used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading Now, Ebenezer Skinner was a model subject for a latter-day biography, for he was born of poor but honest parents, who resolved that their little Ebenezer should one day "wag his head in a pulpit," if it cost them all that they possessed.
(usually followed by “to”) having the necessary means or skill or know-how or authority to do something
From this reading There is no doubt that any committee on ministerial inefficiency would have made short work of the Reverend Ebenezer Skinner, minister of the Townend Kirk in Cairn Edward--that is, if it had been able to distinguish the work he did from the work that he got the credit for.
acquisitionnounUS /ˌækwəˈzɪʃən/
the act of contracting or assuming or acquiring possession of something
From this reading The early days of the future minister were therefore passed in the acquisition of the Latin rudiments, a task which he performed to the satisfaction of the dominie who taught him.
(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 Now, Ebenezer Skinner was a model subject for a latter-day biography, for he was born of poor but honest parents, who resolved that their little Ebenezer should one day "wag his head in a pulpit," if it cost them all that they possessed.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading Some people have the gift, fortunate or otherwise, of obtaining credit for the work of others, and transferring to the shoulders of their neighbours the responsibility of their blunders.
one or some or every or all without specification
From this reading There is no doubt that any committee on ministerial inefficiency would have made short work of the Reverend Ebenezer Skinner, minister of the Townend Kirk in Cairn Edward--that is, if it had been able to distinguish the work he did from the work that he got the credit for.
beenauxiliary verbUS /bɪn/
the past participle of “be”
From this reading There is no doubt that any committee on ministerial inefficiency would have made short work of the Reverend Ebenezer Skinner, minister of the Townend Kirk in Cairn Edward--that is, if it had been able to distinguish the work he did from the work that he got the credit for.
biographynounUS /baɪˈɑːɡrəfi/
an account of the series of events making up a person's life
From this reading Now, Ebenezer Skinner was a model subject for a latter-day biography, for he was born of poor but honest parents, who resolved that their little Ebenezer should one day "wag his head in a pulpit," if it cost them all that they possessed.
blundersnounUS /ˈblʌndərz/
plural of “blunder” — an embarrassing mistake
From this reading Some people have the gift, fortunate or otherwise, of obtaining credit for the work of others, and transferring to the shoulders of their neighbours the responsibility of their blunders.
brought into existence
From this reading Now, Ebenezer Skinner was a model subject for a latter-day biography, for he was born of poor but honest parents, who resolved that their little Ebenezer should one day "wag his head in a pulpit," if it cost them all that they possessed.
used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before
From this reading Now, Ebenezer Skinner was a model subject for a latter-day biography, for he was born of poor but honest parents, who resolved that their little Ebenezer should one day "wag his head in a pulpit," if it cost them all that they possessed.
CairnnounUS /kern/
a mound of stones piled up as a memorial or to mark a boundary or path
From this reading There is no doubt that any committee on ministerial inefficiency would have made short work of the Reverend Ebenezer Skinner, minister of the Townend Kirk in Cairn Edward--that is, if it had been able to distinguish the work he did from the work that he got the credit for.
committeenounUS /kəˈmɪti/
a special group delegated to consider some matter
From this reading There is no doubt that any committee on ministerial inefficiency would have made short work of the Reverend Ebenezer Skinner, minister of the Townend Kirk in Cairn Edward--that is, if it had been able to distinguish the work he did from the work that he got the credit for.
the total spent for goods or services including money and time and labor
From this reading Now, Ebenezer Skinner was a model subject for a latter-day biography, for he was born of poor but honest parents, who resolved that their little Ebenezer should one day "wag his head in a pulpit," if it cost them all that they possessed.
approval
From this reading There is no doubt that any committee on ministerial inefficiency would have made short work of the Reverend Ebenezer Skinner, minister of the Townend Kirk in Cairn Edward--that is, if it had been able to distinguish the work he did from the work that he got the credit for.
time for Earth to make a complete rotation on its axis
From this reading Now, Ebenezer Skinner was a model subject for a latter-day biography, for he was born of poor but honest parents, who resolved that their little Ebenezer should one day "wag his head in a pulpit," if it cost them all that they possessed.
the time during which someone's life continues
From this reading The early days of the future minister were therefore passed in the acquisition of the Latin rudiments, a task which he performed to the satisfaction of the dominie who taught him.
dealtverbUS /delt/
inflected form of “deal” — act on verbally or in some form of artistic expression
From this reading Yet, on the whole, the Townend minister had not been fairly dealt with, for, if ever man was the product of environment, that man was the minister of the "Laigh" or Townend Kirk.
didauxiliary verbUS /dɪd/
the past form of “do”, used in questions and negatives
From this reading There is no doubt that any committee on ministerial inefficiency would have made short work of the Reverend Ebenezer Skinner, minister of the Townend Kirk in Cairn Edward--that is, if it had been able to distinguish the work he did from the work that he got the credit for.
distinguishverbUS /dɪˈstɪŋɡwɪʃ/
mark as different
From this reading There is no doubt that any committee on ministerial inefficiency would have made short work of the Reverend Ebenezer Skinner, minister of the Townend Kirk in Cairn Edward--that is, if it had been able to distinguish the work he did from the work that he got the credit for.
dominienoun
a clergyman; especially a settled minister or parson
From this reading The early days of the future minister were therefore passed in the acquisition of the Latin rudiments, a task which he performed to the satisfaction of the dominie who taught him.
the state of being unsure of something
From this reading There is no doubt that any committee on ministerial inefficiency would have made short work of the Reverend Ebenezer Skinner, minister of the Townend Kirk in Cairn Edward--that is, if it had been able to distinguish the work he did from the work that he got the credit for.
earlyadjectiveUS /ˈɜːrli/
at or near the beginning of a period of time or course of events or before the usual or expected time
From this reading The early days of the future minister were therefore passed in the acquisition of the Latin rudiments, a task which he performed to the satisfaction of the dominie who taught him.
Ebenezer
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading There is no doubt that any committee on ministerial inefficiency would have made short work of the Reverend Ebenezer Skinner, minister of the Townend Kirk in Cairn Edward--that is, if it had been able to distinguish the work he did from the work that he got the credit for.
King of England and Ireland in 1936; his marriage to Wallis Warfield Simpson created a constitutional crisis leading to his abdication (1894-1972)
From this reading There is no doubt that any committee on ministerial inefficiency would have made short work of the Reverend Ebenezer Skinner, minister of the Townend Kirk in Cairn Edward--that is, if it had been able to distinguish the work he did from the work that he got the credit for.
environmentnounUS /ɪnˈvaɪrənmənt/
the totality of surrounding conditions
From this reading Yet, on the whole, the Townend minister had not been fairly dealt with, for, if ever man was the product of environment, that man was the minister of the "Laigh" or Townend Kirk.
at any time
From this reading Yet, on the whole, the Townend minister had not been fairly dealt with, for, if ever man was the product of environment, that man was the minister of the "Laigh" or Townend Kirk.
to certain extent or degree
From this reading Yet, on the whole, the Townend minister had not been fairly dealt with, for, if ever man was the product of environment, that man was the minister of the "Laigh" or Townend Kirk.
intended to be given to, or used by, somebody
From this reading There is no doubt that any committee on ministerial inefficiency would have made short work of the Reverend Ebenezer Skinner, minister of the Townend Kirk in Cairn Edward--that is, if it had been able to distinguish the work he did from the work that he got the credit for.
having unexpected good fortune
From this reading Some people have the gift, fortunate or otherwise, of obtaining credit for the work of others, and transferring to the shoulders of their neighbours the responsibility of their blunders.
showing where something starts, or who sent it
From this reading There is no doubt that any committee on ministerial inefficiency would have made short work of the Reverend Ebenezer Skinner, minister of the Townend Kirk in Cairn Edward--that is, if it had been able to distinguish the work he did from the work that he got the credit for.
yet to be or coming
From this reading The early days of the future minister were therefore passed in the acquisition of the Latin rudiments, a task which he performed to the satisfaction of the dominie who taught him.
something acquired without compensation
From this reading Some people have the gift, fortunate or otherwise, of obtaining credit for the work of others, and transferring to the shoulders of their neighbours the responsibility of their blunders.
inflected form of “get” — come into the possession of something concrete or abstract
From this reading There is no doubt that any committee on ministerial inefficiency would have made short work of the Reverend Ebenezer Skinner, minister of the Townend Kirk in Cairn Edward--that is, if it had been able to distinguish the work he did from the work that he got the credit for.
hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/
the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect
From this reading There is no doubt that any committee on ministerial inefficiency would have made short work of the Reverend Ebenezer Skinner, minister of the Townend Kirk in Cairn Edward--that is, if it had been able to distinguish the work he did from the work that he got the credit for.
haveauxiliary verbUS /hæv/
used with a past participle to form the perfect tenses
From this reading There is no doubt that any committee on ministerial inefficiency would have made short work of the Reverend Ebenezer Skinner, minister of the Townend Kirk in Cairn Edward--that is, if it had been able to distinguish the work he did from the work that he got the credit for.
a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading There is no doubt that any committee on ministerial inefficiency would have made short work of the Reverend Ebenezer Skinner, minister of the Townend Kirk in Cairn Edward--that is, if it had been able to distinguish the work he did from the work that he got the credit for.
the upper part of the human body or the front part of the body in animals; contains the face and brains
From this reading Now, Ebenezer Skinner was a model subject for a latter-day biography, for he was born of poor but honest parents, who resolved that their little Ebenezer should one day "wag his head in a pulpit," if it cost them all that they possessed.
the male already mentioned, as the object of a verb or preposition
From this reading The early days of the future minister were therefore passed in the acquisition of the Latin rudiments, a task which he performed to the satisfaction of the dominie who taught him.
belonging to a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned
From this reading Now, Ebenezer Skinner was a model subject for a latter-day biography, for he was born of poor but honest parents, who resolved that their little Ebenezer should one day "wag his head in a pulpit," if it cost them all that they possessed.
not disposed to cheat or defraud; not deceptive or fraudulent
From this reading Now, Ebenezer Skinner was a model subject for a latter-day biography, for he was born of poor but honest parents, who resolved that their little Ebenezer should one day "wag his head in a pulpit," if it cost them all that they possessed.
on condition that; in the event that
From this reading There is no doubt that any committee on ministerial inefficiency would have made short work of the Reverend Ebenezer Skinner, minister of the Townend Kirk in Cairn Edward--that is, if it had been able to distinguish the work he did from the work that he got the credit for.
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading There is no doubt that any committee on ministerial inefficiency would have made short work of the Reverend Ebenezer Skinner, minister of the Townend Kirk in Cairn Edward--that is, if it had been able to distinguish the work he did from the work that he got the credit for.
inefficiencynounUS /ˌɪnɪˈfɪʃənsi/
unskillfulness resulting from a lack of efficiency
From this reading There is no doubt that any committee on ministerial inefficiency would have made short work of the Reverend Ebenezer Skinner, minister of the Townend Kirk in Cairn Edward--that is, if it had been able to distinguish the work he did from the work that he got the credit for.
the form of “be” used with he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading There is no doubt that any committee on ministerial inefficiency would have made short work of the Reverend Ebenezer Skinner, minister of the Townend Kirk in Cairn Edward--that is, if it had been able to distinguish the work he did from the work that he got the credit for.
a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned
From this reading There is no doubt that any committee on ministerial inefficiency would have made short work of the Reverend Ebenezer Skinner, minister of the Townend Kirk in Cairn Edward--that is, if it had been able to distinguish the work he did from the work that he got the credit for.
KirknounUS /kɜːrk/
a Scottish church
From this reading There is no doubt that any committee on ministerial inefficiency would have made short work of the Reverend Ebenezer Skinner, minister of the Townend Kirk in Cairn Edward--that is, if it had been able to distinguish the work he did from the work that he got the credit for.
Laigh
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Yet, on the whole, the Townend minister had not been fairly dealt with, for, if ever man was the product of environment, that man was the minister of the "Laigh" or Townend Kirk.
LatinadjectiveUS /ˈlætən/
of or relating to the ancient Latins or the Latin language
From this reading The early days of the future minister were therefore passed in the acquisition of the Latin rudiments, a task which he performed to the satisfaction of the dominie who taught him.
latter-dayadjective
belonging to the present or recent times
From this reading Now, Ebenezer Skinner was a model subject for a latter-day biography, for he was born of poor but honest parents, who resolved that their little Ebenezer should one day "wag his head in a pulpit," if it cost them all that they possessed.
limited or below average in number or quantity or magnitude or extent
From this reading Now, Ebenezer Skinner was a model subject for a latter-day biography, for he was born of poor but honest parents, who resolved that their little Ebenezer should one day "wag his head in a pulpit," if it cost them all that they possessed.
produced by a manufacturing process
From this reading There is no doubt that any committee on ministerial inefficiency would have made short work of the Reverend Ebenezer Skinner, minister of the Townend Kirk in Cairn Edward--that is, if it had been able to distinguish the work he did from the work that he got the credit for.
an adult person who is male (as opposed to a woman)
From this reading Yet, on the whole, the Townend minister had not been fairly dealt with, for, if ever man was the product of environment, that man was the minister of the "Laigh" or Townend Kirk.
a person authorized to conduct religious worship
From this reading There is no doubt that any committee on ministerial inefficiency would have made short work of the Reverend Ebenezer Skinner, minister of the Townend Kirk in Cairn Edward--that is, if it had been able to distinguish the work he did from the work that he got the credit for.
ministerialadjectiveUS /ˌmɪnɪˈstiːriəl/
of or relating to a minister of religion or the minister's office
From this reading There is no doubt that any committee on ministerial inefficiency would have made short work of the Reverend Ebenezer Skinner, minister of the Townend Kirk in Cairn Edward--that is, if it had been able to distinguish the work he did from the work that he got the credit for.
modelnounUS /ˈmɑːdəl/
a hypothetical description of a complex entity or process
From this reading Now, Ebenezer Skinner was a model subject for a latter-day biography, for he was born of poor but honest parents, who resolved that their little Ebenezer should one day "wag his head in a pulpit," if it cost them all that they possessed.
neighboursnounUS /ˈneɪbərz/
plural of “neighbour” — a person who lives (or is located) near another
From this reading Some people have the gift, fortunate or otherwise, of obtaining credit for the work of others, and transferring to the shoulders of their neighbours the responsibility of their blunders.
not any; not one
From this reading There is no doubt that any committee on ministerial inefficiency would have made short work of the Reverend Ebenezer Skinner, minister of the Townend Kirk in Cairn Edward--that is, if it had been able to distinguish the work he did from the work that he got the credit for.
used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative
From this reading Yet, on the whole, the Townend minister had not been fairly dealt with, for, if ever man was the product of environment, that man was the minister of the "Laigh" or Townend Kirk.
in the historical present; at this point in the narration of a series of past events
From this reading Now, Ebenezer Skinner was a model subject for a latter-day biography, for he was born of poor but honest parents, who resolved that their little Ebenezer should one day "wag his head in a pulpit," if it cost them all that they possessed.
obtainingverbUS /əbˈteɪnɪŋ/
-ing form of “obtain” — come into possession of
From this reading Some people have the gift, fortunate or otherwise, of obtaining credit for the work of others, and transferring to the shoulders of their neighbours the responsibility of their blunders.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading There is no doubt that any committee on ministerial inefficiency would have made short work of the Reverend Ebenezer Skinner, minister of the Townend Kirk in Cairn Edward--that is, if it had been able to distinguish the work he did from the work that he got the credit for.
touching and supported by a surface
From this reading There is no doubt that any committee on ministerial inefficiency would have made short work of the Reverend Ebenezer Skinner, minister of the Townend Kirk in Cairn Edward--that is, if it had been able to distinguish the work he did from the work that he got the credit for.
used to mean any person in general, including the speaker
From this reading Now, Ebenezer Skinner was a model subject for a latter-day biography, for he was born of poor but honest parents, who resolved that their little Ebenezer should one day "wag his head in a pulpit," if it cost them all that they possessed.
used to join alternatives or possibilities
From this reading Some people have the gift, fortunate or otherwise, of obtaining credit for the work of others, and transferring to the shoulders of their neighbours the responsibility of their blunders.
others
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Some people have the gift, fortunate or otherwise, of obtaining credit for the work of others, and transferring to the shoulders of their neighbours the responsibility of their blunders.
in other respects or ways
From this reading Some people have the gift, fortunate or otherwise, of obtaining credit for the work of others, and transferring to the shoulders of their neighbours the responsibility of their blunders.
plural of “parent” — a father or mother; one who begets or one who gives birth to or nurtures and raises a child; a relative who plays the role of guardian
From this reading Now, Ebenezer Skinner was a model subject for a latter-day biography, for he was born of poor but honest parents, who resolved that their little Ebenezer should one day "wag his head in a pulpit," if it cost them all that they possessed.
past form of “pass” — go across or through
From this reading The early days of the future minister were therefore passed in the acquisition of the Latin rudiments, a task which he performed to the satisfaction of the dominie who taught him.
(plural) any group of human beings (men or women or children) collectively
From this reading Some people have the gift, fortunate or otherwise, of obtaining credit for the work of others, and transferring to the shoulders of their neighbours the responsibility of their blunders.
performedverbUS /pərˈfɔːrmd/
past form of “perform” — carry out or perform an action
From this reading The early days of the future minister were therefore passed in the acquisition of the Latin rudiments, a task which he performed to the satisfaction of the dominie who taught him.
deserving or inciting pity
From this reading Now, Ebenezer Skinner was a model subject for a latter-day biography, for he was born of poor but honest parents, who resolved that their little Ebenezer should one day "wag his head in a pulpit," if it cost them all that they possessed.
influenced or controlled by a powerful force such as a strong emotion
From this reading Now, Ebenezer Skinner was a model subject for a latter-day biography, for he was born of poor but honest parents, who resolved that their little Ebenezer should one day "wag his head in a pulpit," if it cost them all that they possessed.
productnounUS /ˈprɑːdəkt/
commodities offered for sale
From this reading Yet, on the whole, the Townend minister had not been fairly dealt with, for, if ever man was the product of environment, that man was the minister of the "Laigh" or Townend Kirk.
pulpitnounUS /ˈpʊlpɪt/
a platform raised above the surrounding level to give prominence to the person on it
From this reading Now, Ebenezer Skinner was a model subject for a latter-day biography, for he was born of poor but honest parents, who resolved that their little Ebenezer should one day "wag his head in a pulpit," if it cost them all that they possessed.
determined
From this reading Now, Ebenezer Skinner was a model subject for a latter-day biography, for he was born of poor but honest parents, who resolved that their little Ebenezer should one day "wag his head in a pulpit," if it cost them all that they possessed.
responsibilitynounUS /riˌspɑːnsəˈbɪləti/
the social force that binds you to the courses of action demanded by that force
From this reading Some people have the gift, fortunate or otherwise, of obtaining credit for the work of others, and transferring to the shoulders of their neighbours the responsibility of their blunders.
ReverendnounUS /ˈrevərənd/
a member of the clergy and a spiritual leader of the Christian Church
From this reading There is no doubt that any committee on ministerial inefficiency would have made short work of the Reverend Ebenezer Skinner, minister of the Townend Kirk in Cairn Edward--that is, if it had been able to distinguish the work he did from the work that he got the credit for.
rudimentsnounUS /ˈruːdɪmənts/
a statement of fundamental facts or principles
From this reading The early days of the future minister were therefore passed in the acquisition of the Latin rudiments, a task which he performed to the satisfaction of the dominie who taught him.
the contentment one feels when one has fulfilled a desire, need, or expectation
From this reading The early days of the future minister were therefore passed in the acquisition of the Latin rudiments, a task which he performed to the satisfaction of the dominie who taught him.
primarily temporal sense; indicating or being or seeming to be limited in duration
From this reading There is no doubt that any committee on ministerial inefficiency would have made short work of the Reverend Ebenezer Skinner, minister of the Townend Kirk in Cairn Edward--that is, if it had been able to distinguish the work he did from the work that he got the credit for.
used to say what is right, expected, or advisable
From this reading Now, Ebenezer Skinner was a model subject for a latter-day biography, for he was born of poor but honest parents, who resolved that their little Ebenezer should one day "wag his head in a pulpit," if it cost them all that they possessed.
plural of “shoulder” — the part of the body between the neck and the upper arm
From this reading Some people have the gift, fortunate or otherwise, of obtaining credit for the work of others, and transferring to the shoulders of their neighbours the responsibility of their blunders.
SkinnernounUS /ˈskɪnər/
United States actor (1858-1942)
From this reading There is no doubt that any committee on ministerial inefficiency would have made short work of the Reverend Ebenezer Skinner, minister of the Townend Kirk in Cairn Edward--that is, if it had been able to distinguish the work he did from the work that he got the credit for.
(quantifier) used with either mass nouns or plural count nouns to indicate an unspecified number or quantity
From this reading Some people have the gift, fortunate or otherwise, of obtaining credit for the work of others, and transferring to the shoulders of their neighbours the responsibility of their blunders.
the subject matter of a conversation or discussion
From this reading Now, Ebenezer Skinner was a model subject for a latter-day biography, for he was born of poor but honest parents, who resolved that their little Ebenezer should one day "wag his head in a pulpit," if it cost them all that they possessed.
any piece of work that is undertaken or attempted
From this reading The early days of the future minister were therefore passed in the acquisition of the Latin rudiments, a task which he performed to the satisfaction of the dominie who taught him.
inflected form of “teach” — impart skills or knowledge to
From this reading The early days of the future minister were therefore passed in the acquisition of the Latin rudiments, a task which he performed to the satisfaction of the dominie who taught him.
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading There is no doubt that any committee on ministerial inefficiency would have made short work of the Reverend Ebenezer Skinner, minister of the Townend Kirk in Cairn Edward--that is, if it had been able to distinguish the work he did from the work that he got the credit for.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading There is no doubt that any committee on ministerial inefficiency would have made short work of the Reverend Ebenezer Skinner, minister of the Townend Kirk in Cairn Edward--that is, if it had been able to distinguish the work he did from the work that he got the credit for.
belonging to the people or things already mentioned
From this reading Some people have the gift, fortunate or otherwise, of obtaining credit for the work of others, and transferring to the shoulders of their neighbours the responsibility of their blunders.
the people or things already mentioned, as the object
From this reading Now, Ebenezer Skinner was a model subject for a latter-day biography, for he was born of poor but honest parents, who resolved that their little Ebenezer should one day "wag his head in a pulpit," if it cost them all that they possessed.
in or at that place or location
From this reading There is no doubt that any committee on ministerial inefficiency would have made short work of the Reverend Ebenezer Skinner, minister of the Townend Kirk in Cairn Edward--that is, if it had been able to distinguish the work he did from the work that he got the credit for.
for that reason; as a result
From this reading The early days of the future minister were therefore passed in the acquisition of the Latin rudiments, a task which he performed to the satisfaction of the dominie who taught him.
the people, animals, or things already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading Now, Ebenezer Skinner was a model subject for a latter-day biography, for he was born of poor but honest parents, who resolved that their little Ebenezer should one day "wag his head in a pulpit," if it cost them all that they possessed.
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading There is no doubt that any committee on ministerial inefficiency would have made short work of the Reverend Ebenezer Skinner, minister of the Townend Kirk in Cairn Edward--that is, if it had been able to distinguish the work he did from the work that he got the credit for.
Townend
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading There is no doubt that any committee on ministerial inefficiency would have made short work of the Reverend Ebenezer Skinner, minister of the Townend Kirk in Cairn Edward--that is, if it had been able to distinguish the work he did from the work that he got the credit for.
transferringverbUS /trænˈsfɜːrɪŋ/
inflected form of “transfer” — transfer somebody to a different position or location of work
From this reading Some people have the gift, fortunate or otherwise, of obtaining credit for the work of others, and transferring to the shoulders of their neighbours the responsibility of their blunders.
wagnounUS /wæɡ/
a witty amusing person who makes jokes
From this reading Now, Ebenezer Skinner was a model subject for a latter-day biography, for he was born of poor but honest parents, who resolved that their little Ebenezer should one day "wag his head in a pulpit," if it cost them all that they possessed.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading Yet, on the whole, the Townend minister had not been fairly dealt with, for, if ever man was the product of environment, that man was the minister of the "Laigh" or Townend Kirk.
wereauxiliary verbUS /wɜːr/
the past form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun
From this reading The early days of the future minister were therefore passed in the acquisition of the Latin rudiments, a task which he performed to the satisfaction of the dominie who taught him.
used to introduce a clause giving more about a thing just mentioned
From this reading The early days of the future minister were therefore passed in the acquisition of the Latin rudiments, a task which he performed to the satisfaction of the dominie who taught him.
which person or people
From this reading Now, Ebenezer Skinner was a model subject for a latter-day biography, for he was born of poor but honest parents, who resolved that their little Ebenezer should one day "wag his head in a pulpit," if it cost them all that they possessed.
including all components without exception; being one unit or constituting the full amount or extent or duration; complete
From this reading Yet, on the whole, the Townend minister had not been fairly dealt with, for, if ever man was the product of environment, that man was the minister of the "Laigh" or Townend Kirk.
in the company of; together with
From this reading Yet, on the whole, the Townend minister had not been fairly dealt with, for, if ever man was the product of environment, that man was the minister of the "Laigh" or Townend Kirk.
exert oneself by doing mental or physical work for a purpose or out of necessity
From this reading There is no doubt that any committee on ministerial inefficiency would have made short work of the Reverend Ebenezer Skinner, minister of the Townend Kirk in Cairn Edward--that is, if it had been able to distinguish the work he did from the work that he got the credit for.
used for something imagined, polite, or habitual in the past
From this reading There is no doubt that any committee on ministerial inefficiency would have made short work of the Reverend Ebenezer Skinner, minister of the Townend Kirk in Cairn Edward--that is, if it had been able to distinguish the work he did from the work that he got the credit for.
but in spite of that
From this reading Yet, on the whole, the Townend minister had not been fairly dealt with, for, if ever man was the product of environment, that man was the minister of the "Laigh" or Townend Kirk.
