used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading I must not quite omit the talking sage, Kit-Cat, the famous Conversationist, Who, in his common-place book, had a page Prepared each morn for evenings.
abateverbUS /əˈbeɪt/
make less active or intense
From this reading Firstly, they must allure the conversation By many windings to their clever clinch; And secondly, must let slip no occasion, Nor bate (abate) their hearers of an inch, But take an ell—and make a great sensation, If possible; and thirdly, never flinch When some smart talker puts them to the test, But seize the last word, which no doubt ’s the best.
how long something has existed
From this reading But what we can we glean in this vile age Of chaff, although our gleanings be not grist.
AlasexclamationUS /əˈlæs/
used to show sadness, pity, or regret
From this reading ‘List, oh, list!’— ‘Alas, poor ghost!’—What unexpected woes Await those who have studied their bon-mots!
allurenounUS /əˈlʊr/
the power to entice or attract through personal charm
From this reading Firstly, they must allure the conversation By many windings to their clever clinch; And secondly, must let slip no occasion, Nor bate (abate) their hearers of an inch, But take an ell—and make a great sensation, If possible; and thirdly, never flinch When some smart talker puts them to the test, But seize the last word, which no doubt ’s the best.
in spite of the fact that
From this reading But what we can we glean in this vile age Of chaff, although our gleanings be not grist.
the form of “a” used before a word that begins with a vowel sound
From this reading Firstly, they must allure the conversation By many windings to their clever clinch; And secondly, must let slip no occasion, Nor bate (abate) their hearers of an inch, But take an ell—and make a great sensation, If possible; and thirdly, never flinch When some smart talker puts them to the test, But seize the last word, which no doubt ’s the best.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading Firstly, they must allure the conversation By many windings to their clever clinch; And secondly, must let slip no occasion, Nor bate (abate) their hearers of an inch, But take an ell—and make a great sensation, If possible; and thirdly, never flinch When some smart talker puts them to the test, But seize the last word, which no doubt ’s the best.
AwaitverbUS /əˈweɪt/
look forward to the probable occurrence of
From this reading ‘List, oh, list!’— ‘Alas, poor ghost!’—What unexpected woes Await those who have studied their bon-mots!
bateverbUS /beɪt/
moderate or restrain; lessen the force of
From this reading Firstly, they must allure the conversation By many windings to their clever clinch; And secondly, must let slip no occasion, Nor bate (abate) their hearers of an inch, But take an ell—and make a great sensation, If possible; and thirdly, never flinch When some smart talker puts them to the test, But seize the last word, which no doubt ’s the best.
used with a past participle to form the passive, or with -ing for continuous tenses
From this reading But what we can we glean in this vile age Of chaff, although our gleanings be not grist.
the supreme effort one can make
From this reading Firstly, they must allure the conversation By many windings to their clever clinch; And secondly, must let slip no occasion, Nor bate (abate) their hearers of an inch, But take an ell—and make a great sensation, If possible; and thirdly, never flinch When some smart talker puts them to the test, But seize the last word, which no doubt ’s the best.
a committee having supervisory powers
From this reading Lord Henry and his lady were the hosts; The party we have touch’d on were the guests: Their table was a board to tempt even ghosts To pass the Styx for more substantial feasts.
bon-mots
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading ‘List, oh, list!’— ‘Alas, poor ghost!’—What unexpected woes Await those who have studied their bon-mots!
a written work or composition that has been published (printed on pages bound together)
From this reading I must not quite omit the talking sage, Kit-Cat, the famous Conversationist, Who, in his common-place book, had a page Prepared each morn for evenings.
used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before
From this reading But what we can we glean in this vile age Of chaff, although our gleanings be not grist.
showing who or what does the action
From this reading Firstly, they must allure the conversation By many windings to their clever clinch; And secondly, must let slip no occasion, Nor bate (abate) their hearers of an inch, But take an ell—and make a great sensation, If possible; and thirdly, never flinch When some smart talker puts them to the test, But seize the last word, which no doubt ’s the best.
to be able to, or to be allowed to
From this reading But what we can we glean in this vile age Of chaff, although our gleanings be not grist.
chaffverbUS /tʃæf/
be silly or tease one another
From this reading But what we can we glean in this vile age Of chaff, although our gleanings be not grist.
showing self-interest and shrewdness in dealing with others
From this reading Firstly, they must allure the conversation By many windings to their clever clinch; And secondly, must let slip no occasion, Nor bate (abate) their hearers of an inch, But take an ell—and make a great sensation, If possible; and thirdly, never flinch When some smart talker puts them to the test, But seize the last word, which no doubt ’s the best.
clinchverbUS /klɪntʃ/
secure or fasten by flattening the ends of nails or bolts
From this reading Firstly, they must allure the conversation By many windings to their clever clinch; And secondly, must let slip no occasion, Nor bate (abate) their hearers of an inch, But take an ell—and make a great sensation, If possible; and thirdly, never flinch When some smart talker puts them to the test, But seize the last word, which no doubt ’s the best.
common-place
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading I must not quite omit the talking sage, Kit-Cat, the famous Conversationist, Who, in his common-place book, had a page Prepared each morn for evenings.
the use of speech for informal exchange of views or ideas or information etc.
From this reading Firstly, they must allure the conversation By many windings to their clever clinch; And secondly, must let slip no occasion, Nor bate (abate) their hearers of an inch, But take an ell—and make a great sensation, If possible; and thirdly, never flinch When some smart talker puts them to the test, But seize the last word, which no doubt ’s the best.
Conversationistnoun
someone skilled at conversation
From this reading I must not quite omit the talking sage, Kit-Cat, the famous Conversationist, Who, in his common-place book, had a page Prepared each morn for evenings.
the state of being unsure of something
From this reading Firstly, they must allure the conversation By many windings to their clever clinch; And secondly, must let slip no occasion, Nor bate (abate) their hearers of an inch, But take an ell—and make a great sensation, If possible; and thirdly, never flinch When some smart talker puts them to the test, But seize the last word, which no doubt ’s the best.
every one of two or more people or things, taken separately
From this reading I must not quite omit the talking sage, Kit-Cat, the famous Conversationist, Who, in his common-place book, had a page Prepared each morn for evenings.
ellnounUS /el/
an extension at the end and at right angles to the main building
From this reading Firstly, they must allure the conversation By many windings to their clever clinch; And secondly, must let slip no occasion, Nor bate (abate) their hearers of an inch, But take an ell—and make a great sensation, If possible; and thirdly, never flinch When some smart talker puts them to the test, But seize the last word, which no doubt ’s the best.
divisible by two
From this reading Lord Henry and his lady were the hosts; The party we have touch’d on were the guests: Their table was a board to tempt even ghosts To pass the Styx for more substantial feasts.
eveningsnounUS /ˈiːvnɪŋz/
plural of “evening” — the latter part of the day (the period of decreasing daylight from late afternoon until nightfall)
From this reading I must not quite omit the talking sage, Kit-Cat, the famous Conversationist, Who, in his common-place book, had a page Prepared each morn for evenings.
widely known and esteemed
From this reading I must not quite omit the talking sage, Kit-Cat, the famous Conversationist, Who, in his common-place book, had a page Prepared each morn for evenings.
feastsnounUS /fiːsts/
plural of “feast” — a ceremonial dinner party for many people
From this reading Lord Henry and his lady were the hosts; The party we have touch’d on were the guests: Their table was a board to tempt even ghosts To pass the Styx for more substantial feasts.
FirstlyadverbUS /ˈfɜːrstli/
before anything else
From this reading Firstly, they must allure the conversation By many windings to their clever clinch; And secondly, must let slip no occasion, Nor bate (abate) their hearers of an inch, But take an ell—and make a great sensation, If possible; and thirdly, never flinch When some smart talker puts them to the test, But seize the last word, which no doubt ’s the best.
flinchverbUS /flɪntʃ/
draw back, as with fear or pain
From this reading Firstly, they must allure the conversation By many windings to their clever clinch; And secondly, must let slip no occasion, Nor bate (abate) their hearers of an inch, But take an ell—and make a great sensation, If possible; and thirdly, never flinch When some smart talker puts them to the test, But seize the last word, which no doubt ’s the best.
intended to be given to, or used by, somebody
From this reading I must not quite omit the talking sage, Kit-Cat, the famous Conversationist, Who, in his common-place book, had a page Prepared each morn for evenings.
a mental representation of some haunting experience
From this reading ‘List, oh, list!’— ‘Alas, poor ghost!’—What unexpected woes Await those who have studied their bon-mots!
ghostsnounUS /ɡoʊsts/
plural of “ghost” — a mental representation of some haunting experience
From this reading Lord Henry and his lady were the hosts; The party we have touch’d on were the guests: Their table was a board to tempt even ghosts To pass the Styx for more substantial feasts.
gleanverbUS /ɡliːn/
gather, as of natural products
From this reading But what we can we glean in this vile age Of chaff, although our gleanings be not grist.
gleanings
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading But what we can we glean in this vile age Of chaff, although our gleanings be not grist.
relatively large in size or number or extent; larger than others of its kind
From this reading Firstly, they must allure the conversation By many windings to their clever clinch; And secondly, must let slip no occasion, Nor bate (abate) their hearers of an inch, But take an ell—and make a great sensation, If possible; and thirdly, never flinch When some smart talker puts them to the test, But seize the last word, which no doubt ’s the best.
gristnounUS /ɡrɪst/
grain intended to be or that has been ground
From this reading But what we can we glean in this vile age Of chaff, although our gleanings be not grist.
plural of “guest” — a visitor to whom hospitality is extended
From this reading Lord Henry and his lady were the hosts; The party we have touch’d on were the guests: Their table was a board to tempt even ghosts To pass the Styx for more substantial feasts.
hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/
the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect
From this reading I must not quite omit the talking sage, Kit-Cat, the famous Conversationist, Who, in his common-place book, had a page Prepared each morn for evenings.
haveauxiliary verbUS /hæv/
used with a past participle to form the perfect tenses
From this reading ‘List, oh, list!’— ‘Alas, poor ghost!’—What unexpected woes Await those who have studied their bon-mots!
hearersnounUS /ˈhiːrərz/
plural of “hearer” — someone who listens attentively
From this reading Firstly, they must allure the conversation By many windings to their clever clinch; And secondly, must let slip no occasion, Nor bate (abate) their hearers of an inch, But take an ell—and make a great sensation, If possible; and thirdly, never flinch When some smart talker puts them to the test, But seize the last word, which no doubt ’s the best.
a unit of inductance in which an induced electromotive force of one volt is produced when the current is varied at the rate of one ampere per second
From this reading Lord Henry and his lady were the hosts; The party we have touch’d on were the guests: Their table was a board to tempt even ghosts To pass the Styx for more substantial feasts.
belonging to a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned
From this reading I must not quite omit the talking sage, Kit-Cat, the famous Conversationist, Who, in his common-place book, had a page Prepared each morn for evenings.
hostsnounUS /hoʊsts/
plural of “host” — a person who invites guests to a social event (such as a party in his or her own home) and who is responsible for them while they are there
From this reading Lord Henry and his lady were the hosts; The party we have touch’d on were the guests: Their table was a board to tempt even ghosts To pass the Styx for more substantial feasts.
the person speaking or writing, as the subject of the verb
From this reading I must not quite omit the talking sage, Kit-Cat, the famous Conversationist, Who, in his common-place book, had a page Prepared each morn for evenings.
on condition that; in the event that
From this reading Firstly, they must allure the conversation By many windings to their clever clinch; And secondly, must let slip no occasion, Nor bate (abate) their hearers of an inch, But take an ell—and make a great sensation, If possible; and thirdly, never flinch When some smart talker puts them to the test, But seize the last word, which no doubt ’s the best.
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading But what we can we glean in this vile age Of chaff, although our gleanings be not grist.
inchnounUS /ɪntʃ/
a unit of length equal to one twelfth of a foot
From this reading Firstly, they must allure the conversation By many windings to their clever clinch; And secondly, must let slip no occasion, Nor bate (abate) their hearers of an inch, But take an ell—and make a great sensation, If possible; and thirdly, never flinch When some smart talker puts them to the test, But seize the last word, which no doubt ’s the best.
Kit-Cat
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading I must not quite omit the talking sage, Kit-Cat, the famous Conversationist, Who, in his common-place book, had a page Prepared each morn for evenings.
a polite name for any woman
From this reading Lord Henry and his lady were the hosts; The party we have touch’d on were the guests: Their table was a board to tempt even ghosts To pass the Styx for more substantial feasts.
immediately past
From this reading Firstly, they must allure the conversation By many windings to their clever clinch; And secondly, must let slip no occasion, Nor bate (abate) their hearers of an inch, But take an ell—and make a great sensation, If possible; and thirdly, never flinch When some smart talker puts them to the test, But seize the last word, which no doubt ’s the best.
letauxiliary verbUS /let/
used to make a suggestion or a command including the speaker
From this reading Firstly, they must allure the conversation By many windings to their clever clinch; And secondly, must let slip no occasion, Nor bate (abate) their hearers of an inch, But take an ell—and make a great sensation, If possible; and thirdly, never flinch When some smart talker puts them to the test, But seize the last word, which no doubt ’s the best.
give or make a list of; name individually; give the names of
From this reading ‘List, oh, list!’— ‘Alas, poor ghost!’—What unexpected woes Await those who have studied their bon-mots!
terms referring to the Judeo-Christian God
From this reading Lord Henry and his lady were the hosts; The party we have touch’d on were the guests: Their table was a board to tempt even ghosts To pass the Styx for more substantial feasts.
engage in
From this reading Firstly, they must allure the conversation By many windings to their clever clinch; And secondly, must let slip no occasion, Nor bate (abate) their hearers of an inch, But take an ell—and make a great sensation, If possible; and thirdly, never flinch When some smart talker puts them to the test, But seize the last word, which no doubt ’s the best.
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 Firstly, they must allure the conversation By many windings to their clever clinch; And secondly, must let slip no occasion, Nor bate (abate) their hearers of an inch, But take an ell—and make a great sensation, If possible; and thirdly, never flinch When some smart talker puts them to the test, But seize the last word, which no doubt ’s the best.
(comparative of “much” used with mass nouns) a quantifier meaning greater in size or amount or extent or degree
From this reading Lord Henry and his lady were the hosts; The party we have touch’d on were the guests: Their table was a board to tempt even ghosts To pass the Styx for more substantial feasts.
mornnounUS /mɔːrn/
the time period between dawn and noon
From this reading I must not quite omit the talking sage, Kit-Cat, the famous Conversationist, Who, in his common-place book, had a page Prepared each morn for evenings.
used to say something is necessary, or almost certainly true
From this reading I must not quite omit the talking sage, Kit-Cat, the famous Conversationist, Who, in his common-place book, had a page Prepared each morn for evenings.
not ever; at no time in the past or future
From this reading Firstly, they must allure the conversation By many windings to their clever clinch; And secondly, must let slip no occasion, Nor bate (abate) their hearers of an inch, But take an ell—and make a great sensation, If possible; and thirdly, never flinch When some smart talker puts them to the test, But seize the last word, which no doubt ’s the best.
not any; not one
From this reading Firstly, they must allure the conversation By many windings to their clever clinch; And secondly, must let slip no occasion, Nor bate (abate) their hearers of an inch, But take an ell—and make a great sensation, If possible; and thirdly, never flinch When some smart talker puts them to the test, But seize the last word, which no doubt ’s the best.
and not; used after a negative to add a second negative
From this reading Firstly, they must allure the conversation By many windings to their clever clinch; And secondly, must let slip no occasion, Nor bate (abate) their hearers of an inch, But take an ell—and make a great sensation, If possible; and thirdly, never flinch When some smart talker puts them to the test, But seize the last word, which no doubt ’s the best.
used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative
From this reading But what we can we glean in this vile age Of chaff, although our gleanings be not grist.
an event that occurs at a critical time
From this reading Firstly, they must allure the conversation By many windings to their clever clinch; And secondly, must let slip no occasion, Nor bate (abate) their hearers of an inch, But take an ell—and make a great sensation, If possible; and thirdly, never flinch When some smart talker puts them to the test, But seize the last word, which no doubt ’s the best.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading But what we can we glean in this vile age Of chaff, although our gleanings be not grist.
a midwestern state in north central United States in the Great Lakes region
From this reading ‘List, oh, list!’— ‘Alas, poor ghost!’—What unexpected woes Await those who have studied their bon-mots!
omitverbUS /oʊˈmɪt/
prevent from being included or considered or accepted
From this reading I must not quite omit the talking sage, Kit-Cat, the famous Conversationist, Who, in his common-place book, had a page Prepared each morn for evenings.
touching and supported by a surface
From this reading Lord Henry and his lady were the hosts; The party we have touch’d on were the guests: Their table was a board to tempt even ghosts To pass the Styx for more substantial feasts.
belonging to the speaker and others
From this reading But what we can we glean in this vile age Of chaff, although our gleanings be not grist.
one side of one leaf (of a book or magazine or newspaper or letter etc.) or the written or pictorial matter it contains
From this reading I must not quite omit the talking sage, Kit-Cat, the famous Conversationist, Who, in his common-place book, had a page Prepared each morn for evenings.
an organization to gain political power
From this reading Lord Henry and his lady were the hosts; The party we have touch’d on were the guests: Their table was a board to tempt even ghosts To pass the Styx for more substantial feasts.
go across or through
From this reading Lord Henry and his lady were the hosts; The party we have touch’d on were the guests: Their table was a board to tempt even ghosts To pass the Styx for more substantial feasts.
deserving or inciting pity
From this reading ‘List, oh, list!’— ‘Alas, poor ghost!’—What unexpected woes Await those who have studied their bon-mots!
capable of happening or existing
From this reading Firstly, they must allure the conversation By many windings to their clever clinch; And secondly, must let slip no occasion, Nor bate (abate) their hearers of an inch, But take an ell—and make a great sensation, If possible; and thirdly, never flinch When some smart talker puts them to the test, But seize the last word, which no doubt ’s the best.
made ready or fit or suitable beforehand
From this reading I must not quite omit the talking sage, Kit-Cat, the famous Conversationist, Who, in his common-place book, had a page Prepared each morn for evenings.
putsnounUS /pʊts/
plural of “put” — the option to sell a given stock (or stock index or commodity future) at a given price before a given date
From this reading Firstly, they must allure the conversation By many windings to their clever clinch; And secondly, must let slip no occasion, Nor bate (abate) their hearers of an inch, But take an ell—and make a great sensation, If possible; and thirdly, never flinch When some smart talker puts them to the test, But seize the last word, which no doubt ’s the best.
to a degree (not used with a negative)
From this reading I must not quite omit the talking sage, Kit-Cat, the famous Conversationist, Who, in his common-place book, had a page Prepared each morn for evenings.
1/60 of a minute; the basic unit of time adopted under the Systeme International d'Unites
From this reading Firstly, they must allure the conversation By many windings to their clever clinch; And secondly, must let slip no occasion, Nor bate (abate) their hearers of an inch, But take an ell—and make a great sensation, If possible; and thirdly, never flinch When some smart talker puts them to the test, But seize the last word, which no doubt ’s the best.
sagenounUS /seɪdʒ/
a mentor in spiritual and philosophical topics who is renowned for profound wisdom
From this reading I must not quite omit the talking sage, Kit-Cat, the famous Conversationist, Who, in his common-place book, had a page Prepared each morn for evenings.
secondlyadverbUS /ˈsekəndli/
in the second place
From this reading Firstly, they must allure the conversation By many windings to their clever clinch; And secondly, must let slip no occasion, Nor bate (abate) their hearers of an inch, But take an ell—and make a great sensation, If possible; and thirdly, never flinch When some smart talker puts them to the test, But seize the last word, which no doubt ’s the best.
seizeverbUS /siːz/
take hold of; grab
From this reading Firstly, they must allure the conversation By many windings to their clever clinch; And secondly, must let slip no occasion, Nor bate (abate) their hearers of an inch, But take an ell—and make a great sensation, If possible; and thirdly, never flinch When some smart talker puts them to the test, But seize the last word, which no doubt ’s the best.
an unelaborated elementary awareness of stimulation
From this reading Firstly, they must allure the conversation By many windings to their clever clinch; And secondly, must let slip no occasion, Nor bate (abate) their hearers of an inch, But take an ell—and make a great sensation, If possible; and thirdly, never flinch When some smart talker puts them to the test, But seize the last word, which no doubt ’s the best.
move stealthily
From this reading Firstly, they must allure the conversation By many windings to their clever clinch; And secondly, must let slip no occasion, Nor bate (abate) their hearers of an inch, But take an ell—and make a great sensation, If possible; and thirdly, never flinch When some smart talker puts them to the test, But seize the last word, which no doubt ’s the best.
smartadjectiveUS /smɑːrt/
showing mental alertness and calculation and resourcefulness
From this reading Firstly, they must allure the conversation By many windings to their clever clinch; And secondly, must let slip no occasion, Nor bate (abate) their hearers of an inch, But take an ell—and make a great sensation, If possible; and thirdly, never flinch When some smart talker puts them to the test, But seize the last word, which no doubt ’s the best.
(quantifier) used with either mass nouns or plural count nouns to indicate an unspecified number or quantity
From this reading Firstly, they must allure the conversation By many windings to their clever clinch; And secondly, must let slip no occasion, Nor bate (abate) their hearers of an inch, But take an ell—and make a great sensation, If possible; and thirdly, never flinch When some smart talker puts them to the test, But seize the last word, which no doubt ’s the best.
produced or marked by conscious design or premeditation
From this reading ‘List, oh, list!’— ‘Alas, poor ghost!’—What unexpected woes Await those who have studied their bon-mots!
StyxnounUS /stɪks/
(Greek mythology) a river in Hades across which Charon carried dead souls
From this reading Lord Henry and his lady were the hosts; The party we have touch’d on were the guests: Their table was a board to tempt even ghosts To pass the Styx for more substantial feasts.
substantialadjectiveUS /səbˈstænʃəl/
of considerable importance, size, or worth
From this reading Lord Henry and his lady were the hosts; The party we have touch’d on were the guests: Their table was a board to tempt even ghosts To pass the Styx for more substantial feasts.
a set of data arranged in rows and columns
From this reading Lord Henry and his lady were the hosts; The party we have touch’d on were the guests: Their table was a board to tempt even ghosts To pass the Styx for more substantial feasts.
carry out
From this reading Firstly, they must allure the conversation By many windings to their clever clinch; And secondly, must let slip no occasion, Nor bate (abate) their hearers of an inch, But take an ell—and make a great sensation, If possible; and thirdly, never flinch When some smart talker puts them to the test, But seize the last word, which no doubt ’s the best.
talkernounUS /ˈtɔːkər/
someone who expresses in language; someone who talks (especially someone who delivers a public speech or someone especially garrulous)
From this reading Firstly, they must allure the conversation By many windings to their clever clinch; And secondly, must let slip no occasion, Nor bate (abate) their hearers of an inch, But take an ell—and make a great sensation, If possible; and thirdly, never flinch When some smart talker puts them to the test, But seize the last word, which no doubt ’s the best.
an exchange of ideas via conversation
From this reading I must not quite omit the talking sage, Kit-Cat, the famous Conversationist, Who, in his common-place book, had a page Prepared each morn for evenings.
temptverbUS /tempt/
dispose or incline or entice to
From this reading Lord Henry and his lady were the hosts; The party we have touch’d on were the guests: Their table was a board to tempt even ghosts To pass the Styx for more substantial feasts.
testnounUS /test/
trying something to find out about it
From this reading Firstly, they must allure the conversation By many windings to their clever clinch; And secondly, must let slip no occasion, Nor bate (abate) their hearers of an inch, But take an ell—and make a great sensation, If possible; and thirdly, never flinch When some smart talker puts them to the test, But seize the last word, which no doubt ’s the best.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading I must not quite omit the talking sage, Kit-Cat, the famous Conversationist, Who, in his common-place book, had a page Prepared each morn for evenings.
belonging to the people or things already mentioned
From this reading ‘List, oh, list!’— ‘Alas, poor ghost!’—What unexpected woes Await those who have studied their bon-mots!
the people or things already mentioned, as the object
From this reading Firstly, they must allure the conversation By many windings to their clever clinch; And secondly, must let slip no occasion, Nor bate (abate) their hearers of an inch, But take an ell—and make a great sensation, If possible; and thirdly, never flinch When some smart talker puts them to the test, But seize the last word, which no doubt ’s the best.
the people, animals, or things already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading Firstly, they must allure the conversation By many windings to their clever clinch; And secondly, must let slip no occasion, Nor bate (abate) their hearers of an inch, But take an ell—and make a great sensation, If possible; and thirdly, never flinch When some smart talker puts them to the test, But seize the last word, which no doubt ’s the best.
thirdlyadverbUS /ˈθɜːrdli/
in the third place
From this reading Firstly, they must allure the conversation By many windings to their clever clinch; And secondly, must let slip no occasion, Nor bate (abate) their hearers of an inch, But take an ell—and make a great sensation, If possible; and thirdly, never flinch When some smart talker puts them to the test, But seize the last word, which no doubt ’s the best.
used for a person or thing that is near, or that has just been mentioned
From this reading But what we can we glean in this vile age Of chaff, although our gleanings be not grist.
the plural of “that”: the people or things further away, or already known
From this reading ‘List, oh, list!’— ‘Alas, poor ghost!’—What unexpected woes Await those who have studied their bon-mots!
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading Firstly, they must allure the conversation By many windings to their clever clinch; And secondly, must let slip no occasion, Nor bate (abate) their hearers of an inch, But take an ell—and make a great sensation, If possible; and thirdly, never flinch When some smart talker puts them to the test, But seize the last word, which no doubt ’s the best.
touch'd
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Lord Henry and his lady were the hosts; The party we have touch’d on were the guests: Their table was a board to tempt even ghosts To pass the Styx for more substantial feasts.
not expected or anticipated
From this reading ‘List, oh, list!’— ‘Alas, poor ghost!’—What unexpected woes Await those who have studied their bon-mots!
vileadjectiveUS /vaɪl/
morally reprehensible
From this reading But what we can we glean in this vile age Of chaff, although our gleanings be not grist.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading Lord Henry and his lady were the hosts; The party we have touch’d on were the guests: Their table was a board to tempt even ghosts To pass the Styx for more substantial feasts.
the speaker together with one or more other people
From this reading But what we can we glean in this vile age Of chaff, although our gleanings be not grist.
wereauxiliary verbUS /wɜːr/
the past form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun
From this reading Lord Henry and his lady were the hosts; The party we have touch’d on were the guests: Their table was a board to tempt even ghosts To pass the Styx for more substantial feasts.
used to ask for information about something
From this reading But what we can we glean in this vile age Of chaff, although our gleanings be not grist.
at the time that
From this reading Firstly, they must allure the conversation By many windings to their clever clinch; And secondly, must let slip no occasion, Nor bate (abate) their hearers of an inch, But take an ell—and make a great sensation, If possible; and thirdly, never flinch When some smart talker puts them to the test, But seize the last word, which no doubt ’s the best.
used to introduce a clause giving more about a thing just mentioned
From this reading Firstly, they must allure the conversation By many windings to their clever clinch; And secondly, must let slip no occasion, Nor bate (abate) their hearers of an inch, But take an ell—and make a great sensation, If possible; and thirdly, never flinch When some smart talker puts them to the test, But seize the last word, which no doubt ’s the best.
which person or people
From this reading I must not quite omit the talking sage, Kit-Cat, the famous Conversationist, Who, in his common-place book, had a page Prepared each morn for evenings.
windings
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Firstly, they must allure the conversation By many windings to their clever clinch; And secondly, must let slip no occasion, Nor bate (abate) their hearers of an inch, But take an ell—and make a great sensation, If possible; and thirdly, never flinch When some smart talker puts them to the test, But seize the last word, which no doubt ’s the best.
woesnounUS /woʊz/
plural of “woe” — misery resulting from affliction
From this reading ‘List, oh, list!’— ‘Alas, poor ghost!’—What unexpected woes Await those who have studied their bon-mots!
a unit of language that native speakers can identify
From this reading Firstly, they must allure the conversation By many windings to their clever clinch; And secondly, must let slip no occasion, Nor bate (abate) their hearers of an inch, But take an ell—and make a great sensation, If possible; and thirdly, never flinch When some smart talker puts them to the test, But seize the last word, which no doubt ’s the best.
