Chapter IX · Some Particulars Concerning a Lion

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

From this reading We have a great respect for lions in the abstract.

consider a concept without thinking of a specific example; consider abstractly or theoretically

From this reading We have a great respect for lions in the abstract.

regarded with admiration

From this reading We have duly admired that heroic self-denial and charming philanthropy, which prompts them never to eat people except when they are hungry, and we have been deeply impressed with a becoming sense of the politeness they are said to display towards unmarried ladies of a certain state.

(quantifier) used with either mass or count nouns to indicate the whole number or amount of or every one of a class

From this reading All natural histories teem with anecdotes illustrative of their excellent qualities; and one old spelling-book in particular recounts a touching instance of an old lion of high moral dignity and stern principle, who felt it his imperative duty to devour a young man who had contracted a habit of swearing, as a striking example to the rising generation.

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

From this reading All natural histories teem with anecdotes illustrative of their excellent qualities; and one old spelling-book in particular recounts a touching instance of an old lion of high moral dignity and stern principle, who felt it his imperative duty to devour a young man who had contracted a habit of swearing, as a striking example to the rising generation.

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

From this reading In common with most other people, we have heard and read of many instances of their bravery and generosity.

plural of “anecdote” — short account of an incident (especially a biographical one)

From this reading All natural histories teem with anecdotes illustrative of their excellent qualities; and one old spelling-book in particular recounts a touching instance of an old lion of high moral dignity and stern principle, who felt it his imperative duty to devour a young man who had contracted a habit of swearing, as a striking example to the rising generation.

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

From this reading We have duly admired that heroic self-denial and charming philanthropy, which prompts them never to eat people except when they are hungry, and we have been deeply impressed with a becoming sense of the politeness they are said to display towards unmarried ladies of a certain state.

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

From this reading All natural histories teem with anecdotes illustrative of their excellent qualities; and one old spelling-book in particular recounts a touching instance of an old lion of high moral dignity and stern principle, who felt it his imperative duty to devour a young man who had contracted a habit of swearing, as a striking example to the rising generation.

according with custom or propriety

From this reading We have duly admired that heroic self-denial and charming philanthropy, which prompts them never to eat people except when they are hungry, and we have been deeply impressed with a becoming sense of the politeness they are said to display towards unmarried ladies of a certain state.

the past participle of “be”

From this reading We have duly admired that heroic self-denial and charming philanthropy, which prompts them never to eat people except when they are hungry, and we have been deeply impressed with a becoming sense of the politeness they are said to display towards unmarried ladies of a certain state.

a quality of spirit that enables you to face danger or pain without showing fear

From this reading In common with most other people, we have heard and read of many instances of their bravery and generosity.

definite but not specified or identified

From this reading We have duly admired that heroic self-denial and charming philanthropy, which prompts them never to eat people except when they are hungry, and we have been deeply impressed with a becoming sense of the politeness they are said to display towards unmarried ladies of a certain state.

pleasing or delighting

From this reading We have duly admired that heroic self-denial and charming philanthropy, which prompts them never to eat people except when they are hungry, and we have been deeply impressed with a becoming sense of the politeness they are said to display towards unmarried ladies of a certain state.

belonging to or participated in by a community as a whole; public

From this reading In common with most other people, we have heard and read of many instances of their bravery and generosity.

reduced in size or pulled together

From this reading All natural histories teem with anecdotes illustrative of their excellent qualities; and one old spelling-book in particular recounts a touching instance of an old lion of high moral dignity and stern principle, who felt it his imperative duty to devour a young man who had contracted a habit of swearing, as a striking example to the rising generation.

act on verbally or in some form of artistic expression

From this reading All this is extremely pleasant to reflect upon, and indeed says a very great deal in favour of lions as a mass.

to a great depth psychologically or emotionally

From this reading We have duly admired that heroic self-denial and charming philanthropy, which prompts them never to eat people except when they are hungry, and we have been deeply impressed with a becoming sense of the politeness they are said to display towards unmarried ladies of a certain state.

destroy completely

From this reading All natural histories teem with anecdotes illustrative of their excellent qualities; and one old spelling-book in particular recounts a touching instance of an old lion of high moral dignity and stern principle, who felt it his imperative duty to devour a young man who had contracted a habit of swearing, as a striking example to the rising generation.

the quality of being worthy of esteem or respect

From this reading All natural histories teem with anecdotes illustrative of their excellent qualities; and one old spelling-book in particular recounts a touching instance of an old lion of high moral dignity and stern principle, who felt it his imperative duty to devour a young man who had contracted a habit of swearing, as a striking example to the rising generation.

something intended to communicate a particular impression

From this reading We have duly admired that heroic self-denial and charming philanthropy, which prompts them never to eat people except when they are hungry, and we have been deeply impressed with a becoming sense of the politeness they are said to display towards unmarried ladies of a certain state.

in accordance with what is appropriate or suitable for the circumstances

From this reading We have duly admired that heroic self-denial and charming philanthropy, which prompts them never to eat people except when they are hungry, and we have been deeply impressed with a becoming sense of the politeness they are said to display towards unmarried ladies of a certain state.

the social force that binds you to the courses of action demanded by that force

From this reading All natural histories teem with anecdotes illustrative of their excellent qualities; and one old spelling-book in particular recounts a touching instance of an old lion of high moral dignity and stern principle, who felt it his imperative duty to devour a young man who had contracted a habit of swearing, as a striking example to the rising generation.

take in solid food

From this reading We have duly admired that heroic self-denial and charming philanthropy, which prompts them never to eat people except when they are hungry, and we have been deeply impressed with a becoming sense of the politeness they are said to display towards unmarried ladies of a certain state.

an item of information that is typical of a class or group

From this reading All natural histories teem with anecdotes illustrative of their excellent qualities; and one old spelling-book in particular recounts a touching instance of an old lion of high moral dignity and stern principle, who felt it his imperative duty to devour a young man who had contracted a habit of swearing, as a striking example to the rising generation.

very good; of the highest quality

From this reading All natural histories teem with anecdotes illustrative of their excellent qualities; and one old spelling-book in particular recounts a touching instance of an old lion of high moral dignity and stern principle, who felt it his imperative duty to devour a young man who had contracted a habit of swearing, as a striking example to the rising generation.

apart from; not including

From this reading We have duly admired that heroic self-denial and charming philanthropy, which prompts them never to eat people except when they are hungry, and we have been deeply impressed with a becoming sense of the politeness they are said to display towards unmarried ladies of a certain state.

to a high degree or extent; favorably or with much respect

From this reading All this is extremely pleasant to reflect upon, and indeed says a very great deal in favour of lions as a mass.

a feeling of favorable regard

From this reading All this is extremely pleasant to reflect upon, and indeed says a very great deal in favour of lions as a mass.

mat together and make felt-like

From this reading All natural histories teem with anecdotes illustrative of their excellent qualities; and one old spelling-book in particular recounts a touching instance of an old lion of high moral dignity and stern principle, who felt it his imperative duty to devour a young man who had contracted a habit of swearing, as a striking example to the rising generation.

intended to be given to, or used by, somebody

From this reading We have a great respect for lions in the abstract.

all the people living at the same time or of approximately the same age

From this reading All natural histories teem with anecdotes illustrative of their excellent qualities; and one old spelling-book in particular recounts a touching instance of an old lion of high moral dignity and stern principle, who felt it his imperative duty to devour a young man who had contracted a habit of swearing, as a striking example to the rising generation.

the trait of being willing to give your money or time

From this reading In common with most other people, we have heard and read of many instances of their bravery and generosity.

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

From this reading We have a great respect for lions in the abstract.

an established custom

From this reading All natural histories teem with anecdotes illustrative of their excellent qualities; and one old spelling-book in particular recounts a touching instance of an old lion of high moral dignity and stern principle, who felt it his imperative duty to devour a young man who had contracted a habit of swearing, as a striking example to the rising generation.

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

From this reading All natural histories teem with anecdotes illustrative of their excellent qualities; and one old spelling-book in particular recounts a touching instance of an old lion of high moral dignity and stern principle, who felt it his imperative duty to devour a young man who had contracted a habit of swearing, as a striking example to the rising generation.

used with a past participle to form the perfect tenses

From this reading We have a great respect for lions in the abstract.

detected or perceived by the sense of hearing

From this reading In common with most other people, we have heard and read of many instances of their bravery and generosity.

very imposing or impressive; surpassing the ordinary (especially in size or scale)

From this reading We have duly admired that heroic self-denial and charming philanthropy, which prompts them never to eat people except when they are hungry, and we have been deeply impressed with a becoming sense of the politeness they are said to display towards unmarried ladies of a certain state.

greater than normal in degree or intensity or amount

From this reading All natural histories teem with anecdotes illustrative of their excellent qualities; and one old spelling-book in particular recounts a touching instance of an old lion of high moral dignity and stern principle, who felt it his imperative duty to devour a young man who had contracted a habit of swearing, as a striking example to the rising generation.

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

From this reading All natural histories teem with anecdotes illustrative of their excellent qualities; and one old spelling-book in particular recounts a touching instance of an old lion of high moral dignity and stern principle, who felt it his imperative duty to devour a young man who had contracted a habit of swearing, as a striking example to the rising generation.

plural of “history” — the aggregate of past events

From this reading All natural histories teem with anecdotes illustrative of their excellent qualities; and one old spelling-book in particular recounts a touching instance of an old lion of high moral dignity and stern principle, who felt it his imperative duty to devour a young man who had contracted a habit of swearing, as a striking example to the rising generation.

feeling hunger; feeling a need or desire to eat food

From this reading We have duly admired that heroic self-denial and charming philanthropy, which prompts them never to eat people except when they are hungry, and we have been deeply impressed with a becoming sense of the politeness they are said to display towards unmarried ladies of a certain state.

clarifying by use of examples

From this reading All natural histories teem with anecdotes illustrative of their excellent qualities; and one old spelling-book in particular recounts a touching instance of an old lion of high moral dignity and stern principle, who felt it his imperative duty to devour a young man who had contracted a habit of swearing, as a striking example to the rising generation.

requiring attention or action

From this reading All natural histories teem with anecdotes illustrative of their excellent qualities; and one old spelling-book in particular recounts a touching instance of an old lion of high moral dignity and stern principle, who felt it his imperative duty to devour a young man who had contracted a habit of swearing, as a striking example to the rising generation.

deeply or markedly affected or influenced

From this reading We have duly admired that heroic self-denial and charming philanthropy, which prompts them never to eat people except when they are hungry, and we have been deeply impressed with a becoming sense of the politeness they are said to display towards unmarried ladies of a certain state.

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

From this reading We have a great respect for lions in the abstract.

in truth (often tends to intensify)

From this reading All this is extremely pleasant to reflect upon, and indeed says a very great deal in favour of lions as a mass.

an occurrence of something

From this reading All natural histories teem with anecdotes illustrative of their excellent qualities; and one old spelling-book in particular recounts a touching instance of an old lion of high moral dignity and stern principle, who felt it his imperative duty to devour a young man who had contracted a habit of swearing, as a striking example to the rising generation.

plural of “instance” — an occurrence of something

From this reading In common with most other people, we have heard and read of many instances of their bravery and generosity.

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

From this reading All this is extremely pleasant to reflect upon, and indeed says a very great deal in favour of lions as a mass.

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading All natural histories teem with anecdotes illustrative of their excellent qualities; and one old spelling-book in particular recounts a touching instance of an old lion of high moral dignity and stern principle, who felt it his imperative duty to devour a young man who had contracted a habit of swearing, as a striking example to the rising generation.

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

From this reading We have duly admired that heroic self-denial and charming philanthropy, which prompts them never to eat people except when they are hungry, and we have been deeply impressed with a becoming sense of the politeness they are said to display towards unmarried ladies of a certain state.

large gregarious predatory feline of Africa and India having a tawny coat with a shaggy mane in the male

From this reading All natural histories teem with anecdotes illustrative of their excellent qualities; and one old spelling-book in particular recounts a touching instance of an old lion of high moral dignity and stern principle, who felt it his imperative duty to devour a young man who had contracted a habit of swearing, as a striking example to the rising generation.

plural of “lion” — large gregarious predatory feline of Africa and India having a tawny coat with a shaggy mane in the male

From this reading We have a great respect for lions in the abstract.

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

From this reading All natural histories teem with anecdotes illustrative of their excellent qualities; and one old spelling-book in particular recounts a touching instance of an old lion of high moral dignity and stern principle, who felt it his imperative duty to devour a young man who had contracted a habit of swearing, as a striking example to the rising generation.

a quantifier that can be used with count nouns and is often preceded by “as” or “too” or “so” or “that”; amounting to a large but indefinite number

From this reading In common with most other people, we have heard and read of many instances of their bravery and generosity.

the property of a body that causes it to have weight in a gravitational field

From this reading All this is extremely pleasant to reflect upon, and indeed says a very great deal in favour of lions as a mass.

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

From this reading All natural histories teem with anecdotes illustrative of their excellent qualities; and one old spelling-book in particular recounts a touching instance of an old lion of high moral dignity and stern principle, who felt it his imperative duty to devour a young man who had contracted a habit of swearing, as a striking example to the rising generation.

used to form the superlative

From this reading In common with most other people, we have heard and read of many instances of their bravery and generosity.

in accordance with nature; relating to or concerning nature

From this reading All natural histories teem with anecdotes illustrative of their excellent qualities; and one old spelling-book in particular recounts a touching instance of an old lion of high moral dignity and stern principle, who felt it his imperative duty to devour a young man who had contracted a habit of swearing, as a striking example to the rising generation.

not ever; at no time in the past or future

From this reading We have duly admired that heroic self-denial and charming philanthropy, which prompts them never to eat people except when they are hungry, and we have been deeply impressed with a becoming sense of the politeness they are said to display towards unmarried ladies of a certain state.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading In common with most other people, we have heard and read of many instances of their bravery and generosity.

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

From this reading All natural histories teem with anecdotes illustrative of their excellent qualities; and one old spelling-book in particular recounts a touching instance of an old lion of high moral dignity and stern principle, who felt it his imperative duty to devour a young man who had contracted a habit of swearing, as a striking example to the rising generation.

used to mean any person in general, including the speaker

From this reading All natural histories teem with anecdotes illustrative of their excellent qualities; and one old spelling-book in particular recounts a touching instance of an old lion of high moral dignity and stern principle, who felt it his imperative duty to devour a young man who had contracted a habit of swearing, as a striking example to the rising generation.

not the same one or ones already mentioned or implied

From this reading In common with most other people, we have heard and read of many instances of their bravery and generosity.

unique or specific to a person or thing or category

From this reading All natural histories teem with anecdotes illustrative of their excellent qualities; and one old spelling-book in particular recounts a touching instance of an old lion of high moral dignity and stern principle, who felt it his imperative duty to devour a young man who had contracted a habit of swearing, as a striking example to the rising generation.

(plural) any group of human beings (men or women or children) collectively

From this reading In common with most other people, we have heard and read of many instances of their bravery and generosity.

voluntary promotion of human welfare

From this reading We have duly admired that heroic self-denial and charming philanthropy, which prompts them never to eat people except when they are hungry, and we have been deeply impressed with a becoming sense of the politeness they are said to display towards unmarried ladies of a certain state.

affording pleasure; being in harmony with your taste or likings

From this reading All this is extremely pleasant to reflect upon, and indeed says a very great deal in favour of lions as a mass.

a courteous manner that respects accepted social usage

From this reading We have duly admired that heroic self-denial and charming philanthropy, which prompts them never to eat people except when they are hungry, and we have been deeply impressed with a becoming sense of the politeness they are said to display towards unmarried ladies of a certain state.

a basic generalization that is accepted as true and that can be used as a basis for reasoning or conduct

From this reading All natural histories teem with anecdotes illustrative of their excellent qualities; and one old spelling-book in particular recounts a touching instance of an old lion of high moral dignity and stern principle, who felt it his imperative duty to devour a young man who had contracted a habit of swearing, as a striking example to the rising generation.

plural of “prompt” — a cue given to a performer (usually the beginning of the next line to be spoken)

From this reading We have duly admired that heroic self-denial and charming philanthropy, which prompts them never to eat people except when they are hungry, and we have been deeply impressed with a becoming sense of the politeness they are said to display towards unmarried ladies of a certain state.

plural of “quality” — an essential and distinguishing attribute of something or someone

From this reading All natural histories teem with anecdotes illustrative of their excellent qualities; and one old spelling-book in particular recounts a touching instance of an old lion of high moral dignity and stern principle, who felt it his imperative duty to devour a young man who had contracted a habit of swearing, as a striking example to the rising generation.

interpret something that is written or printed

From this reading In common with most other people, we have heard and read of many instances of their bravery and generosity.

plural of “recount” — an additional (usually a second) count; especially of the votes in a close election

From this reading All natural histories teem with anecdotes illustrative of their excellent qualities; and one old spelling-book in particular recounts a touching instance of an old lion of high moral dignity and stern principle, who felt it his imperative duty to devour a young man who had contracted a habit of swearing, as a striking example to the rising generation.

manifest or bring back

From this reading All this is extremely pleasant to reflect upon, and indeed says a very great deal in favour of lions as a mass.

(usually preceded by “in”) a detail or point

From this reading We have a great respect for lions in the abstract.

advancing or becoming higher or greater in degree or value or status

From this reading All natural histories teem with anecdotes illustrative of their excellent qualities; and one old spelling-book in particular recounts a touching instance of an old lion of high moral dignity and stern principle, who felt it his imperative duty to devour a young man who had contracted a habit of swearing, as a striking example to the rising generation.

being the one previously mentioned or spoken of

From this reading We have duly admired that heroic self-denial and charming philanthropy, which prompts them never to eat people except when they are hungry, and we have been deeply impressed with a becoming sense of the politeness they are said to display towards unmarried ladies of a certain state.

plural of “say” — the chance to speak

From this reading All this is extremely pleasant to reflect upon, and indeed says a very great deal in favour of lions as a mass.

the trait of practicing self discipline

From this reading We have duly admired that heroic self-denial and charming philanthropy, which prompts them never to eat people except when they are hungry, and we have been deeply impressed with a becoming sense of the politeness they are said to display towards unmarried ladies of a certain state.

a general conscious awareness

From this reading We have duly admired that heroic self-denial and charming philanthropy, which prompts them never to eat people except when they are hungry, and we have been deeply impressed with a becoming sense of the politeness they are said to display towards unmarried ladies of a certain state.

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

From this reading All natural histories teem with anecdotes illustrative of their excellent qualities; and one old spelling-book in particular recounts a touching instance of an old lion of high moral dignity and stern principle, who felt it his imperative duty to devour a young man who had contracted a habit of swearing, as a striking example to the rising generation.

the territory occupied by one of the constituent administrative districts of a nation

From this reading We have duly admired that heroic self-denial and charming philanthropy, which prompts them never to eat people except when they are hungry, and we have been deeply impressed with a becoming sense of the politeness they are said to display towards unmarried ladies of a certain state.

of a stern or strict bearing or demeanor; forbidding in aspect

From this reading All natural histories teem with anecdotes illustrative of their excellent qualities; and one old spelling-book in particular recounts a touching instance of an old lion of high moral dignity and stern principle, who felt it his imperative duty to devour a young man who had contracted a habit of swearing, as a striking example to the rising generation.

sensational in appearance or thrilling in effect

From this reading All natural histories teem with anecdotes illustrative of their excellent qualities; and one old spelling-book in particular recounts a touching instance of an old lion of high moral dignity and stern principle, who felt it his imperative duty to devour a young man who had contracted a habit of swearing, as a striking example to the rising generation.

profane or obscene expression usually of surprise or anger

From this reading All natural histories teem with anecdotes illustrative of their excellent qualities; and one old spelling-book in particular recounts a touching instance of an old lion of high moral dignity and stern principle, who felt it his imperative duty to devour a young man who had contracted a habit of swearing, as a striking example to the rising generation.

be teeming, be abuzz

From this reading All natural histories teem with anecdotes illustrative of their excellent qualities; and one old spelling-book in particular recounts a touching instance of an old lion of high moral dignity and stern principle, who felt it his imperative duty to devour a young man who had contracted a habit of swearing, as a striking example to the rising generation.

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading We have duly admired that heroic self-denial and charming philanthropy, which prompts them never to eat people except when they are hungry, and we have been deeply impressed with a becoming sense of the politeness they are said to display towards unmarried ladies of a certain state.

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

From this reading We have a great respect for lions in the abstract.

belonging to the people or things already mentioned

From this reading In common with most other people, we have heard and read of many instances of their bravery and generosity.

the people or things already mentioned, as the object

From this reading We have duly admired that heroic self-denial and charming philanthropy, which prompts them never to eat people except when they are hungry, and we have been deeply impressed with a becoming sense of the politeness they are said to display towards unmarried ladies of a certain state.

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

From this reading We have duly admired that heroic self-denial and charming philanthropy, which prompts them never to eat people except when they are hungry, and we have been deeply impressed with a becoming sense of the politeness they are said to display towards unmarried ladies of a certain state.

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

From this reading All this is extremely pleasant to reflect upon, and indeed says a very great deal in favour of lions as a mass.

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

From this reading We have duly admired that heroic self-denial and charming philanthropy, which prompts them never to eat people except when they are hungry, and we have been deeply impressed with a becoming sense of the politeness they are said to display towards unmarried ladies of a certain state.

arousing affect

From this reading All natural histories teem with anecdotes illustrative of their excellent qualities; and one old spelling-book in particular recounts a touching instance of an old lion of high moral dignity and stern principle, who felt it his imperative duty to devour a young man who had contracted a habit of swearing, as a striking example to the rising generation.

in the direction of

From this reading We have duly admired that heroic self-denial and charming philanthropy, which prompts them never to eat people except when they are hungry, and we have been deeply impressed with a becoming sense of the politeness they are said to display towards unmarried ladies of a certain state.

not married or related to the unmarried state

From this reading We have duly admired that heroic self-denial and charming philanthropy, which prompts them never to eat people except when they are hungry, and we have been deeply impressed with a becoming sense of the politeness they are said to display towards unmarried ladies of a certain state.

a formal word for “on”

From this reading All this is extremely pleasant to reflect upon, and indeed says a very great deal in favour of lions as a mass.

precisely as stated

From this reading All this is extremely pleasant to reflect upon, and indeed says a very great deal in favour of lions as a mass.

the speaker together with one or more other people

From this reading We have a great respect for lions in the abstract.

at the time that

From this reading We have duly admired that heroic self-denial and charming philanthropy, which prompts them never to eat people except when they are hungry, and we have been deeply impressed with a becoming sense of the politeness they are said to display towards unmarried ladies of a certain state.

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

From this reading We have duly admired that heroic self-denial and charming philanthropy, which prompts them never to eat people except when they are hungry, and we have been deeply impressed with a becoming sense of the politeness they are said to display towards unmarried ladies of a certain state.

which person or people

From this reading All natural histories teem with anecdotes illustrative of their excellent qualities; and one old spelling-book in particular recounts a touching instance of an old lion of high moral dignity and stern principle, who felt it his imperative duty to devour a young man who had contracted a habit of swearing, as a striking example to the rising generation.

in the company of; together with

From this reading In common with most other people, we have heard and read of many instances of their bravery and generosity.

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

From this reading All natural histories teem with anecdotes illustrative of their excellent qualities; and one old spelling-book in particular recounts a touching instance of an old lion of high moral dignity and stern principle, who felt it his imperative duty to devour a young man who had contracted a habit of swearing, as a striking example to the rising generation.