Chapter IV · Chapter 4

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

From this reading It chanced that there was but one of them on duty in the wood that morning--a certain short, stalky little fellow whose name was Walter Skinner, and who was fond of speaking of himself as a king's man.

on the subject of; concerning

From this reading He was about the age of Humphrey, and though he was but a spy hired by Sir Thomas, he persisted in regarding himself as of great consequence and directly in the employ of the king.

how long something has existed

From this reading He was about the age of Humphrey, and though he was but a spy hired by Sir Thomas, he persisted in regarding himself as of great consequence and directly in the employ of the king.

affected manners intended to impress others

From this reading Formed by nature to make very little impression on the beholder, it was his practice to eke out what he lacked in importance by boasting, by taking on mysterious airs, and by dropping hints as to his connection with great personages and his knowledge of their plans.

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

From this reading The spies who kept watch on De Aldithely castle were four in number, and were hired by Sir Thomas De Lany, who had been commissioned by the king to capture Josceline in any manner that he could.

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

From this reading The spies who kept watch on De Aldithely castle were four in number, and were hired by Sir Thomas De Lany, who had been commissioned by the king to capture Josceline in any manner that he could.

one or some or every or all without specification

From this reading The spies who kept watch on De Aldithely castle were four in number, and were hired by Sir Thomas De Lany, who had been commissioned by the king to capture Josceline in any manner that he could.

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

From this reading It chanced that there was but one of them on duty in the wood that morning--a certain short, stalky little fellow whose name was Walter Skinner, and who was fond of speaking of himself as a king's man.

from a particular thing or place or position (“forth” is obsolete)

From this reading He was mounted in the top of a very tall tree in the edge of the wood, and he could hardly believe his eyes when, about nine o'clock, he saw Hugo and Humphrey issue from the postern gate, cross the bridge over the moat, and ride away into the wood, which they struck a quarter of a mile south of him.

the past participle of “be”

From this reading The spies who kept watch on De Aldithely castle were four in number, and were hired by Sir Thomas De Lany, who had been commissioned by the king to capture Josceline in any manner that he could.

a person who becomes aware (of things or events) through the senses

From this reading Formed by nature to make very little impression on the beholder, it was his practice to eke out what he lacked in importance by boasting, by taking on mysterious airs, and by dropping hints as to his connection with great personages and his knowledge of their plans.

accept as true; take to be true

From this reading He was mounted in the top of a very tall tree in the edge of the wood, and he could hardly believe his eyes when, about nine o'clock, he saw Hugo and Humphrey issue from the postern gate, cross the bridge over the moat, and ride away into the wood, which they struck a quarter of a mile south of him.

speaking of yourself in superlatives

From this reading Formed by nature to make very little impression on the beholder, it was his practice to eke out what he lacked in importance by boasting, by taking on mysterious airs, and by dropping hints as to his connection with great personages and his knowledge of their plans.

a structure that allows people or vehicles to cross an obstacle such as a river or canal or railway etc.

From this reading He was mounted in the top of a very tall tree in the edge of the wood, and he could hardly believe his eyes when, about nine o'clock, he saw Hugo and Humphrey issue from the postern gate, cross the bridge over the moat, and ride away into the wood, which they struck a quarter of a mile south of him.

used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before

From this reading It chanced that there was but one of them on duty in the wood that morning--a certain short, stalky little fellow whose name was Walter Skinner, and who was fond of speaking of himself as a king's man.

showing who or what does the action

From this reading The spies who kept watch on De Aldithely castle were four in number, and were hired by Sir Thomas De Lany, who had been commissioned by the king to capture Josceline in any manner that he could.

succeed in representing or expressing something intangible

From this reading The spies who kept watch on De Aldithely castle were four in number, and were hired by Sir Thomas De Lany, who had been commissioned by the king to capture Josceline in any manner that he could.

a large and stately mansion

From this reading The spies who kept watch on De Aldithely castle were four in number, and were hired by Sir Thomas De Lany, who had been commissioned by the king to capture Josceline in any manner that he could.

definite but not specified or identified

From this reading It chanced that there was but one of them on duty in the wood that morning--a certain short, stalky little fellow whose name was Walter Skinner, and who was fond of speaking of himself as a king's man.

past form of “chance” — be the case by chance

From this reading It chanced that there was but one of them on duty in the wood that morning--a certain short, stalky little fellow whose name was Walter Skinner, and who was fond of speaking of himself as a king's man.

(of military officers) holding by virtue of a commission a rank of second lieutenant or ensign or above

From this reading The spies who kept watch on De Aldithely castle were four in number, and were hired by Sir Thomas De Lany, who had been commissioned by the king to capture Josceline in any manner that he could.

a relation between things or events (as in the case of one causing the other or sharing features with it)

From this reading Formed by nature to make very little impression on the beholder, it was his practice to eke out what he lacked in importance by boasting, by taking on mysterious airs, and by dropping hints as to his connection with great personages and his knowledge of their plans.

a phenomenon that follows and is caused by some previous phenomenon

From this reading He was about the age of Humphrey, and though he was but a spy hired by Sir Thomas, he persisted in regarding himself as of great consequence and directly in the employ of the king.

the past of “can”; used for possibility or polite requests

From this reading The spies who kept watch on De Aldithely castle were four in number, and were hired by Sir Thomas De Lany, who had been commissioned by the king to capture Josceline in any manner that he could.

travel across or pass over

From this reading He was mounted in the top of a very tall tree in the edge of the wood, and he could hardly believe his eyes when, about nine o'clock, he saw Hugo and Humphrey issue from the postern gate, cross the bridge over the moat, and ride away into the wood, which they struck a quarter of a mile south of him.

a Mid-Atlantic state; one of the original 13 colonies

From this reading The spies who kept watch on De Aldithely castle were four in number, and were hired by Sir Thomas De Lany, who had been commissioned by the king to capture Josceline in any manner that he could.

without deviation

From this reading He was about the age of Humphrey, and though he was but a spy hired by Sir Thomas, he persisted in regarding himself as of great consequence and directly in the employ of the king.

coming down freely under the influence of gravity

From this reading Formed by nature to make very little impression on the beholder, it was his practice to eke out what he lacked in importance by boasting, by taking on mysterious airs, and by dropping hints as to his connection with great personages and his knowledge of their plans.

the social force that binds you to the courses of action demanded by that force

From this reading It chanced that there was but one of them on duty in the wood that morning--a certain short, stalky little fellow whose name was Walter Skinner, and who was fond of speaking of himself as a king's man.

the boundary of a surface

From this reading He was mounted in the top of a very tall tree in the edge of the wood, and he could hardly believe his eyes when, about nine o'clock, he saw Hugo and Humphrey issue from the postern gate, cross the bridge over the moat, and ride away into the wood, which they struck a quarter of a mile south of him.

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

From this reading Formed by nature to make very little impression on the beholder, it was his practice to eke out what he lacked in importance by boasting, by taking on mysterious airs, and by dropping hints as to his connection with great personages and his knowledge of their plans.

put into service; make work or employ for a particular purpose or for its inherent or natural purpose

From this reading He was about the age of Humphrey, and though he was but a spy hired by Sir Thomas, he persisted in regarding himself as of great consequence and directly in the employ of the king.

opinion or judgment

From this reading He was mounted in the top of a very tall tree in the edge of the wood, and he could hardly believe his eyes when, about nine o'clock, he saw Hugo and Humphrey issue from the postern gate, cross the bridge over the moat, and ride away into the wood, which they struck a quarter of a mile south of him.

a boy or man

From this reading It chanced that there was but one of them on duty in the wood that morning--a certain short, stalky little fellow whose name was Walter Skinner, and who was fond of speaking of himself as a king's man.

having or displaying warmth or affection

From this reading It chanced that there was but one of them on duty in the wood that morning--a certain short, stalky little fellow whose name was Walter Skinner, and who was fond of speaking of himself as a king's man.

having or given a form or shape

From this reading Formed by nature to make very little impression on the beholder, it was his practice to eke out what he lacked in importance by boasting, by taking on mysterious airs, and by dropping hints as to his connection with great personages and his knowledge of their plans.

the cardinal number that is the sum of three and one

From this reading The spies who kept watch on De Aldithely castle were four in number, and were hired by Sir Thomas De Lany, who had been commissioned by the king to capture Josceline in any manner that he could.

showing where something starts, or who sent it

From this reading He was mounted in the top of a very tall tree in the edge of the wood, and he could hardly believe his eyes when, about nine o'clock, he saw Hugo and Humphrey issue from the postern gate, cross the bridge over the moat, and ride away into the wood, which they struck a quarter of a mile south of him.

a movable barrier in a fence or wall

From this reading He was mounted in the top of a very tall tree in the edge of the wood, and he could hardly believe his eyes when, about nine o'clock, he saw Hugo and Humphrey issue from the postern gate, cross the bridge over the moat, and ride away into the wood, which they struck a quarter of a mile south of him.

relatively large in size or number or extent; larger than others of its kind

From this reading Formed by nature to make very little impression on the beholder, it was his practice to eke out what he lacked in importance by boasting, by taking on mysterious airs, and by dropping hints as to his connection with great personages and his knowledge of their plans.

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

From this reading The spies who kept watch on De Aldithely castle were four in number, and were hired by Sir Thomas De Lany, who had been commissioned by the king to capture Josceline in any manner that he could.

only a very short time before

From this reading He was mounted in the top of a very tall tree in the edge of the wood, and he could hardly believe his eyes when, about nine o'clock, he saw Hugo and Humphrey issue from the postern gate, cross the bridge over the moat, and ride away into the wood, which they struck a quarter of a mile south of him.

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

From this reading The spies who kept watch on De Aldithely castle were four in number, and were hired by Sir Thomas De Lany, who had been commissioned by the king to capture Josceline in any manner that he could.

the male already mentioned, as the object of a verb or preposition

From this reading He was mounted in the top of a very tall tree in the edge of the wood, and he could hardly believe his eyes when, about nine o'clock, he saw Hugo and Humphrey issue from the postern gate, cross the bridge over the moat, and ride away into the wood, which they struck a quarter of a mile south of him.

used when the man or boy doing the action is also its object

From this reading It chanced that there was but one of them on duty in the wood that morning--a certain short, stalky little fellow whose name was Walter Skinner, and who was fond of speaking of himself as a king's man.

plural of “hint” — an indirect suggestion

From this reading Formed by nature to make very little impression on the beholder, it was his practice to eke out what he lacked in importance by boasting, by taking on mysterious airs, and by dropping hints as to his connection with great personages and his knowledge of their plans.

having services engaged for a fee

From this reading The spies who kept watch on De Aldithely castle were four in number, and were hired by Sir Thomas De Lany, who had been commissioned by the king to capture Josceline in any manner that he could.

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

From this reading Formed by nature to make very little impression on the beholder, it was his practice to eke out what he lacked in importance by boasting, by taking on mysterious airs, and by dropping hints as to his connection with great personages and his knowledge of their plans.

French poet and novelist and dramatist; leader of the romantic movement in France (1802-1885)

From this reading He was mounted in the top of a very tall tree in the edge of the wood, and he could hardly believe his eyes when, about nine o'clock, he saw Hugo and Humphrey issue from the postern gate, cross the bridge over the moat, and ride away into the wood, which they struck a quarter of a mile south of him.

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

From this reading He was about the age of Humphrey, and though he was but a spy hired by Sir Thomas, he persisted in regarding himself as of great consequence and directly in the employ of the king.

the quality of being important and worthy of note

From this reading Formed by nature to make very little impression on the beholder, it was his practice to eke out what he lacked in importance by boasting, by taking on mysterious airs, and by dropping hints as to his connection with great personages and his knowledge of their plans.

a vague idea in which some confidence is placed

From this reading Formed by nature to make very little impression on the beholder, it was his practice to eke out what he lacked in importance by boasting, by taking on mysterious airs, and by dropping hints as to his connection with great personages and his knowledge of their plans.

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

From this reading The spies who kept watch on De Aldithely castle were four in number, and were hired by Sir Thomas De Lany, who had been commissioned by the king to capture Josceline in any manner that he could.

moving to the inside of something

From this reading He was mounted in the top of a very tall tree in the edge of the wood, and he could hardly believe his eyes when, about nine o'clock, he saw Hugo and Humphrey issue from the postern gate, cross the bridge over the moat, and ride away into the wood, which they struck a quarter of a mile south of him.

prepare and issue for public distribution or sale

From this reading He was mounted in the top of a very tall tree in the edge of the wood, and he could hardly believe his eyes when, about nine o'clock, he saw Hugo and Humphrey issue from the postern gate, cross the bridge over the moat, and ride away into the wood, which they struck a quarter of a mile south of him.

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading It chanced that there was but one of them on duty in the wood that morning--a certain short, stalky little fellow whose name was Walter Skinner, and who was fond of speaking of himself as a king's man.

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

From this reading The spies who kept watch on De Aldithely castle were four in number, and were hired by Sir Thomas De Lany, who had been commissioned by the king to capture Josceline in any manner that he could.

(especially of promises or contracts) not violated or disregarded

From this reading The spies who kept watch on De Aldithely castle were four in number, and were hired by Sir Thomas De Lany, who had been commissioned by the king to capture Josceline in any manner that he could.

a male sovereign; ruler of a kingdom

From this reading The spies who kept watch on De Aldithely castle were four in number, and were hired by Sir Thomas De Lany, who had been commissioned by the king to capture Josceline in any manner that he could.

possessive form of “king” — a male sovereign; ruler of a kingdom

From this reading It chanced that there was but one of them on duty in the wood that morning--a certain short, stalky little fellow whose name was Walter Skinner, and who was fond of speaking of himself as a king's man.

the psychological result of perception and learning and reasoning

From this reading Formed by nature to make very little impression on the beholder, it was his practice to eke out what he lacked in importance by boasting, by taking on mysterious airs, and by dropping hints as to his connection with great personages and his knowledge of their plans.

past form of “lack” — be without

From this reading Formed by nature to make very little impression on the beholder, it was his practice to eke out what he lacked in importance by boasting, by taking on mysterious airs, and by dropping hints as to his connection with great personages and his knowledge of their plans.

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

From this reading The spies who kept watch on De Aldithely castle were four in number, and were hired by Sir Thomas De Lany, who had been commissioned by the king to capture Josceline in any manner that he could.

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

From this reading It chanced that there was but one of them on duty in the wood that morning--a certain short, stalky little fellow whose name was Walter Skinner, and who was fond of speaking of himself as a king's man.

engage in

From this reading Formed by nature to make very little impression on the beholder, it was his practice to eke out what he lacked in importance by boasting, by taking on mysterious airs, and by dropping hints as to his connection with great personages and his knowledge of their plans.

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

From this reading It chanced that there was but one of them on duty in the wood that morning--a certain short, stalky little fellow whose name was Walter Skinner, and who was fond of speaking of himself as a king's man.

how something is done or how it happens

From this reading The spies who kept watch on De Aldithely castle were four in number, and were hired by Sir Thomas De Lany, who had been commissioned by the king to capture Josceline in any manner that he could.

a unit of length equal to 1,760 yards or 5,280 feet; exactly 1609.344 meters

From this reading He was mounted in the top of a very tall tree in the edge of the wood, and he could hardly believe his eyes when, about nine o'clock, he saw Hugo and Humphrey issue from the postern gate, cross the bridge over the moat, and ride away into the wood, which they struck a quarter of a mile south of him.

ditch dug as a fortification and usually filled with water

From this reading He was mounted in the top of a very tall tree in the edge of the wood, and he could hardly believe his eyes when, about nine o'clock, he saw Hugo and Humphrey issue from the postern gate, cross the bridge over the moat, and ride away into the wood, which they struck a quarter of a mile south of him.

the time period between dawn and noon

From this reading It chanced that there was but one of them on duty in the wood that morning--a certain short, stalky little fellow whose name was Walter Skinner, and who was fond of speaking of himself as a king's man.

assembled for use; especially by being attached to a support

From this reading He was mounted in the top of a very tall tree in the edge of the wood, and he could hardly believe his eyes when, about nine o'clock, he saw Hugo and Humphrey issue from the postern gate, cross the bridge over the moat, and ride away into the wood, which they struck a quarter of a mile south of him.

of an obscure nature

From this reading Formed by nature to make very little impression on the beholder, it was his practice to eke out what he lacked in importance by boasting, by taking on mysterious airs, and by dropping hints as to his connection with great personages and his knowledge of their plans.

assign a specified (usually proper) proper name to

From this reading It chanced that there was but one of them on duty in the wood that morning--a certain short, stalky little fellow whose name was Walter Skinner, and who was fond of speaking of himself as a king's man.

the essential qualities or characteristics by which something is recognized

From this reading Formed by nature to make very little impression on the beholder, it was his practice to eke out what he lacked in importance by boasting, by taking on mysterious airs, and by dropping hints as to his connection with great personages and his knowledge of their plans.

the cardinal number that is the sum of eight and one

From this reading He was mounted in the top of a very tall tree in the edge of the wood, and he could hardly believe his eyes when, about nine o'clock, he saw Hugo and Humphrey issue from the postern gate, cross the bridge over the moat, and ride away into the wood, which they struck a quarter of a mile south of him.

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

From this reading The spies who kept watch on De Aldithely castle were four in number, and were hired by Sir Thomas De Lany, who had been commissioned by the king to capture Josceline in any manner that he could.

according to the clock

From this reading He was mounted in the top of a very tall tree in the edge of the wood, and he could hardly believe his eyes when, about nine o'clock, he saw Hugo and Humphrey issue from the postern gate, cross the bridge over the moat, and ride away into the wood, which they struck a quarter of a mile south of him.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading It chanced that there was but one of them on duty in the wood that morning--a certain short, stalky little fellow whose name was Walter Skinner, and who was fond of speaking of himself as a king's man.

touching and supported by a surface

From this reading The spies who kept watch on De Aldithely castle were four in number, and were hired by Sir Thomas De Lany, who had been commissioned by the king to capture Josceline in any manner that he could.

used to mean any person in general, including the speaker

From this reading It chanced that there was but one of them on duty in the wood that morning--a certain short, stalky little fellow whose name was Walter Skinner, and who was fond of speaking of himself as a king's man.

not allowed to continue to bat or run

From this reading Formed by nature to make very little impression on the beholder, it was his practice to eke out what he lacked in importance by boasting, by taking on mysterious airs, and by dropping hints as to his connection with great personages and his knowledge of their plans.

above and across; more than

From this reading He was mounted in the top of a very tall tree in the edge of the wood, and he could hardly believe his eyes when, about nine o'clock, he saw Hugo and Humphrey issue from the postern gate, cross the bridge over the moat, and ride away into the wood, which they struck a quarter of a mile south of him.

past form of “persist” — continue to exist

From this reading He was about the age of Humphrey, and though he was but a spy hired by Sir Thomas, he persisted in regarding himself as of great consequence and directly in the employ of the king.

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

From this reading Formed by nature to make very little impression on the beholder, it was his practice to eke out what he lacked in importance by boasting, by taking on mysterious airs, and by dropping hints as to his connection with great personages and his knowledge of their plans.

plural of “plan” — a series of steps to be carried out or goals to be accomplished

From this reading Formed by nature to make very little impression on the beholder, it was his practice to eke out what he lacked in importance by boasting, by taking on mysterious airs, and by dropping hints as to his connection with great personages and his knowledge of their plans.

a small gate in the rear of a fort or castle

From this reading He was mounted in the top of a very tall tree in the edge of the wood, and he could hardly believe his eyes when, about nine o'clock, he saw Hugo and Humphrey issue from the postern gate, cross the bridge over the moat, and ride away into the wood, which they struck a quarter of a mile south of him.

a customary way of operation or behavior

From this reading Formed by nature to make very little impression on the beholder, it was his practice to eke out what he lacked in importance by boasting, by taking on mysterious airs, and by dropping hints as to his connection with great personages and his knowledge of their plans.

one of four equal parts

From this reading He was mounted in the top of a very tall tree in the edge of the wood, and he could hardly believe his eyes when, about nine o'clock, he saw Hugo and Humphrey issue from the postern gate, cross the bridge over the moat, and ride away into the wood, which they struck a quarter of a mile south of him.

-ing form of “regard” — deem to be

From this reading He was about the age of Humphrey, and though he was but a spy hired by Sir Thomas, he persisted in regarding himself as of great consequence and directly in the employ of the king.

sit and travel on the back of animal, usually while controlling its motions

From this reading He was mounted in the top of a very tall tree in the edge of the wood, and he could hardly believe his eyes when, about nine o'clock, he saw Hugo and Humphrey issue from the postern gate, cross the bridge over the moat, and ride away into the wood, which they struck a quarter of a mile south of him.

cut with a saw

From this reading He was mounted in the top of a very tall tree in the edge of the wood, and he could hardly believe his eyes when, about nine o'clock, he saw Hugo and Humphrey issue from the postern gate, cross the bridge over the moat, and ride away into the wood, which they struck a quarter of a mile south of him.

primarily temporal sense; indicating or being or seeming to be limited in duration

From this reading It chanced that there was but one of them on duty in the wood that morning--a certain short, stalky little fellow whose name was Walter Skinner, and who was fond of speaking of himself as a king's man.

term of address for a man

From this reading The spies who kept watch on De Aldithely castle were four in number, and were hired by Sir Thomas De Lany, who had been commissioned by the king to capture Josceline in any manner that he could.

United States actor (1858-1942)

From this reading It chanced that there was but one of them on duty in the wood that morning--a certain short, stalky little fellow whose name was Walter Skinner, and who was fond of speaking of himself as a king's man.

the region of the United States lying to the south of the Mason-Dixon line

From this reading He was mounted in the top of a very tall tree in the edge of the wood, and he could hardly believe his eyes when, about nine o'clock, he saw Hugo and Humphrey issue from the postern gate, cross the bridge over the moat, and ride away into the wood, which they struck a quarter of a mile south of him.

the utterance of intelligible speech

From this reading It chanced that there was but one of them on duty in the wood that morning--a certain short, stalky little fellow whose name was Walter Skinner, and who was fond of speaking of himself as a king's man.

plural of “spy” — (military) a secret agent hired by a state to obtain information about its enemies or by a business to obtain industrial secrets from competitors

From this reading The spies who kept watch on De Aldithely castle were four in number, and were hired by Sir Thomas De Lany, who had been commissioned by the king to capture Josceline in any manner that he could.

catch sight of

From this reading He was about the age of Humphrey, and though he was but a spy hired by Sir Thomas, he persisted in regarding himself as of great consequence and directly in the employ of the king.

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

From this reading It chanced that there was but one of them on duty in the wood that morning--a certain short, stalky little fellow whose name was Walter Skinner, and who was fond of speaking of himself as a king's man.

(used in combination) affected by something overwhelming

From this reading He was mounted in the top of a very tall tree in the edge of the wood, and he could hardly believe his eyes when, about nine o'clock, he saw Hugo and Humphrey issue from the postern gate, cross the bridge over the moat, and ride away into the wood, which they struck a quarter of a mile south of him.

the act of someone who picks up or takes something

From this reading Formed by nature to make very little impression on the beholder, it was his practice to eke out what he lacked in importance by boasting, by taking on mysterious airs, and by dropping hints as to his connection with great personages and his knowledge of their plans.

great in vertical dimension; high in stature

From this reading He was mounted in the top of a very tall tree in the edge of the wood, and he could hardly believe his eyes when, about nine o'clock, he saw Hugo and Humphrey issue from the postern gate, cross the bridge over the moat, and ride away into the wood, which they struck a quarter of a mile south of him.

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading The spies who kept watch on De Aldithely castle were four in number, and were hired by Sir Thomas De Lany, who had been commissioned by the king to capture Josceline in any manner that he could.

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

From this reading The spies who kept watch on De Aldithely castle were four in number, and were hired by Sir Thomas De Lany, who had been commissioned by the king to capture Josceline in any manner that he could.

belonging to the people or things already mentioned

From this reading Formed by nature to make very little impression on the beholder, it was his practice to eke out what he lacked in importance by boasting, by taking on mysterious airs, and by dropping hints as to his connection with great personages and his knowledge of their plans.

the people or things already mentioned, as the object

From this reading It chanced that there was but one of them on duty in the wood that morning--a certain short, stalky little fellow whose name was Walter Skinner, and who was fond of speaking of himself as a king's man.

in or at that place or location

From this reading It chanced that there was but one of them on duty in the wood that morning--a certain short, stalky little fellow whose name was Walter Skinner, and who was fond of speaking of himself as a king's man.

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

From this reading He was mounted in the top of a very tall tree in the edge of the wood, and he could hardly believe his eyes when, about nine o'clock, he saw Hugo and Humphrey issue from the postern gate, cross the bridge over the moat, and ride away into the wood, which they struck a quarter of a mile south of him.

United States clockmaker who introduced mass production (1785-1859)

From this reading The spies who kept watch on De Aldithely castle were four in number, and were hired by Sir Thomas De Lany, who had been commissioned by the king to capture Josceline in any manner that he could.

in spite of the fact that

From this reading He was about the age of Humphrey, and though he was but a spy hired by Sir Thomas, he persisted in regarding himself as of great consequence and directly in the employ of the king.

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

From this reading The spies who kept watch on De Aldithely castle were four in number, and were hired by Sir Thomas De Lany, who had been commissioned by the king to capture Josceline in any manner that he could.

the upper part of anything

From this reading He was mounted in the top of a very tall tree in the edge of the wood, and he could hardly believe his eyes when, about nine o'clock, he saw Hugo and Humphrey issue from the postern gate, cross the bridge over the moat, and ride away into the wood, which they struck a quarter of a mile south of him.

a tall perennial woody plant having a main trunk and branches forming a distinct elevated crown; includes both gymnosperms and angiosperms

From this reading He was mounted in the top of a very tall tree in the edge of the wood, and he could hardly believe his eyes when, about nine o'clock, he saw Hugo and Humphrey issue from the postern gate, cross the bridge over the moat, and ride away into the wood, which they struck a quarter of a mile south of him.

precisely as stated

From this reading Formed by nature to make very little impression on the beholder, it was his practice to eke out what he lacked in importance by boasting, by taking on mysterious airs, and by dropping hints as to his connection with great personages and his knowledge of their plans.

German conductor (1876-1962)

From this reading It chanced that there was but one of them on duty in the wood that morning--a certain short, stalky little fellow whose name was Walter Skinner, and who was fond of speaking of himself as a king's man.

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

From this reading It chanced that there was but one of them on duty in the wood that morning--a certain short, stalky little fellow whose name was Walter Skinner, and who was fond of speaking of himself as a king's man.

look attentively

From this reading The spies who kept watch on De Aldithely castle were four in number, and were hired by Sir Thomas De Lany, who had been commissioned by the king to capture Josceline in any manner that he could.

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

From this reading The spies who kept watch on De Aldithely castle were four in number, and were hired by Sir Thomas De Lany, who had been commissioned by the king to capture Josceline in any manner that he could.

used to ask for information about something

From this reading Formed by nature to make very little impression on the beholder, it was his practice to eke out what he lacked in importance by boasting, by taking on mysterious airs, and by dropping hints as to his connection with great personages and his knowledge of their plans.

at the time that

From this reading He was mounted in the top of a very tall tree in the edge of the wood, and he could hardly believe his eyes when, about nine o'clock, he saw Hugo and Humphrey issue from the postern gate, cross the bridge over the moat, and ride away into the wood, which they struck a quarter of a mile south of him.

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

From this reading He was mounted in the top of a very tall tree in the edge of the wood, and he could hardly believe his eyes when, about nine o'clock, he saw Hugo and Humphrey issue from the postern gate, cross the bridge over the moat, and ride away into the wood, which they struck a quarter of a mile south of him.

which person or people

From this reading The spies who kept watch on De Aldithely castle were four in number, and were hired by Sir Thomas De Lany, who had been commissioned by the king to capture Josceline in any manner that he could.

belonging to which person

From this reading It chanced that there was but one of them on duty in the wood that morning--a certain short, stalky little fellow whose name was Walter Skinner, and who was fond of speaking of himself as a king's man.

in the company of; together with

From this reading Formed by nature to make very little impression on the beholder, it was his practice to eke out what he lacked in importance by boasting, by taking on mysterious airs, and by dropping hints as to his connection with great personages and his knowledge of their plans.

the hard fibrous lignified substance under the bark of trees

From this reading It chanced that there was but one of them on duty in the wood that morning--a certain short, stalky little fellow whose name was Walter Skinner, and who was fond of speaking of himself as a king's man.