Chapter V

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

From this reading At high noon of a bright cold day in the early part of March, a labourer who had been “frithing,” that is to say, cutting underwood in one of the forest copses, came out into the green track, which could scarce be called a “lane,” to eat his well–earned dinner.

anew

From this reading As it happened to be a Monday, the poor man had a better dinner than he would see or smell again until the following Sunday.

(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 And he wants his old woman ‘long of him; he see her so little all the week, and she be always best–tempered on Sundays.

at all times; all the time and on every occasion

From this reading And he wants his old woman ‘long of him; he see her so little all the week, and she be always best–tempered on Sundays.

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

From this reading He has his bit of hot on Sunday, smacking his lips at every morsel; and who shall scold him for staying at home to see it duly boiled, and feeling his heart move with the steaming and savoury pot–lid more kindly than with the dry parson?

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

From this reading As it happened to be a Monday, the poor man had a better dinner than he would see or smell again until the following Sunday.

in or near a particular place or position

From this reading At high noon of a bright cold day in the early part of March, a labourer who had been “frithing,” that is to say, cutting underwood in one of the forest copses, came out into the green track, which could scarce be called a “lane,” to eat his well–earned dinner.

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

From this reading At high noon of a bright cold day in the early part of March, a labourer who had been “frithing,” that is to say, cutting underwood in one of the forest copses, came out into the green track, which could scarce be called a “lane,” to eat his well–earned dinner.

the past participle of “be”

From this reading At high noon of a bright cold day in the early part of March, a labourer who had been “frithing,” that is to say, cutting underwood in one of the forest copses, came out into the green track, which could scarce be called a “lane,” to eat his well–earned dinner.

the supreme effort one can make

From this reading And he wants his old woman ‘long of him; he see her so little all the week, and she be always best–tempered on Sundays.

(comparative of “good”) superior to another (of the same class or set or kind) in excellence or quality or desirability or suitability; more highly skilled than another

From this reading As it happened to be a Monday, the poor man had a better dinner than he would see or smell again until the following Sunday.

a small piece or quantity of something

From this reading He has his bit of hot on Sunday, smacking his lips at every morsel; and who shall scold him for staying at home to see it duly boiled, and feeling his heart move with the steaming and savoury pot–lid more kindly than with the dry parson?

cooked in hot water

From this reading He has his bit of hot on Sunday, smacking his lips at every morsel; and who shall scold him for staying at home to see it duly boiled, and feeling his heart move with the steaming and savoury pot–lid more kindly than with the dry parson?

emitting or reflecting light readily or in large amounts

From this reading At high noon of a bright cold day in the early part of March, a labourer who had been “frithing,” that is to say, cutting underwood in one of the forest copses, came out into the green track, which could scarce be called a “lane,” to eat his well–earned dinner.

past form of “call” — assign a specified (usually proper) proper name to

From this reading At high noon of a bright cold day in the early part of March, a labourer who had been “frithing,” that is to say, cutting underwood in one of the forest copses, came out into the green track, which could scarce be called a “lane,” to eat his well–earned dinner.

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

From this reading At high noon of a bright cold day in the early part of March, a labourer who had been “frithing,” that is to say, cutting underwood in one of the forest copses, came out into the green track, which could scarce be called a “lane,” to eat his well–earned dinner.

having a low or inadequate temperature or feeling a sensation of coldness or having been made cold by e.g. ice or refrigeration

From this reading At high noon of a bright cold day in the early part of March, a labourer who had been “frithing,” that is to say, cutting underwood in one of the forest copses, came out into the green track, which could scarce be called a “lane,” to eat his well–earned dinner.

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

From this reading At high noon of a bright cold day in the early part of March, a labourer who had been “frithing,” that is to say, cutting underwood in one of the forest copses, came out into the green track, which could scarce be called a “lane,” to eat his well–earned dinner.

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

From this reading At high noon of a bright cold day in the early part of March, a labourer who had been “frithing,” that is to say, cutting underwood in one of the forest copses, came out into the green track, which could scarce be called a “lane,” to eat his well–earned dinner.

the activity of selecting the scenes to be shown and putting them together to create a film

From this reading At high noon of a bright cold day in the early part of March, a labourer who had been “frithing,” that is to say, cutting underwood in one of the forest copses, came out into the green track, which could scarce be called a “lane,” to eat his well–earned dinner.

time for Earth to make a complete rotation on its axis

From this reading At high noon of a bright cold day in the early part of March, a labourer who had been “frithing,” that is to say, cutting underwood in one of the forest copses, came out into the green track, which could scarce be called a “lane,” to eat his well–earned dinner.

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

From this reading At high noon of a bright cold day in the early part of March, a labourer who had been “frithing,” that is to say, cutting underwood in one of the forest copses, came out into the green track, which could scarce be called a “lane,” to eat his well–earned dinner.

lacking in liveliness or charm or surprise

From this reading For there, as throughout rural England, a working man, receiving his wages on the Saturday evening, lives upon a sliding scale throughout the dreary week.

free from liquid or moisture; lacking natural or normal moisture or depleted of water; or no longer wet

From this reading He has his bit of hot on Sunday, smacking his lips at every morsel; and who shall scold him for staying at home to see it duly boiled, and feeling his heart move with the steaming and savoury pot–lid more kindly than with the dry parson?

in accordance with what is appropriate or suitable for the circumstances

From this reading He has his bit of hot on Sunday, smacking his lips at every morsel; and who shall scold him for staying at home to see it duly boiled, and feeling his heart move with the steaming and savoury pot–lid more kindly than with the dry parson?

at or near the beginning of a period of time or course of events or before the usual or expected time

From this reading At high noon of a bright cold day in the early part of March, a labourer who had been “frithing,” that is to say, cutting underwood in one of the forest copses, came out into the green track, which could scarce be called a “lane,” to eat his well–earned dinner.

gained or acquired; especially through merit or as a result of effort or action

From this reading At high noon of a bright cold day in the early part of March, a labourer who had been “frithing,” that is to say, cutting underwood in one of the forest copses, came out into the green track, which could scarce be called a “lane,” to eat his well–earned dinner.

take in solid food

From this reading At high noon of a bright cold day in the early part of March, a labourer who had been “frithing,” that is to say, cutting underwood in one of the forest copses, came out into the green track, which could scarce be called a “lane,” to eat his well–earned dinner.

a division of the United Kingdom

From this reading For there, as throughout rural England, a working man, receiving his wages on the Saturday evening, lives upon a sliding scale throughout the dreary week.

the latter part of the day (the period of decreasing daylight from late afternoon until nightfall)

From this reading For there, as throughout rural England, a working man, receiving his wages on the Saturday evening, lives upon a sliding scale throughout the dreary week.

all the members of a group, with none left out

From this reading He has his bit of hot on Sunday, smacking his lips at every morsel; and who shall scold him for staying at home to see it duly boiled, and feeling his heart move with the steaming and savoury pot–lid more kindly than with the dry parson?

the experiencing of affective and emotional states

From this reading He has his bit of hot on Sunday, smacking his lips at every morsel; and who shall scold him for staying at home to see it duly boiled, and feeling his heart move with the steaming and savoury pot–lid more kindly than with the dry parson?

about to be mentioned or specified

From this reading As it happened to be a Monday, the poor man had a better dinner than he would see or smell again until the following Sunday.

intended to be given to, or used by, somebody

From this reading For there, as throughout rural England, a working man, receiving his wages on the Saturday evening, lives upon a sliding scale throughout the dreary week.

the trees and other plants in a large densely wooded area

From this reading At high noon of a bright cold day in the early part of March, a labourer who had been “frithing,” that is to say, cutting underwood in one of the forest copses, came out into the green track, which could scarce be called a “lane,” to eat his well–earned dinner.

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

From this reading At high noon of a bright cold day in the early part of March, a labourer who had been “frithing,” that is to say, cutting underwood in one of the forest copses, came out into the green track, which could scarce be called a “lane,” to eat his well–earned dinner.

green color or pigment; resembling the color of growing grass

From this reading At high noon of a bright cold day in the early part of March, a labourer who had been “frithing,” that is to say, cutting underwood in one of the forest copses, came out into the green track, which could scarce be called a “lane,” to eat his well–earned dinner.

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

From this reading At high noon of a bright cold day in the early part of March, a labourer who had been “frithing,” that is to say, cutting underwood in one of the forest copses, came out into the green track, which could scarce be called a “lane,” to eat his well–earned dinner.

past form of “happen” — come to pass

From this reading As it happened to be a Monday, the poor man had a better dinner than he would see or smell again until the following Sunday.

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

From this reading He has his bit of hot on Sunday, smacking his lips at every morsel; and who shall scold him for staying at home to see it duly boiled, and feeling his heart move with the steaming and savoury pot–lid more kindly than with the dry parson?

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

From this reading As it happened to be a Monday, the poor man had a better dinner than he would see or smell again until the following Sunday.

the locus of feelings and intuitions

From this reading He has his bit of hot on Sunday, smacking his lips at every morsel; and who shall scold him for staying at home to see it duly boiled, and feeling his heart move with the steaming and savoury pot–lid more kindly than with the dry parson?

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

From this reading And he wants his old woman ‘long of him; he see her so little all the week, and she be always best–tempered on Sundays.

greater than normal in degree or intensity or amount

From this reading At high noon of a bright cold day in the early part of March, a labourer who had been “frithing,” that is to say, cutting underwood in one of the forest copses, came out into the green track, which could scarce be called a “lane,” to eat his well–earned dinner.

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

From this reading He has his bit of hot on Sunday, smacking his lips at every morsel; and who shall scold him for staying at home to see it duly boiled, and feeling his heart move with the steaming and savoury pot–lid more kindly than with the dry parson?

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

From this reading At high noon of a bright cold day in the early part of March, a labourer who had been “frithing,” that is to say, cutting underwood in one of the forest copses, came out into the green track, which could scarce be called a “lane,” to eat his well–earned dinner.

where you live at a particular time

From this reading He has his bit of hot on Sunday, smacking his lips at every morsel; and who shall scold him for staying at home to see it duly boiled, and feeling his heart move with the steaming and savoury pot–lid more kindly than with the dry parson?

used of physical heat; having a high or higher than desirable temperature or giving off heat or feeling or causing a sensation of heat or burning

From this reading He has his bit of hot on Sunday, smacking his lips at every morsel; and who shall scold him for staying at home to see it duly boiled, and feeling his heart move with the steaming and savoury pot–lid more kindly than with the dry parson?

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

From this reading At high noon of a bright cold day in the early part of March, a labourer who had been “frithing,” that is to say, cutting underwood in one of the forest copses, came out into the green track, which could scarce be called a “lane,” to eat his well–earned dinner.

moving to the inside of something

From this reading At high noon of a bright cold day in the early part of March, a labourer who had been “frithing,” that is to say, cutting underwood in one of the forest copses, came out into the green track, which could scarce be called a “lane,” to eat his well–earned dinner.

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

From this reading At high noon of a bright cold day in the early part of March, a labourer who had been “frithing,” that is to say, cutting underwood in one of the forest copses, came out into the green track, which could scarce be called a “lane,” to eat his well–earned dinner.

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading As it happened to be a Monday, the poor man had a better dinner than he would see or smell again until the following Sunday.

showing or motivated by sympathy and understanding and generosity

From this reading He has his bit of hot on Sunday, smacking his lips at every morsel; and who shall scold him for staying at home to see it duly boiled, and feeling his heart move with the steaming and savoury pot–lid more kindly than with the dry parson?

someone who works with their hands; someone engaged in manual labor

From this reading At high noon of a bright cold day in the early part of March, a labourer who had been “frithing,” that is to say, cutting underwood in one of the forest copses, came out into the green track, which could scarce be called a “lane,” to eat his well–earned dinner.

a narrow way or road

From this reading At high noon of a bright cold day in the early part of March, a labourer who had been “frithing,” that is to say, cutting underwood in one of the forest copses, came out into the green track, which could scarce be called a “lane,” to eat his well–earned dinner.

either of two folds of skin that can be moved to cover or open the eye

From this reading He has his bit of hot on Sunday, smacking his lips at every morsel; and who shall scold him for staying at home to see it duly boiled, and feeling his heart move with the steaming and savoury pot–lid more kindly than with the dry parson?

plural of “lip” — either of two fleshy folds of tissue that surround the mouth and play a role in speaking

From this reading He has his bit of hot on Sunday, smacking his lips at every morsel; and who shall scold him for staying at home to see it duly boiled, and feeling his heart move with the steaming and savoury pot–lid more kindly than with the dry parson?

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

From this reading And he wants his old woman ‘long of him; he see her so little all the week, and she be always best–tempered on Sundays.

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

From this reading For there, as throughout rural England, a working man, receiving his wages on the Saturday evening, lives upon a sliding scale throughout the dreary week.

primarily temporal sense; being or indicating a relatively great or greater than average duration or passage of time or a duration as specified

From this reading And he wants his old woman ‘long of him; he see her so little all the week, and she be always best–tempered on Sundays.

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

From this reading As it happened to be a Monday, the poor man had a better dinner than he would see or smell again until the following Sunday.

march in a procession

From this reading At high noon of a bright cold day in the early part of March, a labourer who had been “frithing,” that is to say, cutting underwood in one of the forest copses, came out into the green track, which could scarce be called a “lane,” to eat his well–earned dinner.

the second day of the week; the first working day

From this reading As it happened to be a Monday, the poor man had a better dinner than he would see or smell again until the following Sunday.

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

From this reading He has his bit of hot on Sunday, smacking his lips at every morsel; and who shall scold him for staying at home to see it duly boiled, and feeling his heart move with the steaming and savoury pot–lid more kindly than with the dry parson?

a small quantity of anything

From this reading He has his bit of hot on Sunday, smacking his lips at every morsel; and who shall scold him for staying at home to see it duly boiled, and feeling his heart move with the steaming and savoury pot–lid more kindly than with the dry parson?

change location; move, travel, or proceed, also metaphorically

From this reading He has his bit of hot on Sunday, smacking his lips at every morsel; and who shall scold him for staying at home to see it duly boiled, and feeling his heart move with the steaming and savoury pot–lid more kindly than with the dry parson?

the middle of the day

From this reading At high noon of a bright cold day in the early part of March, a labourer who had been “frithing,” that is to say, cutting underwood in one of the forest copses, came out into the green track, which could scarce be called a “lane,” to eat his well–earned dinner.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading At high noon of a bright cold day in the early part of March, a labourer who had been “frithing,” that is to say, cutting underwood in one of the forest copses, came out into the green track, which could scarce be called a “lane,” to eat his well–earned dinner.

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

From this reading And he wants his old woman ‘long of him; he see her so little all the week, and she be always best–tempered on Sundays.

touching and supported by a surface

From this reading For there, as throughout rural England, a working man, receiving his wages on the Saturday evening, lives upon a sliding scale throughout the dreary week.

used to mean any person in general, including the speaker

From this reading At high noon of a bright cold day in the early part of March, a labourer who had been “frithing,” that is to say, cutting underwood in one of the forest copses, came out into the green track, which could scarce be called a “lane,” to eat his well–earned dinner.

used to join alternatives or possibilities

From this reading As it happened to be a Monday, the poor man had a better dinner than he would see or smell again until the following Sunday.

not allowed to continue to bat or run

From this reading At high noon of a bright cold day in the early part of March, a labourer who had been “frithing,” that is to say, cutting underwood in one of the forest copses, came out into the green track, which could scarce be called a “lane,” to eat his well–earned dinner.

a person authorized to conduct religious worship

From this reading He has his bit of hot on Sunday, smacking his lips at every morsel; and who shall scold him for staying at home to see it duly boiled, and feeling his heart move with the steaming and savoury pot–lid more kindly than with the dry parson?

something determined in relation to something that includes it

From this reading At high noon of a bright cold day in the early part of March, a labourer who had been “frithing,” that is to say, cutting underwood in one of the forest copses, came out into the green track, which could scarce be called a “lane,” to eat his well–earned dinner.

deserving or inciting pity

From this reading As it happened to be a Monday, the poor man had a better dinner than he would see or smell again until the following Sunday.

metal or earthenware cooking vessel that is usually round and deep; often has a handle and lid

From this reading He has his bit of hot on Sunday, smacking his lips at every morsel; and who shall scold him for staying at home to see it duly boiled, and feeling his heart move with the steaming and savoury pot–lid more kindly than with the dry parson?

-ing form of “receive” — get something; come into possession of

From this reading For there, as throughout rural England, a working man, receiving his wages on the Saturday evening, lives upon a sliding scale throughout the dreary week.

living in or characteristic of farming or country life

From this reading For there, as throughout rural England, a working man, receiving his wages on the Saturday evening, lives upon a sliding scale throughout the dreary week.

the seventh and last day of the week; observed as the Sabbath by Jews and some Christians

From this reading For there, as throughout rural England, a working man, receiving his wages on the Saturday evening, lives upon a sliding scale throughout the dreary week.

morally wholesome or acceptable

From this reading He has his bit of hot on Sunday, smacking his lips at every morsel; and who shall scold him for staying at home to see it duly boiled, and feeling his heart move with the steaming and savoury pot–lid more kindly than with the dry parson?

express in words

From this reading At high noon of a bright cold day in the early part of March, a labourer who had been “frithing,” that is to say, cutting underwood in one of the forest copses, came out into the green track, which could scarce be called a “lane,” to eat his well–earned dinner.

an ordered reference standard

From this reading For there, as throughout rural England, a working man, receiving his wages on the Saturday evening, lives upon a sliding scale throughout the dreary week.

only a very short time before

From this reading At high noon of a bright cold day in the early part of March, a labourer who had been “frithing,” that is to say, cutting underwood in one of the forest copses, came out into the green track, which could scarce be called a “lane,” to eat his well–earned dinner.

censure severely or angrily

From this reading He has his bit of hot on Sunday, smacking his lips at every morsel; and who shall scold him for staying at home to see it duly boiled, and feeling his heart move with the steaming and savoury pot–lid more kindly than with the dry parson?

perceive by sight or have the power to perceive by sight

From this reading As it happened to be a Monday, the poor man had a better dinner than he would see or smell again until the following Sunday.

used with I and we for the future, or to offer and suggest

From this reading He has his bit of hot on Sunday, smacking his lips at every morsel; and who shall scold him for staying at home to see it duly boiled, and feeling his heart move with the steaming and savoury pot–lid more kindly than with the dry parson?

a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned, as the subject

From this reading And he wants his old woman ‘long of him; he see her so little all the week, and she be always best–tempered on Sundays.

being a smooth continuous motion

From this reading For there, as throughout rural England, a working man, receiving his wages on the Saturday evening, lives upon a sliding scale throughout the dreary week.

the act of smacking something; a blow delivered with an open hand

From this reading He has his bit of hot on Sunday, smacking his lips at every morsel; and who shall scold him for staying at home to see it duly boiled, and feeling his heart move with the steaming and savoury pot–lid more kindly than with the dry parson?

the sensation that results when olfactory receptors in the nose are stimulated by particular chemicals in gaseous form

From this reading As it happened to be a Monday, the poor man had a better dinner than he would see or smell again until the following Sunday.

for that reason; with the result that

From this reading And he wants his old woman ‘long of him; he see her so little all the week, and she be always best–tempered on Sundays.

-ing form of “stay” — stay the same; remain in a certain state

From this reading He has his bit of hot on Sunday, smacking his lips at every morsel; and who shall scold him for staying at home to see it duly boiled, and feeling his heart move with the steaming and savoury pot–lid more kindly than with the dry parson?

filled with steam or emitting moisture in the form of vapor or mist

From this reading He has his bit of hot on Sunday, smacking his lips at every morsel; and who shall scold him for staying at home to see it duly boiled, and feeling his heart move with the steaming and savoury pot–lid more kindly than with the dry parson?

first day of the week; observed as a day of rest and worship by most Christians

From this reading As it happened to be a Monday, the poor man had a better dinner than he would see or smell again until the following Sunday.

plural of “sunday” — first day of the week; observed as a day of rest and worship by most Christians

From this reading And he wants his old woman ‘long of him; he see her so little all the week, and she be always best–tempered on Sundays.

made hard or flexible or resilient especially by heat treatment

From this reading And he wants his old woman ‘long of him; he see her so little all the week, and she be always best–tempered on Sundays.

used to introduce the second part of a comparison

From this reading As it happened to be a Monday, the poor man had a better dinner than he would see or smell again until the following Sunday.

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading At high noon of a bright cold day in the early part of March, a labourer who had been “frithing,” that is to say, cutting underwood in one of the forest copses, came out into the green track, which could scarce be called a “lane,” to eat his well–earned dinner.

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

From this reading At high noon of a bright cold day in the early part of March, a labourer who had been “frithing,” that is to say, cutting underwood in one of the forest copses, came out into the green track, which could scarce be called a “lane,” to eat his well–earned dinner.

in or at that place or location

From this reading For there, as throughout rural England, a working man, receiving his wages on the Saturday evening, lives upon a sliding scale throughout the dreary week.

in every part of a place, or for the whole of a period

From this reading For there, as throughout rural England, a working man, receiving his wages on the Saturday evening, lives upon a sliding scale throughout the dreary week.

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

From this reading At high noon of a bright cold day in the early part of March, a labourer who had been “frithing,” that is to say, cutting underwood in one of the forest copses, came out into the green track, which could scarce be called a “lane,” to eat his well–earned dinner.

a line or route along which something travels or moves

From this reading At high noon of a bright cold day in the early part of March, a labourer who had been “frithing,” that is to say, cutting underwood in one of the forest copses, came out into the green track, which could scarce be called a “lane,” to eat his well–earned dinner.

the brush (small trees and bushes and ferns etc.) growing beneath taller trees in a wood or forest

From this reading At high noon of a bright cold day in the early part of March, a labourer who had been “frithing,” that is to say, cutting underwood in one of the forest copses, came out into the green track, which could scarce be called a “lane,” to eat his well–earned dinner.

up to a particular time

From this reading As it happened to be a Monday, the poor man had a better dinner than he would see or smell again until the following Sunday.

a formal word for “on”

From this reading For there, as throughout rural England, a working man, receiving his wages on the Saturday evening, lives upon a sliding scale throughout the dreary week.

a recompense for worthy acts or retribution for wrongdoing

From this reading For there, as throughout rural England, a working man, receiving his wages on the Saturday evening, lives upon a sliding scale throughout the dreary week.

plural of “want” — a state of extreme poverty

From this reading And he wants his old woman ‘long of him; he see her so little all the week, and she be always best–tempered on Sundays.

any period of seven consecutive days

From this reading For there, as throughout rural England, a working man, receiving his wages on the Saturday evening, lives upon a sliding scale throughout the dreary week.

(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 At high noon of a bright cold day in the early part of March, a labourer who had been “frithing,” that is to say, cutting underwood in one of the forest copses, came out into the green track, which could scarce be called a “lane,” to eat his well–earned dinner.

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

From this reading At high noon of a bright cold day in the early part of March, a labourer who had been “frithing,” that is to say, cutting underwood in one of the forest copses, came out into the green track, which could scarce be called a “lane,” to eat his well–earned dinner.

which person or people

From this reading At high noon of a bright cold day in the early part of March, a labourer who had been “frithing,” that is to say, cutting underwood in one of the forest copses, came out into the green track, which could scarce be called a “lane,” to eat his well–earned dinner.

in the company of; together with

From this reading He has his bit of hot on Sunday, smacking his lips at every morsel; and who shall scold him for staying at home to see it duly boiled, and feeling his heart move with the steaming and savoury pot–lid more kindly than with the dry parson?

an adult female person (as opposed to a man)

From this reading And he wants his old woman ‘long of him; he see her so little all the week, and she be always best–tempered on Sundays.

actively engaged in paid work

From this reading For there, as throughout rural England, a working man, receiving his wages on the Saturday evening, lives upon a sliding scale throughout the dreary week.

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

From this reading As it happened to be a Monday, the poor man had a better dinner than he would see or smell again until the following Sunday.