Chapter XXIX · Drifting

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

From this reading The autumnal days were nearly gone, and occasionally was felt the sharp tooth of the biting wind as it swept over the open prairie and drove the Westerner into his cabin, with a tingling warning in his ears that winter was soon to come.

anew

From this reading Then again the sun would shine brightly and the soft graces and tints of Indian summer would brighten the landscape.

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

From this reading —Allingham.

following the length of something from one end toward the other

From this reading “Now Autumn’s fire burns slowly along the woods, And day by day the dead leaves fall and melt, And night by night the monitor blast Wails in the keyhole, telling how it passed O’er empty fields, or upland solitudes, Or grim wide nave; and now the power is felt Of melancholy, tenderer in its moods Than any joy indulgent Summer dealt.”

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

From this reading “Now Autumn’s fire burns slowly along the woods, And day by day the dead leaves fall and melt, And night by night the monitor blast Wails in the keyhole, telling how it passed O’er empty fields, or upland solitudes, Or grim wide nave; and now the power is felt Of melancholy, tenderer in its moods Than any joy indulgent Summer dealt.”

one or some or every or all without specification

From this reading “Now Autumn’s fire burns slowly along the woods, And day by day the dead leaves fall and melt, And night by night the monitor blast Wails in the keyhole, telling how it passed O’er empty fields, or upland solitudes, Or grim wide nave; and now the power is felt Of melancholy, tenderer in its moods Than any joy indulgent Summer dealt.”

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

From this reading The autumnal days were nearly gone, and occasionally was felt the sharp tooth of the biting wind as it swept over the open prairie and drove the Westerner into his cabin, with a tingling warning in his ears that winter was soon to come.

possessive form of “autumn” — the season when the leaves fall from the trees

From this reading “Now Autumn’s fire burns slowly along the woods, And day by day the dead leaves fall and melt, And night by night the monitor blast Wails in the keyhole, telling how it passed O’er empty fields, or upland solitudes, Or grim wide nave; and now the power is felt Of melancholy, tenderer in its moods Than any joy indulgent Summer dealt.”

of or characteristic of or occurring in autumn

From this reading The autumnal days were nearly gone, and occasionally was felt the sharp tooth of the biting wind as it swept over the open prairie and drove the Westerner into his cabin, with a tingling warning in his ears that winter was soon to come.

capable of wounding

From this reading The autumnal days were nearly gone, and occasionally was felt the sharp tooth of the biting wind as it swept over the open prairie and drove the Westerner into his cabin, with a tingling warning in his ears that winter was soon to come.

make a strident sound

From this reading “Now Autumn’s fire burns slowly along the woods, And day by day the dead leaves fall and melt, And night by night the monitor blast Wails in the keyhole, telling how it passed O’er empty fields, or upland solitudes, Or grim wide nave; and now the power is felt Of melancholy, tenderer in its moods Than any joy indulgent Summer dealt.”

make more cheerful through the use of color

From this reading Then again the sun would shine brightly and the soft graces and tints of Indian summer would brighten the landscape.

with brightness

From this reading Then again the sun would shine brightly and the soft graces and tints of Indian summer would brighten the landscape.

inflected form of “bring” — take something or somebody with oneself somewhere

From this reading The weeks had brought a degree of calmness and resignation to Elinor Wylie, and to Tibby varied experiences.

United States comedian and film actor (1896-1996)

From this reading “Now Autumn’s fire burns slowly along the woods, And day by day the dead leaves fall and melt, And night by night the monitor blast Wails in the keyhole, telling how it passed O’er empty fields, or upland solitudes, Or grim wide nave; and now the power is felt Of melancholy, tenderer in its moods Than any joy indulgent Summer dealt.”

showing who or what does the action

From this reading “Now Autumn’s fire burns slowly along the woods, And day by day the dead leaves fall and melt, And night by night the monitor blast Wails in the keyhole, telling how it passed O’er empty fields, or upland solitudes, Or grim wide nave; and now the power is felt Of melancholy, tenderer in its moods Than any joy indulgent Summer dealt.”

small room on a ship or boat where people sleep

From this reading The autumnal days were nearly gone, and occasionally was felt the sharp tooth of the biting wind as it swept over the open prairie and drove the Westerner into his cabin, with a tingling warning in his ears that winter was soon to come.

steadiness of mind under stress

From this reading The weeks had brought a degree of calmness and resignation to Elinor Wylie, and to Tibby varied experiences.

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

From this reading The autumnal days were nearly gone, and occasionally was felt the sharp tooth of the biting wind as it swept over the open prairie and drove the Westerner into his cabin, with a tingling warning in his ears that winter was soon to come.

time for Earth to make a complete rotation on its axis

From this reading “Now Autumn’s fire burns slowly along the woods, And day by day the dead leaves fall and melt, And night by night the monitor blast Wails in the keyhole, telling how it passed O’er empty fields, or upland solitudes, Or grim wide nave; and now the power is felt Of melancholy, tenderer in its moods Than any joy indulgent Summer dealt.”

the time during which someone's life continues

From this reading The autumnal days were nearly gone, and occasionally was felt the sharp tooth of the biting wind as it swept over the open prairie and drove the Westerner into his cabin, with a tingling warning in his ears that winter was soon to come.

no longer having or seeming to have or expecting to have life

From this reading “Now Autumn’s fire burns slowly along the woods, And day by day the dead leaves fall and melt, And night by night the monitor blast Wails in the keyhole, telling how it passed O’er empty fields, or upland solitudes, Or grim wide nave; and now the power is felt Of melancholy, tenderer in its moods Than any joy indulgent Summer dealt.”

inflected form of “deal” — act on verbally or in some form of artistic expression

From this reading “Now Autumn’s fire burns slowly along the woods, And day by day the dead leaves fall and melt, And night by night the monitor blast Wails in the keyhole, telling how it passed O’er empty fields, or upland solitudes, Or grim wide nave; and now the power is felt Of melancholy, tenderer in its moods Than any joy indulgent Summer dealt.”

a position on a scale of intensity or amount or quality

From this reading The weeks had brought a degree of calmness and resignation to Elinor Wylie, and to Tibby varied experiences.

a group of animals (a herd or flock) moving together

From this reading The autumnal days were nearly gone, and occasionally was felt the sharp tooth of the biting wind as it swept over the open prairie and drove the Westerner into his cabin, with a tingling warning in his ears that winter was soon to come.

plural of “ear” — the sense organ for hearing and equilibrium

From this reading The autumnal days were nearly gone, and occasionally was felt the sharp tooth of the biting wind as it swept over the open prairie and drove the Westerner into his cabin, with a tingling warning in his ears that winter was soon to come.

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

From this reading The weeks had brought a degree of calmness and resignation to Elinor Wylie, and to Tibby varied experiences.

make void or empty of contents

From this reading “Now Autumn’s fire burns slowly along the woods, And day by day the dead leaves fall and melt, And night by night the monitor blast Wails in the keyhole, telling how it passed O’er empty fields, or upland solitudes, Or grim wide nave; and now the power is felt Of melancholy, tenderer in its moods Than any joy indulgent Summer dealt.”

plural of “experience” — the accumulation of knowledge or skill that results from direct participation in events or activities

From this reading The weeks had brought a degree of calmness and resignation to Elinor Wylie, and to Tibby varied experiences.

descend in free fall under the influence of gravity

From this reading “Now Autumn’s fire burns slowly along the woods, And day by day the dead leaves fall and melt, And night by night the monitor blast Wails in the keyhole, telling how it passed O’er empty fields, or upland solitudes, Or grim wide nave; and now the power is felt Of melancholy, tenderer in its moods Than any joy indulgent Summer dealt.”

mat together and make felt-like

From this reading “Now Autumn’s fire burns slowly along the woods, And day by day the dead leaves fall and melt, And night by night the monitor blast Wails in the keyhole, telling how it passed O’er empty fields, or upland solitudes, Or grim wide nave; and now the power is felt Of melancholy, tenderer in its moods Than any joy indulgent Summer dealt.”

United States comedian and film actor (1880-1946)

From this reading “Now Autumn’s fire burns slowly along the woods, And day by day the dead leaves fall and melt, And night by night the monitor blast Wails in the keyhole, telling how it passed O’er empty fields, or upland solitudes, Or grim wide nave; and now the power is felt Of melancholy, tenderer in its moods Than any joy indulgent Summer dealt.”

start firing a weapon

From this reading “Now Autumn’s fire burns slowly along the woods, And day by day the dead leaves fall and melt, And night by night the monitor blast Wails in the keyhole, telling how it passed O’er empty fields, or upland solitudes, Or grim wide nave; and now the power is felt Of melancholy, tenderer in its moods Than any joy indulgent Summer dealt.”

destroyed or killed

From this reading The autumnal days were nearly gone, and occasionally was felt the sharp tooth of the biting wind as it swept over the open prairie and drove the Westerner into his cabin, with a tingling warning in his ears that winter was soon to come.

plural of “grace” — (Christian theology) a state of sanctification by God; the state of one who is under such divine influence

From this reading Then again the sun would shine brightly and the soft graces and tints of Indian summer would brighten the landscape.

not to be placated or appeased or moved by entreaty

From this reading “Now Autumn’s fire burns slowly along the woods, And day by day the dead leaves fall and melt, And night by night the monitor blast Wails in the keyhole, telling how it passed O’er empty fields, or upland solitudes, Or grim wide nave; and now the power is felt Of melancholy, tenderer in its moods Than any joy indulgent Summer dealt.”

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

From this reading The weeks had brought a degree of calmness and resignation to Elinor Wylie, and to Tibby varied experiences.

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

From this reading The autumnal days were nearly gone, and occasionally was felt the sharp tooth of the biting wind as it swept over the open prairie and drove the Westerner into his cabin, with a tingling warning in his ears that winter was soon to come.

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

From this reading “Now Autumn’s fire burns slowly along the woods, And day by day the dead leaves fall and melt, And night by night the monitor blast Wails in the keyhole, telling how it passed O’er empty fields, or upland solitudes, Or grim wide nave; and now the power is felt Of melancholy, tenderer in its moods Than any joy indulgent Summer dealt.”

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

From this reading “Now Autumn’s fire burns slowly along the woods, And day by day the dead leaves fall and melt, And night by night the monitor blast Wails in the keyhole, telling how it passed O’er empty fields, or upland solitudes, Or grim wide nave; and now the power is felt Of melancholy, tenderer in its moods Than any joy indulgent Summer dealt.”

of or relating to or characteristic of India or the East Indies or their peoples or languages or cultures

From this reading Then again the sun would shine brightly and the soft graces and tints of Indian summer would brighten the landscape.

characterized by or given to yielding to the wishes of someone

From this reading “Now Autumn’s fire burns slowly along the woods, And day by day the dead leaves fall and melt, And night by night the monitor blast Wails in the keyhole, telling how it passed O’er empty fields, or upland solitudes, Or grim wide nave; and now the power is felt Of melancholy, tenderer in its moods Than any joy indulgent Summer dealt.”

moving to the inside of something

From this reading The autumnal days were nearly gone, and occasionally was felt the sharp tooth of the biting wind as it swept over the open prairie and drove the Westerner into his cabin, with a tingling warning in his ears that winter was soon to come.

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

From this reading “Now Autumn’s fire burns slowly along the woods, And day by day the dead leaves fall and melt, And night by night the monitor blast Wails in the keyhole, telling how it passed O’er empty fields, or upland solitudes, Or grim wide nave; and now the power is felt Of melancholy, tenderer in its moods Than any joy indulgent Summer dealt.”

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading “Now Autumn’s fire burns slowly along the woods, And day by day the dead leaves fall and melt, And night by night the monitor blast Wails in the keyhole, telling how it passed O’er empty fields, or upland solitudes, Or grim wide nave; and now the power is felt Of melancholy, tenderer in its moods Than any joy indulgent Summer dealt.”

belonging to the thing or animal already mentioned

From this reading “Now Autumn’s fire burns slowly along the woods, And day by day the dead leaves fall and melt, And night by night the monitor blast Wails in the keyhole, telling how it passed O’er empty fields, or upland solitudes, Or grim wide nave; and now the power is felt Of melancholy, tenderer in its moods Than any joy indulgent Summer dealt.”

the emotion of great happiness

From this reading “Now Autumn’s fire burns slowly along the woods, And day by day the dead leaves fall and melt, And night by night the monitor blast Wails in the keyhole, telling how it passed O’er empty fields, or upland solitudes, Or grim wide nave; and now the power is felt Of melancholy, tenderer in its moods Than any joy indulgent Summer dealt.”

the hole where a key is inserted

From this reading “Now Autumn’s fire burns slowly along the woods, And day by day the dead leaves fall and melt, And night by night the monitor blast Wails in the keyhole, telling how it passed O’er empty fields, or upland solitudes, Or grim wide nave; and now the power is felt Of melancholy, tenderer in its moods Than any joy indulgent Summer dealt.”

an expanse of scenery that can be seen in a single view

From this reading Then again the sun would shine brightly and the soft graces and tints of Indian summer would brighten the landscape.

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

From this reading “Now Autumn’s fire burns slowly along the woods, And day by day the dead leaves fall and melt, And night by night the monitor blast Wails in the keyhole, telling how it passed O’er empty fields, or upland solitudes, Or grim wide nave; and now the power is felt Of melancholy, tenderer in its moods Than any joy indulgent Summer dealt.”

a feeling of thoughtful sadness

From this reading “Now Autumn’s fire burns slowly along the woods, And day by day the dead leaves fall and melt, And night by night the monitor blast Wails in the keyhole, telling how it passed O’er empty fields, or upland solitudes, Or grim wide nave; and now the power is felt Of melancholy, tenderer in its moods Than any joy indulgent Summer dealt.”

reduce or cause to be reduced from a solid to a liquid state, usually by heating

From this reading “Now Autumn’s fire burns slowly along the woods, And day by day the dead leaves fall and melt, And night by night the monitor blast Wails in the keyhole, telling how it passed O’er empty fields, or upland solitudes, Or grim wide nave; and now the power is felt Of melancholy, tenderer in its moods Than any joy indulgent Summer dealt.”

keep tabs on; keep an eye on; keep under surveillance

From this reading “Now Autumn’s fire burns slowly along the woods, And day by day the dead leaves fall and melt, And night by night the monitor blast Wails in the keyhole, telling how it passed O’er empty fields, or upland solitudes, Or grim wide nave; and now the power is felt Of melancholy, tenderer in its moods Than any joy indulgent Summer dealt.”

plural of “mood” — a characteristic (habitual or relatively temporary) state of feeling

From this reading “Now Autumn’s fire burns slowly along the woods, And day by day the dead leaves fall and melt, And night by night the monitor blast Wails in the keyhole, telling how it passed O’er empty fields, or upland solitudes, Or grim wide nave; and now the power is felt Of melancholy, tenderer in its moods Than any joy indulgent Summer dealt.”

the central area of a church

From this reading “Now Autumn’s fire burns slowly along the woods, And day by day the dead leaves fall and melt, And night by night the monitor blast Wails in the keyhole, telling how it passed O’er empty fields, or upland solitudes, Or grim wide nave; and now the power is felt Of melancholy, tenderer in its moods Than any joy indulgent Summer dealt.”

(of actions or states) slightly short of or not quite accomplished; all but

From this reading The autumnal days were nearly gone, and occasionally was felt the sharp tooth of the biting wind as it swept over the open prairie and drove the Westerner into his cabin, with a tingling warning in his ears that winter was soon to come.

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

From this reading “Now Autumn’s fire burns slowly along the woods, And day by day the dead leaves fall and melt, And night by night the monitor blast Wails in the keyhole, telling how it passed O’er empty fields, or upland solitudes, Or grim wide nave; and now the power is felt Of melancholy, tenderer in its moods Than any joy indulgent Summer dealt.”

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

From this reading “Now Autumn’s fire burns slowly along the woods, And day by day the dead leaves fall and melt, And night by night the monitor blast Wails in the keyhole, telling how it passed O’er empty fields, or upland solitudes, Or grim wide nave; and now the power is felt Of melancholy, tenderer in its moods Than any joy indulgent Summer dealt.”

throughout a period of time

From this reading “Now Autumn’s fire burns slowly along the woods, And day by day the dead leaves fall and melt, And night by night the monitor blast Wails in the keyhole, telling how it passed O’er empty fields, or upland solitudes, Or grim wide nave; and now the power is felt Of melancholy, tenderer in its moods Than any joy indulgent Summer dealt.”

sporadically and infrequently

From this reading The autumnal days were nearly gone, and occasionally was felt the sharp tooth of the biting wind as it swept over the open prairie and drove the Westerner into his cabin, with a tingling warning in his ears that winter was soon to come.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading “Now Autumn’s fire burns slowly along the woods, And day by day the dead leaves fall and melt, And night by night the monitor blast Wails in the keyhole, telling how it passed O’er empty fields, or upland solitudes, Or grim wide nave; and now the power is felt Of melancholy, tenderer in its moods Than any joy indulgent Summer dealt.”

To move from a closed position.

From this reading The autumnal days were nearly gone, and occasionally was felt the sharp tooth of the biting wind as it swept over the open prairie and drove the Westerner into his cabin, with a tingling warning in his ears that winter was soon to come.

used to join alternatives or possibilities

From this reading “Now Autumn’s fire burns slowly along the woods, And day by day the dead leaves fall and melt, And night by night the monitor blast Wails in the keyhole, telling how it passed O’er empty fields, or upland solitudes, Or grim wide nave; and now the power is felt Of melancholy, tenderer in its moods Than any joy indulgent Summer dealt.”

above and across; more than

From this reading The autumnal days were nearly gone, and occasionally was felt the sharp tooth of the biting wind as it swept over the open prairie and drove the Westerner into his cabin, with a tingling warning in his ears that winter was soon to come.

past form of “pass” — go across or through

From this reading “Now Autumn’s fire burns slowly along the woods, And day by day the dead leaves fall and melt, And night by night the monitor blast Wails in the keyhole, telling how it passed O’er empty fields, or upland solitudes, Or grim wide nave; and now the power is felt Of melancholy, tenderer in its moods Than any joy indulgent Summer dealt.”

possession of controlling influence

From this reading “Now Autumn’s fire burns slowly along the woods, And day by day the dead leaves fall and melt, And night by night the monitor blast Wails in the keyhole, telling how it passed O’er empty fields, or upland solitudes, Or grim wide nave; and now the power is felt Of melancholy, tenderer in its moods Than any joy indulgent Summer dealt.”

a treeless grassy plain

From this reading The autumnal days were nearly gone, and occasionally was felt the sharp tooth of the biting wind as it swept over the open prairie and drove the Westerner into his cabin, with a tingling warning in his ears that winter was soon to come.

acceptance of despair

From this reading The weeks had brought a degree of calmness and resignation to Elinor Wylie, and to Tibby varied experiences.

(of something seen or heard) clearly defined

From this reading The autumnal days were nearly gone, and occasionally was felt the sharp tooth of the biting wind as it swept over the open prairie and drove the Westerner into his cabin, with a tingling warning in his ears that winter was soon to come.

be bright by reflecting or casting light

From this reading Then again the sun would shine brightly and the soft graces and tints of Indian summer would brighten the landscape.

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

From this reading “Now Autumn’s fire burns slowly along the woods, And day by day the dead leaves fall and melt, And night by night the monitor blast Wails in the keyhole, telling how it passed O’er empty fields, or upland solitudes, Or grim wide nave; and now the power is felt Of melancholy, tenderer in its moods Than any joy indulgent Summer dealt.”

yielding readily to pressure or weight

From this reading Then again the sun would shine brightly and the soft graces and tints of Indian summer would brighten the landscape.

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

From this reading “Now Autumn’s fire burns slowly along the woods, And day by day the dead leaves fall and melt, And night by night the monitor blast Wails in the keyhole, telling how it passed O’er empty fields, or upland solitudes, Or grim wide nave; and now the power is felt Of melancholy, tenderer in its moods Than any joy indulgent Summer dealt.”

in the near future

From this reading The autumnal days were nearly gone, and occasionally was felt the sharp tooth of the biting wind as it swept over the open prairie and drove the Westerner into his cabin, with a tingling warning in his ears that winter was soon to come.

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

From this reading “Now Autumn’s fire burns slowly along the woods, And day by day the dead leaves fall and melt, And night by night the monitor blast Wails in the keyhole, telling how it passed O’er empty fields, or upland solitudes, Or grim wide nave; and now the power is felt Of melancholy, tenderer in its moods Than any joy indulgent Summer dealt.”

the star that is the source of light and heat for the planets in the solar system

From this reading Then again the sun would shine brightly and the soft graces and tints of Indian summer would brighten the landscape.

possessing sweep

From this reading The autumnal days were nearly gone, and occasionally was felt the sharp tooth of the biting wind as it swept over the open prairie and drove the Westerner into his cabin, with a tingling warning in his ears that winter was soon to come.

disclosing unintentionally something concealed

From this reading “Now Autumn’s fire burns slowly along the woods, And day by day the dead leaves fall and melt, And night by night the monitor blast Wails in the keyhole, telling how it passed O’er empty fields, or upland solitudes, Or grim wide nave; and now the power is felt Of melancholy, tenderer in its moods Than any joy indulgent Summer dealt.”

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

From this reading “Now Autumn’s fire burns slowly along the woods, And day by day the dead leaves fall and melt, And night by night the monitor blast Wails in the keyhole, telling how it passed O’er empty fields, or upland solitudes, Or grim wide nave; and now the power is felt Of melancholy, tenderer in its moods Than any joy indulgent Summer dealt.”

used to introduce the second part of a comparison

From this reading “Now Autumn’s fire burns slowly along the woods, And day by day the dead leaves fall and melt, And night by night the monitor blast Wails in the keyhole, telling how it passed O’er empty fields, or upland solitudes, Or grim wide nave; and now the power is felt Of melancholy, tenderer in its moods Than any joy indulgent Summer dealt.”

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading The autumnal days were nearly gone, and occasionally was felt the sharp tooth of the biting wind as it swept over the open prairie and drove the Westerner into his cabin, with a tingling warning in his ears that winter was soon to come.

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

From this reading “Now Autumn’s fire burns slowly along the woods, And day by day the dead leaves fall and melt, And night by night the monitor blast Wails in the keyhole, telling how it passed O’er empty fields, or upland solitudes, Or grim wide nave; and now the power is felt Of melancholy, tenderer in its moods Than any joy indulgent Summer dealt.”

subsequently or soon afterward (often used as sentence connectors)

From this reading Then again the sun would shine brightly and the soft graces and tints of Indian summer would brighten the landscape.

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

From this reading The weeks had brought a degree of calmness and resignation to Elinor Wylie, and to Tibby varied experiences.

exciting by touching lightly so as to cause laughter or twitching movements

From this reading The autumnal days were nearly gone, and occasionally was felt the sharp tooth of the biting wind as it swept over the open prairie and drove the Westerner into his cabin, with a tingling warning in his ears that winter was soon to come.

plural of “tint” — a quality of a given color that differs slightly from another color

From this reading Then again the sun would shine brightly and the soft graces and tints of Indian summer would brighten the landscape.

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

From this reading The autumnal days were nearly gone, and occasionally was felt the sharp tooth of the biting wind as it swept over the open prairie and drove the Westerner into his cabin, with a tingling warning in his ears that winter was soon to come.

hard bonelike structures in the jaws of vertebrates; used for biting and chewing or for attack and defense

From this reading The autumnal days were nearly gone, and occasionally was felt the sharp tooth of the biting wind as it swept over the open prairie and drove the Westerner into his cabin, with a tingling warning in his ears that winter was soon to come.

used of high or hilly country

From this reading “Now Autumn’s fire burns slowly along the woods, And day by day the dead leaves fall and melt, And night by night the monitor blast Wails in the keyhole, telling how it passed O’er empty fields, or upland solitudes, Or grim wide nave; and now the power is felt Of melancholy, tenderer in its moods Than any joy indulgent Summer dealt.”

characterized by variety

From this reading The weeks had brought a degree of calmness and resignation to Elinor Wylie, and to Tibby varied experiences.

plural of “wail” — a cry of sorrow and grief

From this reading “Now Autumn’s fire burns slowly along the woods, And day by day the dead leaves fall and melt, And night by night the monitor blast Wails in the keyhole, telling how it passed O’er empty fields, or upland solitudes, Or grim wide nave; and now the power is felt Of melancholy, tenderer in its moods Than any joy indulgent Summer dealt.”

a message informing of danger

From this reading The autumnal days were nearly gone, and occasionally was felt the sharp tooth of the biting wind as it swept over the open prairie and drove the Westerner into his cabin, with a tingling warning in his ears that winter was soon to come.

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

From this reading The autumnal days were nearly gone, and occasionally was felt the sharp tooth of the biting wind as it swept over the open prairie and drove the Westerner into his cabin, with a tingling warning in his ears that winter was soon to come.

plural of “week” — any period of seven consecutive days

From this reading The weeks had brought a degree of calmness and resignation to Elinor Wylie, and to Tibby varied experiences.

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

From this reading The autumnal days were nearly gone, and occasionally was felt the sharp tooth of the biting wind as it swept over the open prairie and drove the Westerner into his cabin, with a tingling warning in his ears that winter was soon to come.

an inhabitant of a western area; especially of the U.S.

From this reading The autumnal days were nearly gone, and occasionally was felt the sharp tooth of the biting wind as it swept over the open prairie and drove the Westerner into his cabin, with a tingling warning in his ears that winter was soon to come.

having great (or a certain) extent from one side to the other

From this reading “Now Autumn’s fire burns slowly along the woods, And day by day the dead leaves fall and melt, And night by night the monitor blast Wails in the keyhole, telling how it passed O’er empty fields, or upland solitudes, Or grim wide nave; and now the power is felt Of melancholy, tenderer in its moods Than any joy indulgent Summer dealt.”

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

From this reading The autumnal days were nearly gone, and occasionally was felt the sharp tooth of the biting wind as it swept over the open prairie and drove the Westerner into his cabin, with a tingling warning in his ears that winter was soon to come.

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

From this reading The autumnal days were nearly gone, and occasionally was felt the sharp tooth of the biting wind as it swept over the open prairie and drove the Westerner into his cabin, with a tingling warning in his ears that winter was soon to come.

in the company of; together with

From this reading The autumnal days were nearly gone, and occasionally was felt the sharp tooth of the biting wind as it swept over the open prairie and drove the Westerner into his cabin, with a tingling warning in his ears that winter was soon to come.

the trees and other plants in a large densely wooded area

From this reading “Now Autumn’s fire burns slowly along the woods, And day by day the dead leaves fall and melt, And night by night the monitor blast Wails in the keyhole, telling how it passed O’er empty fields, or upland solitudes, Or grim wide nave; and now the power is felt Of melancholy, tenderer in its moods Than any joy indulgent Summer dealt.”

used for something imagined, polite, or habitual in the past

From this reading Then again the sun would shine brightly and the soft graces and tints of Indian summer would brighten the landscape.

United States poet (1885-1928)

From this reading The weeks had brought a degree of calmness and resignation to Elinor Wylie, and to Tibby varied experiences.