Chapter VII

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

From this reading PLATE LXIII STUDIES FOR EDWIN DROOD _Facsimile_ of Original Sketches by LUKE FILDES, R.A.

in an admirable manner

From this reading He conceived it advisable to make it clearly understood, there and then, that comic drawing was not his _metier_, and ventured to remind the novelist that his stories, in view of the fact that they possessed an intensely serious side as well as a jocular one, lent themselves admirably to a graver style of Art.

worthy of being recommended or suggested; prudent or wise

From this reading He conceived it advisable to make it clearly understood, there and then, that comic drawing was not his _metier_, and ventured to remind the novelist that his stories, in view of the fact that they possessed an intensely serious side as well as a jocular one, lent themselves admirably to a graver style of Art.

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

From this reading He conceived it advisable to make it clearly understood, there and then, that comic drawing was not his _metier_, and ventured to remind the novelist that his stories, in view of the fact that they possessed an intensely serious side as well as a jocular one, lent themselves admirably to a graver style of Art.

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

From this reading He conceived it advisable to make it clearly understood, there and then, that comic drawing was not his _metier_, and ventured to remind the novelist that his stories, in view of the fact that they possessed an intensely serious side as well as a jocular one, lent themselves admirably to a graver style of Art.

third-person singular of “appear” — give a certain impression or have a certain outward aspect

From this reading This figure appears in the Illustration entitled 'At the Piano.'

-ing form of “appreciate” — recognize with gratitude; be grateful for

From this reading _Lent by the Artist._ When, at this memorable interview, Dickens had expressed his requirements, Mr. Fildes (as he himself informs me) explained to the novelist that, while fully appreciating the honour of being selected as illustrator of "Edwin Drood," he would be compelled most reluctantly to forego the privilege if it were really a _sine qua non_ that the designs should be of a humorous character, following the lead of the versatile "Phiz."

an old form of “are”, used with “thou”

From this reading He conceived it advisable to make it clearly understood, there and then, that comic drawing was not his _metier_, and ventured to remind the novelist that his stories, in view of the fact that they possessed an intensely serious side as well as a jocular one, lent themselves admirably to a graver style of Art.

a person whose creative work shows sensitivity and imagination

From this reading _Lent by the Artist._ When, at this memorable interview, Dickens had expressed his requirements, Mr. Fildes (as he himself informs me) explained to the novelist that, while fully appreciating the honour of being selected as illustrator of "Edwin Drood," he would be compelled most reluctantly to forego the privilege if it were really a _sine qua non_ that the designs should be of a humorous character, following the lead of the versatile "Phiz."

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

From this reading _Lent by the Artist._ When, at this memorable interview, Dickens had expressed his requirements, Mr. Fildes (as he himself informs me) explained to the novelist that, while fully appreciating the honour of being selected as illustrator of "Edwin Drood," he would be compelled most reluctantly to forego the privilege if it were really a _sine qua non_ that the designs should be of a humorous character, following the lead of the versatile "Phiz."

in or near a particular place or position

From this reading This figure appears in the Illustration entitled 'At the Piano.'

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

From this reading _Lent by the Artist._ When, at this memorable interview, Dickens had expressed his requirements, Mr. Fildes (as he himself informs me) explained to the novelist that, while fully appreciating the honour of being selected as illustrator of "Edwin Drood," he would be compelled most reluctantly to forego the privilege if it were really a _sine qua non_ that the designs should be of a humorous character, following the lead of the versatile "Phiz."

the -ing form of “be”

From this reading _Lent by the Artist._ When, at this memorable interview, Dickens had expressed his requirements, Mr. Fildes (as he himself informs me) explained to the novelist that, while fully appreciating the honour of being selected as illustrator of "Edwin Drood," he would be compelled most reluctantly to forego the privilege if it were really a _sine qua non_ that the designs should be of a humorous character, following the lead of the versatile "Phiz."

showing who or what does the action

From this reading PLATE LXIII STUDIES FOR EDWIN DROOD _Facsimile_ of Original Sketches by LUKE FILDES, R.A.

an imaginary person represented in a work of fiction (play or film or story)

From this reading _Lent by the Artist._ When, at this memorable interview, Dickens had expressed his requirements, Mr. Fildes (as he himself informs me) explained to the novelist that, while fully appreciating the honour of being selected as illustrator of "Edwin Drood," he would be compelled most reluctantly to forego the privilege if it were really a _sine qua non_ that the designs should be of a humorous character, following the lead of the versatile "Phiz."

without doubt or question

From this reading He conceived it advisable to make it clearly understood, there and then, that comic drawing was not his _metier_, and ventured to remind the novelist that his stories, in view of the fact that they possessed an intensely serious side as well as a jocular one, lent themselves admirably to a graver style of Art.

arousing or provoking laughter

From this reading He conceived it advisable to make it clearly understood, there and then, that comic drawing was not his _metier_, and ventured to remind the novelist that his stories, in view of the fact that they possessed an intensely serious side as well as a jocular one, lent themselves admirably to a graver style of Art.

inflected form of “compel” — force somebody to do something

From this reading _Lent by the Artist._ When, at this memorable interview, Dickens had expressed his requirements, Mr. Fildes (as he himself informs me) explained to the novelist that, while fully appreciating the honour of being selected as illustrator of "Edwin Drood," he would be compelled most reluctantly to forego the privilege if it were really a _sine qua non_ that the designs should be of a humorous character, following the lead of the versatile "Phiz."

past form of “conceive” — have the idea for

From this reading He conceived it advisable to make it clearly understood, there and then, that comic drawing was not his _metier_, and ventured to remind the novelist that his stories, in view of the fact that they possessed an intensely serious side as well as a jocular one, lent themselves admirably to a graver style of Art.

plural of “design” — the act of working out the form of something (as by making a sketch or outline or plan)

From this reading _Lent by the Artist._ When, at this memorable interview, Dickens had expressed his requirements, Mr. Fildes (as he himself informs me) explained to the novelist that, while fully appreciating the honour of being selected as illustrator of "Edwin Drood," he would be compelled most reluctantly to forego the privilege if it were really a _sine qua non_ that the designs should be of a humorous character, following the lead of the versatile "Phiz."

a word used in exclamations of confusion

From this reading _Lent by the Artist._ When, at this memorable interview, Dickens had expressed his requirements, Mr. Fildes (as he himself informs me) explained to the novelist that, while fully appreciating the honour of being selected as illustrator of "Edwin Drood," he would be compelled most reluctantly to forego the privilege if it were really a _sine qua non_ that the designs should be of a humorous character, following the lead of the versatile "Phiz."

an illustration that is drawn by hand and published in a book, magazine, or newspaper

From this reading He conceived it advisable to make it clearly understood, there and then, that comic drawing was not his _metier_, and ventured to remind the novelist that his stories, in view of the fact that they possessed an intensely serious side as well as a jocular one, lent themselves admirably to a graver style of Art.

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

From this reading PLATE LXIII STUDIES FOR EDWIN DROOD _Facsimile_ of Original Sketches by LUKE FILDES, R.A.

king of Northumbria who was converted to Christianity (585-633)

From this reading PLATE LXIII STUDIES FOR EDWIN DROOD _Facsimile_ of Original Sketches by LUKE FILDES, R.A.

qualified for by right according to law

From this reading This figure appears in the Illustration entitled 'At the Piano.'

past form of “explain” — make plain and comprehensible

From this reading _Lent by the Artist._ When, at this memorable interview, Dickens had expressed his requirements, Mr. Fildes (as he himself informs me) explained to the novelist that, while fully appreciating the honour of being selected as illustrator of "Edwin Drood," he would be compelled most reluctantly to forego the privilege if it were really a _sine qua non_ that the designs should be of a humorous character, following the lead of the versatile "Phiz."

communicated in words

From this reading _Lent by the Artist._ When, at this memorable interview, Dickens had expressed his requirements, Mr. Fildes (as he himself informs me) explained to the novelist that, while fully appreciating the honour of being selected as illustrator of "Edwin Drood," he would be compelled most reluctantly to forego the privilege if it were really a _sine qua non_ that the designs should be of a humorous character, following the lead of the versatile "Phiz."

an exact copy or reproduction

From this reading PLATE LXIII STUDIES FOR EDWIN DROOD _Facsimile_ of Original Sketches by LUKE FILDES, R.A.

a piece of information about circumstances that exist or events that have occurred

From this reading He conceived it advisable to make it clearly understood, there and then, that comic drawing was not his _metier_, and ventured to remind the novelist that his stories, in view of the fact that they possessed an intensely serious side as well as a jocular one, lent themselves admirably to a graver style of Art.

a diagram or picture illustrating textual material

From this reading This figure appears in the Illustration entitled 'At the Piano.'

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

From this reading PLATE LXIII STUDIES FOR EDWIN DROOD _Facsimile_ of Original Sketches by LUKE FILDES, R.A.

about to be mentioned or specified

From this reading _Lent by the Artist._ When, at this memorable interview, Dickens had expressed his requirements, Mr. Fildes (as he himself informs me) explained to the novelist that, while fully appreciating the honour of being selected as illustrator of "Edwin Drood," he would be compelled most reluctantly to forego the privilege if it were really a _sine qua non_ that the designs should be of a humorous character, following the lead of the versatile "Phiz."

intended to be given to, or used by, somebody

From this reading PLATE LXIII STUDIES FOR EDWIN DROOD _Facsimile_ of Original Sketches by LUKE FILDES, R.A.

be earlier in time; go back further

From this reading _Lent by the Artist._ When, at this memorable interview, Dickens had expressed his requirements, Mr. Fildes (as he himself informs me) explained to the novelist that, while fully appreciating the honour of being selected as illustrator of "Edwin Drood," he would be compelled most reluctantly to forego the privilege if it were really a _sine qua non_ that the designs should be of a humorous character, following the lead of the versatile "Phiz."

to the greatest degree or extent; completely or entirely; (“full” in this sense is used as a combining form)

From this reading _Lent by the Artist._ When, at this memorable interview, Dickens had expressed his requirements, Mr. Fildes (as he himself informs me) explained to the novelist that, while fully appreciating the honour of being selected as illustrator of "Edwin Drood," he would be compelled most reluctantly to forego the privilege if it were really a _sine qua non_ that the designs should be of a humorous character, following the lead of the versatile "Phiz."

a tool used by an engraver

From this reading He conceived it advisable to make it clearly understood, there and then, that comic drawing was not his _metier_, and ventured to remind the novelist that his stories, in view of the fact that they possessed an intensely serious side as well as a jocular one, lent themselves admirably to a graver style of Art.

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

From this reading _Lent by the Artist._ When, at this memorable interview, Dickens had expressed his requirements, Mr. Fildes (as he himself informs me) explained to the novelist that, while fully appreciating the honour of being selected as illustrator of "Edwin Drood," he would be compelled most reluctantly to forego the privilege if it were really a _sine qua non_ that the designs should be of a humorous character, following the lead of the versatile "Phiz."

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

From this reading _Lent by the Artist._ When, at this memorable interview, Dickens had expressed his requirements, Mr. Fildes (as he himself informs me) explained to the novelist that, while fully appreciating the honour of being selected as illustrator of "Edwin Drood," he would be compelled most reluctantly to forego the privilege if it were really a _sine qua non_ that the designs should be of a humorous character, following the lead of the versatile "Phiz."

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

From this reading _Lent by the Artist._ When, at this memorable interview, Dickens had expressed his requirements, Mr. Fildes (as he himself informs me) explained to the novelist that, while fully appreciating the honour of being selected as illustrator of "Edwin Drood," he would be compelled most reluctantly to forego the privilege if it were really a _sine qua non_ that the designs should be of a humorous character, following the lead of the versatile "Phiz."

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

From this reading _Lent by the Artist._ When, at this memorable interview, Dickens had expressed his requirements, Mr. Fildes (as he himself informs me) explained to the novelist that, while fully appreciating the honour of being selected as illustrator of "Edwin Drood," he would be compelled most reluctantly to forego the privilege if it were really a _sine qua non_ that the designs should be of a humorous character, following the lead of the versatile "Phiz."

the state of being honored

From this reading _Lent by the Artist._ When, at this memorable interview, Dickens had expressed his requirements, Mr. Fildes (as he himself informs me) explained to the novelist that, while fully appreciating the honour of being selected as illustrator of "Edwin Drood," he would be compelled most reluctantly to forego the privilege if it were really a _sine qua non_ that the designs should be of a humorous character, following the lead of the versatile "Phiz."

full of or characterized by humor

From this reading _Lent by the Artist._ When, at this memorable interview, Dickens had expressed his requirements, Mr. Fildes (as he himself informs me) explained to the novelist that, while fully appreciating the honour of being selected as illustrator of "Edwin Drood," he would be compelled most reluctantly to forego the privilege if it were really a _sine qua non_ that the designs should be of a humorous character, following the lead of the versatile "Phiz."

on condition that; in the event that

From this reading _Lent by the Artist._ When, at this memorable interview, Dickens had expressed his requirements, Mr. Fildes (as he himself informs me) explained to the novelist that, while fully appreciating the honour of being selected as illustrator of "Edwin Drood," he would be compelled most reluctantly to forego the privilege if it were really a _sine qua non_ that the designs should be of a humorous character, following the lead of the versatile "Phiz."

artwork that helps make something clear or attractive

From this reading This figure appears in the Illustration entitled 'At the Piano.'

an artist who makes illustrations (for books or magazines or advertisements etc.)

From this reading _Lent by the Artist._ When, at this memorable interview, Dickens had expressed his requirements, Mr. Fildes (as he himself informs me) explained to the novelist that, while fully appreciating the honour of being selected as illustrator of "Edwin Drood," he would be compelled most reluctantly to forego the privilege if it were really a _sine qua non_ that the designs should be of a humorous character, following the lead of the versatile "Phiz."

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

From this reading This figure appears in the Illustration entitled 'At the Piano.'

third-person singular of “inform” — impart knowledge of some fact, state of affairs, or event to

From this reading _Lent by the Artist._ When, at this memorable interview, Dickens had expressed his requirements, Mr. Fildes (as he himself informs me) explained to the novelist that, while fully appreciating the honour of being selected as illustrator of "Edwin Drood," he would be compelled most reluctantly to forego the privilege if it were really a _sine qua non_ that the designs should be of a humorous character, following the lead of the versatile "Phiz."

to a high degree; extremely; in high concentration or density

From this reading He conceived it advisable to make it clearly understood, there and then, that comic drawing was not his _metier_, and ventured to remind the novelist that his stories, in view of the fact that they possessed an intensely serious side as well as a jocular one, lent themselves admirably to a graver style of Art.

conduct an interview in television, newspaper, and radio reporting

From this reading _Lent by the Artist._ When, at this memorable interview, Dickens had expressed his requirements, Mr. Fildes (as he himself informs me) explained to the novelist that, while fully appreciating the honour of being selected as illustrator of "Edwin Drood," he would be compelled most reluctantly to forego the privilege if it were really a _sine qua non_ that the designs should be of a humorous character, following the lead of the versatile "Phiz."

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading _Lent by the Artist._ When, at this memorable interview, Dickens had expressed his requirements, Mr. Fildes (as he himself informs me) explained to the novelist that, while fully appreciating the honour of being selected as illustrator of "Edwin Drood," he would be compelled most reluctantly to forego the privilege if it were really a _sine qua non_ that the designs should be of a humorous character, following the lead of the versatile "Phiz."

characterized by jokes and good humor

From this reading He conceived it advisable to make it clearly understood, there and then, that comic drawing was not his _metier_, and ventured to remind the novelist that his stories, in view of the fact that they possessed an intensely serious side as well as a jocular one, lent themselves admirably to a graver style of Art.

take somebody somewhere

From this reading _Lent by the Artist._ When, at this memorable interview, Dickens had expressed his requirements, Mr. Fildes (as he himself informs me) explained to the novelist that, while fully appreciating the honour of being selected as illustrator of "Edwin Drood," he would be compelled most reluctantly to forego the privilege if it were really a _sine qua non_ that the designs should be of a humorous character, following the lead of the versatile "Phiz."

a period of 40 weekdays from Ash Wednesday to Holy Saturday

From this reading _Lent by the Artist._ When, at this memorable interview, Dickens had expressed his requirements, Mr. Fildes (as he himself informs me) explained to the novelist that, while fully appreciating the honour of being selected as illustrator of "Edwin Drood," he would be compelled most reluctantly to forego the privilege if it were really a _sine qua non_ that the designs should be of a humorous character, following the lead of the versatile "Phiz."

(New Testament) the Apostle closely associated with St. Paul and traditionally assumed to be the author of the third Gospel

From this reading PLATE LXIII STUDIES FOR EDWIN DROOD _Facsimile_ of Original Sketches by LUKE FILDES, R.A.

being three more than sixty

From this reading PLATE LXIII STUDIES FOR EDWIN DROOD _Facsimile_ of Original Sketches by LUKE FILDES, R.A.

engage in

From this reading He conceived it advisable to make it clearly understood, there and then, that comic drawing was not his _metier_, and ventured to remind the novelist that his stories, in view of the fact that they possessed an intensely serious side as well as a jocular one, lent themselves admirably to a graver style of Art.

the person speaking, as the object of a verb or preposition

From this reading _Lent by the Artist._ When, at this memorable interview, Dickens had expressed his requirements, Mr. Fildes (as he himself informs me) explained to the novelist that, while fully appreciating the honour of being selected as illustrator of "Edwin Drood," he would be compelled most reluctantly to forego the privilege if it were really a _sine qua non_ that the designs should be of a humorous character, following the lead of the versatile "Phiz."

worth remembering

From this reading _Lent by the Artist._ When, at this memorable interview, Dickens had expressed his requirements, Mr. Fildes (as he himself informs me) explained to the novelist that, while fully appreciating the honour of being selected as illustrator of "Edwin Drood," he would be compelled most reluctantly to forego the privilege if it were really a _sine qua non_ that the designs should be of a humorous character, following the lead of the versatile "Phiz."

an asset of special worth or utility

From this reading He conceived it advisable to make it clearly understood, there and then, that comic drawing was not his _metier_, and ventured to remind the novelist that his stories, in view of the fact that they possessed an intensely serious side as well as a jocular one, lent themselves admirably to a graver style of Art.

used to form the superlative

From this reading _Lent by the Artist._ When, at this memorable interview, Dickens had expressed his requirements, Mr. Fildes (as he himself informs me) explained to the novelist that, while fully appreciating the honour of being selected as illustrator of "Edwin Drood," he would be compelled most reluctantly to forego the privilege if it were really a _sine qua non_ that the designs should be of a humorous character, following the lead of the versatile "Phiz."

a form of address for a man

From this reading _Lent by the Artist._ When, at this memorable interview, Dickens had expressed his requirements, Mr. Fildes (as he himself informs me) explained to the novelist that, while fully appreciating the honour of being selected as illustrator of "Edwin Drood," he would be compelled most reluctantly to forego the privilege if it were really a _sine qua non_ that the designs should be of a humorous character, following the lead of the versatile "Phiz."

something that baffles understanding and cannot be explained

From this reading _Vide_ "The Mystery of Edwin Drood."

negation of a word or group of words

From this reading _Lent by the Artist._ When, at this memorable interview, Dickens had expressed his requirements, Mr. Fildes (as he himself informs me) explained to the novelist that, while fully appreciating the honour of being selected as illustrator of "Edwin Drood," he would be compelled most reluctantly to forego the privilege if it were really a _sine qua non_ that the designs should be of a humorous character, following the lead of the versatile "Phiz."

used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative

From this reading He conceived it advisable to make it clearly understood, there and then, that comic drawing was not his _metier_, and ventured to remind the novelist that his stories, in view of the fact that they possessed an intensely serious side as well as a jocular one, lent themselves admirably to a graver style of Art.

one who writes novels

From this reading _Lent by the Artist._ When, at this memorable interview, Dickens had expressed his requirements, Mr. Fildes (as he himself informs me) explained to the novelist that, while fully appreciating the honour of being selected as illustrator of "Edwin Drood," he would be compelled most reluctantly to forego the privilege if it were really a _sine qua non_ that the designs should be of a humorous character, following the lead of the versatile "Phiz."

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading PLATE LXIII STUDIES FOR EDWIN DROOD _Facsimile_ of Original Sketches by LUKE FILDES, R.A.

used to mean any person in general, including the speaker

From this reading He conceived it advisable to make it clearly understood, there and then, that comic drawing was not his _metier_, and ventured to remind the novelist that his stories, in view of the fact that they possessed an intensely serious side as well as a jocular one, lent themselves admirably to a graver style of Art.

preceding all others in time or being as first made or performed

From this reading PLATE LXIII STUDIES FOR EDWIN DROOD _Facsimile_ of Original Sketches by LUKE FILDES, R.A.

English illustrator of several of Dickens' novels (1815-1882)

From this reading _Lent by the Artist._ When, at this memorable interview, Dickens had expressed his requirements, Mr. Fildes (as he himself informs me) explained to the novelist that, while fully appreciating the honour of being selected as illustrator of "Edwin Drood," he would be compelled most reluctantly to forego the privilege if it were really a _sine qua non_ that the designs should be of a humorous character, following the lead of the versatile "Phiz."

a keyboard instrument that is played by depressing keys that cause hammers to strike tuned strings and produce sounds

From this reading This figure appears in the Illustration entitled 'At the Piano.'

(baseball) base consisting of a rubber slab where the batter stands; it must be touched by a base runner in order to score

From this reading PLATE LXIII STUDIES FOR EDWIN DROOD _Facsimile_ of Original Sketches by LUKE FILDES, R.A.

influenced or controlled by a powerful force such as a strong emotion

From this reading He conceived it advisable to make it clearly understood, there and then, that comic drawing was not his _metier_, and ventured to remind the novelist that his stories, in view of the fact that they possessed an intensely serious side as well as a jocular one, lent themselves admirably to a graver style of Art.

a special advantage or immunity or benefit not enjoyed by all

From this reading _Lent by the Artist._ When, at this memorable interview, Dickens had expressed his requirements, Mr. Fildes (as he himself informs me) explained to the novelist that, while fully appreciating the honour of being selected as illustrator of "Edwin Drood," he would be compelled most reluctantly to forego the privilege if it were really a _sine qua non_ that the designs should be of a humorous character, following the lead of the versatile "Phiz."

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

From this reading _Lent by the Artist._ When, at this memorable interview, Dickens had expressed his requirements, Mr. Fildes (as he himself informs me) explained to the novelist that, while fully appreciating the honour of being selected as illustrator of "Edwin Drood," he would be compelled most reluctantly to forego the privilege if it were really a _sine qua non_ that the designs should be of a humorous character, following the lead of the versatile "Phiz."

a unit of radiation exposure; the dose of ionizing radiation that will produce 1 electrostatic unit of electricity in 1 cc of dry air

From this reading PLATE LXIII STUDIES FOR EDWIN DROOD _Facsimile_ of Original Sketches by LUKE FILDES, R.A.

in accordance with truth or fact or reality

From this reading _Lent by the Artist._ When, at this memorable interview, Dickens had expressed his requirements, Mr. Fildes (as he himself informs me) explained to the novelist that, while fully appreciating the honour of being selected as illustrator of "Edwin Drood," he would be compelled most reluctantly to forego the privilege if it were really a _sine qua non_ that the designs should be of a humorous character, following the lead of the versatile "Phiz."

with reluctance

From this reading _Lent by the Artist._ When, at this memorable interview, Dickens had expressed his requirements, Mr. Fildes (as he himself informs me) explained to the novelist that, while fully appreciating the honour of being selected as illustrator of "Edwin Drood," he would be compelled most reluctantly to forego the privilege if it were really a _sine qua non_ that the designs should be of a humorous character, following the lead of the versatile "Phiz."

put in the mind of someone

From this reading He conceived it advisable to make it clearly understood, there and then, that comic drawing was not his _metier_, and ventured to remind the novelist that his stories, in view of the fact that they possessed an intensely serious side as well as a jocular one, lent themselves admirably to a graver style of Art.

plural of “requirement” — required activity

From this reading _Lent by the Artist._ When, at this memorable interview, Dickens had expressed his requirements, Mr. Fildes (as he himself informs me) explained to the novelist that, while fully appreciating the honour of being selected as illustrator of "Edwin Drood," he would be compelled most reluctantly to forego the privilege if it were really a _sine qua non_ that the designs should be of a humorous character, following the lead of the versatile "Phiz."

chosen in preference to another

From this reading _Lent by the Artist._ When, at this memorable interview, Dickens had expressed his requirements, Mr. Fildes (as he himself informs me) explained to the novelist that, while fully appreciating the honour of being selected as illustrator of "Edwin Drood," he would be compelled most reluctantly to forego the privilege if it were really a _sine qua non_ that the designs should be of a humorous character, following the lead of the versatile "Phiz."

concerned with work or important matters rather than play or trivialities

From this reading He conceived it advisable to make it clearly understood, there and then, that comic drawing was not his _metier_, and ventured to remind the novelist that his stories, in view of the fact that they possessed an intensely serious side as well as a jocular one, lent themselves admirably to a graver style of Art.

used to say what is right, expected, or advisable

From this reading _Lent by the Artist._ When, at this memorable interview, Dickens had expressed his requirements, Mr. Fildes (as he himself informs me) explained to the novelist that, while fully appreciating the honour of being selected as illustrator of "Edwin Drood," he would be compelled most reluctantly to forego the privilege if it were really a _sine qua non_ that the designs should be of a humorous character, following the lead of the versatile "Phiz."

a place within a region identified relative to a center or reference location

From this reading He conceived it advisable to make it clearly understood, there and then, that comic drawing was not his _metier_, and ventured to remind the novelist that his stories, in view of the fact that they possessed an intensely serious side as well as a jocular one, lent themselves admirably to a graver style of Art.

ratio of the length of the side opposite the given angle to the length of the hypotenuse of a right-angled triangle

From this reading _Lent by the Artist._ When, at this memorable interview, Dickens had expressed his requirements, Mr. Fildes (as he himself informs me) explained to the novelist that, while fully appreciating the honour of being selected as illustrator of "Edwin Drood," he would be compelled most reluctantly to forego the privilege if it were really a _sine qua non_ that the designs should be of a humorous character, following the lead of the versatile "Phiz."

plural of “sketch” — preliminary drawing for later elaboration

From this reading PLATE LXIII STUDIES FOR EDWIN DROOD _Facsimile_ of Original Sketches by LUKE FILDES, R.A.

plural of “story” — a message that tells the particulars of an act or occurrence or course of events; presented in writing or drama or cinema or as a radio or television program

From this reading He conceived it advisable to make it clearly understood, there and then, that comic drawing was not his _metier_, and ventured to remind the novelist that his stories, in view of the fact that they possessed an intensely serious side as well as a jocular one, lent themselves admirably to a graver style of Art.

plural of “study” — a detailed critical inspection

From this reading PLATE LXIII STUDIES FOR EDWIN DROOD _Facsimile_ of Original Sketches by LUKE FILDES, R.A.

how something is done or how it happens

From this reading He conceived it advisable to make it clearly understood, there and then, that comic drawing was not his _metier_, and ventured to remind the novelist that his stories, in view of the fact that they possessed an intensely serious side as well as a jocular one, lent themselves admirably to a graver style of Art.

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading _Lent by the Artist._ When, at this memorable interview, Dickens had expressed his requirements, Mr. Fildes (as he himself informs me) explained to the novelist that, while fully appreciating the honour of being selected as illustrator of "Edwin Drood," he would be compelled most reluctantly to forego the privilege if it were really a _sine qua non_ that the designs should be of a humorous character, following the lead of the versatile "Phiz."

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

From this reading This figure appears in the Illustration entitled 'At the Piano.'

used when the people doing the action are also its object

From this reading He conceived it advisable to make it clearly understood, there and then, that comic drawing was not his _metier_, and ventured to remind the novelist that his stories, in view of the fact that they possessed an intensely serious side as well as a jocular one, lent themselves admirably to a graver style of Art.

subsequently or soon afterward (often used as sentence connectors)

From this reading He conceived it advisable to make it clearly understood, there and then, that comic drawing was not his _metier_, and ventured to remind the novelist that his stories, in view of the fact that they possessed an intensely serious side as well as a jocular one, lent themselves admirably to a graver style of Art.

in or at that place or location

From this reading He conceived it advisable to make it clearly understood, there and then, that comic drawing was not his _metier_, and ventured to remind the novelist that his stories, in view of the fact that they possessed an intensely serious side as well as a jocular one, lent themselves admirably to a graver style of Art.

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

From this reading He conceived it advisable to make it clearly understood, there and then, that comic drawing was not his _metier_, and ventured to remind the novelist that his stories, in view of the fact that they possessed an intensely serious side as well as a jocular one, lent themselves admirably to a graver style of Art.

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

From this reading This figure appears in the Illustration entitled 'At the Piano.'

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

From this reading _Lent by the Artist._ When, at this memorable interview, Dickens had expressed his requirements, Mr. Fildes (as he himself informs me) explained to the novelist that, while fully appreciating the honour of being selected as illustrator of "Edwin Drood," he would be compelled most reluctantly to forego the privilege if it were really a _sine qua non_ that the designs should be of a humorous character, following the lead of the versatile "Phiz."

fully apprehended as to purport or meaning or explanation

From this reading He conceived it advisable to make it clearly understood, there and then, that comic drawing was not his _metier_, and ventured to remind the novelist that his stories, in view of the fact that they possessed an intensely serious side as well as a jocular one, lent themselves admirably to a graver style of Art.

past form of “venture” — proceed somewhere despite the risk of possible dangers

From this reading He conceived it advisable to make it clearly understood, there and then, that comic drawing was not his _metier_, and ventured to remind the novelist that his stories, in view of the fact that they possessed an intensely serious side as well as a jocular one, lent themselves admirably to a graver style of Art.

having great diversity or variety

From this reading _Lent by the Artist._ When, at this memorable interview, Dickens had expressed his requirements, Mr. Fildes (as he himself informs me) explained to the novelist that, while fully appreciating the honour of being selected as illustrator of "Edwin Drood," he would be compelled most reluctantly to forego the privilege if it were really a _sine qua non_ that the designs should be of a humorous character, following the lead of the versatile "Phiz."

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

From this reading _Vide_ "The Mystery of Edwin Drood."

a way of regarding situations or topics etc.

From this reading He conceived it advisable to make it clearly understood, there and then, that comic drawing was not his _metier_, and ventured to remind the novelist that his stories, in view of the fact that they possessed an intensely serious side as well as a jocular one, lent themselves admirably to a graver style of Art.

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

From this reading He conceived it advisable to make it clearly understood, there and then, that comic drawing was not his _metier_, and ventured to remind the novelist that his stories, in view of the fact that they possessed an intensely serious side as well as a jocular one, lent themselves admirably to a graver style of Art.

(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 He conceived it advisable to make it clearly understood, there and then, that comic drawing was not his _metier_, and ventured to remind the novelist that his stories, in view of the fact that they possessed an intensely serious side as well as a jocular one, lent themselves admirably to a graver style of Art.

the past form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun

From this reading _Lent by the Artist._ When, at this memorable interview, Dickens had expressed his requirements, Mr. Fildes (as he himself informs me) explained to the novelist that, while fully appreciating the honour of being selected as illustrator of "Edwin Drood," he would be compelled most reluctantly to forego the privilege if it were really a _sine qua non_ that the designs should be of a humorous character, following the lead of the versatile "Phiz."

at the time that

From this reading _Lent by the Artist._ When, at this memorable interview, Dickens had expressed his requirements, Mr. Fildes (as he himself informs me) explained to the novelist that, while fully appreciating the honour of being selected as illustrator of "Edwin Drood," he would be compelled most reluctantly to forego the privilege if it were really a _sine qua non_ that the designs should be of a humorous character, following the lead of the versatile "Phiz."

during the time that

From this reading _Lent by the Artist._ When, at this memorable interview, Dickens had expressed his requirements, Mr. Fildes (as he himself informs me) explained to the novelist that, while fully appreciating the honour of being selected as illustrator of "Edwin Drood," he would be compelled most reluctantly to forego the privilege if it were really a _sine qua non_ that the designs should be of a humorous character, following the lead of the versatile "Phiz."

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

From this reading _Lent by the Artist._ When, at this memorable interview, Dickens had expressed his requirements, Mr. Fildes (as he himself informs me) explained to the novelist that, while fully appreciating the honour of being selected as illustrator of "Edwin Drood," he would be compelled most reluctantly to forego the privilege if it were really a _sine qua non_ that the designs should be of a humorous character, following the lead of the versatile "Phiz."