights settled down into a daily routine in which the lightkeeper and his helper each played his appointed part.

matters of personal concern

From this reading NEIGHBORS AND WASPS And now affairs at the lights settled down into a daily routine in which the lightkeeper and his helper each played his appointed part.

(quantifier) used with either mass or count nouns to indicate the whole number or amount of or every one of a class

From this reading All mysteries now being solved, and the trust between them mutual and without reserve, they no longer were on their guard in each other's presence, but talked freely on all sorts of topics, and expressed their mutual dislike of woman with frequency and point.

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

From this reading NEIGHBORS AND WASPS And now affairs at the lights settled down into a daily routine in which the lightkeeper and his helper each played his appointed part.

one more of the same kind, or a different one

From this reading Seth and his friend, the superintendent, held another lengthy conversation over the wire, and, while Brown's uncertain status remained the same, there was a tacit understanding that, by the first of September, if the young man was sufficiently “broken in,” the position vacated by Ezra Payne should be his--if he still wanted it.

subject to appointment

From this reading NEIGHBORS AND WASPS And now affairs at the lights settled down into a daily routine in which the lightkeeper and his helper each played his appointed part.

a person who contributes to the fulfillment of a need or furtherance of an effort or purpose

From this reading No regular assistant was appointed or seemed likely to be, for the summer, at least.

in or near a particular place or position

From this reading NEIGHBORS AND WASPS And now affairs at the lights settled down into a daily routine in which the lightkeeper and his helper each played his appointed part.

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

From this reading No regular assistant was appointed or seemed likely to be, for the summer, at least.

the -ing form of “be”

From this reading All mysteries now being solved, and the trust between them mutual and without reserve, they no longer were on their guard in each other's presence, but talked freely on all sorts of topics, and expressed their mutual dislike of woman with frequency and point.

in the space, time, or range separating two things

From this reading All mysteries now being solved, and the trust between them mutual and without reserve, they no longer were on their guard in each other's presence, but talked freely on all sorts of topics, and expressed their mutual dislike of woman with frequency and point.

physically and forcibly separated into pieces or cracked or split

From this reading Seth and his friend, the superintendent, held another lengthy conversation over the wire, and, while Brown's uncertain status remained the same, there was a tacit understanding that, by the first of September, if the young man was sufficiently “broken in,” the position vacated by Ezra Payne should be his--if he still wanted it.

possessive form of “brown” — an orange of low brightness and saturation

From this reading Seth and his friend, the superintendent, held another lengthy conversation over the wire, and, while Brown's uncertain status remained the same, there was a tacit understanding that, by the first of September, if the young man was sufficiently “broken in,” the position vacated by Ezra Payne should be his--if he still wanted it.

used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before

From this reading All mysteries now being solved, and the trust between them mutual and without reserve, they no longer were on their guard in each other's presence, but talked freely on all sorts of topics, and expressed their mutual dislike of woman with frequency and point.

showing who or what does the action

From this reading Seth and his friend, the superintendent, held another lengthy conversation over the wire, and, while Brown's uncertain status remained the same, there was a tacit understanding that, by the first of September, if the young man was sufficiently “broken in,” the position vacated by Ezra Payne should be his--if he still wanted it.

cause to change; make different; cause a transformation

From this reading “You may change your mind by that time,” observed Seth.

the use of speech for informal exchange of views or ideas or information etc.

From this reading Seth and his friend, the superintendent, held another lengthy conversation over the wire, and, while Brown's uncertain status remained the same, there was a tacit understanding that, by the first of September, if the young man was sufficiently “broken in,” the position vacated by Ezra Payne should be his--if he still wanted it.

every day; without missing a day

From this reading NEIGHBORS AND WASPS And now affairs at the lights settled down into a daily routine in which the lightkeeper and his helper each played his appointed part.

an inclination to withhold approval from some person or group

From this reading All mysteries now being solved, and the trust between them mutual and without reserve, they no longer were on their guard in each other's presence, but talked freely on all sorts of topics, and expressed their mutual dislike of woman with frequency and point.

being or moving lower in position or less in some value

From this reading NEIGHBORS AND WASPS And now affairs at the lights settled down into a daily routine in which the lightkeeper and his helper each played his appointed part.

every one of two or more people or things, taken separately

From this reading NEIGHBORS AND WASPS And now affairs at the lights settled down into a daily routine in which the lightkeeper and his helper each played his appointed part.

communicated in words

From this reading All mysteries now being solved, and the trust between them mutual and without reserve, they no longer were on their guard in each other's presence, but talked freely on all sorts of topics, and expressed their mutual dislike of woman with frequency and point.

a Jewish priest and scribe sent by the Persian king to restore Jewish law and worship in Jerusalem

From this reading Seth and his friend, the superintendent, held another lengthy conversation over the wire, and, while Brown's uncertain status remained the same, there was a tacit understanding that, by the first of September, if the young man was sufficiently “broken in,” the position vacated by Ezra Payne should be his--if he still wanted it.

preceding all others in time or space or degree

From this reading Seth and his friend, the superintendent, held another lengthy conversation over the wire, and, while Brown's uncertain status remained the same, there was a tacit understanding that, by the first of September, if the young man was sufficiently “broken in,” the position vacated by Ezra Payne should be his--if he still wanted it.

intended to be given to, or used by, somebody

From this reading No regular assistant was appointed or seemed likely to be, for the summer, at least.

in a free manner

From this reading All mysteries now being solved, and the trust between them mutual and without reserve, they no longer were on their guard in each other's presence, but talked freely on all sorts of topics, and expressed their mutual dislike of woman with frequency and point.

the number of occurrences within a given time period

From this reading All mysteries now being solved, and the trust between them mutual and without reserve, they no longer were on their guard in each other's presence, but talked freely on all sorts of topics, and expressed their mutual dislike of woman with frequency and point.

a person you know well and regard with affection and trust

From this reading Seth and his friend, the superintendent, held another lengthy conversation over the wire, and, while Brown's uncertain status remained the same, there was a tacit understanding that, by the first of September, if the young man was sufficiently “broken in,” the position vacated by Ezra Payne should be his--if he still wanted it.

a person who keeps watch over something or someone

From this reading All mysteries now being solved, and the trust between them mutual and without reserve, they no longer were on their guard in each other's presence, but talked freely on all sorts of topics, and expressed their mutual dislike of woman with frequency and point.

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

From this reading Seth and his friend, the superintendent, held another lengthy conversation over the wire, and, while Brown's uncertain status remained the same, there was a tacit understanding that, by the first of September, if the young man was sufficiently “broken in,” the position vacated by Ezra Payne should be his--if he still wanted it.

occupied or in the control of; often used in combination

From this reading Seth and his friend, the superintendent, held another lengthy conversation over the wire, and, while Brown's uncertain status remained the same, there was a tacit understanding that, by the first of September, if the young man was sufficiently “broken in,” the position vacated by Ezra Payne should be his--if he still wanted it.

a person who contributes to the fulfillment of a need or furtherance of an effort or purpose

From this reading NEIGHBORS AND WASPS And now affairs at the lights settled down into a daily routine in which the lightkeeper and his helper each played his appointed part.

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

From this reading NEIGHBORS AND WASPS And now affairs at the lights settled down into a daily routine in which the lightkeeper and his helper each played his appointed part.

on condition that; in the event that

From this reading Seth and his friend, the superintendent, held another lengthy conversation over the wire, and, while Brown's uncertain status remained the same, there was a tacit understanding that, by the first of September, if the young man was sufficiently “broken in,” the position vacated by Ezra Payne should be his--if he still wanted it.

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

From this reading NEIGHBORS AND WASPS And now affairs at the lights settled down into a daily routine in which the lightkeeper and his helper each played his appointed part.

moving to the inside of something

From this reading NEIGHBORS AND WASPS And now affairs at the lights settled down into a daily routine in which the lightkeeper and his helper each played his appointed part.

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading Seth and his friend, the superintendent, held another lengthy conversation over the wire, and, while Brown's uncertain status remained the same, there was a tacit understanding that, by the first of September, if the young man was sufficiently “broken in,” the position vacated by Ezra Payne should be his--if he still wanted it.

the superlative of “little” that can be used with mass nouns and is usually preceded by “the”; a quantifier meaning smallest in amount or extent or degree

From this reading No regular assistant was appointed or seemed likely to be, for the summer, at least.

relatively long in duration; tediously protracted

From this reading Seth and his friend, the superintendent, held another lengthy conversation over the wire, and, while Brown's uncertain status remained the same, there was a tacit understanding that, by the first of September, if the young man was sufficiently “broken in,” the position vacated by Ezra Payne should be his--if he still wanted it.

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

From this reading NEIGHBORS AND WASPS And now affairs at the lights settled down into a daily routine in which the lightkeeper and his helper each played his appointed part.

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

From this reading NEIGHBORS AND WASPS And now affairs at the lights settled down into a daily routine in which the lightkeeper and his helper each played his appointed part.

has a good chance of being the case or of coming about

From this reading No regular assistant was appointed or seemed likely to be, for the summer, at least.

for more time

From this reading All mysteries now being solved, and the trust between them mutual and without reserve, they no longer were on their guard in each other's presence, but talked freely on all sorts of topics, and expressed their mutual dislike of woman with frequency and point.

an adult person who is male (as opposed to a woman)

From this reading Seth and his friend, the superintendent, held another lengthy conversation over the wire, and, while Brown's uncertain status remained the same, there was a tacit understanding that, by the first of September, if the young man was sufficiently “broken in,” the position vacated by Ezra Payne should be his--if he still wanted it.

used to say something is possible, or to give permission

From this reading “You may change your mind by that time,” observed Seth.

The element of a person that enables awareness and thought.

From this reading “You may change your mind by that time,” observed Seth.

common to or shared by two or more parties

From this reading All mysteries now being solved, and the trust between them mutual and without reserve, they no longer were on their guard in each other's presence, but talked freely on all sorts of topics, and expressed their mutual dislike of woman with frequency and point.

plural of “mystery” — something that baffles understanding and cannot be explained

From this reading All mysteries now being solved, and the trust between them mutual and without reserve, they no longer were on their guard in each other's presence, but talked freely on all sorts of topics, and expressed their mutual dislike of woman with frequency and point.

plural of “neighbor” — a person who lives (or is located) near another

From this reading NEIGHBORS AND WASPS And now affairs at the lights settled down into a daily routine in which the lightkeeper and his helper each played his appointed part.

not any; not one

From this reading All mysteries now being solved, and the trust between them mutual and without reserve, they no longer were on their guard in each other's presence, but talked freely on all sorts of topics, and expressed their mutual dislike of woman with frequency and point.

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

From this reading NEIGHBORS AND WASPS And now affairs at the lights settled down into a daily routine in which the lightkeeper and his helper each played his appointed part.

discovered or determined by scientific observation

From this reading “You may change your mind by that time,” observed Seth.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading All mysteries now being solved, and the trust between them mutual and without reserve, they no longer were on their guard in each other's presence, but talked freely on all sorts of topics, and expressed their mutual dislike of woman with frequency and point.

touching and supported by a surface

From this reading All mysteries now being solved, and the trust between them mutual and without reserve, they no longer were on their guard in each other's presence, but talked freely on all sorts of topics, and expressed their mutual dislike of woman with frequency and point.

used to join alternatives or possibilities

From this reading No regular assistant was appointed or seemed likely to be, for the summer, at least.

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

From this reading All mysteries now being solved, and the trust between them mutual and without reserve, they no longer were on their guard in each other's presence, but talked freely on all sorts of topics, and expressed their mutual dislike of woman with frequency and point.

above and across; more than

From this reading Seth and his friend, the superintendent, held another lengthy conversation over the wire, and, while Brown's uncertain status remained the same, there was a tacit understanding that, by the first of September, if the young man was sufficiently “broken in,” the position vacated by Ezra Payne should be his--if he still wanted it.

something determined in relation to something that includes it

From this reading NEIGHBORS AND WASPS And now affairs at the lights settled down into a daily routine in which the lightkeeper and his helper each played his appointed part.

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

From this reading Seth and his friend, the superintendent, held another lengthy conversation over the wire, and, while Brown's uncertain status remained the same, there was a tacit understanding that, by the first of September, if the young man was sufficiently “broken in,” the position vacated by Ezra Payne should be his--if he still wanted it.

(of games) engaged in

From this reading NEIGHBORS AND WASPS And now affairs at the lights settled down into a daily routine in which the lightkeeper and his helper each played his appointed part.

a geometric element that has position but no extension

From this reading All mysteries now being solved, and the trust between them mutual and without reserve, they no longer were on their guard in each other's presence, but talked freely on all sorts of topics, and expressed their mutual dislike of woman with frequency and point.

the particular portion of space occupied by something

From this reading Seth and his friend, the superintendent, held another lengthy conversation over the wire, and, while Brown's uncertain status remained the same, there was a tacit understanding that, by the first of September, if the young man was sufficiently “broken in,” the position vacated by Ezra Payne should be his--if he still wanted it.

the state of being present; current existence

From this reading All mysteries now being solved, and the trust between them mutual and without reserve, they no longer were on their guard in each other's presence, but talked freely on all sorts of topics, and expressed their mutual dislike of woman with frequency and point.

in accordance with fixed order or procedure or principle

From this reading No regular assistant was appointed or seemed likely to be, for the summer, at least.

past form of “remain” — stay the same; remain in a certain state

From this reading Seth and his friend, the superintendent, held another lengthy conversation over the wire, and, while Brown's uncertain status remained the same, there was a tacit understanding that, by the first of September, if the young man was sufficiently “broken in,” the position vacated by Ezra Payne should be his--if he still wanted it.

formality and propriety of manner

From this reading All mysteries now being solved, and the trust between them mutual and without reserve, they no longer were on their guard in each other's presence, but talked freely on all sorts of topics, and expressed their mutual dislike of woman with frequency and point.

an unvarying or habitual method or procedure

From this reading NEIGHBORS AND WASPS And now affairs at the lights settled down into a daily routine in which the lightkeeper and his helper each played his appointed part.

Identical; not different.

From this reading Seth and his friend, the superintendent, held another lengthy conversation over the wire, and, while Brown's uncertain status remained the same, there was a tacit understanding that, by the first of September, if the young man was sufficiently “broken in,” the position vacated by Ezra Payne should be his--if he still wanted it.

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

From this reading No regular assistant was appointed or seemed likely to be, for the summer, at least.

the month following August and preceding October

From this reading Seth and his friend, the superintendent, held another lengthy conversation over the wire, and, while Brown's uncertain status remained the same, there was a tacit understanding that, by the first of September, if the young man was sufficiently “broken in,” the position vacated by Ezra Payne should be his--if he still wanted it.

(Old Testament) third son of Adam and Eve; given by God in place of the murdered Abel

From this reading Seth and his friend, the superintendent, held another lengthy conversation over the wire, and, while Brown's uncertain status remained the same, there was a tacit understanding that, by the first of September, if the young man was sufficiently “broken in,” the position vacated by Ezra Payne should be his--if he still wanted it.

established or decided beyond dispute or doubt

From this reading NEIGHBORS AND WASPS And now affairs at the lights settled down into a daily routine in which the lightkeeper and his helper each played his appointed part.

used to say what is right, expected, or advisable

From this reading Seth and his friend, the superintendent, held another lengthy conversation over the wire, and, while Brown's uncertain status remained the same, there was a tacit understanding that, by the first of September, if the young man was sufficiently “broken in,” the position vacated by Ezra Payne should be his--if he still wanted it.

explained or answered

From this reading All mysteries now being solved, and the trust between them mutual and without reserve, they no longer were on their guard in each other's presence, but talked freely on all sorts of topics, and expressed their mutual dislike of woman with frequency and point.

plural of “sort” — a category of things distinguished by some common characteristic or quality

From this reading All mysteries now being solved, and the trust between them mutual and without reserve, they no longer were on their guard in each other's presence, but talked freely on all sorts of topics, and expressed their mutual dislike of woman with frequency and point.

the relative position or standing of things or especially persons in a society

From this reading Seth and his friend, the superintendent, held another lengthy conversation over the wire, and, while Brown's uncertain status remained the same, there was a tacit understanding that, by the first of September, if the young man was sufficiently “broken in,” the position vacated by Ezra Payne should be his--if he still wanted it.

not in physical motion

From this reading Seth and his friend, the superintendent, held another lengthy conversation over the wire, and, while Brown's uncertain status remained the same, there was a tacit understanding that, by the first of September, if the young man was sufficiently “broken in,” the position vacated by Ezra Payne should be his--if he still wanted it.

to a sufficient degree

From this reading Seth and his friend, the superintendent, held another lengthy conversation over the wire, and, while Brown's uncertain status remained the same, there was a tacit understanding that, by the first of September, if the young man was sufficiently “broken in,” the position vacated by Ezra Payne should be his--if he still wanted it.

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

From this reading No regular assistant was appointed or seemed likely to be, for the summer, at least.

a person who directs and manages an organization

From this reading Seth and his friend, the superintendent, held another lengthy conversation over the wire, and, while Brown's uncertain status remained the same, there was a tacit understanding that, by the first of September, if the young man was sufficiently “broken in,” the position vacated by Ezra Payne should be his--if he still wanted it.

implied by or inferred from actions or statements

From this reading Seth and his friend, the superintendent, held another lengthy conversation over the wire, and, while Brown's uncertain status remained the same, there was a tacit understanding that, by the first of September, if the young man was sufficiently “broken in,” the position vacated by Ezra Payne should be his--if he still wanted it.

past form of “talk” — exchange thoughts; talk with

From this reading All mysteries now being solved, and the trust between them mutual and without reserve, they no longer were on their guard in each other's presence, but talked freely on all sorts of topics, and expressed their mutual dislike of woman with frequency and point.

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading Seth and his friend, the superintendent, held another lengthy conversation over the wire, and, while Brown's uncertain status remained the same, there was a tacit understanding that, by the first of September, if the young man was sufficiently “broken in,” the position vacated by Ezra Payne should be his--if he still wanted it.

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

From this reading NEIGHBORS AND WASPS And now affairs at the lights settled down into a daily routine in which the lightkeeper and his helper each played his appointed part.

belonging to the people or things already mentioned

From this reading All mysteries now being solved, and the trust between them mutual and without reserve, they no longer were on their guard in each other's presence, but talked freely on all sorts of topics, and expressed their mutual dislike of woman with frequency and point.

the people or things already mentioned, as the object

From this reading All mysteries now being solved, and the trust between them mutual and without reserve, they no longer were on their guard in each other's presence, but talked freely on all sorts of topics, and expressed their mutual dislike of woman with frequency and point.

in or at that place or location

From this reading Seth and his friend, the superintendent, held another lengthy conversation over the wire, and, while Brown's uncertain status remained the same, there was a tacit understanding that, by the first of September, if the young man was sufficiently “broken in,” the position vacated by Ezra Payne should be his--if he still wanted it.

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

From this reading All mysteries now being solved, and the trust between them mutual and without reserve, they no longer were on their guard in each other's presence, but talked freely on all sorts of topics, and expressed their mutual dislike of woman with frequency and point.

an instance or single occasion for some event

From this reading “You may change your mind by that time,” observed Seth.

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

From this reading No regular assistant was appointed or seemed likely to be, for the summer, at least.

plural of “topic” — the subject matter of a conversation or discussion

From this reading All mysteries now being solved, and the trust between them mutual and without reserve, they no longer were on their guard in each other's presence, but talked freely on all sorts of topics, and expressed their mutual dislike of woman with frequency and point.

something (as property) held by one party (the trustee) for the benefit of another (the beneficiary)

From this reading All mysteries now being solved, and the trust between them mutual and without reserve, they no longer were on their guard in each other's presence, but talked freely on all sorts of topics, and expressed their mutual dislike of woman with frequency and point.

lacking or indicating lack of confidence or assurance

From this reading Seth and his friend, the superintendent, held another lengthy conversation over the wire, and, while Brown's uncertain status remained the same, there was a tacit understanding that, by the first of September, if the young man was sufficiently “broken in,” the position vacated by Ezra Payne should be his--if he still wanted it.

the cognitive condition of someone who understands

From this reading Seth and his friend, the superintendent, held another lengthy conversation over the wire, and, while Brown's uncertain status remained the same, there was a tacit understanding that, by the first of September, if the young man was sufficiently “broken in,” the position vacated by Ezra Payne should be his--if he still wanted it.

past form of “vacate” — leave (a job, post, or position) voluntarily

From this reading Seth and his friend, the superintendent, held another lengthy conversation over the wire, and, while Brown's uncertain status remained the same, there was a tacit understanding that, by the first of September, if the young man was sufficiently “broken in,” the position vacated by Ezra Payne should be his--if he still wanted it.

desired or wished for or sought

From this reading Seth and his friend, the superintendent, held another lengthy conversation over the wire, and, while Brown's uncertain status remained the same, there was a tacit understanding that, by the first of September, if the young man was sufficiently “broken in,” the position vacated by Ezra Payne should be his--if he still wanted it.

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

From this reading No regular assistant was appointed or seemed likely to be, for the summer, at least.

plural of “wasp” — a white person of Anglo-Saxon ancestry who belongs to a Protestant denomination

From this reading NEIGHBORS AND WASPS And now affairs at the lights settled down into a daily routine in which the lightkeeper and his helper each played his appointed part.

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

From this reading All mysteries now being solved, and the trust between them mutual and without reserve, they no longer were on their guard in each other's presence, but talked freely on all sorts of topics, and expressed their mutual dislike of woman with frequency and point.

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

From this reading NEIGHBORS AND WASPS And now affairs at the lights settled down into a daily routine in which the lightkeeper and his helper each played his appointed part.

during the time that

From this reading Seth and his friend, the superintendent, held another lengthy conversation over the wire, and, while Brown's uncertain status remained the same, there was a tacit understanding that, by the first of September, if the young man was sufficiently “broken in,” the position vacated by Ezra Payne should be his--if he still wanted it.

ligament made of metal and used to fasten things or make cages or fences etc

From this reading Seth and his friend, the superintendent, held another lengthy conversation over the wire, and, while Brown's uncertain status remained the same, there was a tacit understanding that, by the first of September, if the young man was sufficiently “broken in,” the position vacated by Ezra Payne should be his--if he still wanted it.

in the company of; together with

From this reading All mysteries now being solved, and the trust between them mutual and without reserve, they no longer were on their guard in each other's presence, but talked freely on all sorts of topics, and expressed their mutual dislike of woman with frequency and point.

not having, not using, or not accompanied by

From this reading All mysteries now being solved, and the trust between them mutual and without reserve, they no longer were on their guard in each other's presence, but talked freely on all sorts of topics, and expressed their mutual dislike of woman with frequency and point.

an adult female person (as opposed to a man)

From this reading All mysteries now being solved, and the trust between them mutual and without reserve, they no longer were on their guard in each other's presence, but talked freely on all sorts of topics, and expressed their mutual dislike of woman with frequency and point.

the person or people being spoken to

From this reading “You may change your mind by that time,” observed Seth.

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

From this reading Seth and his friend, the superintendent, held another lengthy conversation over the wire, and, while Brown's uncertain status remained the same, there was a tacit understanding that, by the first of September, if the young man was sufficiently “broken in,” the position vacated by Ezra Payne should be his--if he still wanted it.

belonging to the person or people being spoken to

From this reading “You may change your mind by that time,” observed Seth.