Chapter XXV · Chapter 25

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

From this reading Now, however, that the good man was out of the way, they gave him a chance, and he caught at it, though not without some misgivings.

touching and pressing; in opposition to

From this reading Two resolutions he came to; the first that he would not read his sermon, but _commit_ it and deliver it as like the extempore utterance of which he was incapable as might be--a piece of falsehood entirely understood, and justified by Scotch custom; the second, to take rather more than a hint from the fashion of preaching now so much in favour amongst the seceders and missionars: he would be a _Jupiter tonans_, wielding the forked lightnings of the law against the sins of Glamerton.

surrounded by; in the company of

From this reading Two resolutions he came to; the first that he would not read his sermon, but _commit_ it and deliver it as like the extempore utterance of which he was incapable as might be--a piece of falsehood entirely understood, and justified by Scotch custom; the second, to take rather more than a hint from the fashion of preaching now so much in favour amongst the seceders and missionars: he would be a _Jupiter tonans_, wielding the forked lightnings of the law against the sins of Glamerton.

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

From this reading Now, however, that the good man was out of the way, they gave him a chance, and he caught at it, though not without some misgivings.

subject to appointment

From this reading Murdoch Malison, the schoolmaster, was appointed to preach in the parish church the following Sunday.

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

From this reading Two resolutions he came to; the first that he would not read his sermon, but _commit_ it and deliver it as like the extempore utterance of which he was incapable as might be--a piece of falsehood entirely understood, and justified by Scotch custom; the second, to take rather more than a hint from the fashion of preaching now so much in favour amongst the seceders and missionars: he would be a _Jupiter tonans_, wielding the forked lightnings of the law against the sins of Glamerton.

in or near a particular place or position

From this reading Now, however, that the good man was out of the way, they gave him a chance, and he caught at it, though not without some misgivings.

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

From this reading Two resolutions he came to; the first that he would not read his sermon, but _commit_ it and deliver it as like the extempore utterance of which he was incapable as might be--a piece of falsehood entirely understood, and justified by Scotch custom; the second, to take rather more than a hint from the fashion of preaching now so much in favour amongst the seceders and missionars: he would be a _Jupiter tonans_, wielding the forked lightnings of the law against the sins of Glamerton.

the past participle of “be”

From this reading He had never preached there, for he had been no favourite with Mr Cowie.

used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before

From this reading In the school-desk, "he was like a maister or a pope;" but the pulpit--how would he fill that?

showing who or what does the action

From this reading Two resolutions he came to; the first that he would not read his sermon, but _commit_ it and deliver it as like the extempore utterance of which he was incapable as might be--a piece of falsehood entirely understood, and justified by Scotch custom; the second, to take rather more than a hint from the fashion of preaching now so much in favour amongst the seceders and missionars: he would be a _Jupiter tonans_, wielding the forked lightnings of the law against the sins of Glamerton.

inflected form of “come” — move toward, travel toward something or somebody or approach something or somebody

From this reading Two resolutions he came to; the first that he would not read his sermon, but _commit_ it and deliver it as like the extempore utterance of which he was incapable as might be--a piece of falsehood entirely understood, and justified by Scotch custom; the second, to take rather more than a hint from the fashion of preaching now so much in favour amongst the seceders and missionars: he would be a _Jupiter tonans_, wielding the forked lightnings of the law against the sins of Glamerton.

inflected form of “catch” — discover or come upon accidentally, suddenly, or unexpectedly; catch somebody doing something or in a certain state

From this reading Now, however, that the good man was out of the way, they gave him a chance, and he caught at it, though not without some misgivings.

a possibility due to a favorable combination of circumstances

From this reading Now, however, that the good man was out of the way, they gave him a chance, and he caught at it, though not without some misgivings.

one of the groups of Christians who have their own beliefs and forms of worship

From this reading Murdoch Malison, the schoolmaster, was appointed to preach in the parish church the following Sunday.

perform an act, usually with a negative connotation

From this reading Two resolutions he came to; the first that he would not read his sermon, but _commit_ it and deliver it as like the extempore utterance of which he was incapable as might be--a piece of falsehood entirely understood, and justified by Scotch custom; the second, to take rather more than a hint from the fashion of preaching now so much in favour amongst the seceders and missionars: he would be a _Jupiter tonans_, wielding the forked lightnings of the law against the sins of Glamerton.

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

From this reading He had never preached there, for he had been no favourite with Mr Cowie.

accepted or habitual practice

From this reading Two resolutions he came to; the first that he would not read his sermon, but _commit_ it and deliver it as like the extempore utterance of which he was incapable as might be--a piece of falsehood entirely understood, and justified by Scotch custom; the second, to take rather more than a hint from the fashion of preaching now so much in favour amongst the seceders and missionars: he would be a _Jupiter tonans_, wielding the forked lightnings of the law against the sins of Glamerton.

deliver (a speech, oration, or idea)

From this reading Two resolutions he came to; the first that he would not read his sermon, but _commit_ it and deliver it as like the extempore utterance of which he was incapable as might be--a piece of falsehood entirely understood, and justified by Scotch custom; the second, to take rather more than a hint from the fashion of preaching now so much in favour amongst the seceders and missionars: he would be a _Jupiter tonans_, wielding the forked lightnings of the law against the sins of Glamerton.

to a complete degree or to the full or entire extent (“whole” is often used informally for “wholly”)

From this reading Two resolutions he came to; the first that he would not read his sermon, but _commit_ it and deliver it as like the extempore utterance of which he was incapable as might be--a piece of falsehood entirely understood, and justified by Scotch custom; the second, to take rather more than a hint from the fashion of preaching now so much in favour amongst the seceders and missionars: he would be a _Jupiter tonans_, wielding the forked lightnings of the law against the sins of Glamerton.

with little or no preparation or forethought

From this reading Two resolutions he came to; the first that he would not read his sermon, but _commit_ it and deliver it as like the extempore utterance of which he was incapable as might be--a piece of falsehood entirely understood, and justified by Scotch custom; the second, to take rather more than a hint from the fashion of preaching now so much in favour amongst the seceders and missionars: he would be a _Jupiter tonans_, wielding the forked lightnings of the law against the sins of Glamerton.

a false statement

From this reading Two resolutions he came to; the first that he would not read his sermon, but _commit_ it and deliver it as like the extempore utterance of which he was incapable as might be--a piece of falsehood entirely understood, and justified by Scotch custom; the second, to take rather more than a hint from the fashion of preaching now so much in favour amongst the seceders and missionars: he would be a _Jupiter tonans_, wielding the forked lightnings of the law against the sins of Glamerton.

how something is done or how it happens

From this reading Two resolutions he came to; the first that he would not read his sermon, but _commit_ it and deliver it as like the extempore utterance of which he was incapable as might be--a piece of falsehood entirely understood, and justified by Scotch custom; the second, to take rather more than a hint from the fashion of preaching now so much in favour amongst the seceders and missionars: he would be a _Jupiter tonans_, wielding the forked lightnings of the law against the sins of Glamerton.

a feeling of favorable regard

From this reading Two resolutions he came to; the first that he would not read his sermon, but _commit_ it and deliver it as like the extempore utterance of which he was incapable as might be--a piece of falsehood entirely understood, and justified by Scotch custom; the second, to take rather more than a hint from the fashion of preaching now so much in favour amongst the seceders and missionars: he would be a _Jupiter tonans_, wielding the forked lightnings of the law against the sins of Glamerton.

a competitor thought likely to win

From this reading He had never preached there, for he had been no favourite with Mr Cowie.

make full, also in a metaphorical sense

From this reading In the school-desk, "he was like a maister or a pope;" but the pulpit--how would he fill that?

preceding all others in time or space or degree

From this reading Two resolutions he came to; the first that he would not read his sermon, but _commit_ it and deliver it as like the extempore utterance of which he was incapable as might be--a piece of falsehood entirely understood, and justified by Scotch custom; the second, to take rather more than a hint from the fashion of preaching now so much in favour amongst the seceders and missionars: he would be a _Jupiter tonans_, wielding the forked lightnings of the law against the sins of Glamerton.

about to be mentioned or specified

From this reading Murdoch Malison, the schoolmaster, was appointed to preach in the parish church the following Sunday.

intended to be given to, or used by, somebody

From this reading He had never preached there, for he had been no favourite with Mr Cowie.

resembling a fork; divided or separated into two branches

From this reading Two resolutions he came to; the first that he would not read his sermon, but _commit_ it and deliver it as like the extempore utterance of which he was incapable as might be--a piece of falsehood entirely understood, and justified by Scotch custom; the second, to take rather more than a hint from the fashion of preaching now so much in favour amongst the seceders and missionars: he would be a _Jupiter tonans_, wielding the forked lightnings of the law against the sins of Glamerton.

showing where something starts, or who sent it

From this reading Two resolutions he came to; the first that he would not read his sermon, but _commit_ it and deliver it as like the extempore utterance of which he was incapable as might be--a piece of falsehood entirely understood, and justified by Scotch custom; the second, to take rather more than a hint from the fashion of preaching now so much in favour amongst the seceders and missionars: he would be a _Jupiter tonans_, wielding the forked lightnings of the law against the sins of Glamerton.

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

From this reading Now, however, that the good man was out of the way, they gave him a chance, and he caught at it, though not without some misgivings.

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

From this reading Two resolutions he came to; the first that he would not read his sermon, but _commit_ it and deliver it as like the extempore utterance of which he was incapable as might be--a piece of falsehood entirely understood, and justified by Scotch custom; the second, to take rather more than a hint from the fashion of preaching now so much in favour amongst the seceders and missionars: he would be a _Jupiter tonans_, wielding the forked lightnings of the law against the sins of Glamerton.

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

From this reading Now, however, that the good man was out of the way, they gave him a chance, and he caught at it, though not without some misgivings.

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

From this reading He had never preached there, for he had been no favourite with Mr Cowie.

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

From this reading He had never preached there, for he had been no favourite with Mr Cowie.

the male already mentioned, as the object of a verb or preposition

From this reading Now, however, that the good man was out of the way, they gave him a chance, and he caught at it, though not without some misgivings.

an indirect suggestion

From this reading Two resolutions he came to; the first that he would not read his sermon, but _commit_ it and deliver it as like the extempore utterance of which he was incapable as might be--a piece of falsehood entirely understood, and justified by Scotch custom; the second, to take rather more than a hint from the fashion of preaching now so much in favour amongst the seceders and missionars: he would be a _Jupiter tonans_, wielding the forked lightnings of the law against the sins of Glamerton.

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

From this reading Two resolutions he came to; the first that he would not read his sermon, but _commit_ it and deliver it as like the extempore utterance of which he was incapable as might be--a piece of falsehood entirely understood, and justified by Scotch custom; the second, to take rather more than a hint from the fashion of preaching now so much in favour amongst the seceders and missionars: he would be a _Jupiter tonans_, wielding the forked lightnings of the law against the sins of Glamerton.

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

From this reading In the school-desk, "he was like a maister or a pope;" but the pulpit--how would he fill that?

used to add a contrasting statement

From this reading Now, however, that the good man was out of the way, they gave him a chance, and he caught at it, though not without some misgivings.

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

From this reading Murdoch Malison, the schoolmaster, was appointed to preach in the parish church the following Sunday.

(followed by “of”) lacking capacity or ability

From this reading Two resolutions he came to; the first that he would not read his sermon, but _commit_ it and deliver it as like the extempore utterance of which he was incapable as might be--a piece of falsehood entirely understood, and justified by Scotch custom; the second, to take rather more than a hint from the fashion of preaching now so much in favour amongst the seceders and missionars: he would be a _Jupiter tonans_, wielding the forked lightnings of the law against the sins of Glamerton.

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading Now, however, that the good man was out of the way, they gave him a chance, and he caught at it, though not without some misgivings.

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

From this reading Two resolutions he came to; the first that he would not read his sermon, but _commit_ it and deliver it as like the extempore utterance of which he was incapable as might be--a piece of falsehood entirely understood, and justified by Scotch custom; the second, to take rather more than a hint from the fashion of preaching now so much in favour amongst the seceders and missionars: he would be a _Jupiter tonans_, wielding the forked lightnings of the law against the sins of Glamerton.

having words so spaced that lines have straight even margins

From this reading Two resolutions he came to; the first that he would not read his sermon, but _commit_ it and deliver it as like the extempore utterance of which he was incapable as might be--a piece of falsehood entirely understood, and justified by Scotch custom; the second, to take rather more than a hint from the fashion of preaching now so much in favour amongst the seceders and missionars: he would be a _Jupiter tonans_, wielding the forked lightnings of the law against the sins of Glamerton.

the collection of rules imposed by authority

From this reading Two resolutions he came to; the first that he would not read his sermon, but _commit_ it and deliver it as like the extempore utterance of which he was incapable as might be--a piece of falsehood entirely understood, and justified by Scotch custom; the second, to take rather more than a hint from the fashion of preaching now so much in favour amongst the seceders and missionars: he would be a _Jupiter tonans_, wielding the forked lightnings of the law against the sins of Glamerton.

plural of “lightning” — abrupt electric discharge from cloud to cloud or from cloud to earth accompanied by the emission of light

From this reading Two resolutions he came to; the first that he would not read his sermon, but _commit_ it and deliver it as like the extempore utterance of which he was incapable as might be--a piece of falsehood entirely understood, and justified by Scotch custom; the second, to take rather more than a hint from the fashion of preaching now so much in favour amongst the seceders and missionars: he would be a _Jupiter tonans_, wielding the forked lightnings of the law against the sins of Glamerton.

prefer or wish to do something

From this reading In the school-desk, "he was like a maister or a pope;" but the pulpit--how would he fill that?

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

From this reading In the school-desk, "he was like a maister or a pope;" but the pulpit--how would he fill that?

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

From this reading Murdoch Malison, the schoolmaster, was appointed to preach in the parish church the following Sunday.

an adult person who is male (as opposed to a woman)

From this reading Now, however, that the good man was out of the way, they gave him a chance, and he caught at it, though not without some misgivings.

used to say something is possible but not certain

From this reading Two resolutions he came to; the first that he would not read his sermon, but _commit_ it and deliver it as like the extempore utterance of which he was incapable as might be--a piece of falsehood entirely understood, and justified by Scotch custom; the second, to take rather more than a hint from the fashion of preaching now so much in favour amongst the seceders and missionars: he would be a _Jupiter tonans_, wielding the forked lightnings of the law against the sins of Glamerton.

plural of “misgiving” — uneasiness about the fitness of an action

From this reading Now, however, that the good man was out of the way, they gave him a chance, and he caught at it, though not without some misgivings.

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

From this reading Two resolutions he came to; the first that he would not read his sermon, but _commit_ it and deliver it as like the extempore utterance of which he was incapable as might be--a piece of falsehood entirely understood, and justified by Scotch custom; the second, to take rather more than a hint from the fashion of preaching now so much in favour amongst the seceders and missionars: he would be a _Jupiter tonans_, wielding the forked lightnings of the law against the sins of Glamerton.

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

From this reading Two resolutions he came to; the first that he would not read his sermon, but _commit_ it and deliver it as like the extempore utterance of which he was incapable as might be--a piece of falsehood entirely understood, and justified by Scotch custom; the second, to take rather more than a hint from the fashion of preaching now so much in favour amongst the seceders and missionars: he would be a _Jupiter tonans_, wielding the forked lightnings of the law against the sins of Glamerton.

a form of address for a man

From this reading He had never preached there, for he had been no favourite with Mr Cowie.

to a great degree or extent

From this reading Two resolutions he came to; the first that he would not read his sermon, but _commit_ it and deliver it as like the extempore utterance of which he was incapable as might be--a piece of falsehood entirely understood, and justified by Scotch custom; the second, to take rather more than a hint from the fashion of preaching now so much in favour amongst the seceders and missionars: he would be a _Jupiter tonans_, wielding the forked lightnings of the law against the sins of Glamerton.

United States publisher (born in Australia in 1931)

From this reading Murdoch Malison, the schoolmaster, was appointed to preach in the parish church the following Sunday.

not ever; at no time in the past or future

From this reading He had never preached there, for he had been no favourite with Mr Cowie.

not any; not one

From this reading He had never preached there, for he had been no favourite with Mr Cowie.

used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative

From this reading Now, however, that the good man was out of the way, they gave him a chance, and he caught at it, though not without some misgivings.

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

From this reading Now, however, that the good man was out of the way, they gave him a chance, and he caught at it, though not without some misgivings.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading Now, however, that the good man was out of the way, they gave him a chance, and he caught at it, though not without some misgivings.

used to join alternatives or possibilities

From this reading In the school-desk, "he was like a maister or a pope;" but the pulpit--how would he fill that?

not allowed to continue to bat or run

From this reading Now, however, that the good man was out of the way, they gave him a chance, and he caught at it, though not without some misgivings.

a local church community

From this reading Murdoch Malison, the schoolmaster, was appointed to preach in the parish church the following Sunday.

a separate part of a whole

From this reading Two resolutions he came to; the first that he would not read his sermon, but _commit_ it and deliver it as like the extempore utterance of which he was incapable as might be--a piece of falsehood entirely understood, and justified by Scotch custom; the second, to take rather more than a hint from the fashion of preaching now so much in favour amongst the seceders and missionars: he would be a _Jupiter tonans_, wielding the forked lightnings of the law against the sins of Glamerton.

the head of the Roman Catholic Church

From this reading In the school-desk, "he was like a maister or a pope;" but the pulpit--how would he fill that?

deliver a sermon

From this reading Murdoch Malison, the schoolmaster, was appointed to preach in the parish church the following Sunday.

past form of “preach” — deliver a sermon

From this reading He had never preached there, for he had been no favourite with Mr Cowie.

an address of a religious nature (usually delivered during a church service)

From this reading Two resolutions he came to; the first that he would not read his sermon, but _commit_ it and deliver it as like the extempore utterance of which he was incapable as might be--a piece of falsehood entirely understood, and justified by Scotch custom; the second, to take rather more than a hint from the fashion of preaching now so much in favour amongst the seceders and missionars: he would be a _Jupiter tonans_, wielding the forked lightnings of the law against the sins of Glamerton.

a platform raised above the surrounding level to give prominence to the person on it

From this reading In the school-desk, "he was like a maister or a pope;" but the pulpit--how would he fill that?

on the contrary

From this reading Two resolutions he came to; the first that he would not read his sermon, but _commit_ it and deliver it as like the extempore utterance of which he was incapable as might be--a piece of falsehood entirely understood, and justified by Scotch custom; the second, to take rather more than a hint from the fashion of preaching now so much in favour amongst the seceders and missionars: he would be a _Jupiter tonans_, wielding the forked lightnings of the law against the sins of Glamerton.

interpret something that is written or printed

From this reading Two resolutions he came to; the first that he would not read his sermon, but _commit_ it and deliver it as like the extempore utterance of which he was incapable as might be--a piece of falsehood entirely understood, and justified by Scotch custom; the second, to take rather more than a hint from the fashion of preaching now so much in favour amongst the seceders and missionars: he would be a _Jupiter tonans_, wielding the forked lightnings of the law against the sins of Glamerton.

plural of “resolution” — a formal expression by a meeting; agreed to by a vote

From this reading Two resolutions he came to; the first that he would not read his sermon, but _commit_ it and deliver it as like the extempore utterance of which he was incapable as might be--a piece of falsehood entirely understood, and justified by Scotch custom; the second, to take rather more than a hint from the fashion of preaching now so much in favour amongst the seceders and missionars: he would be a _Jupiter tonans_, wielding the forked lightnings of the law against the sins of Glamerton.

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

From this reading In the school-desk, "he was like a maister or a pope;" but the pulpit--how would he fill that?

presiding officer of a school

From this reading Murdoch Malison, the schoolmaster, was appointed to preach in the parish church the following Sunday.

a slight surface cut (especially a notch that is made to keep a tally)

From this reading Two resolutions he came to; the first that he would not read his sermon, but _commit_ it and deliver it as like the extempore utterance of which he was incapable as might be--a piece of falsehood entirely understood, and justified by Scotch custom; the second, to take rather more than a hint from the fashion of preaching now so much in favour amongst the seceders and missionars: he would be a _Jupiter tonans_, wielding the forked lightnings of the law against the sins of Glamerton.

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

From this reading Two resolutions he came to; the first that he would not read his sermon, but _commit_ it and deliver it as like the extempore utterance of which he was incapable as might be--a piece of falsehood entirely understood, and justified by Scotch custom; the second, to take rather more than a hint from the fashion of preaching now so much in favour amongst the seceders and missionars: he would be a _Jupiter tonans_, wielding the forked lightnings of the law against the sins of Glamerton.

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

From this reading Two resolutions he came to; the first that he would not read his sermon, but _commit_ it and deliver it as like the extempore utterance of which he was incapable as might be--a piece of falsehood entirely understood, and justified by Scotch custom; the second, to take rather more than a hint from the fashion of preaching now so much in favour amongst the seceders and missionars: he would be a _Jupiter tonans_, wielding the forked lightnings of the law against the sins of Glamerton.

an address of a religious nature (usually delivered during a church service)

From this reading Two resolutions he came to; the first that he would not read his sermon, but _commit_ it and deliver it as like the extempore utterance of which he was incapable as might be--a piece of falsehood entirely understood, and justified by Scotch custom; the second, to take rather more than a hint from the fashion of preaching now so much in favour amongst the seceders and missionars: he would be a _Jupiter tonans_, wielding the forked lightnings of the law against the sins of Glamerton.

plural of “sin” — estrangement from god

From this reading Two resolutions he came to; the first that he would not read his sermon, but _commit_ it and deliver it as like the extempore utterance of which he was incapable as might be--a piece of falsehood entirely understood, and justified by Scotch custom; the second, to take rather more than a hint from the fashion of preaching now so much in favour amongst the seceders and missionars: he would be a _Jupiter tonans_, wielding the forked lightnings of the law against the sins of Glamerton.

for that reason; with the result that

From this reading Two resolutions he came to; the first that he would not read his sermon, but _commit_ it and deliver it as like the extempore utterance of which he was incapable as might be--a piece of falsehood entirely understood, and justified by Scotch custom; the second, to take rather more than a hint from the fashion of preaching now so much in favour amongst the seceders and missionars: he would be a _Jupiter tonans_, wielding the forked lightnings of the law against the sins of Glamerton.

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

From this reading Now, however, that the good man was out of the way, they gave him a chance, and he caught at it, though not without some misgivings.

first day of the week; observed as a day of rest and worship by most Christians

From this reading Murdoch Malison, the schoolmaster, was appointed to preach in the parish church the following Sunday.

carry out

From this reading Two resolutions he came to; the first that he would not read his sermon, but _commit_ it and deliver it as like the extempore utterance of which he was incapable as might be--a piece of falsehood entirely understood, and justified by Scotch custom; the second, to take rather more than a hint from the fashion of preaching now so much in favour amongst the seceders and missionars: he would be a _Jupiter tonans_, wielding the forked lightnings of the law against the sins of Glamerton.

used to introduce the second part of a comparison

From this reading Two resolutions he came to; the first that he would not read his sermon, but _commit_ it and deliver it as like the extempore utterance of which he was incapable as might be--a piece of falsehood entirely understood, and justified by Scotch custom; the second, to take rather more than a hint from the fashion of preaching now so much in favour amongst the seceders and missionars: he would be a _Jupiter tonans_, wielding the forked lightnings of the law against the sins of Glamerton.

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading Now, however, that the good man was out of the way, they gave him a chance, and he caught at it, though not without some misgivings.

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

From this reading Murdoch Malison, the schoolmaster, was appointed to preach in the parish church the following Sunday.

in or at that place or location

From this reading He had never preached there, for he had been no favourite with Mr Cowie.

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

From this reading Now, however, that the good man was out of the way, they gave him a chance, and he caught at it, though not without some misgivings.

in spite of the fact that

From this reading Now, however, that the good man was out of the way, they gave him a chance, and he caught at it, though not without some misgivings.

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

From this reading Murdoch Malison, the schoolmaster, was appointed to preach in the parish church the following Sunday.

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

From this reading Two resolutions he came to; the first that he would not read his sermon, but _commit_ it and deliver it as like the extempore utterance of which he was incapable as might be--a piece of falsehood entirely understood, and justified by Scotch custom; the second, to take rather more than a hint from the fashion of preaching now so much in favour amongst the seceders and missionars: he would be a _Jupiter tonans_, wielding the forked lightnings of the law against the sins of Glamerton.

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

From this reading Two resolutions he came to; the first that he would not read his sermon, but _commit_ it and deliver it as like the extempore utterance of which he was incapable as might be--a piece of falsehood entirely understood, and justified by Scotch custom; the second, to take rather more than a hint from the fashion of preaching now so much in favour amongst the seceders and missionars: he would be a _Jupiter tonans_, wielding the forked lightnings of the law against the sins of Glamerton.

fully apprehended as to purport or meaning or explanation

From this reading Two resolutions he came to; the first that he would not read his sermon, but _commit_ it and deliver it as like the extempore utterance of which he was incapable as might be--a piece of falsehood entirely understood, and justified by Scotch custom; the second, to take rather more than a hint from the fashion of preaching now so much in favour amongst the seceders and missionars: he would be a _Jupiter tonans_, wielding the forked lightnings of the law against the sins of Glamerton.

the use of uttered sounds for auditory communication

From this reading Two resolutions he came to; the first that he would not read his sermon, but _commit_ it and deliver it as like the extempore utterance of which he was incapable as might be--a piece of falsehood entirely understood, and justified by Scotch custom; the second, to take rather more than a hint from the fashion of preaching now so much in favour amongst the seceders and missionars: he would be a _Jupiter tonans_, wielding the forked lightnings of the law against the sins of Glamerton.

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

From this reading Murdoch Malison, the schoolmaster, was appointed to preach in the parish church the following Sunday.

how something is done or how it happens

From this reading Now, however, that the good man was out of the way, they gave him a chance, and he caught at it, though not without some misgivings.

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

From this reading Two resolutions he came to; the first that he would not read his sermon, but _commit_ it and deliver it as like the extempore utterance of which he was incapable as might be--a piece of falsehood entirely understood, and justified by Scotch custom; the second, to take rather more than a hint from the fashion of preaching now so much in favour amongst the seceders and missionars: he would be a _Jupiter tonans_, wielding the forked lightnings of the law against the sins of Glamerton.

-ing form of “wield” — have and exercise

From this reading Two resolutions he came to; the first that he would not read his sermon, but _commit_ it and deliver it as like the extempore utterance of which he was incapable as might be--a piece of falsehood entirely understood, and justified by Scotch custom; the second, to take rather more than a hint from the fashion of preaching now so much in favour amongst the seceders and missionars: he would be a _Jupiter tonans_, wielding the forked lightnings of the law against the sins of Glamerton.

in the company of; together with

From this reading He had never preached there, for he had been no favourite with Mr Cowie.

not having, not using, or not accompanied by

From this reading Now, however, that the good man was out of the way, they gave him a chance, and he caught at it, though not without some misgivings.

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

From this reading In the school-desk, "he was like a maister or a pope;" but the pulpit--how would he fill that?