Chapter IX · The Idol of the People

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

From this reading To have hoodwinked a dying maniac in the wilderness was one thing, but to think of leading an entire population--of the size of which we had not the faintest conception--by the nose, including the somewhat aggressive feminine ruler thereof and a host of priests, was quite another matter.

later than; following

From this reading Knowing the priests of Ra as I did subsequently, with their almost maniacal hatred and terror of the unknown, their dread of the stranger, whose existence, after five thousand years of isolation, the most learned amongst them only dimly guessed, I feel convinced that, had Hugh then not assumed the daring _rôle_, which he kept up afterwards with such marvellous histrionic powers, our lives would, at that moment, not have been worth two minutes’ purchase.

happening at a time subsequent to a reference time

From this reading Knowing the priests of Ra as I did subsequently, with their almost maniacal hatred and terror of the unknown, their dread of the stranger, whose existence, after five thousand years of isolation, the most learned amongst them only dimly guessed, I feel convinced that, had Hugh then not assumed the daring _rôle_, which he kept up afterwards with such marvellous histrionic powers, our lives would, at that moment, not have been worth two minutes’ purchase.

having or showing determination and energetic pursuit of your ends

From this reading To have hoodwinked a dying maniac in the wilderness was one thing, but to think of leading an entire population--of the size of which we had not the faintest conception--by the nose, including the somewhat aggressive feminine ruler thereof and a host of priests, was quite another matter.

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

From this reading Knowing the priests of Ra as I did subsequently, with their almost maniacal hatred and terror of the unknown, their dread of the stranger, whose existence, after five thousand years of isolation, the most learned amongst them only dimly guessed, I feel convinced that, had Hugh then not assumed the daring _rôle_, which he kept up afterwards with such marvellous histrionic powers, our lives would, at that moment, not have been worth two minutes’ purchase.

surrounded by; in the company of

From this reading Knowing the priests of Ra as I did subsequently, with their almost maniacal hatred and terror of the unknown, their dread of the stranger, whose existence, after five thousand years of isolation, the most learned amongst them only dimly guessed, I feel convinced that, had Hugh then not assumed the daring _rôle_, which he kept up afterwards with such marvellous histrionic powers, our lives would, at that moment, not have been worth two minutes’ purchase.

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

From this reading To have hoodwinked a dying maniac in the wilderness was one thing, but to think of leading an entire population--of the size of which we had not the faintest conception--by the nose, including the somewhat aggressive feminine ruler thereof and a host of priests, was quite another matter.

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

From this reading When I look back, dispassionately now, upon the awful moment when Hugh Tankerville so suddenly thrust himself into the political turmoil of this strange land, I quite see that he then seized, with characteristic presence of mind and boldness, the only opportunity there was of saving both our lives.

one more of the same kind, or a different one

From this reading To have hoodwinked a dying maniac in the wilderness was one thing, but to think of leading an entire population--of the size of which we had not the faintest conception--by the nose, including the somewhat aggressive feminine ruler thereof and a host of priests, was quite another matter.

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

From this reading Knowing the priests of Ra as I did subsequently, with their almost maniacal hatred and terror of the unknown, their dread of the stranger, whose existence, after five thousand years of isolation, the most learned amongst them only dimly guessed, I feel convinced that, had Hugh then not assumed the daring _rôle_, which he kept up afterwards with such marvellous histrionic powers, our lives would, at that moment, not have been worth two minutes’ purchase.

adopted in order to deceive

From this reading Knowing the priests of Ra as I did subsequently, with their almost maniacal hatred and terror of the unknown, their dread of the stranger, whose existence, after five thousand years of isolation, the most learned amongst them only dimly guessed, I feel convinced that, had Hugh then not assumed the daring _rôle_, which he kept up afterwards with such marvellous histrionic powers, our lives would, at that moment, not have been worth two minutes’ purchase.

in or near a particular place or position

From this reading Knowing the priests of Ra as I did subsequently, with their almost maniacal hatred and terror of the unknown, their dread of the stranger, whose existence, after five thousand years of isolation, the most learned amongst them only dimly guessed, I feel convinced that, had Hugh then not assumed the daring _rôle_, which he kept up afterwards with such marvellous histrionic powers, our lives would, at that moment, not have been worth two minutes’ purchase.

exceptionally bad or displeasing

From this reading When I look back, dispassionately now, upon the awful moment when Hugh Tankerville so suddenly thrust himself into the political turmoil of this strange land, I quite see that he then seized, with characteristic presence of mind and boldness, the only opportunity there was of saving both our lives.

in or to or toward a former location

From this reading When I look back, dispassionately now, upon the awful moment when Hugh Tankerville so suddenly thrust himself into the political turmoil of this strange land, I quite see that he then seized, with characteristic presence of mind and boldness, the only opportunity there was of saving both our lives.

the past participle of “be”

From this reading Knowing the priests of Ra as I did subsequently, with their almost maniacal hatred and terror of the unknown, their dread of the stranger, whose existence, after five thousand years of isolation, the most learned amongst them only dimly guessed, I feel convinced that, had Hugh then not assumed the daring _rôle_, which he kept up afterwards with such marvellous histrionic powers, our lives would, at that moment, not have been worth two minutes’ purchase.

the trait of being willing to undertake things that involve risk or danger

From this reading When I look back, dispassionately now, upon the awful moment when Hugh Tankerville so suddenly thrust himself into the political turmoil of this strange land, I quite see that he then seized, with characteristic presence of mind and boldness, the only opportunity there was of saving both our lives.

the two together, not just one

From this reading When I look back, dispassionately now, upon the awful moment when Hugh Tankerville so suddenly thrust himself into the political turmoil of this strange land, I quite see that he then seized, with characteristic presence of mind and boldness, the only opportunity there was of saving both our lives.

in a breathless manner

From this reading Breathlessly I waited when Hugh had formulated his modest request.

used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before

From this reading But at the time I was literally staggered by the sublime insolence of his proceeding.

showing who or what does the action

From this reading But at the time I was literally staggered by the sublime insolence of his proceeding.

a prominent attribute or aspect of something

From this reading When I look back, dispassionately now, upon the awful moment when Hugh Tankerville so suddenly thrust himself into the political turmoil of this strange land, I quite see that he then seized, with characteristic presence of mind and boldness, the only opportunity there was of saving both our lives.

an abstract or general idea inferred or derived from specific instances

From this reading To have hoodwinked a dying maniac in the wilderness was one thing, but to think of leading an entire population--of the size of which we had not the faintest conception--by the nose, including the somewhat aggressive feminine ruler thereof and a host of priests, was quite another matter.

persuaded of; very sure

From this reading Knowing the priests of Ra as I did subsequently, with their almost maniacal hatred and terror of the unknown, their dread of the stranger, whose existence, after five thousand years of isolation, the most learned amongst them only dimly guessed, I feel convinced that, had Hugh then not assumed the daring _rôle_, which he kept up afterwards with such marvellous histrionic powers, our lives would, at that moment, not have been worth two minutes’ purchase.

a challenge to do something dangerous or foolhardy

From this reading Knowing the priests of Ra as I did subsequently, with their almost maniacal hatred and terror of the unknown, their dread of the stranger, whose existence, after five thousand years of isolation, the most learned amongst them only dimly guessed, I feel convinced that, had Hugh then not assumed the daring _rôle_, which he kept up afterwards with such marvellous histrionic powers, our lives would, at that moment, not have been worth two minutes’ purchase.

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

From this reading Knowing the priests of Ra as I did subsequently, with their almost maniacal hatred and terror of the unknown, their dread of the stranger, whose existence, after five thousand years of isolation, the most learned amongst them only dimly guessed, I feel convinced that, had Hugh then not assumed the daring _rôle_, which he kept up afterwards with such marvellous histrionic powers, our lives would, at that moment, not have been worth two minutes’ purchase.

in a dim indistinct manner

From this reading Knowing the priests of Ra as I did subsequently, with their almost maniacal hatred and terror of the unknown, their dread of the stranger, whose existence, after five thousand years of isolation, the most learned amongst them only dimly guessed, I feel convinced that, had Hugh then not assumed the daring _rôle_, which he kept up afterwards with such marvellous histrionic powers, our lives would, at that moment, not have been worth two minutes’ purchase.

in an impartially dispassionate manner

From this reading When I look back, dispassionately now, upon the awful moment when Hugh Tankerville so suddenly thrust himself into the political turmoil of this strange land, I quite see that he then seized, with characteristic presence of mind and boldness, the only opportunity there was of saving both our lives.

fearful expectation or anticipation

From this reading Knowing the priests of Ra as I did subsequently, with their almost maniacal hatred and terror of the unknown, their dread of the stranger, whose existence, after five thousand years of isolation, the most learned amongst them only dimly guessed, I feel convinced that, had Hugh then not assumed the daring _rôle_, which he kept up afterwards with such marvellous histrionic powers, our lives would, at that moment, not have been worth two minutes’ purchase.

in or associated with the process of passing from life or ceasing to be

From this reading To have hoodwinked a dying maniac in the wilderness was one thing, but to think of leading an entire population--of the size of which we had not the faintest conception--by the nose, including the somewhat aggressive feminine ruler thereof and a host of priests, was quite another matter.

constituting the full quantity or extent; complete

From this reading To have hoodwinked a dying maniac in the wilderness was one thing, but to think of leading an entire population--of the size of which we had not the faintest conception--by the nose, including the somewhat aggressive feminine ruler thereof and a host of priests, was quite another matter.

the state or fact of existing

From this reading Knowing the priests of Ra as I did subsequently, with their almost maniacal hatred and terror of the unknown, their dread of the stranger, whose existence, after five thousand years of isolation, the most learned amongst them only dimly guessed, I feel convinced that, had Hugh then not assumed the daring _rôle_, which he kept up afterwards with such marvellous histrionic powers, our lives would, at that moment, not have been worth two minutes’ purchase.

superlative of “faint” — deficient in magnitude; barely perceptible; lacking clarity or brightness or loudness etc

From this reading To have hoodwinked a dying maniac in the wilderness was one thing, but to think of leading an entire population--of the size of which we had not the faintest conception--by the nose, including the somewhat aggressive feminine ruler thereof and a host of priests, was quite another matter.

undergo an emotional sensation or be in a particular state of mind

From this reading Knowing the priests of Ra as I did subsequently, with their almost maniacal hatred and terror of the unknown, their dread of the stranger, whose existence, after five thousand years of isolation, the most learned amongst them only dimly guessed, I feel convinced that, had Hugh then not assumed the daring _rôle_, which he kept up afterwards with such marvellous histrionic powers, our lives would, at that moment, not have been worth two minutes’ purchase.

associated with women and not with men

From this reading To have hoodwinked a dying maniac in the wilderness was one thing, but to think of leading an entire population--of the size of which we had not the faintest conception--by the nose, including the somewhat aggressive feminine ruler thereof and a host of priests, was quite another matter.

the cardinal number that is the sum of four and one

From this reading Knowing the priests of Ra as I did subsequently, with their almost maniacal hatred and terror of the unknown, their dread of the stranger, whose existence, after five thousand years of isolation, the most learned amongst them only dimly guessed, I feel convinced that, had Hugh then not assumed the daring _rôle_, which he kept up afterwards with such marvellous histrionic powers, our lives would, at that moment, not have been worth two minutes’ purchase.

devised; developed according to an orderly plan

From this reading Breathlessly I waited when Hugh had formulated his modest request.

past form of “guess” — expect, believe, or suppose

From this reading Knowing the priests of Ra as I did subsequently, with their almost maniacal hatred and terror of the unknown, their dread of the stranger, whose existence, after five thousand years of isolation, the most learned amongst them only dimly guessed, I feel convinced that, had Hugh then not assumed the daring _rôle_, which he kept up afterwards with such marvellous histrionic powers, our lives would, at that moment, not have been worth two minutes’ purchase.

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

From this reading Knowing the priests of Ra as I did subsequently, with their almost maniacal hatred and terror of the unknown, their dread of the stranger, whose existence, after five thousand years of isolation, the most learned amongst them only dimly guessed, I feel convinced that, had Hugh then not assumed the daring _rôle_, which he kept up afterwards with such marvellous histrionic powers, our lives would, at that moment, not have been worth two minutes’ purchase.

the emotion of intense dislike; a feeling of dislike so strong that it demands action

From this reading Knowing the priests of Ra as I did subsequently, with their almost maniacal hatred and terror of the unknown, their dread of the stranger, whose existence, after five thousand years of isolation, the most learned amongst them only dimly guessed, I feel convinced that, had Hugh then not assumed the daring _rôle_, which he kept up afterwards with such marvellous histrionic powers, our lives would, at that moment, not have been worth two minutes’ purchase.

used with a past participle to form the perfect tenses

From this reading Knowing the priests of Ra as I did subsequently, with their almost maniacal hatred and terror of the unknown, their dread of the stranger, whose existence, after five thousand years of isolation, the most learned amongst them only dimly guessed, I feel convinced that, had Hugh then not assumed the daring _rôle_, which he kept up afterwards with such marvellous histrionic powers, our lives would, at that moment, not have been worth two minutes’ purchase.

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

From this reading When I look back, dispassionately now, upon the awful moment when Hugh Tankerville so suddenly thrust himself into the political turmoil of this strange land, I quite see that he then seized, with characteristic presence of mind and boldness, the only opportunity there was of saving both our lives.

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

From this reading When I look back, dispassionately now, upon the awful moment when Hugh Tankerville so suddenly thrust himself into the political turmoil of this strange land, I quite see that he then seized, with characteristic presence of mind and boldness, the only opportunity there was of saving both our lives.

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

From this reading But at the time I was literally staggered by the sublime insolence of his proceeding.

characteristic of acting or a stage performance; often affected

From this reading Knowing the priests of Ra as I did subsequently, with their almost maniacal hatred and terror of the unknown, their dread of the stranger, whose existence, after five thousand years of isolation, the most learned amongst them only dimly guessed, I feel convinced that, had Hugh then not assumed the daring _rôle_, which he kept up afterwards with such marvellous histrionic powers, our lives would, at that moment, not have been worth two minutes’ purchase.

past form of “hoodwink” — influence by slyness

From this reading To have hoodwinked a dying maniac in the wilderness was one thing, but to think of leading an entire population--of the size of which we had not the faintest conception--by the nose, including the somewhat aggressive feminine ruler thereof and a host of priests, was quite another matter.

a person who invites guests to a social event (such as a party in his or her own home) and who is responsible for them while they are there

From this reading To have hoodwinked a dying maniac in the wilderness was one thing, but to think of leading an entire population--of the size of which we had not the faintest conception--by the nose, including the somewhat aggressive feminine ruler thereof and a host of priests, was quite another matter.

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

From this reading When I look back, dispassionately now, upon the awful moment when Hugh Tankerville so suddenly thrust himself into the political turmoil of this strange land, I quite see that he then seized, with characteristic presence of mind and boldness, the only opportunity there was of saving both our lives.

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

From this reading When I look back, dispassionately now, upon the awful moment when Hugh Tankerville so suddenly thrust himself into the political turmoil of this strange land, I quite see that he then seized, with characteristic presence of mind and boldness, the only opportunity there was of saving both our lives.

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

From this reading To have hoodwinked a dying maniac in the wilderness was one thing, but to think of leading an entire population--of the size of which we had not the faintest conception--by the nose, including the somewhat aggressive feminine ruler thereof and a host of priests, was quite another matter.

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

From this reading To have hoodwinked a dying maniac in the wilderness was one thing, but to think of leading an entire population--of the size of which we had not the faintest conception--by the nose, including the somewhat aggressive feminine ruler thereof and a host of priests, was quite another matter.

the trait of being rude and impertinent; inclined to take liberties

From this reading But at the time I was literally staggered by the sublime insolence of his proceeding.

moving to the inside of something

From this reading When I look back, dispassionately now, upon the awful moment when Hugh Tankerville so suddenly thrust himself into the political turmoil of this strange land, I quite see that he then seized, with characteristic presence of mind and boldness, the only opportunity there was of saving both our lives.

a state of separation between persons or groups

From this reading Knowing the priests of Ra as I did subsequently, with their almost maniacal hatred and terror of the unknown, their dread of the stranger, whose existence, after five thousand years of isolation, the most learned amongst them only dimly guessed, I feel convinced that, had Hugh then not assumed the daring _rôle_, which he kept up afterwards with such marvellous histrionic powers, our lives would, at that moment, not have been worth two minutes’ purchase.

(especially of promises or contracts) not violated or disregarded

From this reading Knowing the priests of Ra as I did subsequently, with their almost maniacal hatred and terror of the unknown, their dread of the stranger, whose existence, after five thousand years of isolation, the most learned amongst them only dimly guessed, I feel convinced that, had Hugh then not assumed the daring _rôle_, which he kept up afterwards with such marvellous histrionic powers, our lives would, at that moment, not have been worth two minutes’ purchase.

evidencing the possession of inside information

From this reading Knowing the priests of Ra as I did subsequently, with their almost maniacal hatred and terror of the unknown, their dread of the stranger, whose existence, after five thousand years of isolation, the most learned amongst them only dimly guessed, I feel convinced that, had Hugh then not assumed the daring _rôle_, which he kept up afterwards with such marvellous histrionic powers, our lives would, at that moment, not have been worth two minutes’ purchase.

the land on which real estate is located

From this reading When I look back, dispassionately now, upon the awful moment when Hugh Tankerville so suddenly thrust himself into the political turmoil of this strange land, I quite see that he then seized, with characteristic presence of mind and boldness, the only opportunity there was of saving both our lives.

indicating the most important performer or role

From this reading To have hoodwinked a dying maniac in the wilderness was one thing, but to think of leading an entire population--of the size of which we had not the faintest conception--by the nose, including the somewhat aggressive feminine ruler thereof and a host of priests, was quite another matter.

having or showing profound knowledge

From this reading Knowing the priests of Ra as I did subsequently, with their almost maniacal hatred and terror of the unknown, their dread of the stranger, whose existence, after five thousand years of isolation, the most learned amongst them only dimly guessed, I feel convinced that, had Hugh then not assumed the daring _rôle_, which he kept up afterwards with such marvellous histrionic powers, our lives would, at that moment, not have been worth two minutes’ purchase.

in a literal sense

From this reading But at the time I was literally staggered by the sublime insolence of his proceeding.

plural of “life” — a characteristic state or mode of living

From this reading When I look back, dispassionately now, upon the awful moment when Hugh Tankerville so suddenly thrust himself into the political turmoil of this strange land, I quite see that he then seized, with characteristic presence of mind and boldness, the only opportunity there was of saving both our lives.

perceive with attention; direct one's gaze towards

From this reading When I look back, dispassionately now, upon the awful moment when Hugh Tankerville so suddenly thrust himself into the political turmoil of this strange land, I quite see that he then seized, with characteristic presence of mind and boldness, the only opportunity there was of saving both our lives.

an insane person

From this reading To have hoodwinked a dying maniac in the wilderness was one thing, but to think of leading an entire population--of the size of which we had not the faintest conception--by the nose, including the somewhat aggressive feminine ruler thereof and a host of priests, was quite another matter.

wildly disordered

From this reading Knowing the priests of Ra as I did subsequently, with their almost maniacal hatred and terror of the unknown, their dread of the stranger, whose existence, after five thousand years of isolation, the most learned amongst them only dimly guessed, I feel convinced that, had Hugh then not assumed the daring _rôle_, which he kept up afterwards with such marvellous histrionic powers, our lives would, at that moment, not have been worth two minutes’ purchase.

extraordinarily good or great; used especially as intensifiers

From this reading Knowing the priests of Ra as I did subsequently, with their almost maniacal hatred and terror of the unknown, their dread of the stranger, whose existence, after five thousand years of isolation, the most learned amongst them only dimly guessed, I feel convinced that, had Hugh then not assumed the daring _rôle_, which he kept up afterwards with such marvellous histrionic powers, our lives would, at that moment, not have been worth two minutes’ purchase.

a vaguely specified concern

From this reading To have hoodwinked a dying maniac in the wilderness was one thing, but to think of leading an entire population--of the size of which we had not the faintest conception--by the nose, including the somewhat aggressive feminine ruler thereof and a host of priests, was quite another matter.

The element of a person that enables awareness and thought.

From this reading When I look back, dispassionately now, upon the awful moment when Hugh Tankerville so suddenly thrust himself into the political turmoil of this strange land, I quite see that he then seized, with characteristic presence of mind and boldness, the only opportunity there was of saving both our lives.

a written account of what transpired at a meeting

From this reading Knowing the priests of Ra as I did subsequently, with their almost maniacal hatred and terror of the unknown, their dread of the stranger, whose existence, after five thousand years of isolation, the most learned amongst them only dimly guessed, I feel convinced that, had Hugh then not assumed the daring _rôle_, which he kept up afterwards with such marvellous histrionic powers, our lives would, at that moment, not have been worth two minutes’ purchase.

marked by simplicity; having a humble opinion of yourself

From this reading Breathlessly I waited when Hugh had formulated his modest request.

a particular point in time

From this reading When I look back, dispassionately now, upon the awful moment when Hugh Tankerville so suddenly thrust himself into the political turmoil of this strange land, I quite see that he then seized, with characteristic presence of mind and boldness, the only opportunity there was of saving both our lives.

used to form the superlative

From this reading Knowing the priests of Ra as I did subsequently, with their almost maniacal hatred and terror of the unknown, their dread of the stranger, whose existence, after five thousand years of isolation, the most learned amongst them only dimly guessed, I feel convinced that, had Hugh then not assumed the daring _rôle_, which he kept up afterwards with such marvellous histrionic powers, our lives would, at that moment, not have been worth two minutes’ purchase.

the organ of smell and entrance to the respiratory tract; the prominent part of the face of man or other mammals

From this reading To have hoodwinked a dying maniac in the wilderness was one thing, but to think of leading an entire population--of the size of which we had not the faintest conception--by the nose, including the somewhat aggressive feminine ruler thereof and a host of priests, was quite another matter.

used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative

From this reading Knowing the priests of Ra as I did subsequently, with their almost maniacal hatred and terror of the unknown, their dread of the stranger, whose existence, after five thousand years of isolation, the most learned amongst them only dimly guessed, I feel convinced that, had Hugh then not assumed the daring _rôle_, which he kept up afterwards with such marvellous histrionic powers, our lives would, at that moment, not have been worth two minutes’ purchase.

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

From this reading When I look back, dispassionately now, upon the awful moment when Hugh Tankerville so suddenly thrust himself into the political turmoil of this strange land, I quite see that he then seized, with characteristic presence of mind and boldness, the only opportunity there was of saving both our lives.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading When I look back, dispassionately now, upon the awful moment when Hugh Tankerville so suddenly thrust himself into the political turmoil of this strange land, I quite see that he then seized, with characteristic presence of mind and boldness, the only opportunity there was of saving both our lives.

used to mean any person in general, including the speaker

From this reading To have hoodwinked a dying maniac in the wilderness was one thing, but to think of leading an entire population--of the size of which we had not the faintest conception--by the nose, including the somewhat aggressive feminine ruler thereof and a host of priests, was quite another matter.

and nothing more

From this reading When I look back, dispassionately now, upon the awful moment when Hugh Tankerville so suddenly thrust himself into the political turmoil of this strange land, I quite see that he then seized, with characteristic presence of mind and boldness, the only opportunity there was of saving both our lives.

a possibility due to a favorable combination of circumstances

From this reading When I look back, dispassionately now, upon the awful moment when Hugh Tankerville so suddenly thrust himself into the political turmoil of this strange land, I quite see that he then seized, with characteristic presence of mind and boldness, the only opportunity there was of saving both our lives.

belonging to the speaker and others

From this reading When I look back, dispassionately now, upon the awful moment when Hugh Tankerville so suddenly thrust himself into the political turmoil of this strange land, I quite see that he then seized, with characteristic presence of mind and boldness, the only opportunity there was of saving both our lives.

involving or characteristic of politics or parties or politicians

From this reading When I look back, dispassionately now, upon the awful moment when Hugh Tankerville so suddenly thrust himself into the political turmoil of this strange land, I quite see that he then seized, with characteristic presence of mind and boldness, the only opportunity there was of saving both our lives.

the people who inhabit a territory or state

From this reading To have hoodwinked a dying maniac in the wilderness was one thing, but to think of leading an entire population--of the size of which we had not the faintest conception--by the nose, including the somewhat aggressive feminine ruler thereof and a host of priests, was quite another matter.

plural of “power” — possession of controlling influence

From this reading Knowing the priests of Ra as I did subsequently, with their almost maniacal hatred and terror of the unknown, their dread of the stranger, whose existence, after five thousand years of isolation, the most learned amongst them only dimly guessed, I feel convinced that, had Hugh then not assumed the daring _rôle_, which he kept up afterwards with such marvellous histrionic powers, our lives would, at that moment, not have been worth two minutes’ purchase.

the state of being present; current existence

From this reading When I look back, dispassionately now, upon the awful moment when Hugh Tankerville so suddenly thrust himself into the political turmoil of this strange land, I quite see that he then seized, with characteristic presence of mind and boldness, the only opportunity there was of saving both our lives.

plural of “priest” — a clergyman in Christian churches who has the authority to perform or administer various religious rites; one of the Holy Orders

From this reading Knowing the priests of Ra as I did subsequently, with their almost maniacal hatred and terror of the unknown, their dread of the stranger, whose existence, after five thousand years of isolation, the most learned amongst them only dimly guessed, I feel convinced that, had Hugh then not assumed the daring _rôle_, which he kept up afterwards with such marvellous histrionic powers, our lives would, at that moment, not have been worth two minutes’ purchase.

(law) the institution of a sequence of steps by which legal judgments are invoked

From this reading But at the time I was literally staggered by the sublime insolence of his proceeding.

the acquisition of something for payment

From this reading Knowing the priests of Ra as I did subsequently, with their almost maniacal hatred and terror of the unknown, their dread of the stranger, whose existence, after five thousand years of isolation, the most learned amongst them only dimly guessed, I feel convinced that, had Hugh then not assumed the daring _rôle_, which he kept up afterwards with such marvellous histrionic powers, our lives would, at that moment, not have been worth two minutes’ purchase.

to a degree (not used with a negative)

From this reading When I look back, dispassionately now, upon the awful moment when Hugh Tankerville so suddenly thrust himself into the political turmoil of this strange land, I quite see that he then seized, with characteristic presence of mind and boldness, the only opportunity there was of saving both our lives.

an intensely radioactive metallic element that occurs in minute amounts in uranium ores

From this reading Knowing the priests of Ra as I did subsequently, with their almost maniacal hatred and terror of the unknown, their dread of the stranger, whose existence, after five thousand years of isolation, the most learned amongst them only dimly guessed, I feel convinced that, had Hugh then not assumed the daring _rôle_, which he kept up afterwards with such marvellous histrionic powers, our lives would, at that moment, not have been worth two minutes’ purchase.

express the need or desire for

From this reading Breathlessly I waited when Hugh had formulated his modest request.

a person who rules or commands

From this reading To have hoodwinked a dying maniac in the wilderness was one thing, but to think of leading an entire population--of the size of which we had not the faintest conception--by the nose, including the somewhat aggressive feminine ruler thereof and a host of priests, was quite another matter.

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

From this reading Knowing the priests of Ra as I did subsequently, with their almost maniacal hatred and terror of the unknown, their dread of the stranger, whose existence, after five thousand years of isolation, the most learned amongst them only dimly guessed, I feel convinced that, had Hugh then not assumed the daring _rôle_, which he kept up afterwards with such marvellous histrionic powers, our lives would, at that moment, not have been worth two minutes’ purchase.

an act of economizing; reduction in cost

From this reading When I look back, dispassionately now, upon the awful moment when Hugh Tankerville so suddenly thrust himself into the political turmoil of this strange land, I quite see that he then seized, with characteristic presence of mind and boldness, the only opportunity there was of saving both our lives.

perceive by sight or have the power to perceive by sight

From this reading When I look back, dispassionately now, upon the awful moment when Hugh Tankerville so suddenly thrust himself into the political turmoil of this strange land, I quite see that he then seized, with characteristic presence of mind and boldness, the only opportunity there was of saving both our lives.

past form of “seize” — take hold of; grab

From this reading When I look back, dispassionately now, upon the awful moment when Hugh Tankerville so suddenly thrust himself into the political turmoil of this strange land, I quite see that he then seized, with characteristic presence of mind and boldness, the only opportunity there was of saving both our lives.

the physical magnitude of something (how big it is)

From this reading To have hoodwinked a dying maniac in the wilderness was one thing, but to think of leading an entire population--of the size of which we had not the faintest conception--by the nose, including the somewhat aggressive feminine ruler thereof and a host of priests, was quite another matter.

for that reason; with the result that

From this reading When I look back, dispassionately now, upon the awful moment when Hugh Tankerville so suddenly thrust himself into the political turmoil of this strange land, I quite see that he then seized, with characteristic presence of mind and boldness, the only opportunity there was of saving both our lives.

to a small degree or extent

From this reading To have hoodwinked a dying maniac in the wilderness was one thing, but to think of leading an entire population--of the size of which we had not the faintest conception--by the nose, including the somewhat aggressive feminine ruler thereof and a host of priests, was quite another matter.

past form of “stagger” — walk as if unable to control one's movements

From this reading But at the time I was literally staggered by the sublime insolence of his proceeding.

being definitely out of the ordinary and unexpected; slightly odd or even a bit weird

From this reading When I look back, dispassionately now, upon the awful moment when Hugh Tankerville so suddenly thrust himself into the political turmoil of this strange land, I quite see that he then seized, with characteristic presence of mind and boldness, the only opportunity there was of saving both our lives.

anyone who does not belong in the environment in which they are found

From this reading Knowing the priests of Ra as I did subsequently, with their almost maniacal hatred and terror of the unknown, their dread of the stranger, whose existence, after five thousand years of isolation, the most learned amongst them only dimly guessed, I feel convinced that, had Hugh then not assumed the daring _rôle_, which he kept up afterwards with such marvellous histrionic powers, our lives would, at that moment, not have been worth two minutes’ purchase.

inspiring awe

From this reading But at the time I was literally staggered by the sublime insolence of his proceeding.

happening at a time subsequent to a reference time

From this reading Knowing the priests of Ra as I did subsequently, with their almost maniacal hatred and terror of the unknown, their dread of the stranger, whose existence, after five thousand years of isolation, the most learned amongst them only dimly guessed, I feel convinced that, had Hugh then not assumed the daring _rôle_, which he kept up afterwards with such marvellous histrionic powers, our lives would, at that moment, not have been worth two minutes’ purchase.

of the kind already mentioned

From this reading Knowing the priests of Ra as I did subsequently, with their almost maniacal hatred and terror of the unknown, their dread of the stranger, whose existence, after five thousand years of isolation, the most learned amongst them only dimly guessed, I feel convinced that, had Hugh then not assumed the daring _rôle_, which he kept up afterwards with such marvellous histrionic powers, our lives would, at that moment, not have been worth two minutes’ purchase.

happening unexpectedly

From this reading When I look back, dispassionately now, upon the awful moment when Hugh Tankerville so suddenly thrust himself into the political turmoil of this strange land, I quite see that he then seized, with characteristic presence of mind and boldness, the only opportunity there was of saving both our lives.

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

From this reading When I look back, dispassionately now, upon the awful moment when Hugh Tankerville so suddenly thrust himself into the political turmoil of this strange land, I quite see that he then seized, with characteristic presence of mind and boldness, the only opportunity there was of saving both our lives.

an overwhelming feeling of fear and anxiety

From this reading Knowing the priests of Ra as I did subsequently, with their almost maniacal hatred and terror of the unknown, their dread of the stranger, whose existence, after five thousand years of isolation, the most learned amongst them only dimly guessed, I feel convinced that, had Hugh then not assumed the daring _rôle_, which he kept up afterwards with such marvellous histrionic powers, our lives would, at that moment, not have been worth two minutes’ purchase.

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading When I look back, dispassionately now, upon the awful moment when Hugh Tankerville so suddenly thrust himself into the political turmoil of this strange land, I quite see that he then seized, with characteristic presence of mind and boldness, the only opportunity there was of saving both our lives.

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

From this reading When I look back, dispassionately now, upon the awful moment when Hugh Tankerville so suddenly thrust himself into the political turmoil of this strange land, I quite see that he then seized, with characteristic presence of mind and boldness, the only opportunity there was of saving both our lives.

belonging to the people or things already mentioned

From this reading Knowing the priests of Ra as I did subsequently, with their almost maniacal hatred and terror of the unknown, their dread of the stranger, whose existence, after five thousand years of isolation, the most learned amongst them only dimly guessed, I feel convinced that, had Hugh then not assumed the daring _rôle_, which he kept up afterwards with such marvellous histrionic powers, our lives would, at that moment, not have been worth two minutes’ purchase.

the people or things already mentioned, as the object

From this reading Knowing the priests of Ra as I did subsequently, with their almost maniacal hatred and terror of the unknown, their dread of the stranger, whose existence, after five thousand years of isolation, the most learned amongst them only dimly guessed, I feel convinced that, had Hugh then not assumed the daring _rôle_, which he kept up afterwards with such marvellous histrionic powers, our lives would, at that moment, not have been worth two minutes’ purchase.

subsequently or soon afterward (often used as sentence connectors)

From this reading When I look back, dispassionately now, upon the awful moment when Hugh Tankerville so suddenly thrust himself into the political turmoil of this strange land, I quite see that he then seized, with characteristic presence of mind and boldness, the only opportunity there was of saving both our lives.

in or at that place or location

From this reading When I look back, dispassionately now, upon the awful moment when Hugh Tankerville so suddenly thrust himself into the political turmoil of this strange land, I quite see that he then seized, with characteristic presence of mind and boldness, the only opportunity there was of saving both our lives.

of or concerning this or that

From this reading To have hoodwinked a dying maniac in the wilderness was one thing, but to think of leading an entire population--of the size of which we had not the faintest conception--by the nose, including the somewhat aggressive feminine ruler thereof and a host of priests, was quite another matter.

a special situation

From this reading To have hoodwinked a dying maniac in the wilderness was one thing, but to think of leading an entire population--of the size of which we had not the faintest conception--by the nose, including the somewhat aggressive feminine ruler thereof and a host of priests, was quite another matter.

judge or regard; look upon; judge

From this reading To have hoodwinked a dying maniac in the wilderness was one thing, but to think of leading an entire population--of the size of which we had not the faintest conception--by the nose, including the somewhat aggressive feminine ruler thereof and a host of priests, was quite another matter.

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

From this reading When I look back, dispassionately now, upon the awful moment when Hugh Tankerville so suddenly thrust himself into the political turmoil of this strange land, I quite see that he then seized, with characteristic presence of mind and boldness, the only opportunity there was of saving both our lives.

the cardinal number that is the product of 10 and 100

From this reading Knowing the priests of Ra as I did subsequently, with their almost maniacal hatred and terror of the unknown, their dread of the stranger, whose existence, after five thousand years of isolation, the most learned amongst them only dimly guessed, I feel convinced that, had Hugh then not assumed the daring _rôle_, which he kept up afterwards with such marvellous histrionic powers, our lives would, at that moment, not have been worth two minutes’ purchase.

push forcefully

From this reading When I look back, dispassionately now, upon the awful moment when Hugh Tankerville so suddenly thrust himself into the political turmoil of this strange land, I quite see that he then seized, with characteristic presence of mind and boldness, the only opportunity there was of saving both our lives.

an instance or single occasion for some event

From this reading But at the time I was literally staggered by the sublime insolence of his proceeding.

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

From this reading To have hoodwinked a dying maniac in the wilderness was one thing, but to think of leading an entire population--of the size of which we had not the faintest conception--by the nose, including the somewhat aggressive feminine ruler thereof and a host of priests, was quite another matter.

a violent disturbance

From this reading When I look back, dispassionately now, upon the awful moment when Hugh Tankerville so suddenly thrust himself into the political turmoil of this strange land, I quite see that he then seized, with characteristic presence of mind and boldness, the only opportunity there was of saving both our lives.

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

From this reading Knowing the priests of Ra as I did subsequently, with their almost maniacal hatred and terror of the unknown, their dread of the stranger, whose existence, after five thousand years of isolation, the most learned amongst them only dimly guessed, I feel convinced that, had Hugh then not assumed the daring _rôle_, which he kept up afterwards with such marvellous histrionic powers, our lives would, at that moment, not have been worth two minutes’ purchase.

not known

From this reading Knowing the priests of Ra as I did subsequently, with their almost maniacal hatred and terror of the unknown, their dread of the stranger, whose existence, after five thousand years of isolation, the most learned amongst them only dimly guessed, I feel convinced that, had Hugh then not assumed the daring _rôle_, which he kept up afterwards with such marvellous histrionic powers, our lives would, at that moment, not have been worth two minutes’ purchase.

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

From this reading Knowing the priests of Ra as I did subsequently, with their almost maniacal hatred and terror of the unknown, their dread of the stranger, whose existence, after five thousand years of isolation, the most learned amongst them only dimly guessed, I feel convinced that, had Hugh then not assumed the daring _rôle_, which he kept up afterwards with such marvellous histrionic powers, our lives would, at that moment, not have been worth two minutes’ purchase.

a formal word for “on”

From this reading When I look back, dispassionately now, upon the awful moment when Hugh Tankerville so suddenly thrust himself into the political turmoil of this strange land, I quite see that he then seized, with characteristic presence of mind and boldness, the only opportunity there was of saving both our lives.

past form of “wait” — stay in one place and anticipate or expect something

From this reading Breathlessly I waited when Hugh had formulated his modest request.

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

From this reading When I look back, dispassionately now, upon the awful moment when Hugh Tankerville so suddenly thrust himself into the political turmoil of this strange land, I quite see that he then seized, with characteristic presence of mind and boldness, the only opportunity there was of saving both our lives.

the speaker together with one or more other people

From this reading To have hoodwinked a dying maniac in the wilderness was one thing, but to think of leading an entire population--of the size of which we had not the faintest conception--by the nose, including the somewhat aggressive feminine ruler thereof and a host of priests, was quite another matter.

at the time that

From this reading When I look back, dispassionately now, upon the awful moment when Hugh Tankerville so suddenly thrust himself into the political turmoil of this strange land, I quite see that he then seized, with characteristic presence of mind and boldness, the only opportunity there was of saving both our lives.

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

From this reading Knowing the priests of Ra as I did subsequently, with their almost maniacal hatred and terror of the unknown, their dread of the stranger, whose existence, after five thousand years of isolation, the most learned amongst them only dimly guessed, I feel convinced that, had Hugh then not assumed the daring _rôle_, which he kept up afterwards with such marvellous histrionic powers, our lives would, at that moment, not have been worth two minutes’ purchase.

belonging to which person

From this reading Knowing the priests of Ra as I did subsequently, with their almost maniacal hatred and terror of the unknown, their dread of the stranger, whose existence, after five thousand years of isolation, the most learned amongst them only dimly guessed, I feel convinced that, had Hugh then not assumed the daring _rôle_, which he kept up afterwards with such marvellous histrionic powers, our lives would, at that moment, not have been worth two minutes’ purchase.

(politics) a state of disfavor

From this reading To have hoodwinked a dying maniac in the wilderness was one thing, but to think of leading an entire population--of the size of which we had not the faintest conception--by the nose, including the somewhat aggressive feminine ruler thereof and a host of priests, was quite another matter.

in the company of; together with

From this reading When I look back, dispassionately now, upon the awful moment when Hugh Tankerville so suddenly thrust himself into the political turmoil of this strange land, I quite see that he then seized, with characteristic presence of mind and boldness, the only opportunity there was of saving both our lives.

an indefinite quantity of something having a specified value

From this reading Knowing the priests of Ra as I did subsequently, with their almost maniacal hatred and terror of the unknown, their dread of the stranger, whose existence, after five thousand years of isolation, the most learned amongst them only dimly guessed, I feel convinced that, had Hugh then not assumed the daring _rôle_, which he kept up afterwards with such marvellous histrionic powers, our lives would, at that moment, not have been worth two minutes’ purchase.

used for something imagined, polite, or habitual in the past

From this reading Knowing the priests of Ra as I did subsequently, with their almost maniacal hatred and terror of the unknown, their dread of the stranger, whose existence, after five thousand years of isolation, the most learned amongst them only dimly guessed, I feel convinced that, had Hugh then not assumed the daring _rôle_, which he kept up afterwards with such marvellous histrionic powers, our lives would, at that moment, not have been worth two minutes’ purchase.

a late time of life

From this reading Knowing the priests of Ra as I did subsequently, with their almost maniacal hatred and terror of the unknown, their dread of the stranger, whose existence, after five thousand years of isolation, the most learned amongst them only dimly guessed, I feel convinced that, had Hugh then not assumed the daring _rôle_, which he kept up afterwards with such marvellous histrionic powers, our lives would, at that moment, not have been worth two minutes’ purchase.