Chapter XVIII · Cobham

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

From this reading Now, at Cobham, the men sat after dinner over their wine when the ladies had withdrawn, and, I grieve to say, fulfilled this usage with a zest and enjoyment that unequivocally declared it to be the best hour of the whole twenty-four.

the act of giving something up

From this reading I am not so certain that we are wise in our utter abandonment of what must have often conciliated a difference or reconciled a grudge.

later than; following

From this reading Now, at Cobham, the men sat after dinner over their wine when the ladies had withdrawn, and, I grieve to say, fulfilled this usage with a zest and enjoyment that unequivocally declared it to be the best hour of the whole twenty-four.

how long something has existed

From this reading My reader is already aware that I am telling of some forty years ago, and therefore I have no apologies to make for habits and ways which our more polished age has pronounced barbarous.

in the past

From this reading My reader is already aware that I am telling of some forty years ago, and therefore I have no apologies to make for habits and ways which our more polished age has pronounced barbarous.

prior to a specified or implied time

From this reading My reader is already aware that I am telling of some forty years ago, and therefore I have no apologies to make for habits and ways which our more polished age has pronounced barbarous.

the form of “be” used with “I”

From this reading My reader is already aware that I am telling of some forty years ago, and therefore I have no apologies to make for habits and ways which our more polished age has pronounced barbarous.

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

From this reading Friends could now get together, conversation could range over personalities, egotisms have their day, and bygones be disinterred without need of an explanation.

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

From this reading My reader is already aware that I am telling of some forty years ago, and therefore I have no apologies to make for habits and ways which our more polished age has pronounced barbarous.

plural of “apology” — an expression of regret at having caused trouble for someone

From this reading My reader is already aware that I am telling of some forty years ago, and therefore I have no apologies to make for habits and ways which our more polished age has pronounced barbarous.

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

From this reading I am not so certain that we are wise in our utter abandonment of what must have often conciliated a difference or reconciled a grudge.

in or near a particular place or position

From this reading Now, at Cobham, the men sat after dinner over their wine when the ladies had withdrawn, and, I grieve to say, fulfilled this usage with a zest and enjoyment that unequivocally declared it to be the best hour of the whole twenty-four.

a particular environment or surrounding influence

From this reading Few, indeed, who did not unbend at such a moment, and relax in that genial atmosphere begotten of closed curtains, and comfort, and good claret.

(sometimes followed by “of”) having or showing knowledge or understanding or realization or perception

From this reading My reader is already aware that I am telling of some forty years ago, and therefore I have no apologies to make for habits and ways which our more polished age has pronounced barbarous.

(of persons or their actions) able or disposed to inflict pain or suffering

From this reading My reader is already aware that I am telling of some forty years ago, and therefore I have no apologies to make for habits and ways which our more polished age has pronounced barbarous.

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

From this reading Now, at Cobham, the men sat after dinner over their wine when the ladies had withdrawn, and, I grieve to say, fulfilled this usage with a zest and enjoyment that unequivocally declared it to be the best hour of the whole twenty-four.

(of offspring) generated by procreation

From this reading Few, indeed, who did not unbend at such a moment, and relax in that genial atmosphere begotten of closed curtains, and comfort, and good claret.

the supreme effort one can make

From this reading Now, at Cobham, the men sat after dinner over their wine when the ladies had withdrawn, and, I grieve to say, fulfilled this usage with a zest and enjoyment that unequivocally declared it to be the best hour of the whole twenty-four.

plural of “bygone” — past events to be put aside

From this reading Friends could now get together, conversation could range over personalities, egotisms have their day, and bygones be disinterred without need of an explanation.

definite but not specified or identified

From this reading I am not so certain that we are wise in our utter abandonment of what must have often conciliated a difference or reconciled a grudge.

a dark purplish-red color

From this reading Few, indeed, who did not unbend at such a moment, and relax in that genial atmosphere begotten of closed curtains, and comfort, and good claret.

not open or affording passage or access

From this reading Few, indeed, who did not unbend at such a moment, and relax in that genial atmosphere begotten of closed curtains, and comfort, and good claret.

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

From this reading Now, at Cobham, the men sat after dinner over their wine when the ladies had withdrawn, and, I grieve to say, fulfilled this usage with a zest and enjoyment that unequivocally declared it to be the best hour of the whole twenty-four.

a state of being relaxed and feeling no pain

From this reading Few, indeed, who did not unbend at such a moment, and relax in that genial atmosphere begotten of closed curtains, and comfort, and good claret.

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

From this reading I am not so certain that we are wise in our utter abandonment of what must have often conciliated a difference or reconciled a grudge.

the use of speech for informal exchange of views or ideas or information etc.

From this reading Friends could now get together, conversation could range over personalities, egotisms have their day, and bygones be disinterred without need of an explanation.

the past of “can”; used for possibility or polite requests

From this reading Friends could now get together, conversation could range over personalities, egotisms have their day, and bygones be disinterred without need of an explanation.

plural of “curtain” — hanging cloth used as a blind (especially for a window)

From this reading Few, indeed, who did not unbend at such a moment, and relax in that genial atmosphere begotten of closed curtains, and comfort, and good claret.

time for Earth to make a complete rotation on its axis

From this reading Friends could now get together, conversation could range over personalities, egotisms have their day, and bygones be disinterred without need of an explanation.

made known or openly avowed

From this reading Now, at Cobham, the men sat after dinner over their wine when the ladies had withdrawn, and, I grieve to say, fulfilled this usage with a zest and enjoyment that unequivocally declared it to be the best hour of the whole twenty-four.

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

From this reading Few, indeed, who did not unbend at such a moment, and relax in that genial atmosphere begotten of closed curtains, and comfort, and good claret.

the quality of being unlike or dissimilar

From this reading I am not so certain that we are wise in our utter abandonment of what must have often conciliated a difference or reconciled a grudge.

the main meal of the day served in the evening or at midday

From this reading Now, at Cobham, the men sat after dinner over their wine when the ladies had withdrawn, and, I grieve to say, fulfilled this usage with a zest and enjoyment that unequivocally declared it to be the best hour of the whole twenty-four.

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

From this reading Friends could now get together, conversation could range over personalities, egotisms have their day, and bygones be disinterred without need of an explanation.

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

From this reading Friends could now get together, conversation could range over personalities, egotisms have their day, and bygones be disinterred without need of an explanation.

the pleasure felt when having a good time

From this reading Now, at Cobham, the men sat after dinner over their wine when the ladies had withdrawn, and, I grieve to say, fulfilled this usage with a zest and enjoyment that unequivocally declared it to be the best hour of the whole twenty-four.

a statement that makes something comprehensible by describing the relevant structure or operation or circumstances etc.

From this reading Friends could now get together, conversation could range over personalities, egotisms have their day, and bygones be disinterred without need of an explanation.

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

From this reading Few, indeed, who did not unbend at such a moment, and relax in that genial atmosphere begotten of closed curtains, and comfort, and good claret.

intended to be given to, or used by, somebody

From this reading My reader is already aware that I am telling of some forty years ago, and therefore I have no apologies to make for habits and ways which our more polished age has pronounced barbarous.

being ten more than thirty

From this reading My reader is already aware that I am telling of some forty years ago, and therefore I have no apologies to make for habits and ways which our more polished age has pronounced barbarous.

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

From this reading Friends could now get together, conversation could range over personalities, egotisms have their day, and bygones be disinterred without need of an explanation.

completed to perfection

From this reading Now, at Cobham, the men sat after dinner over their wine when the ladies had withdrawn, and, I grieve to say, fulfilled this usage with a zest and enjoyment that unequivocally declared it to be the best hour of the whole twenty-four.

diffusing warmth and friendliness

From this reading Few, indeed, who did not unbend at such a moment, and relax in that genial atmosphere begotten of closed curtains, and comfort, and good claret.

come into the possession of something concrete or abstract

From this reading Friends could now get together, conversation could range over personalities, egotisms have their day, and bygones be disinterred without need of an explanation.

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

From this reading Few, indeed, who did not unbend at such a moment, and relax in that genial atmosphere begotten of closed curtains, and comfort, and good claret.

feel grief

From this reading Now, at Cobham, the men sat after dinner over their wine when the ladies had withdrawn, and, I grieve to say, fulfilled this usage with a zest and enjoyment that unequivocally declared it to be the best hour of the whole twenty-four.

a resentment strong enough to justify retaliation

From this reading I am not so certain that we are wise in our utter abandonment of what must have often conciliated a difference or reconciled a grudge.

plural of “habit” — an established custom

From this reading My reader is already aware that I am telling of some forty years ago, and therefore I have no apologies to make for habits and ways which our more polished age has pronounced barbarous.

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

From this reading Now, at Cobham, the men sat after dinner over their wine when the ladies had withdrawn, and, I grieve to say, fulfilled this usage with a zest and enjoyment that unequivocally declared it to be the best hour of the whole twenty-four.

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

From this reading My reader is already aware that I am telling of some forty years ago, and therefore I have no apologies to make for habits and ways which our more polished age has pronounced barbarous.

used with a past participle to form the perfect tenses

From this reading My reader is already aware that I am telling of some forty years ago, and therefore I have no apologies to make for habits and ways which our more polished age has pronounced barbarous.

a period of time equal to 1/24th of a day

From this reading Now, at Cobham, the men sat after dinner over their wine when the ladies had withdrawn, and, I grieve to say, fulfilled this usage with a zest and enjoyment that unequivocally declared it to be the best hour of the whole twenty-four.

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

From this reading My reader is already aware that I am telling of some forty years ago, and therefore I have no apologies to make for habits and ways which our more polished age has pronounced barbarous.

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

From this reading Few, indeed, who did not unbend at such a moment, and relax in that genial atmosphere begotten of closed curtains, and comfort, and good claret.

in truth (often tends to intensify)

From this reading Few, indeed, who did not unbend at such a moment, and relax in that genial atmosphere begotten of closed curtains, and comfort, and good claret.

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

From this reading My reader is already aware that I am telling of some forty years ago, and therefore I have no apologies to make for habits and ways which our more polished age has pronounced barbarous.

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading Now, at Cobham, the men sat after dinner over their wine when the ladies had withdrawn, and, I grieve to say, fulfilled this usage with a zest and enjoyment that unequivocally declared it to be the best hour of the whole twenty-four.

plural of “lady” — a polite name for any woman

From this reading Now, at Cobham, the men sat after dinner over their wine when the ladies had withdrawn, and, I grieve to say, fulfilled this usage with a zest and enjoyment that unequivocally declared it to be the best hour of the whole twenty-four.

engage in

From this reading My reader is already aware that I am telling of some forty years ago, and therefore I have no apologies to make for habits and ways which our more polished age has pronounced barbarous.

the force of workers available

From this reading Now, at Cobham, the men sat after dinner over their wine when the ladies had withdrawn, and, I grieve to say, fulfilled this usage with a zest and enjoyment that unequivocally declared it to be the best hour of the whole twenty-four.

a particular point in time

From this reading Few, indeed, who did not unbend at such a moment, and relax in that genial atmosphere begotten of closed curtains, and comfort, and good claret.

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

From this reading My reader is already aware that I am telling of some forty years ago, and therefore I have no apologies to make for habits and ways which our more polished age has pronounced barbarous.

used to say something is necessary, or almost certainly true

From this reading I am not so certain that we are wise in our utter abandonment of what must have often conciliated a difference or reconciled a grudge.

belonging to the person speaking

From this reading My reader is already aware that I am telling of some forty years ago, and therefore I have no apologies to make for habits and ways which our more polished age has pronounced barbarous.

a condition requiring relief

From this reading Friends could now get together, conversation could range over personalities, egotisms have their day, and bygones be disinterred without need of an explanation.

not any; not one

From this reading My reader is already aware that I am telling of some forty years ago, and therefore I have no apologies to make for habits and ways which our more polished age has pronounced barbarous.

used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative

From this reading Few, indeed, who did not unbend at such a moment, and relax in that genial atmosphere begotten of closed curtains, and comfort, and good claret.

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

From this reading Now, at Cobham, the men sat after dinner over their wine when the ladies had withdrawn, and, I grieve to say, fulfilled this usage with a zest and enjoyment that unequivocally declared it to be the best hour of the whole twenty-four.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading My reader is already aware that I am telling of some forty years ago, and therefore I have no apologies to make for habits and ways which our more polished age has pronounced barbarous.

many times at short intervals

From this reading I am not so certain that we are wise in our utter abandonment of what must have often conciliated a difference or reconciled a grudge.

used to join alternatives or possibilities

From this reading I am not so certain that we are wise in our utter abandonment of what must have often conciliated a difference or reconciled a grudge.

belonging to the speaker and others

From this reading My reader is already aware that I am telling of some forty years ago, and therefore I have no apologies to make for habits and ways which our more polished age has pronounced barbarous.

above and across; more than

From this reading Now, at Cobham, the men sat after dinner over their wine when the ladies had withdrawn, and, I grieve to say, fulfilled this usage with a zest and enjoyment that unequivocally declared it to be the best hour of the whole twenty-four.

plural of “personality” — the complex of all the attributes--behavioral, temperamental, emotional and mental--that characterize a unique individual

From this reading Friends could now get together, conversation could range over personalities, egotisms have their day, and bygones be disinterred without need of an explanation.

perfected or made shiny and smooth

From this reading My reader is already aware that I am telling of some forty years ago, and therefore I have no apologies to make for habits and ways which our more polished age has pronounced barbarous.

strongly marked; easily noticeable

From this reading My reader is already aware that I am telling of some forty years ago, and therefore I have no apologies to make for habits and ways which our more polished age has pronounced barbarous.

an area in which something acts or operates or has power or control: "the range of a supersonic jet"

From this reading Friends could now get together, conversation could range over personalities, egotisms have their day, and bygones be disinterred without need of an explanation.

a person who enjoys reading

From this reading My reader is already aware that I am telling of some forty years ago, and therefore I have no apologies to make for habits and ways which our more polished age has pronounced barbarous.

made compatible or consistent

From this reading I am not so certain that we are wise in our utter abandonment of what must have often conciliated a difference or reconciled a grudge.

become less tense, rest, or take one's ease

From this reading Few, indeed, who did not unbend at such a moment, and relax in that genial atmosphere begotten of closed curtains, and comfort, and good claret.

the seventh and last day of the week; observed as the Sabbath by Jews and some Christians

From this reading Now, at Cobham, the men sat after dinner over their wine when the ladies had withdrawn, and, I grieve to say, fulfilled this usage with a zest and enjoyment that unequivocally declared it to be the best hour of the whole twenty-four.

express in words

From this reading Now, at Cobham, the men sat after dinner over their wine when the ladies had withdrawn, and, I grieve to say, fulfilled this usage with a zest and enjoyment that unequivocally declared it to be the best hour of the whole twenty-four.

for that reason; with the result that

From this reading I am not so certain that we are wise in our utter abandonment of what must have often conciliated a difference or reconciled a grudge.

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

From this reading My reader is already aware that I am telling of some forty years ago, and therefore I have no apologies to make for habits and ways which our more polished age has pronounced barbarous.

of the kind already mentioned

From this reading Few, indeed, who did not unbend at such a moment, and relax in that genial atmosphere begotten of closed curtains, and comfort, and good claret.

disclosing unintentionally something concealed

From this reading My reader is already aware that I am telling of some forty years ago, and therefore I have no apologies to make for habits and ways which our more polished age has pronounced barbarous.

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading My reader is already aware that I am telling of some forty years ago, and therefore I have no apologies to make for habits and ways which our more polished age has pronounced barbarous.

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

From this reading Now, at Cobham, the men sat after dinner over their wine when the ladies had withdrawn, and, I grieve to say, fulfilled this usage with a zest and enjoyment that unequivocally declared it to be the best hour of the whole twenty-four.

belonging to the people or things already mentioned

From this reading Now, at Cobham, the men sat after dinner over their wine when the ladies had withdrawn, and, I grieve to say, fulfilled this usage with a zest and enjoyment that unequivocally declared it to be the best hour of the whole twenty-four.

for that reason; as a result

From this reading My reader is already aware that I am telling of some forty years ago, and therefore I have no apologies to make for habits and ways which our more polished age has pronounced barbarous.

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

From this reading Now, at Cobham, the men sat after dinner over their wine when the ladies had withdrawn, and, I grieve to say, fulfilled this usage with a zest and enjoyment that unequivocally declared it to be the best hour of the whole twenty-four.

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

From this reading My reader is already aware that I am telling of some forty years ago, and therefore I have no apologies to make for habits and ways which our more polished age has pronounced barbarous.

in contact with each other or in proximity

From this reading Friends could now get together, conversation could range over personalities, egotisms have their day, and bygones be disinterred without need of an explanation.

being four more than twenty

From this reading Now, at Cobham, the men sat after dinner over their wine when the ladies had withdrawn, and, I grieve to say, fulfilled this usage with a zest and enjoyment that unequivocally declared it to be the best hour of the whole twenty-four.

straighten up or out; make straight

From this reading Few, indeed, who did not unbend at such a moment, and relax in that genial atmosphere begotten of closed curtains, and comfort, and good claret.

in an unambiguous manner

From this reading Now, at Cobham, the men sat after dinner over their wine when the ladies had withdrawn, and, I grieve to say, fulfilled this usage with a zest and enjoyment that unequivocally declared it to be the best hour of the whole twenty-four.

the act of using

From this reading Now, at Cobham, the men sat after dinner over their wine when the ladies had withdrawn, and, I grieve to say, fulfilled this usage with a zest and enjoyment that unequivocally declared it to be the best hour of the whole twenty-four.

articulate; either verbally or with a cry, shout, or noise

From this reading I am not so certain that we are wise in our utter abandonment of what must have often conciliated a difference or reconciled a grudge.

structure consisting of a sloping way down to the water from the place where ships are built or repaired

From this reading My reader is already aware that I am telling of some forty years ago, and therefore I have no apologies to make for habits and ways which our more polished age has pronounced barbarous.

the speaker together with one or more other people

From this reading I am not so certain that we are wise in our utter abandonment of what must have often conciliated a difference or reconciled a grudge.

used to ask for information about something

From this reading I am not so certain that we are wise in our utter abandonment of what must have often conciliated a difference or reconciled a grudge.

at the time that

From this reading Now, at Cobham, the men sat after dinner over their wine when the ladies had withdrawn, and, I grieve to say, fulfilled this usage with a zest and enjoyment that unequivocally declared it to be the best hour of the whole twenty-four.

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

From this reading My reader is already aware that I am telling of some forty years ago, and therefore I have no apologies to make for habits and ways which our more polished age has pronounced barbarous.

which person or people

From this reading Few, indeed, who did not unbend at such a moment, and relax in that genial atmosphere begotten of closed curtains, and comfort, and good claret.

including all components without exception; being one unit or constituting the full amount or extent or duration; complete

From this reading Now, at Cobham, the men sat after dinner over their wine when the ladies had withdrawn, and, I grieve to say, fulfilled this usage with a zest and enjoyment that unequivocally declared it to be the best hour of the whole twenty-four.

fermented juice (of grapes especially)

From this reading Now, at Cobham, the men sat after dinner over their wine when the ladies had withdrawn, and, I grieve to say, fulfilled this usage with a zest and enjoyment that unequivocally declared it to be the best hour of the whole twenty-four.

having or prompted by wisdom or discernment

From this reading I am not so certain that we are wise in our utter abandonment of what must have often conciliated a difference or reconciled a grudge.

in the company of; together with

From this reading Now, at Cobham, the men sat after dinner over their wine when the ladies had withdrawn, and, I grieve to say, fulfilled this usage with a zest and enjoyment that unequivocally declared it to be the best hour of the whole twenty-four.

withdrawn from society; seeking solitude

From this reading Now, at Cobham, the men sat after dinner over their wine when the ladies had withdrawn, and, I grieve to say, fulfilled this usage with a zest and enjoyment that unequivocally declared it to be the best hour of the whole twenty-four.

not having, not using, or not accompanied by

From this reading Friends could now get together, conversation could range over personalities, egotisms have their day, and bygones be disinterred without need of an explanation.

a late time of life

From this reading My reader is already aware that I am telling of some forty years ago, and therefore I have no apologies to make for habits and ways which our more polished age has pronounced barbarous.

vigorous and enthusiastic enjoyment

From this reading Now, at Cobham, the men sat after dinner over their wine when the ladies had withdrawn, and, I grieve to say, fulfilled this usage with a zest and enjoyment that unequivocally declared it to be the best hour of the whole twenty-four.