Chapter I · Chapter 1

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

From this reading AUGUST 6, 1888.

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

From this reading AUGUST 6, 1888.

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

From this reading A sunny and a dark head, both bent over a much-befigured, much-besmeared slate, the small brows beneath the curls puckered,--the one in perplexity, the other with sympathy; opposite these two a third head whose carrotty hue betrayed it to be Jim's, although the face appertaining thereto was hidden from my view, as its owner, upon his hands and knees, also peered with interest at the slate.

commonly used or practiced; usual

From this reading To Allie and Daisy, however, it was a work of art, and left nothing to be desired, they having become accustomed to its vagaries.

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

From this reading To Allie and Daisy, however, it was a work of art, and left nothing to be desired, they having become accustomed to its vagaries.

in addition

From this reading A sunny and a dark head, both bent over a much-befigured, much-besmeared slate, the small brows beneath the curls puckered,--the one in perplexity, the other with sympathy; opposite these two a third head whose carrotty hue betrayed it to be Jim's, although the face appertaining thereto was hidden from my view, as its owner, upon his hands and knees, also peered with interest at the slate.

in spite of the fact that

From this reading A sunny and a dark head, both bent over a much-befigured, much-besmeared slate, the small brows beneath the curls puckered,--the one in perplexity, the other with sympathy; opposite these two a third head whose carrotty hue betrayed it to be Jim's, although the face appertaining thereto was hidden from my view, as its owner, upon his hands and knees, also peered with interest at the slate.

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

From this reading A sunny and a dark head, both bent over a much-befigured, much-besmeared slate, the small brows beneath the curls puckered,--the one in perplexity, the other with sympathy; opposite these two a third head whose carrotty hue betrayed it to be Jim's, although the face appertaining thereto was hidden from my view, as its owner, upon his hands and knees, also peered with interest at the slate.

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

From this reading A sunny and a dark head, both bent over a much-befigured, much-besmeared slate, the small brows beneath the curls puckered,--the one in perplexity, the other with sympathy; opposite these two a third head whose carrotty hue betrayed it to be Jim's, although the face appertaining thereto was hidden from my view, as its owner, upon his hands and knees, also peered with interest at the slate.

an old form of “are”, used with “thou”

From this reading To Allie and Daisy, however, it was a work of art, and left nothing to be desired, they having become accustomed to its vagaries.

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

From this reading A sunny and a dark head, both bent over a much-befigured, much-besmeared slate, the small brows beneath the curls puckered,--the one in perplexity, the other with sympathy; opposite these two a third head whose carrotty hue betrayed it to be Jim's, although the face appertaining thereto was hidden from my view, as its owner, upon his hands and knees, also peered with interest at the slate.

in or near a particular place or position

From this reading A sunny and a dark head, both bent over a much-befigured, much-besmeared slate, the small brows beneath the curls puckered,--the one in perplexity, the other with sympathy; opposite these two a third head whose carrotty hue betrayed it to be Jim's, although the face appertaining thereto was hidden from my view, as its owner, upon his hands and knees, also peered with interest at the slate.

floor consisting of open space at the top of a house just below roof; often used for storage

From this reading _Author of "The Bessie Books," "Uncle Rutherford's Attic," "Breakfast for Two," etc._ "For ruling wisely I should have small skill, Were I not lord of simple Dara still."

the month following July and preceding September

From this reading AUGUST 6, 1888.

writes (books or stories or articles or the like) professionally (for pay)

From this reading _Author of "The Bessie Books," "Uncle Rutherford's Attic," "Breakfast for Two," etc._ "For ruling wisely I should have small skill, Were I not lord of simple Dara still."

bring into balance or equilibrium

From this reading Wanderer, familiarly known as "Wand,"--the household dog, and the inseparable companion of my little sisters,--lay at their feet, as they sat upon a low rustic seat, manufactured for their special behoof by the devoted Jim; its chief characteristic being a tendency to upset, unless the occupant or occupants maintained the most exact balance, a seat not to be depended upon by the unwary or uninitiated, under penalty of a disagreeable surprise.

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

From this reading A sunny and a dark head, both bent over a much-befigured, much-besmeared slate, the small brows beneath the curls puckered,--the one in perplexity, the other with sympathy; opposite these two a third head whose carrotty hue betrayed it to be Jim's, although the face appertaining thereto was hidden from my view, as its owner, upon his hands and knees, also peered with interest at the slate.

enter or assume a certain state or condition

From this reading To Allie and Daisy, however, it was a work of art, and left nothing to be desired, they having become accustomed to its vagaries.

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

From this reading Wanderer, familiarly known as "Wand,"--the household dog, and the inseparable companion of my little sisters,--lay at their feet, as they sat upon a low rustic seat, manufactured for their special behoof by the devoted Jim; its chief characteristic being a tendency to upset, unless the occupant or occupants maintained the most exact balance, a seat not to be depended upon by the unwary or uninitiated, under penalty of a disagreeable surprise.

the -ing form of “be”

From this reading Wanderer, familiarly known as "Wand,"--the household dog, and the inseparable companion of my little sisters,--lay at their feet, as they sat upon a low rustic seat, manufactured for their special behoof by the devoted Jim; its chief characteristic being a tendency to upset, unless the occupant or occupants maintained the most exact balance, a seat not to be depended upon by the unwary or uninitiated, under penalty of a disagreeable surprise.

Directly under; in or to a lower position than.

From this reading A sunny and a dark head, both bent over a much-befigured, much-besmeared slate, the small brows beneath the curls puckered,--the one in perplexity, the other with sympathy; opposite these two a third head whose carrotty hue betrayed it to be Jim's, although the face appertaining thereto was hidden from my view, as its owner, upon his hands and knees, also peered with interest at the slate.

a relatively permanent inclination to react in a particular way

From this reading A sunny and a dark head, both bent over a much-befigured, much-besmeared slate, the small brows beneath the curls puckered,--the one in perplexity, the other with sympathy; opposite these two a third head whose carrotty hue betrayed it to be Jim's, although the face appertaining thereto was hidden from my view, as its owner, upon his hands and knees, also peered with interest at the slate.

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

From this reading _Author of "The Bessie Books," "Uncle Rutherford's Attic," "Breakfast for Two," etc._ "For ruling wisely I should have small skill, Were I not lord of simple Dara still."

past form of “betray” — reveal unintentionally

From this reading A sunny and a dark head, both bent over a much-befigured, much-besmeared slate, the small brows beneath the curls puckered,--the one in perplexity, the other with sympathy; opposite these two a third head whose carrotty hue betrayed it to be Jim's, although the face appertaining thereto was hidden from my view, as its owner, upon his hands and knees, also peered with interest at the slate.

Bound written or printed works.

From this reading _Author of "The Bessie Books," "Uncle Rutherford's Attic," "Breakfast for Two," etc._ "For ruling wisely I should have small skill, Were I not lord of simple Dara still."

the two together, not just one

From this reading A sunny and a dark head, both bent over a much-befigured, much-besmeared slate, the small brows beneath the curls puckered,--the one in perplexity, the other with sympathy; opposite these two a third head whose carrotty hue betrayed it to be Jim's, although the face appertaining thereto was hidden from my view, as its owner, upon his hands and knees, also peered with interest at the slate.

eat an early morning meal

From this reading _Author of "The Bessie Books," "Uncle Rutherford's Attic," "Breakfast for Two," etc._ "For ruling wisely I should have small skill, Were I not lord of simple Dara still."

plural of “brow” — the part of the face above the eyes

From this reading A sunny and a dark head, both bent over a much-befigured, much-besmeared slate, the small brows beneath the curls puckered,--the one in perplexity, the other with sympathy; opposite these two a third head whose carrotty hue betrayed it to be Jim's, although the face appertaining thereto was hidden from my view, as its owner, upon his hands and knees, also peered with interest at the slate.

showing who or what does the action

From this reading Wanderer, familiarly known as "Wand,"--the household dog, and the inseparable companion of my little sisters,--lay at their feet, as they sat upon a low rustic seat, manufactured for their special behoof by the devoted Jim; its chief characteristic being a tendency to upset, unless the occupant or occupants maintained the most exact balance, a seat not to be depended upon by the unwary or uninitiated, under penalty of a disagreeable surprise.

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

From this reading A sunny and a dark head, both bent over a much-befigured, much-besmeared slate, the small brows beneath the curls puckered,--the one in perplexity, the other with sympathy; opposite these two a third head whose carrotty hue betrayed it to be Jim's, although the face appertaining thereto was hidden from my view, as its owner, upon his hands and knees, also peered with interest at the slate.

a prominent attribute or aspect of something

From this reading Wanderer, familiarly known as "Wand,"--the household dog, and the inseparable companion of my little sisters,--lay at their feet, as they sat upon a low rustic seat, manufactured for their special behoof by the devoted Jim; its chief characteristic being a tendency to upset, unless the occupant or occupants maintained the most exact balance, a seat not to be depended upon by the unwary or uninitiated, under penalty of a disagreeable surprise.

a person who is in charge

From this reading Wanderer, familiarly known as "Wand,"--the household dog, and the inseparable companion of my little sisters,--lay at their feet, as they sat upon a low rustic seat, manufactured for their special behoof by the devoted Jim; its chief characteristic being a tendency to upset, unless the occupant or occupants maintained the most exact balance, a seat not to be depended upon by the unwary or uninitiated, under penalty of a disagreeable surprise.

a friend who is frequently in the company of another

From this reading Wanderer, familiarly known as "Wand,"--the household dog, and the inseparable companion of my little sisters,--lay at their feet, as they sat upon a low rustic seat, manufactured for their special behoof by the devoted Jim; its chief characteristic being a tendency to upset, unless the occupant or occupants maintained the most exact balance, a seat not to be depended upon by the unwary or uninitiated, under penalty of a disagreeable surprise.

plural of “curl” — a round shape formed by a series of concentric circles (as formed by leaves or flower petals)

From this reading A sunny and a dark head, both bent over a much-befigured, much-besmeared slate, the small brows beneath the curls puckered,--the one in perplexity, the other with sympathy; opposite these two a third head whose carrotty hue betrayed it to be Jim's, although the face appertaining thereto was hidden from my view, as its owner, upon his hands and knees, also peered with interest at the slate.

any of numerous composite plants having flower heads with well-developed ray flowers usually arranged in a single whorl

From this reading To Allie and Daisy, however, it was a work of art, and left nothing to be desired, they having become accustomed to its vagaries.

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

From this reading _Author of "The Bessie Books," "Uncle Rutherford's Attic," "Breakfast for Two," etc._ "For ruling wisely I should have small skill, Were I not lord of simple Dara still."

absence of light or illumination

From this reading A sunny and a dark head, both bent over a much-befigured, much-besmeared slate, the small brows beneath the curls puckered,--the one in perplexity, the other with sympathy; opposite these two a third head whose carrotty hue betrayed it to be Jim's, although the face appertaining thereto was hidden from my view, as its owner, upon his hands and knees, also peered with interest at the slate.

past form of “depend” — be contingent upon (something that is elided)

From this reading Wanderer, familiarly known as "Wand,"--the household dog, and the inseparable companion of my little sisters,--lay at their feet, as they sat upon a low rustic seat, manufactured for their special behoof by the devoted Jim; its chief characteristic being a tendency to upset, unless the occupant or occupants maintained the most exact balance, a seat not to be depended upon by the unwary or uninitiated, under penalty of a disagreeable surprise.

wanted intensely

From this reading To Allie and Daisy, however, it was a work of art, and left nothing to be desired, they having become accustomed to its vagaries.

zealous in devotion or affection

From this reading Wanderer, familiarly known as "Wand,"--the household dog, and the inseparable companion of my little sisters,--lay at their feet, as they sat upon a low rustic seat, manufactured for their special behoof by the devoted Jim; its chief characteristic being a tendency to upset, unless the occupant or occupants maintained the most exact balance, a seat not to be depended upon by the unwary or uninitiated, under penalty of a disagreeable surprise.

not to your liking

From this reading Wanderer, familiarly known as "Wand,"--the household dog, and the inseparable companion of my little sisters,--lay at their feet, as they sat upon a low rustic seat, manufactured for their special behoof by the devoted Jim; its chief characteristic being a tendency to upset, unless the occupant or occupants maintained the most exact balance, a seat not to be depended upon by the unwary or uninitiated, under penalty of a disagreeable surprise.

a member of the genus Canis (probably descended from the common wolf) that has been domesticated by man since prehistoric times; occurs in many breeds

From this reading Wanderer, familiarly known as "Wand,"--the household dog, and the inseparable companion of my little sisters,--lay at their feet, as they sat upon a low rustic seat, manufactured for their special behoof by the devoted Jim; its chief characteristic being a tendency to upset, unless the occupant or occupants maintained the most exact balance, a seat not to be depended upon by the unwary or uninitiated, under penalty of a disagreeable surprise.

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

From this reading _Author of "The Bessie Books," "Uncle Rutherford's Attic," "Breakfast for Two," etc._ "For ruling wisely I should have small skill, Were I not lord of simple Dara still."

Strictly particular and correct.

From this reading Wanderer, familiarly known as "Wand,"--the household dog, and the inseparable companion of my little sisters,--lay at their feet, as they sat upon a low rustic seat, manufactured for their special behoof by the devoted Jim; its chief characteristic being a tendency to upset, unless the occupant or occupants maintained the most exact balance, a seat not to be depended upon by the unwary or uninitiated, under penalty of a disagreeable surprise.

the front of the human head from the forehead to the chin and ear to ear

From this reading A sunny and a dark head, both bent over a much-befigured, much-besmeared slate, the small brows beneath the curls puckered,--the one in perplexity, the other with sympathy; opposite these two a third head whose carrotty hue betrayed it to be Jim's, although the face appertaining thereto was hidden from my view, as its owner, upon his hands and knees, also peered with interest at the slate.

in an intimately familiar manner

From this reading Wanderer, familiarly known as "Wand,"--the household dog, and the inseparable companion of my little sisters,--lay at their feet, as they sat upon a low rustic seat, manufactured for their special behoof by the devoted Jim; its chief characteristic being a tendency to upset, unless the occupant or occupants maintained the most exact balance, a seat not to be depended upon by the unwary or uninitiated, under penalty of a disagreeable surprise.

plural of “foot” — the part of the leg of a human being below the ankle joint

From this reading Wanderer, familiarly known as "Wand,"--the household dog, and the inseparable companion of my little sisters,--lay at their feet, as they sat upon a low rustic seat, manufactured for their special behoof by the devoted Jim; its chief characteristic being a tendency to upset, unless the occupant or occupants maintained the most exact balance, a seat not to be depended upon by the unwary or uninitiated, under penalty of a disagreeable surprise.

intended to be given to, or used by, somebody

From this reading _Author of "The Bessie Books," "Uncle Rutherford's Attic," "Breakfast for Two," etc._ "For ruling wisely I should have small skill, Were I not lord of simple Dara still."

showing where something starts, or who sent it

From this reading A sunny and a dark head, both bent over a much-befigured, much-besmeared slate, the small brows beneath the curls puckered,--the one in perplexity, the other with sympathy; opposite these two a third head whose carrotty hue betrayed it to be Jim's, although the face appertaining thereto was hidden from my view, as its owner, upon his hands and knees, also peered with interest at the slate.

(with “in”) guardianship over; in divorce cases it is the right to house and care for and discipline a child

From this reading A sunny and a dark head, both bent over a much-befigured, much-besmeared slate, the small brows beneath the curls puckered,--the one in perplexity, the other with sympathy; opposite these two a third head whose carrotty hue betrayed it to be Jim's, although the face appertaining thereto was hidden from my view, as its owner, upon his hands and knees, also peered with interest at the slate.

used with a past participle to form the perfect tenses

From this reading _Author of "The Bessie Books," "Uncle Rutherford's Attic," "Breakfast for Two," etc._ "For ruling wisely I should have small skill, Were I not lord of simple Dara still."

the -ing form of “have”

From this reading To Allie and Daisy, however, it was a work of art, and left nothing to be desired, they having become accustomed to its vagaries.

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

From this reading A sunny and a dark head, both bent over a much-befigured, much-besmeared slate, the small brows beneath the curls puckered,--the one in perplexity, the other with sympathy; opposite these two a third head whose carrotty hue betrayed it to be Jim's, although the face appertaining thereto was hidden from my view, as its owner, upon his hands and knees, also peered with interest at the slate.

not accessible to view

From this reading A sunny and a dark head, both bent over a much-befigured, much-besmeared slate, the small brows beneath the curls puckered,--the one in perplexity, the other with sympathy; opposite these two a third head whose carrotty hue betrayed it to be Jim's, although the face appertaining thereto was hidden from my view, as its owner, upon his hands and knees, also peered with interest at the slate.

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

From this reading A sunny and a dark head, both bent over a much-befigured, much-besmeared slate, the small brows beneath the curls puckered,--the one in perplexity, the other with sympathy; opposite these two a third head whose carrotty hue betrayed it to be Jim's, although the face appertaining thereto was hidden from my view, as its owner, upon his hands and knees, also peered with interest at the slate.

a social unit living together

From this reading Wanderer, familiarly known as "Wand,"--the household dog, and the inseparable companion of my little sisters,--lay at their feet, as they sat upon a low rustic seat, manufactured for their special behoof by the devoted Jim; its chief characteristic being a tendency to upset, unless the occupant or occupants maintained the most exact balance, a seat not to be depended upon by the unwary or uninitiated, under penalty of a disagreeable surprise.

used to add a contrasting statement

From this reading To Allie and Daisy, however, it was a work of art, and left nothing to be desired, they having become accustomed to its vagaries.

the quality of a color as determined by its dominant wavelength

From this reading A sunny and a dark head, both bent over a much-befigured, much-besmeared slate, the small brows beneath the curls puckered,--the one in perplexity, the other with sympathy; opposite these two a third head whose carrotty hue betrayed it to be Jim's, although the face appertaining thereto was hidden from my view, as its owner, upon his hands and knees, also peered with interest at the slate.

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

From this reading _Author of "The Bessie Books," "Uncle Rutherford's Attic," "Breakfast for Two," etc._ "For ruling wisely I should have small skill, Were I not lord of simple Dara still."

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

From this reading A sunny and a dark head, both bent over a much-befigured, much-besmeared slate, the small brows beneath the curls puckered,--the one in perplexity, the other with sympathy; opposite these two a third head whose carrotty hue betrayed it to be Jim's, although the face appertaining thereto was hidden from my view, as its owner, upon his hands and knees, also peered with interest at the slate.

not capable of being separated

From this reading Wanderer, familiarly known as "Wand,"--the household dog, and the inseparable companion of my little sisters,--lay at their feet, as they sat upon a low rustic seat, manufactured for their special behoof by the devoted Jim; its chief characteristic being a tendency to upset, unless the occupant or occupants maintained the most exact balance, a seat not to be depended upon by the unwary or uninitiated, under penalty of a disagreeable surprise.

a sense of concern with and curiosity about someone or something

From this reading A sunny and a dark head, both bent over a much-befigured, much-besmeared slate, the small brows beneath the curls puckered,--the one in perplexity, the other with sympathy; opposite these two a third head whose carrotty hue betrayed it to be Jim's, although the face appertaining thereto was hidden from my view, as its owner, upon his hands and knees, also peered with interest at the slate.

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading A sunny and a dark head, both bent over a much-befigured, much-besmeared slate, the small brows beneath the curls puckered,--the one in perplexity, the other with sympathy; opposite these two a third head whose carrotty hue betrayed it to be Jim's, although the face appertaining thereto was hidden from my view, as its owner, upon his hands and knees, also peered with interest at the slate.

belonging to the thing or animal already mentioned

From this reading A sunny and a dark head, both bent over a much-befigured, much-besmeared slate, the small brows beneath the curls puckered,--the one in perplexity, the other with sympathy; opposite these two a third head whose carrotty hue betrayed it to be Jim's, although the face appertaining thereto was hidden from my view, as its owner, upon his hands and knees, also peered with interest at the slate.

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

From this reading Wanderer, familiarly known as "Wand,"--the household dog, and the inseparable companion of my little sisters,--lay at their feet, as they sat upon a low rustic seat, manufactured for their special behoof by the devoted Jim; its chief characteristic being a tendency to upset, unless the occupant or occupants maintained the most exact balance, a seat not to be depended upon by the unwary or uninitiated, under penalty of a disagreeable surprise.

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

From this reading A sunny and a dark head, both bent over a much-befigured, much-besmeared slate, the small brows beneath the curls puckered,--the one in perplexity, the other with sympathy; opposite these two a third head whose carrotty hue betrayed it to be Jim's, although the face appertaining thereto was hidden from my view, as its owner, upon his hands and knees, also peered with interest at the slate.

plural of “knee” — hinge joint in the human leg connecting the tibia and fibula with the femur and protected in front by the patella

From this reading A sunny and a dark head, both bent over a much-befigured, much-besmeared slate, the small brows beneath the curls puckered,--the one in perplexity, the other with sympathy; opposite these two a third head whose carrotty hue betrayed it to be Jim's, although the face appertaining thereto was hidden from my view, as its owner, upon his hands and knees, also peered with interest at the slate.

apprehended with certainty

From this reading Wanderer, familiarly known as "Wand,"--the household dog, and the inseparable companion of my little sisters,--lay at their feet, as they sat upon a low rustic seat, manufactured for their special behoof by the devoted Jim; its chief characteristic being a tendency to upset, unless the occupant or occupants maintained the most exact balance, a seat not to be depended upon by the unwary or uninitiated, under penalty of a disagreeable surprise.

put into a certain place or abstract location

From this reading Wanderer, familiarly known as "Wand,"--the household dog, and the inseparable companion of my little sisters,--lay at their feet, as they sat upon a low rustic seat, manufactured for their special behoof by the devoted Jim; its chief characteristic being a tendency to upset, unless the occupant or occupants maintained the most exact balance, a seat not to be depended upon by the unwary or uninitiated, under penalty of a disagreeable surprise.

location near or direction toward the left side; i.e. the side to the north when a person or object faces east

From this reading To Allie and Daisy, however, it was a work of art, and left nothing to be desired, they having become accustomed to its vagaries.

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

From this reading Wanderer, familiarly known as "Wand,"--the household dog, and the inseparable companion of my little sisters,--lay at their feet, as they sat upon a low rustic seat, manufactured for their special behoof by the devoted Jim; its chief characteristic being a tendency to upset, unless the occupant or occupants maintained the most exact balance, a seat not to be depended upon by the unwary or uninitiated, under penalty of a disagreeable surprise.

terms referring to the Judeo-Christian God

From this reading _Author of "The Bessie Books," "Uncle Rutherford's Attic," "Breakfast for Two," etc._ "For ruling wisely I should have small skill, Were I not lord of simple Dara still."

less than normal in degree or intensity or amount

From this reading Wanderer, familiarly known as "Wand,"--the household dog, and the inseparable companion of my little sisters,--lay at their feet, as they sat upon a low rustic seat, manufactured for their special behoof by the devoted Jim; its chief characteristic being a tendency to upset, unless the occupant or occupants maintained the most exact balance, a seat not to be depended upon by the unwary or uninitiated, under penalty of a disagreeable surprise.

kept in good condition

From this reading Wanderer, familiarly known as "Wand,"--the household dog, and the inseparable companion of my little sisters,--lay at their feet, as they sat upon a low rustic seat, manufactured for their special behoof by the devoted Jim; its chief characteristic being a tendency to upset, unless the occupant or occupants maintained the most exact balance, a seat not to be depended upon by the unwary or uninitiated, under penalty of a disagreeable surprise.

produced in a large-scale industrial operation

From this reading Wanderer, familiarly known as "Wand,"--the household dog, and the inseparable companion of my little sisters,--lay at their feet, as they sat upon a low rustic seat, manufactured for their special behoof by the devoted Jim; its chief characteristic being a tendency to upset, unless the occupant or occupants maintained the most exact balance, a seat not to be depended upon by the unwary or uninitiated, under penalty of a disagreeable surprise.

used to form the superlative

From this reading Wanderer, familiarly known as "Wand,"--the household dog, and the inseparable companion of my little sisters,--lay at their feet, as they sat upon a low rustic seat, manufactured for their special behoof by the devoted Jim; its chief characteristic being a tendency to upset, unless the occupant or occupants maintained the most exact balance, a seat not to be depended upon by the unwary or uninitiated, under penalty of a disagreeable surprise.

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

From this reading A sunny and a dark head, both bent over a much-befigured, much-besmeared slate, the small brows beneath the curls puckered,--the one in perplexity, the other with sympathy; opposite these two a third head whose carrotty hue betrayed it to be Jim's, although the face appertaining thereto was hidden from my view, as its owner, upon his hands and knees, also peered with interest at the slate.

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

From this reading A sunny and a dark head, both bent over a much-befigured, much-besmeared slate, the small brows beneath the curls puckered,--the one in perplexity, the other with sympathy; opposite these two a third head whose carrotty hue betrayed it to be Jim's, although the face appertaining thereto was hidden from my view, as its owner, upon his hands and knees, also peered with interest at the slate.

belonging to the person speaking

From this reading A sunny and a dark head, both bent over a much-befigured, much-besmeared slate, the small brows beneath the curls puckered,--the one in perplexity, the other with sympathy; opposite these two a third head whose carrotty hue betrayed it to be Jim's, although the face appertaining thereto was hidden from my view, as its owner, upon his hands and knees, also peered with interest at the slate.

used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative

From this reading _Author of "The Bessie Books," "Uncle Rutherford's Attic," "Breakfast for Two," etc._ "For ruling wisely I should have small skill, Were I not lord of simple Dara still."

not one thing; not anything

From this reading To Allie and Daisy, however, it was a work of art, and left nothing to be desired, they having become accustomed to its vagaries.

someone who lives at a particular place for a prolonged period or who was born there

From this reading Wanderer, familiarly known as "Wand,"--the household dog, and the inseparable companion of my little sisters,--lay at their feet, as they sat upon a low rustic seat, manufactured for their special behoof by the devoted Jim; its chief characteristic being a tendency to upset, unless the occupant or occupants maintained the most exact balance, a seat not to be depended upon by the unwary or uninitiated, under penalty of a disagreeable surprise.

plural of “occupant” — someone who lives at a particular place for a prolonged period or who was born there

From this reading Wanderer, familiarly known as "Wand,"--the household dog, and the inseparable companion of my little sisters,--lay at their feet, as they sat upon a low rustic seat, manufactured for their special behoof by the devoted Jim; its chief characteristic being a tendency to upset, unless the occupant or occupants maintained the most exact balance, a seat not to be depended upon by the unwary or uninitiated, under penalty of a disagreeable surprise.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading _Author of "The Bessie Books," "Uncle Rutherford's Attic," "Breakfast for Two," etc._ "For ruling wisely I should have small skill, Were I not lord of simple Dara still."

used to mean any person in general, including the speaker

From this reading A sunny and a dark head, both bent over a much-befigured, much-besmeared slate, the small brows beneath the curls puckered,--the one in perplexity, the other with sympathy; opposite these two a third head whose carrotty hue betrayed it to be Jim's, although the face appertaining thereto was hidden from my view, as its owner, upon his hands and knees, also peered with interest at the slate.

being directly across from each other; facing

From this reading A sunny and a dark head, both bent over a much-befigured, much-besmeared slate, the small brows beneath the curls puckered,--the one in perplexity, the other with sympathy; opposite these two a third head whose carrotty hue betrayed it to be Jim's, although the face appertaining thereto was hidden from my view, as its owner, upon his hands and knees, also peered with interest at the slate.

used to join alternatives or possibilities

From this reading Wanderer, familiarly known as "Wand,"--the household dog, and the inseparable companion of my little sisters,--lay at their feet, as they sat upon a low rustic seat, manufactured for their special behoof by the devoted Jim; its chief characteristic being a tendency to upset, unless the occupant or occupants maintained the most exact balance, a seat not to be depended upon by the unwary or uninitiated, under penalty of a disagreeable surprise.

not the same one or ones already mentioned or implied

From this reading A sunny and a dark head, both bent over a much-befigured, much-besmeared slate, the small brows beneath the curls puckered,--the one in perplexity, the other with sympathy; opposite these two a third head whose carrotty hue betrayed it to be Jim's, although the face appertaining thereto was hidden from my view, as its owner, upon his hands and knees, also peered with interest at the slate.

above and across; more than

From this reading A sunny and a dark head, both bent over a much-befigured, much-besmeared slate, the small brows beneath the curls puckered,--the one in perplexity, the other with sympathy; opposite these two a third head whose carrotty hue betrayed it to be Jim's, although the face appertaining thereto was hidden from my view, as its owner, upon his hands and knees, also peered with interest at the slate.

(law) someone who owns (is legal possessor of) a business

From this reading A sunny and a dark head, both bent over a much-befigured, much-besmeared slate, the small brows beneath the curls puckered,--the one in perplexity, the other with sympathy; opposite these two a third head whose carrotty hue betrayed it to be Jim's, although the face appertaining thereto was hidden from my view, as its owner, upon his hands and knees, also peered with interest at the slate.

past form of “peer” — look searchingly

From this reading A sunny and a dark head, both bent over a much-befigured, much-besmeared slate, the small brows beneath the curls puckered,--the one in perplexity, the other with sympathy; opposite these two a third head whose carrotty hue betrayed it to be Jim's, although the face appertaining thereto was hidden from my view, as its owner, upon his hands and knees, also peered with interest at the slate.

the act of punishing

From this reading Wanderer, familiarly known as "Wand,"--the household dog, and the inseparable companion of my little sisters,--lay at their feet, as they sat upon a low rustic seat, manufactured for their special behoof by the devoted Jim; its chief characteristic being a tendency to upset, unless the occupant or occupants maintained the most exact balance, a seat not to be depended upon by the unwary or uninitiated, under penalty of a disagreeable surprise.

trouble or confusion resulting from complexity

From this reading A sunny and a dark head, both bent over a much-befigured, much-besmeared slate, the small brows beneath the curls puckered,--the one in perplexity, the other with sympathy; opposite these two a third head whose carrotty hue betrayed it to be Jim's, although the face appertaining thereto was hidden from my view, as its owner, upon his hands and knees, also peered with interest at the slate.

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

From this reading A sunny and a dark head, both bent over a much-befigured, much-besmeared slate, the small brows beneath the curls puckered,--the one in perplexity, the other with sympathy; opposite these two a third head whose carrotty hue betrayed it to be Jim's, although the face appertaining thereto was hidden from my view, as its owner, upon his hands and knees, also peered with interest at the slate.

the reason for a court's judgment (as opposed to the decision itself)

From this reading _Author of "The Bessie Books," "Uncle Rutherford's Attic," "Breakfast for Two," etc._ "For ruling wisely I should have small skill, Were I not lord of simple Dara still."

characteristic of rural life

From this reading Wanderer, familiarly known as "Wand,"--the household dog, and the inseparable companion of my little sisters,--lay at their feet, as they sat upon a low rustic seat, manufactured for their special behoof by the devoted Jim; its chief characteristic being a tendency to upset, unless the occupant or occupants maintained the most exact balance, a seat not to be depended upon by the unwary or uninitiated, under penalty of a disagreeable surprise.

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

From this reading _Author of "The Bessie Books," "Uncle Rutherford's Attic," "Breakfast for Two," etc._ "For ruling wisely I should have small skill, Were I not lord of simple Dara still."

the seventh and last day of the week; observed as the Sabbath by Jews and some Christians

From this reading Wanderer, familiarly known as "Wand,"--the household dog, and the inseparable companion of my little sisters,--lay at their feet, as they sat upon a low rustic seat, manufactured for their special behoof by the devoted Jim; its chief characteristic being a tendency to upset, unless the occupant or occupants maintained the most exact balance, a seat not to be depended upon by the unwary or uninitiated, under penalty of a disagreeable surprise.

a space reserved for sitting (as in a theater or on a train or airplane)

From this reading Wanderer, familiarly known as "Wand,"--the household dog, and the inseparable companion of my little sisters,--lay at their feet, as they sat upon a low rustic seat, manufactured for their special behoof by the devoted Jim; its chief characteristic being a tendency to upset, unless the occupant or occupants maintained the most exact balance, a seat not to be depended upon by the unwary or uninitiated, under penalty of a disagreeable surprise.

used to say what is right, expected, or advisable

From this reading _Author of "The Bessie Books," "Uncle Rutherford's Attic," "Breakfast for Two," etc._ "For ruling wisely I should have small skill, Were I not lord of simple Dara still."

having few parts; not complex or complicated or involved

From this reading _Author of "The Bessie Books," "Uncle Rutherford's Attic," "Breakfast for Two," etc._ "For ruling wisely I should have small skill, Were I not lord of simple Dara still."

plural of “sister” — a female person who has the same parents as another person

From this reading Wanderer, familiarly known as "Wand,"--the household dog, and the inseparable companion of my little sisters,--lay at their feet, as they sat upon a low rustic seat, manufactured for their special behoof by the devoted Jim; its chief characteristic being a tendency to upset, unless the occupant or occupants maintained the most exact balance, a seat not to be depended upon by the unwary or uninitiated, under penalty of a disagreeable surprise.

an ability that has been acquired by training

From this reading _Author of "The Bessie Books," "Uncle Rutherford's Attic," "Breakfast for Two," etc._ "For ruling wisely I should have small skill, Were I not lord of simple Dara still."

(formerly) a writing tablet made of slate

From this reading A sunny and a dark head, both bent over a much-befigured, much-besmeared slate, the small brows beneath the curls puckered,--the one in perplexity, the other with sympathy; opposite these two a third head whose carrotty hue betrayed it to be Jim's, although the face appertaining thereto was hidden from my view, as its owner, upon his hands and knees, also peered with interest at the slate.

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

From this reading _Author of "The Bessie Books," "Uncle Rutherford's Attic," "Breakfast for Two," etc._ "For ruling wisely I should have small skill, Were I not lord of simple Dara still."

unique or specific to a person or thing or category

From this reading Wanderer, familiarly known as "Wand,"--the household dog, and the inseparable companion of my little sisters,--lay at their feet, as they sat upon a low rustic seat, manufactured for their special behoof by the devoted Jim; its chief characteristic being a tendency to upset, unless the occupant or occupants maintained the most exact balance, a seat not to be depended upon by the unwary or uninitiated, under penalty of a disagreeable surprise.

not in physical motion

From this reading _Author of "The Bessie Books," "Uncle Rutherford's Attic," "Breakfast for Two," etc._ "For ruling wisely I should have small skill, Were I not lord of simple Dara still."

bright and pleasant; promoting a feeling of cheer

From this reading A sunny and a dark head, both bent over a much-befigured, much-besmeared slate, the small brows beneath the curls puckered,--the one in perplexity, the other with sympathy; opposite these two a third head whose carrotty hue betrayed it to be Jim's, although the face appertaining thereto was hidden from my view, as its owner, upon his hands and knees, also peered with interest at the slate.

the astonishment you feel when something totally unexpected happens to you

From this reading Wanderer, familiarly known as "Wand,"--the household dog, and the inseparable companion of my little sisters,--lay at their feet, as they sat upon a low rustic seat, manufactured for their special behoof by the devoted Jim; its chief characteristic being a tendency to upset, unless the occupant or occupants maintained the most exact balance, a seat not to be depended upon by the unwary or uninitiated, under penalty of a disagreeable surprise.

an inclination to support or be loyal to or to agree with an opinion

From this reading A sunny and a dark head, both bent over a much-befigured, much-besmeared slate, the small brows beneath the curls puckered,--the one in perplexity, the other with sympathy; opposite these two a third head whose carrotty hue betrayed it to be Jim's, although the face appertaining thereto was hidden from my view, as its owner, upon his hands and knees, also peered with interest at the slate.

an attitude of mind especially one that favors one alternative over others

From this reading Wanderer, familiarly known as "Wand,"--the household dog, and the inseparable companion of my little sisters,--lay at their feet, as they sat upon a low rustic seat, manufactured for their special behoof by the devoted Jim; its chief characteristic being a tendency to upset, unless the occupant or occupants maintained the most exact balance, a seat not to be depended upon by the unwary or uninitiated, under penalty of a disagreeable surprise.

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

From this reading _Author of "The Bessie Books," "Uncle Rutherford's Attic," "Breakfast for Two," etc._ "For ruling wisely I should have small skill, Were I not lord of simple Dara still."

belonging to the people or things already mentioned

From this reading Wanderer, familiarly known as "Wand,"--the household dog, and the inseparable companion of my little sisters,--lay at their feet, as they sat upon a low rustic seat, manufactured for their special behoof by the devoted Jim; its chief characteristic being a tendency to upset, unless the occupant or occupants maintained the most exact balance, a seat not to be depended upon by the unwary or uninitiated, under penalty of a disagreeable surprise.

to that

From this reading A sunny and a dark head, both bent over a much-befigured, much-besmeared slate, the small brows beneath the curls puckered,--the one in perplexity, the other with sympathy; opposite these two a third head whose carrotty hue betrayed it to be Jim's, although the face appertaining thereto was hidden from my view, as its owner, upon his hands and knees, also peered with interest at the slate.

the plural of “this”: the people or things near, or just mentioned

From this reading A sunny and a dark head, both bent over a much-befigured, much-besmeared slate, the small brows beneath the curls puckered,--the one in perplexity, the other with sympathy; opposite these two a third head whose carrotty hue betrayed it to be Jim's, although the face appertaining thereto was hidden from my view, as its owner, upon his hands and knees, also peered with interest at the slate.

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

From this reading Wanderer, familiarly known as "Wand,"--the household dog, and the inseparable companion of my little sisters,--lay at their feet, as they sat upon a low rustic seat, manufactured for their special behoof by the devoted Jim; its chief characteristic being a tendency to upset, unless the occupant or occupants maintained the most exact balance, a seat not to be depended upon by the unwary or uninitiated, under penalty of a disagreeable surprise.

one of three equal parts of a divisible whole

From this reading A sunny and a dark head, both bent over a much-befigured, much-besmeared slate, the small brows beneath the curls puckered,--the one in perplexity, the other with sympathy; opposite these two a third head whose carrotty hue betrayed it to be Jim's, although the face appertaining thereto was hidden from my view, as its owner, upon his hands and knees, also peered with interest at the slate.

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

From this reading A sunny and a dark head, both bent over a much-befigured, much-besmeared slate, the small brows beneath the curls puckered,--the one in perplexity, the other with sympathy; opposite these two a third head whose carrotty hue betrayed it to be Jim's, although the face appertaining thereto was hidden from my view, as its owner, upon his hands and knees, also peered with interest at the slate.

the cardinal number that is the sum of one and one or a numeral representing this number

From this reading _Author of "The Bessie Books," "Uncle Rutherford's Attic," "Breakfast for Two," etc._ "For ruling wisely I should have small skill, Were I not lord of simple Dara still."

the brother of your father or mother; the husband of your aunt

From this reading _Author of "The Bessie Books," "Uncle Rutherford's Attic," "Breakfast for Two," etc._ "For ruling wisely I should have small skill, Were I not lord of simple Dara still."

below or beneath something; less than

From this reading Wanderer, familiarly known as "Wand,"--the household dog, and the inseparable companion of my little sisters,--lay at their feet, as they sat upon a low rustic seat, manufactured for their special behoof by the devoted Jim; its chief characteristic being a tendency to upset, unless the occupant or occupants maintained the most exact balance, a seat not to be depended upon by the unwary or uninitiated, under penalty of a disagreeable surprise.

not initiated; deficient in relevant experience

From this reading Wanderer, familiarly known as "Wand,"--the household dog, and the inseparable companion of my little sisters,--lay at their feet, as they sat upon a low rustic seat, manufactured for their special behoof by the devoted Jim; its chief characteristic being a tendency to upset, unless the occupant or occupants maintained the most exact balance, a seat not to be depended upon by the unwary or uninitiated, under penalty of a disagreeable surprise.

except if; if not

From this reading Wanderer, familiarly known as "Wand,"--the household dog, and the inseparable companion of my little sisters,--lay at their feet, as they sat upon a low rustic seat, manufactured for their special behoof by the devoted Jim; its chief characteristic being a tendency to upset, unless the occupant or occupants maintained the most exact balance, a seat not to be depended upon by the unwary or uninitiated, under penalty of a disagreeable surprise.

not alert to danger or deception

From this reading Wanderer, familiarly known as "Wand,"--the household dog, and the inseparable companion of my little sisters,--lay at their feet, as they sat upon a low rustic seat, manufactured for their special behoof by the devoted Jim; its chief characteristic being a tendency to upset, unless the occupant or occupants maintained the most exact balance, a seat not to be depended upon by the unwary or uninitiated, under penalty of a disagreeable surprise.

a formal word for “on”

From this reading A sunny and a dark head, both bent over a much-befigured, much-besmeared slate, the small brows beneath the curls puckered,--the one in perplexity, the other with sympathy; opposite these two a third head whose carrotty hue betrayed it to be Jim's, although the face appertaining thereto was hidden from my view, as its owner, upon his hands and knees, also peered with interest at the slate.

disturb the balance or stability of

From this reading Wanderer, familiarly known as "Wand,"--the household dog, and the inseparable companion of my little sisters,--lay at their feet, as they sat upon a low rustic seat, manufactured for their special behoof by the devoted Jim; its chief characteristic being a tendency to upset, unless the occupant or occupants maintained the most exact balance, a seat not to be depended upon by the unwary or uninitiated, under penalty of a disagreeable surprise.

plural of “vagary” — an unexpected and inexplicable change in something (in a situation or a person's behavior, etc.)

From this reading To Allie and Daisy, however, it was a work of art, and left nothing to be desired, they having become accustomed to its vagaries.

a way of regarding situations or topics etc.

From this reading A sunny and a dark head, both bent over a much-befigured, much-besmeared slate, the small brows beneath the curls puckered,--the one in perplexity, the other with sympathy; opposite these two a third head whose carrotty hue betrayed it to be Jim's, although the face appertaining thereto was hidden from my view, as its owner, upon his hands and knees, also peered with interest at the slate.

a rod used by a magician or water diviner

From this reading Wanderer, familiarly known as "Wand,"--the household dog, and the inseparable companion of my little sisters,--lay at their feet, as they sat upon a low rustic seat, manufactured for their special behoof by the devoted Jim; its chief characteristic being a tendency to upset, unless the occupant or occupants maintained the most exact balance, a seat not to be depended upon by the unwary or uninitiated, under penalty of a disagreeable surprise.

someone who leads a wandering unsettled life

From this reading Wanderer, familiarly known as "Wand,"--the household dog, and the inseparable companion of my little sisters,--lay at their feet, as they sat upon a low rustic seat, manufactured for their special behoof by the devoted Jim; its chief characteristic being a tendency to upset, unless the occupant or occupants maintained the most exact balance, a seat not to be depended upon by the unwary or uninitiated, under penalty of a disagreeable surprise.

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

From this reading A sunny and a dark head, both bent over a much-befigured, much-besmeared slate, the small brows beneath the curls puckered,--the one in perplexity, the other with sympathy; opposite these two a third head whose carrotty hue betrayed it to be Jim's, although the face appertaining thereto was hidden from my view, as its owner, upon his hands and knees, also peered with interest at the slate.

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

From this reading _Author of "The Bessie Books," "Uncle Rutherford's Attic," "Breakfast for Two," etc._ "For ruling wisely I should have small skill, Were I not lord of simple Dara still."

belonging to which person

From this reading A sunny and a dark head, both bent over a much-befigured, much-besmeared slate, the small brows beneath the curls puckered,--the one in perplexity, the other with sympathy; opposite these two a third head whose carrotty hue betrayed it to be Jim's, although the face appertaining thereto was hidden from my view, as its owner, upon his hands and knees, also peered with interest at the slate.

in a wise manner

From this reading _Author of "The Bessie Books," "Uncle Rutherford's Attic," "Breakfast for Two," etc._ "For ruling wisely I should have small skill, Were I not lord of simple Dara still."

in the company of; together with

From this reading A sunny and a dark head, both bent over a much-befigured, much-besmeared slate, the small brows beneath the curls puckered,--the one in perplexity, the other with sympathy; opposite these two a third head whose carrotty hue betrayed it to be Jim's, although the face appertaining thereto was hidden from my view, as its owner, upon his hands and knees, also peered with interest at the slate.

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

From this reading To Allie and Daisy, however, it was a work of art, and left nothing to be desired, they having become accustomed to its vagaries.