Chapter XXXIII

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

From this reading He was older than most of the young men whom he found there--yet not very old, if he had not been already knocked about the world a good deal and filled with many experiences: and the first year at least passed over his head in great confusion, during which he let himself go with the stream in whatsoever eddy or current he might find himself,--which perhaps was not very profitable for his moral being, nor yet for his education properly so called.

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

From this reading Life in the University is even more than in other places a congeries of whirls, one round or dance of wildly rushing figures, each encircling some swaying standard of its own, dance of the Mænads or of the Berserkers going on for ever in a mode that sets aside all that peacefulness of study and learning which we all, perhaps, vainly suppose is, or ought to be, found in the very atmosphere of these abodes of letters.

on the subject of; concerning

From this reading He was older than most of the young men whom he found there--yet not very old, if he had not been already knocked about the world a good deal and filled with many experiences: and the first year at least passed over his head in great confusion, during which he let himself go with the stream in whatsoever eddy or current he might find himself,--which perhaps was not very profitable for his moral being, nor yet for his education properly so called.

later than; following

From this reading Did not the young clergy whirl too, in circles of asceticism or mutual devotion, or perhaps forbidden and secret pleasure, one trooping after another in the earliest days?

(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 Life in the University is even more than in other places a congeries of whirls, one round or dance of wildly rushing figures, each encircling some swaying standard of its own, dance of the Mænads or of the Berserkers going on for ever in a mode that sets aside all that peacefulness of study and learning which we all, perhaps, vainly suppose is, or ought to be, found in the very atmosphere of these abodes of letters.

prior to a specified or implied time

From this reading He was older than most of the young men whom he found there--yet not very old, if he had not been already knocked about the world a good deal and filled with many experiences: and the first year at least passed over his head in great confusion, during which he let himself go with the stream in whatsoever eddy or current he might find himself,--which perhaps was not very profitable for his moral being, nor yet for his education properly so called.

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

From this reading John Rushton's early life had been so peculiar that it was not wonderful if he found himself very much at sea when he was first plunged into the curious conventional life of an English University.

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

From this reading He was older than most of the young men whom he found there--yet not very old, if he had not been already knocked about the world a good deal and filled with many experiences: and the first year at least passed over his head in great confusion, during which he let himself go with the stream in whatsoever eddy or current he might find himself,--which perhaps was not very profitable for his moral being, nor yet for his education properly so called.

one more of the same kind, or a different one

From this reading Did not the young clergy whirl too, in circles of asceticism or mutual devotion, or perhaps forbidden and secret pleasure, one trooping after another in the earliest days?

the doctrine that through renunciation of worldly pleasures it is possible to achieve a high spiritual or intellectual state

From this reading Did not the young clergy whirl too, in circles of asceticism or mutual devotion, or perhaps forbidden and secret pleasure, one trooping after another in the earliest days?

on or to one side

From this reading Life in the University is even more than in other places a congeries of whirls, one round or dance of wildly rushing figures, each encircling some swaying standard of its own, dance of the Mænads or of the Berserkers going on for ever in a mode that sets aside all that peacefulness of study and learning which we all, perhaps, vainly suppose is, or ought to be, found in the very atmosphere of these abodes of letters.

in or near a particular place or position

From this reading John Rushton's early life had been so peculiar that it was not wonderful if he found himself very much at sea when he was first plunged into the curious conventional life of an English University.

a particular environment or surrounding influence

From this reading Life in the University is even more than in other places a congeries of whirls, one round or dance of wildly rushing figures, each encircling some swaying standard of its own, dance of the Mænads or of the Berserkers going on for ever in a mode that sets aside all that peacefulness of study and learning which we all, perhaps, vainly suppose is, or ought to be, found in the very atmosphere of these abodes of letters.

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

From this reading Life in the University is even more than in other places a congeries of whirls, one round or dance of wildly rushing figures, each encircling some swaying standard of its own, dance of the Mænads or of the Berserkers going on for ever in a mode that sets aside all that peacefulness of study and learning which we all, perhaps, vainly suppose is, or ought to be, found in the very atmosphere of these abodes of letters.

the past participle of “be”

From this reading John Rushton's early life had been so peculiar that it was not wonderful if he found himself very much at sea when he was first plunged into the curious conventional life of an English University.

the -ing form of “be”

From this reading He was older than most of the young men whom he found there--yet not very old, if he had not been already knocked about the world a good deal and filled with many experiences: and the first year at least passed over his head in great confusion, during which he let himself go with the stream in whatsoever eddy or current he might find himself,--which perhaps was not very profitable for his moral being, nor yet for his education properly so called.

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

From this reading Life in the University is even more than in other places a congeries of whirls, one round or dance of wildly rushing figures, each encircling some swaying standard of its own, dance of the Mænads or of the Berserkers going on for ever in a mode that sets aside all that peacefulness of study and learning which we all, perhaps, vainly suppose is, or ought to be, found in the very atmosphere of these abodes of letters.

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

From this reading He was older than most of the young men whom he found there--yet not very old, if he had not been already knocked about the world a good deal and filled with many experiences: and the first year at least passed over his head in great confusion, during which he let himself go with the stream in whatsoever eddy or current he might find himself,--which perhaps was not very profitable for his moral being, nor yet for his education properly so called.

plural of “circle” — ellipse in which the two axes are of equal length; a plane curve generated by one point moving at a constant distance from a fixed point

From this reading Did not the young clergy whirl too, in circles of asceticism or mutual devotion, or perhaps forbidden and secret pleasure, one trooping after another in the earliest days?

in Christianity, clergymen collectively (as distinguished from the laity)

From this reading Did not the young clergy whirl too, in circles of asceticism or mutual devotion, or perhaps forbidden and secret pleasure, one trooping after another in the earliest days?

disorder resulting from a failure to behave predictably

From this reading He was older than most of the young men whom he found there--yet not very old, if he had not been already knocked about the world a good deal and filled with many experiences: and the first year at least passed over his head in great confusion, during which he let himself go with the stream in whatsoever eddy or current he might find himself,--which perhaps was not very profitable for his moral being, nor yet for his education properly so called.

a sum total of many heterogenous things taken together

From this reading Life in the University is even more than in other places a congeries of whirls, one round or dance of wildly rushing figures, each encircling some swaying standard of its own, dance of the Mænads or of the Berserkers going on for ever in a mode that sets aside all that peacefulness of study and learning which we all, perhaps, vainly suppose is, or ought to be, found in the very atmosphere of these abodes of letters.

following accepted customs and proprieties

From this reading John Rushton's early life had been so peculiar that it was not wonderful if he found himself very much at sea when he was first plunged into the curious conventional life of an English University.

beyond or deviating from the usual or expected

From this reading John Rushton's early life had been so peculiar that it was not wonderful if he found himself very much at sea when he was first plunged into the curious conventional life of an English University.

a flow of electricity through a conductor

From this reading He was older than most of the young men whom he found there--yet not very old, if he had not been already knocked about the world a good deal and filled with many experiences: and the first year at least passed over his head in great confusion, during which he let himself go with the stream in whatsoever eddy or current he might find himself,--which perhaps was not very profitable for his moral being, nor yet for his education properly so called.

an artistic form of nonverbal communication

From this reading Life in the University is even more than in other places a congeries of whirls, one round or dance of wildly rushing figures, each encircling some swaying standard of its own, dance of the Mænads or of the Berserkers going on for ever in a mode that sets aside all that peacefulness of study and learning which we all, perhaps, vainly suppose is, or ought to be, found in the very atmosphere of these abodes of letters.

the time during which someone's life continues

From this reading Did not the young clergy whirl too, in circles of asceticism or mutual devotion, or perhaps forbidden and secret pleasure, one trooping after another in the earliest days?

act on verbally or in some form of artistic expression

From this reading He was older than most of the young men whom he found there--yet not very old, if he had not been already knocked about the world a good deal and filled with many experiences: and the first year at least passed over his head in great confusion, during which he let himself go with the stream in whatsoever eddy or current he might find himself,--which perhaps was not very profitable for his moral being, nor yet for his education properly so called.

feelings of ardent love

From this reading Did not the young clergy whirl too, in circles of asceticism or mutual devotion, or perhaps forbidden and secret pleasure, one trooping after another in the earliest days?

the past form of “do”, used in questions and negatives

From this reading Did not the young clergy whirl too, in circles of asceticism or mutual devotion, or perhaps forbidden and secret pleasure, one trooping after another in the earliest days?

all through a period, or at some point within it

From this reading He was older than most of the young men whom he found there--yet not very old, if he had not been already knocked about the world a good deal and filled with many experiences: and the first year at least passed over his head in great confusion, during which he let himself go with the stream in whatsoever eddy or current he might find himself,--which perhaps was not very profitable for his moral being, nor yet for his education properly so called.

every one of two or more people or things, taken separately

From this reading Life in the University is even more than in other places a congeries of whirls, one round or dance of wildly rushing figures, each encircling some swaying standard of its own, dance of the Mænads or of the Berserkers going on for ever in a mode that sets aside all that peacefulness of study and learning which we all, perhaps, vainly suppose is, or ought to be, found in the very atmosphere of these abodes of letters.

(comparative and superlative of “early”) more early than; most early

From this reading Did not the young clergy whirl too, in circles of asceticism or mutual devotion, or perhaps forbidden and secret pleasure, one trooping after another in the earliest days?

at or near the beginning of a period of time or course of events or before the usual or expected time

From this reading John Rushton's early life had been so peculiar that it was not wonderful if he found himself very much at sea when he was first plunged into the curious conventional life of an English University.

flow in a circular current, of liquids

From this reading He was older than most of the young men whom he found there--yet not very old, if he had not been already knocked about the world a good deal and filled with many experiences: and the first year at least passed over his head in great confusion, during which he let himself go with the stream in whatsoever eddy or current he might find himself,--which perhaps was not very profitable for his moral being, nor yet for his education properly so called.

the activities of educating or instructing; activities that impart knowledge or skill

From this reading He was older than most of the young men whom he found there--yet not very old, if he had not been already knocked about the world a good deal and filled with many experiences: and the first year at least passed over his head in great confusion, during which he let himself go with the stream in whatsoever eddy or current he might find himself,--which perhaps was not very profitable for his moral being, nor yet for his education properly so called.

being all around the edges; enclosing

From this reading Life in the University is even more than in other places a congeries of whirls, one round or dance of wildly rushing figures, each encircling some swaying standard of its own, dance of the Mænads or of the Berserkers going on for ever in a mode that sets aside all that peacefulness of study and learning which we all, perhaps, vainly suppose is, or ought to be, found in the very atmosphere of these abodes of letters.

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 John Rushton's early life had been so peculiar that it was not wonderful if he found himself very much at sea when he was first plunged into the curious conventional life of an English University.

divisible by two

From this reading Life in the University is even more than in other places a congeries of whirls, one round or dance of wildly rushing figures, each encircling some swaying standard of its own, dance of the Mænads or of the Berserkers going on for ever in a mode that sets aside all that peacefulness of study and learning which we all, perhaps, vainly suppose is, or ought to be, found in the very atmosphere of these abodes of letters.

at any time

From this reading Life in the University is even more than in other places a congeries of whirls, one round or dance of wildly rushing figures, each encircling some swaying standard of its own, dance of the Mænads or of the Berserkers going on for ever in a mode that sets aside all that peacefulness of study and learning which we all, perhaps, vainly suppose is, or ought to be, found in the very atmosphere of these abodes of letters.

plural of “experience” — the accumulation of knowledge or skill that results from direct participation in events or activities

From this reading He was older than most of the young men whom he found there--yet not very old, if he had not been already knocked about the world a good deal and filled with many experiences: and the first year at least passed over his head in great confusion, during which he let himself go with the stream in whatsoever eddy or current he might find himself,--which perhaps was not very profitable for his moral being, nor yet for his education properly so called.

plural of “figure” — a diagram or picture illustrating textual material

From this reading Life in the University is even more than in other places a congeries of whirls, one round or dance of wildly rushing figures, each encircling some swaying standard of its own, dance of the Mænads or of the Berserkers going on for ever in a mode that sets aside all that peacefulness of study and learning which we all, perhaps, vainly suppose is, or ought to be, found in the very atmosphere of these abodes of letters.

(usually followed by “with” or used as a combining form) generously supplied with

From this reading He was older than most of the young men whom he found there--yet not very old, if he had not been already knocked about the world a good deal and filled with many experiences: and the first year at least passed over his head in great confusion, during which he let himself go with the stream in whatsoever eddy or current he might find himself,--which perhaps was not very profitable for his moral being, nor yet for his education properly so called.

come upon, as if by accident; meet with

From this reading He was older than most of the young men whom he found there--yet not very old, if he had not been already knocked about the world a good deal and filled with many experiences: and the first year at least passed over his head in great confusion, during which he let himself go with the stream in whatsoever eddy or current he might find himself,--which perhaps was not very profitable for his moral being, nor yet for his education properly so called.

preceding all others in time or space or degree

From this reading John Rushton's early life had been so peculiar that it was not wonderful if he found himself very much at sea when he was first plunged into the curious conventional life of an English University.

intended to be given to, or used by, somebody

From this reading He was older than most of the young men whom he found there--yet not very old, if he had not been already knocked about the world a good deal and filled with many experiences: and the first year at least passed over his head in great confusion, during which he let himself go with the stream in whatsoever eddy or current he might find himself,--which perhaps was not very profitable for his moral being, nor yet for his education properly so called.

Not allowed; banned or prohibited by rule or law.

From this reading Did not the young clergy whirl too, in circles of asceticism or mutual devotion, or perhaps forbidden and secret pleasure, one trooping after another in the earliest days?

set up or found

From this reading John Rushton's early life had been so peculiar that it was not wonderful if he found himself very much at sea when he was first plunged into the curious conventional life of an English University.

change location; move, travel, or proceed, also metaphorically

From this reading He was older than most of the young men whom he found there--yet not very old, if he had not been already knocked about the world a good deal and filled with many experiences: and the first year at least passed over his head in great confusion, during which he let himself go with the stream in whatsoever eddy or current he might find himself,--which perhaps was not very profitable for his moral being, nor yet for his education properly so called.

the act of departing

From this reading Life in the University is even more than in other places a congeries of whirls, one round or dance of wildly rushing figures, each encircling some swaying standard of its own, dance of the Mænads or of the Berserkers going on for ever in a mode that sets aside all that peacefulness of study and learning which we all, perhaps, vainly suppose is, or ought to be, found in the very atmosphere of these abodes of letters.

having desirable or positive qualities especially those suitable for a thing specified

From this reading He was older than most of the young men whom he found there--yet not very old, if he had not been already knocked about the world a good deal and filled with many experiences: and the first year at least passed over his head in great confusion, during which he let himself go with the stream in whatsoever eddy or current he might find himself,--which perhaps was not very profitable for his moral being, nor yet for his education properly so called.

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

From this reading He was older than most of the young men whom he found there--yet not very old, if he had not been already knocked about the world a good deal and filled with many experiences: and the first year at least passed over his head in great confusion, during which he let himself go with the stream in whatsoever eddy or current he might find himself,--which perhaps was not very profitable for his moral being, nor yet for his education properly so called.

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

From this reading John Rushton's early life had been so peculiar that it was not wonderful if he found himself very much at sea when he was first plunged into the curious conventional life of an English University.

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

From this reading John Rushton's early life had been so peculiar that it was not wonderful if he found himself very much at sea when he was first plunged into the curious conventional life of an English University.

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

From this reading He was older than most of the young men whom he found there--yet not very old, if he had not been already knocked about the world a good deal and filled with many experiences: and the first year at least passed over his head in great confusion, during which he let himself go with the stream in whatsoever eddy or current he might find himself,--which perhaps was not very profitable for his moral being, nor yet for his education properly so called.

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

From this reading John Rushton's early life had been so peculiar that it was not wonderful if he found himself very much at sea when he was first plunged into the curious conventional life of an English University.

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

From this reading He was older than most of the young men whom he found there--yet not very old, if he had not been already knocked about the world a good deal and filled with many experiences: and the first year at least passed over his head in great confusion, during which he let himself go with the stream in whatsoever eddy or current he might find himself,--which perhaps was not very profitable for his moral being, nor yet for his education properly so called.

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

From this reading I wonder if it ever was so.

on condition that; in the event that

From this reading John Rushton's early life had been so peculiar that it was not wonderful if he found himself very much at sea when he was first plunged into the curious conventional life of an English University.

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

From this reading He was older than most of the young men whom he found there--yet not very old, if he had not been already knocked about the world a good deal and filled with many experiences: and the first year at least passed over his head in great confusion, during which he let himself go with the stream in whatsoever eddy or current he might find himself,--which perhaps was not very profitable for his moral being, nor yet for his education properly so called.

moving to the inside of something

From this reading John Rushton's early life had been so peculiar that it was not wonderful if he found himself very much at sea when he was first plunged into the curious conventional life of an English University.

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

From this reading Life in the University is even more than in other places a congeries of whirls, one round or dance of wildly rushing figures, each encircling some swaying standard of its own, dance of the Mænads or of the Berserkers going on for ever in a mode that sets aside all that peacefulness of study and learning which we all, perhaps, vainly suppose is, or ought to be, found in the very atmosphere of these abodes of letters.

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading John Rushton's early life had been so peculiar that it was not wonderful if he found himself very much at sea when he was first plunged into the curious conventional life of an English University.

belonging to the thing or animal already mentioned

From this reading Life in the University is even more than in other places a congeries of whirls, one round or dance of wildly rushing figures, each encircling some swaying standard of its own, dance of the Mænads or of the Berserkers going on for ever in a mode that sets aside all that peacefulness of study and learning which we all, perhaps, vainly suppose is, or ought to be, found in the very atmosphere of these abodes of letters.

a room or building equipped with one or more toilets

From this reading John Rushton's early life had been so peculiar that it was not wonderful if he found himself very much at sea when he was first plunged into the curious conventional life of an English University.

past form of “knock” — deliver a sharp blow or push

From this reading He was older than most of the young men whom he found there--yet not very old, if he had not been already knocked about the world a good deal and filled with many experiences: and the first year at least passed over his head in great confusion, during which he let himself go with the stream in whatsoever eddy or current he might find himself,--which perhaps was not very profitable for his moral being, nor yet for his education properly so called.

the cognitive process of acquiring skill or knowledge

From this reading Life in the University is even more than in other places a congeries of whirls, one round or dance of wildly rushing figures, each encircling some swaying standard of its own, dance of the Mænads or of the Berserkers going on for ever in a mode that sets aside all that peacefulness of study and learning which we all, perhaps, vainly suppose is, or ought to be, found in the very atmosphere of these abodes of letters.

the superlative of “little” that can be used with mass nouns and is usually preceded by “the”; a quantifier meaning smallest in amount or extent or degree

From this reading He was older than most of the young men whom he found there--yet not very old, if he had not been already knocked about the world a good deal and filled with many experiences: and the first year at least passed over his head in great confusion, during which he let himself go with the stream in whatsoever eddy or current he might find himself,--which perhaps was not very profitable for his moral being, nor yet for his education properly so called.

used to make a suggestion or a command including the speaker

From this reading He was older than most of the young men whom he found there--yet not very old, if he had not been already knocked about the world a good deal and filled with many experiences: and the first year at least passed over his head in great confusion, during which he let himself go with the stream in whatsoever eddy or current he might find himself,--which perhaps was not very profitable for his moral being, nor yet for his education properly so called.

the literary culture

From this reading Life in the University is even more than in other places a congeries of whirls, one round or dance of wildly rushing figures, each encircling some swaying standard of its own, dance of the Mænads or of the Berserkers going on for ever in a mode that sets aside all that peacefulness of study and learning which we all, perhaps, vainly suppose is, or ought to be, found in the very atmosphere of these abodes of letters.

a characteristic state or mode of living

From this reading John Rushton's early life had been so peculiar that it was not wonderful if he found himself very much at sea when he was first plunged into the curious conventional life of an English University.

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 He was older than most of the young men whom he found there--yet not very old, if he had not been already knocked about the world a good deal and filled with many experiences: and the first year at least passed over his head in great confusion, during which he let himself go with the stream in whatsoever eddy or current he might find himself,--which perhaps was not very profitable for his moral being, nor yet for his education properly so called.

the force of workers available

From this reading He was older than most of the young men whom he found there--yet not very old, if he had not been already knocked about the world a good deal and filled with many experiences: and the first year at least passed over his head in great confusion, during which he let himself go with the stream in whatsoever eddy or current he might find himself,--which perhaps was not very profitable for his moral being, nor yet for his education properly so called.

used to say something is possible but not certain

From this reading He was older than most of the young men whom he found there--yet not very old, if he had not been already knocked about the world a good deal and filled with many experiences: and the first year at least passed over his head in great confusion, during which he let himself go with the stream in whatsoever eddy or current he might find himself,--which perhaps was not very profitable for his moral being, nor yet for his education properly so called.

how something is done or how it happens

From this reading Life in the University is even more than in other places a congeries of whirls, one round or dance of wildly rushing figures, each encircling some swaying standard of its own, dance of the Mænads or of the Berserkers going on for ever in a mode that sets aside all that peacefulness of study and learning which we all, perhaps, vainly suppose is, or ought to be, found in the very atmosphere of these abodes of letters.

concerned with principles of right and wrong or conforming to standards of behavior and character based on those principles

From this reading He was older than most of the young men whom he found there--yet not very old, if he had not been already knocked about the world a good deal and filled with many experiences: and the first year at least passed over his head in great confusion, during which he let himself go with the stream in whatsoever eddy or current he might find himself,--which perhaps was not very profitable for his moral being, nor yet for his education properly so called.

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

From this reading Life in the University is even more than in other places a congeries of whirls, one round or dance of wildly rushing figures, each encircling some swaying standard of its own, dance of the Mænads or of the Berserkers going on for ever in a mode that sets aside all that peacefulness of study and learning which we all, perhaps, vainly suppose is, or ought to be, found in the very atmosphere of these abodes of letters.

used to form the superlative

From this reading He was older than most of the young men whom he found there--yet not very old, if he had not been already knocked about the world a good deal and filled with many experiences: and the first year at least passed over his head in great confusion, during which he let himself go with the stream in whatsoever eddy or current he might find himself,--which perhaps was not very profitable for his moral being, nor yet for his education properly so called.

to a great degree or extent

From this reading John Rushton's early life had been so peculiar that it was not wonderful if he found himself very much at sea when he was first plunged into the curious conventional life of an English University.

common to or shared by two or more parties

From this reading Did not the young clergy whirl too, in circles of asceticism or mutual devotion, or perhaps forbidden and secret pleasure, one trooping after another in the earliest days?

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

From this reading Life in the University is even more than in other places a congeries of whirls, one round or dance of wildly rushing figures, each encircling some swaying standard of its own, dance of the Mænads or of the Berserkers going on for ever in a mode that sets aside all that peacefulness of study and learning which we all, perhaps, vainly suppose is, or ought to be, found in the very atmosphere of these abodes of letters.

and not; used after a negative to add a second negative

From this reading He was older than most of the young men whom he found there--yet not very old, if he had not been already knocked about the world a good deal and filled with many experiences: and the first year at least passed over his head in great confusion, during which he let himself go with the stream in whatsoever eddy or current he might find himself,--which perhaps was not very profitable for his moral being, nor yet for his education properly so called.

used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative

From this reading John Rushton's early life had been so peculiar that it was not wonderful if he found himself very much at sea when he was first plunged into the curious conventional life of an English University.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading John Rushton's early life had been so peculiar that it was not wonderful if he found himself very much at sea when he was first plunged into the curious conventional life of an English University.

(used especially of persons) having lived for a relatively long time or attained a specific age

From this reading He was older than most of the young men whom he found there--yet not very old, if he had not been already knocked about the world a good deal and filled with many experiences: and the first year at least passed over his head in great confusion, during which he let himself go with the stream in whatsoever eddy or current he might find himself,--which perhaps was not very profitable for his moral being, nor yet for his education properly so called.

advanced in years; (“aged” is pronounced as two syllables)

From this reading He was older than most of the young men whom he found there--yet not very old, if he had not been already knocked about the world a good deal and filled with many experiences: and the first year at least passed over his head in great confusion, during which he let himself go with the stream in whatsoever eddy or current he might find himself,--which perhaps was not very profitable for his moral being, nor yet for his education properly so called.

touching and supported by a surface

From this reading Life in the University is even more than in other places a congeries of whirls, one round or dance of wildly rushing figures, each encircling some swaying standard of its own, dance of the Mænads or of the Berserkers going on for ever in a mode that sets aside all that peacefulness of study and learning which we all, perhaps, vainly suppose is, or ought to be, found in the very atmosphere of these abodes of letters.

used to mean any person in general, including the speaker

From this reading Life in the University is even more than in other places a congeries of whirls, one round or dance of wildly rushing figures, each encircling some swaying standard of its own, dance of the Mænads or of the Berserkers going on for ever in a mode that sets aside all that peacefulness of study and learning which we all, perhaps, vainly suppose is, or ought to be, found in the very atmosphere of these abodes of letters.

used to join alternatives or possibilities

From this reading He was older than most of the young men whom he found there--yet not very old, if he had not been already knocked about the world a good deal and filled with many experiences: and the first year at least passed over his head in great confusion, during which he let himself go with the stream in whatsoever eddy or current he might find himself,--which perhaps was not very profitable for his moral being, nor yet for his education properly so called.

not the same one or ones already mentioned or implied

From this reading Life in the University is even more than in other places a congeries of whirls, one round or dance of wildly rushing figures, each encircling some swaying standard of its own, dance of the Mænads or of the Berserkers going on for ever in a mode that sets aside all that peacefulness of study and learning which we all, perhaps, vainly suppose is, or ought to be, found in the very atmosphere of these abodes of letters.

used with “to” to say what is right or advisable

From this reading Life in the University is even more than in other places a congeries of whirls, one round or dance of wildly rushing figures, each encircling some swaying standard of its own, dance of the Mænads or of the Berserkers going on for ever in a mode that sets aside all that peacefulness of study and learning which we all, perhaps, vainly suppose is, or ought to be, found in the very atmosphere of these abodes of letters.

above and across; more than

From this reading He was older than most of the young men whom he found there--yet not very old, if he had not been already knocked about the world a good deal and filled with many experiences: and the first year at least passed over his head in great confusion, during which he let himself go with the stream in whatsoever eddy or current he might find himself,--which perhaps was not very profitable for his moral being, nor yet for his education properly so called.

have ownership or possession of

From this reading Life in the University is even more than in other places a congeries of whirls, one round or dance of wildly rushing figures, each encircling some swaying standard of its own, dance of the Mænads or of the Berserkers going on for ever in a mode that sets aside all that peacefulness of study and learning which we all, perhaps, vainly suppose is, or ought to be, found in the very atmosphere of these abodes of letters.

past form of “pass” — go across or through

From this reading He was older than most of the young men whom he found there--yet not very old, if he had not been already knocked about the world a good deal and filled with many experiences: and the first year at least passed over his head in great confusion, during which he let himself go with the stream in whatsoever eddy or current he might find himself,--which perhaps was not very profitable for his moral being, nor yet for his education properly so called.

a state that is calm and tranquil

From this reading Life in the University is even more than in other places a congeries of whirls, one round or dance of wildly rushing figures, each encircling some swaying standard of its own, dance of the Mænads or of the Berserkers going on for ever in a mode that sets aside all that peacefulness of study and learning which we all, perhaps, vainly suppose is, or ought to be, found in the very atmosphere of these abodes of letters.

beyond or deviating from the usual or expected

From this reading John Rushton's early life had been so peculiar that it was not wonderful if he found himself very much at sea when he was first plunged into the curious conventional life of an English University.

by chance

From this reading He was older than most of the young men whom he found there--yet not very old, if he had not been already knocked about the world a good deal and filled with many experiences: and the first year at least passed over his head in great confusion, during which he let himself go with the stream in whatsoever eddy or current he might find himself,--which perhaps was not very profitable for his moral being, nor yet for his education properly so called.

plural of “place” — a point located with respect to surface features of some region

From this reading Life in the University is even more than in other places a congeries of whirls, one round or dance of wildly rushing figures, each encircling some swaying standard of its own, dance of the Mænads or of the Berserkers going on for ever in a mode that sets aside all that peacefulness of study and learning which we all, perhaps, vainly suppose is, or ought to be, found in the very atmosphere of these abodes of letters.

a fundamental feeling that is hard to define but that people desire to experience

From this reading Did not the young clergy whirl too, in circles of asceticism or mutual devotion, or perhaps forbidden and secret pleasure, one trooping after another in the earliest days?

past form of “plunge” — thrust or throw into

From this reading John Rushton's early life had been so peculiar that it was not wonderful if he found himself very much at sea when he was first plunged into the curious conventional life of an English University.

yielding material gain or profit

From this reading He was older than most of the young men whom he found there--yet not very old, if he had not been already knocked about the world a good deal and filled with many experiences: and the first year at least passed over his head in great confusion, during which he let himself go with the stream in whatsoever eddy or current he might find himself,--which perhaps was not very profitable for his moral being, nor yet for his education properly so called.

in the right manner; correctly; suitably

From this reading He was older than most of the young men whom he found there--yet not very old, if he had not been already knocked about the world a good deal and filled with many experiences: and the first year at least passed over his head in great confusion, during which he let himself go with the stream in whatsoever eddy or current he might find himself,--which perhaps was not very profitable for his moral being, nor yet for his education properly so called.

a charge of ammunition for a single shot

From this reading Life in the University is even more than in other places a congeries of whirls, one round or dance of wildly rushing figures, each encircling some swaying standard of its own, dance of the Mænads or of the Berserkers going on for ever in a mode that sets aside all that peacefulness of study and learning which we all, perhaps, vainly suppose is, or ought to be, found in the very atmosphere of these abodes of letters.

(American football) an attempt to advance the ball by running into the line

From this reading Life in the University is even more than in other places a congeries of whirls, one round or dance of wildly rushing figures, each encircling some swaying standard of its own, dance of the Mænads or of the Berserkers going on for ever in a mode that sets aside all that peacefulness of study and learning which we all, perhaps, vainly suppose is, or ought to be, found in the very atmosphere of these abodes of letters.

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

From this reading John Rushton's early life had been so peculiar that it was not wonderful if he found himself very much at sea when he was first plunged into the curious conventional life of an English University.

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

From this reading John Rushton's early life had been so peculiar that it was not wonderful if he found himself very much at sea when he was first plunged into the curious conventional life of an English University.

Something that is kept or meant to be kept unknown or unseen by others.

From this reading Did not the young clergy whirl too, in circles of asceticism or mutual devotion, or perhaps forbidden and secret pleasure, one trooping after another in the earliest days?

plural of “set” — a group of things of the same kind that belong together and are so used

From this reading Life in the University is even more than in other places a congeries of whirls, one round or dance of wildly rushing figures, each encircling some swaying standard of its own, dance of the Mænads or of the Berserkers going on for ever in a mode that sets aside all that peacefulness of study and learning which we all, perhaps, vainly suppose is, or ought to be, found in the very atmosphere of these abodes of letters.

for that reason; with the result that

From this reading John Rushton's early life had been so peculiar that it was not wonderful if he found himself very much at sea when he was first plunged into the curious conventional life of an English University.

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

From this reading Life in the University is even more than in other places a congeries of whirls, one round or dance of wildly rushing figures, each encircling some swaying standard of its own, dance of the Mænads or of the Berserkers going on for ever in a mode that sets aside all that peacefulness of study and learning which we all, perhaps, vainly suppose is, or ought to be, found in the very atmosphere of these abodes of letters.

conforming to or constituting a standard of measurement or value; or of the usual or regularized or accepted kind

From this reading Life in the University is even more than in other places a congeries of whirls, one round or dance of wildly rushing figures, each encircling some swaying standard of its own, dance of the Mænads or of the Berserkers going on for ever in a mode that sets aside all that peacefulness of study and learning which we all, perhaps, vainly suppose is, or ought to be, found in the very atmosphere of these abodes of letters.

a natural body of running water flowing on or under the earth

From this reading He was older than most of the young men whom he found there--yet not very old, if he had not been already knocked about the world a good deal and filled with many experiences: and the first year at least passed over his head in great confusion, during which he let himself go with the stream in whatsoever eddy or current he might find himself,--which perhaps was not very profitable for his moral being, nor yet for his education properly so called.

a detailed critical inspection

From this reading Life in the University is even more than in other places a congeries of whirls, one round or dance of wildly rushing figures, each encircling some swaying standard of its own, dance of the Mænads or of the Berserkers going on for ever in a mode that sets aside all that peacefulness of study and learning which we all, perhaps, vainly suppose is, or ought to be, found in the very atmosphere of these abodes of letters.

express a supposition

From this reading Life in the University is even more than in other places a congeries of whirls, one round or dance of wildly rushing figures, each encircling some swaying standard of its own, dance of the Mænads or of the Berserkers going on for ever in a mode that sets aside all that peacefulness of study and learning which we all, perhaps, vainly suppose is, or ought to be, found in the very atmosphere of these abodes of letters.

-ing form of “sway” — move back and forth or sideways

From this reading Life in the University is even more than in other places a congeries of whirls, one round or dance of wildly rushing figures, each encircling some swaying standard of its own, dance of the Mænads or of the Berserkers going on for ever in a mode that sets aside all that peacefulness of study and learning which we all, perhaps, vainly suppose is, or ought to be, found in the very atmosphere of these abodes of letters.

used to introduce the second part of a comparison

From this reading He was older than most of the young men whom he found there--yet not very old, if he had not been already knocked about the world a good deal and filled with many experiences: and the first year at least passed over his head in great confusion, during which he let himself go with the stream in whatsoever eddy or current he might find himself,--which perhaps was not very profitable for his moral being, nor yet for his education properly so called.

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading John Rushton's early life had been so peculiar that it was not wonderful if he found himself very much at sea when he was first plunged into the curious conventional life of an English University.

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

From this reading John Rushton's early life had been so peculiar that it was not wonderful if he found himself very much at sea when he was first plunged into the curious conventional life of an English University.

in or at that place or location

From this reading He was older than most of the young men whom he found there--yet not very old, if he had not been already knocked about the world a good deal and filled with many experiences: and the first year at least passed over his head in great confusion, during which he let himself go with the stream in whatsoever eddy or current he might find himself,--which perhaps was not very profitable for his moral being, nor yet for his education properly so called.

the plural of “this”: the people or things near, or just mentioned

From this reading Life in the University is even more than in other places a congeries of whirls, one round or dance of wildly rushing figures, each encircling some swaying standard of its own, dance of the Mænads or of the Berserkers going on for ever in a mode that sets aside all that peacefulness of study and learning which we all, perhaps, vainly suppose is, or ought to be, found in the very atmosphere of these abodes of letters.

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

From this reading Life in the University is even more than in other places a congeries of whirls, one round or dance of wildly rushing figures, each encircling some swaying standard of its own, dance of the Mænads or of the Berserkers going on for ever in a mode that sets aside all that peacefulness of study and learning which we all, perhaps, vainly suppose is, or ought to be, found in the very atmosphere of these abodes of letters.

to a degree exceeding normal or proper limits

From this reading Did not the young clergy whirl too, in circles of asceticism or mutual devotion, or perhaps forbidden and secret pleasure, one trooping after another in the earliest days?

-ing form of “troop” — march in a procession

From this reading Did not the young clergy whirl too, in circles of asceticism or mutual devotion, or perhaps forbidden and secret pleasure, one trooping after another in the earliest days?

the body of faculty and students at a university

From this reading John Rushton's early life had been so peculiar that it was not wonderful if he found himself very much at sea when he was first plunged into the curious conventional life of an English University.

to no avail

From this reading Life in the University is even more than in other places a congeries of whirls, one round or dance of wildly rushing figures, each encircling some swaying standard of its own, dance of the Mænads or of the Berserkers going on for ever in a mode that sets aside all that peacefulness of study and learning which we all, perhaps, vainly suppose is, or ought to be, found in the very atmosphere of these abodes of letters.

precisely as stated

From this reading John Rushton's early life had been so peculiar that it was not wonderful if he found himself very much at sea when he was first plunged into the curious conventional life of an English University.

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

From this reading John Rushton's early life had been so peculiar that it was not wonderful if he found himself very much at sea when he was first plunged into the curious conventional life of an English University.

the speaker together with one or more other people

From this reading Life in the University is even more than in other places a congeries of whirls, one round or dance of wildly rushing figures, each encircling some swaying standard of its own, dance of the Mænads or of the Berserkers going on for ever in a mode that sets aside all that peacefulness of study and learning which we all, perhaps, vainly suppose is, or ought to be, found in the very atmosphere of these abodes of letters.

one or some or every or all without specification

From this reading He was older than most of the young men whom he found there--yet not very old, if he had not been already knocked about the world a good deal and filled with many experiences: and the first year at least passed over his head in great confusion, during which he let himself go with the stream in whatsoever eddy or current he might find himself,--which perhaps was not very profitable for his moral being, nor yet for his education properly so called.

at the time that

From this reading John Rushton's early life had been so peculiar that it was not wonderful if he found himself very much at sea when he was first plunged into the curious conventional life of an English University.

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

From this reading He was older than most of the young men whom he found there--yet not very old, if he had not been already knocked about the world a good deal and filled with many experiences: and the first year at least passed over his head in great confusion, during which he let himself go with the stream in whatsoever eddy or current he might find himself,--which perhaps was not very profitable for his moral being, nor yet for his education properly so called.

turn in a twisting or spinning motion

From this reading Did not the young clergy whirl too, in circles of asceticism or mutual devotion, or perhaps forbidden and secret pleasure, one trooping after another in the earliest days?

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

From this reading Life in the University is even more than in other places a congeries of whirls, one round or dance of wildly rushing figures, each encircling some swaying standard of its own, dance of the Mænads or of the Berserkers going on for ever in a mode that sets aside all that peacefulness of study and learning which we all, perhaps, vainly suppose is, or ought to be, found in the very atmosphere of these abodes of letters.

the form of “who” used as the object of a verb or preposition

From this reading He was older than most of the young men whom he found there--yet not very old, if he had not been already knocked about the world a good deal and filled with many experiences: and the first year at least passed over his head in great confusion, during which he let himself go with the stream in whatsoever eddy or current he might find himself,--which perhaps was not very profitable for his moral being, nor yet for his education properly so called.

to an extreme or greatly exaggerated degree

From this reading Life in the University is even more than in other places a congeries of whirls, one round or dance of wildly rushing figures, each encircling some swaying standard of its own, dance of the Mænads or of the Berserkers going on for ever in a mode that sets aside all that peacefulness of study and learning which we all, perhaps, vainly suppose is, or ought to be, found in the very atmosphere of these abodes of letters.

in the company of; together with

From this reading He was older than most of the young men whom he found there--yet not very old, if he had not been already knocked about the world a good deal and filled with many experiences: and the first year at least passed over his head in great confusion, during which he let himself go with the stream in whatsoever eddy or current he might find himself,--which perhaps was not very profitable for his moral being, nor yet for his education properly so called.

the feeling aroused by something strange and surprising

From this reading I wonder if it ever was so.

extraordinarily good or great; used especially as intensifiers

From this reading John Rushton's early life had been so peculiar that it was not wonderful if he found himself very much at sea when he was first plunged into the curious conventional life of an English University.

everything that exists anywhere

From this reading He was older than most of the young men whom he found there--yet not very old, if he had not been already knocked about the world a good deal and filled with many experiences: and the first year at least passed over his head in great confusion, during which he let himself go with the stream in whatsoever eddy or current he might find himself,--which perhaps was not very profitable for his moral being, nor yet for his education properly so called.

a period of time containing 365 (or 366) days

From this reading He was older than most of the young men whom he found there--yet not very old, if he had not been already knocked about the world a good deal and filled with many experiences: and the first year at least passed over his head in great confusion, during which he let himself go with the stream in whatsoever eddy or current he might find himself,--which perhaps was not very profitable for his moral being, nor yet for his education properly so called.

but in spite of that

From this reading He was older than most of the young men whom he found there--yet not very old, if he had not been already knocked about the world a good deal and filled with many experiences: and the first year at least passed over his head in great confusion, during which he let himself go with the stream in whatsoever eddy or current he might find himself,--which perhaps was not very profitable for his moral being, nor yet for his education properly so called.

(used of living things especially persons) in an early period of life or development or growth

From this reading He was older than most of the young men whom he found there--yet not very old, if he had not been already knocked about the world a good deal and filled with many experiences: and the first year at least passed over his head in great confusion, during which he let himself go with the stream in whatsoever eddy or current he might find himself,--which perhaps was not very profitable for his moral being, nor yet for his education properly so called.