1764
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading In 1764 and 1765 it should seem that Dr. Johnson was so busily employed with his edition of Shakspeare, as to have had little leisure for any other literary exertion, or, indeed, even for private correspondence.
1765
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading In 1764 and 1765 it should seem that Dr. Johnson was so busily employed with his edition of Shakspeare, as to have had little leisure for any other literary exertion, or, indeed, even for private correspondence.
adeterminerUS /ə/
used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading In the October of this year he at length gave to the world his edition of Shakspeare, which, if it had no other merit but that of producing his Preface, in which the excellencies and defects of that immortal bard are displayed with a masterly hand, the nation would have had no reason to complain.
afterwardsadverbUS /ˈæftərwərdz/
happening at a time subsequent to a reference time
From this reading He did not favour me with a single letter for more than two years, for which it will appear that he afterwards apologised.
alladjectiveUS /ɔːl/
(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 He was, however, at all times ready to give assistance to his friends, and others, in revising their works, and in writing for them, or greatly improving their Dedications.
andconjunctionUS /ənd/
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading In the October of this year he at length gave to the world his edition of Shakspeare, which, if it had no other merit but that of producing his Preface, in which the excellencies and defects of that immortal bard are displayed with a masterly hand, the nation would have had no reason to complain.
anyadjectiveUS /ˈeni/
one or some or every or all without specification
From this reading In 1764 and 1765 it should seem that Dr. Johnson was so busily employed with his edition of Shakspeare, as to have had little leisure for any other literary exertion, or, indeed, even for private correspondence.
apologisedverbUS /əˈpɑːlədʒaɪzd/
past form of “apologise” — defend, explain, clear away, or make excuses for by reasoning
From this reading He did not favour me with a single letter for more than two years, for which it will appear that he afterwards apologised.
appearverbUS /əˈpɪr/
give a certain impression or have a certain outward aspect
From this reading He did not favour me with a single letter for more than two years, for which it will appear that he afterwards apologised.
areauxiliary verbUS /ɑːr/
the form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun
From this reading In the October of this year he at length gave to the world his edition of Shakspeare, which, if it had no other merit but that of producing his Preface, in which the excellencies and defects of that immortal bard are displayed with a masterly hand, the nation would have had no reason to complain.
asconjunctionUS /æz/
at the same time that; because; in the way that
From this reading In 1764 and 1765 it should seem that Dr. Johnson was so busily employed with his edition of Shakspeare, as to have had little leisure for any other literary exertion, or, indeed, even for private correspondence.
assistancenounUS /əˈsɪstəns/
the activity of contributing to the fulfillment of a need or furtherance of an effort or purpose
From this reading He was, however, at all times ready to give assistance to his friends, and others, in revising their works, and in writing for them, or greatly improving their Dedications.
atprepositionUS /æt/
in or near a particular place or position
From this reading In the October of this year he at length gave to the world his edition of Shakspeare, which, if it had no other merit but that of producing his Preface, in which the excellencies and defects of that immortal bard are displayed with a masterly hand, the nation would have had no reason to complain.
bardnounUS /bɑːrd/
a lyric poet
From this reading In the October of this year he at length gave to the world his edition of Shakspeare, which, if it had no other merit but that of producing his Preface, in which the excellencies and defects of that immortal bard are displayed with a masterly hand, the nation would have had no reason to complain.
busilyadverbUS /ˈbɪzəli/
in a busy manner
From this reading In 1764 and 1765 it should seem that Dr. Johnson was so busily employed with his edition of Shakspeare, as to have had little leisure for any other literary exertion, or, indeed, even for private correspondence.
butconjunctionUS /bʌt/
used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before
From this reading In the October of this year he at length gave to the world his edition of Shakspeare, which, if it had no other merit but that of producing his Preface, in which the excellencies and defects of that immortal bard are displayed with a masterly hand, the nation would have had no reason to complain.
complainverbUS /kəmˈpleɪn/
express complaints, discontent, displeasure, or unhappiness
From this reading In the October of this year he at length gave to the world his edition of Shakspeare, which, if it had no other merit but that of producing his Preface, in which the excellencies and defects of that immortal bard are displayed with a masterly hand, the nation would have had no reason to complain.
compositionnounUS /ˌkɑːmpəˈzɪʃən/
the spatial property resulting from the arrangement of parts in relation to each other and to the whole
From this reading In that courtly species of composition no man excelled Dr. Johnson.
correspondencenounUS /ˌkɔːrəˈspɑːndəns/
communication by the exchange of letters
From this reading In 1764 and 1765 it should seem that Dr. Johnson was so busily employed with his edition of Shakspeare, as to have had little leisure for any other literary exertion, or, indeed, even for private correspondence.
courtlyadjectiveUS /ˈkɔːrtli/
refined or imposing in manner or appearance; befitting a royal court
From this reading In that courtly species of composition no man excelled Dr. Johnson.
Dedications
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading He was, however, at all times ready to give assistance to his friends, and others, in revising their works, and in writing for them, or greatly improving their Dedications.
defectsnounUS /ˈdiːfekts/
plural of “defect” — an imperfection in a bodily system
From this reading In the October of this year he at length gave to the world his edition of Shakspeare, which, if it had no other merit but that of producing his Preface, in which the excellencies and defects of that immortal bard are displayed with a masterly hand, the nation would have had no reason to complain.
didauxiliary verbUS /dɪd/
the past form of “do”, used in questions and negatives
From this reading He did not favour me with a single letter for more than two years, for which it will appear that he afterwards apologised.
displayedverbUS /dɪˈspleɪd/
past form of “display” — to show, make visible or apparent
From this reading In the October of this year he at length gave to the world his edition of Shakspeare, which, if it had no other merit but that of producing his Preface, in which the excellencies and defects of that immortal bard are displayed with a masterly hand, the nation would have had no reason to complain.
Dr
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading In 1764 and 1765 it should seem that Dr. Johnson was so busily employed with his edition of Shakspeare, as to have had little leisure for any other literary exertion, or, indeed, even for private correspondence.
editionnounUS /əˈdɪʃən/
the form in which a text (especially a printed book) is published
From this reading In the October of this year he at length gave to the world his edition of Shakspeare, which, if it had no other merit but that of producing his Preface, in which the excellencies and defects of that immortal bard are displayed with a masterly hand, the nation would have had no reason to complain.
employedadjectiveUS /emˈplɔɪd/
having your services engaged for; or having a job especially one that pays wages or a salary
From this reading In 1764 and 1765 it should seem that Dr. Johnson was so busily employed with his edition of Shakspeare, as to have had little leisure for any other literary exertion, or, indeed, even for private correspondence.
evenadjectiveUS /ˈiːvɪn/
divisible by two
From this reading In 1764 and 1765 it should seem that Dr. Johnson was so busily employed with his edition of Shakspeare, as to have had little leisure for any other literary exertion, or, indeed, even for private correspondence.
excelledverbUS /ɪkˈseld/
inflected form of “excel” — distinguish oneself
From this reading In that courtly species of composition no man excelled Dr. Johnson.
excellenciesnounUS /ˈekˈslensiz/
plural of “excellency” — a title used to address dignitaries (such as ambassadors or governors); usually preceded by “Your” or “His” or “Her”
From this reading In the October of this year he at length gave to the world his edition of Shakspeare, which, if it had no other merit but that of producing his Preface, in which the excellencies and defects of that immortal bard are displayed with a masterly hand, the nation would have had no reason to complain.
exertionnounUS /ɪɡˈzɜːrʃən/
use of physical or mental energy; hard work
From this reading In 1764 and 1765 it should seem that Dr. Johnson was so busily employed with his edition of Shakspeare, as to have had little leisure for any other literary exertion, or, indeed, even for private correspondence.
favournounUS /ˈfeɪvər/
a feeling of favorable regard
From this reading He did not favour me with a single letter for more than two years, for which it will appear that he afterwards apologised.
forprepositionUS /fɔːr/
intended to be given to, or used by, somebody
From this reading In 1764 and 1765 it should seem that Dr. Johnson was so busily employed with his edition of Shakspeare, as to have had little leisure for any other literary exertion, or, indeed, even for private correspondence.
friendsnounUS /frendz/
plural of “friend” — a person you know well and regard with affection and trust
From this reading He was, however, at all times ready to give assistance to his friends, and others, in revising their works, and in writing for them, or greatly improving their Dedications.
gaveverbUS /ɡeɪv/
inflected form of “give” — cause to have, in the abstract sense or physical sense
From this reading In the October of this year he at length gave to the world his edition of Shakspeare, which, if it had no other merit but that of producing his Preface, in which the excellencies and defects of that immortal bard are displayed with a masterly hand, the nation would have had no reason to complain.
giveverbUS /ɡɪv/
cause to have, in the abstract sense or physical sense
From this reading He was, however, at all times ready to give assistance to his friends, and others, in revising their works, and in writing for them, or greatly improving their Dedications.
greatlyadverbUS /ˈɡreɪtli/
to an extraordinary extent or degree
From this reading He was, however, at all times ready to give assistance to his friends, and others, in revising their works, and in writing for them, or greatly improving their Dedications.
hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/
the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect
From this reading In the October of this year he at length gave to the world his edition of Shakspeare, which, if it had no other merit but that of producing his Preface, in which the excellencies and defects of that immortal bard are displayed with a masterly hand, the nation would have had no reason to complain.
handnounUS /hænd/
the (prehensile) extremity of the superior limb
From this reading In the October of this year he at length gave to the world his edition of Shakspeare, which, if it had no other merit but that of producing his Preface, in which the excellencies and defects of that immortal bard are displayed with a masterly hand, the nation would have had no reason to complain.
haveauxiliary verbUS /hæv/
used with a past participle to form the perfect tenses
From this reading In the October of this year he at length gave to the world his edition of Shakspeare, which, if it had no other merit but that of producing his Preface, in which the excellencies and defects of that immortal bard are displayed with a masterly hand, the nation would have had no reason to complain.
hepronounUS /hiː/
a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading In the October of this year he at length gave to the world his edition of Shakspeare, which, if it had no other merit but that of producing his Preface, in which the excellencies and defects of that immortal bard are displayed with a masterly hand, the nation would have had no reason to complain.
hisdeterminerUS /hɪz/
belonging to a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned
From this reading In the October of this year he at length gave to the world his edition of Shakspeare, which, if it had no other merit but that of producing his Preface, in which the excellencies and defects of that immortal bard are displayed with a masterly hand, the nation would have had no reason to complain.
howeveradverbUS /ˌhaʊˈevər/
used to add a contrasting statement
From this reading He was, however, at all times ready to give assistance to his friends, and others, in revising their works, and in writing for them, or greatly improving their Dedications.
ifconjunctionUS /ɪf/
on condition that; in the event that
From this reading In the October of this year he at length gave to the world his edition of Shakspeare, which, if it had no other merit but that of producing his Preface, in which the excellencies and defects of that immortal bard are displayed with a masterly hand, the nation would have had no reason to complain.
immortaladjUS /ɪˈmɔːr.t̬əl/
Living forever; never dying or decaying. (Bất tử, trường tồn vĩnh cửu.)
From this reading In the October of this year he at length gave to the world his edition of Shakspeare, which, if it had no other merit but that of producing his Preface, in which the excellencies and defects of that immortal bard are displayed with a masterly hand, the nation would have had no reason to complain.
improvingadjectiveUS /ˌɪmˈpruːvɪŋ/
getting higher or more vigorous
From this reading He was, however, at all times ready to give assistance to his friends, and others, in revising their works, and in writing for them, or greatly improving their Dedications.
InprepositionUS /ɪn/
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading In the October of this year he at length gave to the world his edition of Shakspeare, which, if it had no other merit but that of producing his Preface, in which the excellencies and defects of that immortal bard are displayed with a masterly hand, the nation would have had no reason to complain.
indeedadverbUS /ˌɪnˈdiːd/
in truth (often tends to intensify)
From this reading In 1764 and 1765 it should seem that Dr. Johnson was so busily employed with his edition of Shakspeare, as to have had little leisure for any other literary exertion, or, indeed, even for private correspondence.
itpronounUS /ɪt/
a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned
From this reading In the October of this year he at length gave to the world his edition of Shakspeare, which, if it had no other merit but that of producing his Preface, in which the excellencies and defects of that immortal bard are displayed with a masterly hand, the nation would have had no reason to complain.
JohnsonnounUS /ˈdʒɑːnsən/
English writer and lexicographer (1709-1784)
From this reading In 1764 and 1765 it should seem that Dr. Johnson was so busily employed with his edition of Shakspeare, as to have had little leisure for any other literary exertion, or, indeed, even for private correspondence.
leisurenounUS /ˈleʒər/
time available for ease and relaxation
From this reading In 1764 and 1765 it should seem that Dr. Johnson was so busily employed with his edition of Shakspeare, as to have had little leisure for any other literary exertion, or, indeed, even for private correspondence.
lengthnounUS /leŋkθ/
the linear extent in space from one end to the other; the longest dimension of something that is fixed in place
From this reading In the October of this year he at length gave to the world his edition of Shakspeare, which, if it had no other merit but that of producing his Preface, in which the excellencies and defects of that immortal bard are displayed with a masterly hand, the nation would have had no reason to complain.
letternounUS /ˈletər/
a written message addressed to a person or organization
From this reading He did not favour me with a single letter for more than two years, for which it will appear that he afterwards apologised.
literaryadjectiveUS /ˈlɪtəreri/
of or relating to or characteristic of literature
From this reading In 1764 and 1765 it should seem that Dr. Johnson was so busily employed with his edition of Shakspeare, as to have had little leisure for any other literary exertion, or, indeed, even for private correspondence.
littleadjectiveUS /ˈlɪtəl/
limited or below average in number or quantity or magnitude or extent
From this reading In 1764 and 1765 it should seem that Dr. Johnson was so busily employed with his edition of Shakspeare, as to have had little leisure for any other literary exertion, or, indeed, even for private correspondence.
mannounUS /mæn/
an adult person who is male (as opposed to a woman)
From this reading In that courtly species of composition no man excelled Dr. Johnson.
masterlyadjectiveUS /ˈmæstərli/
having or revealing supreme mastery or skill
From this reading In the October of this year he at length gave to the world his edition of Shakspeare, which, if it had no other merit but that of producing his Preface, in which the excellencies and defects of that immortal bard are displayed with a masterly hand, the nation would have had no reason to complain.
mepronounUS /miː/
the person speaking, as the object of a verb or preposition
From this reading He did not favour me with a single letter for more than two years, for which it will appear that he afterwards apologised.
meritnounUS /ˈmerət/
any admirable quality or attribute
From this reading In the October of this year he at length gave to the world his edition of Shakspeare, which, if it had no other merit but that of producing his Preface, in which the excellencies and defects of that immortal bard are displayed with a masterly hand, the nation would have had no reason to complain.
moreadjectiveUS /mɔːr/
(comparative of “much” used with mass nouns) a quantifier meaning greater in size or amount or extent or degree
From this reading He did not favour me with a single letter for more than two years, for which it will appear that he afterwards apologised.
nationnounUS /ˈneɪʃən/
a politically organized body of people under a single government
From this reading In the October of this year he at length gave to the world his edition of Shakspeare, which, if it had no other merit but that of producing his Preface, in which the excellencies and defects of that immortal bard are displayed with a masterly hand, the nation would have had no reason to complain.
nodeterminerUS /noʊ/
not any; not one
From this reading In the October of this year he at length gave to the world his edition of Shakspeare, which, if it had no other merit but that of producing his Preface, in which the excellencies and defects of that immortal bard are displayed with a masterly hand, the nation would have had no reason to complain.
notadverbUS /nɑːt/
used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative
From this reading He did not favour me with a single letter for more than two years, for which it will appear that he afterwards apologised.
OctobernounUS /ɑːkˈtoʊbər/
the month following September and preceding November
From this reading In the October of this year he at length gave to the world his edition of Shakspeare, which, if it had no other merit but that of producing his Preface, in which the excellencies and defects of that immortal bard are displayed with a masterly hand, the nation would have had no reason to complain.
ofprepositionUS /ʌv/
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading In the October of this year he at length gave to the world his edition of Shakspeare, which, if it had no other merit but that of producing his Preface, in which the excellencies and defects of that immortal bard are displayed with a masterly hand, the nation would have had no reason to complain.
orconjunctionUS /ɔːr/
used to join alternatives or possibilities
From this reading In 1764 and 1765 it should seem that Dr. Johnson was so busily employed with his edition of Shakspeare, as to have had little leisure for any other literary exertion, or, indeed, even for private correspondence.
otheradjectiveUS /ˈʌðər/
not the same one or ones already mentioned or implied
From this reading In the October of this year he at length gave to the world his edition of Shakspeare, which, if it had no other merit but that of producing his Preface, in which the excellencies and defects of that immortal bard are displayed with a masterly hand, the nation would have had no reason to complain.
others
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading He was, however, at all times ready to give assistance to his friends, and others, in revising their works, and in writing for them, or greatly improving their Dedications.
PrefacenounUS /ˈprefəs/
a short introductory essay preceding the text of a book
From this reading In the October of this year he at length gave to the world his edition of Shakspeare, which, if it had no other merit but that of producing his Preface, in which the excellencies and defects of that immortal bard are displayed with a masterly hand, the nation would have had no reason to complain.
privateadjectiveUS /ˈpraɪvət/
confined to particular persons or groups or providing privacy
From this reading In 1764 and 1765 it should seem that Dr. Johnson was so busily employed with his edition of Shakspeare, as to have had little leisure for any other literary exertion, or, indeed, even for private correspondence.
producingverbUS /prəˈduːsɪŋ/
-ing form of “produce” — bring forth or yield
From this reading In the October of this year he at length gave to the world his edition of Shakspeare, which, if it had no other merit but that of producing his Preface, in which the excellencies and defects of that immortal bard are displayed with a masterly hand, the nation would have had no reason to complain.
readyadjectiveUS /ˈredi/
completely prepared or in condition for immediate action or use or progress
From this reading He was, however, at all times ready to give assistance to his friends, and others, in revising their works, and in writing for them, or greatly improving their Dedications.
reasonnounUS /ˈriːzən/
a rational motive for a belief or action
From this reading In the October of this year he at length gave to the world his edition of Shakspeare, which, if it had no other merit but that of producing his Preface, in which the excellencies and defects of that immortal bard are displayed with a masterly hand, the nation would have had no reason to complain.
revisingnounUS /rɪˈvaɪzɪŋ/
editing that involves writing something again
From this reading He was, however, at all times ready to give assistance to his friends, and others, in revising their works, and in writing for them, or greatly improving their Dedications.
seemverbUS /siːm/
give a certain impression or have a certain outward aspect
From this reading In 1764 and 1765 it should seem that Dr. Johnson was so busily employed with his edition of Shakspeare, as to have had little leisure for any other literary exertion, or, indeed, even for private correspondence.
Shakspeare
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading In the October of this year he at length gave to the world his edition of Shakspeare, which, if it had no other merit but that of producing his Preface, in which the excellencies and defects of that immortal bard are displayed with a masterly hand, the nation would have had no reason to complain.
shouldmodal verbUS /ʃʊd/
used to say what is right, expected, or advisable
From this reading In 1764 and 1765 it should seem that Dr. Johnson was so busily employed with his edition of Shakspeare, as to have had little leisure for any other literary exertion, or, indeed, even for private correspondence.
singleadjectiveUS /ˈsɪŋɡəl/
being or characteristic of a single thing or person
From this reading He did not favour me with a single letter for more than two years, for which it will appear that he afterwards apologised.
soconjunctionUS /soʊ/
for that reason; with the result that
From this reading In 1764 and 1765 it should seem that Dr. Johnson was so busily employed with his edition of Shakspeare, as to have had little leisure for any other literary exertion, or, indeed, even for private correspondence.
speciesnounUS /ˈspiːʃiz/
(biology) taxonomic group whose members can interbreed
From this reading In that courtly species of composition no man excelled Dr. Johnson.
thanconjunctionUS /ðæn/
used to introduce the second part of a comparison
From this reading He did not favour me with a single letter for more than two years, for which it will appear that he afterwards apologised.
thatconjunctionUS /ðæt/
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading In the October of this year he at length gave to the world his edition of Shakspeare, which, if it had no other merit but that of producing his Preface, in which the excellencies and defects of that immortal bard are displayed with a masterly hand, the nation would have had no reason to complain.
thedeterminerUS /ðə/
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading In the October of this year he at length gave to the world his edition of Shakspeare, which, if it had no other merit but that of producing his Preface, in which the excellencies and defects of that immortal bard are displayed with a masterly hand, the nation would have had no reason to complain.
theirdeterminerUS /ðer/
belonging to the people or things already mentioned
From this reading He was, however, at all times ready to give assistance to his friends, and others, in revising their works, and in writing for them, or greatly improving their Dedications.
thempronounUS /ðem/
the people or things already mentioned, as the object
From this reading He was, however, at all times ready to give assistance to his friends, and others, in revising their works, and in writing for them, or greatly improving their Dedications.
thisdeterminerUS /ðɪs/
used for a person or thing that is near, or that has just been mentioned
From this reading In the October of this year he at length gave to the world his edition of Shakspeare, which, if it had no other merit but that of producing his Preface, in which the excellencies and defects of that immortal bard are displayed with a masterly hand, the nation would have had no reason to complain.
timesnounUS /taɪmz/
a more or less definite period of time now or previously present
From this reading He was, however, at all times ready to give assistance to his friends, and others, in revising their works, and in writing for them, or greatly improving their Dedications.
toparticleUS /tuː/
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading In the October of this year he at length gave to the world his edition of Shakspeare, which, if it had no other merit but that of producing his Preface, in which the excellencies and defects of that immortal bard are displayed with a masterly hand, the nation would have had no reason to complain.
twonounUS /tuː/
the cardinal number that is the sum of one and one or a numeral representing this number
From this reading He did not favour me with a single letter for more than two years, for which it will appear that he afterwards apologised.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading In 1764 and 1765 it should seem that Dr. Johnson was so busily employed with his edition of Shakspeare, as to have had little leisure for any other literary exertion, or, indeed, even for private correspondence.
whichpronounUS /wɪtʃ/
used to introduce a clause giving more about a thing just mentioned
From this reading In the October of this year he at length gave to the world his edition of Shakspeare, which, if it had no other merit but that of producing his Preface, in which the excellencies and defects of that immortal bard are displayed with a masterly hand, the nation would have had no reason to complain.
willmodal verbUS /wɪl/
used to talk about the future, or about willingness
From this reading He did not favour me with a single letter for more than two years, for which it will appear that he afterwards apologised.
withprepositionUS /wɪð/
in the company of; together with
From this reading In the October of this year he at length gave to the world his edition of Shakspeare, which, if it had no other merit but that of producing his Preface, in which the excellencies and defects of that immortal bard are displayed with a masterly hand, the nation would have had no reason to complain.
worksnounUS /wɜːrks/
buildings for carrying on industrial labor
From this reading He was, however, at all times ready to give assistance to his friends, and others, in revising their works, and in writing for them, or greatly improving their Dedications.
worldnounUS /wɜːrld/
everything that exists anywhere
From this reading In the October of this year he at length gave to the world his edition of Shakspeare, which, if it had no other merit but that of producing his Preface, in which the excellencies and defects of that immortal bard are displayed with a masterly hand, the nation would have had no reason to complain.
wouldmodal verbUS /wʊd/
used for something imagined, polite, or habitual in the past
From this reading In the October of this year he at length gave to the world his edition of Shakspeare, which, if it had no other merit but that of producing his Preface, in which the excellencies and defects of that immortal bard are displayed with a masterly hand, the nation would have had no reason to complain.
writingnounUS /ˈraɪtɪŋ/
the act of creating written works
From this reading He was, however, at all times ready to give assistance to his friends, and others, in revising their works, and in writing for them, or greatly improving their Dedications.
yearnounUS /jɪr/
a period of time containing 365 (or 366) days
From this reading In the October of this year he at length gave to the world his edition of Shakspeare, which, if it had no other merit but that of producing his Preface, in which the excellencies and defects of that immortal bard are displayed with a masterly hand, the nation would have had no reason to complain.
yearsnounUS /jɪrz/
a late time of life
From this reading He did not favour me with a single letter for more than two years, for which it will appear that he afterwards apologised.
