Chapter XI · A Battle Against Odds

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

From this reading He had then realized that he was but a poor swordsman, and that he was indebted more to his superior agility and strength than to his skill for his safety on that occasion.

gotten through environmental forces

From this reading He had not failed to put this good resolution into practice, and had assiduously worked at his fencing daily with an exponent of the art, a German named Schmidt, under whose skilful tuition, and with his natural aptitude for every kind of manly exercise, Boris had quickly acquired no little skill in the use of his somewhat clumsy but formidable Russian weapon.

touching and pressing; in opposition to

From this reading The experience of two months ago, when he had last been called upon to defend his life against some of these very men, had not been lost upon Boris.

the gracefulness of a person or animal that is quick and nimble

From this reading He had then realized that he was but a poor swordsman, and that he was indebted more to his superior agility and strength than to his skill for his safety on that occasion.

in the past

From this reading The experience of two months ago, when he had last been called upon to defend his life against some of these very men, had not been lost upon Boris.

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

From this reading He had not failed to put this good resolution into practice, and had assiduously worked at his fencing daily with an exponent of the art, a German named Schmidt, under whose skilful tuition, and with his natural aptitude for every kind of manly exercise, Boris had quickly acquired no little skill in the use of his somewhat clumsy but formidable Russian weapon.

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

From this reading He had then realized that he was but a poor swordsman, and that he was indebted more to his superior agility and strength than to his skill for his safety on that occasion.

plural of “antagonist” — someone who offers opposition

From this reading True, his antagonists had shown that their knowledge of the science was not greater than his own; but nevertheless Boris had made a mental note of his incapacity, and had registered at the same time a vow to make the science of the sword his principal study until he should have gained at least a fair degree of proficiency.

inherent ability

From this reading He had not failed to put this good resolution into practice, and had assiduously worked at his fencing daily with an exponent of the art, a German named Schmidt, under whose skilful tuition, and with his natural aptitude for every kind of manly exercise, Boris had quickly acquired no little skill in the use of his somewhat clumsy but formidable Russian weapon.

an old form of “are”, used with “thou”

From this reading He had not failed to put this good resolution into practice, and had assiduously worked at his fencing daily with an exponent of the art, a German named Schmidt, under whose skilful tuition, and with his natural aptitude for every kind of manly exercise, Boris had quickly acquired no little skill in the use of his somewhat clumsy but formidable Russian weapon.

with care and persistence

From this reading He had not failed to put this good resolution into practice, and had assiduously worked at his fencing daily with an exponent of the art, a German named Schmidt, under whose skilful tuition, and with his natural aptitude for every kind of manly exercise, Boris had quickly acquired no little skill in the use of his somewhat clumsy but formidable Russian weapon.

in or near a particular place or position

From this reading True, his antagonists had shown that their knowledge of the science was not greater than his own; but nevertheless Boris had made a mental note of his incapacity, and had registered at the same time a vow to make the science of the sword his principal study until he should have gained at least a fair degree of proficiency.

the past participle of “be”

From this reading The experience of two months ago, when he had last been called upon to defend his life against some of these very men, had not been lost upon Boris.

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

From this reading The experience of two months ago, when he had last been called upon to defend his life against some of these very men, had not been lost upon Boris.

used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before

From this reading He had then realized that he was but a poor swordsman, and that he was indebted more to his superior agility and strength than to his skill for his safety on that occasion.

past form of “call” — assign a specified (usually proper) proper name to

From this reading The experience of two months ago, when he had last been called upon to defend his life against some of these very men, had not been lost upon Boris.

lacking grace in movement or posture

From this reading He had not failed to put this good resolution into practice, and had assiduously worked at his fencing daily with an exponent of the art, a German named Schmidt, under whose skilful tuition, and with his natural aptitude for every kind of manly exercise, Boris had quickly acquired no little skill in the use of his somewhat clumsy but formidable Russian weapon.

every day; without missing a day

From this reading He had not failed to put this good resolution into practice, and had assiduously worked at his fencing daily with an exponent of the art, a German named Schmidt, under whose skilful tuition, and with his natural aptitude for every kind of manly exercise, Boris had quickly acquired no little skill in the use of his somewhat clumsy but formidable Russian weapon.

argue or speak in defense of

From this reading The experience of two months ago, when he had last been called upon to defend his life against some of these very men, had not been lost upon Boris.

a position on a scale of intensity or amount or quality

From this reading True, his antagonists had shown that their knowledge of the science was not greater than his own; but nevertheless Boris had made a mental note of his incapacity, and had registered at the same time a vow to make the science of the sword his principal study until he should have gained at least a fair degree of proficiency.

greatly pleased

From this reading At the first onset, the Tsar was surprised and delighted to observe that Boris was more than a match for his opponent.

all the members of a group, with none left out

From this reading He had not failed to put this good resolution into practice, and had assiduously worked at his fencing daily with an exponent of the art, a German named Schmidt, under whose skilful tuition, and with his natural aptitude for every kind of manly exercise, Boris had quickly acquired no little skill in the use of his somewhat clumsy but formidable Russian weapon.

the activity of exerting your muscles in various ways to keep fit

From this reading He had not failed to put this good resolution into practice, and had assiduously worked at his fencing daily with an exponent of the art, a German named Schmidt, under whose skilful tuition, and with his natural aptitude for every kind of manly exercise, Boris had quickly acquired no little skill in the use of his somewhat clumsy but formidable Russian weapon.

undergo or live through a difficult experience

From this reading The experience of two months ago, when he had last been called upon to defend his life against some of these very men, had not been lost upon Boris.

a person who pleads for a cause or propounds an idea

From this reading He had not failed to put this good resolution into practice, and had assiduously worked at his fencing daily with an exponent of the art, a German named Schmidt, under whose skilful tuition, and with his natural aptitude for every kind of manly exercise, Boris had quickly acquired no little skill in the use of his somewhat clumsy but formidable Russian weapon.

past form of “fail” — fail to do something; leave something undone

From this reading He had not failed to put this good resolution into practice, and had assiduously worked at his fencing daily with an exponent of the art, a German named Schmidt, under whose skilful tuition, and with his natural aptitude for every kind of manly exercise, Boris had quickly acquired no little skill in the use of his somewhat clumsy but formidable Russian weapon.

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

From this reading True, his antagonists had shown that their knowledge of the science was not greater than his own; but nevertheless Boris had made a mental note of his incapacity, and had registered at the same time a vow to make the science of the sword his principal study until he should have gained at least a fair degree of proficiency.

a barrier that serves to enclose an area

From this reading He had not failed to put this good resolution into practice, and had assiduously worked at his fencing daily with an exponent of the art, a German named Schmidt, under whose skilful tuition, and with his natural aptitude for every kind of manly exercise, Boris had quickly acquired no little skill in the use of his somewhat clumsy but formidable Russian weapon.

preceding all others in time or space or degree

From this reading At the first onset, the Tsar was surprised and delighted to observe that Boris was more than a match for his opponent.

intended to be given to, or used by, somebody

From this reading He had then realized that he was but a poor swordsman, and that he was indebted more to his superior agility and strength than to his skill for his safety on that occasion.

extremely impressive in strength or excellence

From this reading He had not failed to put this good resolution into practice, and had assiduously worked at his fencing daily with an exponent of the art, a German named Schmidt, under whose skilful tuition, and with his natural aptitude for every kind of manly exercise, Boris had quickly acquired no little skill in the use of his somewhat clumsy but formidable Russian weapon.

past form of “gain” — obtain

From this reading True, his antagonists had shown that their knowledge of the science was not greater than his own; but nevertheless Boris had made a mental note of his incapacity, and had registered at the same time a vow to make the science of the sword his principal study until he should have gained at least a fair degree of proficiency.

a person of German nationality

From this reading He had not failed to put this good resolution into practice, and had assiduously worked at his fencing daily with an exponent of the art, a German named Schmidt, under whose skilful tuition, and with his natural aptitude for every kind of manly exercise, Boris had quickly acquired no little skill in the use of his somewhat clumsy but formidable Russian weapon.

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

From this reading He had not failed to put this good resolution into practice, and had assiduously worked at his fencing daily with an exponent of the art, a German named Schmidt, under whose skilful tuition, and with his natural aptitude for every kind of manly exercise, Boris had quickly acquired no little skill in the use of his somewhat clumsy but formidable Russian weapon.

greater in size or importance or degree

From this reading True, his antagonists had shown that their knowledge of the science was not greater than his own; but nevertheless Boris had made a mental note of his incapacity, and had registered at the same time a vow to make the science of the sword his principal study until he should have gained at least a fair degree of proficiency.

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

From this reading The experience of two months ago, when he had last been called upon to defend his life against some of these very men, had not been lost upon Boris.

used with a past participle to form the perfect tenses

From this reading True, his antagonists had shown that their knowledge of the science was not greater than his own; but nevertheless Boris had made a mental note of his incapacity, and had registered at the same time a vow to make the science of the sword his principal study until he should have gained at least a fair degree of proficiency.

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

From this reading The experience of two months ago, when he had last been called upon to defend his life against some of these very men, had not been lost upon Boris.

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

From this reading The experience of two months ago, when he had last been called upon to defend his life against some of these very men, had not been lost upon Boris.

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

From this reading He had not failed to put this good resolution into practice, and had assiduously worked at his fencing daily with an exponent of the art, a German named Schmidt, under whose skilful tuition, and with his natural aptitude for every kind of manly exercise, Boris had quickly acquired no little skill in the use of his somewhat clumsy but formidable Russian weapon.

lack of intellectual power

From this reading True, his antagonists had shown that their knowledge of the science was not greater than his own; but nevertheless Boris had made a mental note of his incapacity, and had registered at the same time a vow to make the science of the sword his principal study until he should have gained at least a fair degree of proficiency.

owing gratitude or recognition to another for help or favors etc

From this reading He had then realized that he was but a poor swordsman, and that he was indebted more to his superior agility and strength than to his skill for his safety on that occasion.

moving to the inside of something

From this reading He had not failed to put this good resolution into practice, and had assiduously worked at his fencing daily with an exponent of the art, a German named Schmidt, under whose skilful tuition, and with his natural aptitude for every kind of manly exercise, Boris had quickly acquired no little skill in the use of his somewhat clumsy but formidable Russian weapon.

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

From this reading He had not failed to put this good resolution into practice, and had assiduously worked at his fencing daily with an exponent of the art, a German named Schmidt, under whose skilful tuition, and with his natural aptitude for every kind of manly exercise, Boris had quickly acquired no little skill in the use of his somewhat clumsy but formidable Russian weapon.

the psychological result of perception and learning and reasoning

From this reading True, his antagonists had shown that their knowledge of the science was not greater than his own; but nevertheless Boris had made a mental note of his incapacity, and had registered at the same time a vow to make the science of the sword his principal study until he should have gained at least a fair degree of proficiency.

immediately past

From this reading The experience of two months ago, when he had last been called upon to defend his life against some of these very men, had not been lost upon Boris.

the superlative of “little” that can be used with mass nouns and is usually preceded by “the”; a quantifier meaning smallest in amount or extent or degree

From this reading True, his antagonists had shown that their knowledge of the science was not greater than his own; but nevertheless Boris had made a mental note of his incapacity, and had registered at the same time a vow to make the science of the sword his principal study until he should have gained at least a fair degree of proficiency.

a characteristic state or mode of living

From this reading The experience of two months ago, when he had last been called upon to defend his life against some of these very men, had not been lost upon Boris.

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

From this reading He had not failed to put this good resolution into practice, and had assiduously worked at his fencing daily with an exponent of the art, a German named Schmidt, under whose skilful tuition, and with his natural aptitude for every kind of manly exercise, Boris had quickly acquired no little skill in the use of his somewhat clumsy but formidable Russian weapon.

no longer in your possession or control; unable to be found or recovered

From this reading The experience of two months ago, when he had last been called upon to defend his life against some of these very men, had not been lost upon Boris.

produced by a manufacturing process

From this reading True, his antagonists had shown that their knowledge of the science was not greater than his own; but nevertheless Boris had made a mental note of his incapacity, and had registered at the same time a vow to make the science of the sword his principal study until he should have gained at least a fair degree of proficiency.

engage in

From this reading True, his antagonists had shown that their knowledge of the science was not greater than his own; but nevertheless Boris had made a mental note of his incapacity, and had registered at the same time a vow to make the science of the sword his principal study until he should have gained at least a fair degree of proficiency.

possessing qualities befitting a man

From this reading He had not failed to put this good resolution into practice, and had assiduously worked at his fencing daily with an exponent of the art, a German named Schmidt, under whose skilful tuition, and with his natural aptitude for every kind of manly exercise, Boris had quickly acquired no little skill in the use of his somewhat clumsy but formidable Russian weapon.

be compatible, similar or consistent; coincide in their characteristics

From this reading At the first onset, the Tsar was surprised and delighted to observe that Boris was more than a match for his opponent.

the force of workers available

From this reading The experience of two months ago, when he had last been called upon to defend his life against some of these very men, had not been lost upon Boris.

involving the mind or an intellectual process

From this reading True, his antagonists had shown that their knowledge of the science was not greater than his own; but nevertheless Boris had made a mental note of his incapacity, and had registered at the same time a vow to make the science of the sword his principal study until he should have gained at least a fair degree of proficiency.

plural of “month” — one of the twelve divisions of the calendar year

From this reading The experience of two months ago, when he had last been called upon to defend his life against some of these very men, had not been lost upon Boris.

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

From this reading He had then realized that he was but a poor swordsman, and that he was indebted more to his superior agility and strength than to his skill for his safety on that occasion.

past form of “name” — assign a specified (usually proper) proper name to

From this reading He had not failed to put this good resolution into practice, and had assiduously worked at his fencing daily with an exponent of the art, a German named Schmidt, under whose skilful tuition, and with his natural aptitude for every kind of manly exercise, Boris had quickly acquired no little skill in the use of his somewhat clumsy but formidable Russian weapon.

in accordance with nature; relating to or concerning nature

From this reading He had not failed to put this good resolution into practice, and had assiduously worked at his fencing daily with an exponent of the art, a German named Schmidt, under whose skilful tuition, and with his natural aptitude for every kind of manly exercise, Boris had quickly acquired no little skill in the use of his somewhat clumsy but formidable Russian weapon.

in spite of what has just been said

From this reading True, his antagonists had shown that their knowledge of the science was not greater than his own; but nevertheless Boris had made a mental note of his incapacity, and had registered at the same time a vow to make the science of the sword his principal study until he should have gained at least a fair degree of proficiency.

not any; not one

From this reading He had not failed to put this good resolution into practice, and had assiduously worked at his fencing daily with an exponent of the art, a German named Schmidt, under whose skilful tuition, and with his natural aptitude for every kind of manly exercise, Boris had quickly acquired no little skill in the use of his somewhat clumsy but formidable Russian weapon.

used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative

From this reading The experience of two months ago, when he had last been called upon to defend his life against some of these very men, had not been lost upon Boris.

a brief written record

From this reading True, his antagonists had shown that their knowledge of the science was not greater than his own; but nevertheless Boris had made a mental note of his incapacity, and had registered at the same time a vow to make the science of the sword his principal study until he should have gained at least a fair degree of proficiency.

discover or determine the existence, presence, or fact of

From this reading At the first onset, the Tsar was surprised and delighted to observe that Boris was more than a match for his opponent.

an event that occurs at a critical time

From this reading He had then realized that he was but a poor swordsman, and that he was indebted more to his superior agility and strength than to his skill for his safety on that occasion.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading The experience of two months ago, when he had last been called upon to defend his life against some of these very men, had not been lost upon Boris.

touching and supported by a surface

From this reading He had then realized that he was but a poor swordsman, and that he was indebted more to his superior agility and strength than to his skill for his safety on that occasion.

the beginning or early stages

From this reading At the first onset, the Tsar was surprised and delighted to observe that Boris was more than a match for his opponent.

a contestant that you are matched against

From this reading At the first onset, the Tsar was surprised and delighted to observe that Boris was more than a match for his opponent.

have ownership or possession of

From this reading True, his antagonists had shown that their knowledge of the science was not greater than his own; but nevertheless Boris had made a mental note of his incapacity, and had registered at the same time a vow to make the science of the sword his principal study until he should have gained at least a fair degree of proficiency.

deserving or inciting pity

From this reading He had then realized that he was but a poor swordsman, and that he was indebted more to his superior agility and strength than to his skill for his safety on that occasion.

a customary way of operation or behavior

From this reading He had not failed to put this good resolution into practice, and had assiduously worked at his fencing daily with an exponent of the art, a German named Schmidt, under whose skilful tuition, and with his natural aptitude for every kind of manly exercise, Boris had quickly acquired no little skill in the use of his somewhat clumsy but formidable Russian weapon.

the original amount of a debt on which interest is calculated

From this reading True, his antagonists had shown that their knowledge of the science was not greater than his own; but nevertheless Boris had made a mental note of his incapacity, and had registered at the same time a vow to make the science of the sword his principal study until he should have gained at least a fair degree of proficiency.

the quality of having great facility and competence

From this reading True, his antagonists had shown that their knowledge of the science was not greater than his own; but nevertheless Boris had made a mental note of his incapacity, and had registered at the same time a vow to make the science of the sword his principal study until he should have gained at least a fair degree of proficiency.

put into a certain place or abstract location

From this reading He had not failed to put this good resolution into practice, and had assiduously worked at his fencing daily with an exponent of the art, a German named Schmidt, under whose skilful tuition, and with his natural aptitude for every kind of manly exercise, Boris had quickly acquired no little skill in the use of his somewhat clumsy but formidable Russian weapon.

with speed

From this reading He had not failed to put this good resolution into practice, and had assiduously worked at his fencing daily with an exponent of the art, a German named Schmidt, under whose skilful tuition, and with his natural aptitude for every kind of manly exercise, Boris had quickly acquired no little skill in the use of his somewhat clumsy but formidable Russian weapon.

successfully completed or brought to an end

From this reading He had then realized that he was but a poor swordsman, and that he was indebted more to his superior agility and strength than to his skill for his safety on that occasion.

(of animals) officially recorded with or certified by a recognized breed association; especially in a stud book

From this reading True, his antagonists had shown that their knowledge of the science was not greater than his own; but nevertheless Boris had made a mental note of his incapacity, and had registered at the same time a vow to make the science of the sword his principal study until he should have gained at least a fair degree of proficiency.

a formal expression by a meeting; agreed to by a vote

From this reading He had not failed to put this good resolution into practice, and had assiduously worked at his fencing daily with an exponent of the art, a German named Schmidt, under whose skilful tuition, and with his natural aptitude for every kind of manly exercise, Boris had quickly acquired no little skill in the use of his somewhat clumsy but formidable Russian weapon.

a native or inhabitant of Russia

From this reading He had not failed to put this good resolution into practice, and had assiduously worked at his fencing daily with an exponent of the art, a German named Schmidt, under whose skilful tuition, and with his natural aptitude for every kind of manly exercise, Boris had quickly acquired no little skill in the use of his somewhat clumsy but formidable Russian weapon.

the state of being certain that adverse effects will not be caused by some agent under defined conditions

From this reading He had then realized that he was but a poor swordsman, and that he was indebted more to his superior agility and strength than to his skill for his safety on that occasion.

Identical; not different.

From this reading True, his antagonists had shown that their knowledge of the science was not greater than his own; but nevertheless Boris had made a mental note of his incapacity, and had registered at the same time a vow to make the science of the sword his principal study until he should have gained at least a fair degree of proficiency.

German statesman who served as chancellor of Germany (born in 1918)

From this reading He had not failed to put this good resolution into practice, and had assiduously worked at his fencing daily with an exponent of the art, a German named Schmidt, under whose skilful tuition, and with his natural aptitude for every kind of manly exercise, Boris had quickly acquired no little skill in the use of his somewhat clumsy but formidable Russian weapon.

a particular branch of scientific knowledge

From this reading True, his antagonists had shown that their knowledge of the science was not greater than his own; but nevertheless Boris had made a mental note of his incapacity, and had registered at the same time a vow to make the science of the sword his principal study until he should have gained at least a fair degree of proficiency.

used to say what is right, expected, or advisable

From this reading True, his antagonists had shown that their knowledge of the science was not greater than his own; but nevertheless Boris had made a mental note of his incapacity, and had registered at the same time a vow to make the science of the sword his principal study until he should have gained at least a fair degree of proficiency.

inflected form of “show” — give an exhibition of to an interested audience

From this reading True, his antagonists had shown that their knowledge of the science was not greater than his own; but nevertheless Boris had made a mental note of his incapacity, and had registered at the same time a vow to make the science of the sword his principal study until he should have gained at least a fair degree of proficiency.

having or showing knowledge and skill and aptitude

From this reading He had not failed to put this good resolution into practice, and had assiduously worked at his fencing daily with an exponent of the art, a German named Schmidt, under whose skilful tuition, and with his natural aptitude for every kind of manly exercise, Boris had quickly acquired no little skill in the use of his somewhat clumsy but formidable Russian weapon.

an ability that has been acquired by training

From this reading He had then realized that he was but a poor swordsman, and that he was indebted more to his superior agility and strength than to his skill for his safety on that occasion.

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

From this reading The experience of two months ago, when he had last been called upon to defend his life against some of these very men, had not been lost upon Boris.

to a small degree or extent

From this reading He had not failed to put this good resolution into practice, and had assiduously worked at his fencing daily with an exponent of the art, a German named Schmidt, under whose skilful tuition, and with his natural aptitude for every kind of manly exercise, Boris had quickly acquired no little skill in the use of his somewhat clumsy but formidable Russian weapon.

the property of being physically or mentally strong

From this reading He had then realized that he was but a poor swordsman, and that he was indebted more to his superior agility and strength than to his skill for his safety on that occasion.

a detailed critical inspection

From this reading True, his antagonists had shown that their knowledge of the science was not greater than his own; but nevertheless Boris had made a mental note of his incapacity, and had registered at the same time a vow to make the science of the sword his principal study until he should have gained at least a fair degree of proficiency.

of high or superior quality or performance

From this reading He had then realized that he was but a poor swordsman, and that he was indebted more to his superior agility and strength than to his skill for his safety on that occasion.

taken unawares or suddenly and feeling wonder or astonishment

From this reading At the first onset, the Tsar was surprised and delighted to observe that Boris was more than a match for his opponent.

a cutting or thrusting weapon that has a long metal blade and a hilt with a hand guard

From this reading True, his antagonists had shown that their knowledge of the science was not greater than his own; but nevertheless Boris had made a mental note of his incapacity, and had registered at the same time a vow to make the science of the sword his principal study until he should have gained at least a fair degree of proficiency.

someone skilled at fencing

From this reading He had then realized that he was but a poor swordsman, and that he was indebted more to his superior agility and strength than to his skill for his safety on that occasion.

used to introduce the second part of a comparison

From this reading He had then realized that he was but a poor swordsman, and that he was indebted more to his superior agility and strength than to his skill for his safety on that occasion.

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading He had then realized that he was but a poor swordsman, and that he was indebted more to his superior agility and strength than to his skill for his safety on that occasion.

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

From this reading The experience of two months ago, when he had last been called upon to defend his life against some of these very men, had not been lost upon Boris.

belonging to the people or things already mentioned

From this reading True, his antagonists had shown that their knowledge of the science was not greater than his own; but nevertheless Boris had made a mental note of his incapacity, and had registered at the same time a vow to make the science of the sword his principal study until he should have gained at least a fair degree of proficiency.

subsequently or soon afterward (often used as sentence connectors)

From this reading He had then realized that he was but a poor swordsman, and that he was indebted more to his superior agility and strength than to his skill for his safety on that occasion.

the plural of “this”: the people or things near, or just mentioned

From this reading The experience of two months ago, when he had last been called upon to defend his life against some of these very men, had not been lost upon Boris.

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

From this reading He had not failed to put this good resolution into practice, and had assiduously worked at his fencing daily with an exponent of the art, a German named Schmidt, under whose skilful tuition, and with his natural aptitude for every kind of manly exercise, Boris had quickly acquired no little skill in the use of his somewhat clumsy but formidable Russian weapon.

an instance or single occasion for some event

From this reading True, his antagonists had shown that their knowledge of the science was not greater than his own; but nevertheless Boris had made a mental note of his incapacity, and had registered at the same time a vow to make the science of the sword his principal study until he should have gained at least a fair degree of proficiency.

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

From this reading The experience of two months ago, when he had last been called upon to defend his life against some of these very men, had not been lost upon Boris.

consistent with fact or reality; not false

From this reading True, his antagonists had shown that their knowledge of the science was not greater than his own; but nevertheless Boris had made a mental note of his incapacity, and had registered at the same time a vow to make the science of the sword his principal study until he should have gained at least a fair degree of proficiency.

a male monarch or emperor (especially of Russia prior to 1917)

From this reading At the first onset, the Tsar was surprised and delighted to observe that Boris was more than a match for his opponent.

a fee paid for instruction (especially for higher education)

From this reading He had not failed to put this good resolution into practice, and had assiduously worked at his fencing daily with an exponent of the art, a German named Schmidt, under whose skilful tuition, and with his natural aptitude for every kind of manly exercise, Boris had quickly acquired no little skill in the use of his somewhat clumsy but formidable Russian weapon.

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

From this reading The experience of two months ago, when he had last been called upon to defend his life against some of these very men, had not been lost upon Boris.

below or beneath something; less than

From this reading He had not failed to put this good resolution into practice, and had assiduously worked at his fencing daily with an exponent of the art, a German named Schmidt, under whose skilful tuition, and with his natural aptitude for every kind of manly exercise, Boris had quickly acquired no little skill in the use of his somewhat clumsy but formidable Russian weapon.

up to a particular time

From this reading True, his antagonists had shown that their knowledge of the science was not greater than his own; but nevertheless Boris had made a mental note of his incapacity, and had registered at the same time a vow to make the science of the sword his principal study until he should have gained at least a fair degree of proficiency.

a formal word for “on”

From this reading The experience of two months ago, when he had last been called upon to defend his life against some of these very men, had not been lost upon Boris.

the act of using

From this reading He had not failed to put this good resolution into practice, and had assiduously worked at his fencing daily with an exponent of the art, a German named Schmidt, under whose skilful tuition, and with his natural aptitude for every kind of manly exercise, Boris had quickly acquired no little skill in the use of his somewhat clumsy but formidable Russian weapon.

precisely as stated

From this reading The experience of two months ago, when he had last been called upon to defend his life against some of these very men, had not been lost upon Boris.

make a vow; promise

From this reading True, his antagonists had shown that their knowledge of the science was not greater than his own; but nevertheless Boris had made a mental note of his incapacity, and had registered at the same time a vow to make the science of the sword his principal study until he should have gained at least a fair degree of proficiency.

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

From this reading He had then realized that he was but a poor swordsman, and that he was indebted more to his superior agility and strength than to his skill for his safety on that occasion.

any instrument or instrumentality used in fighting or hunting

From this reading He had not failed to put this good resolution into practice, and had assiduously worked at his fencing daily with an exponent of the art, a German named Schmidt, under whose skilful tuition, and with his natural aptitude for every kind of manly exercise, Boris had quickly acquired no little skill in the use of his somewhat clumsy but formidable Russian weapon.

at the time that

From this reading The experience of two months ago, when he had last been called upon to defend his life against some of these very men, had not been lost upon Boris.

belonging to which person

From this reading He had not failed to put this good resolution into practice, and had assiduously worked at his fencing daily with an exponent of the art, a German named Schmidt, under whose skilful tuition, and with his natural aptitude for every kind of manly exercise, Boris had quickly acquired no little skill in the use of his somewhat clumsy but formidable Russian weapon.

in the company of; together with

From this reading He had not failed to put this good resolution into practice, and had assiduously worked at his fencing daily with an exponent of the art, a German named Schmidt, under whose skilful tuition, and with his natural aptitude for every kind of manly exercise, Boris had quickly acquired no little skill in the use of his somewhat clumsy but formidable Russian weapon.

past form of “work” — exert oneself by doing mental or physical work for a purpose or out of necessity

From this reading He had not failed to put this good resolution into practice, and had assiduously worked at his fencing daily with an exponent of the art, a German named Schmidt, under whose skilful tuition, and with his natural aptitude for every kind of manly exercise, Boris had quickly acquired no little skill in the use of his somewhat clumsy but formidable Russian weapon.