Chapter II · Chapter 2

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

From this reading {1}Every single speaker, who, like me, attempts to entertain an audience, has not only the censure of that assembly to dread, but also every part of his own behaviour to fear.

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

From this reading {2}But, before I pretend to make free with other people's heads, it may be proper to say something upon my own, if upon my own any thing could be said to the purpose; but, after many experiments, finding I could not make any thing of my own, I have taken the liberty to try what I could do by exhibiting a Collection of Heads belonging to other people.

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

From this reading The smallest error of voice, judgment, or delivery, will be noted: "All that can be presumed upon in his favour is, _a hope_ that he may meet with that indulgence which an English audience are so remarkable _for_, and that every exhibition stands so much in need _of_."

plural of “ability” — the quality of being able to perform; a quality that permits or facilitates achievement or accomplishment

From this reading But here is a head [shews Stevens''s head] I confess I have more than once wished on my own shoulders: but I fear my poor abilities will bring a blush into its cheeks.

later than; following

From this reading {2}But, before I pretend to make free with other people's heads, it may be proper to say something upon my own, if upon my own any thing could be said to the purpose; but, after many experiments, finding I could not make any thing of my own, I have taken the liberty to try what I could do by exhibiting a Collection of Heads belonging to other people.

(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 The smallest error of voice, judgment, or delivery, will be noted: "All that can be presumed upon in his favour is, _a hope_ that he may meet with that indulgence which an English audience are so remarkable _for_, and that every exhibition stands so much in need _of_."

in addition

From this reading {1}Every single speaker, who, like me, attempts to entertain an audience, has not only the censure of that assembly to dread, but also every part of his own behaviour to fear.

at all times; all the time and on every occasion

From this reading This method of lecturing is a very ancient custom; Juno, the wife of Jupiter, being the first who gave her husband a lecture, and, from the place wherein that oration was supposed to have been delivered, they have always, since that time, been called _curtain lectures_.

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

From this reading {1}Every single speaker, who, like me, attempts to entertain an audience, has not only the censure of that assembly to dread, but also every part of his own behaviour to fear.

Belonging to the very distant past and no longer in existence or deeply revered.

From this reading This method of lecturing is a very ancient custom; Juno, the wife of Jupiter, being the first who gave her husband a lecture, and, from the place wherein that oration was supposed to have been delivered, they have always, since that time, been called _curtain lectures_.

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

From this reading The smallest error of voice, judgment, or delivery, will be noted: "All that can be presumed upon in his favour is, _a hope_ that he may meet with that indulgence which an English audience are so remarkable _for_, and that every exhibition stands so much in need _of_."

one or some or every or all without specification

From this reading {2}But, before I pretend to make free with other people's heads, it may be proper to say something upon my own, if upon my own any thing could be said to the purpose; but, after many experiments, finding I could not make any thing of my own, I have taken the liberty to try what I could do by exhibiting a Collection of Heads belonging to other people.

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

From this reading The smallest error of voice, judgment, or delivery, will be noted: "All that can be presumed upon in his favour is, _a hope_ that he may meet with that indulgence which an English audience are so remarkable _for_, and that every exhibition stands so much in need _of_."

a group of machine parts that fit together to form a self-contained unit

From this reading {1}Every single speaker, who, like me, attempts to entertain an audience, has not only the censure of that assembly to dread, but also every part of his own behaviour to fear.

plural of “attempt” — earnest and conscientious activity intended to do or accomplish something

From this reading {1}Every single speaker, who, like me, attempts to entertain an audience, has not only the censure of that assembly to dread, but also every part of his own behaviour to fear.

a gathering of spectators or listeners at a (usually public) performance

From this reading {1}Every single speaker, who, like me, attempts to entertain an audience, has not only the censure of that assembly to dread, but also every part of his own behaviour to fear.

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

From this reading The smallest error of voice, judgment, or delivery, will be noted: "All that can be presumed upon in his favour is, _a hope_ that he may meet with that indulgence which an English audience are so remarkable _for_, and that every exhibition stands so much in need _of_."

the past participle of “be”

From this reading This method of lecturing is a very ancient custom; Juno, the wife of Jupiter, being the first who gave her husband a lecture, and, from the place wherein that oration was supposed to have been delivered, they have always, since that time, been called _curtain lectures_.

earlier than; in front of

From this reading {2}But, before I pretend to make free with other people's heads, it may be proper to say something upon my own, if upon my own any thing could be said to the purpose; but, after many experiments, finding I could not make any thing of my own, I have taken the liberty to try what I could do by exhibiting a Collection of Heads belonging to other people.

the action or reaction of something (as a machine or substance) under specified circumstances

From this reading {1}Every single speaker, who, like me, attempts to entertain an audience, has not only the censure of that assembly to dread, but also every part of his own behaviour to fear.

the -ing form of “be”

From this reading This method of lecturing is a very ancient custom; Juno, the wife of Jupiter, being the first who gave her husband a lecture, and, from the place wherein that oration was supposed to have been delivered, they have always, since that time, been called _curtain lectures_.

happiness felt in a secure relationship

From this reading {2}But, before I pretend to make free with other people's heads, it may be proper to say something upon my own, if upon my own any thing could be said to the purpose; but, after many experiments, finding I could not make any thing of my own, I have taken the liberty to try what I could do by exhibiting a Collection of Heads belonging to other people.

turn red, as if in embarrassment or shame

From this reading But here is a head [shews Stevens''s head] I confess I have more than once wished on my own shoulders: but I fear my poor abilities will bring a blush into its cheeks.

take something or somebody with oneself somewhere

From this reading But here is a head [shews Stevens''s head] I confess I have more than once wished on my own shoulders: but I fear my poor abilities will bring a blush into its cheeks.

used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before

From this reading {1}Every single speaker, who, like me, attempts to entertain an audience, has not only the censure of that assembly to dread, but also every part of his own behaviour to fear.

showing who or what does the action

From this reading {2}But, before I pretend to make free with other people's heads, it may be proper to say something upon my own, if upon my own any thing could be said to the purpose; but, after many experiments, finding I could not make any thing of my own, I have taken the liberty to try what I could do by exhibiting a Collection of Heads belonging to other people.

past form of “call” — assign a specified (usually proper) proper name to

From this reading This method of lecturing is a very ancient custom; Juno, the wife of Jupiter, being the first who gave her husband a lecture, and, from the place wherein that oration was supposed to have been delivered, they have always, since that time, been called _curtain lectures_.

to be able to, or to be allowed to

From this reading The smallest error of voice, judgment, or delivery, will be noted: "All that can be presumed upon in his favour is, _a hope_ that he may meet with that indulgence which an English audience are so remarkable _for_, and that every exhibition stands so much in need _of_."

harsh criticism or disapproval

From this reading {1}Every single speaker, who, like me, attempts to entertain an audience, has not only the censure of that assembly to dread, but also every part of his own behaviour to fear.

plural of “cheek” — either side of the face below the eyes

From this reading But here is a head [shews Stevens''s head] I confess I have more than once wished on my own shoulders: but I fear my poor abilities will bring a blush into its cheeks.

several things grouped together or considered as a whole

From this reading {2}But, before I pretend to make free with other people's heads, it may be proper to say something upon my own, if upon my own any thing could be said to the purpose; but, after many experiments, finding I could not make any thing of my own, I have taken the liberty to try what I could do by exhibiting a Collection of Heads belonging to other people.

confess to a punishable or reprehensible deed, usually under pressure

From this reading But here is a head [shews Stevens''s head] I confess I have more than once wished on my own shoulders: but I fear my poor abilities will bring a blush into its cheeks.

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

From this reading {2}But, before I pretend to make free with other people's heads, it may be proper to say something upon my own, if upon my own any thing could be said to the purpose; but, after many experiments, finding I could not make any thing of my own, I have taken the liberty to try what I could do by exhibiting a Collection of Heads belonging to other people.

hanging cloth used as a blind (especially for a window)

From this reading This method of lecturing is a very ancient custom; Juno, the wife of Jupiter, being the first who gave her husband a lecture, and, from the place wherein that oration was supposed to have been delivered, they have always, since that time, been called _curtain lectures_.

accepted or habitual practice

From this reading This method of lecturing is a very ancient custom; Juno, the wife of Jupiter, being the first who gave her husband a lecture, and, from the place wherein that oration was supposed to have been delivered, they have always, since that time, been called _curtain lectures_.

past form of “deliver” — deliver (a speech, oration, or idea)

From this reading This method of lecturing is a very ancient custom; Juno, the wife of Jupiter, being the first who gave her husband a lecture, and, from the place wherein that oration was supposed to have been delivered, they have always, since that time, been called _curtain lectures_.

the act of delivering or distributing something (as goods or mail)

From this reading The smallest error of voice, judgment, or delivery, will be noted: "All that can be presumed upon in his favour is, _a hope_ that he may meet with that indulgence which an English audience are so remarkable _for_, and that every exhibition stands so much in need _of_."

used to form questions and negatives, and to give emphasis

From this reading {2}But, before I pretend to make free with other people's heads, it may be proper to say something upon my own, if upon my own any thing could be said to the purpose; but, after many experiments, finding I could not make any thing of my own, I have taken the liberty to try what I could do by exhibiting a Collection of Heads belonging to other people.

fearful expectation or anticipation

From this reading {1}Every single speaker, who, like me, attempts to entertain an audience, has not only the censure of that assembly to dread, but also every part of his own behaviour to fear.

an Indo-European language belonging to the West Germanic branch; the official language of Britain and the United States and most of the commonwealth countries

From this reading The smallest error of voice, judgment, or delivery, will be noted: "All that can be presumed upon in his favour is, _a hope_ that he may meet with that indulgence which an English audience are so remarkable _for_, and that every exhibition stands so much in need _of_."

provide entertainment for

From this reading {1}Every single speaker, who, like me, attempts to entertain an audience, has not only the censure of that assembly to dread, but also every part of his own behaviour to fear.

a wrong action attributable to bad judgment or ignorance or inattention

From this reading The smallest error of voice, judgment, or delivery, will be noted: "All that can be presumed upon in his favour is, _a hope_ that he may meet with that indulgence which an English audience are so remarkable _for_, and that every exhibition stands so much in need _of_."

all the members of a group, with none left out

From this reading {1}Every single speaker, who, like me, attempts to entertain an audience, has not only the censure of that assembly to dread, but also every part of his own behaviour to fear.

-ing form of “exhibit” — show an attribute, property, knowledge, or skill

From this reading {2}But, before I pretend to make free with other people's heads, it may be proper to say something upon my own, if upon my own any thing could be said to the purpose; but, after many experiments, finding I could not make any thing of my own, I have taken the liberty to try what I could do by exhibiting a Collection of Heads belonging to other people.

the act of exhibiting

From this reading The smallest error of voice, judgment, or delivery, will be noted: "All that can be presumed upon in his favour is, _a hope_ that he may meet with that indulgence which an English audience are so remarkable _for_, and that every exhibition stands so much in need _of_."

plural of “experiment” — the act of conducting a controlled test or investigation

From this reading {2}But, before I pretend to make free with other people's heads, it may be proper to say something upon my own, if upon my own any thing could be said to the purpose; but, after many experiments, finding I could not make any thing of my own, I have taken the liberty to try what I could do by exhibiting a Collection of Heads belonging to other people.

a feeling of favorable regard

From this reading The smallest error of voice, judgment, or delivery, will be noted: "All that can be presumed upon in his favour is, _a hope_ that he may meet with that indulgence which an English audience are so remarkable _for_, and that every exhibition stands so much in need _of_."

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

From this reading {1}Every single speaker, who, like me, attempts to entertain an audience, has not only the censure of that assembly to dread, but also every part of his own behaviour to fear.

the act of determining the properties of something, usually by research or calculation

From this reading {2}But, before I pretend to make free with other people's heads, it may be proper to say something upon my own, if upon my own any thing could be said to the purpose; but, after many experiments, finding I could not make any thing of my own, I have taken the liberty to try what I could do by exhibiting a Collection of Heads belonging to other people.

preceding all others in time or space or degree

From this reading This method of lecturing is a very ancient custom; Juno, the wife of Jupiter, being the first who gave her husband a lecture, and, from the place wherein that oration was supposed to have been delivered, they have always, since that time, been called _curtain lectures_.

intended to be given to, or used by, somebody

From this reading The smallest error of voice, judgment, or delivery, will be noted: "All that can be presumed upon in his favour is, _a hope_ that he may meet with that indulgence which an English audience are so remarkable _for_, and that every exhibition stands so much in need _of_."

grant freedom to; free from confinement

From this reading {2}But, before I pretend to make free with other people's heads, it may be proper to say something upon my own, if upon my own any thing could be said to the purpose; but, after many experiments, finding I could not make any thing of my own, I have taken the liberty to try what I could do by exhibiting a Collection of Heads belonging to other people.

showing where something starts, or who sent it

From this reading This method of lecturing is a very ancient custom; Juno, the wife of Jupiter, being the first who gave her husband a lecture, and, from the place wherein that oration was supposed to have been delivered, they have always, since that time, been called _curtain lectures_.

inflected form of “give” — cause to have, in the abstract sense or physical sense

From this reading This method of lecturing is a very ancient custom; Juno, the wife of Jupiter, being the first who gave her husband a lecture, and, from the place wherein that oration was supposed to have been delivered, they have always, since that time, been called _curtain lectures_.

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

From this reading {1}Every single speaker, who, like me, attempts to entertain an audience, has not only the censure of that assembly to dread, but also every part of his own behaviour to fear.

used with a past participle to form the perfect tenses

From this reading This method of lecturing is a very ancient custom; Juno, the wife of Jupiter, being the first who gave her husband a lecture, and, from the place wherein that oration was supposed to have been delivered, they have always, since that time, been called _curtain lectures_.

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

From this reading The smallest error of voice, judgment, or delivery, will be noted: "All that can be presumed upon in his favour is, _a hope_ that he may meet with that indulgence which an English audience are so remarkable _for_, and that every exhibition stands so much in need _of_."

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

From this reading But here is a head [shews Stevens''s head] I confess I have more than once wished on my own shoulders: but I fear my poor abilities will bring a blush into its cheeks.

plural of “head” — the upper part of the human body or the front part of the body in animals; contains the face and brains

From this reading {2}But, before I pretend to make free with other people's heads, it may be proper to say something upon my own, if upon my own any thing could be said to the purpose; but, after many experiments, finding I could not make any thing of my own, I have taken the liberty to try what I could do by exhibiting a Collection of Heads belonging to other people.

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

From this reading This method of lecturing is a very ancient custom; Juno, the wife of Jupiter, being the first who gave her husband a lecture, and, from the place wherein that oration was supposed to have been delivered, they have always, since that time, been called _curtain lectures_.

in or at this place; where the speaker or writer is

From this reading But here is a head [shews Stevens''s head] I confess I have more than once wished on my own shoulders: but I fear my poor abilities will bring a blush into its cheeks.

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

From this reading {1}Every single speaker, who, like me, attempts to entertain an audience, has not only the censure of that assembly to dread, but also every part of his own behaviour to fear.

a specific instance of feeling hopeful

From this reading The smallest error of voice, judgment, or delivery, will be noted: "All that can be presumed upon in his favour is, _a hope_ that he may meet with that indulgence which an English audience are so remarkable _for_, and that every exhibition stands so much in need _of_."

a married man; a woman's partner in marriage

From this reading This method of lecturing is a very ancient custom; Juno, the wife of Jupiter, being the first who gave her husband a lecture, and, from the place wherein that oration was supposed to have been delivered, they have always, since that time, been called _curtain lectures_.

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

From this reading {2}But, before I pretend to make free with other people's heads, it may be proper to say something upon my own, if upon my own any thing could be said to the purpose; but, after many experiments, finding I could not make any thing of my own, I have taken the liberty to try what I could do by exhibiting a Collection of Heads belonging to other people.

on condition that; in the event that

From this reading {2}But, before I pretend to make free with other people's heads, it may be proper to say something upon my own, if upon my own any thing could be said to the purpose; but, after many experiments, finding I could not make any thing of my own, I have taken the liberty to try what I could do by exhibiting a Collection of Heads belonging to other people.

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

From this reading The smallest error of voice, judgment, or delivery, will be noted: "All that can be presumed upon in his favour is, _a hope_ that he may meet with that indulgence which an English audience are so remarkable _for_, and that every exhibition stands so much in need _of_."

an inability to resist the gratification of whims and desires

From this reading The smallest error of voice, judgment, or delivery, will be noted: "All that can be presumed upon in his favour is, _a hope_ that he may meet with that indulgence which an English audience are so remarkable _for_, and that every exhibition stands so much in need _of_."

moving to the inside of something

From this reading But here is a head [shews Stevens''s head] I confess I have more than once wished on my own shoulders: but I fear my poor abilities will bring a blush into its cheeks.

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

From this reading The smallest error of voice, judgment, or delivery, will be noted: "All that can be presumed upon in his favour is, _a hope_ that he may meet with that indulgence which an English audience are so remarkable _for_, and that every exhibition stands so much in need _of_."

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading {2}But, before I pretend to make free with other people's heads, it may be proper to say something upon my own, if upon my own any thing could be said to the purpose; but, after many experiments, finding I could not make any thing of my own, I have taken the liberty to try what I could do by exhibiting a Collection of Heads belonging to other people.

belonging to the thing or animal already mentioned

From this reading But here is a head [shews Stevens''s head] I confess I have more than once wished on my own shoulders: but I fear my poor abilities will bring a blush into its cheeks.

an opinion formed by judging something

From this reading The smallest error of voice, judgment, or delivery, will be noted: "All that can be presumed upon in his favour is, _a hope_ that he may meet with that indulgence which an English audience are so remarkable _for_, and that every exhibition stands so much in need _of_."

(Roman mythology) queen of the Olympian gods who protected marriage; wife and sister of Jupiter; counterpart of Greek Hera

From this reading This method of lecturing is a very ancient custom; Juno, the wife of Jupiter, being the first who gave her husband a lecture, and, from the place wherein that oration was supposed to have been delivered, they have always, since that time, been called _curtain lectures_.

the largest planet and the 5th from the sun; has many satellites and is one of the brightest objects in the night sky

From this reading This method of lecturing is a very ancient custom; Juno, the wife of Jupiter, being the first who gave her husband a lecture, and, from the place wherein that oration was supposed to have been delivered, they have always, since that time, been called _curtain lectures_.

deliver a lecture or talk

From this reading This method of lecturing is a very ancient custom; Juno, the wife of Jupiter, being the first who gave her husband a lecture, and, from the place wherein that oration was supposed to have been delivered, they have always, since that time, been called _curtain lectures_.

plural of “lecture” — a speech that is open to the public

From this reading This method of lecturing is a very ancient custom; Juno, the wife of Jupiter, being the first who gave her husband a lecture, and, from the place wherein that oration was supposed to have been delivered, they have always, since that time, been called _curtain lectures_.

teaching by giving a discourse on some subject (typically to a class)

From this reading This method of lecturing is a very ancient custom; Juno, the wife of Jupiter, being the first who gave her husband a lecture, and, from the place wherein that oration was supposed to have been delivered, they have always, since that time, been called _curtain lectures_.

The state of being free within society from oppressive restrictions on one's way of life.

From this reading {2}But, before I pretend to make free with other people's heads, it may be proper to say something upon my own, if upon my own any thing could be said to the purpose; but, after many experiments, finding I could not make any thing of my own, I have taken the liberty to try what I could do by exhibiting a Collection of Heads belonging to other people.

prefer or wish to do something

From this reading {1}Every single speaker, who, like me, attempts to entertain an audience, has not only the censure of that assembly to dread, but also every part of his own behaviour to fear.

engage in

From this reading {2}But, before I pretend to make free with other people's heads, it may be proper to say something upon my own, if upon my own any thing could be said to the purpose; but, after many experiments, finding I could not make any thing of my own, I have taken the liberty to try what I could do by exhibiting a Collection of Heads belonging to other people.

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

From this reading {2}But, before I pretend to make free with other people's heads, it may be proper to say something upon my own, if upon my own any thing could be said to the purpose; but, after many experiments, finding I could not make any thing of my own, I have taken the liberty to try what I could do by exhibiting a Collection of Heads belonging to other people.

used to say something is possible, or to give permission

From this reading The smallest error of voice, judgment, or delivery, will be noted: "All that can be presumed upon in his favour is, _a hope_ that he may meet with that indulgence which an English audience are so remarkable _for_, and that every exhibition stands so much in need _of_."

the person speaking, as the object of a verb or preposition

From this reading {1}Every single speaker, who, like me, attempts to entertain an audience, has not only the censure of that assembly to dread, but also every part of his own behaviour to fear.

come together

From this reading The smallest error of voice, judgment, or delivery, will be noted: "All that can be presumed upon in his favour is, _a hope_ that he may meet with that indulgence which an English audience are so remarkable _for_, and that every exhibition stands so much in need _of_."

a way of doing something, especially a systematic way; implies an orderly logical arrangement (usually in steps)

From this reading This method of lecturing is a very ancient custom; Juno, the wife of Jupiter, being the first who gave her husband a lecture, and, from the place wherein that oration was supposed to have been delivered, they have always, since that time, been called _curtain lectures_.

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

From this reading But here is a head [shews Stevens''s head] I confess I have more than once wished on my own shoulders: but I fear my poor abilities will bring a blush into its cheeks.

to a great degree or extent

From this reading The smallest error of voice, judgment, or delivery, will be noted: "All that can be presumed upon in his favour is, _a hope_ that he may meet with that indulgence which an English audience are so remarkable _for_, and that every exhibition stands so much in need _of_."

belonging to the person speaking

From this reading {2}But, before I pretend to make free with other people's heads, it may be proper to say something upon my own, if upon my own any thing could be said to the purpose; but, after many experiments, finding I could not make any thing of my own, I have taken the liberty to try what I could do by exhibiting a Collection of Heads belonging to other people.

a condition requiring relief

From this reading The smallest error of voice, judgment, or delivery, will be noted: "All that can be presumed upon in his favour is, _a hope_ that he may meet with that indulgence which an English audience are so remarkable _for_, and that every exhibition stands so much in need _of_."

used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative

From this reading {1}Every single speaker, who, like me, attempts to entertain an audience, has not only the censure of that assembly to dread, but also every part of his own behaviour to fear.

widely known and esteemed

From this reading The smallest error of voice, judgment, or delivery, will be noted: "All that can be presumed upon in his favour is, _a hope_ that he may meet with that indulgence which an English audience are so remarkable _for_, and that every exhibition stands so much in need _of_."

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading {1}Every single speaker, who, like me, attempts to entertain an audience, has not only the censure of that assembly to dread, but also every part of his own behaviour to fear.

touching and supported by a surface

From this reading But here is a head [shews Stevens''s head] I confess I have more than once wished on my own shoulders: but I fear my poor abilities will bring a blush into its cheeks.

on one occasion

From this reading But here is a head [shews Stevens''s head] I confess I have more than once wished on my own shoulders: but I fear my poor abilities will bring a blush into its cheeks.

and nothing more

From this reading {1}Every single speaker, who, like me, attempts to entertain an audience, has not only the censure of that assembly to dread, but also every part of his own behaviour to fear.

used to join alternatives or possibilities

From this reading The smallest error of voice, judgment, or delivery, will be noted: "All that can be presumed upon in his favour is, _a hope_ that he may meet with that indulgence which an English audience are so remarkable _for_, and that every exhibition stands so much in need _of_."

an instance of oratory

From this reading This method of lecturing is a very ancient custom; Juno, the wife of Jupiter, being the first who gave her husband a lecture, and, from the place wherein that oration was supposed to have been delivered, they have always, since that time, been called _curtain lectures_.

not the same one or ones already mentioned or implied

From this reading {2}But, before I pretend to make free with other people's heads, it may be proper to say something upon my own, if upon my own any thing could be said to the purpose; but, after many experiments, finding I could not make any thing of my own, I have taken the liberty to try what I could do by exhibiting a Collection of Heads belonging to other people.

have ownership or possession of

From this reading {1}Every single speaker, who, like me, attempts to entertain an audience, has not only the censure of that assembly to dread, but also every part of his own behaviour to fear.

something determined in relation to something that includes it

From this reading {1}Every single speaker, who, like me, attempts to entertain an audience, has not only the censure of that assembly to dread, but also every part of his own behaviour to fear.

(plural) any group of human beings (men or women or children) collectively

From this reading {2}But, before I pretend to make free with other people's heads, it may be proper to say something upon my own, if upon my own any thing could be said to the purpose; but, after many experiments, finding I could not make any thing of my own, I have taken the liberty to try what I could do by exhibiting a Collection of Heads belonging to other people.

possessive form of “people” — (plural) any group of human beings (men or women or children) collectively

From this reading {2}But, before I pretend to make free with other people's heads, it may be proper to say something upon my own, if upon my own any thing could be said to the purpose; but, after many experiments, finding I could not make any thing of my own, I have taken the liberty to try what I could do by exhibiting a Collection of Heads belonging to other people.

a point located with respect to surface features of some region

From this reading This method of lecturing is a very ancient custom; Juno, the wife of Jupiter, being the first who gave her husband a lecture, and, from the place wherein that oration was supposed to have been delivered, they have always, since that time, been called _curtain lectures_.

deserving or inciting pity

From this reading But here is a head [shews Stevens''s head] I confess I have more than once wished on my own shoulders: but I fear my poor abilities will bring a blush into its cheeks.

past form of “presume” — take to be the case or to be true; accept without verification or proof

From this reading The smallest error of voice, judgment, or delivery, will be noted: "All that can be presumed upon in his favour is, _a hope_ that he may meet with that indulgence which an English audience are so remarkable _for_, and that every exhibition stands so much in need _of_."

make believe with the intent to deceive

From this reading {2}But, before I pretend to make free with other people's heads, it may be proper to say something upon my own, if upon my own any thing could be said to the purpose; but, after many experiments, finding I could not make any thing of my own, I have taken the liberty to try what I could do by exhibiting a Collection of Heads belonging to other people.

marked by suitability or rightness or appropriateness

From this reading {2}But, before I pretend to make free with other people's heads, it may be proper to say something upon my own, if upon my own any thing could be said to the purpose; but, after many experiments, finding I could not make any thing of my own, I have taken the liberty to try what I could do by exhibiting a Collection of Heads belonging to other people.

an anticipated outcome that is intended or that guides your planned actions

From this reading {2}But, before I pretend to make free with other people's heads, it may be proper to say something upon my own, if upon my own any thing could be said to the purpose; but, after many experiments, finding I could not make any thing of my own, I have taken the liberty to try what I could do by exhibiting a Collection of Heads belonging to other people.

unusual or striking

From this reading The smallest error of voice, judgment, or delivery, will be noted: "All that can be presumed upon in his favour is, _a hope_ that he may meet with that indulgence which an English audience are so remarkable _for_, and that every exhibition stands so much in need _of_."

1/60 of a minute; the basic unit of time adopted under the Systeme International d'Unites

From this reading But here is a head [shews Stevens''s head] I confess I have more than once wished on my own shoulders: but I fear my poor abilities will bring a blush into its cheeks.

being the one previously mentioned or spoken of

From this reading {2}But, before I pretend to make free with other people's heads, it may be proper to say something upon my own, if upon my own any thing could be said to the purpose; but, after many experiments, finding I could not make any thing of my own, I have taken the liberty to try what I could do by exhibiting a Collection of Heads belonging to other people.

express in words

From this reading {2}But, before I pretend to make free with other people's heads, it may be proper to say something upon my own, if upon my own any thing could be said to the purpose; but, after many experiments, finding I could not make any thing of my own, I have taken the liberty to try what I could do by exhibiting a Collection of Heads belonging to other people.

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

From this reading But here is a head [shews Stevens''s head] I confess I have more than once wished on my own shoulders: but I fear my poor abilities will bring a blush into its cheeks.

plural of “shoulder” — the part of the body between the neck and the upper arm

From this reading But here is a head [shews Stevens''s head] I confess I have more than once wished on my own shoulders: but I fear my poor abilities will bring a blush into its cheeks.

from a time in the past until now

From this reading This method of lecturing is a very ancient custom; Juno, the wife of Jupiter, being the first who gave her husband a lecture, and, from the place wherein that oration was supposed to have been delivered, they have always, since that time, been called _curtain lectures_.

being or characteristic of a single thing or person

From this reading {1}Every single speaker, who, like me, attempts to entertain an audience, has not only the censure of that assembly to dread, but also every part of his own behaviour to fear.

superlative of “small” — limited or below average in number or quantity or magnitude or extent

From this reading The smallest error of voice, judgment, or delivery, will be noted: "All that can be presumed upon in his favour is, _a hope_ that he may meet with that indulgence which an English audience are so remarkable _for_, and that every exhibition stands so much in need _of_."

for that reason; with the result that

From this reading The smallest error of voice, judgment, or delivery, will be noted: "All that can be presumed upon in his favour is, _a hope_ that he may meet with that indulgence which an English audience are so remarkable _for_, and that every exhibition stands so much in need _of_."

a thing, without saying which

From this reading {2}But, before I pretend to make free with other people's heads, it may be proper to say something upon my own, if upon my own any thing could be said to the purpose; but, after many experiments, finding I could not make any thing of my own, I have taken the liberty to try what I could do by exhibiting a Collection of Heads belonging to other people.

someone who expresses in language; someone who talks (especially someone who delivers a public speech or someone especially garrulous)

From this reading {1}Every single speaker, who, like me, attempts to entertain an audience, has not only the censure of that assembly to dread, but also every part of his own behaviour to fear.

plural of “stand” — a support or foundation

From this reading The smallest error of voice, judgment, or delivery, will be noted: "All that can be presumed upon in his favour is, _a hope_ that he may meet with that indulgence which an English audience are so remarkable _for_, and that every exhibition stands so much in need _of_."

United States psychologist and psychophysicist who proposed Stevens' power law to replace Fechner's law (1906-1973)

From this reading But here is a head [shews Stevens''s head] I confess I have more than once wished on my own shoulders: but I fear my poor abilities will bring a blush into its cheeks.

required or under orders

From this reading This method of lecturing is a very ancient custom; Juno, the wife of Jupiter, being the first who gave her husband a lecture, and, from the place wherein that oration was supposed to have been delivered, they have always, since that time, been called _curtain lectures_.

understood in a certain way; made sense of

From this reading {2}But, before I pretend to make free with other people's heads, it may be proper to say something upon my own, if upon my own any thing could be said to the purpose; but, after many experiments, finding I could not make any thing of my own, I have taken the liberty to try what I could do by exhibiting a Collection of Heads belonging to other people.

used to introduce the second part of a comparison

From this reading But here is a head [shews Stevens''s head] I confess I have more than once wished on my own shoulders: but I fear my poor abilities will bring a blush into its cheeks.

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading {1}Every single speaker, who, like me, attempts to entertain an audience, has not only the censure of that assembly to dread, but also every part of his own behaviour to fear.

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

From this reading {1}Every single speaker, who, like me, attempts to entertain an audience, has not only the censure of that assembly to dread, but also every part of his own behaviour to fear.

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

From this reading This method of lecturing is a very ancient custom; Juno, the wife of Jupiter, being the first who gave her husband a lecture, and, from the place wherein that oration was supposed to have been delivered, they have always, since that time, been called _curtain lectures_.

a special situation

From this reading {2}But, before I pretend to make free with other people's heads, it may be proper to say something upon my own, if upon my own any thing could be said to the purpose; but, after many experiments, finding I could not make any thing of my own, I have taken the liberty to try what I could do by exhibiting a Collection of Heads belonging to other people.

used for a person or thing that is near, or that has just been mentioned

From this reading This method of lecturing is a very ancient custom; Juno, the wife of Jupiter, being the first who gave her husband a lecture, and, from the place wherein that oration was supposed to have been delivered, they have always, since that time, been called _curtain lectures_.

an instance or single occasion for some event

From this reading This method of lecturing is a very ancient custom; Juno, the wife of Jupiter, being the first who gave her husband a lecture, and, from the place wherein that oration was supposed to have been delivered, they have always, since that time, been called _curtain lectures_.

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

From this reading {1}Every single speaker, who, like me, attempts to entertain an audience, has not only the censure of that assembly to dread, but also every part of his own behaviour to fear.

make an effort or attempt

From this reading {2}But, before I pretend to make free with other people's heads, it may be proper to say something upon my own, if upon my own any thing could be said to the purpose; but, after many experiments, finding I could not make any thing of my own, I have taken the liberty to try what I could do by exhibiting a Collection of Heads belonging to other people.

a formal word for “on”

From this reading The smallest error of voice, judgment, or delivery, will be noted: "All that can be presumed upon in his favour is, _a hope_ that he may meet with that indulgence which an English audience are so remarkable _for_, and that every exhibition stands so much in need _of_."

precisely as stated

From this reading This method of lecturing is a very ancient custom; Juno, the wife of Jupiter, being the first who gave her husband a lecture, and, from the place wherein that oration was supposed to have been delivered, they have always, since that time, been called _curtain lectures_.

the distinctive quality or pitch or condition of a person's speech

From this reading The smallest error of voice, judgment, or delivery, will be noted: "All that can be presumed upon in his favour is, _a hope_ that he may meet with that indulgence which an English audience are so remarkable _for_, and that every exhibition stands so much in need _of_."

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

From this reading This method of lecturing is a very ancient custom; Juno, the wife of Jupiter, being the first who gave her husband a lecture, and, from the place wherein that oration was supposed to have been delivered, they have always, since that time, been called _curtain lectures_.

used to ask for information about something

From this reading {2}But, before I pretend to make free with other people's heads, it may be proper to say something upon my own, if upon my own any thing could be said to the purpose; but, after many experiments, finding I could not make any thing of my own, I have taken the liberty to try what I could do by exhibiting a Collection of Heads belonging to other people.

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

From this reading This method of lecturing is a very ancient custom; Juno, the wife of Jupiter, being the first who gave her husband a lecture, and, from the place wherein that oration was supposed to have been delivered, they have always, since that time, been called _curtain lectures_.

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

From this reading The smallest error of voice, judgment, or delivery, will be noted: "All that can be presumed upon in his favour is, _a hope_ that he may meet with that indulgence which an English audience are so remarkable _for_, and that every exhibition stands so much in need _of_."

which person or people

From this reading {1}Every single speaker, who, like me, attempts to entertain an audience, has not only the censure of that assembly to dread, but also every part of his own behaviour to fear.

a married woman; a man's partner in marriage

From this reading This method of lecturing is a very ancient custom; Juno, the wife of Jupiter, being the first who gave her husband a lecture, and, from the place wherein that oration was supposed to have been delivered, they have always, since that time, been called _curtain lectures_.

used to talk about the future, or about willingness

From this reading The smallest error of voice, judgment, or delivery, will be noted: "All that can be presumed upon in his favour is, _a hope_ that he may meet with that indulgence which an English audience are so remarkable _for_, and that every exhibition stands so much in need _of_."

past form of “wish” — hope for; have a wish

From this reading But here is a head [shews Stevens''s head] I confess I have more than once wished on my own shoulders: but I fear my poor abilities will bring a blush into its cheeks.

in the company of; together with

From this reading The smallest error of voice, judgment, or delivery, will be noted: "All that can be presumed upon in his favour is, _a hope_ that he may meet with that indulgence which an English audience are so remarkable _for_, and that every exhibition stands so much in need _of_."