Chapter VII · Mr. O’kelly’s Tale

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

From this reading My father, Peter O’Kelly, was shot in a duel by an attorney from Youghal.

on the subject of; concerning

From this reading “I can tell you but little about my family,” said my host, stretching out his legs to the fire, and crossing his arms easily before him.

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

From this reading My father, Peter O’Kelly, was shot in a duel by an attorney from Youghal.

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

From this reading “I can tell you but little about my family,” said my host, stretching out his legs to the fire, and crossing his arms easily before him.

weapons considered collectively

From this reading “I can tell you but little about my family,” said my host, stretching out his legs to the fire, and crossing his arms easily before him.

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

From this reading No matter--the thief had pluck in him; and when Peter--my father that was--told him, he’d make a gentleman of him, and fight him, if he’d give up the bill of costs; why the temptation was too strong to resist; he pitched the papers into the fire, went out the same morning, and faith he put in his bullet, as fair, as if he was used to the performance.

a professional person authorized to practice law; conducts lawsuits or gives legal advice

From this reading My father, Peter O’Kelly, was shot in a duel by an attorney from Youghal.

a native or inhabitant of Austria

From this reading “My grandfather was in the Austrian service, and killed in some old battle with the Turks.

a hostile meeting of opposing military forces in the course of a war

From this reading “My grandfather was in the Austrian service, and killed in some old battle with the Turks.

earlier than; in front of

From this reading “I can tell you but little about my family,” said my host, stretching out his legs to the fire, and crossing his arms easily before him.

a statute in draft before it becomes law

From this reading No matter--the thief had pluck in him; and when Peter--my father that was--told him, he’d make a gentleman of him, and fight him, if he’d give up the bill of costs; why the temptation was too strong to resist; he pitched the papers into the fire, went out the same morning, and faith he put in his bullet, as fair, as if he was used to the performance.

a projectile that is fired from a gun

From this reading No matter--the thief had pluck in him; and when Peter--my father that was--told him, he’d make a gentleman of him, and fight him, if he’d give up the bill of costs; why the temptation was too strong to resist; he pitched the papers into the fire, went out the same morning, and faith he put in his bullet, as fair, as if he was used to the performance.

used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before

From this reading “I can tell you but little about my family,” said my host, stretching out his legs to the fire, and crossing his arms easily before him.

showing who or what does the action

From this reading My father, Peter O’Kelly, was shot in a duel by an attorney from Youghal.

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

From this reading Something about nailing his ear to the pump, I’ve heard tell was the cause of the row; for he came down to my father’s, with a writ, or a process, or something of the kind.

to be able to, or to be allowed to

From this reading “I can tell you but little about my family,” said my host, stretching out his legs to the fire, and crossing his arms easily before him.

events that provide the generative force that is the origin of something

From this reading Something about nailing his ear to the pump, I’ve heard tell was the cause of the row; for he came down to my father’s, with a writ, or a process, or something of the kind.

pecuniary reimbursement to the winning party for the expenses of litigation

From this reading No matter--the thief had pluck in him; and when Peter--my father that was--told him, he’d make a gentleman of him, and fight him, if he’d give up the bill of costs; why the temptation was too strong to resist; he pitched the papers into the fire, went out the same morning, and faith he put in his bullet, as fair, as if he was used to the performance.

traveling across

From this reading “I can tell you but little about my family,” said my host, stretching out his legs to the fire, and crossing his arms easily before him.

being or moving lower in position or less in some value

From this reading Something about nailing his ear to the pump, I’ve heard tell was the cause of the row; for he came down to my father’s, with a writ, or a process, or something of the kind.

a prearranged fight with deadly weapons by two people (accompanied by seconds) in order to settle a quarrel over a point of honor

From this reading My father, Peter O’Kelly, was shot in a duel by an attorney from Youghal.

the sense organ for hearing and equilibrium

From this reading Something about nailing his ear to the pump, I’ve heard tell was the cause of the row; for he came down to my father’s, with a writ, or a process, or something of the kind.

with ease (“easy” is sometimes used informally for “easily”)

From this reading “I can tell you but little about my family,” said my host, stretching out his legs to the fire, and crossing his arms easily before him.

free from favoritism or self-interest or bias or deception; conforming with established standards or rules

From this reading No matter--the thief had pluck in him; and when Peter--my father that was--told him, he’d make a gentleman of him, and fight him, if he’d give up the bill of costs; why the temptation was too strong to resist; he pitched the papers into the fire, went out the same morning, and faith he put in his bullet, as fair, as if he was used to the performance.

a strong belief in a supernatural power or powers that control human destiny

From this reading No matter--the thief had pluck in him; and when Peter--my father that was--told him, he’d make a gentleman of him, and fight him, if he’d give up the bill of costs; why the temptation was too strong to resist; he pitched the papers into the fire, went out the same morning, and faith he put in his bullet, as fair, as if he was used to the performance.

a social unit living together

From this reading “I can tell you but little about my family,” said my host, stretching out his legs to the fire, and crossing his arms easily before him.

a male parent (also used as a term of address to your father)

From this reading My father, Peter O’Kelly, was shot in a duel by an attorney from Youghal.

possessive form of “father” — a male parent (also used as a term of address to your father)

From this reading Something about nailing his ear to the pump, I’ve heard tell was the cause of the row; for he came down to my father’s, with a writ, or a process, or something of the kind.

be engaged in a fight; carry on a fight

From this reading No matter--the thief had pluck in him; and when Peter--my father that was--told him, he’d make a gentleman of him, and fight him, if he’d give up the bill of costs; why the temptation was too strong to resist; he pitched the papers into the fire, went out the same morning, and faith he put in his bullet, as fair, as if he was used to the performance.

start firing a weapon

From this reading “I can tell you but little about my family,” said my host, stretching out his legs to the fire, and crossing his arms easily before him.

intended to be given to, or used by, somebody

From this reading Something about nailing his ear to the pump, I’ve heard tell was the cause of the row; for he came down to my father’s, with a writ, or a process, or something of the kind.

showing where something starts, or who sent it

From this reading My father, Peter O’Kelly, was shot in a duel by an attorney from Youghal.

a man of refinement

From this reading No matter--the thief had pluck in him; and when Peter--my father that was--told him, he’d make a gentleman of him, and fight him, if he’d give up the bill of costs; why the temptation was too strong to resist; he pitched the papers into the fire, went out the same morning, and faith he put in his bullet, as fair, as if he was used to the performance.

cause to have, in the abstract sense or physical sense

From this reading No matter--the thief had pluck in him; and when Peter--my father that was--told him, he’d make a gentleman of him, and fight him, if he’d give up the bill of costs; why the temptation was too strong to resist; he pitched the papers into the fire, went out the same morning, and faith he put in his bullet, as fair, as if he was used to the performance.

the father of your father or mother

From this reading “My grandfather was in the Austrian service, and killed in some old battle with the Turks.

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

From this reading No matter--the thief had pluck in him; and when Peter--my father that was--told him, he’d make a gentleman of him, and fight him, if he’d give up the bill of costs; why the temptation was too strong to resist; he pitched the papers into the fire, went out the same morning, and faith he put in his bullet, as fair, as if he was used to the performance.

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

From this reading Something about nailing his ear to the pump, I’ve heard tell was the cause of the row; for he came down to my father’s, with a writ, or a process, or something of the kind.

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

From this reading No matter--the thief had pluck in him; and when Peter--my father that was--told him, he’d make a gentleman of him, and fight him, if he’d give up the bill of costs; why the temptation was too strong to resist; he pitched the papers into the fire, went out the same morning, and faith he put in his bullet, as fair, as if he was used to the performance.

detected or perceived by the sense of hearing

From this reading Something about nailing his ear to the pump, I’ve heard tell was the cause of the row; for he came down to my father’s, with a writ, or a process, or something of the kind.

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

From this reading “I can tell you but little about my family,” said my host, stretching out his legs to the fire, and crossing his arms easily before him.

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

From this reading “I can tell you but little about my family,” said my host, stretching out his legs to the fire, and crossing his arms easily before him.

a person who invites guests to a social event (such as a party in his or her own home) and who is responsible for them while they are there

From this reading “I can tell you but little about my family,” said my host, stretching out his legs to the fire, and crossing his arms easily before him.

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

From this reading “I can tell you but little about my family,” said my host, stretching out his legs to the fire, and crossing his arms easily before him.

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

From this reading Something about nailing his ear to the pump, I’ve heard tell was the cause of the row; for he came down to my father’s, with a writ, or a process, or something of the kind.

on condition that; in the event that

From this reading No matter--the thief had pluck in him; and when Peter--my father that was--told him, he’d make a gentleman of him, and fight him, if he’d give up the bill of costs; why the temptation was too strong to resist; he pitched the papers into the fire, went out the same morning, and faith he put in his bullet, as fair, as if he was used to the performance.

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

From this reading “My grandfather was in the Austrian service, and killed in some old battle with the Turks.

moving to the inside of something

From this reading No matter--the thief had pluck in him; and when Peter--my father that was--told him, he’d make a gentleman of him, and fight him, if he’d give up the bill of costs; why the temptation was too strong to resist; he pitched the papers into the fire, went out the same morning, and faith he put in his bullet, as fair, as if he was used to the performance.

past form of “kill” — cause to die; put to death, usually intentionally or knowingly

From this reading “My grandfather was in the Austrian service, and killed in some old battle with the Turks.

having or showing a tender and considerate and helpful nature; used especially of persons and their behavior

From this reading Something about nailing his ear to the pump, I’ve heard tell was the cause of the row; for he came down to my father’s, with a writ, or a process, or something of the kind.

staying power

From this reading “I can tell you but little about my family,” said my host, stretching out his legs to the fire, and crossing his arms easily before him.

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

From this reading “I can tell you but little about my family,” said my host, stretching out his legs to the fire, and crossing his arms easily before him.

engage in

From this reading No matter--the thief had pluck in him; and when Peter--my father that was--told him, he’d make a gentleman of him, and fight him, if he’d give up the bill of costs; why the temptation was too strong to resist; he pitched the papers into the fire, went out the same morning, and faith he put in his bullet, as fair, as if he was used to the performance.

a vaguely specified concern

From this reading No matter--the thief had pluck in him; and when Peter--my father that was--told him, he’d make a gentleman of him, and fight him, if he’d give up the bill of costs; why the temptation was too strong to resist; he pitched the papers into the fire, went out the same morning, and faith he put in his bullet, as fair, as if he was used to the performance.

the time period between dawn and noon

From this reading No matter--the thief had pluck in him; and when Peter--my father that was--told him, he’d make a gentleman of him, and fight him, if he’d give up the bill of costs; why the temptation was too strong to resist; he pitched the papers into the fire, went out the same morning, and faith he put in his bullet, as fair, as if he was used to the performance.

belonging to the person speaking

From this reading “I can tell you but little about my family,” said my host, stretching out his legs to the fire, and crossing his arms easily before him.

-ing form of “nail” — attach something somewhere by means of nails

From this reading Something about nailing his ear to the pump, I’ve heard tell was the cause of the row; for he came down to my father’s, with a writ, or a process, or something of the kind.

not any; not one

From this reading No matter--the thief had pluck in him; and when Peter--my father that was--told him, he’d make a gentleman of him, and fight him, if he’d give up the bill of costs; why the temptation was too strong to resist; he pitched the papers into the fire, went out the same morning, and faith he put in his bullet, as fair, as if he was used to the performance.

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

From this reading My father, Peter O’Kelly, was shot in a duel by an attorney from Youghal.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading Something about nailing his ear to the pump, I’ve heard tell was the cause of the row; for he came down to my father’s, with a writ, or a process, or something of the kind.

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

From this reading “My grandfather was in the Austrian service, and killed in some old battle with the Turks.

used to join alternatives or possibilities

From this reading Something about nailing his ear to the pump, I’ve heard tell was the cause of the row; for he came down to my father’s, with a writ, or a process, or something of the kind.

not allowed to continue to bat or run

From this reading “I can tell you but little about my family,” said my host, stretching out his legs to the fire, and crossing his arms easily before him.

writing that provides information (especially information of an official nature)

From this reading No matter--the thief had pluck in him; and when Peter--my father that was--told him, he’d make a gentleman of him, and fight him, if he’d give up the bill of costs; why the temptation was too strong to resist; he pitched the papers into the fire, went out the same morning, and faith he put in his bullet, as fair, as if he was used to the performance.

a dramatic or musical entertainment

From this reading No matter--the thief had pluck in him; and when Peter--my father that was--told him, he’d make a gentleman of him, and fight him, if he’d give up the bill of costs; why the temptation was too strong to resist; he pitched the papers into the fire, went out the same morning, and faith he put in his bullet, as fair, as if he was used to the performance.

disciple of Jesus and leader of the Apostles; regarded by Catholics as the vicar of Christ on earth and first Pope

From this reading My father, Peter O’Kelly, was shot in a duel by an attorney from Youghal.

(of sound) set to a certain pitch or key; usually used as a combining form

From this reading No matter--the thief had pluck in him; and when Peter--my father that was--told him, he’d make a gentleman of him, and fight him, if he’d give up the bill of costs; why the temptation was too strong to resist; he pitched the papers into the fire, went out the same morning, and faith he put in his bullet, as fair, as if he was used to the performance.

pull or pull out sharply

From this reading No matter--the thief had pluck in him; and when Peter--my father that was--told him, he’d make a gentleman of him, and fight him, if he’d give up the bill of costs; why the temptation was too strong to resist; he pitched the papers into the fire, went out the same morning, and faith he put in his bullet, as fair, as if he was used to the performance.

subject to a process or treatment, with the aim of readying for some purpose, improving, or remedying a condition

From this reading Something about nailing his ear to the pump, I’ve heard tell was the cause of the row; for he came down to my father’s, with a writ, or a process, or something of the kind.

operate like a pump; move up and down, like a handle or a pedal

From this reading Something about nailing his ear to the pump, I’ve heard tell was the cause of the row; for he came down to my father’s, with a writ, or a process, or something of the kind.

put into a certain place or abstract location

From this reading No matter--the thief had pluck in him; and when Peter--my father that was--told him, he’d make a gentleman of him, and fight him, if he’d give up the bill of costs; why the temptation was too strong to resist; he pitched the papers into the fire, went out the same morning, and faith he put in his bullet, as fair, as if he was used to the performance.

elude, especially in a baffling way

From this reading No matter--the thief had pluck in him; and when Peter--my father that was--told him, he’d make a gentleman of him, and fight him, if he’d give up the bill of costs; why the temptation was too strong to resist; he pitched the papers into the fire, went out the same morning, and faith he put in his bullet, as fair, as if he was used to the performance.

an arrangement of objects or people side by side in a line

From this reading Something about nailing his ear to the pump, I’ve heard tell was the cause of the row; for he came down to my father’s, with a writ, or a process, or something of the kind.

being the one previously mentioned or spoken of

From this reading “I can tell you but little about my family,” said my host, stretching out his legs to the fire, and crossing his arms easily before him.

Identical; not different.

From this reading No matter--the thief had pluck in him; and when Peter--my father that was--told him, he’d make a gentleman of him, and fight him, if he’d give up the bill of costs; why the temptation was too strong to resist; he pitched the papers into the fire, went out the same morning, and faith he put in his bullet, as fair, as if he was used to the performance.

work done by one person or group that benefits another

From this reading “My grandfather was in the Austrian service, and killed in some old battle with the Turks.

the act of firing a projectile

From this reading My father, Peter O’Kelly, was shot in a duel by an attorney from Youghal.

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

From this reading “My grandfather was in the Austrian service, and killed in some old battle with the Turks.

a thing, without saying which

From this reading Something about nailing his ear to the pump, I’ve heard tell was the cause of the row; for he came down to my father’s, with a writ, or a process, or something of the kind.

act of expanding by lengthening or widening

From this reading “I can tell you but little about my family,” said my host, stretching out his legs to the fire, and crossing his arms easily before him.

having strength or power greater than average or expected

From this reading No matter--the thief had pluck in him; and when Peter--my father that was--told him, he’d make a gentleman of him, and fight him, if he’d give up the bill of costs; why the temptation was too strong to resist; he pitched the papers into the fire, went out the same morning, and faith he put in his bullet, as fair, as if he was used to the performance.

express in words

From this reading “I can tell you but little about my family,” said my host, stretching out his legs to the fire, and crossing his arms easily before him.

something that seduces or has the quality to seduce

From this reading No matter--the thief had pluck in him; and when Peter--my father that was--told him, he’d make a gentleman of him, and fight him, if he’d give up the bill of costs; why the temptation was too strong to resist; he pitched the papers into the fire, went out the same morning, and faith he put in his bullet, as fair, as if he was used to the performance.

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading No matter--the thief had pluck in him; and when Peter--my father that was--told him, he’d make a gentleman of him, and fight him, if he’d give up the bill of costs; why the temptation was too strong to resist; he pitched the papers into the fire, went out the same morning, and faith he put in his bullet, as fair, as if he was used to the performance.

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

From this reading “I can tell you but little about my family,” said my host, stretching out his legs to the fire, and crossing his arms easily before him.

a criminal who takes property belonging to someone else with the intention of keeping it or selling it

From this reading No matter--the thief had pluck in him; and when Peter--my father that was--told him, he’d make a gentleman of him, and fight him, if he’d give up the bill of costs; why the temptation was too strong to resist; he pitched the papers into the fire, went out the same morning, and faith he put in his bullet, as fair, as if he was used to the performance.

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

From this reading “I can tell you but little about my family,” said my host, stretching out his legs to the fire, and crossing his arms easily before him.

inflected form of “tell” — express in words

From this reading No matter--the thief had pluck in him; and when Peter--my father that was--told him, he’d make a gentleman of him, and fight him, if he’d give up the bill of costs; why the temptation was too strong to resist; he pitched the papers into the fire, went out the same morning, and faith he put in his bullet, as fair, as if he was used to the performance.

to a degree exceeding normal or proper limits

From this reading No matter--the thief had pluck in him; and when Peter--my father that was--told him, he’d make a gentleman of him, and fight him, if he’d give up the bill of costs; why the temptation was too strong to resist; he pitched the papers into the fire, went out the same morning, and faith he put in his bullet, as fair, as if he was used to the performance.

plural of “turk” — a native or inhabitant of Turkey

From this reading “My grandfather was in the Austrian service, and killed in some old battle with the Turks.

being or moving higher in position or greater in some value; being above a former position or level

From this reading No matter--the thief had pluck in him; and when Peter--my father that was--told him, he’d make a gentleman of him, and fight him, if he’d give up the bill of costs; why the temptation was too strong to resist; he pitched the papers into the fire, went out the same morning, and faith he put in his bullet, as fair, as if he was used to the performance.

employed in accomplishing something

From this reading No matter--the thief had pluck in him; and when Peter--my father that was--told him, he’d make a gentleman of him, and fight him, if he’d give up the bill of costs; why the temptation was too strong to resist; he pitched the papers into the fire, went out the same morning, and faith he put in his bullet, as fair, as if he was used to the performance.

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

From this reading “My grandfather was in the Austrian service, and killed in some old battle with the Turks.

inflected form of “go” — change location; move, travel, or proceed, also metaphorically

From this reading No matter--the thief had pluck in him; and when Peter--my father that was--told him, he’d make a gentleman of him, and fight him, if he’d give up the bill of costs; why the temptation was too strong to resist; he pitched the papers into the fire, went out the same morning, and faith he put in his bullet, as fair, as if he was used to the performance.

at the time that

From this reading No matter--the thief had pluck in him; and when Peter--my father that was--told him, he’d make a gentleman of him, and fight him, if he’d give up the bill of costs; why the temptation was too strong to resist; he pitched the papers into the fire, went out the same morning, and faith he put in his bullet, as fair, as if he was used to the performance.

the cause or intention underlying an action or situation, especially in the phrase “the whys and wherefores”

From this reading No matter--the thief had pluck in him; and when Peter--my father that was--told him, he’d make a gentleman of him, and fight him, if he’d give up the bill of costs; why the temptation was too strong to resist; he pitched the papers into the fire, went out the same morning, and faith he put in his bullet, as fair, as if he was used to the performance.

in the company of; together with

From this reading “My grandfather was in the Austrian service, and killed in some old battle with the Turks.

(law) a legal document issued by a court or judicial officer

From this reading Something about nailing his ear to the pump, I’ve heard tell was the cause of the row; for he came down to my father’s, with a writ, or a process, or something of the kind.

the person or people being spoken to

From this reading “I can tell you but little about my family,” said my host, stretching out his legs to the fire, and crossing his arms easily before him.

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

From this reading My father, Peter O’Kelly, was shot in a duel by an attorney from Youghal.