Chapter IX · Chapter 9

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

From this reading Ossian In 1760 appeared the first installment of MacPherson's "Ossian."[1] Among those who received it with the greatest curiosity and delight was Gray, who had recently been helping Mason with criticisms on his "Caractacus," published in 1759.

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

From this reading Ossian In 1760 appeared the first installment of MacPherson's "Ossian."[1] Among those who received it with the greatest curiosity and delight was Gray, who had recently been helping Mason with criticisms on his "Caractacus," published in 1759.

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

From this reading Ossian In 1760 appeared the first installment of MacPherson's "Ossian."[1] Among those who received it with the greatest curiosity and delight was Gray, who had recently been helping Mason with criticisms on his "Caractacus," published in 1759.

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

From this reading From a letter to Walpole (June 1760) it would seem that the latter had sent Gray two manuscript bits of the as yet unprinted "Fragments," communicated to Walpole by Sir David Dalrymple, who furnished Scotch ballads to Percy.

on the subject of; concerning

From this reading "I am so charmed," wrote Gray, "with the two specimens of Erse poetry, that I cannot help giving you the trouble to inquire a little farther about them; and should wish to see a few lines of the original, that I may form some slight idea of the language, the measures and the rhythm.

(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 Is there any more to be had of equal beauty, or at all approaching it?"

the form of “be” used with “I”

From this reading "I am so charmed," wrote Gray, "with the two specimens of Erse poetry, that I cannot help giving you the trouble to inquire a little farther about them; and should wish to see a few lines of the original, that I may form some slight idea of the language, the measures and the rhythm.

surrounded by; in the middle of a group

From this reading Ossian In 1760 appeared the first installment of MacPherson's "Ossian."[1] Among those who received it with the greatest curiosity and delight was Gray, who had recently been helping Mason with criticisms on his "Caractacus," published in 1759.

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

From this reading Ossian In 1760 appeared the first installment of MacPherson's "Ossian."[1] Among those who received it with the greatest curiosity and delight was Gray, who had recently been helping Mason with criticisms on his "Caractacus," published in 1759.

the historic period preceding the Middle Ages in Europe

From this reading Is there anything known of the author or authors; and of what antiquity are they supposed to be?

one or some or every or all without specification

From this reading Is there any more to be had of equal beauty, or at all approaching it?"

any thing at all

From this reading Is there anything known of the author or authors; and of what antiquity are they supposed to be?

past form of “appear” — give a certain impression or have a certain outward aspect

From this reading Ossian In 1760 appeared the first installment of MacPherson's "Ossian."[1] Among those who received it with the greatest curiosity and delight was Gray, who had recently been helping Mason with criticisms on his "Caractacus," published in 1759.

the event of one object coming closer to another

From this reading Is there any more to be had of equal beauty, or at all approaching it?"

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

From this reading Is there anything known of the author or authors; and of what antiquity are they supposed to be?

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

From this reading From a letter to Walpole (June 1760) it would seem that the latter had sent Gray two manuscript bits of the as yet unprinted "Fragments," communicated to Walpole by Sir David Dalrymple, who furnished Scotch ballads to Percy.

in or near a particular place or position

From this reading Is there any more to be had of equal beauty, or at all approaching it?"

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

From this reading Is there anything known of the author or authors; and of what antiquity are they supposed to be?

plural of “author” — writes (books or stories or articles or the like) professionally (for pay)

From this reading Is there anything known of the author or authors; and of what antiquity are they supposed to be?

plural of “ballad” — a narrative song with a recurrent refrain

From this reading From a letter to Walpole (June 1760) it would seem that the latter had sent Gray two manuscript bits of the as yet unprinted "Fragments," communicated to Walpole by Sir David Dalrymple, who furnished Scotch ballads to Percy.

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

From this reading Is there anything known of the author or authors; and of what antiquity are they supposed to be?

the qualities that give pleasure to the senses

From this reading Is there any more to be had of equal beauty, or at all approaching it?"

the past participle of “be”

From this reading Ossian In 1760 appeared the first installment of MacPherson's "Ossian."[1] Among those who received it with the greatest curiosity and delight was Gray, who had recently been helping Mason with criticisms on his "Caractacus," published in 1759.

plural of “bit” — a small piece or quantity of something

From this reading From a letter to Walpole (June 1760) it would seem that the latter had sent Gray two manuscript bits of the as yet unprinted "Fragments," communicated to Walpole by Sir David Dalrymple, who furnished Scotch ballads to Percy.

showing who or what does the action

From this reading From a letter to Walpole (June 1760) it would seem that the latter had sent Gray two manuscript bits of the as yet unprinted "Fragments," communicated to Walpole by Sir David Dalrymple, who furnished Scotch ballads to Percy.

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

From this reading "I am so charmed," wrote Gray, "with the two specimens of Erse poetry, that I cannot help giving you the trouble to inquire a little farther about them; and should wish to see a few lines of the original, that I may form some slight idea of the language, the measures and the rhythm.

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

From this reading Ossian In 1760 appeared the first installment of MacPherson's "Ossian."[1] Among those who received it with the greatest curiosity and delight was Gray, who had recently been helping Mason with criticisms on his "Caractacus," published in 1759.

strongly attracted

From this reading "I am so charmed," wrote Gray, "with the two specimens of Erse poetry, that I cannot help giving you the trouble to inquire a little farther about them; and should wish to see a few lines of the original, that I may form some slight idea of the language, the measures and the rhythm.

past form of “communicate” — transmit information

From this reading From a letter to Walpole (June 1760) it would seem that the latter had sent Gray two manuscript bits of the as yet unprinted "Fragments," communicated to Walpole by Sir David Dalrymple, who furnished Scotch ballads to Percy.

plural of “criticism” — disapproval expressed by pointing out faults or shortcomings

From this reading Ossian In 1760 appeared the first installment of MacPherson's "Ossian."[1] Among those who received it with the greatest curiosity and delight was Gray, who had recently been helping Mason with criticisms on his "Caractacus," published in 1759.

a state in which you want to learn more about something

From this reading Ossian In 1760 appeared the first installment of MacPherson's "Ossian."[1] Among those who received it with the greatest curiosity and delight was Gray, who had recently been helping Mason with criticisms on his "Caractacus," published in 1759.

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

From this reading From a letter to Walpole (June 1760) it would seem that the latter had sent Gray two manuscript bits of the as yet unprinted "Fragments," communicated to Walpole by Sir David Dalrymple, who furnished Scotch ballads to Percy.

patron saint of Wales (circa 520-600)

From this reading From a letter to Walpole (June 1760) it would seem that the latter had sent Gray two manuscript bits of the as yet unprinted "Fragments," communicated to Walpole by Sir David Dalrymple, who furnished Scotch ballads to Percy.

give pleasure to or be pleasing to

From this reading Ossian In 1760 appeared the first installment of MacPherson's "Ossian."[1] Among those who received it with the greatest curiosity and delight was Gray, who had recently been helping Mason with criticisms on his "Caractacus," published in 1759.

be identical or equivalent to

From this reading Is there any more to be had of equal beauty, or at all approaching it?"

any of several related languages of the Celts in Ireland and Scotland

From this reading "I am so charmed," wrote Gray, "with the two specimens of Erse poetry, that I cannot help giving you the trouble to inquire a little farther about them; and should wish to see a few lines of the original, that I may form some slight idea of the language, the measures and the rhythm.

more distant in especially space or time

From this reading "I am so charmed," wrote Gray, "with the two specimens of Erse poetry, that I cannot help giving you the trouble to inquire a little farther about them; and should wish to see a few lines of the original, that I may form some slight idea of the language, the measures and the rhythm.

a quantifier that can be used with count nouns and is often preceded by “a”; a small but indefinite number

From this reading "I am so charmed," wrote Gray, "with the two specimens of Erse poetry, that I cannot help giving you the trouble to inquire a little farther about them; and should wish to see a few lines of the original, that I may form some slight idea of the language, the measures and the rhythm.

preceding all others in time or space or degree

From this reading Ossian In 1760 appeared the first installment of MacPherson's "Ossian."[1] Among those who received it with the greatest curiosity and delight was Gray, who had recently been helping Mason with criticisms on his "Caractacus," published in 1759.

the phonological or orthographic sound or appearance of a word that can be used to describe or identify something

From this reading "I am so charmed," wrote Gray, "with the two specimens of Erse poetry, that I cannot help giving you the trouble to inquire a little farther about them; and should wish to see a few lines of the original, that I may form some slight idea of the language, the measures and the rhythm.

plural of “fragment” — a piece broken off or cut off of something else

From this reading From a letter to Walpole (June 1760) it would seem that the latter had sent Gray two manuscript bits of the as yet unprinted "Fragments," communicated to Walpole by Sir David Dalrymple, who furnished Scotch ballads to Percy.

showing where something starts, or who sent it

From this reading From a letter to Walpole (June 1760) it would seem that the latter had sent Gray two manuscript bits of the as yet unprinted "Fragments," communicated to Walpole by Sir David Dalrymple, who furnished Scotch ballads to Percy.

provided with whatever is necessary for a purpose (as furniture or equipment or authority)

From this reading From a letter to Walpole (June 1760) it would seem that the latter had sent Gray two manuscript bits of the as yet unprinted "Fragments," communicated to Walpole by Sir David Dalrymple, who furnished Scotch ballads to Percy.

the act of giving

From this reading "I am so charmed," wrote Gray, "with the two specimens of Erse poetry, that I cannot help giving you the trouble to inquire a little farther about them; and should wish to see a few lines of the original, that I may form some slight idea of the language, the measures and the rhythm.

a neutral achromatic color midway between white and black

From this reading Ossian In 1760 appeared the first installment of MacPherson's "Ossian."[1] Among those who received it with the greatest curiosity and delight was Gray, who had recently been helping Mason with criticisms on his "Caractacus," published in 1759.

highest in quality

From this reading Ossian In 1760 appeared the first installment of MacPherson's "Ossian."[1] Among those who received it with the greatest curiosity and delight was Gray, who had recently been helping Mason with criticisms on his "Caractacus," published in 1759.

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

From this reading Ossian In 1760 appeared the first installment of MacPherson's "Ossian."[1] Among those who received it with the greatest curiosity and delight was Gray, who had recently been helping Mason with criticisms on his "Caractacus," published in 1759.

give help or assistance; be of service

From this reading "I am so charmed," wrote Gray, "with the two specimens of Erse poetry, that I cannot help giving you the trouble to inquire a little farther about them; and should wish to see a few lines of the original, that I may form some slight idea of the language, the measures and the rhythm.

an individual quantity of food or drink taken as part of a meal

From this reading Ossian In 1760 appeared the first installment of MacPherson's "Ossian."[1] Among those who received it with the greatest curiosity and delight was Gray, who had recently been helping Mason with criticisms on his "Caractacus," published in 1759.

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

From this reading Ossian In 1760 appeared the first installment of MacPherson's "Ossian."[1] Among those who received it with the greatest curiosity and delight was Gray, who had recently been helping Mason with criticisms on his "Caractacus," published in 1759.

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

From this reading "I am so charmed," wrote Gray, "with the two specimens of Erse poetry, that I cannot help giving you the trouble to inquire a little farther about them; and should wish to see a few lines of the original, that I may form some slight idea of the language, the measures and the rhythm.

the content of cognition; the main thing you are thinking about

From this reading "I am so charmed," wrote Gray, "with the two specimens of Erse poetry, that I cannot help giving you the trouble to inquire a little farther about them; and should wish to see a few lines of the original, that I may form some slight idea of the language, the measures and the rhythm.

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

From this reading Ossian In 1760 appeared the first installment of MacPherson's "Ossian."[1] Among those who received it with the greatest curiosity and delight was Gray, who had recently been helping Mason with criticisms on his "Caractacus," published in 1759.

address a question to and expect an answer from

From this reading "I am so charmed," wrote Gray, "with the two specimens of Erse poetry, that I cannot help giving you the trouble to inquire a little farther about them; and should wish to see a few lines of the original, that I may form some slight idea of the language, the measures and the rhythm.

a payment of part of a debt; usually paid at regular intervals

From this reading Ossian In 1760 appeared the first installment of MacPherson's "Ossian."[1] Among those who received it with the greatest curiosity and delight was Gray, who had recently been helping Mason with criticisms on his "Caractacus," published in 1759.

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

From this reading Is there anything known of the author or authors; and of what antiquity are they supposed to be?

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading Ossian In 1760 appeared the first installment of MacPherson's "Ossian."[1] Among those who received it with the greatest curiosity and delight was Gray, who had recently been helping Mason with criticisms on his "Caractacus," published in 1759.

the month following May and preceding July

From this reading From a letter to Walpole (June 1760) it would seem that the latter had sent Gray two manuscript bits of the as yet unprinted "Fragments," communicated to Walpole by Sir David Dalrymple, who furnished Scotch ballads to Percy.

apprehended with certainty

From this reading Is there anything known of the author or authors; and of what antiquity are they supposed to be?

a systematic means of communicating by the use of sounds or conventional symbols

From this reading "I am so charmed," wrote Gray, "with the two specimens of Erse poetry, that I cannot help giving you the trouble to inquire a little farther about them; and should wish to see a few lines of the original, that I may form some slight idea of the language, the measures and the rhythm.

referring to the second of two things or persons mentioned (or the last one or ones of several)

From this reading From a letter to Walpole (June 1760) it would seem that the latter had sent Gray two manuscript bits of the as yet unprinted "Fragments," communicated to Walpole by Sir David Dalrymple, who furnished Scotch ballads to Percy.

a written message addressed to a person or organization

From this reading From a letter to Walpole (June 1760) it would seem that the latter had sent Gray two manuscript bits of the as yet unprinted "Fragments," communicated to Walpole by Sir David Dalrymple, who furnished Scotch ballads to Percy.

plural of “line” — a formation of people or things one beside another

From this reading "I am so charmed," wrote Gray, "with the two specimens of Erse poetry, that I cannot help giving you the trouble to inquire a little farther about them; and should wish to see a few lines of the original, that I may form some slight idea of the language, the measures and the rhythm.

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

From this reading "I am so charmed," wrote Gray, "with the two specimens of Erse poetry, that I cannot help giving you the trouble to inquire a little farther about them; and should wish to see a few lines of the original, that I may form some slight idea of the language, the measures and the rhythm.

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

From this reading Ossian In 1760 appeared the first installment of MacPherson's "Ossian."[1] Among those who received it with the greatest curiosity and delight was Gray, who had recently been helping Mason with criticisms on his "Caractacus," published in 1759.

A book, document, or piece of music written by hand rather than typed or printed.

From this reading From a letter to Walpole (June 1760) it would seem that the latter had sent Gray two manuscript bits of the as yet unprinted "Fragments," communicated to Walpole by Sir David Dalrymple, who furnished Scotch ballads to Percy.

American Revolutionary leader from Virginia whose objections led to the drafting of the Bill of Rights (1725-1792)

From this reading Ossian In 1760 appeared the first installment of MacPherson's "Ossian."[1] Among those who received it with the greatest curiosity and delight was Gray, who had recently been helping Mason with criticisms on his "Caractacus," published in 1759.

used to say something is possible, or to give permission

From this reading "I am so charmed," wrote Gray, "with the two specimens of Erse poetry, that I cannot help giving you the trouble to inquire a little farther about them; and should wish to see a few lines of the original, that I may form some slight idea of the language, the measures and the rhythm.

plural of “measure” — any maneuver made as part of progress toward a goal

From this reading "I am so charmed," wrote Gray, "with the two specimens of Erse poetry, that I cannot help giving you the trouble to inquire a little farther about them; and should wish to see a few lines of the original, that I may form some slight idea of the language, the measures and the rhythm.

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

From this reading Is there any more to be had of equal beauty, or at all approaching it?"

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading Ossian In 1760 appeared the first installment of MacPherson's "Ossian."[1] Among those who received it with the greatest curiosity and delight was Gray, who had recently been helping Mason with criticisms on his "Caractacus," published in 1759.

touching and supported by a surface

From this reading Ossian In 1760 appeared the first installment of MacPherson's "Ossian."[1] Among those who received it with the greatest curiosity and delight was Gray, who had recently been helping Mason with criticisms on his "Caractacus," published in 1759.

used to join alternatives or possibilities

From this reading Is there anything known of the author or authors; and of what antiquity are they supposed to be?

preceding all others in time or being as first made or performed

From this reading "I am so charmed," wrote Gray, "with the two specimens of Erse poetry, that I cannot help giving you the trouble to inquire a little farther about them; and should wish to see a few lines of the original, that I may form some slight idea of the language, the measures and the rhythm.

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

From this reading Ossian In 1760 appeared the first installment of MacPherson's "Ossian."[1] Among those who received it with the greatest curiosity and delight was Gray, who had recently been helping Mason with criticisms on his "Caractacus," published in 1759.

United States writer whose novels explored human alienation (1916-1990)

From this reading From a letter to Walpole (June 1760) it would seem that the latter had sent Gray two manuscript bits of the as yet unprinted "Fragments," communicated to Walpole by Sir David Dalrymple, who furnished Scotch ballads to Percy.

literature in metrical form

From this reading "I am so charmed," wrote Gray, "with the two specimens of Erse poetry, that I cannot help giving you the trouble to inquire a little farther about them; and should wish to see a few lines of the original, that I may form some slight idea of the language, the measures and the rhythm.

prepared and printed for distribution and sale

From this reading Ossian In 1760 appeared the first installment of MacPherson's "Ossian."[1] Among those who received it with the greatest curiosity and delight was Gray, who had recently been helping Mason with criticisms on his "Caractacus," published in 1759.

conforming to the established language usage of educated native speakers

From this reading Ossian In 1760 appeared the first installment of MacPherson's "Ossian."[1] Among those who received it with the greatest curiosity and delight was Gray, who had recently been helping Mason with criticisms on his "Caractacus," published in 1759.

in the recent past

From this reading Ossian In 1760 appeared the first installment of MacPherson's "Ossian."[1] Among those who received it with the greatest curiosity and delight was Gray, who had recently been helping Mason with criticisms on his "Caractacus," published in 1759.

the basic rhythmic unit in a piece of music

From this reading "I am so charmed," wrote Gray, "with the two specimens of Erse poetry, that I cannot help giving you the trouble to inquire a little farther about them; and should wish to see a few lines of the original, that I may form some slight idea of the language, the measures and the rhythm.

a slight surface cut (especially a notch that is made to keep a tally)

From this reading From a letter to Walpole (June 1760) it would seem that the latter had sent Gray two manuscript bits of the as yet unprinted "Fragments," communicated to Walpole by Sir David Dalrymple, who furnished Scotch ballads to Percy.

perceive by sight or have the power to perceive by sight

From this reading "I am so charmed," wrote Gray, "with the two specimens of Erse poetry, that I cannot help giving you the trouble to inquire a little farther about them; and should wish to see a few lines of the original, that I may form some slight idea of the language, the measures and the rhythm.

give a certain impression or have a certain outward aspect

From this reading From a letter to Walpole (June 1760) it would seem that the latter had sent Gray two manuscript bits of the as yet unprinted "Fragments," communicated to Walpole by Sir David Dalrymple, who furnished Scotch ballads to Percy.

100 senti equal 1 kroon in Estonia

From this reading From a letter to Walpole (June 1760) it would seem that the latter had sent Gray two manuscript bits of the as yet unprinted "Fragments," communicated to Walpole by Sir David Dalrymple, who furnished Scotch ballads to Percy.

used to say what is right, expected, or advisable

From this reading "I am so charmed," wrote Gray, "with the two specimens of Erse poetry, that I cannot help giving you the trouble to inquire a little farther about them; and should wish to see a few lines of the original, that I may form some slight idea of the language, the measures and the rhythm.

term of address for a man

From this reading From a letter to Walpole (June 1760) it would seem that the latter had sent Gray two manuscript bits of the as yet unprinted "Fragments," communicated to Walpole by Sir David Dalrymple, who furnished Scotch ballads to Percy.

a deliberate discourteous act (usually as an expression of anger or disapproval)

From this reading "I am so charmed," wrote Gray, "with the two specimens of Erse poetry, that I cannot help giving you the trouble to inquire a little farther about them; and should wish to see a few lines of the original, that I may form some slight idea of the language, the measures and the rhythm.

for that reason; with the result that

From this reading "I am so charmed," wrote Gray, "with the two specimens of Erse poetry, that I cannot help giving you the trouble to inquire a little farther about them; and should wish to see a few lines of the original, that I may form some slight idea of the language, the measures and the rhythm.

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

From this reading "I am so charmed," wrote Gray, "with the two specimens of Erse poetry, that I cannot help giving you the trouble to inquire a little farther about them; and should wish to see a few lines of the original, that I may form some slight idea of the language, the measures and the rhythm.

plural of “specimen” — an example regarded as typical of its class

From this reading "I am so charmed," wrote Gray, "with the two specimens of Erse poetry, that I cannot help giving you the trouble to inquire a little farther about them; and should wish to see a few lines of the original, that I may form some slight idea of the language, the measures and the rhythm.

required or under orders

From this reading Is there anything known of the author or authors; and of what antiquity are they supposed to be?

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading From a letter to Walpole (June 1760) it would seem that the latter had sent Gray two manuscript bits of the as yet unprinted "Fragments," communicated to Walpole by Sir David Dalrymple, who furnished Scotch ballads to Percy.

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

From this reading Ossian In 1760 appeared the first installment of MacPherson's "Ossian."[1] Among those who received it with the greatest curiosity and delight was Gray, who had recently been helping Mason with criticisms on his "Caractacus," published in 1759.

the people or things already mentioned, as the object

From this reading "I am so charmed," wrote Gray, "with the two specimens of Erse poetry, that I cannot help giving you the trouble to inquire a little farther about them; and should wish to see a few lines of the original, that I may form some slight idea of the language, the measures and the rhythm.

in or at that place or location

From this reading Is there anything known of the author or authors; and of what antiquity are they supposed to be?

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

From this reading Is there anything known of the author or authors; and of what antiquity are they supposed to be?

the plural of “that”: the people or things further away, or already known

From this reading Ossian In 1760 appeared the first installment of MacPherson's "Ossian."[1] Among those who received it with the greatest curiosity and delight was Gray, who had recently been helping Mason with criticisms on his "Caractacus," published in 1759.

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

From this reading From a letter to Walpole (June 1760) it would seem that the latter had sent Gray two manuscript bits of the as yet unprinted "Fragments," communicated to Walpole by Sir David Dalrymple, who furnished Scotch ballads to Percy.

a source of difficulty

From this reading "I am so charmed," wrote Gray, "with the two specimens of Erse poetry, that I cannot help giving you the trouble to inquire a little farther about them; and should wish to see a few lines of the original, that I may form some slight idea of the language, the measures and the rhythm.

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

From this reading From a letter to Walpole (June 1760) it would seem that the latter had sent Gray two manuscript bits of the as yet unprinted "Fragments," communicated to Walpole by Sir David Dalrymple, who furnished Scotch ballads to Percy.

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

From this reading From a letter to Walpole (June 1760) it would seem that the latter had sent Gray two manuscript bits of the as yet unprinted "Fragments," communicated to Walpole by Sir David Dalrymple, who furnished Scotch ballads to Percy.

English writer and historian; son of Sir Robert Walpole (1717-1797)

From this reading From a letter to Walpole (June 1760) it would seem that the latter had sent Gray two manuscript bits of the as yet unprinted "Fragments," communicated to Walpole by Sir David Dalrymple, who furnished Scotch ballads to Percy.

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

From this reading Ossian In 1760 appeared the first installment of MacPherson's "Ossian."[1] Among those who received it with the greatest curiosity and delight was Gray, who had recently been helping Mason with criticisms on his "Caractacus," published in 1759.

used to ask for information about something

From this reading Is there anything known of the author or authors; and of what antiquity are they supposed to be?

which person or people

From this reading Ossian In 1760 appeared the first installment of MacPherson's "Ossian."[1] Among those who received it with the greatest curiosity and delight was Gray, who had recently been helping Mason with criticisms on his "Caractacus," published in 1759.

hope for; have a wish

From this reading "I am so charmed," wrote Gray, "with the two specimens of Erse poetry, that I cannot help giving you the trouble to inquire a little farther about them; and should wish to see a few lines of the original, that I may form some slight idea of the language, the measures and the rhythm.

in the company of; together with

From this reading Ossian In 1760 appeared the first installment of MacPherson's "Ossian."[1] Among those who received it with the greatest curiosity and delight was Gray, who had recently been helping Mason with criticisms on his "Caractacus," published in 1759.

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

From this reading From a letter to Walpole (June 1760) it would seem that the latter had sent Gray two manuscript bits of the as yet unprinted "Fragments," communicated to Walpole by Sir David Dalrymple, who furnished Scotch ballads to Percy.

inflected form of “write” — produce a literary work

From this reading "I am so charmed," wrote Gray, "with the two specimens of Erse poetry, that I cannot help giving you the trouble to inquire a little farther about them; and should wish to see a few lines of the original, that I may form some slight idea of the language, the measures and the rhythm.

but in spite of that

From this reading From a letter to Walpole (June 1760) it would seem that the latter had sent Gray two manuscript bits of the as yet unprinted "Fragments," communicated to Walpole by Sir David Dalrymple, who furnished Scotch ballads to Percy.

the person or people being spoken to

From this reading "I am so charmed," wrote Gray, "with the two specimens of Erse poetry, that I cannot help giving you the trouble to inquire a little farther about them; and should wish to see a few lines of the original, that I may form some slight idea of the language, the measures and the rhythm.