Chapter VIII

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

From this reading WHITSUNTIDE Whitsuntide, which fell in June that year, found a large party assembled at the Abbey.

a church associated with a monastery or convent

From this reading WHITSUNTIDE Whitsuntide, which fell in June that year, found a large party assembled at the Abbey.

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

From this reading He had enjoyed those week-ends at Abington more consciously than he had enjoyed anything for years.

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

From this reading And yet there was 'nothing to do,' as he was careful to inform everybody whom he asked down.

any thing at all

From this reading He had enjoyed those week-ends at Abington more consciously than he had enjoyed anything for years.

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

From this reading And yet there was 'nothing to do,' as he was careful to inform everybody whom he asked down.

past form of “ask” — make a request or demand for something to somebody

From this reading And yet there was 'nothing to do,' as he was careful to inform everybody whom he asked down.

past form of “assemble” — create by putting components or members together

From this reading WHITSUNTIDE Whitsuntide, which fell in June that year, found a large party assembled at the Abbey.

in or near a particular place or position

From this reading WHITSUNTIDE Whitsuntide, which fell in June that year, found a large party assembled at the Abbey.

the past participle of “be”

From this reading Grafton had brought down a few friends every Friday since Easter, but this was the first time that the house had been full.

earlier than; in front of

From this reading He would have hesitated himself, before he had bought Abington, over spending two and sometimes three and four days in the week in a country house, in late spring and early summer, with no very good golf links near, no river or sea, nothing, specially interesting in the way of guests, or elaborate in the preparations made to entertain them.

inflected form of “buy” — obtain by purchase; acquire by means of a financial transaction

From this reading He would have hesitated himself, before he had bought Abington, over spending two and sometimes three and four days in the week in a country house, in late spring and early summer, with no very good golf links near, no river or sea, nothing, specially interesting in the way of guests, or elaborate in the preparations made to entertain them.

inflected form of “bring” — take something or somebody with oneself somewhere

From this reading Grafton had brought down a few friends every Friday since Easter, but this was the first time that the house had been full.

used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before

From this reading Grafton had brought down a few friends every Friday since Easter, but this was the first time that the house had been full.

exercising caution or showing care or attention

From this reading And yet there was 'nothing to do,' as he was careful to inform everybody whom he asked down.

with awareness

From this reading He had enjoyed those week-ends at Abington more consciously than he had enjoyed anything for years.

a politically organized body of people under a single government

From this reading He would have hesitated himself, before he had bought Abington, over spending two and sometimes three and four days in the week in a country house, in late spring and early summer, with no very good golf links near, no river or sea, nothing, specially interesting in the way of guests, or elaborate in the preparations made to entertain them.

the time during which someone's life continues

From this reading He would have hesitated himself, before he had bought Abington, over spending two and sometimes three and four days in the week in a country house, in late spring and early summer, with no very good golf links near, no river or sea, nothing, specially interesting in the way of guests, or elaborate in the preparations made to entertain them.

used to form questions and negatives, and to give emphasis

From this reading And yet there was 'nothing to do,' as he was careful to inform everybody whom he asked down.

being or moving lower in position or less in some value

From this reading Grafton had brought down a few friends every Friday since Easter, but this was the first time that the house had been full.

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

From this reading He would have hesitated himself, before he had bought Abington, over spending two and sometimes three and four days in the week in a country house, in late spring and early summer, with no very good golf links near, no river or sea, nothing, specially interesting in the way of guests, or elaborate in the preparations made to entertain them.

a Christian celebration of the Resurrection of Christ; celebrated on the Sunday following the first full moon after the vernal equinox

From this reading Grafton had brought down a few friends every Friday since Easter, but this was the first time that the house had been full.

marked by complexity and richness of detail

From this reading He would have hesitated himself, before he had bought Abington, over spending two and sometimes three and four days in the week in a country house, in late spring and early summer, with no very good golf links near, no river or sea, nothing, specially interesting in the way of guests, or elaborate in the preparations made to entertain them.

past form of “enjoy” — derive or receive pleasure from; get enjoyment from; take pleasure in

From this reading He had enjoyed those week-ends at Abington more consciously than he had enjoyed anything for years.

provide entertainment for

From this reading He would have hesitated himself, before he had bought Abington, over spending two and sometimes three and four days in the week in a country house, in late spring and early summer, with no very good golf links near, no river or sea, nothing, specially interesting in the way of guests, or elaborate in the preparations made to entertain them.

all the members of a group, with none left out

From this reading Grafton had brought down a few friends every Friday since Easter, but this was the first time that the house had been full.

every person

From this reading And yet there was 'nothing to do,' as he was careful to inform everybody whom he asked down.

cause to fall by or as if by delivering a blow

From this reading WHITSUNTIDE Whitsuntide, which fell in June that year, found a large party assembled at the Abbey.

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

From this reading Grafton had brought down a few friends every Friday since Easter, but this was the first time that the house had been full.

preceding all others in time or space or degree

From this reading Grafton had brought down a few friends every Friday since Easter, but this was the first time that the house had been full.

intended to be given to, or used by, somebody

From this reading He had enjoyed those week-ends at Abington more consciously than he had enjoyed anything for years.

set up or found

From this reading WHITSUNTIDE Whitsuntide, which fell in June that year, found a large party assembled at the Abbey.

the cardinal number that is the sum of three and one

From this reading He would have hesitated himself, before he had bought Abington, over spending two and sometimes three and four days in the week in a country house, in late spring and early summer, with no very good golf links near, no river or sea, nothing, specially interesting in the way of guests, or elaborate in the preparations made to entertain them.

the sixth day of the week; the fifth working day

From this reading Grafton had brought down a few friends every Friday since Easter, but this was the first time that the house had been full.

plural of “friend” — a person you know well and regard with affection and trust

From this reading Grafton had brought down a few friends every Friday since Easter, but this was the first time that the house had been full.

containing as much or as many as is possible or normal

From this reading Grafton had brought down a few friends every Friday since Easter, but this was the first time that the house had been full.

a game played on a large open course with 9 or 18 holes; the object is use as few strokes as possible in playing all the holes

From this reading He would have hesitated himself, before he had bought Abington, over spending two and sometimes three and four days in the week in a country house, in late spring and early summer, with no very good golf links near, no river or sea, nothing, specially interesting in the way of guests, or elaborate in the preparations made to entertain them.

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

From this reading He would have hesitated himself, before he had bought Abington, over spending two and sometimes three and four days in the week in a country house, in late spring and early summer, with no very good golf links near, no river or sea, nothing, specially interesting in the way of guests, or elaborate in the preparations made to entertain them.

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

From this reading Grafton had brought down a few friends every Friday since Easter, but this was the first time that the house had been full.

plural of “guest” — a visitor to whom hospitality is extended

From this reading He would have hesitated himself, before he had bought Abington, over spending two and sometimes three and four days in the week in a country house, in late spring and early summer, with no very good golf links near, no river or sea, nothing, specially interesting in the way of guests, or elaborate in the preparations made to entertain them.

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

From this reading Grafton had brought down a few friends every Friday since Easter, but this was the first time that the house had been full.

used with a past participle to form the perfect tenses

From this reading He would have hesitated himself, before he had bought Abington, over spending two and sometimes three and four days in the week in a country house, in late spring and early summer, with no very good golf links near, no river or sea, nothing, specially interesting in the way of guests, or elaborate in the preparations made to entertain them.

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

From this reading He had enjoyed those week-ends at Abington more consciously than he had enjoyed anything for years.

past form of “hesitate” — pause or hold back in uncertainty or unwillingness

From this reading He would have hesitated himself, before he had bought Abington, over spending two and sometimes three and four days in the week in a country house, in late spring and early summer, with no very good golf links near, no river or sea, nothing, specially interesting in the way of guests, or elaborate in the preparations made to entertain them.

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

From this reading He would have hesitated himself, before he had bought Abington, over spending two and sometimes three and four days in the week in a country house, in late spring and early summer, with no very good golf links near, no river or sea, nothing, specially interesting in the way of guests, or elaborate in the preparations made to entertain them.

a dwelling that serves as living quarters for one or more families

From this reading Grafton had brought down a few friends every Friday since Easter, but this was the first time that the house had been full.

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

From this reading WHITSUNTIDE Whitsuntide, which fell in June that year, found a large party assembled at the Abbey.

impart knowledge of some fact, state of affairs, or event to

From this reading And yet there was 'nothing to do,' as he was careful to inform everybody whom he asked down.

arousing or holding the attention

From this reading He would have hesitated himself, before he had bought Abington, over spending two and sometimes three and four days in the week in a country house, in late spring and early summer, with no very good golf links near, no river or sea, nothing, specially interesting in the way of guests, or elaborate in the preparations made to entertain them.

the month following May and preceding July

From this reading WHITSUNTIDE Whitsuntide, which fell in June that year, found a large party assembled at the Abbey.

above average in size or number or quantity or magnitude or extent

From this reading WHITSUNTIDE Whitsuntide, which fell in June that year, found a large party assembled at the Abbey.

being or occurring at an advanced period of time or after a usual or expected time

From this reading He would have hesitated himself, before he had bought Abington, over spending two and sometimes three and four days in the week in a country house, in late spring and early summer, with no very good golf links near, no river or sea, nothing, specially interesting in the way of guests, or elaborate in the preparations made to entertain them.

a golf course that is built on sandy ground near a shore

From this reading He would have hesitated himself, before he had bought Abington, over spending two and sometimes three and four days in the week in a country house, in late spring and early summer, with no very good golf links near, no river or sea, nothing, specially interesting in the way of guests, or elaborate in the preparations made to entertain them.

produced by a manufacturing process

From this reading He would have hesitated himself, before he had bought Abington, over spending two and sometimes three and four days in the week in a country house, in late spring and early summer, with no very good golf links near, no river or sea, nothing, specially interesting in the way of guests, or elaborate in the preparations made to entertain them.

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

From this reading He had enjoyed those week-ends at Abington more consciously than he had enjoyed anything for years.

near in time or place or relationship

From this reading He would have hesitated himself, before he had bought Abington, over spending two and sometimes three and four days in the week in a country house, in late spring and early summer, with no very good golf links near, no river or sea, nothing, specially interesting in the way of guests, or elaborate in the preparations made to entertain them.

not any; not one

From this reading He would have hesitated himself, before he had bought Abington, over spending two and sometimes three and four days in the week in a country house, in late spring and early summer, with no very good golf links near, no river or sea, nothing, specially interesting in the way of guests, or elaborate in the preparations made to entertain them.

not one thing; not anything

From this reading And yet there was 'nothing to do,' as he was careful to inform everybody whom he asked down.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading He would have hesitated himself, before he had bought Abington, over spending two and sometimes three and four days in the week in a country house, in late spring and early summer, with no very good golf links near, no river or sea, nothing, specially interesting in the way of guests, or elaborate in the preparations made to entertain them.

used to join alternatives or possibilities

From this reading He would have hesitated himself, before he had bought Abington, over spending two and sometimes three and four days in the week in a country house, in late spring and early summer, with no very good golf links near, no river or sea, nothing, specially interesting in the way of guests, or elaborate in the preparations made to entertain them.

above and across; more than

From this reading He would have hesitated himself, before he had bought Abington, over spending two and sometimes three and four days in the week in a country house, in late spring and early summer, with no very good golf links near, no river or sea, nothing, specially interesting in the way of guests, or elaborate in the preparations made to entertain them.

an organization to gain political power

From this reading WHITSUNTIDE Whitsuntide, which fell in June that year, found a large party assembled at the Abbey.

plural of “preparation” — the activity of putting or setting in order in advance of some act or purpose

From this reading He would have hesitated himself, before he had bought Abington, over spending two and sometimes three and four days in the week in a country house, in late spring and early summer, with no very good golf links near, no river or sea, nothing, specially interesting in the way of guests, or elaborate in the preparations made to entertain them.

a large natural stream of water (larger than a creek)

From this reading He would have hesitated himself, before he had bought Abington, over spending two and sometimes three and four days in the week in a country house, in late spring and early summer, with no very good golf links near, no river or sea, nothing, specially interesting in the way of guests, or elaborate in the preparations made to entertain them.

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

From this reading He would have hesitated himself, before he had bought Abington, over spending two and sometimes three and four days in the week in a country house, in late spring and early summer, with no very good golf links near, no river or sea, nothing, specially interesting in the way of guests, or elaborate in the preparations made to entertain them.

from a time in the past until now

From this reading Grafton had brought down a few friends every Friday since Easter, but this was the first time that the house had been full.

on certain occasions or in certain cases but not always

From this reading He would have hesitated himself, before he had bought Abington, over spending two and sometimes three and four days in the week in a country house, in late spring and early summer, with no very good golf links near, no river or sea, nothing, specially interesting in the way of guests, or elaborate in the preparations made to entertain them.

in a special manner

From this reading He would have hesitated himself, before he had bought Abington, over spending two and sometimes three and four days in the week in a country house, in late spring and early summer, with no very good golf links near, no river or sea, nothing, specially interesting in the way of guests, or elaborate in the preparations made to entertain them.

the act of spending or disbursing money

From this reading He would have hesitated himself, before he had bought Abington, over spending two and sometimes three and four days in the week in a country house, in late spring and early summer, with no very good golf links near, no river or sea, nothing, specially interesting in the way of guests, or elaborate in the preparations made to entertain them.

the season of growth

From this reading He would have hesitated himself, before he had bought Abington, over spending two and sometimes three and four days in the week in a country house, in late spring and early summer, with no very good golf links near, no river or sea, nothing, specially interesting in the way of guests, or elaborate in the preparations made to entertain them.

the warmest season of the year; in the northern hemisphere it extends from the summer solstice to the autumnal equinox

From this reading He would have hesitated himself, before he had bought Abington, over spending two and sometimes three and four days in the week in a country house, in late spring and early summer, with no very good golf links near, no river or sea, nothing, specially interesting in the way of guests, or elaborate in the preparations made to entertain them.

used to introduce the second part of a comparison

From this reading He had enjoyed those week-ends at Abington more consciously than he had enjoyed anything for years.

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading WHITSUNTIDE Whitsuntide, which fell in June that year, found a large party assembled at the Abbey.

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

From this reading WHITSUNTIDE Whitsuntide, which fell in June that year, found a large party assembled at the Abbey.

the people or things already mentioned, as the object

From this reading He would have hesitated himself, before he had bought Abington, over spending two and sometimes three and four days in the week in a country house, in late spring and early summer, with no very good golf links near, no river or sea, nothing, specially interesting in the way of guests, or elaborate in the preparations made to entertain them.

in or at that place or location

From this reading And yet there was 'nothing to do,' as he was careful to inform everybody whom he asked down.

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

From this reading Grafton had brought down a few friends every Friday since Easter, but this was the first time that the house had been full.

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

From this reading He had enjoyed those week-ends at Abington more consciously than he had enjoyed anything for years.

the cardinal number that is the sum of one and one and one

From this reading He would have hesitated himself, before he had bought Abington, over spending two and sometimes three and four days in the week in a country house, in late spring and early summer, with no very good golf links near, no river or sea, nothing, specially interesting in the way of guests, or elaborate in the preparations made to entertain them.

an instance or single occasion for some event

From this reading Grafton had brought down a few friends every Friday since Easter, but this was the first time that the house had been full.

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

From this reading And yet there was 'nothing to do,' as he was careful to inform everybody whom he asked down.

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

From this reading He would have hesitated himself, before he had bought Abington, over spending two and sometimes three and four days in the week in a country house, in late spring and early summer, with no very good golf links near, no river or sea, nothing, specially interesting in the way of guests, or elaborate in the preparations made to entertain them.

precisely as stated

From this reading He would have hesitated himself, before he had bought Abington, over spending two and sometimes three and four days in the week in a country house, in late spring and early summer, with no very good golf links near, no river or sea, nothing, specially interesting in the way of guests, or elaborate in the preparations made to entertain them.

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

From this reading Grafton had brought down a few friends every Friday since Easter, but this was the first time that the house had been full.

how something is done or how it happens

From this reading He would have hesitated himself, before he had bought Abington, over spending two and sometimes three and four days in the week in a country house, in late spring and early summer, with no very good golf links near, no river or sea, nothing, specially interesting in the way of guests, or elaborate in the preparations made to entertain them.

any period of seven consecutive days

From this reading He would have hesitated himself, before he had bought Abington, over spending two and sometimes three and four days in the week in a country house, in late spring and early summer, with no very good golf links near, no river or sea, nothing, specially interesting in the way of guests, or elaborate in the preparations made to entertain them.

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

From this reading He had enjoyed those week-ends at Abington more consciously than he had enjoyed anything for years.

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

From this reading WHITSUNTIDE Whitsuntide, which fell in June that year, found a large party assembled at the Abbey.

Christian holiday; the week beginning on Whitsunday (especially the first 3 days)

From this reading WHITSUNTIDE Whitsuntide, which fell in June that year, found a large party assembled at the Abbey.

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

From this reading And yet there was 'nothing to do,' as he was careful to inform everybody whom he asked down.

in the company of; together with

From this reading He would have hesitated himself, before he had bought Abington, over spending two and sometimes three and four days in the week in a country house, in late spring and early summer, with no very good golf links near, no river or sea, nothing, specially interesting in the way of guests, or elaborate in the preparations made to entertain them.

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

From this reading He would have hesitated himself, before he had bought Abington, over spending two and sometimes three and four days in the week in a country house, in late spring and early summer, with no very good golf links near, no river or sea, nothing, specially interesting in the way of guests, or elaborate in the preparations made to entertain them.

a period of time containing 365 (or 366) days

From this reading WHITSUNTIDE Whitsuntide, which fell in June that year, found a large party assembled at the Abbey.

a late time of life

From this reading He had enjoyed those week-ends at Abington more consciously than he had enjoyed anything for years.

but in spite of that

From this reading And yet there was 'nothing to do,' as he was careful to inform everybody whom he asked down.