Chapter XI · Chapter 11

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

From this reading CAIRO The exact manner in which mental stress will effect a man's physical health is often difficult to predict.

(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 "I have made it all right at the office, Rob," said Dr. Cairn.

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

From this reading It was indeed in a state between awaking and dreaming that Robert Cairn took counsel with his father--the latter more pale than was his wont and somewhat anxious-eyed--and determined upon an Egyptian rest-cure.

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

From this reading It was indeed in a state between awaking and dreaming that Robert Cairn took counsel with his father--the latter more pale than was his wont and somewhat anxious-eyed--and determined upon an Egyptian rest-cure.

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

From this reading It was indeed in a state between awaking and dreaming that Robert Cairn took counsel with his father--the latter more pale than was his wont and somewhat anxious-eyed--and determined upon an Egyptian rest-cure.

the act of putting a person into a non-elective position

From this reading Robert Cairn was in the pink of condition at the time that he left Oxford to take up his London appointment; but the tremendous nervous strain wrought upon him by this series of events wholly outside the radius of normal things had broken him up physically, where it might have left unscathed a more highly strung, though less physically vigorous man.

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

From this reading Those who have passed through a nerve storm such as this which had laid him low will know that convalescence seems like a welcome awakening from a dreadful dream.

in or near a particular place or position

From this reading Robert Cairn was in the pink of condition at the time that he left Oxford to take up his London appointment; but the tremendous nervous strain wrought upon him by this series of events wholly outside the radius of normal things had broken him up physically, where it might have left unscathed a more highly strung, though less physically vigorous man.

the act of waking

From this reading Those who have passed through a nerve storm such as this which had laid him low will know that convalescence seems like a welcome awakening from a dreadful dream.

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

From this reading It was indeed in a state between awaking and dreaming that Robert Cairn took counsel with his father--the latter more pale than was his wont and somewhat anxious-eyed--and determined upon an Egyptian rest-cure.

in the space, time, or range separating two things

From this reading It was indeed in a state between awaking and dreaming that Robert Cairn took counsel with his father--the latter more pale than was his wont and somewhat anxious-eyed--and determined upon an Egyptian rest-cure.

physically and forcibly separated into pieces or cracked or split

From this reading Robert Cairn was in the pink of condition at the time that he left Oxford to take up his London appointment; but the tremendous nervous strain wrought upon him by this series of events wholly outside the radius of normal things had broken him up physically, where it might have left unscathed a more highly strung, though less physically vigorous man.

used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before

From this reading Robert Cairn was in the pink of condition at the time that he left Oxford to take up his London appointment; but the tremendous nervous strain wrought upon him by this series of events wholly outside the radius of normal things had broken him up physically, where it might have left unscathed a more highly strung, though less physically vigorous man.

showing who or what does the action

From this reading Robert Cairn was in the pink of condition at the time that he left Oxford to take up his London appointment; but the tremendous nervous strain wrought upon him by this series of events wholly outside the radius of normal things had broken him up physically, where it might have left unscathed a more highly strung, though less physically vigorous man.

a mound of stones piled up as a memorial or to mark a boundary or path

From this reading Robert Cairn was in the pink of condition at the time that he left Oxford to take up his London appointment; but the tremendous nervous strain wrought upon him by this series of events wholly outside the radius of normal things had broken him up physically, where it might have left unscathed a more highly strung, though less physically vigorous man.

a town at the southern tip of Illinois at the confluence of the Ohio and Mississippi Rivers

From this reading CAIRO The exact manner in which mental stress will effect a man's physical health is often difficult to predict.

a state at a particular time

From this reading Robert Cairn was in the pink of condition at the time that he left Oxford to take up his London appointment; but the tremendous nervous strain wrought upon him by this series of events wholly outside the radius of normal things had broken him up physically, where it might have left unscathed a more highly strung, though less physically vigorous man.

gradual healing (through rest) after sickness or injury

From this reading Those who have passed through a nerve storm such as this which had laid him low will know that convalescence seems like a welcome awakening from a dreadful dream.

a lawyer who pleads cases in court

From this reading It was indeed in a state between awaking and dreaming that Robert Cairn took counsel with his father--the latter more pale than was his wont and somewhat anxious-eyed--and determined upon an Egyptian rest-cure.

characterized by great determination

From this reading It was indeed in a state between awaking and dreaming that Robert Cairn took counsel with his father--the latter more pale than was his wont and somewhat anxious-eyed--and determined upon an Egyptian rest-cure.

not easy; requiring great physical or mental effort to accomplish or comprehend or endure

From this reading CAIRO The exact manner in which mental stress will effect a man's physical health is often difficult to predict.

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

From this reading "I have made it all right at the office, Rob," said Dr. Cairn.

causing fear or dread or terror

From this reading Those who have passed through a nerve storm such as this which had laid him low will know that convalescence seems like a welcome awakening from a dreadful dream.

A series of thoughts, images, or emotions during sleep.

From this reading Those who have passed through a nerve storm such as this which had laid him low will know that convalescence seems like a welcome awakening from a dreadful dream.

imaginative thoughts indulged in while awake

From this reading It was indeed in a state between awaking and dreaming that Robert Cairn took counsel with his father--the latter more pale than was his wont and somewhat anxious-eyed--and determined upon an Egyptian rest-cure.

a phenomenon that follows and is caused by some previous phenomenon

From this reading CAIRO The exact manner in which mental stress will effect a man's physical health is often difficult to predict.

a native or inhabitant of Egypt

From this reading It was indeed in a state between awaking and dreaming that Robert Cairn took counsel with his father--the latter more pale than was his wont and somewhat anxious-eyed--and determined upon an Egyptian rest-cure.

plural of “event” — something that happens at a given place and time

From this reading Robert Cairn was in the pink of condition at the time that he left Oxford to take up his London appointment; but the tremendous nervous strain wrought upon him by this series of events wholly outside the radius of normal things had broken him up physically, where it might have left unscathed a more highly strung, though less physically vigorous man.

Strictly particular and correct.

From this reading CAIRO The exact manner in which mental stress will effect a man's physical health is often difficult to predict.

a male parent (also used as a term of address to your father)

From this reading It was indeed in a state between awaking and dreaming that Robert Cairn took counsel with his father--the latter more pale than was his wont and somewhat anxious-eyed--and determined upon an Egyptian rest-cure.

showing where something starts, or who sent it

From this reading Those who have passed through a nerve storm such as this which had laid him low will know that convalescence seems like a welcome awakening from a dreadful dream.

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

From this reading Robert Cairn was in the pink of condition at the time that he left Oxford to take up his London appointment; but the tremendous nervous strain wrought upon him by this series of events wholly outside the radius of normal things had broken him up physically, where it might have left unscathed a more highly strung, though less physically vigorous man.

used with a past participle to form the perfect tenses

From this reading Robert Cairn was in the pink of condition at the time that he left Oxford to take up his London appointment; but the tremendous nervous strain wrought upon him by this series of events wholly outside the radius of normal things had broken him up physically, where it might have left unscathed a more highly strung, though less physically vigorous man.

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

From this reading Robert Cairn was in the pink of condition at the time that he left Oxford to take up his London appointment; but the tremendous nervous strain wrought upon him by this series of events wholly outside the radius of normal things had broken him up physically, where it might have left unscathed a more highly strung, though less physically vigorous man.

a healthy state of wellbeing free from disease

From this reading CAIRO The exact manner in which mental stress will effect a man's physical health is often difficult to predict.

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

From this reading Robert Cairn was in the pink of condition at the time that he left Oxford to take up his London appointment; but the tremendous nervous strain wrought upon him by this series of events wholly outside the radius of normal things had broken him up physically, where it might have left unscathed a more highly strung, though less physically vigorous man.

the male already mentioned, as the object of a verb or preposition

From this reading Robert Cairn was in the pink of condition at the time that he left Oxford to take up his London appointment; but the tremendous nervous strain wrought upon him by this series of events wholly outside the radius of normal things had broken him up physically, where it might have left unscathed a more highly strung, though less physically vigorous man.

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

From this reading Robert Cairn was in the pink of condition at the time that he left Oxford to take up his London appointment; but the tremendous nervous strain wrought upon him by this series of events wholly outside the radius of normal things had broken him up physically, where it might have left unscathed a more highly strung, though less physically vigorous man.

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

From this reading "I have made it all right at the office, Rob," said Dr. Cairn.

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

From this reading CAIRO The exact manner in which mental stress will effect a man's physical health is often difficult to predict.

in truth (often tends to intensify)

From this reading It was indeed in a state between awaking and dreaming that Robert Cairn took counsel with his father--the latter more pale than was his wont and somewhat anxious-eyed--and determined upon an Egyptian rest-cure.

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

From this reading CAIRO The exact manner in which mental stress will effect a man's physical health is often difficult to predict.

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading Robert Cairn was in the pink of condition at the time that he left Oxford to take up his London appointment; but the tremendous nervous strain wrought upon him by this series of events wholly outside the radius of normal things had broken him up physically, where it might have left unscathed a more highly strung, though less physically vigorous man.

be cognizant or aware of a fact or a specific piece of information; possess knowledge or information about

From this reading Those who have passed through a nerve storm such as this which had laid him low will know that convalescence seems like a welcome awakening from a dreadful dream.

set down according to a plan

From this reading Those who have passed through a nerve storm such as this which had laid him low will know that convalescence seems like a welcome awakening from a dreadful dream.

referring to the second of two things or persons mentioned (or the last one or ones of several)

From this reading It was indeed in a state between awaking and dreaming that Robert Cairn took counsel with his father--the latter more pale than was his wont and somewhat anxious-eyed--and determined upon an Egyptian rest-cure.

location near or direction toward the left side; i.e. the side to the north when a person or object faces east

From this reading Robert Cairn was in the pink of condition at the time that he left Oxford to take up his London appointment; but the tremendous nervous strain wrought upon him by this series of events wholly outside the radius of normal things had broken him up physically, where it might have left unscathed a more highly strung, though less physically vigorous man.

used to form the comparative of some adjectives and adverbs

From this reading Robert Cairn was in the pink of condition at the time that he left Oxford to take up his London appointment; but the tremendous nervous strain wrought upon him by this series of events wholly outside the radius of normal things had broken him up physically, where it might have left unscathed a more highly strung, though less physically vigorous man.

prefer or wish to do something

From this reading Those who have passed through a nerve storm such as this which had laid him low will know that convalescence seems like a welcome awakening from a dreadful dream.

the capital and largest city of England; located on the Thames in southeastern England; financial and industrial and cultural center

From this reading Robert Cairn was in the pink of condition at the time that he left Oxford to take up his London appointment; but the tremendous nervous strain wrought upon him by this series of events wholly outside the radius of normal things had broken him up physically, where it might have left unscathed a more highly strung, though less physically vigorous man.

less than normal in degree or intensity or amount

From this reading Those who have passed through a nerve storm such as this which had laid him low will know that convalescence seems like a welcome awakening from a dreadful dream.

produced by a manufacturing process

From this reading "I have made it all right at the office, Rob," said Dr. Cairn.

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

From this reading Robert Cairn was in the pink of condition at the time that he left Oxford to take up his London appointment; but the tremendous nervous strain wrought upon him by this series of events wholly outside the radius of normal things had broken him up physically, where it might have left unscathed a more highly strung, though less physically vigorous man.

possessive form of “man” — an adult person who is male (as opposed to a woman)

From this reading CAIRO The exact manner in which mental stress will effect a man's physical health is often difficult to predict.

how something is done or how it happens

From this reading CAIRO The exact manner in which mental stress will effect a man's physical health is often difficult to predict.

involving the mind or an intellectual process

From this reading CAIRO The exact manner in which mental stress will effect a man's physical health is often difficult to predict.

used to say something is possible but not certain

From this reading Robert Cairn was in the pink of condition at the time that he left Oxford to take up his London appointment; but the tremendous nervous strain wrought upon him by this series of events wholly outside the radius of normal things had broken him up physically, where it might have left unscathed a more highly strung, though less physically vigorous man.

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

From this reading Robert Cairn was in the pink of condition at the time that he left Oxford to take up his London appointment; but the tremendous nervous strain wrought upon him by this series of events wholly outside the radius of normal things had broken him up physically, where it might have left unscathed a more highly strung, though less physically vigorous man.

any bundle of nerve fibers running to various organs and tissues of the body

From this reading Those who have passed through a nerve storm such as this which had laid him low will know that convalescence seems like a welcome awakening from a dreadful dream.

easily agitated

From this reading Robert Cairn was in the pink of condition at the time that he left Oxford to take up his London appointment; but the tremendous nervous strain wrought upon him by this series of events wholly outside the radius of normal things had broken him up physically, where it might have left unscathed a more highly strung, though less physically vigorous man.

conforming with or constituting a norm or standard or level or type or social norm; not abnormal

From this reading Robert Cairn was in the pink of condition at the time that he left Oxford to take up his London appointment; but the tremendous nervous strain wrought upon him by this series of events wholly outside the radius of normal things had broken him up physically, where it might have left unscathed a more highly strung, though less physically vigorous man.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading Robert Cairn was in the pink of condition at the time that he left Oxford to take up his London appointment; but the tremendous nervous strain wrought upon him by this series of events wholly outside the radius of normal things had broken him up physically, where it might have left unscathed a more highly strung, though less physically vigorous man.

place of business where professional or clerical duties are performed

From this reading "I have made it all right at the office, Rob," said Dr. Cairn.

many times at short intervals

From this reading CAIRO The exact manner in which mental stress will effect a man's physical health is often difficult to predict.

relating to or being on or near the outer side or limit

From this reading Robert Cairn was in the pink of condition at the time that he left Oxford to take up his London appointment; but the tremendous nervous strain wrought upon him by this series of events wholly outside the radius of normal things had broken him up physically, where it might have left unscathed a more highly strung, though less physically vigorous man.

a city in southern England to the northwest of London; site of Oxford University

From this reading Robert Cairn was in the pink of condition at the time that he left Oxford to take up his London appointment; but the tremendous nervous strain wrought upon him by this series of events wholly outside the radius of normal things had broken him up physically, where it might have left unscathed a more highly strung, though less physically vigorous man.

very light colored; highly diluted with white

From this reading It was indeed in a state between awaking and dreaming that Robert Cairn took counsel with his father--the latter more pale than was his wont and somewhat anxious-eyed--and determined upon an Egyptian rest-cure.

past form of “pass” — go across or through

From this reading Those who have passed through a nerve storm such as this which had laid him low will know that convalescence seems like a welcome awakening from a dreadful dream.

involving the body as distinguished from the mind or spirit

From this reading CAIRO The exact manner in which mental stress will effect a man's physical health is often difficult to predict.

in accord with physical laws

From this reading Robert Cairn was in the pink of condition at the time that he left Oxford to take up his London appointment; but the tremendous nervous strain wrought upon him by this series of events wholly outside the radius of normal things had broken him up physically, where it might have left unscathed a more highly strung, though less physically vigorous man.

a light shade of red

From this reading Robert Cairn was in the pink of condition at the time that he left Oxford to take up his London appointment; but the tremendous nervous strain wrought upon him by this series of events wholly outside the radius of normal things had broken him up physically, where it might have left unscathed a more highly strung, though less physically vigorous man.

make a prediction about; tell in advance

From this reading CAIRO The exact manner in which mental stress will effect a man's physical health is often difficult to predict.

the length of a line segment between the center and circumference of a circle or sphere

From this reading Robert Cairn was in the pink of condition at the time that he left Oxford to take up his London appointment; but the tremendous nervous strain wrought upon him by this series of events wholly outside the radius of normal things had broken him up physically, where it might have left unscathed a more highly strung, though less physically vigorous man.

rest as a medical treatment for stress or anxiety etc.

From this reading It was indeed in a state between awaking and dreaming that Robert Cairn took counsel with his father--the latter more pale than was his wont and somewhat anxious-eyed--and determined upon an Egyptian rest-cure.

precisely, exactly

From this reading "I have made it all right at the office, Rob," said Dr. Cairn.

take something away by force or without the consent of the owner

From this reading "I have made it all right at the office, Rob," said Dr. Cairn.

United States parliamentary authority and author (in 1876) of Robert's Rules of Order (1837-1923)

From this reading Robert Cairn was in the pink of condition at the time that he left Oxford to take up his London appointment; but the tremendous nervous strain wrought upon him by this series of events wholly outside the radius of normal things had broken him up physically, where it might have left unscathed a more highly strung, though less physically vigorous man.

being the one previously mentioned or spoken of

From this reading "I have made it all right at the office, Rob," said Dr. Cairn.

third-person singular of “seem” — give a certain impression or have a certain outward aspect

From this reading Those who have passed through a nerve storm such as this which had laid him low will know that convalescence seems like a welcome awakening from a dreadful dream.

similar things placed in order or happening one after another

From this reading Robert Cairn was in the pink of condition at the time that he left Oxford to take up his London appointment; but the tremendous nervous strain wrought upon him by this series of events wholly outside the radius of normal things had broken him up physically, where it might have left unscathed a more highly strung, though less physically vigorous man.

to a small degree or extent

From this reading It was indeed in a state between awaking and dreaming that Robert Cairn took counsel with his father--the latter more pale than was his wont and somewhat anxious-eyed--and determined upon an Egyptian rest-cure.

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

From this reading It was indeed in a state between awaking and dreaming that Robert Cairn took counsel with his father--the latter more pale than was his wont and somewhat anxious-eyed--and determined upon an Egyptian rest-cure.

behave violently, as if in state of a great anger

From this reading Those who have passed through a nerve storm such as this which had laid him low will know that convalescence seems like a welcome awakening from a dreadful dream.

(physics) deformation of a physical body under the action of applied forces

From this reading Robert Cairn was in the pink of condition at the time that he left Oxford to take up his London appointment; but the tremendous nervous strain wrought upon him by this series of events wholly outside the radius of normal things had broken him up physically, where it might have left unscathed a more highly strung, though less physically vigorous man.

the relative prominence of a syllable or musical note (especially with regard to stress or pitch)

From this reading CAIRO The exact manner in which mental stress will effect a man's physical health is often difficult to predict.

that is on a string

From this reading Robert Cairn was in the pink of condition at the time that he left Oxford to take up his London appointment; but the tremendous nervous strain wrought upon him by this series of events wholly outside the radius of normal things had broken him up physically, where it might have left unscathed a more highly strung, though less physically vigorous man.

of the kind already mentioned

From this reading Those who have passed through a nerve storm such as this which had laid him low will know that convalescence seems like a welcome awakening from a dreadful dream.

carry out

From this reading Robert Cairn was in the pink of condition at the time that he left Oxford to take up his London appointment; but the tremendous nervous strain wrought upon him by this series of events wholly outside the radius of normal things had broken him up physically, where it might have left unscathed a more highly strung, though less physically vigorous man.

used to introduce the second part of a comparison

From this reading It was indeed in a state between awaking and dreaming that Robert Cairn took counsel with his father--the latter more pale than was his wont and somewhat anxious-eyed--and determined upon an Egyptian rest-cure.

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading Robert Cairn was in the pink of condition at the time that he left Oxford to take up his London appointment; but the tremendous nervous strain wrought upon him by this series of events wholly outside the radius of normal things had broken him up physically, where it might have left unscathed a more highly strung, though less physically vigorous man.

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

From this reading CAIRO The exact manner in which mental stress will effect a man's physical health is often difficult to predict.

any movable possession (especially articles of clothing)

From this reading Robert Cairn was in the pink of condition at the time that he left Oxford to take up his London appointment; but the tremendous nervous strain wrought upon him by this series of events wholly outside the radius of normal things had broken him up physically, where it might have left unscathed a more highly strung, though less physically vigorous man.

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

From this reading Robert Cairn was in the pink of condition at the time that he left Oxford to take up his London appointment; but the tremendous nervous strain wrought upon him by this series of events wholly outside the radius of normal things had broken him up physically, where it might have left unscathed a more highly strung, though less physically vigorous man.

the plural of “that”: the people or things further away, or already known

From this reading Those who have passed through a nerve storm such as this which had laid him low will know that convalescence seems like a welcome awakening from a dreadful dream.

in spite of the fact that

From this reading Robert Cairn was in the pink of condition at the time that he left Oxford to take up his London appointment; but the tremendous nervous strain wrought upon him by this series of events wholly outside the radius of normal things had broken him up physically, where it might have left unscathed a more highly strung, though less physically vigorous man.

from one end or side of something to the other

From this reading Those who have passed through a nerve storm such as this which had laid him low will know that convalescence seems like a welcome awakening from a dreadful dream.

an instance or single occasion for some event

From this reading Robert Cairn was in the pink of condition at the time that he left Oxford to take up his London appointment; but the tremendous nervous strain wrought upon him by this series of events wholly outside the radius of normal things had broken him up physically, where it might have left unscathed a more highly strung, though less physically vigorous man.

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

From this reading CAIRO The exact manner in which mental stress will effect a man's physical health is often difficult to predict.

inflected form of “take” — carry out

From this reading It was indeed in a state between awaking and dreaming that Robert Cairn took counsel with his father--the latter more pale than was his wont and somewhat anxious-eyed--and determined upon an Egyptian rest-cure.

extraordinarily large in size or extent or amount or power or degree

From this reading Robert Cairn was in the pink of condition at the time that he left Oxford to take up his London appointment; but the tremendous nervous strain wrought upon him by this series of events wholly outside the radius of normal things had broken him up physically, where it might have left unscathed a more highly strung, though less physically vigorous man.

not injured or harmed

From this reading Robert Cairn was in the pink of condition at the time that he left Oxford to take up his London appointment; but the tremendous nervous strain wrought upon him by this series of events wholly outside the radius of normal things had broken him up physically, where it might have left unscathed a more highly strung, though less physically vigorous man.

being or moving higher in position or greater in some value; being above a former position or level

From this reading Robert Cairn was in the pink of condition at the time that he left Oxford to take up his London appointment; but the tremendous nervous strain wrought upon him by this series of events wholly outside the radius of normal things had broken him up physically, where it might have left unscathed a more highly strung, though less physically vigorous man.

a formal word for “on”

From this reading Robert Cairn was in the pink of condition at the time that he left Oxford to take up his London appointment; but the tremendous nervous strain wrought upon him by this series of events wholly outside the radius of normal things had broken him up physically, where it might have left unscathed a more highly strung, though less physically vigorous man.

characterized by forceful and energetic action or activity

From this reading Robert Cairn was in the pink of condition at the time that he left Oxford to take up his London appointment; but the tremendous nervous strain wrought upon him by this series of events wholly outside the radius of normal things had broken him up physically, where it might have left unscathed a more highly strung, though less physically vigorous man.

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

From this reading Robert Cairn was in the pink of condition at the time that he left Oxford to take up his London appointment; but the tremendous nervous strain wrought upon him by this series of events wholly outside the radius of normal things had broken him up physically, where it might have left unscathed a more highly strung, though less physically vigorous man.

accept gladly

From this reading Those who have passed through a nerve storm such as this which had laid him low will know that convalescence seems like a welcome awakening from a dreadful dream.

in or at the place that

From this reading Robert Cairn was in the pink of condition at the time that he left Oxford to take up his London appointment; but the tremendous nervous strain wrought upon him by this series of events wholly outside the radius of normal things had broken him up physically, where it might have left unscathed a more highly strung, though less physically vigorous man.

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

From this reading CAIRO The exact manner in which mental stress will effect a man's physical health is often difficult to predict.

which person or people

From this reading Those who have passed through a nerve storm such as this which had laid him low will know that convalescence seems like a welcome awakening from a dreadful dream.

to a complete degree or to the full or entire extent (“whole” is often used informally for “wholly”)

From this reading Robert Cairn was in the pink of condition at the time that he left Oxford to take up his London appointment; but the tremendous nervous strain wrought upon him by this series of events wholly outside the radius of normal things had broken him up physically, where it might have left unscathed a more highly strung, though less physically vigorous man.

used to talk about the future, or about willingness

From this reading CAIRO The exact manner in which mental stress will effect a man's physical health is often difficult to predict.

in the company of; together with

From this reading It was indeed in a state between awaking and dreaming that Robert Cairn took counsel with his father--the latter more pale than was his wont and somewhat anxious-eyed--and determined upon an Egyptian rest-cure.

an established custom

From this reading It was indeed in a state between awaking and dreaming that Robert Cairn took counsel with his father--the latter more pale than was his wont and somewhat anxious-eyed--and determined upon an Egyptian rest-cure.

shaped to fit by or as if by altering the contours of a pliable mass (as by work or effort)

From this reading Robert Cairn was in the pink of condition at the time that he left Oxford to take up his London appointment; but the tremendous nervous strain wrought upon him by this series of events wholly outside the radius of normal things had broken him up physically, where it might have left unscathed a more highly strung, though less physically vigorous man.