used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading He was always a prudent man.
abstractverbUS /æbˈstrækt/
consider a concept without thinking of a specific example; consider abstractly or theoretically
From this reading He was not given to the taking of unnecessary risks for the sake of abstract principles.
afflictionnounUS /əˈflɪkʃən/
a state of great suffering and distress due to adversity
From this reading He made no pretensions to the possession of heroic fortitude under affliction, and he had no special reputation for high-toned honor to lose.
at all times; all the time and on every occasion
From this reading _Mr. William Barksdale Explains._ Precisely what Dr. Harrison's emotions were when he found himself in the sheriff's hands, nobody is likely ever to know, as that gentleman was always of taciturn mood in matters closely concerning himself, and on the present occasion was literally dumb.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading _Mr. William Barksdale Explains._ Precisely what Dr. Harrison's emotions were when he found himself in the sheriff's hands, nobody is likely ever to know, as that gentleman was always of taciturn mood in matters closely concerning himself, and on the present occasion was literally dumb.
at the same time that; because; in the way that
From this reading _Mr. William Barksdale Explains._ Precisely what Dr. Harrison's emotions were when he found himself in the sheriff's hands, nobody is likely ever to know, as that gentleman was always of taciturn mood in matters closely concerning himself, and on the present occasion was literally dumb.
Barksdale
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading _Mr. William Barksdale Explains._ Precisely what Dr. Harrison's emotions were when he found himself in the sheriff's hands, nobody is likely ever to know, as that gentleman was always of taciturn mood in matters closely concerning himself, and on the present occasion was literally dumb.
an occurrence of something
From this reading With Foggy the case was different.
in a close relation or position in time or space
From this reading _Mr. William Barksdale Explains._ Precisely what Dr. Harrison's emotions were when he found himself in the sheriff's hands, nobody is likely ever to know, as that gentleman was always of taciturn mood in matters closely concerning himself, and on the present occasion was literally dumb.
-ing form of “concern” — be relevant to
From this reading _Mr. William Barksdale Explains._ Precisely what Dr. Harrison's emotions were when he found himself in the sheriff's hands, nobody is likely ever to know, as that gentleman was always of taciturn mood in matters closely concerning himself, and on the present occasion was literally dumb.
unlike in nature or quality or form or degree
From this reading With Foggy the case was different.
Dr
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading _Mr. William Barksdale Explains._ Precisely what Dr. Harrison's emotions were when he found himself in the sheriff's hands, nobody is likely ever to know, as that gentleman was always of taciturn mood in matters closely concerning himself, and on the present occasion was literally dumb.
dumbadjectiveUS /dʌm/
slow to learn or understand; lacking intellectual acuity
From this reading _Mr. William Barksdale Explains._ Precisely what Dr. Harrison's emotions were when he found himself in the sheriff's hands, nobody is likely ever to know, as that gentleman was always of taciturn mood in matters closely concerning himself, and on the present occasion was literally dumb.
emotionsnounUS /ɪˈmoʊʃənz/
plural of “emotion” — any strong feeling
From this reading _Mr. William Barksdale Explains._ Precisely what Dr. Harrison's emotions were when he found himself in the sheriff's hands, nobody is likely ever to know, as that gentleman was always of taciturn mood in matters closely concerning himself, and on the present occasion was literally dumb.
at any time
From this reading _Mr. William Barksdale Explains._ Precisely what Dr. Harrison's emotions were when he found himself in the sheriff's hands, nobody is likely ever to know, as that gentleman was always of taciturn mood in matters closely concerning himself, and on the present occasion was literally dumb.
ExplainsverbUS /ɪkˈspleɪnz/
third-person singular of “explain” — make plain and comprehensible
From this reading _Mr. William Barksdale Explains._ Precisely what Dr. Harrison's emotions were when he found himself in the sheriff's hands, nobody is likely ever to know, as that gentleman was always of taciturn mood in matters closely concerning himself, and on the present occasion was literally dumb.
FoggyadjectiveUS /ˈfɑːɡi/
stunned or confused and slow to react (as from blows or drunkenness or exhaustion)
From this reading With Foggy the case was different.
intended to be given to, or used by, somebody
From this reading He was not given to the taking of unnecessary risks for the sake of abstract principles.
fortitudenounUS /ˈfɔːrtɪtuːd/
strength of mind that enables one to endure adversity with courage
From this reading He made no pretensions to the possession of heroic fortitude under affliction, and he had no special reputation for high-toned honor to lose.
set up or found
From this reading _Mr. William Barksdale Explains._ Precisely what Dr. Harrison's emotions were when he found himself in the sheriff's hands, nobody is likely ever to know, as that gentleman was always of taciturn mood in matters closely concerning himself, and on the present occasion was literally dumb.
a man of refinement
From this reading _Mr. William Barksdale Explains._ Precisely what Dr. Harrison's emotions were when he found himself in the sheriff's hands, nobody is likely ever to know, as that gentleman was always of taciturn mood in matters closely concerning himself, and on the present occasion was literally dumb.
givenadjectiveUS /ˈɡɪvən/
acknowledged as a supposition
From this reading He was not given to the taking of unnecessary risks for the sake of abstract principles.
hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/
the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect
From this reading He made no pretensions to the possession of heroic fortitude under affliction, and he had no special reputation for high-toned honor to lose.
(with “in”) guardianship over; in divorce cases it is the right to house and care for and discipline a child
From this reading _Mr. William Barksdale Explains._ Precisely what Dr. Harrison's emotions were when he found himself in the sheriff's hands, nobody is likely ever to know, as that gentleman was always of taciturn mood in matters closely concerning himself, and on the present occasion was literally dumb.
Harrison'snounUS /ˈherɪsənz/
possessive form of “harrison” — English actor on stage and in films (1908-1990)
From this reading _Mr. William Barksdale Explains._ Precisely what Dr. Harrison's emotions were when he found himself in the sheriff's hands, nobody is likely ever to know, as that gentleman was always of taciturn mood in matters closely concerning himself, and on the present occasion was literally dumb.
a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading _Mr. William Barksdale Explains._ Precisely what Dr. Harrison's emotions were when he found himself in the sheriff's hands, nobody is likely ever to know, as that gentleman was always of taciturn mood in matters closely concerning himself, and on the present occasion was literally dumb.
heroicadjectiveUS /hɪˈroʊɪk/
very imposing or impressive; surpassing the ordinary (especially in size or scale)
From this reading He made no pretensions to the possession of heroic fortitude under affliction, and he had no special reputation for high-toned honor to lose.
high-tonedadjective
pretentiously elegant
From this reading He made no pretensions to the possession of heroic fortitude under affliction, and he had no special reputation for high-toned honor to lose.
used when the man or boy doing the action is also its object
From this reading _Mr. William Barksdale Explains._ Precisely what Dr. Harrison's emotions were when he found himself in the sheriff's hands, nobody is likely ever to know, as that gentleman was always of taciturn mood in matters closely concerning himself, and on the present occasion was literally dumb.
a tangible symbol signifying approval or distinction
From this reading He made no pretensions to the possession of heroic fortitude under affliction, and he had no special reputation for high-toned honor to lose.
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading _Mr. William Barksdale Explains._ Precisely what Dr. Harrison's emotions were when he found himself in the sheriff's hands, nobody is likely ever to know, as that gentleman was always of taciturn mood in matters closely concerning himself, and on the present occasion was literally dumb.
the form of “be” used with he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading _Mr. William Barksdale Explains._ Precisely what Dr. Harrison's emotions were when he found himself in the sheriff's hands, nobody is likely ever to know, as that gentleman was always of taciturn mood in matters closely concerning himself, and on the present occasion was literally dumb.
be cognizant or aware of a fact or a specific piece of information; possess knowledge or information about
From this reading _Mr. William Barksdale Explains._ Precisely what Dr. Harrison's emotions were when he found himself in the sheriff's hands, nobody is likely ever to know, as that gentleman was always of taciturn mood in matters closely concerning himself, and on the present occasion was literally dumb.
has a good chance of being the case or of coming about
From this reading _Mr. William Barksdale Explains._ Precisely what Dr. Harrison's emotions were when he found himself in the sheriff's hands, nobody is likely ever to know, as that gentleman was always of taciturn mood in matters closely concerning himself, and on the present occasion was literally dumb.
literallyadverbUS /ˈlɪtərəli/
in a literal sense
From this reading _Mr. William Barksdale Explains._ Precisely what Dr. Harrison's emotions were when he found himself in the sheriff's hands, nobody is likely ever to know, as that gentleman was always of taciturn mood in matters closely concerning himself, and on the present occasion was literally dumb.
fail to keep or to maintain; cease to have, either physically or in an abstract sense
From this reading He made no pretensions to the possession of heroic fortitude under affliction, and he had no special reputation for high-toned honor to lose.
produced by a manufacturing process
From this reading He made no pretensions to the possession of heroic fortitude under affliction, and he had no special reputation for high-toned honor to lose.
an adult person who is male (as opposed to a woman)
From this reading He was always a prudent man.
plural of “matter” — a vaguely specified concern
From this reading _Mr. William Barksdale Explains._ Precisely what Dr. Harrison's emotions were when he found himself in the sheriff's hands, nobody is likely ever to know, as that gentleman was always of taciturn mood in matters closely concerning himself, and on the present occasion was literally dumb.
a characteristic (habitual or relatively temporary) state of feeling
From this reading _Mr. William Barksdale Explains._ Precisely what Dr. Harrison's emotions were when he found himself in the sheriff's hands, nobody is likely ever to know, as that gentleman was always of taciturn mood in matters closely concerning himself, and on the present occasion was literally dumb.
a form of address for a man
From this reading _Mr. William Barksdale Explains._ Precisely what Dr. Harrison's emotions were when he found himself in the sheriff's hands, nobody is likely ever to know, as that gentleman was always of taciturn mood in matters closely concerning himself, and on the present occasion was literally dumb.
not any; not one
From this reading He made no pretensions to the possession of heroic fortitude under affliction, and he had no special reputation for high-toned honor to lose.
no person; not anyone
From this reading _Mr. William Barksdale Explains._ Precisely what Dr. Harrison's emotions were when he found himself in the sheriff's hands, nobody is likely ever to know, as that gentleman was always of taciturn mood in matters closely concerning himself, and on the present occasion was literally dumb.
used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative
From this reading He was not given to the taking of unnecessary risks for the sake of abstract principles.
an event that occurs at a critical time
From this reading _Mr. William Barksdale Explains._ Precisely what Dr. Harrison's emotions were when he found himself in the sheriff's hands, nobody is likely ever to know, as that gentleman was always of taciturn mood in matters closely concerning himself, and on the present occasion was literally dumb.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading _Mr. William Barksdale Explains._ Precisely what Dr. Harrison's emotions were when he found himself in the sheriff's hands, nobody is likely ever to know, as that gentleman was always of taciturn mood in matters closely concerning himself, and on the present occasion was literally dumb.
touching and supported by a surface
From this reading _Mr. William Barksdale Explains._ Precisely what Dr. Harrison's emotions were when he found himself in the sheriff's hands, nobody is likely ever to know, as that gentleman was always of taciturn mood in matters closely concerning himself, and on the present occasion was literally dumb.
the act of having and controlling property
From this reading He made no pretensions to the possession of heroic fortitude under affliction, and he had no special reputation for high-toned honor to lose.
PreciselyadverbUS /prɪˈsaɪsli/
indicating exactness or preciseness
From this reading _Mr. William Barksdale Explains._ Precisely what Dr. Harrison's emotions were when he found himself in the sheriff's hands, nobody is likely ever to know, as that gentleman was always of taciturn mood in matters closely concerning himself, and on the present occasion was literally dumb.
give an exhibition of to an interested audience
From this reading _Mr. William Barksdale Explains._ Precisely what Dr. Harrison's emotions were when he found himself in the sheriff's hands, nobody is likely ever to know, as that gentleman was always of taciturn mood in matters closely concerning himself, and on the present occasion was literally dumb.
pretensionsnounUS /prəˈtenʃənz/
plural of “pretension” — a false or unsupportable quality
From this reading He made no pretensions to the possession of heroic fortitude under affliction, and he had no special reputation for high-toned honor to lose.
principlesnounUS /ˈprɪnsəpəlz/
plural of “principle” — a basic generalization that is accepted as true and that can be used as a basis for reasoning or conduct
From this reading He was not given to the taking of unnecessary risks for the sake of abstract principles.
prudentadjectiveUS /ˈpruːdənt/
careful and sensible; marked by sound judgment
From this reading He was always a prudent man.
the state of being held in high esteem and honor
From this reading He made no pretensions to the possession of heroic fortitude under affliction, and he had no special reputation for high-toned honor to lose.
risksnounUS /rɪsks/
plural of “risk” — a source of danger; a possibility of incurring loss or misfortune
From this reading He was not given to the taking of unnecessary risks for the sake of abstract principles.
a reason for wanting something done
From this reading He was not given to the taking of unnecessary risks for the sake of abstract principles.
sheriff'snounUS /ˈʃerəfs/
possessive form of “sheriff” — the principal law-enforcement officer in a county
From this reading _Mr. William Barksdale Explains._ Precisely what Dr. Harrison's emotions were when he found himself in the sheriff's hands, nobody is likely ever to know, as that gentleman was always of taciturn mood in matters closely concerning himself, and on the present occasion was literally dumb.
unique or specific to a person or thing or category
From this reading He made no pretensions to the possession of heroic fortitude under affliction, and he had no special reputation for high-toned honor to lose.
taciturnadjectiveUS /ˈtæsɪtɜːrn/
habitually reserved and uncommunicative
From this reading _Mr. William Barksdale Explains._ Precisely what Dr. Harrison's emotions were when he found himself in the sheriff's hands, nobody is likely ever to know, as that gentleman was always of taciturn mood in matters closely concerning himself, and on the present occasion was literally dumb.
the act of someone who picks up or takes something
From this reading He was not given to the taking of unnecessary risks for the sake of abstract principles.
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading _Mr. William Barksdale Explains._ Precisely what Dr. Harrison's emotions were when he found himself in the sheriff's hands, nobody is likely ever to know, as that gentleman was always of taciturn mood in matters closely concerning himself, and on the present occasion was literally dumb.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading _Mr. William Barksdale Explains._ Precisely what Dr. Harrison's emotions were when he found himself in the sheriff's hands, nobody is likely ever to know, as that gentleman was always of taciturn mood in matters closely concerning himself, and on the present occasion was literally dumb.
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading _Mr. William Barksdale Explains._ Precisely what Dr. Harrison's emotions were when he found himself in the sheriff's hands, nobody is likely ever to know, as that gentleman was always of taciturn mood in matters closely concerning himself, and on the present occasion was literally dumb.
underprepositionUS /ˈʌndər/
below or beneath something; less than
From this reading He made no pretensions to the possession of heroic fortitude under affliction, and he had no special reputation for high-toned honor to lose.
unnecessaryadjectiveUS /ənˈnesəseri/
not necessary
From this reading He was not given to the taking of unnecessary risks for the sake of abstract principles.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading _Mr. William Barksdale Explains._ Precisely what Dr. Harrison's emotions were when he found himself in the sheriff's hands, nobody is likely ever to know, as that gentleman was always of taciturn mood in matters closely concerning himself, and on the present occasion was literally dumb.
wereauxiliary verbUS /wɜːr/
the past form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun
From this reading _Mr. William Barksdale Explains._ Precisely what Dr. Harrison's emotions were when he found himself in the sheriff's hands, nobody is likely ever to know, as that gentleman was always of taciturn mood in matters closely concerning himself, and on the present occasion was literally dumb.
used to ask for information about something
From this reading _Mr. William Barksdale Explains._ Precisely what Dr. Harrison's emotions were when he found himself in the sheriff's hands, nobody is likely ever to know, as that gentleman was always of taciturn mood in matters closely concerning himself, and on the present occasion was literally dumb.
at the time that
From this reading _Mr. William Barksdale Explains._ Precisely what Dr. Harrison's emotions were when he found himself in the sheriff's hands, nobody is likely ever to know, as that gentleman was always of taciturn mood in matters closely concerning himself, and on the present occasion was literally dumb.
William
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading _Mr. William Barksdale Explains._ Precisely what Dr. Harrison's emotions were when he found himself in the sheriff's hands, nobody is likely ever to know, as that gentleman was always of taciturn mood in matters closely concerning himself, and on the present occasion was literally dumb.
in the company of; together with
From this reading With Foggy the case was different.
