Chapter I · Chapter 1

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

From this reading The last strain of the grand old Christmas hymn had just been warbled forth from the throats and hearts of a number of happy folks, who were seated around the blazing log one Christmas eve; and on the face of each one of that family circle the cheering light revealed the look of happiness; the young--happy in the present, and indulging in hopeful anticipations for the future; the old,--equally happy as the young, and revelling in many a darling memory of the past.

a record or narrative description of past events

From this reading "Oh dear, no! tell us a story, a true story--we shall be all the more delighted to know that we are listening to an account of what has really occurred.

(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 "Well, my pretty little niece," he replied, "I fear that I have exhausted all my store of ghosts and hobgoblins, and if I tell you a story now, it must be from the cold, stern world of fact, which, I fear, will be less interesting to you than the romantic fictions I have rehearsed on former occasions."

at all times; all the time and on every occasion

From this reading "Come, Uncle John!" said a bright-eyed, flaxen-haired beauty, over whose head not more than ten Christmas days had passed,--"Come, uncle, _do_ tell us a story; you know that we always expect one from you."

the form of “a” used before a word that begins with a vowel sound

From this reading "Oh dear, no! tell us a story, a true story--we shall be all the more delighted to know that we are listening to an account of what has really occurred.

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

From this reading The last strain of the grand old Christmas hymn had just been warbled forth from the throats and hearts of a number of happy folks, who were seated around the blazing log one Christmas eve; and on the face of each one of that family circle the cheering light revealed the look of happiness; the young--happy in the present, and indulging in hopeful anticipations for the future; the old,--equally happy as the young, and revelling in many a darling memory of the past.

plural of “anticipation” — an expectation

From this reading The last strain of the grand old Christmas hymn had just been warbled forth from the throats and hearts of a number of happy folks, who were seated around the blazing log one Christmas eve; and on the face of each one of that family circle the cheering light revealed the look of happiness; the young--happy in the present, and indulging in hopeful anticipations for the future; the old,--equally happy as the young, and revelling in many a darling memory of the past.

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

From this reading "Oh dear, no! tell us a story, a true story--we shall be all the more delighted to know that we are listening to an account of what has really occurred.

surrounding, or on every side of, something

From this reading The last strain of the grand old Christmas hymn had just been warbled forth from the throats and hearts of a number of happy folks, who were seated around the blazing log one Christmas eve; and on the face of each one of that family circle the cheering light revealed the look of happiness; the young--happy in the present, and indulging in hopeful anticipations for the future; the old,--equally happy as the young, and revelling in many a darling memory of the past.

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

From this reading The last strain of the grand old Christmas hymn had just been warbled forth from the throats and hearts of a number of happy folks, who were seated around the blazing log one Christmas eve; and on the face of each one of that family circle the cheering light revealed the look of happiness; the young--happy in the present, and indulging in hopeful anticipations for the future; the old,--equally happy as the young, and revelling in many a darling memory of the past.

in or near a particular place or position

From this reading Do begin at once, please".

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

From this reading "Well, my pretty little niece," he replied, "I fear that I have exhausted all my store of ghosts and hobgoblins, and if I tell you a story now, it must be from the cold, stern world of fact, which, I fear, will be less interesting to you than the romantic fictions I have rehearsed on former occasions."

the qualities that give pleasure to the senses

From this reading "Come, Uncle John!" said a bright-eyed, flaxen-haired beauty, over whose head not more than ten Christmas days had passed,--"Come, uncle, _do_ tell us a story; you know that we always expect one from you."

the past participle of “be”

From this reading The last strain of the grand old Christmas hymn had just been warbled forth from the throats and hearts of a number of happy folks, who were seated around the blazing log one Christmas eve; and on the face of each one of that family circle the cheering light revealed the look of happiness; the young--happy in the present, and indulging in hopeful anticipations for the future; the old,--equally happy as the young, and revelling in many a darling memory of the past.

take the first step or steps in carrying out an action

From this reading Do begin at once, please".

shining intensely

From this reading The last strain of the grand old Christmas hymn had just been warbled forth from the throats and hearts of a number of happy folks, who were seated around the blazing log one Christmas eve; and on the face of each one of that family circle the cheering light revealed the look of happiness; the young--happy in the present, and indulging in hopeful anticipations for the future; the old,--equally happy as the young, and revelling in many a darling memory of the past.

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

From this reading "Come, Uncle John!" said a bright-eyed, flaxen-haired beauty, over whose head not more than ten Christmas days had passed,--"Come, uncle, _do_ tell us a story; you know that we always expect one from you."

encouragement in the form of cheers from spectators

From this reading The last strain of the grand old Christmas hymn had just been warbled forth from the throats and hearts of a number of happy folks, who were seated around the blazing log one Christmas eve; and on the face of each one of that family circle the cheering light revealed the look of happiness; the young--happy in the present, and indulging in hopeful anticipations for the future; the old,--equally happy as the young, and revelling in many a darling memory of the past.

period extending from Dec. 24 to Jan. 6

From this reading The last strain of the grand old Christmas hymn had just been warbled forth from the throats and hearts of a number of happy folks, who were seated around the blazing log one Christmas eve; and on the face of each one of that family circle the cheering light revealed the look of happiness; the young--happy in the present, and indulging in hopeful anticipations for the future; the old,--equally happy as the young, and revelling in many a darling memory of the past.

ellipse in which the two axes are of equal length; a plane curve generated by one point moving at a constant distance from a fixed point

From this reading The last strain of the grand old Christmas hymn had just been warbled forth from the throats and hearts of a number of happy folks, who were seated around the blazing log one Christmas eve; and on the face of each one of that family circle the cheering light revealed the look of happiness; the young--happy in the present, and indulging in hopeful anticipations for the future; the old,--equally happy as the young, and revelling in many a darling memory of the past.

having a low or inadequate temperature or feeling a sensation of coldness or having been made cold by e.g. ice or refrigeration

From this reading "Well, my pretty little niece," he replied, "I fear that I have exhausted all my store of ghosts and hobgoblins, and if I tell you a story now, it must be from the cold, stern world of fact, which, I fear, will be less interesting to you than the romantic fictions I have rehearsed on former occasions."

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

From this reading "Come, Uncle John!" said a bright-eyed, flaxen-haired beauty, over whose head not more than ten Christmas days had passed,--"Come, uncle, _do_ tell us a story; you know that we always expect one from you."

a special loved one

From this reading The last strain of the grand old Christmas hymn had just been warbled forth from the throats and hearts of a number of happy folks, who were seated around the blazing log one Christmas eve; and on the face of each one of that family circle the cheering light revealed the look of happiness; the young--happy in the present, and indulging in hopeful anticipations for the future; the old,--equally happy as the young, and revelling in many a darling memory of the past.

the time during which someone's life continues

From this reading "Come, Uncle John!" said a bright-eyed, flaxen-haired beauty, over whose head not more than ten Christmas days had passed,--"Come, uncle, _do_ tell us a story; you know that we always expect one from you."

dearly loved

From this reading "Oh dear, no! tell us a story, a true story--we shall be all the more delighted to know that we are listening to an account of what has really occurred.

greatly pleased

From this reading "Oh dear, no! tell us a story, a true story--we shall be all the more delighted to know that we are listening to an account of what has really occurred.

used to form questions and negatives, and to give emphasis

From this reading "Come, Uncle John!" said a bright-eyed, flaxen-haired beauty, over whose head not more than ten Christmas days had passed,--"Come, uncle, _do_ tell us a story; you know that we always expect one from you."

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

From this reading The last strain of the grand old Christmas hymn had just been warbled forth from the throats and hearts of a number of happy folks, who were seated around the blazing log one Christmas eve; and on the face of each one of that family circle the cheering light revealed the look of happiness; the young--happy in the present, and indulging in hopeful anticipations for the future; the old,--equally happy as the young, and revelling in many a darling memory of the past.

to the same degree (often followed by “as”)

From this reading The last strain of the grand old Christmas hymn had just been warbled forth from the throats and hearts of a number of happy folks, who were seated around the blazing log one Christmas eve; and on the face of each one of that family circle the cheering light revealed the look of happiness; the young--happy in the present, and indulging in hopeful anticipations for the future; the old,--equally happy as the young, and revelling in many a darling memory of the past.

(Old Testament) Adam's wife in Judeo-Christian mythology: the first woman and mother of the human race; God created Eve from Adam's rib and placed Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden

From this reading The last strain of the grand old Christmas hymn had just been warbled forth from the throats and hearts of a number of happy folks, who were seated around the blazing log one Christmas eve; and on the face of each one of that family circle the cheering light revealed the look of happiness; the young--happy in the present, and indulging in hopeful anticipations for the future; the old,--equally happy as the young, and revelling in many a darling memory of the past.

drained of energy or effectiveness; extremely tired; completely exhausted

From this reading "Well, my pretty little niece," he replied, "I fear that I have exhausted all my store of ghosts and hobgoblins, and if I tell you a story now, it must be from the cold, stern world of fact, which, I fear, will be less interesting to you than the romantic fictions I have rehearsed on former occasions."

regard something as probable or likely

From this reading "Come, Uncle John!" said a bright-eyed, flaxen-haired beauty, over whose head not more than ten Christmas days had passed,--"Come, uncle, _do_ tell us a story; you know that we always expect one from you."

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

From this reading The last strain of the grand old Christmas hymn had just been warbled forth from the throats and hearts of a number of happy folks, who were seated around the blazing log one Christmas eve; and on the face of each one of that family circle the cheering light revealed the look of happiness; the young--happy in the present, and indulging in hopeful anticipations for the future; the old,--equally happy as the young, and revelling in many a darling memory of the past.

a piece of information about circumstances that exist or events that have occurred

From this reading "Well, my pretty little niece," he replied, "I fear that I have exhausted all my store of ghosts and hobgoblins, and if I tell you a story now, it must be from the cold, stern world of fact, which, I fear, will be less interesting to you than the romantic fictions I have rehearsed on former occasions."

a social unit living together

From this reading The last strain of the grand old Christmas hymn had just been warbled forth from the throats and hearts of a number of happy folks, who were seated around the blazing log one Christmas eve; and on the face of each one of that family circle the cheering light revealed the look of happiness; the young--happy in the present, and indulging in hopeful anticipations for the future; the old,--equally happy as the young, and revelling in many a darling memory of the past.

be afraid or feel anxious or apprehensive about a possible or probable situation or event

From this reading "Well, my pretty little niece," he replied, "I fear that I have exhausted all my store of ghosts and hobgoblins, and if I tell you a story now, it must be from the cold, stern world of fact, which, I fear, will be less interesting to you than the romantic fictions I have rehearsed on former occasions."

plural of “fiction” — a literary work based on the imagination and not necessarily on fact

From this reading "Well, my pretty little niece," he replied, "I fear that I have exhausted all my store of ghosts and hobgoblins, and if I tell you a story now, it must be from the cold, stern world of fact, which, I fear, will be less interesting to you than the romantic fictions I have rehearsed on former occasions."

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

From this reading "Come, Uncle John!" said a bright-eyed, flaxen-haired beauty, over whose head not more than ten Christmas days had passed,--"Come, uncle, _do_ tell us a story; you know that we always expect one from you."

your parents

From this reading The last strain of the grand old Christmas hymn had just been warbled forth from the throats and hearts of a number of happy folks, who were seated around the blazing log one Christmas eve; and on the face of each one of that family circle the cheering light revealed the look of happiness; the young--happy in the present, and indulging in hopeful anticipations for the future; the old,--equally happy as the young, and revelling in many a darling memory of the past.

intended to be given to, or used by, somebody

From this reading The last strain of the grand old Christmas hymn had just been warbled forth from the throats and hearts of a number of happy folks, who were seated around the blazing log one Christmas eve; and on the face of each one of that family circle the cheering light revealed the look of happiness; the young--happy in the present, and indulging in hopeful anticipations for the future; the old,--equally happy as the young, and revelling in many a darling memory of the past.

referring to the first of two things or persons mentioned (or the earlier one or ones of several)

From this reading "Well, my pretty little niece," he replied, "I fear that I have exhausted all my store of ghosts and hobgoblins, and if I tell you a story now, it must be from the cold, stern world of fact, which, I fear, will be less interesting to you than the romantic fictions I have rehearsed on former occasions."

from a particular thing or place or position (“forth” is obsolete)

From this reading The last strain of the grand old Christmas hymn had just been warbled forth from the throats and hearts of a number of happy folks, who were seated around the blazing log one Christmas eve; and on the face of each one of that family circle the cheering light revealed the look of happiness; the young--happy in the present, and indulging in hopeful anticipations for the future; the old,--equally happy as the young, and revelling in many a darling memory of the past.

showing where something starts, or who sent it

From this reading The last strain of the grand old Christmas hymn had just been warbled forth from the throats and hearts of a number of happy folks, who were seated around the blazing log one Christmas eve; and on the face of each one of that family circle the cheering light revealed the look of happiness; the young--happy in the present, and indulging in hopeful anticipations for the future; the old,--equally happy as the young, and revelling in many a darling memory of the past.

yet to be or coming

From this reading The last strain of the grand old Christmas hymn had just been warbled forth from the throats and hearts of a number of happy folks, who were seated around the blazing log one Christmas eve; and on the face of each one of that family circle the cheering light revealed the look of happiness; the young--happy in the present, and indulging in hopeful anticipations for the future; the old,--equally happy as the young, and revelling in many a darling memory of the past.

plural of “ghost” — a mental representation of some haunting experience

From this reading "Well, my pretty little niece," he replied, "I fear that I have exhausted all my store of ghosts and hobgoblins, and if I tell you a story now, it must be from the cold, stern world of fact, which, I fear, will be less interesting to you than the romantic fictions I have rehearsed on former occasions."

of behavior that is impressive and ambitious in scale or scope

From this reading The last strain of the grand old Christmas hymn had just been warbled forth from the throats and hearts of a number of happy folks, who were seated around the blazing log one Christmas eve; and on the face of each one of that family circle the cheering light revealed the look of happiness; the young--happy in the present, and indulging in hopeful anticipations for the future; the old,--equally happy as the young, and revelling in many a darling memory of the past.

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

From this reading The last strain of the grand old Christmas hymn had just been warbled forth from the throats and hearts of a number of happy folks, who were seated around the blazing log one Christmas eve; and on the face of each one of that family circle the cheering light revealed the look of happiness; the young--happy in the present, and indulging in hopeful anticipations for the future; the old,--equally happy as the young, and revelling in many a darling memory of the past.

state of well-being characterized by emotions ranging from contentment to intense joy

From this reading The last strain of the grand old Christmas hymn had just been warbled forth from the throats and hearts of a number of happy folks, who were seated around the blazing log one Christmas eve; and on the face of each one of that family circle the cheering light revealed the look of happiness; the young--happy in the present, and indulging in hopeful anticipations for the future; the old,--equally happy as the young, and revelling in many a darling memory of the past.

enjoying or showing or marked by joy or pleasure

From this reading The last strain of the grand old Christmas hymn had just been warbled forth from the throats and hearts of a number of happy folks, who were seated around the blazing log one Christmas eve; and on the face of each one of that family circle the cheering light revealed the look of happiness; the young--happy in the present, and indulging in hopeful anticipations for the future; the old,--equally happy as the young, and revelling in many a darling memory of the past.

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

From this reading "Oh dear, no! tell us a story, a true story--we shall be all the more delighted to know that we are listening to an account of what has really occurred.

used with a past participle to form the perfect tenses

From this reading "Well, my pretty little niece," he replied, "I fear that I have exhausted all my store of ghosts and hobgoblins, and if I tell you a story now, it must be from the cold, stern world of fact, which, I fear, will be less interesting to you than the romantic fictions I have rehearsed on former occasions."

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

From this reading "Well, my pretty little niece," he replied, "I fear that I have exhausted all my store of ghosts and hobgoblins, and if I tell you a story now, it must be from the cold, stern world of fact, which, I fear, will be less interesting to you than the romantic fictions I have rehearsed on former occasions."

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

From this reading "Come, Uncle John!" said a bright-eyed, flaxen-haired beauty, over whose head not more than ten Christmas days had passed,--"Come, uncle, _do_ tell us a story; you know that we always expect one from you."

a form of whist in which players avoid winning tricks containing hearts or the queen of spades

From this reading The last strain of the grand old Christmas hymn had just been warbled forth from the throats and hearts of a number of happy folks, who were seated around the blazing log one Christmas eve; and on the face of each one of that family circle the cheering light revealed the look of happiness; the young--happy in the present, and indulging in hopeful anticipations for the future; the old,--equally happy as the young, and revelling in many a darling memory of the past.

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

From this reading "Well, my pretty little niece," he replied, "I fear that I have exhausted all my store of ghosts and hobgoblins, and if I tell you a story now, it must be from the cold, stern world of fact, which, I fear, will be less interesting to you than the romantic fictions I have rehearsed on former occasions."

having or manifesting hope

From this reading The last strain of the grand old Christmas hymn had just been warbled forth from the throats and hearts of a number of happy folks, who were seated around the blazing log one Christmas eve; and on the face of each one of that family circle the cheering light revealed the look of happiness; the young--happy in the present, and indulging in hopeful anticipations for the future; the old,--equally happy as the young, and revelling in many a darling memory of the past.

a song of praise (to God or to a saint or to a nation)

From this reading The last strain of the grand old Christmas hymn had just been warbled forth from the throats and hearts of a number of happy folks, who were seated around the blazing log one Christmas eve; and on the face of each one of that family circle the cheering light revealed the look of happiness; the young--happy in the present, and indulging in hopeful anticipations for the future; the old,--equally happy as the young, and revelling in many a darling memory of the past.

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

From this reading "Well, my pretty little niece," he replied, "I fear that I have exhausted all my store of ghosts and hobgoblins, and if I tell you a story now, it must be from the cold, stern world of fact, which, I fear, will be less interesting to you than the romantic fictions I have rehearsed on former occasions."

on condition that; in the event that

From this reading "Well, my pretty little niece," he replied, "I fear that I have exhausted all my store of ghosts and hobgoblins, and if I tell you a story now, it must be from the cold, stern world of fact, which, I fear, will be less interesting to you than the romantic fictions I have rehearsed on former occasions."

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

From this reading The last strain of the grand old Christmas hymn had just been warbled forth from the throats and hearts of a number of happy folks, who were seated around the blazing log one Christmas eve; and on the face of each one of that family circle the cheering light revealed the look of happiness; the young--happy in the present, and indulging in hopeful anticipations for the future; the old,--equally happy as the young, and revelling in many a darling memory of the past.

the act of indulging or gratifying a desire

From this reading The last strain of the grand old Christmas hymn had just been warbled forth from the throats and hearts of a number of happy folks, who were seated around the blazing log one Christmas eve; and on the face of each one of that family circle the cheering light revealed the look of happiness; the young--happy in the present, and indulging in hopeful anticipations for the future; the old,--equally happy as the young, and revelling in many a darling memory of the past.

arousing or holding the attention

From this reading "Well, my pretty little niece," he replied, "I fear that I have exhausted all my store of ghosts and hobgoblins, and if I tell you a story now, it must be from the cold, stern world of fact, which, I fear, will be less interesting to you than the romantic fictions I have rehearsed on former occasions."

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading "Well, my pretty little niece," he replied, "I fear that I have exhausted all my store of ghosts and hobgoblins, and if I tell you a story now, it must be from the cold, stern world of fact, which, I fear, will be less interesting to you than the romantic fictions I have rehearsed on former occasions."

a room or building equipped with one or more toilets

From this reading "Come, Uncle John!" said a bright-eyed, flaxen-haired beauty, over whose head not more than ten Christmas days had passed,--"Come, uncle, _do_ tell us a story; you know that we always expect one from you."

and nothing more

From this reading The last strain of the grand old Christmas hymn had just been warbled forth from the throats and hearts of a number of happy folks, who were seated around the blazing log one Christmas eve; and on the face of each one of that family circle the cheering light revealed the look of happiness; the young--happy in the present, and indulging in hopeful anticipations for the future; the old,--equally happy as the young, and revelling in many a darling memory of the past.

be cognizant or aware of a fact or a specific piece of information; possess knowledge or information about

From this reading "Come, Uncle John!" said a bright-eyed, flaxen-haired beauty, over whose head not more than ten Christmas days had passed,--"Come, uncle, _do_ tell us a story; you know that we always expect one from you."

immediately past

From this reading The last strain of the grand old Christmas hymn had just been warbled forth from the throats and hearts of a number of happy folks, who were seated around the blazing log one Christmas eve; and on the face of each one of that family circle the cheering light revealed the look of happiness; the young--happy in the present, and indulging in hopeful anticipations for the future; the old,--equally happy as the young, and revelling in many a darling memory of the past.

used to form the comparative of some adjectives and adverbs

From this reading "Well, my pretty little niece," he replied, "I fear that I have exhausted all my store of ghosts and hobgoblins, and if I tell you a story now, it must be from the cold, stern world of fact, which, I fear, will be less interesting to you than the romantic fictions I have rehearsed on former occasions."

of comparatively little physical weight or density

From this reading The last strain of the grand old Christmas hymn had just been warbled forth from the throats and hearts of a number of happy folks, who were seated around the blazing log one Christmas eve; and on the face of each one of that family circle the cheering light revealed the look of happiness; the young--happy in the present, and indulging in hopeful anticipations for the future; the old,--equally happy as the young, and revelling in many a darling memory of the past.

the act of hearing attentively

From this reading "Oh dear, no! tell us a story, a true story--we shall be all the more delighted to know that we are listening to an account of what has really occurred.

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

From this reading "Well, my pretty little niece," he replied, "I fear that I have exhausted all my store of ghosts and hobgoblins, and if I tell you a story now, it must be from the cold, stern world of fact, which, I fear, will be less interesting to you than the romantic fictions I have rehearsed on former occasions."

enter into a log, as on ships and planes

From this reading The last strain of the grand old Christmas hymn had just been warbled forth from the throats and hearts of a number of happy folks, who were seated around the blazing log one Christmas eve; and on the face of each one of that family circle the cheering light revealed the look of happiness; the young--happy in the present, and indulging in hopeful anticipations for the future; the old,--equally happy as the young, and revelling in many a darling memory of the past.

perceive with attention; direct one's gaze towards

From this reading The last strain of the grand old Christmas hymn had just been warbled forth from the throats and hearts of a number of happy folks, who were seated around the blazing log one Christmas eve; and on the face of each one of that family circle the cheering light revealed the look of happiness; the young--happy in the present, and indulging in hopeful anticipations for the future; the old,--equally happy as the young, and revelling in many a darling memory of the past.

a quantifier that can be used with count nouns and is often preceded by “as” or “too” or “so” or “that”; amounting to a large but indefinite number

From this reading The last strain of the grand old Christmas hymn had just been warbled forth from the throats and hearts of a number of happy folks, who were seated around the blazing log one Christmas eve; and on the face of each one of that family circle the cheering light revealed the look of happiness; the young--happy in the present, and indulging in hopeful anticipations for the future; the old,--equally happy as the young, and revelling in many a darling memory of the past.

The faculty by which the mind stores and remembers information and knowledge.

From this reading The last strain of the grand old Christmas hymn had just been warbled forth from the throats and hearts of a number of happy folks, who were seated around the blazing log one Christmas eve; and on the face of each one of that family circle the cheering light revealed the look of happiness; the young--happy in the present, and indulging in hopeful anticipations for the future; the old,--equally happy as the young, and revelling in many a darling memory of the past.

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

From this reading "Come, Uncle John!" said a bright-eyed, flaxen-haired beauty, over whose head not more than ten Christmas days had passed,--"Come, uncle, _do_ tell us a story; you know that we always expect one from you."

used to say something is necessary, or almost certainly true

From this reading "Well, my pretty little niece," he replied, "I fear that I have exhausted all my store of ghosts and hobgoblins, and if I tell you a story now, it must be from the cold, stern world of fact, which, I fear, will be less interesting to you than the romantic fictions I have rehearsed on former occasions."

belonging to the person speaking

From this reading "Well, my pretty little niece," he replied, "I fear that I have exhausted all my store of ghosts and hobgoblins, and if I tell you a story now, it must be from the cold, stern world of fact, which, I fear, will be less interesting to you than the romantic fictions I have rehearsed on former occasions."

a daughter of your brother or sister

From this reading "Well, my pretty little niece," he replied, "I fear that I have exhausted all my store of ghosts and hobgoblins, and if I tell you a story now, it must be from the cold, stern world of fact, which, I fear, will be less interesting to you than the romantic fictions I have rehearsed on former occasions."

not any; not one

From this reading "Oh dear, no! tell us a story, a true story--we shall be all the more delighted to know that we are listening to an account of what has really occurred.

used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative

From this reading "Come, Uncle John!" said a bright-eyed, flaxen-haired beauty, over whose head not more than ten Christmas days had passed,--"Come, uncle, _do_ tell us a story; you know that we always expect one from you."

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

From this reading "Well, my pretty little niece," he replied, "I fear that I have exhausted all my store of ghosts and hobgoblins, and if I tell you a story now, it must be from the cold, stern world of fact, which, I fear, will be less interesting to you than the romantic fictions I have rehearsed on former occasions."

the property possessed by a sum or total or indefinite quantity of units or individuals

From this reading The last strain of the grand old Christmas hymn had just been warbled forth from the throats and hearts of a number of happy folks, who were seated around the blazing log one Christmas eve; and on the face of each one of that family circle the cheering light revealed the look of happiness; the young--happy in the present, and indulging in hopeful anticipations for the future; the old,--equally happy as the young, and revelling in many a darling memory of the past.

something you have to do

From this reading "Well, my pretty little niece," he replied, "I fear that I have exhausted all my store of ghosts and hobgoblins, and if I tell you a story now, it must be from the cold, stern world of fact, which, I fear, will be less interesting to you than the romantic fictions I have rehearsed on former occasions."

inflected form of “occur” — come to pass

From this reading "Oh dear, no! tell us a story, a true story--we shall be all the more delighted to know that we are listening to an account of what has really occurred.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading The last strain of the grand old Christmas hymn had just been warbled forth from the throats and hearts of a number of happy folks, who were seated around the blazing log one Christmas eve; and on the face of each one of that family circle the cheering light revealed the look of happiness; the young--happy in the present, and indulging in hopeful anticipations for the future; the old,--equally happy as the young, and revelling in many a darling memory of the past.

a midwestern state in north central United States in the Great Lakes region

From this reading "Oh dear, no! tell us a story, a true story--we shall be all the more delighted to know that we are listening to an account of what has really occurred.

(used especially of persons) having lived for a relatively long time or attained a specific age

From this reading The last strain of the grand old Christmas hymn had just been warbled forth from the throats and hearts of a number of happy folks, who were seated around the blazing log one Christmas eve; and on the face of each one of that family circle the cheering light revealed the look of happiness; the young--happy in the present, and indulging in hopeful anticipations for the future; the old,--equally happy as the young, and revelling in many a darling memory of the past.

touching and supported by a surface

From this reading The last strain of the grand old Christmas hymn had just been warbled forth from the throats and hearts of a number of happy folks, who were seated around the blazing log one Christmas eve; and on the face of each one of that family circle the cheering light revealed the look of happiness; the young--happy in the present, and indulging in hopeful anticipations for the future; the old,--equally happy as the young, and revelling in many a darling memory of the past.

on one occasion

From this reading Do begin at once, please".

used to mean any person in general, including the speaker

From this reading The last strain of the grand old Christmas hymn had just been warbled forth from the throats and hearts of a number of happy folks, who were seated around the blazing log one Christmas eve; and on the face of each one of that family circle the cheering light revealed the look of happiness; the young--happy in the present, and indulging in hopeful anticipations for the future; the old,--equally happy as the young, and revelling in many a darling memory of the past.

above and across; more than

From this reading "Come, Uncle John!" said a bright-eyed, flaxen-haired beauty, over whose head not more than ten Christmas days had passed,--"Come, uncle, _do_ tell us a story; you know that we always expect one from you."

past form of “pass” — go across or through

From this reading "Come, Uncle John!" said a bright-eyed, flaxen-haired beauty, over whose head not more than ten Christmas days had passed,--"Come, uncle, _do_ tell us a story; you know that we always expect one from you."

the time that has elapsed

From this reading The last strain of the grand old Christmas hymn had just been warbled forth from the throats and hearts of a number of happy folks, who were seated around the blazing log one Christmas eve; and on the face of each one of that family circle the cheering light revealed the look of happiness; the young--happy in the present, and indulging in hopeful anticipations for the future; the old,--equally happy as the young, and revelling in many a darling memory of the past.

give pleasure to or be pleasing to

From this reading Do begin at once, please".

give an exhibition of to an interested audience

From this reading The last strain of the grand old Christmas hymn had just been warbled forth from the throats and hearts of a number of happy folks, who were seated around the blazing log one Christmas eve; and on the face of each one of that family circle the cheering light revealed the look of happiness; the young--happy in the present, and indulging in hopeful anticipations for the future; the old,--equally happy as the young, and revelling in many a darling memory of the past.

pleasing by delicacy or grace; not imposing

From this reading "Well, my pretty little niece," he replied, "I fear that I have exhausted all my store of ghosts and hobgoblins, and if I tell you a story now, it must be from the cold, stern world of fact, which, I fear, will be less interesting to you than the romantic fictions I have rehearsed on former occasions."

in accordance with truth or fact or reality

From this reading "Oh dear, no! tell us a story, a true story--we shall be all the more delighted to know that we are listening to an account of what has really occurred.

past form of “rehearse” — engage in a rehearsal

From this reading "Well, my pretty little niece," he replied, "I fear that I have exhausted all my store of ghosts and hobgoblins, and if I tell you a story now, it must be from the cold, stern world of fact, which, I fear, will be less interesting to you than the romantic fictions I have rehearsed on former occasions."

inflected form of “reply” — react verbally

From this reading "Well, my pretty little niece," he replied, "I fear that I have exhausted all my store of ghosts and hobgoblins, and if I tell you a story now, it must be from the cold, stern world of fact, which, I fear, will be less interesting to you than the romantic fictions I have rehearsed on former occasions."

past form of “reveal” — make visible

From this reading The last strain of the grand old Christmas hymn had just been warbled forth from the throats and hearts of a number of happy folks, who were seated around the blazing log one Christmas eve; and on the face of each one of that family circle the cheering light revealed the look of happiness; the young--happy in the present, and indulging in hopeful anticipations for the future; the old,--equally happy as the young, and revelling in many a darling memory of the past.

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

From this reading The last strain of the grand old Christmas hymn had just been warbled forth from the throats and hearts of a number of happy folks, who were seated around the blazing log one Christmas eve; and on the face of each one of that family circle the cheering light revealed the look of happiness; the young--happy in the present, and indulging in hopeful anticipations for the future; the old,--equally happy as the young, and revelling in many a darling memory of the past.

belonging to or characteristic of Romanticism or the Romantic Movement in the arts

From this reading "Well, my pretty little niece," he replied, "I fear that I have exhausted all my store of ghosts and hobgoblins, and if I tell you a story now, it must be from the cold, stern world of fact, which, I fear, will be less interesting to you than the romantic fictions I have rehearsed on former occasions."

being the one previously mentioned or spoken of

From this reading "Come, Uncle John!" said a bright-eyed, flaxen-haired beauty, over whose head not more than ten Christmas days had passed,--"Come, uncle, _do_ tell us a story; you know that we always expect one from you."

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

From this reading The last strain of the grand old Christmas hymn had just been warbled forth from the throats and hearts of a number of happy folks, who were seated around the blazing log one Christmas eve; and on the face of each one of that family circle the cheering light revealed the look of happiness; the young--happy in the present, and indulging in hopeful anticipations for the future; the old,--equally happy as the young, and revelling in many a darling memory of the past.

used with I and we for the future, or to offer and suggest

From this reading "Oh dear, no! tell us a story, a true story--we shall be all the more delighted to know that we are listening to an account of what has really occurred.

of a stern or strict bearing or demeanor; forbidding in aspect

From this reading "Well, my pretty little niece," he replied, "I fear that I have exhausted all my store of ghosts and hobgoblins, and if I tell you a story now, it must be from the cold, stern world of fact, which, I fear, will be less interesting to you than the romantic fictions I have rehearsed on former occasions."

a mercantile establishment for the retail sale of goods or services

From this reading "Well, my pretty little niece," he replied, "I fear that I have exhausted all my store of ghosts and hobgoblins, and if I tell you a story now, it must be from the cold, stern world of fact, which, I fear, will be less interesting to you than the romantic fictions I have rehearsed on former occasions."

a message that tells the particulars of an act or occurrence or course of events; presented in writing or drama or cinema or as a radio or television program

From this reading "Come, Uncle John!" said a bright-eyed, flaxen-haired beauty, over whose head not more than ten Christmas days had passed,--"Come, uncle, _do_ tell us a story; you know that we always expect one from you."

(physics) deformation of a physical body under the action of applied forces

From this reading The last strain of the grand old Christmas hymn had just been warbled forth from the throats and hearts of a number of happy folks, who were seated around the blazing log one Christmas eve; and on the face of each one of that family circle the cheering light revealed the look of happiness; the young--happy in the present, and indulging in hopeful anticipations for the future; the old,--equally happy as the young, and revelling in many a darling memory of the past.

express in words

From this reading "Come, Uncle John!" said a bright-eyed, flaxen-haired beauty, over whose head not more than ten Christmas days had passed,--"Come, uncle, _do_ tell us a story; you know that we always expect one from you."

the cardinal number that is the sum of nine and one; the base of the decimal system

From this reading "Come, Uncle John!" said a bright-eyed, flaxen-haired beauty, over whose head not more than ten Christmas days had passed,--"Come, uncle, _do_ tell us a story; you know that we always expect one from you."

used to introduce the second part of a comparison

From this reading "Come, Uncle John!" said a bright-eyed, flaxen-haired beauty, over whose head not more than ten Christmas days had passed,--"Come, uncle, _do_ tell us a story; you know that we always expect one from you."

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading The last strain of the grand old Christmas hymn had just been warbled forth from the throats and hearts of a number of happy folks, who were seated around the blazing log one Christmas eve; and on the face of each one of that family circle the cheering light revealed the look of happiness; the young--happy in the present, and indulging in hopeful anticipations for the future; the old,--equally happy as the young, and revelling in many a darling memory of the past.

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

From this reading The last strain of the grand old Christmas hymn had just been warbled forth from the throats and hearts of a number of happy folks, who were seated around the blazing log one Christmas eve; and on the face of each one of that family circle the cheering light revealed the look of happiness; the young--happy in the present, and indulging in hopeful anticipations for the future; the old,--equally happy as the young, and revelling in many a darling memory of the past.

plural of “throat” — the passage to the stomach and lungs; in the front part of the neck below the chin and above the collarbone

From this reading The last strain of the grand old Christmas hymn had just been warbled forth from the throats and hearts of a number of happy folks, who were seated around the blazing log one Christmas eve; and on the face of each one of that family circle the cheering light revealed the look of happiness; the young--happy in the present, and indulging in hopeful anticipations for the future; the old,--equally happy as the young, and revelling in many a darling memory of the past.

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

From this reading "Well, my pretty little niece," he replied, "I fear that I have exhausted all my store of ghosts and hobgoblins, and if I tell you a story now, it must be from the cold, stern world of fact, which, I fear, will be less interesting to you than the romantic fictions I have rehearsed on former occasions."

consistent with fact or reality; not false

From this reading "Oh dear, no! tell us a story, a true story--we shall be all the more delighted to know that we are listening to an account of what has really occurred.

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

From this reading "Come, Uncle John!" said a bright-eyed, flaxen-haired beauty, over whose head not more than ten Christmas days had passed,--"Come, uncle, _do_ tell us a story; you know that we always expect one from you."

the speaker and others, as the object of a verb or preposition

From this reading "Come, Uncle John!" said a bright-eyed, flaxen-haired beauty, over whose head not more than ten Christmas days had passed,--"Come, uncle, _do_ tell us a story; you know that we always expect one from you."

past form of “warble” — sing or play with trills, alternating with the half note above or below

From this reading The last strain of the grand old Christmas hymn had just been warbled forth from the throats and hearts of a number of happy folks, who were seated around the blazing log one Christmas eve; and on the face of each one of that family circle the cheering light revealed the look of happiness; the young--happy in the present, and indulging in hopeful anticipations for the future; the old,--equally happy as the young, and revelling in many a darling memory of the past.

the speaker together with one or more other people

From this reading "Come, Uncle John!" said a bright-eyed, flaxen-haired beauty, over whose head not more than ten Christmas days had passed,--"Come, uncle, _do_ tell us a story; you know that we always expect one from you."

(often used as a combining form) in a good or proper or satisfactory manner or to a high standard (“good” is a nonstandard dialectal variant for “well”)

From this reading "Well, my pretty little niece," he replied, "I fear that I have exhausted all my store of ghosts and hobgoblins, and if I tell you a story now, it must be from the cold, stern world of fact, which, I fear, will be less interesting to you than the romantic fictions I have rehearsed on former occasions."

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

From this reading The last strain of the grand old Christmas hymn had just been warbled forth from the throats and hearts of a number of happy folks, who were seated around the blazing log one Christmas eve; and on the face of each one of that family circle the cheering light revealed the look of happiness; the young--happy in the present, and indulging in hopeful anticipations for the future; the old,--equally happy as the young, and revelling in many a darling memory of the past.

used to ask for information about something

From this reading "Oh dear, no! tell us a story, a true story--we shall be all the more delighted to know that we are listening to an account of what has really occurred.

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

From this reading "Well, my pretty little niece," he replied, "I fear that I have exhausted all my store of ghosts and hobgoblins, and if I tell you a story now, it must be from the cold, stern world of fact, which, I fear, will be less interesting to you than the romantic fictions I have rehearsed on former occasions."

which person or people

From this reading The last strain of the grand old Christmas hymn had just been warbled forth from the throats and hearts of a number of happy folks, who were seated around the blazing log one Christmas eve; and on the face of each one of that family circle the cheering light revealed the look of happiness; the young--happy in the present, and indulging in hopeful anticipations for the future; the old,--equally happy as the young, and revelling in many a darling memory of the past.

belonging to which person

From this reading "Come, Uncle John!" said a bright-eyed, flaxen-haired beauty, over whose head not more than ten Christmas days had passed,--"Come, uncle, _do_ tell us a story; you know that we always expect one from you."

used to talk about the future, or about willingness

From this reading "Well, my pretty little niece," he replied, "I fear that I have exhausted all my store of ghosts and hobgoblins, and if I tell you a story now, it must be from the cold, stern world of fact, which, I fear, will be less interesting to you than the romantic fictions I have rehearsed on former occasions."

everything that exists anywhere

From this reading "Well, my pretty little niece," he replied, "I fear that I have exhausted all my store of ghosts and hobgoblins, and if I tell you a story now, it must be from the cold, stern world of fact, which, I fear, will be less interesting to you than the romantic fictions I have rehearsed on former occasions."

the person or people being spoken to

From this reading "Come, Uncle John!" said a bright-eyed, flaxen-haired beauty, over whose head not more than ten Christmas days had passed,--"Come, uncle, _do_ tell us a story; you know that we always expect one from you."

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

From this reading The last strain of the grand old Christmas hymn had just been warbled forth from the throats and hearts of a number of happy folks, who were seated around the blazing log one Christmas eve; and on the face of each one of that family circle the cheering light revealed the look of happiness; the young--happy in the present, and indulging in hopeful anticipations for the future; the old,--equally happy as the young, and revelling in many a darling memory of the past.