Chapter III · Chapter 3

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

From this reading It lifted him into a different sphere of companionship and suggested new habits of life.

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

From this reading Being thus at liberty to dispose of himself and his time, my parent was enabled to practise a long-desired and much-coveted mode of life; which was to frequent "sheebeens" and alehouses, and all similar places of resort,--not, indeed, for the gratification of any passion for drink, for my father only indulged when he was "treated," and never could bring himself to spend a farthing in liquor himself, but his great fondness for these places took its origin in his passion for talk.

(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 Being thus at liberty to dispose of himself and his time, my parent was enabled to practise a long-desired and much-coveted mode of life; which was to frequent "sheebeens" and alehouses, and all similar places of resort,--not, indeed, for the gratification of any passion for drink, for my father only indulged when he was "treated," and never could bring himself to spend a farthing in liquor himself, but his great fondness for these places took its origin in his passion for talk.

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

From this reading No longer necessitated to labor daily for his bread, by a very slight exercise of industry he could cultivate his "potato-garden;" and every one who knows anything of Ireland well knows that the potato and its corollary, the pig, supply every want of an Irish cottier household.

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

From this reading It lifted him into a different sphere of companionship and suggested new habits of life.

one or some or every or all without specification

From this reading Being thus at liberty to dispose of himself and his time, my parent was enabled to practise a long-desired and much-coveted mode of life; which was to frequent "sheebeens" and alehouses, and all similar places of resort,--not, indeed, for the gratification of any passion for drink, for my father only indulged when he was "treated," and never could bring himself to spend a farthing in liquor himself, but his great fondness for these places took its origin in his passion for talk.

any thing at all

From this reading No longer necessitated to labor daily for his bread, by a very slight exercise of industry he could cultivate his "potato-garden;" and every one who knows anything of Ireland well knows that the potato and its corollary, the pig, supply every want of an Irish cottier household.

in or near a particular place or position

From this reading Being thus at liberty to dispose of himself and his time, my parent was enabled to practise a long-desired and much-coveted mode of life; which was to frequent "sheebeens" and alehouses, and all similar places of resort,--not, indeed, for the gratification of any passion for drink, for my father only indulged when he was "treated," and never could bring himself to spend a farthing in liquor himself, but his great fondness for these places took its origin in his passion for talk.

the -ing form of “be”

From this reading Being thus at liberty to dispose of himself and his time, my parent was enabled to practise a long-desired and much-coveted mode of life; which was to frequent "sheebeens" and alehouses, and all similar places of resort,--not, indeed, for the gratification of any passion for drink, for my father only indulged when he was "treated," and never could bring himself to spend a farthing in liquor himself, but his great fondness for these places took its origin in his passion for talk.

food made from dough of flour or meal and usually raised with yeast or baking powder and then baked

From this reading No longer necessitated to labor daily for his bread, by a very slight exercise of industry he could cultivate his "potato-garden;" and every one who knows anything of Ireland well knows that the potato and its corollary, the pig, supply every want of an Irish cottier household.

take something or somebody with oneself somewhere

From this reading Being thus at liberty to dispose of himself and his time, my parent was enabled to practise a long-desired and much-coveted mode of life; which was to frequent "sheebeens" and alehouses, and all similar places of resort,--not, indeed, for the gratification of any passion for drink, for my father only indulged when he was "treated," and never could bring himself to spend a farthing in liquor himself, but his great fondness for these places took its origin in his passion for talk.

light carriage; pulled by a single horse

From this reading Never, indeed, lived there a man--from Lord Brougham himself downwards--who had a greater taste for gossip and loquaciousness than my father.

used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before

From this reading Being thus at liberty to dispose of himself and his time, my parent was enabled to practise a long-desired and much-coveted mode of life; which was to frequent "sheebeens" and alehouses, and all similar places of resort,--not, indeed, for the gratification of any passion for drink, for my father only indulged when he was "treated," and never could bring himself to spend a farthing in liquor himself, but his great fondness for these places took its origin in his passion for talk.

showing who or what does the action

From this reading No longer necessitated to labor daily for his bread, by a very slight exercise of industry he could cultivate his "potato-garden;" and every one who knows anything of Ireland well knows that the potato and its corollary, the pig, supply every want of an Irish cottier household.

plural of “case” — an occurrence of something

From this reading My father's prosperity had the usual effect it has on similar cases.

the state of being with someone

From this reading It lifted him into a different sphere of companionship and suggested new habits of life.

a practical consequence that follows naturally

From this reading No longer necessitated to labor daily for his bread, by a very slight exercise of industry he could cultivate his "potato-garden;" and every one who knows anything of Ireland well knows that the potato and its corollary, the pig, supply every want of an Irish cottier household.

a medieval English villein

From this reading No longer necessitated to labor daily for his bread, by a very slight exercise of industry he could cultivate his "potato-garden;" and every one who knows anything of Ireland well knows that the potato and its corollary, the pig, supply every want of an Irish cottier household.

the past of “can”; used for possibility or polite requests

From this reading No longer necessitated to labor daily for his bread, by a very slight exercise of industry he could cultivate his "potato-garden;" and every one who knows anything of Ireland well knows that the potato and its corollary, the pig, supply every want of an Irish cottier household.

foster the growth of

From this reading No longer necessitated to labor daily for his bread, by a very slight exercise of industry he could cultivate his "potato-garden;" and every one who knows anything of Ireland well knows that the potato and its corollary, the pig, supply every want of an Irish cottier household.

every day; without missing a day

From this reading No longer necessitated to labor daily for his bread, by a very slight exercise of industry he could cultivate his "potato-garden;" and every one who knows anything of Ireland well knows that the potato and its corollary, the pig, supply every want of an Irish cottier household.

unlike in nature or quality or form or degree

From this reading It lifted him into a different sphere of companionship and suggested new habits of life.

give, sell, or transfer to another

From this reading Being thus at liberty to dispose of himself and his time, my parent was enabled to practise a long-desired and much-coveted mode of life; which was to frequent "sheebeens" and alehouses, and all similar places of resort,--not, indeed, for the gratification of any passion for drink, for my father only indulged when he was "treated," and never could bring himself to spend a farthing in liquor himself, but his great fondness for these places took its origin in his passion for talk.

spatially or metaphorically from a higher to a lower level or position

From this reading Never, indeed, lived there a man--from Lord Brougham himself downwards--who had a greater taste for gossip and loquaciousness than my father.

take in liquids

From this reading Being thus at liberty to dispose of himself and his time, my parent was enabled to practise a long-desired and much-coveted mode of life; which was to frequent "sheebeens" and alehouses, and all similar places of resort,--not, indeed, for the gratification of any passion for drink, for my father only indulged when he was "treated," and never could bring himself to spend a farthing in liquor himself, but his great fondness for these places took its origin in his passion for talk.

a phenomenon that follows and is caused by some previous phenomenon

From this reading My father's prosperity had the usual effect it has on similar cases.

past form of “enable” — render capable or able for some task

From this reading Being thus at liberty to dispose of himself and his time, my parent was enabled to practise a long-desired and much-coveted mode of life; which was to frequent "sheebeens" and alehouses, and all similar places of resort,--not, indeed, for the gratification of any passion for drink, for my father only indulged when he was "treated," and never could bring himself to spend a farthing in liquor himself, but his great fondness for these places took its origin in his passion for talk.

all the members of a group, with none left out

From this reading No longer necessitated to labor daily for his bread, by a very slight exercise of industry he could cultivate his "potato-garden;" and every one who knows anything of Ireland well knows that the potato and its corollary, the pig, supply every want of an Irish cottier household.

the activity of exerting your muscles in various ways to keep fit

From this reading No longer necessitated to labor daily for his bread, by a very slight exercise of industry he could cultivate his "potato-garden;" and every one who knows anything of Ireland well knows that the potato and its corollary, the pig, supply every want of an Irish cottier household.

a former British bronze coin worth a quarter of a penny

From this reading Being thus at liberty to dispose of himself and his time, my parent was enabled to practise a long-desired and much-coveted mode of life; which was to frequent "sheebeens" and alehouses, and all similar places of resort,--not, indeed, for the gratification of any passion for drink, for my father only indulged when he was "treated," and never could bring himself to spend a farthing in liquor himself, but his great fondness for these places took its origin in his passion for talk.

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

From this reading Being thus at liberty to dispose of himself and his time, my parent was enabled to practise a long-desired and much-coveted mode of life; which was to frequent "sheebeens" and alehouses, and all similar places of resort,--not, indeed, for the gratification of any passion for drink, for my father only indulged when he was "treated," and never could bring himself to spend a farthing in liquor himself, but his great fondness for these places took its origin in his passion for talk.

possessive form of “father” — a male parent (also used as a term of address to your father)

From this reading My father's prosperity had the usual effect it has on similar cases.

a predisposition to like something

From this reading Being thus at liberty to dispose of himself and his time, my parent was enabled to practise a long-desired and much-coveted mode of life; which was to frequent "sheebeens" and alehouses, and all similar places of resort,--not, indeed, for the gratification of any passion for drink, for my father only indulged when he was "treated," and never could bring himself to spend a farthing in liquor himself, but his great fondness for these places took its origin in his passion for talk.

intended to be given to, or used by, somebody

From this reading No longer necessitated to labor daily for his bread, by a very slight exercise of industry he could cultivate his "potato-garden;" and every one who knows anything of Ireland well knows that the potato and its corollary, the pig, supply every want of an Irish cottier household.

do one's shopping at; do business with; be a customer or client of

From this reading Being thus at liberty to dispose of himself and his time, my parent was enabled to practise a long-desired and much-coveted mode of life; which was to frequent "sheebeens" and alehouses, and all similar places of resort,--not, indeed, for the gratification of any passion for drink, for my father only indulged when he was "treated," and never could bring himself to spend a farthing in liquor himself, but his great fondness for these places took its origin in his passion for talk.

showing where something starts, or who sent it

From this reading Never, indeed, lived there a man--from Lord Brougham himself downwards--who had a greater taste for gossip and loquaciousness than my father.

light informal conversation for social occasions

From this reading Never, indeed, lived there a man--from Lord Brougham himself downwards--who had a greater taste for gossip and loquaciousness than my father.

state of being gratified or satisfied

From this reading Being thus at liberty to dispose of himself and his time, my parent was enabled to practise a long-desired and much-coveted mode of life; which was to frequent "sheebeens" and alehouses, and all similar places of resort,--not, indeed, for the gratification of any passion for drink, for my father only indulged when he was "treated," and never could bring himself to spend a farthing in liquor himself, but his great fondness for these places took its origin in his passion for talk.

relatively large in size or number or extent; larger than others of its kind

From this reading Being thus at liberty to dispose of himself and his time, my parent was enabled to practise a long-desired and much-coveted mode of life; which was to frequent "sheebeens" and alehouses, and all similar places of resort,--not, indeed, for the gratification of any passion for drink, for my father only indulged when he was "treated," and never could bring himself to spend a farthing in liquor himself, but his great fondness for these places took its origin in his passion for talk.

greater in size or importance or degree

From this reading Never, indeed, lived there a man--from Lord Brougham himself downwards--who had a greater taste for gossip and loquaciousness than my father.

plural of “habit” — an established custom

From this reading It lifted him into a different sphere of companionship and suggested new habits of life.

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

From this reading My father's prosperity had the usual effect it has on similar cases.

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

From this reading My father's prosperity had the usual effect it has on similar cases.

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

From this reading No longer necessitated to labor daily for his bread, by a very slight exercise of industry he could cultivate his "potato-garden;" and every one who knows anything of Ireland well knows that the potato and its corollary, the pig, supply every want of an Irish cottier household.

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

From this reading It lifted him into a different sphere of companionship and suggested new habits of life.

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

From this reading Being thus at liberty to dispose of himself and his time, my parent was enabled to practise a long-desired and much-coveted mode of life; which was to frequent "sheebeens" and alehouses, and all similar places of resort,--not, indeed, for the gratification of any passion for drink, for my father only indulged when he was "treated," and never could bring himself to spend a farthing in liquor himself, but his great fondness for these places took its origin in his passion for talk.

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

From this reading No longer necessitated to labor daily for his bread, by a very slight exercise of industry he could cultivate his "potato-garden;" and every one who knows anything of Ireland well knows that the potato and its corollary, the pig, supply every want of an Irish cottier household.

a social unit living together

From this reading No longer necessitated to labor daily for his bread, by a very slight exercise of industry he could cultivate his "potato-garden;" and every one who knows anything of Ireland well knows that the potato and its corollary, the pig, supply every want of an Irish cottier household.

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

From this reading Being thus at liberty to dispose of himself and his time, my parent was enabled to practise a long-desired and much-coveted mode of life; which was to frequent "sheebeens" and alehouses, and all similar places of resort,--not, indeed, for the gratification of any passion for drink, for my father only indulged when he was "treated," and never could bring himself to spend a farthing in liquor himself, but his great fondness for these places took its origin in his passion for talk.

in truth (often tends to intensify)

From this reading Being thus at liberty to dispose of himself and his time, my parent was enabled to practise a long-desired and much-coveted mode of life; which was to frequent "sheebeens" and alehouses, and all similar places of resort,--not, indeed, for the gratification of any passion for drink, for my father only indulged when he was "treated," and never could bring himself to spend a farthing in liquor himself, but his great fondness for these places took its origin in his passion for talk.

past form of “indulge” — give free rein to

From this reading Being thus at liberty to dispose of himself and his time, my parent was enabled to practise a long-desired and much-coveted mode of life; which was to frequent "sheebeens" and alehouses, and all similar places of resort,--not, indeed, for the gratification of any passion for drink, for my father only indulged when he was "treated," and never could bring himself to spend a farthing in liquor himself, but his great fondness for these places took its origin in his passion for talk.

the people or companies engaged in a particular kind of commercial enterprise

From this reading No longer necessitated to labor daily for his bread, by a very slight exercise of industry he could cultivate his "potato-garden;" and every one who knows anything of Ireland well knows that the potato and its corollary, the pig, supply every want of an Irish cottier household.

moving to the inside of something

From this reading It lifted him into a different sphere of companionship and suggested new habits of life.

a republic consisting of 26 of 32 counties comprising the island of Ireland; achieved independence from the United Kingdom in 1921

From this reading No longer necessitated to labor daily for his bread, by a very slight exercise of industry he could cultivate his "potato-garden;" and every one who knows anything of Ireland well knows that the potato and its corollary, the pig, supply every want of an Irish cottier household.

people of Ireland or of Irish extraction

From this reading No longer necessitated to labor daily for his bread, by a very slight exercise of industry he could cultivate his "potato-garden;" and every one who knows anything of Ireland well knows that the potato and its corollary, the pig, supply every want of an Irish cottier household.

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading My father's prosperity had the usual effect it has on similar cases.

belonging to the thing or animal already mentioned

From this reading No longer necessitated to labor daily for his bread, by a very slight exercise of industry he could cultivate his "potato-garden;" and every one who knows anything of Ireland well knows that the potato and its corollary, the pig, supply every want of an Irish cottier household.

plural of “know” — the fact of being aware of information that is known to few people

From this reading No longer necessitated to labor daily for his bread, by a very slight exercise of industry he could cultivate his "potato-garden;" and every one who knows anything of Ireland well knows that the potato and its corollary, the pig, supply every want of an Irish cottier household.

a social class comprising those who do manual labor or work for wages

From this reading No longer necessitated to labor daily for his bread, by a very slight exercise of industry he could cultivate his "potato-garden;" and every one who knows anything of Ireland well knows that the potato and its corollary, the pig, supply every want of an Irish cottier household.

The state of being free within society from oppressive restrictions on one's way of life.

From this reading Being thus at liberty to dispose of himself and his time, my parent was enabled to practise a long-desired and much-coveted mode of life; which was to frequent "sheebeens" and alehouses, and all similar places of resort,--not, indeed, for the gratification of any passion for drink, for my father only indulged when he was "treated," and never could bring himself to spend a farthing in liquor himself, but his great fondness for these places took its origin in his passion for talk.

a characteristic state or mode of living

From this reading It lifted him into a different sphere of companionship and suggested new habits of life.

held up in the air

From this reading It lifted him into a different sphere of companionship and suggested new habits of life.

an alcoholic beverage that is distilled rather than fermented

From this reading Being thus at liberty to dispose of himself and his time, my parent was enabled to practise a long-desired and much-coveted mode of life; which was to frequent "sheebeens" and alehouses, and all similar places of resort,--not, indeed, for the gratification of any passion for drink, for my father only indulged when he was "treated," and never could bring himself to spend a farthing in liquor himself, but his great fondness for these places took its origin in his passion for talk.

past form of “live” — be an inhabitant of or reside in

From this reading Never, indeed, lived there a man--from Lord Brougham himself downwards--who had a greater taste for gossip and loquaciousness than my father.

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

From this reading Being thus at liberty to dispose of himself and his time, my parent was enabled to practise a long-desired and much-coveted mode of life; which was to frequent "sheebeens" and alehouses, and all similar places of resort,--not, indeed, for the gratification of any passion for drink, for my father only indulged when he was "treated," and never could bring himself to spend a farthing in liquor himself, but his great fondness for these places took its origin in his passion for talk.

for more time

From this reading No longer necessitated to labor daily for his bread, by a very slight exercise of industry he could cultivate his "potato-garden;" and every one who knows anything of Ireland well knows that the potato and its corollary, the pig, supply every want of an Irish cottier household.

the quality of being wordy and talkative

From this reading Never, indeed, lived there a man--from Lord Brougham himself downwards--who had a greater taste for gossip and loquaciousness than my father.

terms referring to the Judeo-Christian God

From this reading Never, indeed, lived there a man--from Lord Brougham himself downwards--who had a greater taste for gossip and loquaciousness than my father.

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

From this reading Never, indeed, lived there a man--from Lord Brougham himself downwards--who had a greater taste for gossip and loquaciousness than my father.

how something is done or how it happens

From this reading Being thus at liberty to dispose of himself and his time, my parent was enabled to practise a long-desired and much-coveted mode of life; which was to frequent "sheebeens" and alehouses, and all similar places of resort,--not, indeed, for the gratification of any passion for drink, for my father only indulged when he was "treated," and never could bring himself to spend a farthing in liquor himself, but his great fondness for these places took its origin in his passion for talk.

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

From this reading Being thus at liberty to dispose of himself and his time, my parent was enabled to practise a long-desired and much-coveted mode of life; which was to frequent "sheebeens" and alehouses, and all similar places of resort,--not, indeed, for the gratification of any passion for drink, for my father only indulged when he was "treated," and never could bring himself to spend a farthing in liquor himself, but his great fondness for these places took its origin in his passion for talk.

belonging to the person speaking

From this reading My father's prosperity had the usual effect it has on similar cases.

past form of “necessitate” — require as useful, just, or proper

From this reading No longer necessitated to labor daily for his bread, by a very slight exercise of industry he could cultivate his "potato-garden;" and every one who knows anything of Ireland well knows that the potato and its corollary, the pig, supply every want of an Irish cottier household.

not ever; at no time in the past or future

From this reading Being thus at liberty to dispose of himself and his time, my parent was enabled to practise a long-desired and much-coveted mode of life; which was to frequent "sheebeens" and alehouses, and all similar places of resort,--not, indeed, for the gratification of any passion for drink, for my father only indulged when he was "treated," and never could bring himself to spend a farthing in liquor himself, but his great fondness for these places took its origin in his passion for talk.

not of long duration; having just (or relatively recently) come into being or been made or acquired or discovered

From this reading It lifted him into a different sphere of companionship and suggested new habits of life.

not any; not one

From this reading No longer necessitated to labor daily for his bread, by a very slight exercise of industry he could cultivate his "potato-garden;" and every one who knows anything of Ireland well knows that the potato and its corollary, the pig, supply every want of an Irish cottier household.

used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative

From this reading Being thus at liberty to dispose of himself and his time, my parent was enabled to practise a long-desired and much-coveted mode of life; which was to frequent "sheebeens" and alehouses, and all similar places of resort,--not, indeed, for the gratification of any passion for drink, for my father only indulged when he was "treated," and never could bring himself to spend a farthing in liquor himself, but his great fondness for these places took its origin in his passion for talk.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading It lifted him into a different sphere of companionship and suggested new habits of life.

touching and supported by a surface

From this reading My father's prosperity had the usual effect it has on similar cases.

used to mean any person in general, including the speaker

From this reading No longer necessitated to labor daily for his bread, by a very slight exercise of industry he could cultivate his "potato-garden;" and every one who knows anything of Ireland well knows that the potato and its corollary, the pig, supply every want of an Irish cottier household.

and nothing more

From this reading Being thus at liberty to dispose of himself and his time, my parent was enabled to practise a long-desired and much-coveted mode of life; which was to frequent "sheebeens" and alehouses, and all similar places of resort,--not, indeed, for the gratification of any passion for drink, for my father only indulged when he was "treated," and never could bring himself to spend a farthing in liquor himself, but his great fondness for these places took its origin in his passion for talk.

the place where something begins, where it springs into being

From this reading Being thus at liberty to dispose of himself and his time, my parent was enabled to practise a long-desired and much-coveted mode of life; which was to frequent "sheebeens" and alehouses, and all similar places of resort,--not, indeed, for the gratification of any passion for drink, for my father only indulged when he was "treated," and never could bring himself to spend a farthing in liquor himself, but his great fondness for these places took its origin in his passion for talk.

a father or mother; one who begets or one who gives birth to or nurtures and raises a child; a relative who plays the role of guardian

From this reading Being thus at liberty to dispose of himself and his time, my parent was enabled to practise a long-desired and much-coveted mode of life; which was to frequent "sheebeens" and alehouses, and all similar places of resort,--not, indeed, for the gratification of any passion for drink, for my father only indulged when he was "treated," and never could bring himself to spend a farthing in liquor himself, but his great fondness for these places took its origin in his passion for talk.

a strong feeling or emotion

From this reading Being thus at liberty to dispose of himself and his time, my parent was enabled to practise a long-desired and much-coveted mode of life; which was to frequent "sheebeens" and alehouses, and all similar places of resort,--not, indeed, for the gratification of any passion for drink, for my father only indulged when he was "treated," and never could bring himself to spend a farthing in liquor himself, but his great fondness for these places took its origin in his passion for talk.

domestic swine

From this reading No longer necessitated to labor daily for his bread, by a very slight exercise of industry he could cultivate his "potato-garden;" and every one who knows anything of Ireland well knows that the potato and its corollary, the pig, supply every want of an Irish cottier household.

plural of “place” — a point located with respect to surface features of some region

From this reading Being thus at liberty to dispose of himself and his time, my parent was enabled to practise a long-desired and much-coveted mode of life; which was to frequent "sheebeens" and alehouses, and all similar places of resort,--not, indeed, for the gratification of any passion for drink, for my father only indulged when he was "treated," and never could bring himself to spend a farthing in liquor himself, but his great fondness for these places took its origin in his passion for talk.

an edible tuber native to South America; a staple food of Ireland

From this reading No longer necessitated to labor daily for his bread, by a very slight exercise of industry he could cultivate his "potato-garden;" and every one who knows anything of Ireland well knows that the potato and its corollary, the pig, supply every want of an Irish cottier household.

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

From this reading No longer necessitated to labor daily for his bread, by a very slight exercise of industry he could cultivate his "potato-garden;" and every one who knows anything of Ireland well knows that the potato and its corollary, the pig, supply every want of an Irish cottier household.

engage in a rehearsal

From this reading Being thus at liberty to dispose of himself and his time, my parent was enabled to practise a long-desired and much-coveted mode of life; which was to frequent "sheebeens" and alehouses, and all similar places of resort,--not, indeed, for the gratification of any passion for drink, for my father only indulged when he was "treated," and never could bring himself to spend a farthing in liquor himself, but his great fondness for these places took its origin in his passion for talk.

an economic state of growth with rising profits and full employment

From this reading My father's prosperity had the usual effect it has on similar cases.

a hotel located in a resort area

From this reading Being thus at liberty to dispose of himself and his time, my parent was enabled to practise a long-desired and much-coveted mode of life; which was to frequent "sheebeens" and alehouses, and all similar places of resort,--not, indeed, for the gratification of any passion for drink, for my father only indulged when he was "treated," and never could bring himself to spend a farthing in liquor himself, but his great fondness for these places took its origin in his passion for talk.

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

From this reading Being thus at liberty to dispose of himself and his time, my parent was enabled to practise a long-desired and much-coveted mode of life; which was to frequent "sheebeens" and alehouses, and all similar places of resort,--not, indeed, for the gratification of any passion for drink, for my father only indulged when he was "treated," and never could bring himself to spend a farthing in liquor himself, but his great fondness for these places took its origin in his passion for talk.

marked by correspondence or resemblance

From this reading My father's prosperity had the usual effect it has on similar cases.

a deliberate discourteous act (usually as an expression of anger or disapproval)

From this reading No longer necessitated to labor daily for his bread, by a very slight exercise of industry he could cultivate his "potato-garden;" and every one who knows anything of Ireland well knows that the potato and its corollary, the pig, supply every want of an Irish cottier household.

use up a period of time in a specific way

From this reading Being thus at liberty to dispose of himself and his time, my parent was enabled to practise a long-desired and much-coveted mode of life; which was to frequent "sheebeens" and alehouses, and all similar places of resort,--not, indeed, for the gratification of any passion for drink, for my father only indulged when he was "treated," and never could bring himself to spend a farthing in liquor himself, but his great fondness for these places took its origin in his passion for talk.

a particular environment or walk of life

From this reading It lifted him into a different sphere of companionship and suggested new habits of life.

past form of “suggest” — make a proposal, declare a plan for something

From this reading It lifted him into a different sphere of companionship and suggested new habits of life.

give something useful or necessary to

From this reading No longer necessitated to labor daily for his bread, by a very slight exercise of industry he could cultivate his "potato-garden;" and every one who knows anything of Ireland well knows that the potato and its corollary, the pig, supply every want of an Irish cottier household.

exchange thoughts; talk with

From this reading Being thus at liberty to dispose of himself and his time, my parent was enabled to practise a long-desired and much-coveted mode of life; which was to frequent "sheebeens" and alehouses, and all similar places of resort,--not, indeed, for the gratification of any passion for drink, for my father only indulged when he was "treated," and never could bring himself to spend a farthing in liquor himself, but his great fondness for these places took its origin in his passion for talk.

To perceive flavor through the mouth.

From this reading Never, indeed, lived there a man--from Lord Brougham himself downwards--who had a greater taste for gossip and loquaciousness than my father.

used to introduce the second part of a comparison

From this reading Never, indeed, lived there a man--from Lord Brougham himself downwards--who had a greater taste for gossip and loquaciousness than my father.

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading No longer necessitated to labor daily for his bread, by a very slight exercise of industry he could cultivate his "potato-garden;" and every one who knows anything of Ireland well knows that the potato and its corollary, the pig, supply every want of an Irish cottier household.

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

From this reading My father's prosperity had the usual effect it has on similar cases.

in or at that place or location

From this reading Never, indeed, lived there a man--from Lord Brougham himself downwards--who had a greater taste for gossip and loquaciousness than my father.

the plural of “this”: the people or things near, or just mentioned

From this reading Being thus at liberty to dispose of himself and his time, my parent was enabled to practise a long-desired and much-coveted mode of life; which was to frequent "sheebeens" and alehouses, and all similar places of resort,--not, indeed, for the gratification of any passion for drink, for my father only indulged when he was "treated," and never could bring himself to spend a farthing in liquor himself, but his great fondness for these places took its origin in his passion for talk.

(used to introduce a logical conclusion) from that fact or reason or as a result

From this reading Being thus at liberty to dispose of himself and his time, my parent was enabled to practise a long-desired and much-coveted mode of life; which was to frequent "sheebeens" and alehouses, and all similar places of resort,--not, indeed, for the gratification of any passion for drink, for my father only indulged when he was "treated," and never could bring himself to spend a farthing in liquor himself, but his great fondness for these places took its origin in his passion for talk.

an instance or single occasion for some event

From this reading Being thus at liberty to dispose of himself and his time, my parent was enabled to practise a long-desired and much-coveted mode of life; which was to frequent "sheebeens" and alehouses, and all similar places of resort,--not, indeed, for the gratification of any passion for drink, for my father only indulged when he was "treated," and never could bring himself to spend a farthing in liquor himself, but his great fondness for these places took its origin in his passion for talk.

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

From this reading No longer necessitated to labor daily for his bread, by a very slight exercise of industry he could cultivate his "potato-garden;" and every one who knows anything of Ireland well knows that the potato and its corollary, the pig, supply every want of an Irish cottier household.

inflected form of “take” — carry out

From this reading Being thus at liberty to dispose of himself and his time, my parent was enabled to practise a long-desired and much-coveted mode of life; which was to frequent "sheebeens" and alehouses, and all similar places of resort,--not, indeed, for the gratification of any passion for drink, for my father only indulged when he was "treated," and never could bring himself to spend a farthing in liquor himself, but his great fondness for these places took its origin in his passion for talk.

subjected to a physical (or chemical) treatment or action or agent

From this reading Being thus at liberty to dispose of himself and his time, my parent was enabled to practise a long-desired and much-coveted mode of life; which was to frequent "sheebeens" and alehouses, and all similar places of resort,--not, indeed, for the gratification of any passion for drink, for my father only indulged when he was "treated," and never could bring himself to spend a farthing in liquor himself, but his great fondness for these places took its origin in his passion for talk.

occurring or encountered or experienced or observed frequently or in accordance with regular practice or procedure

From this reading My father's prosperity had the usual effect it has on similar cases.

precisely as stated

From this reading No longer necessitated to labor daily for his bread, by a very slight exercise of industry he could cultivate his "potato-garden;" and every one who knows anything of Ireland well knows that the potato and its corollary, the pig, supply every want of an Irish cottier household.

feel or have a desire for; want strongly

From this reading No longer necessitated to labor daily for his bread, by a very slight exercise of industry he could cultivate his "potato-garden;" and every one who knows anything of Ireland well knows that the potato and its corollary, the pig, supply every want of an Irish cottier household.

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

From this reading Being thus at liberty to dispose of himself and his time, my parent was enabled to practise a long-desired and much-coveted mode of life; which was to frequent "sheebeens" and alehouses, and all similar places of resort,--not, indeed, for the gratification of any passion for drink, for my father only indulged when he was "treated," and never could bring himself to spend a farthing in liquor himself, but his great fondness for these places took its origin in his passion for talk.

(often used as a combining form) in a good or proper or satisfactory manner or to a high standard (“good” is a nonstandard dialectal variant for “well”)

From this reading No longer necessitated to labor daily for his bread, by a very slight exercise of industry he could cultivate his "potato-garden;" and every one who knows anything of Ireland well knows that the potato and its corollary, the pig, supply every want of an Irish cottier household.

at the time that

From this reading Being thus at liberty to dispose of himself and his time, my parent was enabled to practise a long-desired and much-coveted mode of life; which was to frequent "sheebeens" and alehouses, and all similar places of resort,--not, indeed, for the gratification of any passion for drink, for my father only indulged when he was "treated," and never could bring himself to spend a farthing in liquor himself, but his great fondness for these places took its origin in his passion for talk.

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

From this reading Being thus at liberty to dispose of himself and his time, my parent was enabled to practise a long-desired and much-coveted mode of life; which was to frequent "sheebeens" and alehouses, and all similar places of resort,--not, indeed, for the gratification of any passion for drink, for my father only indulged when he was "treated," and never could bring himself to spend a farthing in liquor himself, but his great fondness for these places took its origin in his passion for talk.

which person or people

From this reading No longer necessitated to labor daily for his bread, by a very slight exercise of industry he could cultivate his "potato-garden;" and every one who knows anything of Ireland well knows that the potato and its corollary, the pig, supply every want of an Irish cottier household.