Chapter XII

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

From this reading Mr. Brabazon did not make the most patient or sweet-tempered of invalids, if a man may be termed an invalid who is laid up with nothing more serious than a sprained ankle.

an unfortunate mishap; especially one causing damage or injury

From this reading What made him especially savage was that his accident should have happened at a time when every hour was, or seemed to him, of infinite consequence.

from one side of something to the other

From this reading What might not be happening at Garion Keep--to what straits might not his uncle be reduced--while he, Burgo, was lying on his back, a helpless log, unable to walk across the floor without exquisite pain?

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

From this reading Mr. Brabazon did not make the most patient or sweet-tempered of invalids, if a man may be termed an invalid who is laid up with nothing more serious than a sprained ankle.

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

From this reading As it happened, he had no one but himself and his landlady to vent his ill-humour on, and as the latter was in the habit of bursting into tears on the slightest provocation, he kept her at arm's length as much as possible.

a gliding joint between the distal ends of the tibia and fibula and the proximal end of the talus

From this reading Mr. Brabazon did not make the most patient or sweet-tempered of invalids, if a man may be termed an invalid who is laid up with nothing more serious than a sprained ankle.

possessive form of “arm” — a human limb; technically the part of the superior limb between the shoulder and the elbow but commonly used to refer to the whole superior limb

From this reading As it happened, he had no one but himself and his landlady to vent his ill-humour on, and as the latter was in the habit of bursting into tears on the slightest provocation, he kept her at arm's length as much as possible.

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

From this reading As it happened, he had no one but himself and his landlady to vent his ill-humour on, and as the latter was in the habit of bursting into tears on the slightest provocation, he kept her at arm's length as much as possible.

in or near a particular place or position

From this reading As it happened, he had no one but himself and his landlady to vent his ill-humour on, and as the latter was in the habit of bursting into tears on the slightest provocation, he kept her at arm's length as much as possible.

in or to or toward a former location

From this reading What might not be happening at Garion Keep--to what straits might not his uncle be reduced--while he, Burgo, was lying on his back, a helpless log, unable to walk across the floor without exquisite pain?

used with a past participle to form the passive, or with -ing for continuous tenses

From this reading Mr. Brabazon did not make the most patient or sweet-tempered of invalids, if a man may be termed an invalid who is laid up with nothing more serious than a sprained ankle.

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

From this reading Mr. Brabazon did not make the most patient or sweet-tempered of invalids, if a man may be termed an invalid who is laid up with nothing more serious than a sprained ankle.

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

From this reading What might not be happening at Garion Keep--to what straits might not his uncle be reduced--while he, Burgo, was lying on his back, a helpless log, unable to walk across the floor without exquisite pain?

-ing form of “burst” — come open suddenly and violently, as if from internal pressure

From this reading As it happened, he had no one but himself and his landlady to vent his ill-humour on, and as the latter was in the habit of bursting into tears on the slightest provocation, he kept her at arm's length as much as possible.

used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before

From this reading As it happened, he had no one but himself and his landlady to vent his ill-humour on, and as the latter was in the habit of bursting into tears on the slightest provocation, he kept her at arm's length as much as possible.

a phenomenon that follows and is caused by some previous phenomenon

From this reading What made him especially savage was that his accident should have happened at a time when every hour was, or seemed to him, of infinite consequence.

the past form of “do”, used in questions and negatives

From this reading Mr. Brabazon did not make the most patient or sweet-tempered of invalids, if a man may be termed an invalid who is laid up with nothing more serious than a sprained ankle.

to a distinctly greater extent or degree than is common

From this reading What made him especially savage was that his accident should have happened at a time when every hour was, or seemed to him, of infinite consequence.

all the members of a group, with none left out

From this reading What made him especially savage was that his accident should have happened at a time when every hour was, or seemed to him, of infinite consequence.

intense or sharp

From this reading What might not be happening at Garion Keep--to what straits might not his uncle be reduced--while he, Burgo, was lying on his back, a helpless log, unable to walk across the floor without exquisite pain?

the inside lower horizontal surface (as of a room, hallway, tent, or other structure)

From this reading What might not be happening at Garion Keep--to what straits might not his uncle be reduced--while he, Burgo, was lying on his back, a helpless log, unable to walk across the floor without exquisite pain?

set up or found

From this reading FOUND.

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

From this reading What might not be happening at Garion Keep--to what straits might not his uncle be reduced--while he, Burgo, was lying on his back, a helpless log, unable to walk across the floor without exquisite pain?

an established custom

From this reading As it happened, he had no one but himself and his landlady to vent his ill-humour on, and as the latter was in the habit of bursting into tears on the slightest provocation, he kept her at arm's length as much as possible.

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

From this reading As it happened, he had no one but himself and his landlady to vent his ill-humour on, and as the latter was in the habit of bursting into tears on the slightest provocation, he kept her at arm's length as much as possible.

past form of “happen” — come to pass

From this reading As it happened, he had no one but himself and his landlady to vent his ill-humour on, and as the latter was in the habit of bursting into tears on the slightest provocation, he kept her at arm's length as much as possible.

an event that happens

From this reading What might not be happening at Garion Keep--to what straits might not his uncle be reduced--while he, Burgo, was lying on his back, a helpless log, unable to walk across the floor without exquisite pain?

used with a past participle to form the perfect tenses

From this reading What made him especially savage was that his accident should have happened at a time when every hour was, or seemed to him, of infinite consequence.

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

From this reading As it happened, he had no one but himself and his landlady to vent his ill-humour on, and as the latter was in the habit of bursting into tears on the slightest provocation, he kept her at arm's length as much as possible.

lacking in or deprived of strength or power

From this reading What might not be happening at Garion Keep--to what straits might not his uncle be reduced--while he, Burgo, was lying on his back, a helpless log, unable to walk across the floor without exquisite pain?

belonging to a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned

From this reading As it happened, he had no one but himself and his landlady to vent his ill-humour on, and as the latter was in the habit of bursting into tears on the slightest provocation, he kept her at arm's length as much as possible.

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

From this reading What made him especially savage was that his accident should have happened at a time when every hour was, or seemed to him, of infinite consequence.

used when the man or boy doing the action is also its object

From this reading As it happened, he had no one but himself and his landlady to vent his ill-humour on, and as the latter was in the habit of bursting into tears on the slightest provocation, he kept her at arm's length as much as possible.

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

From this reading As it happened, he had no one but himself and his landlady to vent his ill-humour on, and as the latter was in the habit of bursting into tears on the slightest provocation, he kept her at arm's length as much as possible.

a period of time equal to 1/24th of a day

From this reading What made him especially savage was that his accident should have happened at a time when every hour was, or seemed to him, of infinite consequence.

on condition that; in the event that

From this reading Mr. Brabazon did not make the most patient or sweet-tempered of invalids, if a man may be termed an invalid who is laid up with nothing more serious than a sprained ankle.

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

From this reading As it happened, he had no one but himself and his landlady to vent his ill-humour on, and as the latter was in the habit of bursting into tears on the slightest provocation, he kept her at arm's length as much as possible.

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

From this reading As it happened, he had no one but himself and his landlady to vent his ill-humour on, and as the latter was in the habit of bursting into tears on the slightest provocation, he kept her at arm's length as much as possible.

having no limits or boundaries in time or space or extent or magnitude

From this reading What made him especially savage was that his accident should have happened at a time when every hour was, or seemed to him, of infinite consequence.

moving to the inside of something

From this reading As it happened, he had no one but himself and his landlady to vent his ill-humour on, and as the latter was in the habit of bursting into tears on the slightest provocation, he kept her at arm's length as much as possible.

someone who is incapacitated by a chronic illness or injury

From this reading Mr. Brabazon did not make the most patient or sweet-tempered of invalids, if a man may be termed an invalid who is laid up with nothing more serious than a sprained ankle.

plural of “invalid” — someone who is incapacitated by a chronic illness or injury

From this reading Mr. Brabazon did not make the most patient or sweet-tempered of invalids, if a man may be termed an invalid who is laid up with nothing more serious than a sprained ankle.

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

From this reading Mr. Brabazon did not make the most patient or sweet-tempered of invalids, if a man may be termed an invalid who is laid up with nothing more serious than a sprained ankle.

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading As it happened, he had no one but himself and his landlady to vent his ill-humour on, and as the latter was in the habit of bursting into tears on the slightest provocation, he kept her at arm's length as much as possible.

cause to continue in a certain state, position, or activity; e.g., “keep clean”

From this reading What might not be happening at Garion Keep--to what straits might not his uncle be reduced--while he, Burgo, was lying on his back, a helpless log, unable to walk across the floor without exquisite pain?

(especially of promises or contracts) not violated or disregarded

From this reading As it happened, he had no one but himself and his landlady to vent his ill-humour on, and as the latter was in the habit of bursting into tears on the slightest provocation, he kept her at arm's length as much as possible.

set down according to a plan

From this reading Mr. Brabazon did not make the most patient or sweet-tempered of invalids, if a man may be termed an invalid who is laid up with nothing more serious than a sprained ankle.

a landlord who is a woman

From this reading As it happened, he had no one but himself and his landlady to vent his ill-humour on, and as the latter was in the habit of bursting into tears on the slightest provocation, he kept her at arm's length as much as possible.

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

From this reading As it happened, he had no one but himself and his landlady to vent his ill-humour on, and as the latter was in the habit of bursting into tears on the slightest provocation, he kept her at arm's length as much as possible.

the linear extent in space from one end to the other; the longest dimension of something that is fixed in place

From this reading As it happened, he had no one but himself and his landlady to vent his ill-humour on, and as the latter was in the habit of bursting into tears on the slightest provocation, he kept her at arm's length as much as possible.

enter into a log, as on ships and planes

From this reading What might not be happening at Garion Keep--to what straits might not his uncle be reduced--while he, Burgo, was lying on his back, a helpless log, unable to walk across the floor without exquisite pain?

the deliberate act of deviating from the truth

From this reading What might not be happening at Garion Keep--to what straits might not his uncle be reduced--while he, Burgo, was lying on his back, a helpless log, unable to walk across the floor without exquisite pain?

produced by a manufacturing process

From this reading What made him especially savage was that his accident should have happened at a time when every hour was, or seemed to him, of infinite consequence.

engage in

From this reading Mr. Brabazon did not make the most patient or sweet-tempered of invalids, if a man may be termed an invalid who is laid up with nothing more serious than a sprained ankle.

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

From this reading Mr. Brabazon did not make the most patient or sweet-tempered of invalids, if a man may be termed an invalid who is laid up with nothing more serious than a sprained ankle.

used to say something is possible, or to give permission

From this reading Mr. Brabazon did not make the most patient or sweet-tempered of invalids, if a man may be termed an invalid who is laid up with nothing more serious than a sprained ankle.

used to say something is possible but not certain

From this reading What might not be happening at Garion Keep--to what straits might not his uncle be reduced--while he, Burgo, was lying on his back, a helpless log, unable to walk across the floor without exquisite pain?

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

From this reading Mr. Brabazon did not make the most patient or sweet-tempered of invalids, if a man may be termed an invalid who is laid up with nothing more serious than a sprained ankle.

used to form the superlative

From this reading Mr. Brabazon did not make the most patient or sweet-tempered of invalids, if a man may be termed an invalid who is laid up with nothing more serious than a sprained ankle.

a form of address for a man

From this reading Mr. Brabazon did not make the most patient or sweet-tempered of invalids, if a man may be termed an invalid who is laid up with nothing more serious than a sprained ankle.

to a great degree or extent

From this reading As it happened, he had no one but himself and his landlady to vent his ill-humour on, and as the latter was in the habit of bursting into tears on the slightest provocation, he kept her at arm's length as much as possible.

not any; not one

From this reading As it happened, he had no one but himself and his landlady to vent his ill-humour on, and as the latter was in the habit of bursting into tears on the slightest provocation, he kept her at arm's length as much as possible.

used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative

From this reading Mr. Brabazon did not make the most patient or sweet-tempered of invalids, if a man may be termed an invalid who is laid up with nothing more serious than a sprained ankle.

not one thing; not anything

From this reading Mr. Brabazon did not make the most patient or sweet-tempered of invalids, if a man may be termed an invalid who is laid up with nothing more serious than a sprained ankle.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading Mr. Brabazon did not make the most patient or sweet-tempered of invalids, if a man may be termed an invalid who is laid up with nothing more serious than a sprained ankle.

touching and supported by a surface

From this reading As it happened, he had no one but himself and his landlady to vent his ill-humour on, and as the latter was in the habit of bursting into tears on the slightest provocation, he kept her at arm's length as much as possible.

used to mean any person in general, including the speaker

From this reading As it happened, he had no one but himself and his landlady to vent his ill-humour on, and as the latter was in the habit of bursting into tears on the slightest provocation, he kept her at arm's length as much as possible.

used to join alternatives or possibilities

From this reading Mr. Brabazon did not make the most patient or sweet-tempered of invalids, if a man may be termed an invalid who is laid up with nothing more serious than a sprained ankle.

a symptom of some physical hurt or disorder

From this reading What might not be happening at Garion Keep--to what straits might not his uncle be reduced--while he, Burgo, was lying on his back, a helpless log, unable to walk across the floor without exquisite pain?

a person who requires medical care

From this reading Mr. Brabazon did not make the most patient or sweet-tempered of invalids, if a man may be termed an invalid who is laid up with nothing more serious than a sprained ankle.

capable of happening or existing

From this reading As it happened, he had no one but himself and his landlady to vent his ill-humour on, and as the latter was in the habit of bursting into tears on the slightest provocation, he kept her at arm's length as much as possible.

unfriendly behavior that causes anger or resentment

From this reading As it happened, he had no one but himself and his landlady to vent his ill-humour on, and as the latter was in the habit of bursting into tears on the slightest provocation, he kept her at arm's length as much as possible.

made less in size or amount or degree

From this reading What might not be happening at Garion Keep--to what straits might not his uncle be reduced--while he, Burgo, was lying on his back, a helpless log, unable to walk across the floor without exquisite pain?

(of persons or their actions) able or disposed to inflict pain or suffering

From this reading What made him especially savage was that his accident should have happened at a time when every hour was, or seemed to him, of infinite consequence.

past form of “seem” — give a certain impression or have a certain outward aspect

From this reading What made him especially savage was that his accident should have happened at a time when every hour was, or seemed to him, of infinite consequence.

concerned with work or important matters rather than play or trivialities

From this reading Mr. Brabazon did not make the most patient or sweet-tempered of invalids, if a man may be termed an invalid who is laid up with nothing more serious than a sprained ankle.

used to say what is right, expected, or advisable

From this reading What made him especially savage was that his accident should have happened at a time when every hour was, or seemed to him, of infinite consequence.

superlative of “slight” — (quantifier used with mass nouns) small in quantity or degree; not much or almost none or (with “a”) at least some

From this reading As it happened, he had no one but himself and his landlady to vent his ill-humour on, and as the latter was in the habit of bursting into tears on the slightest provocation, he kept her at arm's length as much as possible.

past form of “sprain” — twist suddenly so as to sprain

From this reading Mr. Brabazon did not make the most patient or sweet-tempered of invalids, if a man may be termed an invalid who is laid up with nothing more serious than a sprained ankle.

a bad or difficult situation or state of affairs

From this reading What might not be happening at Garion Keep--to what straits might not his uncle be reduced--while he, Burgo, was lying on his back, a helpless log, unable to walk across the floor without exquisite pain?

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

From this reading Mr. Brabazon did not make the most patient or sweet-tempered of invalids, if a man may be termed an invalid who is laid up with nothing more serious than a sprained ankle.

the process of shedding tears (usually accompanied by sobs or other inarticulate sounds)

From this reading As it happened, he had no one but himself and his landlady to vent his ill-humour on, and as the latter was in the habit of bursting into tears on the slightest provocation, he kept her at arm's length as much as possible.

past form of “term” — name formally or designate with a term

From this reading Mr. Brabazon did not make the most patient or sweet-tempered of invalids, if a man may be termed an invalid who is laid up with nothing more serious than a sprained ankle.

used to introduce the second part of a comparison

From this reading Mr. Brabazon did not make the most patient or sweet-tempered of invalids, if a man may be termed an invalid who is laid up with nothing more serious than a sprained ankle.

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading What made him especially savage was that his accident should have happened at a time when every hour was, or seemed to him, of infinite consequence.

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

From this reading Mr. Brabazon did not make the most patient or sweet-tempered of invalids, if a man may be termed an invalid who is laid up with nothing more serious than a sprained ankle.

an instance or single occasion for some event

From this reading What made him especially savage was that his accident should have happened at a time when every hour was, or seemed to him, of infinite consequence.

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

From this reading As it happened, he had no one but himself and his landlady to vent his ill-humour on, and as the latter was in the habit of bursting into tears on the slightest provocation, he kept her at arm's length as much as possible.

(usually followed by “to”) not having the necessary means or skill or know-how

From this reading What might not be happening at Garion Keep--to what straits might not his uncle be reduced--while he, Burgo, was lying on his back, a helpless log, unable to walk across the floor without exquisite pain?

the brother of your father or mother; the husband of your aunt

From this reading What might not be happening at Garion Keep--to what straits might not his uncle be reduced--while he, Burgo, was lying on his back, a helpless log, unable to walk across the floor without exquisite pain?

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

From this reading Mr. Brabazon did not make the most patient or sweet-tempered of invalids, if a man may be termed an invalid who is laid up with nothing more serious than a sprained ankle.

a hole for the escape of gas or air

From this reading As it happened, he had no one but himself and his landlady to vent his ill-humour on, and as the latter was in the habit of bursting into tears on the slightest provocation, he kept her at arm's length as much as possible.

the act of traveling by foot

From this reading What might not be happening at Garion Keep--to what straits might not his uncle be reduced--while he, Burgo, was lying on his back, a helpless log, unable to walk across the floor without exquisite pain?

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

From this reading As it happened, he had no one but himself and his landlady to vent his ill-humour on, and as the latter was in the habit of bursting into tears on the slightest provocation, he kept her at arm's length as much as possible.

used to ask for information about something

From this reading What made him especially savage was that his accident should have happened at a time when every hour was, or seemed to him, of infinite consequence.

at the time that

From this reading What made him especially savage was that his accident should have happened at a time when every hour was, or seemed to him, of infinite consequence.

during the time that

From this reading What might not be happening at Garion Keep--to what straits might not his uncle be reduced--while he, Burgo, was lying on his back, a helpless log, unable to walk across the floor without exquisite pain?

which person or people

From this reading Mr. Brabazon did not make the most patient or sweet-tempered of invalids, if a man may be termed an invalid who is laid up with nothing more serious than a sprained ankle.

in the company of; together with

From this reading Mr. Brabazon did not make the most patient or sweet-tempered of invalids, if a man may be termed an invalid who is laid up with nothing more serious than a sprained ankle.

not having, not using, or not accompanied by

From this reading What might not be happening at Garion Keep--to what straits might not his uncle be reduced--while he, Burgo, was lying on his back, a helpless log, unable to walk across the floor without exquisite pain?