Chapter I · Chapter 1

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

From this reading "Among the amusing and instructive books that remain to be written, one of the most piquant would be a history of the criticism with which the most celebrated literary productions have been greeted on their first appearance before the world."

surrounded by; in the middle of a group

From this reading "Among the amusing and instructive books that remain to be written, one of the most piquant would be a history of the criticism with which the most celebrated literary productions have been greeted on their first appearance before the world."

providing enjoyment; pleasantly entertaining

From this reading "Among the amusing and instructive books that remain to be written, one of the most piquant would be a history of the criticism with which the most celebrated literary productions have been greeted on their first appearance before the world."

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

From this reading _Assistant Professor of English and History, Central High School, Philadelphia; Research Fellow in English, University of Pennsylvania_ PRESS OF THE NEW ERA PRINTING COMPANY, LANCASTER, PA.

outward or visible aspect of a person or thing

From this reading "Among the amusing and instructive books that remain to be written, one of the most piquant would be a history of the criticism with which the most celebrated literary productions have been greeted on their first appearance before the world."

a person who contributes to the fulfillment of a need or furtherance of an effort or purpose

From this reading _Assistant Professor of English and History, Central High School, Philadelphia; Research Fellow in English, University of Pennsylvania_ PRESS OF THE NEW ERA PRINTING COMPANY, LANCASTER, PA.

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

From this reading "Among the amusing and instructive books that remain to be written, one of the most piquant would be a history of the criticism with which the most celebrated literary productions have been greeted on their first appearance before the world."

the past participle of “be”

From this reading "Among the amusing and instructive books that remain to be written, one of the most piquant would be a history of the criticism with which the most celebrated literary productions have been greeted on their first appearance before the world."

earlier than; in front of

From this reading "Among the amusing and instructive books that remain to be written, one of the most piquant would be a history of the criticism with which the most celebrated literary productions have been greeted on their first appearance before the world."

inflected form of “begin” — take the first step or steps in carrying out an action

From this reading It is quite possible that when Dr. William Matthews began his essay on _Curiosities of Criticism_ with these words, he failed to grasp the full significance of that future undertaking.

Bound written or printed works.

From this reading "Among the amusing and instructive books that remain to be written, one of the most piquant would be a history of the criticism with which the most celebrated literary productions have been greeted on their first appearance before the world."

showing who or what does the action

From this reading Mr. Churton Collins recently declared that "a very amusing and edifying record might be compiled partly out of a selection of the various verdicts passed contemporaneously by reviews on particular works, and partly out of comparisons of the subsequent fortunes of works with their fortunes while submitted to this censorship."

widely known and esteemed

From this reading "Among the amusing and instructive books that remain to be written, one of the most piquant would be a history of the criticism with which the most celebrated literary productions have been greeted on their first appearance before the world."

counterintelligence achieved by banning or deleting any information of value to the enemy

From this reading Mr. Churton Collins recently declared that "a very amusing and edifying record might be compiled partly out of a selection of the various verdicts passed contemporaneously by reviews on particular works, and partly out of comparisons of the subsequent fortunes of works with their fortunes while submitted to this censorship."

serving as an essential component

From this reading _Assistant Professor of English and History, Central High School, Philadelphia; Research Fellow in English, University of Pennsylvania_ PRESS OF THE NEW ERA PRINTING COMPANY, LANCASTER, PA.

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

From this reading Mr. Churton Collins recently declared that "a very amusing and edifying record might be compiled partly out of a selection of the various verdicts passed contemporaneously by reviews on particular works, and partly out of comparisons of the subsequent fortunes of works with their fortunes while submitted to this censorship."

English writer noted for early detective novels (1824-1889)

From this reading Mr. Churton Collins recently declared that "a very amusing and edifying record might be compiled partly out of a selection of the various verdicts passed contemporaneously by reviews on particular works, and partly out of comparisons of the subsequent fortunes of works with their fortunes while submitted to this censorship."

an institution created to conduct business

From this reading _Assistant Professor of English and History, Central High School, Philadelphia; Research Fellow in English, University of Pennsylvania_ PRESS OF THE NEW ERA PRINTING COMPANY, LANCASTER, PA.

plural of “comparison” — the act of examining resemblances

From this reading Mr. Churton Collins recently declared that "a very amusing and edifying record might be compiled partly out of a selection of the various verdicts passed contemporaneously by reviews on particular works, and partly out of comparisons of the subsequent fortunes of works with their fortunes while submitted to this censorship."

past form of “compile” — get or gather together

From this reading Mr. Churton Collins recently declared that "a very amusing and edifying record might be compiled partly out of a selection of the various verdicts passed contemporaneously by reviews on particular works, and partly out of comparisons of the subsequent fortunes of works with their fortunes while submitted to this censorship."

during the same period of time

From this reading Mr. Churton Collins recently declared that "a very amusing and edifying record might be compiled partly out of a selection of the various verdicts passed contemporaneously by reviews on particular works, and partly out of comparisons of the subsequent fortunes of works with their fortunes while submitted to this censorship."

disapproval expressed by pointing out faults or shortcomings

From this reading "Among the amusing and instructive books that remain to be written, one of the most piquant would be a history of the criticism with which the most celebrated literary productions have been greeted on their first appearance before the world."

plural of “curiosity” — a state in which you want to learn more about something

From this reading It is quite possible that when Dr. William Matthews began his essay on _Curiosities of Criticism_ with these words, he failed to grasp the full significance of that future undertaking.

a fat-soluble vitamin that prevents rickets

From this reading JOHN LOUIS HANEY, PH.D.

made known or openly avowed

From this reading Mr. Churton Collins recently declared that "a very amusing and edifying record might be compiled partly out of a selection of the various verdicts passed contemporaneously by reviews on particular works, and partly out of comparisons of the subsequent fortunes of works with their fortunes while submitted to this censorship."

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

From this reading It is quite possible that when Dr. William Matthews began his essay on _Curiosities of Criticism_ with these words, he failed to grasp the full significance of that future undertaking.

enlightening or uplifting so as to encourage intellectual or moral improvement

From this reading Mr. Churton Collins recently declared that "a very amusing and edifying record might be compiled partly out of a selection of the various verdicts passed contemporaneously by reviews on particular works, and partly out of comparisons of the subsequent fortunes of works with their fortunes while submitted to this censorship."

an Indo-European language belonging to the West Germanic branch; the official language of Britain and the United States and most of the commonwealth countries

From this reading _Assistant Professor of English and History, Central High School, Philadelphia; Research Fellow in English, University of Pennsylvania_ PRESS OF THE NEW ERA PRINTING COMPANY, LANCASTER, PA.

a period marked by distinctive character or reckoned from a fixed point or event

From this reading _Assistant Professor of English and History, Central High School, Philadelphia; Research Fellow in English, University of Pennsylvania_ PRESS OF THE NEW ERA PRINTING COMPANY, LANCASTER, PA.

an analytic or interpretive literary composition

From this reading It is quite possible that when Dr. William Matthews began his essay on _Curiosities of Criticism_ with these words, he failed to grasp the full significance of that future undertaking.

past form of “fail” — fail to do something; leave something undone

From this reading It is quite possible that when Dr. William Matthews began his essay on _Curiosities of Criticism_ with these words, he failed to grasp the full significance of that future undertaking.

a boy or man

From this reading _Assistant Professor of English and History, Central High School, Philadelphia; Research Fellow in English, University of Pennsylvania_ PRESS OF THE NEW ERA PRINTING COMPANY, LANCASTER, PA.

preceding all others in time or space or degree

From this reading "Among the amusing and instructive books that remain to be written, one of the most piquant would be a history of the criticism with which the most celebrated literary productions have been greeted on their first appearance before the world."

plural of “fortune” — an unknown and unpredictable phenomenon that causes an event to result one way rather than another

From this reading Mr. Churton Collins recently declared that "a very amusing and edifying record might be compiled partly out of a selection of the various verdicts passed contemporaneously by reviews on particular works, and partly out of comparisons of the subsequent fortunes of works with their fortunes while submitted to this censorship."

containing as much or as many as is possible or normal

From this reading It is quite possible that when Dr. William Matthews began his essay on _Curiosities of Criticism_ with these words, he failed to grasp the full significance of that future undertaking.

yet to be or coming

From this reading It is quite possible that when Dr. William Matthews began his essay on _Curiosities of Criticism_ with these words, he failed to grasp the full significance of that future undertaking.

hold firmly

From this reading It is quite possible that when Dr. William Matthews began his essay on _Curiosities of Criticism_ with these words, he failed to grasp the full significance of that future undertaking.

past form of “greet” — express greetings upon meeting someone

From this reading "Among the amusing and instructive books that remain to be written, one of the most piquant would be a history of the criticism with which the most celebrated literary productions have been greeted on their first appearance before the world."

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

From this reading JOHN LOUIS HANEY, PH.D.

used with a past participle to form the perfect tenses

From this reading "Among the amusing and instructive books that remain to be written, one of the most piquant would be a history of the criticism with which the most celebrated literary productions have been greeted on their first appearance before the world."

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

From this reading It is quite possible that when Dr. William Matthews began his essay on _Curiosities of Criticism_ with these words, he failed to grasp the full significance of that future undertaking.

greater than normal in degree or intensity or amount

From this reading _Assistant Professor of English and History, Central High School, Philadelphia; Research Fellow in English, University of Pennsylvania_ PRESS OF THE NEW ERA PRINTING COMPANY, LANCASTER, PA.

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

From this reading It is quite possible that when Dr. William Matthews began his essay on _Curiosities of Criticism_ with these words, he failed to grasp the full significance of that future undertaking.

the aggregate of past events

From this reading _Assistant Professor of English and History, Central High School, Philadelphia; Research Fellow in English, University of Pennsylvania_ PRESS OF THE NEW ERA PRINTING COMPANY, LANCASTER, PA.

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

From this reading _Assistant Professor of English and History, Central High School, Philadelphia; Research Fellow in English, University of Pennsylvania_ PRESS OF THE NEW ERA PRINTING COMPANY, LANCASTER, PA.

serving to instruct or enlighten or inform

From this reading "Among the amusing and instructive books that remain to be written, one of the most piquant would be a history of the criticism with which the most celebrated literary productions have been greeted on their first appearance before the world."

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

From this reading It is quite possible that when Dr. William Matthews began his essay on _Curiosities of Criticism_ with these words, he failed to grasp the full significance of that future undertaking.

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading It is quite possible that when Dr. William Matthews began his essay on _Curiosities of Criticism_ with these words, he failed to grasp the full significance of that future undertaking.

a room or building equipped with one or more toilets

From this reading JOHN LOUIS HANEY, PH.D.

a city in northwestern England

From this reading _Assistant Professor of English and History, Central High School, Philadelphia; Research Fellow in English, University of Pennsylvania_ PRESS OF THE NEW ERA PRINTING COMPANY, LANCASTER, PA.

of or relating to or characteristic of literature

From this reading "Among the amusing and instructive books that remain to be written, one of the most piquant would be a history of the criticism with which the most celebrated literary productions have been greeted on their first appearance before the world."

United States prizefighter who was world heavyweight champion for 12 years (1914-1981)

From this reading JOHN LOUIS HANEY, PH.D.

plural of “matthew” — (New Testament) disciple of Jesus; traditionally considered to be the author of the first Gospel

From this reading It is quite possible that when Dr. William Matthews began his essay on _Curiosities of Criticism_ with these words, he failed to grasp the full significance of that future undertaking.

used to say something is possible but not certain

From this reading Mr. Churton Collins recently declared that "a very amusing and edifying record might be compiled partly out of a selection of the various verdicts passed contemporaneously by reviews on particular works, and partly out of comparisons of the subsequent fortunes of works with their fortunes while submitted to this censorship."

used to form the superlative

From this reading "Among the amusing and instructive books that remain to be written, one of the most piquant would be a history of the criticism with which the most celebrated literary productions have been greeted on their first appearance before the world."

a form of address for a man

From this reading Mr. Churton Collins recently declared that "a very amusing and edifying record might be compiled partly out of a selection of the various verdicts passed contemporaneously by reviews on particular works, and partly out of comparisons of the subsequent fortunes of works with their fortunes while submitted to this censorship."

not of long duration; having just (or relatively recently) come into being or been made or acquired or discovered

From this reading _Assistant Professor of English and History, Central High School, Philadelphia; Research Fellow in English, University of Pennsylvania_ PRESS OF THE NEW ERA PRINTING COMPANY, LANCASTER, PA.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading _Assistant Professor of English and History, Central High School, Philadelphia; Research Fellow in English, University of Pennsylvania_ PRESS OF THE NEW ERA PRINTING COMPANY, LANCASTER, PA.

touching and supported by a surface

From this reading "Among the amusing and instructive books that remain to be written, one of the most piquant would be a history of the criticism with which the most celebrated literary productions have been greeted on their first appearance before the world."

used to mean any person in general, including the speaker

From this reading "Among the amusing and instructive books that remain to be written, one of the most piquant would be a history of the criticism with which the most celebrated literary productions have been greeted on their first appearance before the world."

not allowed to continue to bat or run

From this reading Mr. Churton Collins recently declared that "a very amusing and edifying record might be compiled partly out of a selection of the various verdicts passed contemporaneously by reviews on particular works, and partly out of comparisons of the subsequent fortunes of works with their fortunes while submitted to this censorship."

an informal term for a father; probably derived from baby talk

From this reading _Assistant Professor of English and History, Central High School, Philadelphia; Research Fellow in English, University of Pennsylvania_ PRESS OF THE NEW ERA PRINTING COMPANY, LANCASTER, PA.

unique or specific to a person or thing or category

From this reading Mr. Churton Collins recently declared that "a very amusing and edifying record might be compiled partly out of a selection of the various verdicts passed contemporaneously by reviews on particular works, and partly out of comparisons of the subsequent fortunes of works with their fortunes while submitted to this censorship."

to some extent; in some degree; not wholly

From this reading Mr. Churton Collins recently declared that "a very amusing and edifying record might be compiled partly out of a selection of the various verdicts passed contemporaneously by reviews on particular works, and partly out of comparisons of the subsequent fortunes of works with their fortunes while submitted to this censorship."

past form of “pass” — go across or through

From this reading Mr. Churton Collins recently declared that "a very amusing and edifying record might be compiled partly out of a selection of the various verdicts passed contemporaneously by reviews on particular works, and partly out of comparisons of the subsequent fortunes of works with their fortunes while submitted to this censorship."

a Mid-Atlantic state; one of the original 13 colonies

From this reading _Assistant Professor of English and History, Central High School, Philadelphia; Research Fellow in English, University of Pennsylvania_ PRESS OF THE NEW ERA PRINTING COMPANY, LANCASTER, PA.

(from potential of Hydrogen) the logarithm of the reciprocal of hydrogen-ion concentration in gram atoms per liter

From this reading JOHN LOUIS HANEY, PH.D.

the largest city in Pennsylvania; located in the southeastern part of the state on the Delaware river; site of Independence Hall where the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution were signed; site of the University of Pennsylvania

From this reading _Assistant Professor of English and History, Central High School, Philadelphia; Research Fellow in English, University of Pennsylvania_ PRESS OF THE NEW ERA PRINTING COMPANY, LANCASTER, PA.

having an agreeably pungent taste

From this reading "Among the amusing and instructive books that remain to be written, one of the most piquant would be a history of the criticism with which the most celebrated literary productions have been greeted on their first appearance before the world."

capable of happening or existing

From this reading It is quite possible that when Dr. William Matthews began his essay on _Curiosities of Criticism_ with these words, he failed to grasp the full significance of that future undertaking.

exert pressure or force to or upon

From this reading _Assistant Professor of English and History, Central High School, Philadelphia; Research Fellow in English, University of Pennsylvania_ PRESS OF THE NEW ERA PRINTING COMPANY, LANCASTER, PA.

text handwritten in the style of printed matter

From this reading _Assistant Professor of English and History, Central High School, Philadelphia; Research Fellow in English, University of Pennsylvania_ PRESS OF THE NEW ERA PRINTING COMPANY, LANCASTER, PA.

plural of “production” — the act or process of producing something

From this reading "Among the amusing and instructive books that remain to be written, one of the most piquant would be a history of the criticism with which the most celebrated literary productions have been greeted on their first appearance before the world."

someone who is a member of the faculty at a college or university

From this reading _Assistant Professor of English and History, Central High School, Philadelphia; Research Fellow in English, University of Pennsylvania_ PRESS OF THE NEW ERA PRINTING COMPANY, LANCASTER, PA.

to a degree (not used with a negative)

From this reading It is quite possible that when Dr. William Matthews began his essay on _Curiosities of Criticism_ with these words, he failed to grasp the full significance of that future undertaking.

in the recent past

From this reading Mr. Churton Collins recently declared that "a very amusing and edifying record might be compiled partly out of a selection of the various verdicts passed contemporaneously by reviews on particular works, and partly out of comparisons of the subsequent fortunes of works with their fortunes while submitted to this censorship."

anything (such as a document or a phonograph record or a photograph) providing permanent evidence of or information about past events

From this reading Mr. Churton Collins recently declared that "a very amusing and edifying record might be compiled partly out of a selection of the various verdicts passed contemporaneously by reviews on particular works, and partly out of comparisons of the subsequent fortunes of works with their fortunes while submitted to this censorship."

stay the same; remain in a certain state

From this reading "Among the amusing and instructive books that remain to be written, one of the most piquant would be a history of the criticism with which the most celebrated literary productions have been greeted on their first appearance before the world."

systematic investigation to establish facts

From this reading _Assistant Professor of English and History, Central High School, Philadelphia; Research Fellow in English, University of Pennsylvania_ PRESS OF THE NEW ERA PRINTING COMPANY, LANCASTER, PA.

plural of “review” — a new appraisal or evaluation

From this reading Mr. Churton Collins recently declared that "a very amusing and edifying record might be compiled partly out of a selection of the various verdicts passed contemporaneously by reviews on particular works, and partly out of comparisons of the subsequent fortunes of works with their fortunes while submitted to this censorship."

an educational institution

From this reading _Assistant Professor of English and History, Central High School, Philadelphia; Research Fellow in English, University of Pennsylvania_ PRESS OF THE NEW ERA PRINTING COMPANY, LANCASTER, PA.

the act of choosing or selecting

From this reading Mr. Churton Collins recently declared that "a very amusing and edifying record might be compiled partly out of a selection of the various verdicts passed contemporaneously by reviews on particular works, and partly out of comparisons of the subsequent fortunes of works with their fortunes while submitted to this censorship."

the quality of being significant

From this reading It is quite possible that when Dr. William Matthews began his essay on _Curiosities of Criticism_ with these words, he failed to grasp the full significance of that future undertaking.

inflected form of “submit” — refer for judgment or consideration

From this reading Mr. Churton Collins recently declared that "a very amusing and edifying record might be compiled partly out of a selection of the various verdicts passed contemporaneously by reviews on particular works, and partly out of comparisons of the subsequent fortunes of works with their fortunes while submitted to this censorship."

following in time or order

From this reading Mr. Churton Collins recently declared that "a very amusing and edifying record might be compiled partly out of a selection of the various verdicts passed contemporaneously by reviews on particular works, and partly out of comparisons of the subsequent fortunes of works with their fortunes while submitted to this censorship."

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading "Among the amusing and instructive books that remain to be written, one of the most piquant would be a history of the criticism with which the most celebrated literary productions have been greeted on their first appearance before the world."

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

From this reading _Assistant Professor of English and History, Central High School, Philadelphia; Research Fellow in English, University of Pennsylvania_ PRESS OF THE NEW ERA PRINTING COMPANY, LANCASTER, PA.

belonging to the people or things already mentioned

From this reading "Among the amusing and instructive books that remain to be written, one of the most piquant would be a history of the criticism with which the most celebrated literary productions have been greeted on their first appearance before the world."

the plural of “this”: the people or things near, or just mentioned

From this reading It is quite possible that when Dr. William Matthews began his essay on _Curiosities of Criticism_ with these words, he failed to grasp the full significance of that future undertaking.

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

From this reading Mr. Churton Collins recently declared that "a very amusing and edifying record might be compiled partly out of a selection of the various verdicts passed contemporaneously by reviews on particular works, and partly out of comparisons of the subsequent fortunes of works with their fortunes while submitted to this censorship."

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

From this reading "Among the amusing and instructive books that remain to be written, one of the most piquant would be a history of the criticism with which the most celebrated literary productions have been greeted on their first appearance before the world."

any piece of work that is undertaken or attempted

From this reading It is quite possible that when Dr. William Matthews began his essay on _Curiosities of Criticism_ with these words, he failed to grasp the full significance of that future undertaking.

the body of faculty and students at a university

From this reading _Assistant Professor of English and History, Central High School, Philadelphia; Research Fellow in English, University of Pennsylvania_ PRESS OF THE NEW ERA PRINTING COMPANY, LANCASTER, PA.

of many different kinds purposefully arranged but lacking any uniformity

From this reading Mr. Churton Collins recently declared that "a very amusing and edifying record might be compiled partly out of a selection of the various verdicts passed contemporaneously by reviews on particular works, and partly out of comparisons of the subsequent fortunes of works with their fortunes while submitted to this censorship."

plural of “verdict” — (law) the findings of a jury on issues of fact submitted to it for decision; can be used in formulating a judgment

From this reading Mr. Churton Collins recently declared that "a very amusing and edifying record might be compiled partly out of a selection of the various verdicts passed contemporaneously by reviews on particular works, and partly out of comparisons of the subsequent fortunes of works with their fortunes while submitted to this censorship."

precisely as stated

From this reading Mr. Churton Collins recently declared that "a very amusing and edifying record might be compiled partly out of a selection of the various verdicts passed contemporaneously by reviews on particular works, and partly out of comparisons of the subsequent fortunes of works with their fortunes while submitted to this censorship."

at the time that

From this reading It is quite possible that when Dr. William Matthews began his essay on _Curiosities of Criticism_ with these words, he failed to grasp the full significance of that future undertaking.

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

From this reading "Among the amusing and instructive books that remain to be written, one of the most piquant would be a history of the criticism with which the most celebrated literary productions have been greeted on their first appearance before the world."

during the time that

From this reading Mr. Churton Collins recently declared that "a very amusing and edifying record might be compiled partly out of a selection of the various verdicts passed contemporaneously by reviews on particular works, and partly out of comparisons of the subsequent fortunes of works with their fortunes while submitted to this censorship."

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

From this reading It is quite possible that when Dr. William Matthews began his essay on _Curiosities of Criticism_ with these words, he failed to grasp the full significance of that future undertaking.

in the company of; together with

From this reading "Among the amusing and instructive books that remain to be written, one of the most piquant would be a history of the criticism with which the most celebrated literary productions have been greeted on their first appearance before the world."

the words that are spoken

From this reading It is quite possible that when Dr. William Matthews began his essay on _Curiosities of Criticism_ with these words, he failed to grasp the full significance of that future undertaking.

buildings for carrying on industrial labor

From this reading Mr. Churton Collins recently declared that "a very amusing and edifying record might be compiled partly out of a selection of the various verdicts passed contemporaneously by reviews on particular works, and partly out of comparisons of the subsequent fortunes of works with their fortunes while submitted to this censorship."

everything that exists anywhere

From this reading "Among the amusing and instructive books that remain to be written, one of the most piquant would be a history of the criticism with which the most celebrated literary productions have been greeted on their first appearance before the world."

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

From this reading "Among the amusing and instructive books that remain to be written, one of the most piquant would be a history of the criticism with which the most celebrated literary productions have been greeted on their first appearance before the world."

set down in writing in any of various ways

From this reading "Among the amusing and instructive books that remain to be written, one of the most piquant would be a history of the criticism with which the most celebrated literary productions have been greeted on their first appearance before the world."