Chapter II

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

From this reading This is surely not a carefully made statement.

(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 SHAKESPEARE AND THE SEA Quite recently it was suggested by the writer of an article in the _Spectator_ that Shakespeare was now but little read,--that while his works were quoted from as much as ever, the quotations were obtained at second hand, and that it would be hard to find to-day any reader who had waded through all that wonderful collection of plays and poems.

plural of “allusion” — passing reference or indirect mention

From this reading Even the sailor, critical as he always is of allusions to the technicalities of his calling that appear in literature, is arrested by the truth of Shakespeare’s references to the sea and seafaring, while he cannot but wonder at their copiousness in the work of a thorough landsman.

at all times; all the time and on every occasion

From this reading Even the sailor, critical as he always is of allusions to the technicalities of his calling that appear in literature, is arrested by the truth of Shakespeare’s references to the sea and seafaring, while he cannot but wonder at their copiousness in the work of a thorough landsman.

a quantity of money

From this reading If there were any amount of truth in it, we might well regard such a state of things as only one degree less deplorable than that people should have ceased to read the Bible.

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

From this reading SHAKESPEARE AND THE SEA Quite recently it was suggested by the writer of an article in the _Spectator_ that Shakespeare was now but little read,--that while his works were quoted from as much as ever, the quotations were obtained at second hand, and that it would be hard to find to-day any reader who had waded through all that wonderful collection of plays and poems.

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

From this reading SHAKESPEARE AND THE SEA Quite recently it was suggested by the writer of an article in the _Spectator_ that Shakespeare was now but little read,--that while his works were quoted from as much as ever, the quotations were obtained at second hand, and that it would be hard to find to-day any reader who had waded through all that wonderful collection of plays and poems.

one or some or every or all without specification

From this reading SHAKESPEARE AND THE SEA Quite recently it was suggested by the writer of an article in the _Spectator_ that Shakespeare was now but little read,--that while his works were quoted from as much as ever, the quotations were obtained at second hand, and that it would be hard to find to-day any reader who had waded through all that wonderful collection of plays and poems.

give a certain impression or have a certain outward aspect

From this reading Even the sailor, critical as he always is of allusions to the technicalities of his calling that appear in literature, is arrested by the truth of Shakespeare’s references to the sea and seafaring, while he cannot but wonder at their copiousness in the work of a thorough landsman.

past form of “arrest” — take into custody

From this reading Even the sailor, critical as he always is of allusions to the technicalities of his calling that appear in literature, is arrested by the truth of Shakespeare’s references to the sea and seafaring, while he cannot but wonder at their copiousness in the work of a thorough landsman.

nonfictional prose forming an independent part of a publication

From this reading SHAKESPEARE AND THE SEA Quite recently it was suggested by the writer of an article in the _Spectator_ that Shakespeare was now but little read,--that while his works were quoted from as much as ever, the quotations were obtained at second hand, and that it would be hard to find to-day any reader who had waded through all that wonderful collection of plays and poems.

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

From this reading SHAKESPEARE AND THE SEA Quite recently it was suggested by the writer of an article in the _Spectator_ that Shakespeare was now but little read,--that while his works were quoted from as much as ever, the quotations were obtained at second hand, and that it would be hard to find to-day any reader who had waded through all that wonderful collection of plays and poems.

in or near a particular place or position

From this reading SHAKESPEARE AND THE SEA Quite recently it was suggested by the writer of an article in the _Spectator_ that Shakespeare was now but little read,--that while his works were quoted from as much as ever, the quotations were obtained at second hand, and that it would be hard to find to-day any reader who had waded through all that wonderful collection of plays and poems.

obtainable or accessible and ready for use or service

From this reading For next to the Bible there can be no such collection of writings available wherein may be found food for every mind.

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

From this reading SHAKESPEARE AND THE SEA Quite recently it was suggested by the writer of an article in the _Spectator_ that Shakespeare was now but little read,--that while his works were quoted from as much as ever, the quotations were obtained at second hand, and that it would be hard to find to-day any reader who had waded through all that wonderful collection of plays and poems.

the sacred writings of the Christian religions

From this reading If there were any amount of truth in it, we might well regard such a state of things as only one degree less deplorable than that people should have ceased to read the Bible.

used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before

From this reading SHAKESPEARE AND THE SEA Quite recently it was suggested by the writer of an article in the _Spectator_ that Shakespeare was now but little read,--that while his works were quoted from as much as ever, the quotations were obtained at second hand, and that it would be hard to find to-day any reader who had waded through all that wonderful collection of plays and poems.

showing who or what does the action

From this reading SHAKESPEARE AND THE SEA Quite recently it was suggested by the writer of an article in the _Spectator_ that Shakespeare was now but little read,--that while his works were quoted from as much as ever, the quotations were obtained at second hand, and that it would be hard to find to-day any reader who had waded through all that wonderful collection of plays and poems.

the particular occupation for which you are trained

From this reading Even the sailor, critical as he always is of allusions to the technicalities of his calling that appear in literature, is arrested by the truth of Shakespeare’s references to the sea and seafaring, while he cannot but wonder at their copiousness in the work of a thorough landsman.

to be able to, or to be allowed to

From this reading For next to the Bible there can be no such collection of writings available wherein may be found food for every mind.

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

From this reading Even the sailor, critical as he always is of allusions to the technicalities of his calling that appear in literature, is arrested by the truth of Shakespeare’s references to the sea and seafaring, while he cannot but wonder at their copiousness in the work of a thorough landsman.

taking care or paying attention

From this reading This is surely not a carefully made statement.

past form of “cease” — put an end to a state or an activity

From this reading If there were any amount of truth in it, we might well regard such a state of things as only one degree less deplorable than that people should have ceased to read the Bible.

several things grouped together or considered as a whole

From this reading SHAKESPEARE AND THE SEA Quite recently it was suggested by the writer of an article in the _Spectator_ that Shakespeare was now but little read,--that while his works were quoted from as much as ever, the quotations were obtained at second hand, and that it would be hard to find to-day any reader who had waded through all that wonderful collection of plays and poems.

the property of a more than adequate quantity or supply

From this reading Even the sailor, critical as he always is of allusions to the technicalities of his calling that appear in literature, is arrested by the truth of Shakespeare’s references to the sea and seafaring, while he cannot but wonder at their copiousness in the work of a thorough landsman.

marked by a tendency to find and call attention to errors and flaws

From this reading Even the sailor, critical as he always is of allusions to the technicalities of his calling that appear in literature, is arrested by the truth of Shakespeare’s references to the sea and seafaring, while he cannot but wonder at their copiousness in the work of a thorough landsman.

a position on a scale of intensity or amount or quality

From this reading If there were any amount of truth in it, we might well regard such a state of things as only one degree less deplorable than that people should have ceased to read the Bible.

bad; unfortunate

From this reading If there were any amount of truth in it, we might well regard such a state of things as only one degree less deplorable than that people should have ceased to read the Bible.

divisible by two

From this reading Even the sailor, critical as he always is of allusions to the technicalities of his calling that appear in literature, is arrested by the truth of Shakespeare’s references to the sea and seafaring, while he cannot but wonder at their copiousness in the work of a thorough landsman.

at any time

From this reading SHAKESPEARE AND THE SEA Quite recently it was suggested by the writer of an article in the _Spectator_ that Shakespeare was now but little read,--that while his works were quoted from as much as ever, the quotations were obtained at second hand, and that it would be hard to find to-day any reader who had waded through all that wonderful collection of plays and poems.

all the members of a group, with none left out

From this reading For next to the Bible there can be no such collection of writings available wherein may be found food for every mind.

come upon, as if by accident; meet with

From this reading SHAKESPEARE AND THE SEA Quite recently it was suggested by the writer of an article in the _Spectator_ that Shakespeare was now but little read,--that while his works were quoted from as much as ever, the quotations were obtained at second hand, and that it would be hard to find to-day any reader who had waded through all that wonderful collection of plays and poems.

any substance that can be metabolized by an animal to give energy and build tissue

From this reading For next to the Bible there can be no such collection of writings available wherein may be found food for every mind.

intended to be given to, or used by, somebody

From this reading For next to the Bible there can be no such collection of writings available wherein may be found food for every mind.

set up or found

From this reading For next to the Bible there can be no such collection of writings available wherein may be found food for every mind.

showing where something starts, or who sent it

From this reading SHAKESPEARE AND THE SEA Quite recently it was suggested by the writer of an article in the _Spectator_ that Shakespeare was now but little read,--that while his works were quoted from as much as ever, the quotations were obtained at second hand, and that it would be hard to find to-day any reader who had waded through all that wonderful collection of plays and poems.

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

From this reading SHAKESPEARE AND THE SEA Quite recently it was suggested by the writer of an article in the _Spectator_ that Shakespeare was now but little read,--that while his works were quoted from as much as ever, the quotations were obtained at second hand, and that it would be hard to find to-day any reader who had waded through all that wonderful collection of plays and poems.

the (prehensile) extremity of the superior limb

From this reading SHAKESPEARE AND THE SEA Quite recently it was suggested by the writer of an article in the _Spectator_ that Shakespeare was now but little read,--that while his works were quoted from as much as ever, the quotations were obtained at second hand, and that it would be hard to find to-day any reader who had waded through all that wonderful collection of plays and poems.

not easy; requiring great physical or mental effort to accomplish or comprehend or endure

From this reading SHAKESPEARE AND THE SEA Quite recently it was suggested by the writer of an article in the _Spectator_ that Shakespeare was now but little read,--that while his works were quoted from as much as ever, the quotations were obtained at second hand, and that it would be hard to find to-day any reader who had waded through all that wonderful collection of plays and poems.

used with a past participle to form the perfect tenses

From this reading If there were any amount of truth in it, we might well regard such a state of things as only one degree less deplorable than that people should have ceased to read the Bible.

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

From this reading Even the sailor, critical as he always is of allusions to the technicalities of his calling that appear in literature, is arrested by the truth of Shakespeare’s references to the sea and seafaring, while he cannot but wonder at their copiousness in the work of a thorough landsman.

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

From this reading SHAKESPEARE AND THE SEA Quite recently it was suggested by the writer of an article in the _Spectator_ that Shakespeare was now but little read,--that while his works were quoted from as much as ever, the quotations were obtained at second hand, and that it would be hard to find to-day any reader who had waded through all that wonderful collection of plays and poems.

on condition that; in the event that

From this reading If there were any amount of truth in it, we might well regard such a state of things as only one degree less deplorable than that people should have ceased to read the Bible.

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

From this reading SHAKESPEARE AND THE SEA Quite recently it was suggested by the writer of an article in the _Spectator_ that Shakespeare was now but little read,--that while his works were quoted from as much as ever, the quotations were obtained at second hand, and that it would be hard to find to-day any reader who had waded through all that wonderful collection of plays and poems.

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

From this reading This is surely not a carefully made statement.

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading SHAKESPEARE AND THE SEA Quite recently it was suggested by the writer of an article in the _Spectator_ that Shakespeare was now but little read,--that while his works were quoted from as much as ever, the quotations were obtained at second hand, and that it would be hard to find to-day any reader who had waded through all that wonderful collection of plays and poems.

a person who lives and works on land

From this reading Even the sailor, critical as he always is of allusions to the technicalities of his calling that appear in literature, is arrested by the truth of Shakespeare’s references to the sea and seafaring, while he cannot but wonder at their copiousness in the work of a thorough landsman.

used to form the comparative of some adjectives and adverbs

From this reading If there were any amount of truth in it, we might well regard such a state of things as only one degree less deplorable than that people should have ceased to read the Bible.

creative writing of recognized artistic value

From this reading Even the sailor, critical as he always is of allusions to the technicalities of his calling that appear in literature, is arrested by the truth of Shakespeare’s references to the sea and seafaring, while he cannot but wonder at their copiousness in the work of a thorough landsman.

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

From this reading SHAKESPEARE AND THE SEA Quite recently it was suggested by the writer of an article in the _Spectator_ that Shakespeare was now but little read,--that while his works were quoted from as much as ever, the quotations were obtained at second hand, and that it would be hard to find to-day any reader who had waded through all that wonderful collection of plays and poems.

produced by a manufacturing process

From this reading This is surely not a carefully made statement.

used to say something is possible, or to give permission

From this reading For next to the Bible there can be no such collection of writings available wherein may be found food for every mind.

used to say something is possible but not certain

From this reading If there were any amount of truth in it, we might well regard such a state of things as only one degree less deplorable than that people should have ceased to read the Bible.

The element of a person that enables awareness and thought.

From this reading For next to the Bible there can be no such collection of writings available wherein may be found food for every mind.

to a great degree or extent

From this reading SHAKESPEARE AND THE SEA Quite recently it was suggested by the writer of an article in the _Spectator_ that Shakespeare was now but little read,--that while his works were quoted from as much as ever, the quotations were obtained at second hand, and that it would be hard to find to-day any reader who had waded through all that wonderful collection of plays and poems.

immediately following in time or order

From this reading For next to the Bible there can be no such collection of writings available wherein may be found food for every mind.

not any; not one

From this reading For next to the Bible there can be no such collection of writings available wherein may be found food for every mind.

used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative

From this reading This is surely not a carefully made statement.

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

From this reading SHAKESPEARE AND THE SEA Quite recently it was suggested by the writer of an article in the _Spectator_ that Shakespeare was now but little read,--that while his works were quoted from as much as ever, the quotations were obtained at second hand, and that it would be hard to find to-day any reader who had waded through all that wonderful collection of plays and poems.

past form of “obtain” — come into possession of

From this reading SHAKESPEARE AND THE SEA Quite recently it was suggested by the writer of an article in the _Spectator_ that Shakespeare was now but little read,--that while his works were quoted from as much as ever, the quotations were obtained at second hand, and that it would be hard to find to-day any reader who had waded through all that wonderful collection of plays and poems.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading SHAKESPEARE AND THE SEA Quite recently it was suggested by the writer of an article in the _Spectator_ that Shakespeare was now but little read,--that while his works were quoted from as much as ever, the quotations were obtained at second hand, and that it would be hard to find to-day any reader who had waded through all that wonderful collection of plays and poems.

used to mean any person in general, including the speaker

From this reading If there were any amount of truth in it, we might well regard such a state of things as only one degree less deplorable than that people should have ceased to read the Bible.

and nothing more

From this reading If there were any amount of truth in it, we might well regard such a state of things as only one degree less deplorable than that people should have ceased to read the Bible.

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

From this reading If there were any amount of truth in it, we might well regard such a state of things as only one degree less deplorable than that people should have ceased to read the Bible.

plural of “play” — a dramatic work intended for performance by actors on a stage

From this reading SHAKESPEARE AND THE SEA Quite recently it was suggested by the writer of an article in the _Spectator_ that Shakespeare was now but little read,--that while his works were quoted from as much as ever, the quotations were obtained at second hand, and that it would be hard to find to-day any reader who had waded through all that wonderful collection of plays and poems.

plural of “poem” — a composition written in metrical feet forming rhythmical lines

From this reading SHAKESPEARE AND THE SEA Quite recently it was suggested by the writer of an article in the _Spectator_ that Shakespeare was now but little read,--that while his works were quoted from as much as ever, the quotations were obtained at second hand, and that it would be hard to find to-day any reader who had waded through all that wonderful collection of plays and poems.

to a degree (not used with a negative)

From this reading SHAKESPEARE AND THE SEA Quite recently it was suggested by the writer of an article in the _Spectator_ that Shakespeare was now but little read,--that while his works were quoted from as much as ever, the quotations were obtained at second hand, and that it would be hard to find to-day any reader who had waded through all that wonderful collection of plays and poems.

plural of “quotation” — a short note recognizing a source of information or of a quoted passage

From this reading SHAKESPEARE AND THE SEA Quite recently it was suggested by the writer of an article in the _Spectator_ that Shakespeare was now but little read,--that while his works were quoted from as much as ever, the quotations were obtained at second hand, and that it would be hard to find to-day any reader who had waded through all that wonderful collection of plays and poems.

past form of “quote” — repeat a passage from

From this reading SHAKESPEARE AND THE SEA Quite recently it was suggested by the writer of an article in the _Spectator_ that Shakespeare was now but little read,--that while his works were quoted from as much as ever, the quotations were obtained at second hand, and that it would be hard to find to-day any reader who had waded through all that wonderful collection of plays and poems.

interpret something that is written or printed

From this reading SHAKESPEARE AND THE SEA Quite recently it was suggested by the writer of an article in the _Spectator_ that Shakespeare was now but little read,--that while his works were quoted from as much as ever, the quotations were obtained at second hand, and that it would be hard to find to-day any reader who had waded through all that wonderful collection of plays and poems.

a person who enjoys reading

From this reading SHAKESPEARE AND THE SEA Quite recently it was suggested by the writer of an article in the _Spectator_ that Shakespeare was now but little read,--that while his works were quoted from as much as ever, the quotations were obtained at second hand, and that it would be hard to find to-day any reader who had waded through all that wonderful collection of plays and poems.

in the recent past

From this reading SHAKESPEARE AND THE SEA Quite recently it was suggested by the writer of an article in the _Spectator_ that Shakespeare was now but little read,--that while his works were quoted from as much as ever, the quotations were obtained at second hand, and that it would be hard to find to-day any reader who had waded through all that wonderful collection of plays and poems.

plural of “reference” — a remark that calls attention to something or someone

From this reading Even the sailor, critical as he always is of allusions to the technicalities of his calling that appear in literature, is arrested by the truth of Shakespeare’s references to the sea and seafaring, while he cannot but wonder at their copiousness in the work of a thorough landsman.

(usually preceded by “in”) a detail or point

From this reading If there were any amount of truth in it, we might well regard such a state of things as only one degree less deplorable than that people should have ceased to read the Bible.

any member of a ship's crew

From this reading Even the sailor, critical as he always is of allusions to the technicalities of his calling that appear in literature, is arrested by the truth of Shakespeare’s references to the sea and seafaring, while he cannot but wonder at their copiousness in the work of a thorough landsman.

a division of an ocean or a large body of salt water partially enclosed by land

From this reading SHAKESPEARE AND THE SEA Quite recently it was suggested by the writer of an article in the _Spectator_ that Shakespeare was now but little read,--that while his works were quoted from as much as ever, the quotations were obtained at second hand, and that it would be hard to find to-day any reader who had waded through all that wonderful collection of plays and poems.

the work of a sailor

From this reading Even the sailor, critical as he always is of allusions to the technicalities of his calling that appear in literature, is arrested by the truth of Shakespeare’s references to the sea and seafaring, while he cannot but wonder at their copiousness in the work of a thorough landsman.

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

From this reading SHAKESPEARE AND THE SEA Quite recently it was suggested by the writer of an article in the _Spectator_ that Shakespeare was now but little read,--that while his works were quoted from as much as ever, the quotations were obtained at second hand, and that it would be hard to find to-day any reader who had waded through all that wonderful collection of plays and poems.

English poet and dramatist considered one of the greatest English writers (1564-1616)

From this reading SHAKESPEARE AND THE SEA Quite recently it was suggested by the writer of an article in the _Spectator_ that Shakespeare was now but little read,--that while his works were quoted from as much as ever, the quotations were obtained at second hand, and that it would be hard to find to-day any reader who had waded through all that wonderful collection of plays and poems.

possessive form of “shakespeare” — English poet and dramatist considered one of the greatest English writers (1564-1616)

From this reading Even the sailor, critical as he always is of allusions to the technicalities of his calling that appear in literature, is arrested by the truth of Shakespeare’s references to the sea and seafaring, while he cannot but wonder at their copiousness in the work of a thorough landsman.

used to say what is right, expected, or advisable

From this reading If there were any amount of truth in it, we might well regard such a state of things as only one degree less deplorable than that people should have ceased to read the Bible.

a close observer; someone who looks at something (such as an exhibition of some kind)

From this reading SHAKESPEARE AND THE SEA Quite recently it was suggested by the writer of an article in the _Spectator_ that Shakespeare was now but little read,--that while his works were quoted from as much as ever, the quotations were obtained at second hand, and that it would be hard to find to-day any reader who had waded through all that wonderful collection of plays and poems.

the territory occupied by one of the constituent administrative districts of a nation

From this reading If there were any amount of truth in it, we might well regard such a state of things as only one degree less deplorable than that people should have ceased to read the Bible.

a message that is stated or declared; a communication (oral or written) setting forth particulars or facts etc

From this reading This is surely not a carefully made statement.

of the kind already mentioned

From this reading If there were any amount of truth in it, we might well regard such a state of things as only one degree less deplorable than that people should have ceased to read the Bible.

past form of “suggest” — make a proposal, declare a plan for something

From this reading SHAKESPEARE AND THE SEA Quite recently it was suggested by the writer of an article in the _Spectator_ that Shakespeare was now but little read,--that while his works were quoted from as much as ever, the quotations were obtained at second hand, and that it would be hard to find to-day any reader who had waded through all that wonderful collection of plays and poems.

definitely or positively (“sure” is sometimes used informally for “surely”)

From this reading This is surely not a carefully made statement.

plural of “technicality” — the state of being technical as in the use of technical terms or methods

From this reading Even the sailor, critical as he always is of allusions to the technicalities of his calling that appear in literature, is arrested by the truth of Shakespeare’s references to the sea and seafaring, while he cannot but wonder at their copiousness in the work of a thorough landsman.

used to introduce the second part of a comparison

From this reading If there were any amount of truth in it, we might well regard such a state of things as only one degree less deplorable than that people should have ceased to read the Bible.

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading SHAKESPEARE AND THE SEA Quite recently it was suggested by the writer of an article in the _Spectator_ that Shakespeare was now but little read,--that while his works were quoted from as much as ever, the quotations were obtained at second hand, and that it would be hard to find to-day any reader who had waded through all that wonderful collection of plays and poems.

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

From this reading SHAKESPEARE AND THE SEA Quite recently it was suggested by the writer of an article in the _Spectator_ that Shakespeare was now but little read,--that while his works were quoted from as much as ever, the quotations were obtained at second hand, and that it would be hard to find to-day any reader who had waded through all that wonderful collection of plays and poems.

belonging to the people or things already mentioned

From this reading Even the sailor, critical as he always is of allusions to the technicalities of his calling that appear in literature, is arrested by the truth of Shakespeare’s references to the sea and seafaring, while he cannot but wonder at their copiousness in the work of a thorough landsman.

in or at that place or location

From this reading If there were any amount of truth in it, we might well regard such a state of things as only one degree less deplorable than that people should have ceased to read the Bible.

any movable possession (especially articles of clothing)

From this reading If there were any amount of truth in it, we might well regard such a state of things as only one degree less deplorable than that people should have ceased to read the Bible.

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

From this reading This is surely not a carefully made statement.

painstakingly careful and accurate

From this reading Even the sailor, critical as he always is of allusions to the technicalities of his calling that appear in literature, is arrested by the truth of Shakespeare’s references to the sea and seafaring, while he cannot but wonder at their copiousness in the work of a thorough landsman.

from one end or side of something to the other

From this reading SHAKESPEARE AND THE SEA Quite recently it was suggested by the writer of an article in the _Spectator_ that Shakespeare was now but little read,--that while his works were quoted from as much as ever, the quotations were obtained at second hand, and that it would be hard to find to-day any reader who had waded through all that wonderful collection of plays and poems.

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

From this reading SHAKESPEARE AND THE SEA Quite recently it was suggested by the writer of an article in the _Spectator_ that Shakespeare was now but little read,--that while his works were quoted from as much as ever, the quotations were obtained at second hand, and that it would be hard to find to-day any reader who had waded through all that wonderful collection of plays and poems.

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

From this reading SHAKESPEARE AND THE SEA Quite recently it was suggested by the writer of an article in the _Spectator_ that Shakespeare was now but little read,--that while his works were quoted from as much as ever, the quotations were obtained at second hand, and that it would be hard to find to-day any reader who had waded through all that wonderful collection of plays and poems.

a fact that has been verified

From this reading If there were any amount of truth in it, we might well regard such a state of things as only one degree less deplorable than that people should have ceased to read the Bible.

past form of “wade” — walk (through relatively shallow water)

From this reading SHAKESPEARE AND THE SEA Quite recently it was suggested by the writer of an article in the _Spectator_ that Shakespeare was now but little read,--that while his works were quoted from as much as ever, the quotations were obtained at second hand, and that it would be hard to find to-day any reader who had waded through all that wonderful collection of plays and poems.

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

From this reading SHAKESPEARE AND THE SEA Quite recently it was suggested by the writer of an article in the _Spectator_ that Shakespeare was now but little read,--that while his works were quoted from as much as ever, the quotations were obtained at second hand, and that it would be hard to find to-day any reader who had waded through all that wonderful collection of plays and poems.

the speaker together with one or more other people

From this reading If there were any amount of truth in it, we might well regard such a state of things as only one degree less deplorable than that people should have ceased to read the Bible.

(often used as a combining form) in a good or proper or satisfactory manner or to a high standard (“good” is a nonstandard dialectal variant for “well”)

From this reading If there were any amount of truth in it, we might well regard such a state of things as only one degree less deplorable than that people should have ceased to read the Bible.

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

From this reading SHAKESPEARE AND THE SEA Quite recently it was suggested by the writer of an article in the _Spectator_ that Shakespeare was now but little read,--that while his works were quoted from as much as ever, the quotations were obtained at second hand, and that it would be hard to find to-day any reader who had waded through all that wonderful collection of plays and poems.

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

From this reading For next to the Bible there can be no such collection of writings available wherein may be found food for every mind.

during the time that

From this reading SHAKESPEARE AND THE SEA Quite recently it was suggested by the writer of an article in the _Spectator_ that Shakespeare was now but little read,--that while his works were quoted from as much as ever, the quotations were obtained at second hand, and that it would be hard to find to-day any reader who had waded through all that wonderful collection of plays and poems.

which person or people

From this reading SHAKESPEARE AND THE SEA Quite recently it was suggested by the writer of an article in the _Spectator_ that Shakespeare was now but little read,--that while his works were quoted from as much as ever, the quotations were obtained at second hand, and that it would be hard to find to-day any reader who had waded through all that wonderful collection of plays and poems.

the feeling aroused by something strange and surprising

From this reading Even the sailor, critical as he always is of allusions to the technicalities of his calling that appear in literature, is arrested by the truth of Shakespeare’s references to the sea and seafaring, while he cannot but wonder at their copiousness in the work of a thorough landsman.

extraordinarily good or great; used especially as intensifiers

From this reading SHAKESPEARE AND THE SEA Quite recently it was suggested by the writer of an article in the _Spectator_ that Shakespeare was now but little read,--that while his works were quoted from as much as ever, the quotations were obtained at second hand, and that it would be hard to find to-day any reader who had waded through all that wonderful collection of plays and poems.

exert oneself by doing mental or physical work for a purpose or out of necessity

From this reading Even the sailor, critical as he always is of allusions to the technicalities of his calling that appear in literature, is arrested by the truth of Shakespeare’s references to the sea and seafaring, while he cannot but wonder at their copiousness in the work of a thorough landsman.

buildings for carrying on industrial labor

From this reading SHAKESPEARE AND THE SEA Quite recently it was suggested by the writer of an article in the _Spectator_ that Shakespeare was now but little read,--that while his works were quoted from as much as ever, the quotations were obtained at second hand, and that it would be hard to find to-day any reader who had waded through all that wonderful collection of plays and poems.

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

From this reading SHAKESPEARE AND THE SEA Quite recently it was suggested by the writer of an article in the _Spectator_ that Shakespeare was now but little read,--that while his works were quoted from as much as ever, the quotations were obtained at second hand, and that it would be hard to find to-day any reader who had waded through all that wonderful collection of plays and poems.

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

From this reading SHAKESPEARE AND THE SEA Quite recently it was suggested by the writer of an article in the _Spectator_ that Shakespeare was now but little read,--that while his works were quoted from as much as ever, the quotations were obtained at second hand, and that it would be hard to find to-day any reader who had waded through all that wonderful collection of plays and poems.

the third of three divisions of the Hebrew Scriptures

From this reading For next to the Bible there can be no such collection of writings available wherein may be found food for every mind.