Chapter X · Some Reveries About Places

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

From this reading When any “honourable and learned gentleman” can call for “copies of the correspondence between our Minister at the Court of-------- and the noble Secretary for the Foreign Department;” and when the “Times” can, in a leader, rip up all the flaws of a treaty, or expose all the dark intentions of some special compact?

(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 When any “honourable and learned gentleman” can call for “copies of the correspondence between our Minister at the Court of-------- and the noble Secretary for the Foreign Department;” and when the “Times” can, in a leader, rip up all the flaws of a treaty, or expose all the dark intentions of some special compact?

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

From this reading What would the old school of Diplomatists have said if they saw their secret wiles and machinations exposed to publicity, as is now the fashion?

one or some or every or all without specification

From this reading When any “honourable and learned gentleman” can call for “copies of the correspondence between our Minister at the Court of-------- and the noble Secretary for the Foreign Department;” and when the “Times” can, in a leader, rip up all the flaws of a treaty, or expose all the dark intentions of some special compact?

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

From this reading What would the old school of Diplomatists have said if they saw their secret wiles and machinations exposed to publicity, as is now the fashion?

in or near a particular place or position

From this reading When any “honourable and learned gentleman” can call for “copies of the correspondence between our Minister at the Court of-------- and the noble Secretary for the Foreign Department;” and when the “Times” can, in a leader, rip up all the flaws of a treaty, or expose all the dark intentions of some special compact?

in the space, time, or range separating two things

From this reading When any “honourable and learned gentleman” can call for “copies of the correspondence between our Minister at the Court of-------- and the noble Secretary for the Foreign Department;” and when the “Times” can, in a leader, rip up all the flaws of a treaty, or expose all the dark intentions of some special compact?

not breathing or able to breathe except with difficulty

From this reading The Courier who travelled formerly with breathless haste from Moscow to London, or from the remotest cities of the far East, to our little Isle of the West, was sure to bring intelligence several days earlier than it could reach by any other channel.

take something or somebody with oneself somewhere

From this reading The Courier who travelled formerly with breathless haste from Moscow to London, or from the remotest cities of the far East, to our little Isle of the West, was sure to bring intelligence several days earlier than it could reach by any other channel.

showing who or what does the action

From this reading The Courier who travelled formerly with breathless haste from Moscow to London, or from the remotest cities of the far East, to our little Isle of the West, was sure to bring intelligence several days earlier than it could reach by any other channel.

assign a specified (usually proper) proper name to

From this reading When any “honourable and learned gentleman” can call for “copies of the correspondence between our Minister at the Court of-------- and the noble Secretary for the Foreign Department;” and when the “Times” can, in a leader, rip up all the flaws of a treaty, or expose all the dark intentions of some special compact?

to be able to, or to be allowed to

From this reading When any “honourable and learned gentleman” can call for “copies of the correspondence between our Minister at the Court of-------- and the noble Secretary for the Foreign Department;” and when the “Times” can, in a leader, rip up all the flaws of a treaty, or expose all the dark intentions of some special compact?

a path over which electrical signals can pass

From this reading The Courier who travelled formerly with breathless haste from Moscow to London, or from the remotest cities of the far East, to our little Isle of the West, was sure to bring intelligence several days earlier than it could reach by any other channel.

plural of “city” — a large and densely populated urban area; may include several independent administrative districts

From this reading The Courier who travelled formerly with breathless haste from Moscow to London, or from the remotest cities of the far East, to our little Isle of the West, was sure to bring intelligence several days earlier than it could reach by any other channel.

completely ordinary and unremarkable

From this reading The Diplomatic “Holy of Holies” is now open to the vulgar gaze, and all the mysteries of the craft as commonplace as the transactions of a Poor-law Union.

a small cosmetics case with a mirror; to be carried in a woman's purse

From this reading When any “honourable and learned gentleman” can call for “copies of the correspondence between our Minister at the Court of-------- and the noble Secretary for the Foreign Department;” and when the “Times” can, in a leader, rip up all the flaws of a treaty, or expose all the dark intentions of some special compact?

plural of “copy” — a reproduction of a written record (e.g. of a legal or school record)

From this reading When any “honourable and learned gentleman” can call for “copies of the correspondence between our Minister at the Court of-------- and the noble Secretary for the Foreign Department;” and when the “Times” can, in a leader, rip up all the flaws of a treaty, or expose all the dark intentions of some special compact?

communication by the exchange of letters

From this reading When any “honourable and learned gentleman” can call for “copies of the correspondence between our Minister at the Court of-------- and the noble Secretary for the Foreign Department;” and when the “Times” can, in a leader, rip up all the flaws of a treaty, or expose all the dark intentions of some special compact?

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

From this reading The Courier who travelled formerly with breathless haste from Moscow to London, or from the remotest cities of the far East, to our little Isle of the West, was sure to bring intelligence several days earlier than it could reach by any other channel.

a person who carries a message

From this reading The Courier who travelled formerly with breathless haste from Moscow to London, or from the remotest cities of the far East, to our little Isle of the West, was sure to bring intelligence several days earlier than it could reach by any other channel.

an assembly (including one or more judges) to conduct judicial business

From this reading When any “honourable and learned gentleman” can call for “copies of the correspondence between our Minister at the Court of-------- and the noble Secretary for the Foreign Department;” and when the “Times” can, in a leader, rip up all the flaws of a treaty, or expose all the dark intentions of some special compact?

the skilled practice of a practical occupation

From this reading The Diplomatic “Holy of Holies” is now open to the vulgar gaze, and all the mysteries of the craft as commonplace as the transactions of a Poor-law Union.

absence of light or illumination

From this reading When any “honourable and learned gentleman” can call for “copies of the correspondence between our Minister at the Court of-------- and the noble Secretary for the Foreign Department;” and when the “Times” can, in a leader, rip up all the flaws of a treaty, or expose all the dark intentions of some special compact?

the time during which someone's life continues

From this reading The Courier who travelled formerly with breathless haste from Moscow to London, or from the remotest cities of the far East, to our little Isle of the West, was sure to bring intelligence several days earlier than it could reach by any other channel.

a specialized division of a large organization

From this reading When any “honourable and learned gentleman” can call for “copies of the correspondence between our Minister at the Court of-------- and the noble Secretary for the Foreign Department;” and when the “Times” can, in a leader, rip up all the flaws of a treaty, or expose all the dark intentions of some special compact?

past form of “die” — pass from physical life and lose all bodily attributes and functions necessary to sustain life

From this reading Much of the “prestige” of this secrecy died out on the establishment of railroads.

relating to or characteristic of diplomacy

From this reading The Diplomatic “Holy of Holies” is now open to the vulgar gaze, and all the mysteries of the craft as commonplace as the transactions of a Poor-law Union.

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

From this reading What would the old school of Diplomatists have said if they saw their secret wiles and machinations exposed to publicity, as is now the fashion?

earlier in time; previously

From this reading The Courier who travelled formerly with breathless haste from Moscow to London, or from the remotest cities of the far East, to our little Isle of the West, was sure to bring intelligence several days earlier than it could reach by any other channel.

the cardinal compass point that is at 90 degrees

From this reading The Courier who travelled formerly with breathless haste from Moscow to London, or from the remotest cities of the far East, to our little Isle of the West, was sure to bring intelligence several days earlier than it could reach by any other channel.

the act of forming or establishing something

From this reading Much of the “prestige” of this secrecy died out on the establishment of railroads.

expose or make accessible to some action or influence

From this reading When any “honourable and learned gentleman” can call for “copies of the correspondence between our Minister at the Court of-------- and the noble Secretary for the Foreign Department;” and when the “Times” can, in a leader, rip up all the flaws of a treaty, or expose all the dark intentions of some special compact?

with no protection or shield

From this reading What would the old school of Diplomatists have said if they saw their secret wiles and machinations exposed to publicity, as is now the fashion?

to a considerable degree; very much

From this reading The Courier who travelled formerly with breathless haste from Moscow to London, or from the remotest cities of the far East, to our little Isle of the West, was sure to bring intelligence several days earlier than it could reach by any other channel.

how something is done or how it happens

From this reading What would the old school of Diplomatists have said if they saw their secret wiles and machinations exposed to publicity, as is now the fashion?

plural of “flaw” — an imperfection in an object or machine

From this reading When any “honourable and learned gentleman” can call for “copies of the correspondence between our Minister at the Court of-------- and the noble Secretary for the Foreign Department;” and when the “Times” can, in a leader, rip up all the flaws of a treaty, or expose all the dark intentions of some special compact?

intended to be given to, or used by, somebody

From this reading When any “honourable and learned gentleman” can call for “copies of the correspondence between our Minister at the Court of-------- and the noble Secretary for the Foreign Department;” and when the “Times” can, in a leader, rip up all the flaws of a treaty, or expose all the dark intentions of some special compact?

of concern to or concerning the affairs of other nations (other than your own)

From this reading When any “honourable and learned gentleman” can call for “copies of the correspondence between our Minister at the Court of-------- and the noble Secretary for the Foreign Department;” and when the “Times” can, in a leader, rip up all the flaws of a treaty, or expose all the dark intentions of some special compact?

at a previous time

From this reading The Courier who travelled formerly with breathless haste from Moscow to London, or from the remotest cities of the far East, to our little Isle of the West, was sure to bring intelligence several days earlier than it could reach by any other channel.

showing where something starts, or who sent it

From this reading The Courier who travelled formerly with breathless haste from Moscow to London, or from the remotest cities of the far East, to our little Isle of the West, was sure to bring intelligence several days earlier than it could reach by any other channel.

a long fixed look

From this reading The Diplomatic “Holy of Holies” is now open to the vulgar gaze, and all the mysteries of the craft as commonplace as the transactions of a Poor-law Union.

a man of refinement

From this reading When any “honourable and learned gentleman” can call for “copies of the correspondence between our Minister at the Court of-------- and the noble Secretary for the Foreign Department;” and when the “Times” can, in a leader, rip up all the flaws of a treaty, or expose all the dark intentions of some special compact?

overly eager speed (and possible carelessness)

From this reading The Courier who travelled formerly with breathless haste from Moscow to London, or from the remotest cities of the far East, to our little Isle of the West, was sure to bring intelligence several days earlier than it could reach by any other channel.

used with a past participle to form the perfect tenses

From this reading What would the old school of Diplomatists have said if they saw their secret wiles and machinations exposed to publicity, as is now the fashion?

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

From this reading The Diplomatic “Holy of Holies” is now open to the vulgar gaze, and all the mysteries of the craft as commonplace as the transactions of a Poor-law Union.

a sacred place of pilgrimage

From this reading The Diplomatic “Holy of Holies” is now open to the vulgar gaze, and all the mysteries of the craft as commonplace as the transactions of a Poor-law Union.

worthy of being honored; entitled to honor and respect

From this reading When any “honourable and learned gentleman” can call for “copies of the correspondence between our Minister at the Court of-------- and the noble Secretary for the Foreign Department;” and when the “Times” can, in a leader, rip up all the flaws of a treaty, or expose all the dark intentions of some special compact?

on condition that; in the event that

From this reading What would the old school of Diplomatists have said if they saw their secret wiles and machinations exposed to publicity, as is now the fashion?

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

From this reading When any “honourable and learned gentleman” can call for “copies of the correspondence between our Minister at the Court of-------- and the noble Secretary for the Foreign Department;” and when the “Times” can, in a leader, rip up all the flaws of a treaty, or expose all the dark intentions of some special compact?

the ability to comprehend; to understand and profit from experience

From this reading The Courier who travelled formerly with breathless haste from Moscow to London, or from the remotest cities of the far East, to our little Isle of the West, was sure to bring intelligence several days earlier than it could reach by any other channel.

plural of “intention” — an anticipated outcome that is intended or that guides your planned actions

From this reading When any “honourable and learned gentleman” can call for “copies of the correspondence between our Minister at the Court of-------- and the noble Secretary for the Foreign Department;” and when the “Times” can, in a leader, rip up all the flaws of a treaty, or expose all the dark intentions of some special compact?

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

From this reading What would the old school of Diplomatists have said if they saw their secret wiles and machinations exposed to publicity, as is now the fashion?

a small island

From this reading The Courier who travelled formerly with breathless haste from Moscow to London, or from the remotest cities of the far East, to our little Isle of the West, was sure to bring intelligence several days earlier than it could reach by any other channel.

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading The Courier who travelled formerly with breathless haste from Moscow to London, or from the remotest cities of the far East, to our little Isle of the West, was sure to bring intelligence several days earlier than it could reach by any other channel.

a person who rules or guides or inspires others

From this reading When any “honourable and learned gentleman” can call for “copies of the correspondence between our Minister at the Court of-------- and the noble Secretary for the Foreign Department;” and when the “Times” can, in a leader, rip up all the flaws of a treaty, or expose all the dark intentions of some special compact?

having or showing profound knowledge

From this reading When any “honourable and learned gentleman” can call for “copies of the correspondence between our Minister at the Court of-------- and the noble Secretary for the Foreign Department;” and when the “Times” can, in a leader, rip up all the flaws of a treaty, or expose all the dark intentions of some special compact?

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

From this reading The Courier who travelled formerly with breathless haste from Moscow to London, or from the remotest cities of the far East, to our little Isle of the West, was sure to bring intelligence several days earlier than it could reach by any other channel.

the capital and largest city of England; located on the Thames in southeastern England; financial and industrial and cultural center

From this reading The Courier who travelled formerly with breathless haste from Moscow to London, or from the remotest cities of the far East, to our little Isle of the West, was sure to bring intelligence several days earlier than it could reach by any other channel.

plural of “machination” — a crafty and involved plot to achieve your (usually sinister) ends

From this reading What would the old school of Diplomatists have said if they saw their secret wiles and machinations exposed to publicity, as is now the fashion?

a person authorized to conduct religious worship

From this reading When any “honourable and learned gentleman” can call for “copies of the correspondence between our Minister at the Court of-------- and the noble Secretary for the Foreign Department;” and when the “Times” can, in a leader, rip up all the flaws of a treaty, or expose all the dark intentions of some special compact?

a city of central European Russia; formerly capital of both the Soviet Union and Soviet Russia; since 1991 the capital of the Russian Federation

From this reading The Courier who travelled formerly with breathless haste from Moscow to London, or from the remotest cities of the far East, to our little Isle of the West, was sure to bring intelligence several days earlier than it could reach by any other channel.

to a great degree or extent

From this reading Much of the “prestige” of this secrecy died out on the establishment of railroads.

plural of “mystery” — something that baffles understanding and cannot be explained

From this reading The Diplomatic “Holy of Holies” is now open to the vulgar gaze, and all the mysteries of the craft as commonplace as the transactions of a Poor-law Union.

impressive in appearance

From this reading When any “honourable and learned gentleman” can call for “copies of the correspondence between our Minister at the Court of-------- and the noble Secretary for the Foreign Department;” and when the “Times” can, in a leader, rip up all the flaws of a treaty, or expose all the dark intentions of some special compact?

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

From this reading What would the old school of Diplomatists have said if they saw their secret wiles and machinations exposed to publicity, as is now the fashion?

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading What would the old school of Diplomatists have said if they saw their secret wiles and machinations exposed to publicity, as is now the fashion?

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

From this reading What would the old school of Diplomatists have said if they saw their secret wiles and machinations exposed to publicity, as is now the fashion?

touching and supported by a surface

From this reading Much of the “prestige” of this secrecy died out on the establishment of railroads.

To move from a closed position.

From this reading The Diplomatic “Holy of Holies” is now open to the vulgar gaze, and all the mysteries of the craft as commonplace as the transactions of a Poor-law Union.

used to join alternatives or possibilities

From this reading When any “honourable and learned gentleman” can call for “copies of the correspondence between our Minister at the Court of-------- and the noble Secretary for the Foreign Department;” and when the “Times” can, in a leader, rip up all the flaws of a treaty, or expose all the dark intentions of some special compact?

not the same one or ones already mentioned or implied

From this reading The Courier who travelled formerly with breathless haste from Moscow to London, or from the remotest cities of the far East, to our little Isle of the West, was sure to bring intelligence several days earlier than it could reach by any other channel.

belonging to the speaker and others

From this reading When any “honourable and learned gentleman” can call for “copies of the correspondence between our Minister at the Court of-------- and the noble Secretary for the Foreign Department;” and when the “Times” can, in a leader, rip up all the flaws of a treaty, or expose all the dark intentions of some special compact?

not allowed to continue to bat or run

From this reading Much of the “prestige” of this secrecy died out on the establishment of railroads.

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

From this reading The Diplomatic “Holy of Holies” is now open to the vulgar gaze, and all the mysteries of the craft as commonplace as the transactions of a Poor-law Union.

a high standing achieved through success or influence or wealth etc.

From this reading Much of the “prestige” of this secrecy died out on the establishment of railroads.

a message issued in behalf of some product or cause or idea or person or institution

From this reading What would the old school of Diplomatists have said if they saw their secret wiles and machinations exposed to publicity, as is now the fashion?

plural of “railroad” — line that is the commercial organization responsible for operating a system of transportation for trains that pull passengers or freight

From this reading Much of the “prestige” of this secrecy died out on the establishment of railroads.

reach a destination, either real or abstract

From this reading The Courier who travelled formerly with breathless haste from Moscow to London, or from the remotest cities of the far East, to our little Isle of the West, was sure to bring intelligence several days earlier than it could reach by any other channel.

superlative of “remote” — located far away spatially

From this reading The Courier who travelled formerly with breathless haste from Moscow to London, or from the remotest cities of the far East, to our little Isle of the West, was sure to bring intelligence several days earlier than it could reach by any other channel.

tear or be torn violently

From this reading When any “honourable and learned gentleman” can call for “copies of the correspondence between our Minister at the Court of-------- and the noble Secretary for the Foreign Department;” and when the “Times” can, in a leader, rip up all the flaws of a treaty, or expose all the dark intentions of some special compact?

being the one previously mentioned or spoken of

From this reading What would the old school of Diplomatists have said if they saw their secret wiles and machinations exposed to publicity, as is now the fashion?

cut with a saw

From this reading What would the old school of Diplomatists have said if they saw their secret wiles and machinations exposed to publicity, as is now the fashion?

an educational institution

From this reading What would the old school of Diplomatists have said if they saw their secret wiles and machinations exposed to publicity, as is now the fashion?

the trait of keeping things secret

From this reading Much of the “prestige” of this secrecy died out on the establishment of railroads.

Something that is kept or meant to be kept unknown or unseen by others.

From this reading What would the old school of Diplomatists have said if they saw their secret wiles and machinations exposed to publicity, as is now the fashion?

a person who is head of an administrative department of government

From this reading When any “honourable and learned gentleman” can call for “copies of the correspondence between our Minister at the Court of-------- and the noble Secretary for the Foreign Department;” and when the “Times” can, in a leader, rip up all the flaws of a treaty, or expose all the dark intentions of some special compact?

(used with count nouns) of an indefinite number more than 2 or 3 but not many

From this reading The Courier who travelled formerly with breathless haste from Moscow to London, or from the remotest cities of the far East, to our little Isle of the West, was sure to bring intelligence several days earlier than it could reach by any other channel.

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

From this reading When any “honourable and learned gentleman” can call for “copies of the correspondence between our Minister at the Court of-------- and the noble Secretary for the Foreign Department;” and when the “Times” can, in a leader, rip up all the flaws of a treaty, or expose all the dark intentions of some special compact?

unique or specific to a person or thing or category

From this reading When any “honourable and learned gentleman” can call for “copies of the correspondence between our Minister at the Court of-------- and the noble Secretary for the Foreign Department;” and when the “Times” can, in a leader, rip up all the flaws of a treaty, or expose all the dark intentions of some special compact?

having or feeling no doubt or uncertainty; confident and assured

From this reading The Courier who travelled formerly with breathless haste from Moscow to London, or from the remotest cities of the far East, to our little Isle of the West, was sure to bring intelligence several days earlier than it could reach by any other channel.

used to introduce the second part of a comparison

From this reading The Courier who travelled formerly with breathless haste from Moscow to London, or from the remotest cities of the far East, to our little Isle of the West, was sure to bring intelligence several days earlier than it could reach by any other channel.

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

From this reading What would the old school of Diplomatists have said if they saw their secret wiles and machinations exposed to publicity, as is now the fashion?

belonging to the people or things already mentioned

From this reading What would the old school of Diplomatists have said if they saw their secret wiles and machinations exposed to publicity, as is now the fashion?

the people, animals, or things already mentioned, as the subject

From this reading What would the old school of Diplomatists have said if they saw their secret wiles and machinations exposed to publicity, as is now the fashion?

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

From this reading Much of the “prestige” of this secrecy died out on the establishment of railroads.

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

From this reading When any “honourable and learned gentleman” can call for “copies of the correspondence between our Minister at the Court of-------- and the noble Secretary for the Foreign Department;” and when the “Times” can, in a leader, rip up all the flaws of a treaty, or expose all the dark intentions of some special compact?

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

From this reading What would the old school of Diplomatists have said if they saw their secret wiles and machinations exposed to publicity, as is now the fashion?

a written account of what transpired at a meeting

From this reading The Diplomatic “Holy of Holies” is now open to the vulgar gaze, and all the mysteries of the craft as commonplace as the transactions of a Poor-law Union.

familiar with many parts of the world

From this reading The Courier who travelled formerly with breathless haste from Moscow to London, or from the remotest cities of the far East, to our little Isle of the West, was sure to bring intelligence several days earlier than it could reach by any other channel.

a written agreement between two states or sovereigns

From this reading When any “honourable and learned gentleman” can call for “copies of the correspondence between our Minister at the Court of-------- and the noble Secretary for the Foreign Department;” and when the “Times” can, in a leader, rip up all the flaws of a treaty, or expose all the dark intentions of some special compact?

an organization of employees formed to bargain with the employer

From this reading The Diplomatic “Holy of Holies” is now open to the vulgar gaze, and all the mysteries of the craft as commonplace as the transactions of a Poor-law Union.

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

From this reading When any “honourable and learned gentleman” can call for “copies of the correspondence between our Minister at the Court of-------- and the noble Secretary for the Foreign Department;” and when the “Times” can, in a leader, rip up all the flaws of a treaty, or expose all the dark intentions of some special compact?

lacking refinement or cultivation or taste

From this reading The Diplomatic “Holy of Holies” is now open to the vulgar gaze, and all the mysteries of the craft as commonplace as the transactions of a Poor-law Union.

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

From this reading The Courier who travelled formerly with breathless haste from Moscow to London, or from the remotest cities of the far East, to our little Isle of the West, was sure to bring intelligence several days earlier than it could reach by any other channel.

the countries of (originally) Europe and (now including) North America and South America

From this reading The Courier who travelled formerly with breathless haste from Moscow to London, or from the remotest cities of the far East, to our little Isle of the West, was sure to bring intelligence several days earlier than it could reach by any other channel.

used to ask for information about something

From this reading What would the old school of Diplomatists have said if they saw their secret wiles and machinations exposed to publicity, as is now the fashion?

at the time that

From this reading When any “honourable and learned gentleman” can call for “copies of the correspondence between our Minister at the Court of-------- and the noble Secretary for the Foreign Department;” and when the “Times” can, in a leader, rip up all the flaws of a treaty, or expose all the dark intentions of some special compact?

which person or people

From this reading The Courier who travelled formerly with breathless haste from Moscow to London, or from the remotest cities of the far East, to our little Isle of the West, was sure to bring intelligence several days earlier than it could reach by any other channel.

plural of “wile” — the use of tricks to deceive someone (usually to extract money from them)

From this reading What would the old school of Diplomatists have said if they saw their secret wiles and machinations exposed to publicity, as is now the fashion?

in the company of; together with

From this reading The Courier who travelled formerly with breathless haste from Moscow to London, or from the remotest cities of the far East, to our little Isle of the West, was sure to bring intelligence several days earlier than it could reach by any other channel.

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

From this reading What would the old school of Diplomatists have said if they saw their secret wiles and machinations exposed to publicity, as is now the fashion?