Chapter XV · Chapter 15

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

From this reading MERELY A HUMBLE INTERRUPTION AND ILLUSTRATION OF THE LAST Some peaceable afternoon when Mrs. Mesurier was enjoying a little doze on the parlour sofa, and her three elder daughters were snatching an hour or two from housework--they had already left school--for a little private reading, the drowsy house would suddenly be awakened by one loud wooden knock at the door.

the part of the day between noon and evening

From this reading MERELY A HUMBLE INTERRUPTION AND ILLUSTRATION OF THE LAST Some peaceable afternoon when Mrs. Mesurier was enjoying a little doze on the parlour sofa, and her three elder daughters were snatching an hour or two from housework--they had already left school--for a little private reading, the drowsy house would suddenly be awakened by one loud wooden knock at the door.

(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 He said it would be all right.

prior to a specified or implied time

From this reading MERELY A HUMBLE INTERRUPTION AND ILLUSTRATION OF THE LAST Some peaceable afternoon when Mrs. Mesurier was enjoying a little doze on the parlour sofa, and her three elder daughters were snatching an hour or two from housework--they had already left school--for a little private reading, the drowsy house would suddenly be awakened by one loud wooden knock at the door.

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

From this reading MERELY A HUMBLE INTERRUPTION AND ILLUSTRATION OF THE LAST Some peaceable afternoon when Mrs. Mesurier was enjoying a little doze on the parlour sofa, and her three elder daughters were snatching an hour or two from housework--they had already left school--for a little private reading, the drowsy house would suddenly be awakened by one loud wooden knock at the door.

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

From this reading MERELY A HUMBLE INTERRUPTION AND ILLUSTRATION OF THE LAST Some peaceable afternoon when Mrs. Mesurier was enjoying a little doze on the parlour sofa, and her three elder daughters were snatching an hour or two from housework--they had already left school--for a little private reading, the drowsy house would suddenly be awakened by one loud wooden knock at the door.

the verbal act of requesting

From this reading "Now, whoever can that be!" the three girls would impatiently exclaim; and presently the maid would come to Miss Esther to say that there was an old man at the door asking for Mrs. Mesurier.

in or near a particular place or position

From this reading MERELY A HUMBLE INTERRUPTION AND ILLUSTRATION OF THE LAST Some peaceable afternoon when Mrs. Mesurier was enjoying a little doze on the parlour sofa, and her three elder daughters were snatching an hour or two from housework--they had already left school--for a little private reading, the drowsy house would suddenly be awakened by one loud wooden knock at the door.

aroused or activated

From this reading MERELY A HUMBLE INTERRUPTION AND ILLUSTRATION OF THE LAST Some peaceable afternoon when Mrs. Mesurier was enjoying a little doze on the parlour sofa, and her three elder daughters were snatching an hour or two from housework--they had already left school--for a little private reading, the drowsy house would suddenly be awakened by one loud wooden knock at the door.

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

From this reading MERELY A HUMBLE INTERRUPTION AND ILLUSTRATION OF THE LAST Some peaceable afternoon when Mrs. Mesurier was enjoying a little doze on the parlour sofa, and her three elder daughters were snatching an hour or two from housework--they had already left school--for a little private reading, the drowsy house would suddenly be awakened by one loud wooden knock at the door.

showing who or what does the action

From this reading MERELY A HUMBLE INTERRUPTION AND ILLUSTRATION OF THE LAST Some peaceable afternoon when Mrs. Mesurier was enjoying a little doze on the parlour sofa, and her three elder daughters were snatching an hour or two from housework--they had already left school--for a little private reading, the drowsy house would suddenly be awakened by one loud wooden knock at the door.

to be able to, or to be allowed to

From this reading "Now, whoever can that be!" the three girls would impatiently exclaim; and presently the maid would come to Miss Esther to say that there was an old man at the door asking for Mrs. Mesurier.

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

From this reading "Now, whoever can that be!" the three girls would impatiently exclaim; and presently the maid would come to Miss Esther to say that there was an old man at the door asking for Mrs. Mesurier.

plural of “daughter” — a female human offspring

From this reading MERELY A HUMBLE INTERRUPTION AND ILLUSTRATION OF THE LAST Some peaceable afternoon when Mrs. Mesurier was enjoying a little doze on the parlour sofa, and her three elder daughters were snatching an hour or two from housework--they had already left school--for a little private reading, the drowsy house would suddenly be awakened by one loud wooden knock at the door.

a swinging or sliding barrier that will close the entrance to a room or building or vehicle

From this reading MERELY A HUMBLE INTERRUPTION AND ILLUSTRATION OF THE LAST Some peaceable afternoon when Mrs. Mesurier was enjoying a little doze on the parlour sofa, and her three elder daughters were snatching an hour or two from housework--they had already left school--for a little private reading, the drowsy house would suddenly be awakened by one loud wooden knock at the door.

sleep lightly or for a short period of time

From this reading MERELY A HUMBLE INTERRUPTION AND ILLUSTRATION OF THE LAST Some peaceable afternoon when Mrs. Mesurier was enjoying a little doze on the parlour sofa, and her three elder daughters were snatching an hour or two from housework--they had already left school--for a little private reading, the drowsy house would suddenly be awakened by one loud wooden knock at the door.

half asleep

From this reading MERELY A HUMBLE INTERRUPTION AND ILLUSTRATION OF THE LAST Some peaceable afternoon when Mrs. Mesurier was enjoying a little doze on the parlour sofa, and her three elder daughters were snatching an hour or two from housework--they had already left school--for a little private reading, the drowsy house would suddenly be awakened by one loud wooden knock at the door.

a person who is older than you are

From this reading MERELY A HUMBLE INTERRUPTION AND ILLUSTRATION OF THE LAST Some peaceable afternoon when Mrs. Mesurier was enjoying a little doze on the parlour sofa, and her three elder daughters were snatching an hour or two from housework--they had already left school--for a little private reading, the drowsy house would suddenly be awakened by one loud wooden knock at the door.

-ing form of “enjoy” — derive or receive pleasure from; get enjoyment from; take pleasure in

From this reading MERELY A HUMBLE INTERRUPTION AND ILLUSTRATION OF THE LAST Some peaceable afternoon when Mrs. Mesurier was enjoying a little doze on the parlour sofa, and her three elder daughters were snatching an hour or two from housework--they had already left school--for a little private reading, the drowsy house would suddenly be awakened by one loud wooden knock at the door.

(Old Testament) a beautiful Jewess chosen by the king of Persia to be his queen; she stopped a plot to massacre all the Jews in Persia (an event celebrated by Jews as the feast of Purim)

From this reading "Now, whoever can that be!" the three girls would impatiently exclaim; and presently the maid would come to Miss Esther to say that there was an old man at the door asking for Mrs. Mesurier.

utter aloud; often with surprise, horror, or joy

From this reading "Now, whoever can that be!" the three girls would impatiently exclaim; and presently the maid would come to Miss Esther to say that there was an old man at the door asking for Mrs. Mesurier.

intended to be given to, or used by, somebody

From this reading MERELY A HUMBLE INTERRUPTION AND ILLUSTRATION OF THE LAST Some peaceable afternoon when Mrs. Mesurier was enjoying a little doze on the parlour sofa, and her three elder daughters were snatching an hour or two from housework--they had already left school--for a little private reading, the drowsy house would suddenly be awakened by one loud wooden knock at the door.

showing where something starts, or who sent it

From this reading MERELY A HUMBLE INTERRUPTION AND ILLUSTRATION OF THE LAST Some peaceable afternoon when Mrs. Mesurier was enjoying a little doze on the parlour sofa, and her three elder daughters were snatching an hour or two from housework--they had already left school--for a little private reading, the drowsy house would suddenly be awakened by one loud wooden knock at the door.

plural of “girl” — a young female

From this reading "Now, whoever can that be!" the three girls would impatiently exclaim; and presently the maid would come to Miss Esther to say that there was an old man at the door asking for Mrs. Mesurier.

cause to have, in the abstract sense or physical sense

From this reading "He wouldn't give it, miss.

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

From this reading MERELY A HUMBLE INTERRUPTION AND ILLUSTRATION OF THE LAST Some peaceable afternoon when Mrs. Mesurier was enjoying a little doze on the parlour sofa, and her three elder daughters were snatching an hour or two from housework--they had already left school--for a little private reading, the drowsy house would suddenly be awakened by one loud wooden knock at the door.

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

From this reading "He wouldn't give it, miss.

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

From this reading MERELY A HUMBLE INTERRUPTION AND ILLUSTRATION OF THE LAST Some peaceable afternoon when Mrs. Mesurier was enjoying a little doze on the parlour sofa, and her three elder daughters were snatching an hour or two from housework--they had already left school--for a little private reading, the drowsy house would suddenly be awakened by one loud wooden knock at the door.

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

From this reading "What's his name, Jane?"

a period of time equal to 1/24th of a day

From this reading MERELY A HUMBLE INTERRUPTION AND ILLUSTRATION OF THE LAST Some peaceable afternoon when Mrs. Mesurier was enjoying a little doze on the parlour sofa, and her three elder daughters were snatching an hour or two from housework--they had already left school--for a little private reading, the drowsy house would suddenly be awakened by one loud wooden knock at the door.

a dwelling that serves as living quarters for one or more families

From this reading MERELY A HUMBLE INTERRUPTION AND ILLUSTRATION OF THE LAST Some peaceable afternoon when Mrs. Mesurier was enjoying a little doze on the parlour sofa, and her three elder daughters were snatching an hour or two from housework--they had already left school--for a little private reading, the drowsy house would suddenly be awakened by one loud wooden knock at the door.

the work of cleaning and running a house

From this reading MERELY A HUMBLE INTERRUPTION AND ILLUSTRATION OF THE LAST Some peaceable afternoon when Mrs. Mesurier was enjoying a little doze on the parlour sofa, and her three elder daughters were snatching an hour or two from housework--they had already left school--for a little private reading, the drowsy house would suddenly be awakened by one loud wooden knock at the door.

low or inferior in station or quality

From this reading MERELY A HUMBLE INTERRUPTION AND ILLUSTRATION OF THE LAST Some peaceable afternoon when Mrs. Mesurier was enjoying a little doze on the parlour sofa, and her three elder daughters were snatching an hour or two from housework--they had already left school--for a little private reading, the drowsy house would suddenly be awakened by one loud wooden knock at the door.

artwork that helps make something clear or attractive

From this reading MERELY A HUMBLE INTERRUPTION AND ILLUSTRATION OF THE LAST Some peaceable afternoon when Mrs. Mesurier was enjoying a little doze on the parlour sofa, and her three elder daughters were snatching an hour or two from housework--they had already left school--for a little private reading, the drowsy house would suddenly be awakened by one loud wooden knock at the door.

with impatience; in an impatient manner

From this reading "Now, whoever can that be!" the three girls would impatiently exclaim; and presently the maid would come to Miss Esther to say that there was an old man at the door asking for Mrs. Mesurier.

an act of delaying or interrupting the continuity

From this reading MERELY A HUMBLE INTERRUPTION AND ILLUSTRATION OF THE LAST Some peaceable afternoon when Mrs. Mesurier was enjoying a little doze on the parlour sofa, and her three elder daughters were snatching an hour or two from housework--they had already left school--for a little private reading, the drowsy house would suddenly be awakened by one loud wooden knock at the door.

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading "He wouldn't give it, miss.

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

From this reading "What's his name, Jane?"

deliver a sharp blow or push

From this reading MERELY A HUMBLE INTERRUPTION AND ILLUSTRATION OF THE LAST Some peaceable afternoon when Mrs. Mesurier was enjoying a little doze on the parlour sofa, and her three elder daughters were snatching an hour or two from housework--they had already left school--for a little private reading, the drowsy house would suddenly be awakened by one loud wooden knock at the door.

immediately past

From this reading MERELY A HUMBLE INTERRUPTION AND ILLUSTRATION OF THE LAST Some peaceable afternoon when Mrs. Mesurier was enjoying a little doze on the parlour sofa, and her three elder daughters were snatching an hour or two from housework--they had already left school--for a little private reading, the drowsy house would suddenly be awakened by one loud wooden knock at the door.

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 MERELY A HUMBLE INTERRUPTION AND ILLUSTRATION OF THE LAST Some peaceable afternoon when Mrs. Mesurier was enjoying a little doze on the parlour sofa, and her three elder daughters were snatching an hour or two from housework--they had already left school--for a little private reading, the drowsy house would suddenly be awakened by one loud wooden knock at the door.

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

From this reading MERELY A HUMBLE INTERRUPTION AND ILLUSTRATION OF THE LAST Some peaceable afternoon when Mrs. Mesurier was enjoying a little doze on the parlour sofa, and her three elder daughters were snatching an hour or two from housework--they had already left school--for a little private reading, the drowsy house would suddenly be awakened by one loud wooden knock at the door.

characterized by or producing sound of great volume or intensity

From this reading MERELY A HUMBLE INTERRUPTION AND ILLUSTRATION OF THE LAST Some peaceable afternoon when Mrs. Mesurier was enjoying a little doze on the parlour sofa, and her three elder daughters were snatching an hour or two from housework--they had already left school--for a little private reading, the drowsy house would suddenly be awakened by one loud wooden knock at the door.

a female domestic

From this reading "Now, whoever can that be!" the three girls would impatiently exclaim; and presently the maid would come to Miss Esther to say that there was an old man at the door asking for Mrs. Mesurier.

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

From this reading "Now, whoever can that be!" the three girls would impatiently exclaim; and presently the maid would come to Miss Esther to say that there was an old man at the door asking for Mrs. Mesurier.

and nothing more

From this reading MERELY A HUMBLE INTERRUPTION AND ILLUSTRATION OF THE LAST Some peaceable afternoon when Mrs. Mesurier was enjoying a little doze on the parlour sofa, and her three elder daughters were snatching an hour or two from housework--they had already left school--for a little private reading, the drowsy house would suddenly be awakened by one loud wooden knock at the door.

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

From this reading MERELY A HUMBLE INTERRUPTION AND ILLUSTRATION OF THE LAST Some peaceable afternoon when Mrs. Mesurier was enjoying a little doze on the parlour sofa, and her three elder daughters were snatching an hour or two from housework--they had already left school--for a little private reading, the drowsy house would suddenly be awakened by one loud wooden knock at the door.

fail to perceive or to catch with the senses or the mind

From this reading "Now, whoever can that be!" the three girls would impatiently exclaim; and presently the maid would come to Miss Esther to say that there was an old man at the door asking for Mrs. Mesurier.

a form of address for a married woman

From this reading MERELY A HUMBLE INTERRUPTION AND ILLUSTRATION OF THE LAST Some peaceable afternoon when Mrs. Mesurier was enjoying a little doze on the parlour sofa, and her three elder daughters were snatching an hour or two from housework--they had already left school--for a little private reading, the drowsy house would suddenly be awakened by one loud wooden knock at the door.

assign a specified (usually proper) proper name to

From this reading "What's his name, Jane?"

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

From this reading "Now, whoever can that be!" the three girls would impatiently exclaim; and presently the maid would come to Miss Esther to say that there was an old man at the door asking for Mrs. Mesurier.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading MERELY A HUMBLE INTERRUPTION AND ILLUSTRATION OF THE LAST Some peaceable afternoon when Mrs. Mesurier was enjoying a little doze on the parlour sofa, and her three elder daughters were snatching an hour or two from housework--they had already left school--for a little private reading, the drowsy house would suddenly be awakened by one loud wooden knock at the door.

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

From this reading "Now, whoever can that be!" the three girls would impatiently exclaim; and presently the maid would come to Miss Esther to say that there was an old man at the door asking for Mrs. Mesurier.

touching and supported by a surface

From this reading MERELY A HUMBLE INTERRUPTION AND ILLUSTRATION OF THE LAST Some peaceable afternoon when Mrs. Mesurier was enjoying a little doze on the parlour sofa, and her three elder daughters were snatching an hour or two from housework--they had already left school--for a little private reading, the drowsy house would suddenly be awakened by one loud wooden knock at the door.

used to mean any person in general, including the speaker

From this reading MERELY A HUMBLE INTERRUPTION AND ILLUSTRATION OF THE LAST Some peaceable afternoon when Mrs. Mesurier was enjoying a little doze on the parlour sofa, and her three elder daughters were snatching an hour or two from housework--they had already left school--for a little private reading, the drowsy house would suddenly be awakened by one loud wooden knock at the door.

used to join alternatives or possibilities

From this reading MERELY A HUMBLE INTERRUPTION AND ILLUSTRATION OF THE LAST Some peaceable afternoon when Mrs. Mesurier was enjoying a little doze on the parlour sofa, and her three elder daughters were snatching an hour or two from housework--they had already left school--for a little private reading, the drowsy house would suddenly be awakened by one loud wooden knock at the door.

reception room in an inn or club where visitors can be received

From this reading MERELY A HUMBLE INTERRUPTION AND ILLUSTRATION OF THE LAST Some peaceable afternoon when Mrs. Mesurier was enjoying a little doze on the parlour sofa, and her three elder daughters were snatching an hour or two from housework--they had already left school--for a little private reading, the drowsy house would suddenly be awakened by one loud wooden knock at the door.

inclined or disposed to peace

From this reading MERELY A HUMBLE INTERRUPTION AND ILLUSTRATION OF THE LAST Some peaceable afternoon when Mrs. Mesurier was enjoying a little doze on the parlour sofa, and her three elder daughters were snatching an hour or two from housework--they had already left school--for a little private reading, the drowsy house would suddenly be awakened by one loud wooden knock at the door.

in the near future

From this reading "Now, whoever can that be!" the three girls would impatiently exclaim; and presently the maid would come to Miss Esther to say that there was an old man at the door asking for Mrs. Mesurier.

confined to particular persons or groups or providing privacy

From this reading MERELY A HUMBLE INTERRUPTION AND ILLUSTRATION OF THE LAST Some peaceable afternoon when Mrs. Mesurier was enjoying a little doze on the parlour sofa, and her three elder daughters were snatching an hour or two from housework--they had already left school--for a little private reading, the drowsy house would suddenly be awakened by one loud wooden knock at the door.

the cognitive process of understanding a written linguistic message

From this reading MERELY A HUMBLE INTERRUPTION AND ILLUSTRATION OF THE LAST Some peaceable afternoon when Mrs. Mesurier was enjoying a little doze on the parlour sofa, and her three elder daughters were snatching an hour or two from housework--they had already left school--for a little private reading, the drowsy house would suddenly be awakened by one loud wooden knock at the door.

precisely, exactly

From this reading He said it would be all right.

being the one previously mentioned or spoken of

From this reading He said it would be all right.

express in words

From this reading "Now, whoever can that be!" the three girls would impatiently exclaim; and presently the maid would come to Miss Esther to say that there was an old man at the door asking for Mrs. Mesurier.

an educational institution

From this reading MERELY A HUMBLE INTERRUPTION AND ILLUSTRATION OF THE LAST Some peaceable afternoon when Mrs. Mesurier was enjoying a little doze on the parlour sofa, and her three elder daughters were snatching an hour or two from housework--they had already left school--for a little private reading, the drowsy house would suddenly be awakened by one loud wooden knock at the door.

-ing form of “snatch” — to grasp hastily or eagerly

From this reading MERELY A HUMBLE INTERRUPTION AND ILLUSTRATION OF THE LAST Some peaceable afternoon when Mrs. Mesurier was enjoying a little doze on the parlour sofa, and her three elder daughters were snatching an hour or two from housework--they had already left school--for a little private reading, the drowsy house would suddenly be awakened by one loud wooden knock at the door.

an upholstered seat for more than one person

From this reading MERELY A HUMBLE INTERRUPTION AND ILLUSTRATION OF THE LAST Some peaceable afternoon when Mrs. Mesurier was enjoying a little doze on the parlour sofa, and her three elder daughters were snatching an hour or two from housework--they had already left school--for a little private reading, the drowsy house would suddenly be awakened by one loud wooden knock at the door.

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

From this reading MERELY A HUMBLE INTERRUPTION AND ILLUSTRATION OF THE LAST Some peaceable afternoon when Mrs. Mesurier was enjoying a little doze on the parlour sofa, and her three elder daughters were snatching an hour or two from housework--they had already left school--for a little private reading, the drowsy house would suddenly be awakened by one loud wooden knock at the door.

happening unexpectedly

From this reading MERELY A HUMBLE INTERRUPTION AND ILLUSTRATION OF THE LAST Some peaceable afternoon when Mrs. Mesurier was enjoying a little doze on the parlour sofa, and her three elder daughters were snatching an hour or two from housework--they had already left school--for a little private reading, the drowsy house would suddenly be awakened by one loud wooden knock at the door.

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading "Now, whoever can that be!" the three girls would impatiently exclaim; and presently the maid would come to Miss Esther to say that there was an old man at the door asking for Mrs. Mesurier.

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

From this reading MERELY A HUMBLE INTERRUPTION AND ILLUSTRATION OF THE LAST Some peaceable afternoon when Mrs. Mesurier was enjoying a little doze on the parlour sofa, and her three elder daughters were snatching an hour or two from housework--they had already left school--for a little private reading, the drowsy house would suddenly be awakened by one loud wooden knock at the door.

in or at that place or location

From this reading "Now, whoever can that be!" the three girls would impatiently exclaim; and presently the maid would come to Miss Esther to say that there was an old man at the door asking for Mrs. Mesurier.

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

From this reading MERELY A HUMBLE INTERRUPTION AND ILLUSTRATION OF THE LAST Some peaceable afternoon when Mrs. Mesurier was enjoying a little doze on the parlour sofa, and her three elder daughters were snatching an hour or two from housework--they had already left school--for a little private reading, the drowsy house would suddenly be awakened by one loud wooden knock at the door.

the cardinal number that is the sum of one and one and one

From this reading MERELY A HUMBLE INTERRUPTION AND ILLUSTRATION OF THE LAST Some peaceable afternoon when Mrs. Mesurier was enjoying a little doze on the parlour sofa, and her three elder daughters were snatching an hour or two from housework--they had already left school--for a little private reading, the drowsy house would suddenly be awakened by one loud wooden knock at the door.

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

From this reading "Now, whoever can that be!" the three girls would impatiently exclaim; and presently the maid would come to Miss Esther to say that there was an old man at the door asking for Mrs. Mesurier.

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

From this reading MERELY A HUMBLE INTERRUPTION AND ILLUSTRATION OF THE LAST Some peaceable afternoon when Mrs. Mesurier was enjoying a little doze on the parlour sofa, and her three elder daughters were snatching an hour or two from housework--they had already left school--for a little private reading, the drowsy house would suddenly be awakened by one loud wooden knock at the door.

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

From this reading MERELY A HUMBLE INTERRUPTION AND ILLUSTRATION OF THE LAST Some peaceable afternoon when Mrs. Mesurier was enjoying a little doze on the parlour sofa, and her three elder daughters were snatching an hour or two from housework--they had already left school--for a little private reading, the drowsy house would suddenly be awakened by one loud wooden knock at the door.

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

From this reading MERELY A HUMBLE INTERRUPTION AND ILLUSTRATION OF THE LAST Some peaceable afternoon when Mrs. Mesurier was enjoying a little doze on the parlour sofa, and her three elder daughters were snatching an hour or two from housework--they had already left school--for a little private reading, the drowsy house would suddenly be awakened by one loud wooden knock at the door.

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

From this reading "What's his name, Jane?"

at the time that

From this reading MERELY A HUMBLE INTERRUPTION AND ILLUSTRATION OF THE LAST Some peaceable afternoon when Mrs. Mesurier was enjoying a little doze on the parlour sofa, and her three elder daughters were snatching an hour or two from housework--they had already left school--for a little private reading, the drowsy house would suddenly be awakened by one loud wooden knock at the door.

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

From this reading "Now, whoever can that be!" the three girls would impatiently exclaim; and presently the maid would come to Miss Esther to say that there was an old man at the door asking for Mrs. Mesurier.

made or consisting of (entirely or in part) or employing wood

From this reading MERELY A HUMBLE INTERRUPTION AND ILLUSTRATION OF THE LAST Some peaceable afternoon when Mrs. Mesurier was enjoying a little doze on the parlour sofa, and her three elder daughters were snatching an hour or two from housework--they had already left school--for a little private reading, the drowsy house would suddenly be awakened by one loud wooden knock at the door.

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

From this reading MERELY A HUMBLE INTERRUPTION AND ILLUSTRATION OF THE LAST Some peaceable afternoon when Mrs. Mesurier was enjoying a little doze on the parlour sofa, and her three elder daughters were snatching an hour or two from housework--they had already left school--for a little private reading, the drowsy house would suddenly be awakened by one loud wooden knock at the door.

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

From this reading "He wouldn't give it, miss.