Chapter V · Chapter 5

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

From this reading In the sunshine, on a lower step of the stone stairway that leads up and through the shadow of a vaulted porch to the Hundred Men's Hall, or refectory, Brother Biscoe stood with a hand-bell and rang to dinner.

following the length of something from one end toward the other

From this reading The Brethren, however, loitered in groups before their doorways, along the west side of the quadrangle, awaiting a signal from the porter's lodge.

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

From this reading In the sunshine, on a lower step of the stone stairway that leads up and through the shadow of a vaulted porch to the Hundred Men's Hall, or refectory, Brother Biscoe stood with a hand-bell and rang to dinner.

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

From this reading Brother Biscoe was a charming old man to look upon; very frail and venerable, with a somewhat weak face; and as senior pensioner of the hospital he enjoyed the privilege of ringing to dinner on Gaudy Days--twenty-seven strokes, distinct and separately counted--one for each brother on the two foundations.

-ing form of “await” — look forward to the probable occurrence of

From this reading The Brethren, however, loitered in groups before their doorways, along the west side of the quadrangle, awaiting a signal from the porter's lodge.

earlier than; in front of

From this reading The Brethren, however, loitered in groups before their doorways, along the west side of the quadrangle, awaiting a signal from the porter's lodge.

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

From this reading In the sunshine, on a lower step of the stone stairway that leads up and through the shadow of a vaulted porch to the Hundred Men's Hall, or refectory, Brother Biscoe stood with a hand-bell and rang to dinner.

a senior member of the Christian clergy having spiritual and administrative authority; appointed in Christian churches to oversee priests or ministers; considered in some churches to be successors of the twelve Apostles of Christ

From this reading Brother Manby, there, had promised to warn them as soon as the Master emerged from his lodging with the other Trustees and a few distinguished guests--including the Bishop of Merchester, Visitor of St. Hospital--on their way to dine.

(plural) the lay members of a male religious order

From this reading The Brethren, however, loitered in groups before their doorways, along the west side of the quadrangle, awaiting a signal from the porter's lodge.

a male with the same parents as someone else

From this reading In the sunshine, on a lower step of the stone stairway that leads up and through the shadow of a vaulted porch to the Hundred Men's Hall, or refectory, Brother Biscoe stood with a hand-bell and rang to dinner.

pleasing or delighting

From this reading Brother Biscoe was a charming old man to look upon; very frail and venerable, with a somewhat weak face; and as senior pensioner of the hospital he enjoyed the privilege of ringing to dinner on Gaudy Days--twenty-seven strokes, distinct and separately counted--one for each brother on the two foundations.

past form of “count” — determine the number or amount of

From this reading Brother Biscoe was a charming old man to look upon; very frail and venerable, with a somewhat weak face; and as senior pensioner of the hospital he enjoyed the privilege of ringing to dinner on Gaudy Days--twenty-seven strokes, distinct and separately counted--one for each brother on the two foundations.

time for Earth to make a complete rotation on its axis

From this reading GAUDY DAY.

the time during which someone's life continues

From this reading Brother Biscoe was a charming old man to look upon; very frail and venerable, with a somewhat weak face; and as senior pensioner of the hospital he enjoyed the privilege of ringing to dinner on Gaudy Days--twenty-seven strokes, distinct and separately counted--one for each brother on the two foundations.

have supper; eat dinner

From this reading Brother Manby, there, had promised to warn them as soon as the Master emerged from his lodging with the other Trustees and a few distinguished guests--including the Bishop of Merchester, Visitor of St. Hospital--on their way to dine.

the main meal of the day served in the evening or at midday

From this reading In the sunshine, on a lower step of the stone stairway that leads up and through the shadow of a vaulted porch to the Hundred Men's Hall, or refectory, Brother Biscoe stood with a hand-bell and rang to dinner.

(often followed by “from”) not alike; different in nature or quality

From this reading Brother Biscoe was a charming old man to look upon; very frail and venerable, with a somewhat weak face; and as senior pensioner of the hospital he enjoyed the privilege of ringing to dinner on Gaudy Days--twenty-seven strokes, distinct and separately counted--one for each brother on the two foundations.

(used of persons) standing above others in character or attainment or reputation

From this reading Brother Manby, there, had promised to warn them as soon as the Master emerged from his lodging with the other Trustees and a few distinguished guests--including the Bishop of Merchester, Visitor of St. Hospital--on their way to dine.

plural of “doorway” — the entrance (the space in a wall) through which you enter or leave a room or building; the space that a door can close

From this reading The Brethren, however, loitered in groups before their doorways, along the west side of the quadrangle, awaiting a signal from the porter's lodge.

every one of two or more people or things, taken separately

From this reading Brother Biscoe was a charming old man to look upon; very frail and venerable, with a somewhat weak face; and as senior pensioner of the hospital he enjoyed the privilege of ringing to dinner on Gaudy Days--twenty-seven strokes, distinct and separately counted--one for each brother on the two foundations.

past form of “emerge” — come out into view, as from concealment

From this reading Brother Manby, there, had promised to warn them as soon as the Master emerged from his lodging with the other Trustees and a few distinguished guests--including the Bishop of Merchester, Visitor of St. Hospital--on their way to dine.

past form of “enjoy” — derive or receive pleasure from; get enjoyment from; take pleasure in

From this reading Brother Biscoe was a charming old man to look upon; very frail and venerable, with a somewhat weak face; and as senior pensioner of the hospital he enjoyed the privilege of ringing to dinner on Gaudy Days--twenty-seven strokes, distinct and separately counted--one for each brother on the two foundations.

the front of the human head from the forehead to the chin and ear to ear

From this reading Brother Biscoe was a charming old man to look upon; very frail and venerable, with a somewhat weak face; and as senior pensioner of the hospital he enjoyed the privilege of ringing to dinner on Gaudy Days--twenty-seven strokes, distinct and separately counted--one for each brother on the two foundations.

a quantifier that can be used with count nouns and is often preceded by “a”; a small but indefinite number

From this reading Brother Manby, there, had promised to warn them as soon as the Master emerged from his lodging with the other Trustees and a few distinguished guests--including the Bishop of Merchester, Visitor of St. Hospital--on their way to dine.

intended to be given to, or used by, somebody

From this reading Brother Biscoe was a charming old man to look upon; very frail and venerable, with a somewhat weak face; and as senior pensioner of the hospital he enjoyed the privilege of ringing to dinner on Gaudy Days--twenty-seven strokes, distinct and separately counted--one for each brother on the two foundations.

plural of “foundation” — the basis on which something is grounded

From this reading Brother Biscoe was a charming old man to look upon; very frail and venerable, with a somewhat weak face; and as senior pensioner of the hospital he enjoyed the privilege of ringing to dinner on Gaudy Days--twenty-seven strokes, distinct and separately counted--one for each brother on the two foundations.

physically weak

From this reading Brother Biscoe was a charming old man to look upon; very frail and venerable, with a somewhat weak face; and as senior pensioner of the hospital he enjoyed the privilege of ringing to dinner on Gaudy Days--twenty-seven strokes, distinct and separately counted--one for each brother on the two foundations.

showing where something starts, or who sent it

From this reading The Brethren, however, loitered in groups before their doorways, along the west side of the quadrangle, awaiting a signal from the porter's lodge.

tastelessly showy

From this reading GAUDY DAY.

plural of “group” — any number of entities (members) considered as a unit

From this reading The Brethren, however, loitered in groups before their doorways, along the west side of the quadrangle, awaiting a signal from the porter's lodge.

plural of “guest” — a visitor to whom hospitality is extended

From this reading Brother Manby, there, had promised to warn them as soon as the Master emerged from his lodging with the other Trustees and a few distinguished guests--including the Bishop of Merchester, Visitor of St. Hospital--on their way to dine.

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

From this reading Brother Manby, there, had promised to warn them as soon as the Master emerged from his lodging with the other Trustees and a few distinguished guests--including the Bishop of Merchester, Visitor of St. Hospital--on their way to dine.

an interior passage or corridor onto which rooms open

From this reading In the sunshine, on a lower step of the stone stairway that leads up and through the shadow of a vaulted porch to the Hundred Men's Hall, or refectory, Brother Biscoe stood with a hand-bell and rang to dinner.

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

From this reading In the sunshine, on a lower step of the stone stairway that leads up and through the shadow of a vaulted porch to the Hundred Men's Hall, or refectory, Brother Biscoe stood with a hand-bell and rang to dinner.

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

From this reading Brother Biscoe was a charming old man to look upon; very frail and venerable, with a somewhat weak face; and as senior pensioner of the hospital he enjoyed the privilege of ringing to dinner on Gaudy Days--twenty-seven strokes, distinct and separately counted--one for each brother on the two foundations.

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

From this reading Brother Manby, there, had promised to warn them as soon as the Master emerged from his lodging with the other Trustees and a few distinguished guests--including the Bishop of Merchester, Visitor of St. Hospital--on their way to dine.

a health facility where patients receive treatment

From this reading Brother Biscoe was a charming old man to look upon; very frail and venerable, with a somewhat weak face; and as senior pensioner of the hospital he enjoyed the privilege of ringing to dinner on Gaudy Days--twenty-seven strokes, distinct and separately counted--one for each brother on the two foundations.

used to add a contrasting statement

From this reading The Brethren, however, loitered in groups before their doorways, along the west side of the quadrangle, awaiting a signal from the porter's lodge.

ten 10s

From this reading In the sunshine, on a lower step of the stone stairway that leads up and through the shadow of a vaulted porch to the Hundred Men's Hall, or refectory, Brother Biscoe stood with a hand-bell and rang to dinner.

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

From this reading In the sunshine, on a lower step of the stone stairway that leads up and through the shadow of a vaulted porch to the Hundred Men's Hall, or refectory, Brother Biscoe stood with a hand-bell and rang to dinner.

-ing form of “include” — have as a part, be made up out of

From this reading Brother Manby, there, had promised to warn them as soon as the Master emerged from his lodging with the other Trustees and a few distinguished guests--including the Bishop of Merchester, Visitor of St. Hospital--on their way to dine.

plural of “lead” — an advantage held by a competitor in a race

From this reading In the sunshine, on a lower step of the stone stairway that leads up and through the shadow of a vaulted porch to the Hundred Men's Hall, or refectory, Brother Biscoe stood with a hand-bell and rang to dinner.

be a lodger; stay temporarily

From this reading The Brethren, however, loitered in groups before their doorways, along the west side of the quadrangle, awaiting a signal from the porter's lodge.

structures collectively in which people are housed

From this reading Brother Manby, there, had promised to warn them as soon as the Master emerged from his lodging with the other Trustees and a few distinguished guests--including the Bishop of Merchester, Visitor of St. Hospital--on their way to dine.

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

From this reading The Brethren, however, loitered in groups before their doorways, along the west side of the quadrangle, awaiting a signal from the porter's lodge.

perceive with attention; direct one's gaze towards

From this reading Brother Biscoe was a charming old man to look upon; very frail and venerable, with a somewhat weak face; and as senior pensioner of the hospital he enjoyed the privilege of ringing to dinner on Gaudy Days--twenty-seven strokes, distinct and separately counted--one for each brother on the two foundations.

move something or somebody to a lower position

From this reading In the sunshine, on a lower step of the stone stairway that leads up and through the shadow of a vaulted porch to the Hundred Men's Hall, or refectory, Brother Biscoe stood with a hand-bell and rang to dinner.

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

From this reading Brother Biscoe was a charming old man to look upon; very frail and venerable, with a somewhat weak face; and as senior pensioner of the hospital he enjoyed the privilege of ringing to dinner on Gaudy Days--twenty-seven strokes, distinct and separately counted--one for each brother on the two foundations.

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

From this reading Brother Manby, there, had promised to warn them as soon as the Master emerged from his lodging with the other Trustees and a few distinguished guests--including the Bishop of Merchester, Visitor of St. Hospital--on their way to dine.

an artist of consummate skill

From this reading Brother Manby, there, had promised to warn them as soon as the Master emerged from his lodging with the other Trustees and a few distinguished guests--including the Bishop of Merchester, Visitor of St. Hospital--on their way to dine.

a public toilet for men

From this reading In the sunshine, on a lower step of the stone stairway that leads up and through the shadow of a vaulted porch to the Hundred Men's Hall, or refectory, Brother Biscoe stood with a hand-bell and rang to dinner.

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

From this reading Brother Manby, there, had promised to warn them as soon as the Master emerged from his lodging with the other Trustees and a few distinguished guests--including the Bishop of Merchester, Visitor of St. Hospital--on their way to dine.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading In the sunshine, on a lower step of the stone stairway that leads up and through the shadow of a vaulted porch to the Hundred Men's Hall, or refectory, Brother Biscoe stood with a hand-bell and rang to dinner.

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

From this reading Brother Biscoe was a charming old man to look upon; very frail and venerable, with a somewhat weak face; and as senior pensioner of the hospital he enjoyed the privilege of ringing to dinner on Gaudy Days--twenty-seven strokes, distinct and separately counted--one for each brother on the two foundations.

touching and supported by a surface

From this reading In the sunshine, on a lower step of the stone stairway that leads up and through the shadow of a vaulted porch to the Hundred Men's Hall, or refectory, Brother Biscoe stood with a hand-bell and rang to dinner.

used to mean any person in general, including the speaker

From this reading Brother Biscoe was a charming old man to look upon; very frail and venerable, with a somewhat weak face; and as senior pensioner of the hospital he enjoyed the privilege of ringing to dinner on Gaudy Days--twenty-seven strokes, distinct and separately counted--one for each brother on the two foundations.

used to join alternatives or possibilities

From this reading In the sunshine, on a lower step of the stone stairway that leads up and through the shadow of a vaulted porch to the Hundred Men's Hall, or refectory, Brother Biscoe stood with a hand-bell and rang to dinner.

not the same one or ones already mentioned or implied

From this reading Brother Manby, there, had promised to warn them as soon as the Master emerged from his lodging with the other Trustees and a few distinguished guests--including the Bishop of Merchester, Visitor of St. Hospital--on their way to dine.

the beneficiary of a pension fund

From this reading Brother Biscoe was a charming old man to look upon; very frail and venerable, with a somewhat weak face; and as senior pensioner of the hospital he enjoyed the privilege of ringing to dinner on Gaudy Days--twenty-seven strokes, distinct and separately counted--one for each brother on the two foundations.

a structure attached to the exterior of a building often forming a covered entrance

From this reading In the sunshine, on a lower step of the stone stairway that leads up and through the shadow of a vaulted porch to the Hundred Men's Hall, or refectory, Brother Biscoe stood with a hand-bell and rang to dinner.

possessive form of “porter” — a person employed to carry luggage and supplies

From this reading The Brethren, however, loitered in groups before their doorways, along the west side of the quadrangle, awaiting a signal from the porter's lodge.

a special advantage or immunity or benefit not enjoyed by all

From this reading Brother Biscoe was a charming old man to look upon; very frail and venerable, with a somewhat weak face; and as senior pensioner of the hospital he enjoyed the privilege of ringing to dinner on Gaudy Days--twenty-seven strokes, distinct and separately counted--one for each brother on the two foundations.

past form of “promise” — make a promise or commitment

From this reading Brother Manby, there, had promised to warn them as soon as the Master emerged from his lodging with the other Trustees and a few distinguished guests--including the Bishop of Merchester, Visitor of St. Hospital--on their way to dine.

a four-sided polygon

From this reading The Brethren, however, loitered in groups before their doorways, along the west side of the quadrangle, awaiting a signal from the porter's lodge.

inflected form of “ring” — sound loudly and sonorously

From this reading In the sunshine, on a lower step of the stone stairway that leads up and through the shadow of a vaulted porch to the Hundred Men's Hall, or refectory, Brother Biscoe stood with a hand-bell and rang to dinner.

a communal dining-hall (usually in a monastery)

From this reading In the sunshine, on a lower step of the stone stairway that leads up and through the shadow of a vaulted porch to the Hundred Men's Hall, or refectory, Brother Biscoe stood with a hand-bell and rang to dinner.

the sound of a bell ringing

From this reading Brother Biscoe was a charming old man to look upon; very frail and venerable, with a somewhat weak face; and as senior pensioner of the hospital he enjoyed the privilege of ringing to dinner on Gaudy Days--twenty-seven strokes, distinct and separately counted--one for each brother on the two foundations.

older; higher in rank; longer in length of tenure or service

From this reading Brother Biscoe was a charming old man to look upon; very frail and venerable, with a somewhat weak face; and as senior pensioner of the hospital he enjoyed the privilege of ringing to dinner on Gaudy Days--twenty-seven strokes, distinct and separately counted--one for each brother on the two foundations.

apart from others

From this reading Brother Biscoe was a charming old man to look upon; very frail and venerable, with a somewhat weak face; and as senior pensioner of the hospital he enjoyed the privilege of ringing to dinner on Gaudy Days--twenty-seven strokes, distinct and separately counted--one for each brother on the two foundations.

A dark area or shape produced by a body coming between rays of light and a surface.

From this reading In the sunshine, on a lower step of the stone stairway that leads up and through the shadow of a vaulted porch to the Hundred Men's Hall, or refectory, Brother Biscoe stood with a hand-bell and rang to dinner.

a place within a region identified relative to a center or reference location

From this reading The Brethren, however, loitered in groups before their doorways, along the west side of the quadrangle, awaiting a signal from the porter's lodge.

any nonverbal action or gesture that encodes a message

From this reading The Brethren, however, loitered in groups before their doorways, along the west side of the quadrangle, awaiting a signal from the porter's lodge.

to a small degree or extent

From this reading Brother Biscoe was a charming old man to look upon; very frail and venerable, with a somewhat weak face; and as senior pensioner of the hospital he enjoyed the privilege of ringing to dinner on Gaudy Days--twenty-seven strokes, distinct and separately counted--one for each brother on the two foundations.

in the near future

From this reading Brother Manby, there, had promised to warn them as soon as the Master emerged from his lodging with the other Trustees and a few distinguished guests--including the Bishop of Merchester, Visitor of St. Hospital--on their way to dine.

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

From this reading Brother Manby, there, had promised to warn them as soon as the Master emerged from his lodging with the other Trustees and a few distinguished guests--including the Bishop of Merchester, Visitor of St. Hospital--on their way to dine.

a way of access (upward and downward) consisting of a set of steps

From this reading In the sunshine, on a lower step of the stone stairway that leads up and through the shadow of a vaulted porch to the Hundred Men's Hall, or refectory, Brother Biscoe stood with a hand-bell and rang to dinner.

any maneuver made as part of progress toward a goal

From this reading In the sunshine, on a lower step of the stone stairway that leads up and through the shadow of a vaulted porch to the Hundred Men's Hall, or refectory, Brother Biscoe stood with a hand-bell and rang to dinner.

a lump or mass of hard consolidated mineral matter

From this reading In the sunshine, on a lower step of the stone stairway that leads up and through the shadow of a vaulted porch to the Hundred Men's Hall, or refectory, Brother Biscoe stood with a hand-bell and rang to dinner.

Maintained an upright posture.

From this reading In the sunshine, on a lower step of the stone stairway that leads up and through the shadow of a vaulted porch to the Hundred Men's Hall, or refectory, Brother Biscoe stood with a hand-bell and rang to dinner.

plural of “stroke” — (sports) the act of swinging or striking at a ball with a club or racket or bat or cue or hand

From this reading Brother Biscoe was a charming old man to look upon; very frail and venerable, with a somewhat weak face; and as senior pensioner of the hospital he enjoyed the privilege of ringing to dinner on Gaudy Days--twenty-seven strokes, distinct and separately counted--one for each brother on the two foundations.

the rays of the sun

From this reading In the sunshine, on a lower step of the stone stairway that leads up and through the shadow of a vaulted porch to the Hundred Men's Hall, or refectory, Brother Biscoe stood with a hand-bell and rang to dinner.

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading In the sunshine, on a lower step of the stone stairway that leads up and through the shadow of a vaulted porch to the Hundred Men's Hall, or refectory, Brother Biscoe stood with a hand-bell and rang to dinner.

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

From this reading In the sunshine, on a lower step of the stone stairway that leads up and through the shadow of a vaulted porch to the Hundred Men's Hall, or refectory, Brother Biscoe stood with a hand-bell and rang to dinner.

belonging to the people or things already mentioned

From this reading The Brethren, however, loitered in groups before their doorways, along the west side of the quadrangle, awaiting a signal from the porter's lodge.

the people or things already mentioned, as the object

From this reading Brother Manby, there, had promised to warn them as soon as the Master emerged from his lodging with the other Trustees and a few distinguished guests--including the Bishop of Merchester, Visitor of St. Hospital--on their way to dine.

in or at that place or location

From this reading Brother Manby, there, had promised to warn them as soon as the Master emerged from his lodging with the other Trustees and a few distinguished guests--including the Bishop of Merchester, Visitor of St. Hospital--on their way to dine.

from one end or side of something to the other

From this reading In the sunshine, on a lower step of the stone stairway that leads up and through the shadow of a vaulted porch to the Hundred Men's Hall, or refectory, Brother Biscoe stood with a hand-bell and rang to dinner.

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

From this reading In the sunshine, on a lower step of the stone stairway that leads up and through the shadow of a vaulted porch to the Hundred Men's Hall, or refectory, Brother Biscoe stood with a hand-bell and rang to dinner.

plural of “trustee” — a person (or institution) to whom legal title to property is entrusted to use for another's benefit

From this reading Brother Manby, there, had promised to warn them as soon as the Master emerged from his lodging with the other Trustees and a few distinguished guests--including the Bishop of Merchester, Visitor of St. Hospital--on their way to dine.

the cardinal number that is the sum of twenty-six and one

From this reading Brother Biscoe was a charming old man to look upon; very frail and venerable, with a somewhat weak face; and as senior pensioner of the hospital he enjoyed the privilege of ringing to dinner on Gaudy Days--twenty-seven strokes, distinct and separately counted--one for each brother on the two foundations.

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

From this reading Brother Biscoe was a charming old man to look upon; very frail and venerable, with a somewhat weak face; and as senior pensioner of the hospital he enjoyed the privilege of ringing to dinner on Gaudy Days--twenty-seven strokes, distinct and separately counted--one for each brother on the two foundations.

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

From this reading In the sunshine, on a lower step of the stone stairway that leads up and through the shadow of a vaulted porch to the Hundred Men's Hall, or refectory, Brother Biscoe stood with a hand-bell and rang to dinner.

a formal word for “on”

From this reading Brother Biscoe was a charming old man to look upon; very frail and venerable, with a somewhat weak face; and as senior pensioner of the hospital he enjoyed the privilege of ringing to dinner on Gaudy Days--twenty-seven strokes, distinct and separately counted--one for each brother on the two foundations.

having a hemispherical vault or dome

From this reading In the sunshine, on a lower step of the stone stairway that leads up and through the shadow of a vaulted porch to the Hundred Men's Hall, or refectory, Brother Biscoe stood with a hand-bell and rang to dinner.

impressive by reason of age

From this reading Brother Biscoe was a charming old man to look upon; very frail and venerable, with a somewhat weak face; and as senior pensioner of the hospital he enjoyed the privilege of ringing to dinner on Gaudy Days--twenty-seven strokes, distinct and separately counted--one for each brother on the two foundations.

precisely as stated

From this reading Brother Biscoe was a charming old man to look upon; very frail and venerable, with a somewhat weak face; and as senior pensioner of the hospital he enjoyed the privilege of ringing to dinner on Gaudy Days--twenty-seven strokes, distinct and separately counted--one for each brother on the two foundations.

someone who visits

From this reading Brother Manby, there, had promised to warn them as soon as the Master emerged from his lodging with the other Trustees and a few distinguished guests--including the Bishop of Merchester, Visitor of St. Hospital--on their way to dine.

notify of danger, potential harm, or risk

From this reading Brother Manby, there, had promised to warn them as soon as the Master emerged from his lodging with the other Trustees and a few distinguished guests--including the Bishop of Merchester, Visitor of St. Hospital--on their way to dine.

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

From this reading Brother Biscoe was a charming old man to look upon; very frail and venerable, with a somewhat weak face; and as senior pensioner of the hospital he enjoyed the privilege of ringing to dinner on Gaudy Days--twenty-seven strokes, distinct and separately counted--one for each brother on the two foundations.

how something is done or how it happens

From this reading Brother Manby, there, had promised to warn them as soon as the Master emerged from his lodging with the other Trustees and a few distinguished guests--including the Bishop of Merchester, Visitor of St. Hospital--on their way to dine.

wanting in physical strength

From this reading Brother Biscoe was a charming old man to look upon; very frail and venerable, with a somewhat weak face; and as senior pensioner of the hospital he enjoyed the privilege of ringing to dinner on Gaudy Days--twenty-seven strokes, distinct and separately counted--one for each brother on the two foundations.

the countries of (originally) Europe and (now including) North America and South America

From this reading The Brethren, however, loitered in groups before their doorways, along the west side of the quadrangle, awaiting a signal from the porter's lodge.

in the company of; together with

From this reading In the sunshine, on a lower step of the stone stairway that leads up and through the shadow of a vaulted porch to the Hundred Men's Hall, or refectory, Brother Biscoe stood with a hand-bell and rang to dinner.