Chapter XV · Chapter 15

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

From this reading Once or twice he got into trouble with a pompous village official on account of his not holding a pedlar’s permit; but the feeling of the people was strong in favour of a man who was selling goods for the benefit of poor prisoners, and, of course, he always had some plausible story ready to account for its absence.

the state of being absent

From this reading Once or twice he got into trouble with a pompous village official on account of his not holding a pedlar’s permit; but the feeling of the people was strong in favour of a man who was selling goods for the benefit of poor prisoners, and, of course, he always had some plausible story ready to account for its absence.

a record or narrative description of past events

From this reading Once or twice he got into trouble with a pompous village official on account of his not holding a pedlar’s permit; but the feeling of the people was strong in favour of a man who was selling goods for the benefit of poor prisoners, and, of course, he always had some plausible story ready to account for its absence.

from one side of something to the other

From this reading ESCAPED So he travelled across France, avoiding all large towns.

(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 ESCAPED So he travelled across France, avoiding all large towns.

(of actions or states) slightly short of or not quite accomplished; all but

From this reading He took up a lodging at a little cabaret, and, leaving his box, which was now almost empty, strolled down to the harbour.

at all times; all the time and on every occasion

From this reading Once or twice he got into trouble with a pompous village official on account of his not holding a pedlar’s permit; but the feeling of the people was strong in favour of a man who was selling goods for the benefit of poor prisoners, and, of course, he always had some plausible story ready to account for its absence.

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

From this reading Once or twice he got into trouble with a pompous village official on account of his not holding a pedlar’s permit; but the feeling of the people was strong in favour of a man who was selling goods for the benefit of poor prisoners, and, of course, he always had some plausible story ready to account for its absence.

accomplishment of an objective

From this reading He had saved money as he went, and on his arrival there had eight louis in his pocket.

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

From this reading He had saved money as he went, and on his arrival there had eight louis in his pocket.

in or near a particular place or position

From this reading At last he came to Dunkirk.

-ing form of “avoid” — stay clear from; keep away from; keep out of the way of someone or something

From this reading ESCAPED So he travelled across France, avoiding all large towns.

financial assistance in time of need

From this reading Once or twice he got into trouble with a pompous village official on account of his not holding a pedlar’s permit; but the feeling of the people was strong in favour of a man who was selling goods for the benefit of poor prisoners, and, of course, he always had some plausible story ready to account for its absence.

a (usually rectangular) container; may have a lid

From this reading He took up a lodging at a little cabaret, and, leaving his box, which was now almost empty, strolled down to the harbour.

used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before

From this reading Once or twice he got into trouble with a pompous village official on account of his not holding a pedlar’s permit; but the feeling of the people was strong in favour of a man who was selling goods for the benefit of poor prisoners, and, of course, he always had some plausible story ready to account for its absence.

a spot that is open late at night and that provides entertainment (as singers or dancers) as well as dancing and food and drink

From this reading He took up a lodging at a little cabaret, and, leaving his box, which was now almost empty, strolled down to the harbour.

inflected form of “come” — move toward, travel toward something or somebody or approach something or somebody

From this reading At last he came to Dunkirk.

education imparted in a series of lessons or meetings

From this reading Once or twice he got into trouble with a pompous village official on account of his not holding a pedlar’s permit; but the feeling of the people was strong in favour of a man who was selling goods for the benefit of poor prisoners, and, of course, he always had some plausible story ready to account for its absence.

being or moving lower in position or less in some value

From this reading He took up a lodging at a little cabaret, and, leaving his box, which was now almost empty, strolled down to the harbour.

a crisis in which a desperate effort is the only alternative to defeat

From this reading At last he came to Dunkirk.

being one more than seven

From this reading He had saved money as he went, and on his arrival there had eight louis in his pocket.

make void or empty of contents

From this reading He took up a lodging at a little cabaret, and, leaving his box, which was now almost empty, strolled down to the harbour.

having escaped, especially from confinement

From this reading ESCAPED So he travelled across France, avoiding all large towns.

a feeling of favorable regard

From this reading Once or twice he got into trouble with a pompous village official on account of his not holding a pedlar’s permit; but the feeling of the people was strong in favour of a man who was selling goods for the benefit of poor prisoners, and, of course, he always had some plausible story ready to account for its absence.

the experiencing of affective and emotional states

From this reading Once or twice he got into trouble with a pompous village official on account of his not holding a pedlar’s permit; but the feeling of the people was strong in favour of a man who was selling goods for the benefit of poor prisoners, and, of course, he always had some plausible story ready to account for its absence.

intended to be given to, or used by, somebody

From this reading Once or twice he got into trouble with a pompous village official on account of his not holding a pedlar’s permit; but the feeling of the people was strong in favour of a man who was selling goods for the benefit of poor prisoners, and, of course, he always had some plausible story ready to account for its absence.

a republic in western Europe; the largest country wholly in Europe

From this reading ESCAPED So he travelled across France, avoiding all large towns.

plural of “good” — benefit

From this reading Once or twice he got into trouble with a pompous village official on account of his not holding a pedlar’s permit; but the feeling of the people was strong in favour of a man who was selling goods for the benefit of poor prisoners, and, of course, he always had some plausible story ready to account for its absence.

inflected form of “get” — come into the possession of something concrete or abstract

From this reading Once or twice he got into trouble with a pompous village official on account of his not holding a pedlar’s permit; but the feeling of the people was strong in favour of a man who was selling goods for the benefit of poor prisoners, and, of course, he always had some plausible story ready to account for its absence.

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

From this reading Once or twice he got into trouble with a pompous village official on account of his not holding a pedlar’s permit; but the feeling of the people was strong in favour of a man who was selling goods for the benefit of poor prisoners, and, of course, he always had some plausible story ready to account for its absence.

secretly shelter (as of fugitives or criminals)

From this reading He took up a lodging at a little cabaret, and, leaving his box, which was now almost empty, strolled down to the harbour.

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

From this reading ESCAPED So he travelled across France, avoiding all large towns.

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

From this reading Once or twice he got into trouble with a pompous village official on account of his not holding a pedlar’s permit; but the feeling of the people was strong in favour of a man who was selling goods for the benefit of poor prisoners, and, of course, he always had some plausible story ready to account for its absence.

the act of retaining something

From this reading Once or twice he got into trouble with a pompous village official on account of his not holding a pedlar’s permit; but the feeling of the people was strong in favour of a man who was selling goods for the benefit of poor prisoners, and, of course, he always had some plausible story ready to account for its absence.

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

From this reading Once or twice he got into trouble with a pompous village official on account of his not holding a pedlar’s permit; but the feeling of the people was strong in favour of a man who was selling goods for the benefit of poor prisoners, and, of course, he always had some plausible story ready to account for its absence.

moving to the inside of something

From this reading Once or twice he got into trouble with a pompous village official on account of his not holding a pedlar’s permit; but the feeling of the people was strong in favour of a man who was selling goods for the benefit of poor prisoners, and, of course, he always had some plausible story ready to account for its absence.

belonging to the thing or animal already mentioned

From this reading Once or twice he got into trouble with a pompous village official on account of his not holding a pedlar’s permit; but the feeling of the people was strong in favour of a man who was selling goods for the benefit of poor prisoners, and, of course, he always had some plausible story ready to account for its absence.

above average in size or number or quantity or magnitude or extent

From this reading ESCAPED So he travelled across France, avoiding all large towns.

immediately past

From this reading At last he came to Dunkirk.

the act of departing

From this reading He took up a lodging at a little cabaret, and, leaving his box, which was now almost empty, strolled down to the harbour.

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

From this reading He took up a lodging at a little cabaret, and, leaving his box, which was now almost empty, strolled down to the harbour.

structures collectively in which people are housed

From this reading He took up a lodging at a little cabaret, and, leaving his box, which was now almost empty, strolled down to the harbour.

United States prizefighter who was world heavyweight champion for 12 years (1914-1981)

From this reading He had saved money as he went, and on his arrival there had eight louis in his pocket.

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

From this reading Once or twice he got into trouble with a pompous village official on account of his not holding a pedlar’s permit; but the feeling of the people was strong in favour of a man who was selling goods for the benefit of poor prisoners, and, of course, he always had some plausible story ready to account for its absence.

the most common medium of exchange; functions as legal tender

From this reading He had saved money as he went, and on his arrival there had eight louis in his pocket.

used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative

From this reading Once or twice he got into trouble with a pompous village official on account of his not holding a pedlar’s permit; but the feeling of the people was strong in favour of a man who was selling goods for the benefit of poor prisoners, and, of course, he always had some plausible story ready to account for its absence.

in the historical present; at this point in the narration of a series of past events

From this reading He took up a lodging at a little cabaret, and, leaving his box, which was now almost empty, strolled down to the harbour.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading Once or twice he got into trouble with a pompous village official on account of his not holding a pedlar’s permit; but the feeling of the people was strong in favour of a man who was selling goods for the benefit of poor prisoners, and, of course, he always had some plausible story ready to account for its absence.

having official authority or sanction

From this reading Once or twice he got into trouble with a pompous village official on account of his not holding a pedlar’s permit; but the feeling of the people was strong in favour of a man who was selling goods for the benefit of poor prisoners, and, of course, he always had some plausible story ready to account for its absence.

touching and supported by a surface

From this reading Once or twice he got into trouble with a pompous village official on account of his not holding a pedlar’s permit; but the feeling of the people was strong in favour of a man who was selling goods for the benefit of poor prisoners, and, of course, he always had some plausible story ready to account for its absence.

on one occasion

From this reading Once or twice he got into trouble with a pompous village official on account of his not holding a pedlar’s permit; but the feeling of the people was strong in favour of a man who was selling goods for the benefit of poor prisoners, and, of course, he always had some plausible story ready to account for its absence.

used to join alternatives or possibilities

From this reading Once or twice he got into trouble with a pompous village official on account of his not holding a pedlar’s permit; but the feeling of the people was strong in favour of a man who was selling goods for the benefit of poor prisoners, and, of course, he always had some plausible story ready to account for its absence.

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

From this reading Once or twice he got into trouble with a pompous village official on account of his not holding a pedlar’s permit; but the feeling of the people was strong in favour of a man who was selling goods for the benefit of poor prisoners, and, of course, he always had some plausible story ready to account for its absence.

(plural) any group of human beings (men or women or children) collectively

From this reading Once or twice he got into trouble with a pompous village official on account of his not holding a pedlar’s permit; but the feeling of the people was strong in favour of a man who was selling goods for the benefit of poor prisoners, and, of course, he always had some plausible story ready to account for its absence.

a legal document giving official permission to do something

From this reading Once or twice he got into trouble with a pompous village official on account of his not holding a pedlar’s permit; but the feeling of the people was strong in favour of a man who was selling goods for the benefit of poor prisoners, and, of course, he always had some plausible story ready to account for its absence.

apparently reasonable and credible, and therefore convincing

From this reading Once or twice he got into trouble with a pompous village official on account of his not holding a pedlar’s permit; but the feeling of the people was strong in favour of a man who was selling goods for the benefit of poor prisoners, and, of course, he always had some plausible story ready to account for its absence.

a small pouch inside a garment for carrying small articles

From this reading He had saved money as he went, and on his arrival there had eight louis in his pocket.

puffed up with vanity

From this reading Once or twice he got into trouble with a pompous village official on account of his not holding a pedlar’s permit; but the feeling of the people was strong in favour of a man who was selling goods for the benefit of poor prisoners, and, of course, he always had some plausible story ready to account for its absence.

deserving or inciting pity

From this reading Once or twice he got into trouble with a pompous village official on account of his not holding a pedlar’s permit; but the feeling of the people was strong in favour of a man who was selling goods for the benefit of poor prisoners, and, of course, he always had some plausible story ready to account for its absence.

plural of “prisoner” — a person who is confined; especially a prisoner of war

From this reading Once or twice he got into trouble with a pompous village official on account of his not holding a pedlar’s permit; but the feeling of the people was strong in favour of a man who was selling goods for the benefit of poor prisoners, and, of course, he always had some plausible story ready to account for its absence.

completely prepared or in condition for immediate action or use or progress

From this reading Once or twice he got into trouble with a pompous village official on account of his not holding a pedlar’s permit; but the feeling of the people was strong in favour of a man who was selling goods for the benefit of poor prisoners, and, of course, he always had some plausible story ready to account for its absence.

rescued; especially from the power and consequences of sin

From this reading He had saved money as he went, and on his arrival there had eight louis in his pocket.

the exchange of goods for an agreed sum of money

From this reading Once or twice he got into trouble with a pompous village official on account of his not holding a pedlar’s permit; but the feeling of the people was strong in favour of a man who was selling goods for the benefit of poor prisoners, and, of course, he always had some plausible story ready to account for its absence.

for that reason; with the result that

From this reading ESCAPED So he travelled across France, avoiding all large towns.

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

From this reading Once or twice he got into trouble with a pompous village official on account of his not holding a pedlar’s permit; but the feeling of the people was strong in favour of a man who was selling goods for the benefit of poor prisoners, and, of course, he always had some plausible story ready to account for its absence.

a message that tells the particulars of an act or occurrence or course of events; presented in writing or drama or cinema or as a radio or television program

From this reading Once or twice he got into trouble with a pompous village official on account of his not holding a pedlar’s permit; but the feeling of the people was strong in favour of a man who was selling goods for the benefit of poor prisoners, and, of course, he always had some plausible story ready to account for its absence.

past form of “stroll” — walk leisurely and with no apparent aim

From this reading He took up a lodging at a little cabaret, and, leaving his box, which was now almost empty, strolled down to the harbour.

having strength or power greater than average or expected

From this reading Once or twice he got into trouble with a pompous village official on account of his not holding a pedlar’s permit; but the feeling of the people was strong in favour of a man who was selling goods for the benefit of poor prisoners, and, of course, he always had some plausible story ready to account for its absence.

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

From this reading Once or twice he got into trouble with a pompous village official on account of his not holding a pedlar’s permit; but the feeling of the people was strong in favour of a man who was selling goods for the benefit of poor prisoners, and, of course, he always had some plausible story ready to account for its absence.

in or at that place or location

From this reading He had saved money as he went, and on his arrival there had eight louis in his pocket.

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

From this reading Once or twice he got into trouble with a pompous village official on account of his not holding a pedlar’s permit; but the feeling of the people was strong in favour of a man who was selling goods for the benefit of poor prisoners, and, of course, he always had some plausible story ready to account for its absence.

inflected form of “take” — carry out

From this reading He took up a lodging at a little cabaret, and, leaving his box, which was now almost empty, strolled down to the harbour.

plural of “town” — an urban area with a fixed boundary that is smaller than a city

From this reading ESCAPED So he travelled across France, avoiding all large towns.

familiar with many parts of the world

From this reading ESCAPED So he travelled across France, avoiding all large towns.

a source of difficulty

From this reading Once or twice he got into trouble with a pompous village official on account of his not holding a pedlar’s permit; but the feeling of the people was strong in favour of a man who was selling goods for the benefit of poor prisoners, and, of course, he always had some plausible story ready to account for its absence.

two times

From this reading Once or twice he got into trouble with a pompous village official on account of his not holding a pedlar’s permit; but the feeling of the people was strong in favour of a man who was selling goods for the benefit of poor prisoners, and, of course, he always had some plausible story ready to account for its absence.

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

From this reading He took up a lodging at a little cabaret, and, leaving his box, which was now almost empty, strolled down to the harbour.

a community of people smaller than a town

From this reading Once or twice he got into trouble with a pompous village official on account of his not holding a pedlar’s permit; but the feeling of the people was strong in favour of a man who was selling goods for the benefit of poor prisoners, and, of course, he always had some plausible story ready to account for its absence.

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

From this reading Once or twice he got into trouble with a pompous village official on account of his not holding a pedlar’s permit; but the feeling of the people was strong in favour of a man who was selling goods for the benefit of poor prisoners, and, of course, he always had some plausible story ready to account for its absence.

inflected form of “go” — change location; move, travel, or proceed, also metaphorically

From this reading He had saved money as he went, and on his arrival there had eight louis in his pocket.

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

From this reading He took up a lodging at a little cabaret, and, leaving his box, which was now almost empty, strolled down to the harbour.

which person or people

From this reading Once or twice he got into trouble with a pompous village official on account of his not holding a pedlar’s permit; but the feeling of the people was strong in favour of a man who was selling goods for the benefit of poor prisoners, and, of course, he always had some plausible story ready to account for its absence.

in the company of; together with

From this reading Once or twice he got into trouble with a pompous village official on account of his not holding a pedlar’s permit; but the feeling of the people was strong in favour of a man who was selling goods for the benefit of poor prisoners, and, of course, he always had some plausible story ready to account for its absence.