Chapter XXVIII · Chapter 28

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

From this reading On a fine Sunday in summer after the close of the service the exit of the congregation of St. James's church presents an animated and inspiring spectacle.

on the subject of; concerning

From this reading Things had come about very much as David had desired and anticipated, and our friend had met quite a number of the "summer people," having been waylaid at times by the rector--in whose good graces he stood so high that he might have sung anything short of a comic song during the offertory--and presented willy-nilly.

later than; following

From this reading On a fine Sunday in summer after the close of the service the exit of the congregation of St. James's church presents an animated and inspiring spectacle.

plural of “age” — how long something has existed

From this reading A good many well-dressed ladies of various ages, and not quite so many well-dressed men, mostly (as David would have put it) "runnin' a little younger," come from out the sacred edifice with an expression of relief easily changeable to something gayer.

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

From this reading On a fine Sunday in summer after the close of the service the exit of the congregation of St. James's church presents an animated and inspiring spectacle.

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

From this reading On a fine Sunday in summer after the close of the service the exit of the congregation of St. James's church presents an animated and inspiring spectacle.

having life or vigor or spirit

From this reading On a fine Sunday in summer after the close of the service the exit of the congregation of St. James's church presents an animated and inspiring spectacle.

expected hopefully

From this reading Things had come about very much as David had desired and anticipated, and our friend had met quite a number of the "summer people," having been waylaid at times by the rector--in whose good graces he stood so high that he might have sung anything short of a comic song during the offertory--and presented willy-nilly.

any thing at all

From this reading Things had come about very much as David had desired and anticipated, and our friend had met quite a number of the "summer people," having been waylaid at times by the rector--in whose good graces he stood so high that he might have sung anything short of a comic song during the offertory--and presented willy-nilly.

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

From this reading A good many well-dressed ladies of various ages, and not quite so many well-dressed men, mostly (as David would have put it) "runnin' a little younger," come from out the sacred edifice with an expression of relief easily changeable to something gayer.

in or near a particular place or position

From this reading Things had come about very much as David had desired and anticipated, and our friend had met quite a number of the "summer people," having been waylaid at times by the rector--in whose good graces he stood so high that he might have sung anything short of a comic song during the offertory--and presented willy-nilly.

from a particular thing or place or position (“forth” is obsolete)

From this reading A few drive away in handsome equipages, but most prefer to walk, and there is usually a good deal of smiling talk in groups before parting, in which Mr. Euston likes to join.

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

From this reading He leaves matters in the vestry to the care of old Barlow, the sexton, and makes, if one may be permitted the expression, "a quick change."

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

From this reading He leaves matters in the vestry to the care of old Barlow, the sexton, and makes, if one may be permitted the expression, "a quick change."

the past participle of “be”

From this reading Things had come about very much as David had desired and anticipated, and our friend had met quite a number of the "summer people," having been waylaid at times by the rector--in whose good graces he stood so high that he might have sung anything short of a comic song during the offertory--and presented willy-nilly.

earlier than; in front of

From this reading A few drive away in handsome equipages, but most prefer to walk, and there is usually a good deal of smiling talk in groups before parting, in which Mr. Euston likes to join.

used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before

From this reading A few drive away in handsome equipages, but most prefer to walk, and there is usually a good deal of smiling talk in groups before parting, in which Mr. Euston likes to join.

showing who or what does the action

From this reading Things had come about very much as David had desired and anticipated, and our friend had met quite a number of the "summer people," having been waylaid at times by the rector--in whose good graces he stood so high that he might have sung anything short of a comic song during the offertory--and presented willy-nilly.

the work of providing treatment for or attending to someone or something

From this reading He leaves matters in the vestry to the care of old Barlow, the sexton, and makes, if one may be permitted the expression, "a quick change."

cause to change; make different; cause a transformation

From this reading He leaves matters in the vestry to the care of old Barlow, the sexton, and makes, if one may be permitted the expression, "a quick change."

capable of or tending to change in form or quality or nature

From this reading A good many well-dressed ladies of various ages, and not quite so many well-dressed men, mostly (as David would have put it) "runnin' a little younger," come from out the sacred edifice with an expression of relief easily changeable to something gayer.

one of the groups of Christians who have their own beliefs and forms of worship

From this reading On a fine Sunday in summer after the close of the service the exit of the congregation of St. James's church presents an animated and inspiring spectacle.

at or within a short distance in space or time or having elements near each other

From this reading On a fine Sunday in summer after the close of the service the exit of the congregation of St. James's church presents an animated and inspiring spectacle.

move toward, travel toward something or somebody or approach something or somebody

From this reading A good many well-dressed ladies of various ages, and not quite so many well-dressed men, mostly (as David would have put it) "runnin' a little younger," come from out the sacred edifice with an expression of relief easily changeable to something gayer.

arousing or provoking laughter

From this reading Things had come about very much as David had desired and anticipated, and our friend had met quite a number of the "summer people," having been waylaid at times by the rector--in whose good graces he stood so high that he might have sung anything short of a comic song during the offertory--and presented willy-nilly.

a group of people who adhere to a common faith and habitually attend a given church

From this reading On a fine Sunday in summer after the close of the service the exit of the congregation of St. James's church presents an animated and inspiring spectacle.

patron saint of Wales (circa 520-600)

From this reading A good many well-dressed ladies of various ages, and not quite so many well-dressed men, mostly (as David would have put it) "runnin' a little younger," come from out the sacred edifice with an expression of relief easily changeable to something gayer.

act on verbally or in some form of artistic expression

From this reading A few drive away in handsome equipages, but most prefer to walk, and there is usually a good deal of smiling talk in groups before parting, in which Mr. Euston likes to join.

wanted intensely

From this reading Things had come about very much as David had desired and anticipated, and our friend had met quite a number of the "summer people," having been waylaid at times by the rector--in whose good graces he stood so high that he might have sung anything short of a comic song during the offertory--and presented willy-nilly.

operate or control a vehicle

From this reading A few drive away in handsome equipages, but most prefer to walk, and there is usually a good deal of smiling talk in groups before parting, in which Mr. Euston likes to join.

all through a period, or at some point within it

From this reading Things had come about very much as David had desired and anticipated, and our friend had met quite a number of the "summer people," having been waylaid at times by the rector--in whose good graces he stood so high that he might have sung anything short of a comic song during the offertory--and presented willy-nilly.

with ease (“easy” is sometimes used informally for “easily”)

From this reading A good many well-dressed ladies of various ages, and not quite so many well-dressed men, mostly (as David would have put it) "runnin' a little younger," come from out the sacred edifice with an expression of relief easily changeable to something gayer.

a structure that has a roof and walls and stands more or less permanently in one place

From this reading A good many well-dressed ladies of various ages, and not quite so many well-dressed men, mostly (as David would have put it) "runnin' a little younger," come from out the sacred edifice with an expression of relief easily changeable to something gayer.

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

From this reading A few drive away in handsome equipages, but most prefer to walk, and there is usually a good deal of smiling talk in groups before parting, in which Mr. Euston likes to join.

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

From this reading A few drive away in handsome equipages, but most prefer to walk, and there is usually a good deal of smiling talk in groups before parting, in which Mr. Euston likes to join.

an opening that permits escape or release

From this reading On a fine Sunday in summer after the close of the service the exit of the congregation of St. James's church presents an animated and inspiring spectacle.

the feelings expressed on a person's face

From this reading A good many well-dressed ladies of various ages, and not quite so many well-dressed men, mostly (as David would have put it) "runnin' a little younger," come from out the sacred edifice with an expression of relief easily changeable to something gayer.

a quantifier that can be used with count nouns and is often preceded by “a”; a small but indefinite number

From this reading A few drive away in handsome equipages, but most prefer to walk, and there is usually a good deal of smiling talk in groups before parting, in which Mr. Euston likes to join.

being satisfactory or in satisfactory condition

From this reading On a fine Sunday in summer after the close of the service the exit of the congregation of St. James's church presents an animated and inspiring spectacle.

a person you know well and regard with affection and trust

From this reading Things had come about very much as David had desired and anticipated, and our friend had met quite a number of the "summer people," having been waylaid at times by the rector--in whose good graces he stood so high that he might have sung anything short of a comic song during the offertory--and presented willy-nilly.

showing where something starts, or who sent it

From this reading A good many well-dressed ladies of various ages, and not quite so many well-dressed men, mostly (as David would have put it) "runnin' a little younger," come from out the sacred edifice with an expression of relief easily changeable to something gayer.

comparative of “gay” — bright and pleasant; promoting a feeling of cheer

From this reading A good many well-dressed ladies of various ages, and not quite so many well-dressed men, mostly (as David would have put it) "runnin' a little younger," come from out the sacred edifice with an expression of relief easily changeable to something gayer.

having desirable or positive qualities especially those suitable for a thing specified

From this reading A good many well-dressed ladies of various ages, and not quite so many well-dressed men, mostly (as David would have put it) "runnin' a little younger," come from out the sacred edifice with an expression of relief easily changeable to something gayer.

plural of “grace” — (Christian theology) a state of sanctification by God; the state of one who is under such divine influence

From this reading Things had come about very much as David had desired and anticipated, and our friend had met quite a number of the "summer people," having been waylaid at times by the rector--in whose good graces he stood so high that he might have sung anything short of a comic song during the offertory--and presented willy-nilly.

plural of “group” — any number of entities (members) considered as a unit

From this reading A few drive away in handsome equipages, but most prefer to walk, and there is usually a good deal of smiling talk in groups before parting, in which Mr. Euston likes to join.

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

From this reading Things had come about very much as David had desired and anticipated, and our friend had met quite a number of the "summer people," having been waylaid at times by the rector--in whose good graces he stood so high that he might have sung anything short of a comic song during the offertory--and presented willy-nilly.

pleasing in appearance especially by reason of conformity to ideals of form and proportion

From this reading A few drive away in handsome equipages, but most prefer to walk, and there is usually a good deal of smiling talk in groups before parting, in which Mr. Euston likes to join.

used with a past participle to form the perfect tenses

From this reading A good many well-dressed ladies of various ages, and not quite so many well-dressed men, mostly (as David would have put it) "runnin' a little younger," come from out the sacred edifice with an expression of relief easily changeable to something gayer.

the -ing form of “have”

From this reading Things had come about very much as David had desired and anticipated, and our friend had met quite a number of the "summer people," having been waylaid at times by the rector--in whose good graces he stood so high that he might have sung anything short of a comic song during the offertory--and presented willy-nilly.

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

From this reading He leaves matters in the vestry to the care of old Barlow, the sexton, and makes, if one may be permitted the expression, "a quick change."

greater than normal in degree or intensity or amount

From this reading Things had come about very much as David had desired and anticipated, and our friend had met quite a number of the "summer people," having been waylaid at times by the rector--in whose good graces he stood so high that he might have sung anything short of a comic song during the offertory--and presented willy-nilly.

on condition that; in the event that

From this reading He leaves matters in the vestry to the care of old Barlow, the sexton, and makes, if one may be permitted the expression, "a quick change."

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

From this reading On a fine Sunday in summer after the close of the service the exit of the congregation of St. James's church presents an animated and inspiring spectacle.

stimulating or exalting to the spirit

From this reading On a fine Sunday in summer after the close of the service the exit of the congregation of St. James's church presents an animated and inspiring spectacle.

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

From this reading A few drive away in handsome equipages, but most prefer to walk, and there is usually a good deal of smiling talk in groups before parting, in which Mr. Euston likes to join.

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading A good many well-dressed ladies of various ages, and not quite so many well-dressed men, mostly (as David would have put it) "runnin' a little younger," come from out the sacred edifice with an expression of relief easily changeable to something gayer.

possessive form of “james” — a Stuart king of Scotland who married a daughter of Henry VII; when England and France went to war in 1513 he invaded England and died in defeat at Flodden (1473-1513)

From this reading On a fine Sunday in summer after the close of the service the exit of the congregation of St. James's church presents an animated and inspiring spectacle.

become part of; become a member of a group or organization

From this reading A few drive away in handsome equipages, but most prefer to walk, and there is usually a good deal of smiling talk in groups before parting, in which Mr. Euston likes to join.

plural of “lady” — a polite name for any woman

From this reading A good many well-dressed ladies of various ages, and not quite so many well-dressed men, mostly (as David would have put it) "runnin' a little younger," come from out the sacred edifice with an expression of relief easily changeable to something gayer.

plural of “leaf” — the main organ of photosynthesis and transpiration in higher plants

From this reading He leaves matters in the vestry to the care of old Barlow, the sexton, and makes, if one may be permitted the expression, "a quick change."

plural of “like” — a similar kind

From this reading A few drive away in handsome equipages, but most prefer to walk, and there is usually a good deal of smiling talk in groups before parting, in which Mr. Euston likes to join.

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

From this reading A good many well-dressed ladies of various ages, and not quite so many well-dressed men, mostly (as David would have put it) "runnin' a little younger," come from out the sacred edifice with an expression of relief easily changeable to something gayer.

plural of “make” — a recognizable kind

From this reading He leaves matters in the vestry to the care of old Barlow, the sexton, and makes, if one may be permitted the expression, "a quick change."

a quantifier that can be used with count nouns and is often preceded by “as” or “too” or “so” or “that”; amounting to a large but indefinite number

From this reading A good many well-dressed ladies of various ages, and not quite so many well-dressed men, mostly (as David would have put it) "runnin' a little younger," come from out the sacred edifice with an expression of relief easily changeable to something gayer.

plural of “matter” — a vaguely specified concern

From this reading He leaves matters in the vestry to the care of old Barlow, the sexton, and makes, if one may be permitted the expression, "a quick change."

used to say something is possible, or to give permission

From this reading He leaves matters in the vestry to the care of old Barlow, the sexton, and makes, if one may be permitted the expression, "a quick change."

the force of workers available

From this reading A good many well-dressed ladies of various ages, and not quite so many well-dressed men, mostly (as David would have put it) "runnin' a little younger," come from out the sacred edifice with an expression of relief easily changeable to something gayer.

inflected form of “meet” — come together

From this reading Things had come about very much as David had desired and anticipated, and our friend had met quite a number of the "summer people," having been waylaid at times by the rector--in whose good graces he stood so high that he might have sung anything short of a comic song during the offertory--and presented willy-nilly.

used to say something is possible but not certain

From this reading Things had come about very much as David had desired and anticipated, and our friend had met quite a number of the "summer people," having been waylaid at times by the rector--in whose good graces he stood so high that he might have sung anything short of a comic song during the offertory--and presented willy-nilly.

used to form the superlative

From this reading A few drive away in handsome equipages, but most prefer to walk, and there is usually a good deal of smiling talk in groups before parting, in which Mr. Euston likes to join.

in large part; mainly or chiefly

From this reading A good many well-dressed ladies of various ages, and not quite so many well-dressed men, mostly (as David would have put it) "runnin' a little younger," come from out the sacred edifice with an expression of relief easily changeable to something gayer.

a form of address for a man

From this reading A few drive away in handsome equipages, but most prefer to walk, and there is usually a good deal of smiling talk in groups before parting, in which Mr. Euston likes to join.

to a great degree or extent

From this reading Things had come about very much as David had desired and anticipated, and our friend had met quite a number of the "summer people," having been waylaid at times by the rector--in whose good graces he stood so high that he might have sung anything short of a comic song during the offertory--and presented willy-nilly.

used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative

From this reading A good many well-dressed ladies of various ages, and not quite so many well-dressed men, mostly (as David would have put it) "runnin' a little younger," come from out the sacred edifice with an expression of relief easily changeable to something gayer.

the property possessed by a sum or total or indefinite quantity of units or individuals

From this reading Things had come about very much as David had desired and anticipated, and our friend had met quite a number of the "summer people," having been waylaid at times by the rector--in whose good graces he stood so high that he might have sung anything short of a comic song during the offertory--and presented willy-nilly.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading On a fine Sunday in summer after the close of the service the exit of the congregation of St. James's church presents an animated and inspiring spectacle.

the offerings of the congregation at a religious service

From this reading Things had come about very much as David had desired and anticipated, and our friend had met quite a number of the "summer people," having been waylaid at times by the rector--in whose good graces he stood so high that he might have sung anything short of a comic song during the offertory--and presented willy-nilly.

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

From this reading He leaves matters in the vestry to the care of old Barlow, the sexton, and makes, if one may be permitted the expression, "a quick change."

touching and supported by a surface

From this reading On a fine Sunday in summer after the close of the service the exit of the congregation of St. James's church presents an animated and inspiring spectacle.

used to mean any person in general, including the speaker

From this reading He leaves matters in the vestry to the care of old Barlow, the sexton, and makes, if one may be permitted the expression, "a quick change."

belonging to the speaker and others

From this reading Things had come about very much as David had desired and anticipated, and our friend had met quite a number of the "summer people," having been waylaid at times by the rector--in whose good graces he stood so high that he might have sung anything short of a comic song during the offertory--and presented willy-nilly.

not allowed to continue to bat or run

From this reading A good many well-dressed ladies of various ages, and not quite so many well-dressed men, mostly (as David would have put it) "runnin' a little younger," come from out the sacred edifice with an expression of relief easily changeable to something gayer.

the act of departing politely

From this reading A few drive away in handsome equipages, but most prefer to walk, and there is usually a good deal of smiling talk in groups before parting, in which Mr. Euston likes to join.

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

From this reading Things had come about very much as David had desired and anticipated, and our friend had met quite a number of the "summer people," having been waylaid at times by the rector--in whose good graces he stood so high that he might have sung anything short of a comic song during the offertory--and presented willy-nilly.

inflected form of “permit” — consent to, give permission

From this reading He leaves matters in the vestry to the care of old Barlow, the sexton, and makes, if one may be permitted the expression, "a quick change."

like better; value more highly

From this reading A few drive away in handsome equipages, but most prefer to walk, and there is usually a good deal of smiling talk in groups before parting, in which Mr. Euston likes to join.

past form of “present” — give an exhibition of to an interested audience

From this reading Things had come about very much as David had desired and anticipated, and our friend had met quite a number of the "summer people," having been waylaid at times by the rector--in whose good graces he stood so high that he might have sung anything short of a comic song during the offertory--and presented willy-nilly.

plural of “present” — the period of time that is happening now; any continuous stretch of time including the moment of speech

From this reading On a fine Sunday in summer after the close of the service the exit of the congregation of St. James's church presents an animated and inspiring spectacle.

put into a certain place or abstract location

From this reading A good many well-dressed ladies of various ages, and not quite so many well-dressed men, mostly (as David would have put it) "runnin' a little younger," come from out the sacred edifice with an expression of relief easily changeable to something gayer.

accomplished rapidly and without delay

From this reading He leaves matters in the vestry to the care of old Barlow, the sexton, and makes, if one may be permitted the expression, "a quick change."

to a degree (not used with a negative)

From this reading A good many well-dressed ladies of various ages, and not quite so many well-dressed men, mostly (as David would have put it) "runnin' a little younger," come from out the sacred edifice with an expression of relief easily changeable to something gayer.

a person authorized to conduct religious worship

From this reading Things had come about very much as David had desired and anticipated, and our friend had met quite a number of the "summer people," having been waylaid at times by the rector--in whose good graces he stood so high that he might have sung anything short of a comic song during the offertory--and presented willy-nilly.

the feeling that comes when something burdensome is removed or reduced

From this reading A good many well-dressed ladies of various ages, and not quite so many well-dressed men, mostly (as David would have put it) "runnin' a little younger," come from out the sacred edifice with an expression of relief easily changeable to something gayer.

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

From this reading A good many well-dressed ladies of various ages, and not quite so many well-dressed men, mostly (as David would have put it) "runnin' a little younger," come from out the sacred edifice with an expression of relief easily changeable to something gayer.

concerned with religion or religious purposes

From this reading A good many well-dressed ladies of various ages, and not quite so many well-dressed men, mostly (as David would have put it) "runnin' a little younger," come from out the sacred edifice with an expression of relief easily changeable to something gayer.

work done by one person or group that benefits another

From this reading On a fine Sunday in summer after the close of the service the exit of the congregation of St. James's church presents an animated and inspiring spectacle.

United States poet (1928-1974)

From this reading He leaves matters in the vestry to the care of old Barlow, the sexton, and makes, if one may be permitted the expression, "a quick change."

primarily temporal sense; indicating or being or seeming to be limited in duration

From this reading Things had come about very much as David had desired and anticipated, and our friend had met quite a number of the "summer people," having been waylaid at times by the rector--in whose good graces he stood so high that he might have sung anything short of a comic song during the offertory--and presented willy-nilly.

a facial expression characterized by turning up the corners of the mouth; usually shows pleasure or amusement

From this reading A few drive away in handsome equipages, but most prefer to walk, and there is usually a good deal of smiling talk in groups before parting, in which Mr. Euston likes to join.

for that reason; with the result that

From this reading A good many well-dressed ladies of various ages, and not quite so many well-dressed men, mostly (as David would have put it) "runnin' a little younger," come from out the sacred edifice with an expression of relief easily changeable to something gayer.

a thing, without saying which

From this reading A good many well-dressed ladies of various ages, and not quite so many well-dressed men, mostly (as David would have put it) "runnin' a little younger," come from out the sacred edifice with an expression of relief easily changeable to something gayer.

a short musical composition with words

From this reading Things had come about very much as David had desired and anticipated, and our friend had met quite a number of the "summer people," having been waylaid at times by the rector--in whose good graces he stood so high that he might have sung anything short of a comic song during the offertory--and presented willy-nilly.

something or someone seen (especially a notable or unusual sight)

From this reading On a fine Sunday in summer after the close of the service the exit of the congregation of St. James's church presents an animated and inspiring spectacle.

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

From this reading On a fine Sunday in summer after the close of the service the exit of the congregation of St. James's church presents an animated and inspiring spectacle.

Maintained an upright posture.

From this reading Things had come about very much as David had desired and anticipated, and our friend had met quite a number of the "summer people," having been waylaid at times by the rector--in whose good graces he stood so high that he might have sung anything short of a comic song during the offertory--and presented willy-nilly.

the warmest season of the year; in the northern hemisphere it extends from the summer solstice to the autumnal equinox

From this reading On a fine Sunday in summer after the close of the service the exit of the congregation of St. James's church presents an animated and inspiring spectacle.

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

From this reading On a fine Sunday in summer after the close of the service the exit of the congregation of St. James's church presents an animated and inspiring spectacle.

the imperial dynasty of China from 960 to 1279; noted for art and literature and philosophy

From this reading Things had come about very much as David had desired and anticipated, and our friend had met quite a number of the "summer people," having been waylaid at times by the rector--in whose good graces he stood so high that he might have sung anything short of a comic song during the offertory--and presented willy-nilly.

exchange thoughts; talk with

From this reading A few drive away in handsome equipages, but most prefer to walk, and there is usually a good deal of smiling talk in groups before parting, in which Mr. Euston likes to join.

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading Things had come about very much as David had desired and anticipated, and our friend had met quite a number of the "summer people," having been waylaid at times by the rector--in whose good graces he stood so high that he might have sung anything short of a comic song during the offertory--and presented willy-nilly.

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

From this reading On a fine Sunday in summer after the close of the service the exit of the congregation of St. James's church presents an animated and inspiring spectacle.

in or at that place or location

From this reading A few drive away in handsome equipages, but most prefer to walk, and there is usually a good deal of smiling talk in groups before parting, in which Mr. Euston likes to join.

any movable possession (especially articles of clothing)

From this reading Things had come about very much as David had desired and anticipated, and our friend had met quite a number of the "summer people," having been waylaid at times by the rector--in whose good graces he stood so high that he might have sung anything short of a comic song during the offertory--and presented willy-nilly.

a more or less definite period of time now or previously present

From this reading Things had come about very much as David had desired and anticipated, and our friend had met quite a number of the "summer people," having been waylaid at times by the rector--in whose good graces he stood so high that he might have sung anything short of a comic song during the offertory--and presented willy-nilly.

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

From this reading A good many well-dressed ladies of various ages, and not quite so many well-dressed men, mostly (as David would have put it) "runnin' a little younger," come from out the sacred edifice with an expression of relief easily changeable to something gayer.

under normal conditions

From this reading A few drive away in handsome equipages, but most prefer to walk, and there is usually a good deal of smiling talk in groups before parting, in which Mr. Euston likes to join.

of many different kinds purposefully arranged but lacking any uniformity

From this reading A good many well-dressed ladies of various ages, and not quite so many well-dressed men, mostly (as David would have put it) "runnin' a little younger," come from out the sacred edifice with an expression of relief easily changeable to something gayer.

precisely as stated

From this reading Things had come about very much as David had desired and anticipated, and our friend had met quite a number of the "summer people," having been waylaid at times by the rector--in whose good graces he stood so high that he might have sung anything short of a comic song during the offertory--and presented willy-nilly.

in the Protestant Episcopal Church: a committee elected by the congregation to work with the churchwardens in managing the temporal affairs of the church

From this reading He leaves matters in the vestry to the care of old Barlow, the sexton, and makes, if one may be permitted the expression, "a quick change."

the act of traveling by foot

From this reading A few drive away in handsome equipages, but most prefer to walk, and there is usually a good deal of smiling talk in groups before parting, in which Mr. Euston likes to join.

inflected form of “waylay” — wait in hiding to attack

From this reading Things had come about very much as David had desired and anticipated, and our friend had met quite a number of the "summer people," having been waylaid at times by the rector--in whose good graces he stood so high that he might have sung anything short of a comic song during the offertory--and presented willy-nilly.

having tasteful clothing and being scrupulously neat

From this reading A good many well-dressed ladies of various ages, and not quite so many well-dressed men, mostly (as David would have put it) "runnin' a little younger," come from out the sacred edifice with an expression of relief easily changeable to something gayer.

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

From this reading A few drive away in handsome equipages, but most prefer to walk, and there is usually a good deal of smiling talk in groups before parting, in which Mr. Euston likes to join.

belonging to which person

From this reading Things had come about very much as David had desired and anticipated, and our friend had met quite a number of the "summer people," having been waylaid at times by the rector--in whose good graces he stood so high that he might have sung anything short of a comic song during the offertory--and presented willy-nilly.

in a random manner

From this reading Things had come about very much as David had desired and anticipated, and our friend had met quite a number of the "summer people," having been waylaid at times by the rector--in whose good graces he stood so high that he might have sung anything short of a comic song during the offertory--and presented willy-nilly.

in the company of; together with

From this reading A good many well-dressed ladies of various ages, and not quite so many well-dressed men, mostly (as David would have put it) "runnin' a little younger," come from out the sacred edifice with an expression of relief easily changeable to something gayer.

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

From this reading A good many well-dressed ladies of various ages, and not quite so many well-dressed men, mostly (as David would have put it) "runnin' a little younger," come from out the sacred edifice with an expression of relief easily changeable to something gayer.

used of the younger of two persons of the same name especially used to distinguish a son from his father

From this reading A good many well-dressed ladies of various ages, and not quite so many well-dressed men, mostly (as David would have put it) "runnin' a little younger," come from out the sacred edifice with an expression of relief easily changeable to something gayer.