Chapter IX · Chapter 9

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

From this reading This was a rare occurrence; for Mr. McSwiver, though he had advertised himself as having "no incumbrance," was by no means an ease-taking man.

on the subject of; concerning

From this reading MCSWIVER--better known as "Michael" by the Manning family, or, more descriptively, as "Mr. Manning's Mike," at the village store, but always as "old Mr. McSwiver," by our Liddy--was about to enjoy an evening out.

called to public attention

From this reading This was a rare occurrence; for Mr. McSwiver, though he had advertised himself as having "no incumbrance," was by no means an ease-taking man.

at all times; all the time and on every occasion

From this reading MCSWIVER--better known as "Michael" by the Manning family, or, more descriptively, as "Mr. Manning's Mike," at the village store, but always as "old Mr. McSwiver," by our Liddy--was about to enjoy an evening out.

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

From this reading MCSWIVER--better known as "Michael" by the Manning family, or, more descriptively, as "Mr. Manning's Mike," at the village store, but always as "old Mr. McSwiver," by our Liddy--was about to enjoy an evening out.

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

From this reading He united in his august person the duties of coachman, butler, waiter, useful man, and body-servant to Mr. Manning.

give a certain impression or have a certain outward aspect

From this reading IN WHICH SOME WELL-MEANING GROWN FOLK APPEAR.

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

From this reading MCSWIVER--better known as "Michael" by the Manning family, or, more descriptively, as "Mr. Manning's Mike," at the village store, but always as "old Mr. McSwiver," by our Liddy--was about to enjoy an evening out.

in or near a particular place or position

From this reading MCSWIVER--better known as "Michael" by the Manning family, or, more descriptively, as "Mr. Manning's Mike," at the village store, but always as "old Mr. McSwiver," by our Liddy--was about to enjoy an evening out.

the process whereby a person concentrates on some features of the environment to the (relative) exclusion of others

From this reading Seeing him at early dawn, blacking his employer's boots, or, later, attending to the lighter duties of the coachhouse (he had a stable-boy to help him), one could never imagine the grandeur of that same useful individual when dressed in his best.

the month following July and preceding September

From this reading He united in his august person the duties of coachman, butler, waiter, useful man, and body-servant to Mr. Manning.

the supreme effort one can make

From this reading Seeing him at early dawn, blacking his employer's boots, or, later, attending to the lighter duties of the coachhouse (he had a stable-boy to help him), one could never imagine the grandeur of that same useful individual when dressed in his best.

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

From this reading MCSWIVER--better known as "Michael" by the Manning family, or, more descriptively, as "Mr. Manning's Mike," at the village store, but always as "old Mr. McSwiver," by our Liddy--was about to enjoy an evening out.

a substance used to produce a shiny protective surface on footwear

From this reading Seeing him at early dawn, blacking his employer's boots, or, later, attending to the lighter duties of the coachhouse (he had a stable-boy to help him), one could never imagine the grandeur of that same useful individual when dressed in his best.

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

From this reading He united in his august person the duties of coachman, butler, waiter, useful man, and body-servant to Mr. Manning.

plural of “boot” — footwear that covers the whole foot and lower leg

From this reading Seeing him at early dawn, blacking his employer's boots, or, later, attending to the lighter duties of the coachhouse (he had a stable-boy to help him), one could never imagine the grandeur of that same useful individual when dressed in his best.

used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before

From this reading MCSWIVER--better known as "Michael" by the Manning family, or, more descriptively, as "Mr. Manning's Mike," at the village store, but always as "old Mr. McSwiver," by our Liddy--was about to enjoy an evening out.

a manservant (usually the head servant of a household) who has charge of wines and the table

From this reading He united in his august person the duties of coachman, butler, waiter, useful man, and body-servant to Mr. Manning.

showing who or what does the action

From this reading MCSWIVER--better known as "Michael" by the Manning family, or, more descriptively, as "Mr. Manning's Mike," at the village store, but always as "old Mr. McSwiver," by our Liddy--was about to enjoy an evening out.

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

From this reading Seeing him at early dawn, blacking his employer's boots, or, later, attending to the lighter duties of the coachhouse (he had a stable-boy to help him), one could never imagine the grandeur of that same useful individual when dressed in his best.

a man who drives a coach (or carriage)

From this reading He united in his august person the duties of coachman, butler, waiter, useful man, and body-servant to Mr. Manning.

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

From this reading Seeing him at early dawn, blacking his employer's boots, or, later, attending to the lighter duties of the coachhouse (he had a stable-boy to help him), one could never imagine the grandeur of that same useful individual when dressed in his best.

the first light of day

From this reading Seeing him at early dawn, blacking his employer's boots, or, later, attending to the lighter duties of the coachhouse (he had a stable-boy to help him), one could never imagine the grandeur of that same useful individual when dressed in his best.

by giving a description

From this reading MCSWIVER--better known as "Michael" by the Manning family, or, more descriptively, as "Mr. Manning's Mike," at the village store, but always as "old Mr. McSwiver," by our Liddy--was about to enjoy an evening out.

dressed or clothed especially in fine attire; often used in combination

From this reading Seeing him at early dawn, blacking his employer's boots, or, later, attending to the lighter duties of the coachhouse (he had a stable-boy to help him), one could never imagine the grandeur of that same useful individual when dressed in his best.

plural of “duty” — the social force that binds you to the courses of action demanded by that force

From this reading He united in his august person the duties of coachman, butler, waiter, useful man, and body-servant to Mr. Manning.

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

From this reading Seeing him at early dawn, blacking his employer's boots, or, later, attending to the lighter duties of the coachhouse (he had a stable-boy to help him), one could never imagine the grandeur of that same useful individual when dressed in his best.

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

From this reading This was a rare occurrence; for Mr. McSwiver, though he had advertised himself as having "no incumbrance," was by no means an ease-taking man.

possessive form of “employer” — a person or firm that employs workers

From this reading Seeing him at early dawn, blacking his employer's boots, or, later, attending to the lighter duties of the coachhouse (he had a stable-boy to help him), one could never imagine the grandeur of that same useful individual when dressed in his best.

derive or receive pleasure from; get enjoyment from; take pleasure in

From this reading MCSWIVER--better known as "Michael" by the Manning family, or, more descriptively, as "Mr. Manning's Mike," at the village store, but always as "old Mr. McSwiver," by our Liddy--was about to enjoy an evening out.

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

From this reading MCSWIVER--better known as "Michael" by the Manning family, or, more descriptively, as "Mr. Manning's Mike," at the village store, but always as "old Mr. McSwiver," by our Liddy--was about to enjoy an evening out.

a social unit living together

From this reading MCSWIVER--better known as "Michael" by the Manning family, or, more descriptively, as "Mr. Manning's Mike," at the village store, but always as "old Mr. McSwiver," by our Liddy--was about to enjoy an evening out.

people in general (often used in the plural)

From this reading IN WHICH SOME WELL-MEANING GROWN FOLK APPEAR.

intended to be given to, or used by, somebody

From this reading This was a rare occurrence; for Mr. McSwiver, though he had advertised himself as having "no incumbrance," was by no means an ease-taking man.

the quality of being magnificent or splendid or grand

From this reading Seeing him at early dawn, blacking his employer's boots, or, later, attending to the lighter duties of the coachhouse (he had a stable-boy to help him), one could never imagine the grandeur of that same useful individual when dressed in his best.

(of animals) fully developed

From this reading IN WHICH SOME WELL-MEANING GROWN FOLK APPEAR.

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

From this reading This was a rare occurrence; for Mr. McSwiver, though he had advertised himself as having "no incumbrance," was by no means an ease-taking man.

the -ing form of “have”

From this reading This was a rare occurrence; for Mr. McSwiver, though he had advertised himself as having "no incumbrance," was by no means an ease-taking man.

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

From this reading This was a rare occurrence; for Mr. McSwiver, though he had advertised himself as having "no incumbrance," was by no means an ease-taking man.

give help or assistance; be of service

From this reading Seeing him at early dawn, blacking his employer's boots, or, later, attending to the lighter duties of the coachhouse (he had a stable-boy to help him), one could never imagine the grandeur of that same useful individual when dressed in his best.

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

From this reading Seeing him at early dawn, blacking his employer's boots, or, later, attending to the lighter duties of the coachhouse (he had a stable-boy to help him), one could never imagine the grandeur of that same useful individual when dressed in his best.

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

From this reading This was a rare occurrence; for Mr. McSwiver, though he had advertised himself as having "no incumbrance," was by no means an ease-taking man.

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

From this reading He united in his august person the duties of coachman, butler, waiter, useful man, and body-servant to Mr. Manning.

form a mental image of something that is not present or that is not the case

From this reading Seeing him at early dawn, blacking his employer's boots, or, later, attending to the lighter duties of the coachhouse (he had a stable-boy to help him), one could never imagine the grandeur of that same useful individual when dressed in his best.

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

From this reading IN WHICH SOME WELL-MEANING GROWN FOLK APPEAR.

a charge against property (as a lien or mortgage)

From this reading This was a rare occurrence; for Mr. McSwiver, though he had advertised himself as having "no incumbrance," was by no means an ease-taking man.

being or characteristic of a single thing or person

From this reading Seeing him at early dawn, blacking his employer's boots, or, later, attending to the lighter duties of the coachhouse (he had a stable-boy to help him), one could never imagine the grandeur of that same useful individual when dressed in his best.

apprehended with certainty

From this reading MCSWIVER--better known as "Michael" by the Manning family, or, more descriptively, as "Mr. Manning's Mike," at the village store, but always as "old Mr. McSwiver," by our Liddy--was about to enjoy an evening out.

happening at a time subsequent to a reference time

From this reading Seeing him at early dawn, blacking his employer's boots, or, later, attending to the lighter duties of the coachhouse (he had a stable-boy to help him), one could never imagine the grandeur of that same useful individual when dressed in his best.

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

From this reading MCSWIVER--better known as "Michael" by the Manning family, or, more descriptively, as "Mr. Manning's Mike," at the village store, but always as "old Mr. McSwiver," by our Liddy--was about to enjoy an evening out.

a substance used to ignite or kindle a fire

From this reading Seeing him at early dawn, blacking his employer's boots, or, later, attending to the lighter duties of the coachhouse (he had a stable-boy to help him), one could never imagine the grandeur of that same useful individual when dressed in his best.

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

From this reading This was a rare occurrence; for Mr. McSwiver, though he had advertised himself as having "no incumbrance," was by no means an ease-taking man.

inflected form of “man” — take charge of a certain job; occupy a certain work place

From this reading MCSWIVER--better known as "Michael" by the Manning family, or, more descriptively, as "Mr. Manning's Mike," at the village store, but always as "old Mr. McSwiver," by our Liddy--was about to enjoy an evening out.

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

From this reading MCSWIVER--better known as "Michael" by the Manning family, or, more descriptively, as "Mr. Manning's Mike," at the village store, but always as "old Mr. McSwiver," by our Liddy--was about to enjoy an evening out.

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

From this reading MCSWIVER--better known as "Michael" by the Manning family, or, more descriptively, as "Mr. Manning's Mike," at the village store, but always as "old Mr. McSwiver," by our Liddy--was about to enjoy an evening out.

thing or person that acts to produce a particular effect or achieve an end

From this reading This was a rare occurrence; for Mr. McSwiver, though he had advertised himself as having "no incumbrance," was by no means an ease-taking man.

(Old Testament) the guardian archangel of the Jews

From this reading MCSWIVER--better known as "Michael" by the Manning family, or, more descriptively, as "Mr. Manning's Mike," at the village store, but always as "old Mr. McSwiver," by our Liddy--was about to enjoy an evening out.

device for converting sound waves into electrical energy

From this reading MCSWIVER--better known as "Michael" by the Manning family, or, more descriptively, as "Mr. Manning's Mike," at the village store, but always as "old Mr. McSwiver," by our Liddy--was about to enjoy an evening out.

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

From this reading MCSWIVER--better known as "Michael" by the Manning family, or, more descriptively, as "Mr. Manning's Mike," at the village store, but always as "old Mr. McSwiver," by our Liddy--was about to enjoy an evening out.

a form of address for a man

From this reading MCSWIVER--better known as "Michael" by the Manning family, or, more descriptively, as "Mr. Manning's Mike," at the village store, but always as "old Mr. McSwiver," by our Liddy--was about to enjoy an evening out.

not ever; at no time in the past or future

From this reading Seeing him at early dawn, blacking his employer's boots, or, later, attending to the lighter duties of the coachhouse (he had a stable-boy to help him), one could never imagine the grandeur of that same useful individual when dressed in his best.

not any; not one

From this reading This was a rare occurrence; for Mr. McSwiver, though he had advertised himself as having "no incumbrance," was by no means an ease-taking man.

an event that happens

From this reading This was a rare occurrence; for Mr. McSwiver, though he had advertised himself as having "no incumbrance," was by no means an ease-taking man.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading He united in his august person the duties of coachman, butler, waiter, useful man, and body-servant to Mr. Manning.

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

From this reading MCSWIVER--better known as "Michael" by the Manning family, or, more descriptively, as "Mr. Manning's Mike," at the village store, but always as "old Mr. McSwiver," by our Liddy--was about to enjoy an evening out.

used to mean any person in general, including the speaker

From this reading Seeing him at early dawn, blacking his employer's boots, or, later, attending to the lighter duties of the coachhouse (he had a stable-boy to help him), one could never imagine the grandeur of that same useful individual when dressed in his best.

used to join alternatives or possibilities

From this reading MCSWIVER--better known as "Michael" by the Manning family, or, more descriptively, as "Mr. Manning's Mike," at the village store, but always as "old Mr. McSwiver," by our Liddy--was about to enjoy an evening out.

belonging to the speaker and others

From this reading MCSWIVER--better known as "Michael" by the Manning family, or, more descriptively, as "Mr. Manning's Mike," at the village store, but always as "old Mr. McSwiver," by our Liddy--was about to enjoy an evening out.

not allowed to continue to bat or run

From this reading MCSWIVER--better known as "Michael" by the Manning family, or, more descriptively, as "Mr. Manning's Mike," at the village store, but always as "old Mr. McSwiver," by our Liddy--was about to enjoy an evening out.

a human being

From this reading He united in his august person the duties of coachman, butler, waiter, useful man, and body-servant to Mr. Manning.

not widely known; especially valued for its uncommonness

From this reading This was a rare occurrence; for Mr. McSwiver, though he had advertised himself as having "no incumbrance," was by no means an ease-taking man.

Identical; not different.

From this reading Seeing him at early dawn, blacking his employer's boots, or, later, attending to the lighter duties of the coachhouse (he had a stable-boy to help him), one could never imagine the grandeur of that same useful individual when dressed in his best.

perception by means of the eyes

From this reading Seeing him at early dawn, blacking his employer's boots, or, later, attending to the lighter duties of the coachhouse (he had a stable-boy to help him), one could never imagine the grandeur of that same useful individual when dressed in his best.

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

From this reading IN WHICH SOME WELL-MEANING GROWN FOLK APPEAR.

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

From this reading Seeing him at early dawn, blacking his employer's boots, or, later, attending to the lighter duties of the coachhouse (he had a stable-boy to help him), one could never imagine the grandeur of that same useful individual when dressed in his best.

a mercantile establishment for the retail sale of goods or services

From this reading MCSWIVER--better known as "Michael" by the Manning family, or, more descriptively, as "Mr. Manning's Mike," at the village store, but always as "old Mr. McSwiver," by our Liddy--was about to enjoy an evening out.

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading Seeing him at early dawn, blacking his employer's boots, or, later, attending to the lighter duties of the coachhouse (he had a stable-boy to help him), one could never imagine the grandeur of that same useful individual when dressed in his best.

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

From this reading MCSWIVER--better known as "Michael" by the Manning family, or, more descriptively, as "Mr. Manning's Mike," at the village store, but always as "old Mr. McSwiver," by our Liddy--was about to enjoy an evening out.

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

From this reading This was a rare occurrence; for Mr. McSwiver, though he had advertised himself as having "no incumbrance," was by no means an ease-taking man.

in spite of the fact that

From this reading This was a rare occurrence; for Mr. McSwiver, though he had advertised himself as having "no incumbrance," was by no means an ease-taking man.

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

From this reading MCSWIVER--better known as "Michael" by the Manning family, or, more descriptively, as "Mr. Manning's Mike," at the village store, but always as "old Mr. McSwiver," by our Liddy--was about to enjoy an evening out.

characterized by unity; being or joined into a single entity

From this reading He united in his august person the duties of coachman, butler, waiter, useful man, and body-servant to Mr. Manning.

being of use or service

From this reading He united in his august person the duties of coachman, butler, waiter, useful man, and body-servant to Mr. Manning.

a community of people smaller than a town

From this reading MCSWIVER--better known as "Michael" by the Manning family, or, more descriptively, as "Mr. Manning's Mike," at the village store, but always as "old Mr. McSwiver," by our Liddy--was about to enjoy an evening out.

a person whose occupation is to serve at table (as in a restaurant)

From this reading He united in his august person the duties of coachman, butler, waiter, useful man, and body-servant to Mr. Manning.

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

From this reading MCSWIVER--better known as "Michael" by the Manning family, or, more descriptively, as "Mr. Manning's Mike," at the village store, but always as "old Mr. McSwiver," by our Liddy--was about to enjoy an evening out.

not unfriendly or threatening

From this reading IN WHICH SOME WELL-MEANING GROWN FOLK APPEAR.

at the time that

From this reading Seeing him at early dawn, blacking his employer's boots, or, later, attending to the lighter duties of the coachhouse (he had a stable-boy to help him), one could never imagine the grandeur of that same useful individual when dressed in his best.

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

From this reading IN WHICH SOME WELL-MEANING GROWN FOLK APPEAR.