Chapter XVIII · Chapter 18

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

From this reading USEFUL INFORMATION By this time George had got my father into the open square, where he was surprised to find that a large bonfire had been made and lighted.

on the subject of; concerning

From this reading There had, it seemed, been no intention of lighting it until nightfall; but it had accidentally caught fire through the carelessness of a workman, much about the time when Hanky began to preach.

without advance planning

From this reading There had, it seemed, been no intention of lighting it until nightfall; but it had accidentally caught fire through the carelessness of a workman, much about the time when Hanky began to preach.

possessing life

From this reading No one for a moment believed that there had been any sinister intention, or that Professor Hanky when he urged the crowd to burn my father alive, even knew that there was a pile of wood in the square at all--much less that it had been lighted--for he could hardly have supposed that the wood had been got together so soon.

(quantifier) used with either mass or count nouns to indicate the whole number or amount of or every one of a class

From this reading No one for a moment believed that there had been any sinister intention, or that Professor Hanky when he urged the crowd to burn my father alive, even knew that there was a pile of wood in the square at all--much less that it had been lighted--for he could hardly have supposed that the wood had been got together so soon.

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

From this reading There had been nothing of the kind an hour before; the wood, therefore, must have been piled and lighted while people had been in church.

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

From this reading USEFUL INFORMATION By this time George had got my father into the open square, where he was surprised to find that a large bonfire had been made and lighted.

one or some or every or all without specification

From this reading No one for a moment believed that there had been any sinister intention, or that Professor Hanky when he urged the crowd to burn my father alive, even knew that there was a pile of wood in the square at all--much less that it had been lighted--for he could hardly have supposed that the wood had been got together so soon.

in or near a particular place or position

From this reading He had no time at the moment to enquire why this had been done, but later on he discovered that on the Sunday morning the Manager of the new temple had obtained leave from the Mayor to have the wood piled in the square, representing that this was Professor Hanky’s contribution to the festivities of the day.

the past participle of “be”

From this reading USEFUL INFORMATION By this time George had got my father into the open square, where he was surprised to find that a large bonfire had been made and lighted.

earlier than; in front of

From this reading There had been nothing of the kind an hour before; the wood, therefore, must have been piled and lighted while people had been in church.

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

From this reading There had, it seemed, been no intention of lighting it until nightfall; but it had accidentally caught fire through the carelessness of a workman, much about the time when Hanky began to preach.

past form of “believe” — accept as true; take to be true

From this reading No one for a moment believed that there had been any sinister intention, or that Professor Hanky when he urged the crowd to burn my father alive, even knew that there was a pile of wood in the square at all--much less that it had been lighted--for he could hardly have supposed that the wood had been got together so soon.

a large outdoor fire that is lighted as a signal or in celebration

From this reading USEFUL INFORMATION By this time George had got my father into the open square, where he was surprised to find that a large bonfire had been made and lighted.

To consume or be consumed by fire.

From this reading No one for a moment believed that there had been any sinister intention, or that Professor Hanky when he urged the crowd to burn my father alive, even knew that there was a pile of wood in the square at all--much less that it had been lighted--for he could hardly have supposed that the wood had been got together so soon.

used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before

From this reading He had no time at the moment to enquire why this had been done, but later on he discovered that on the Sunday morning the Manager of the new temple had obtained leave from the Mayor to have the wood piled in the square, representing that this was Professor Hanky’s contribution to the festivities of the day.

showing who or what does the action

From this reading USEFUL INFORMATION By this time George had got my father into the open square, where he was surprised to find that a large bonfire had been made and lighted.

the quality of not being careful or taking pains

From this reading There had, it seemed, been no intention of lighting it until nightfall; but it had accidentally caught fire through the carelessness of a workman, much about the time when Hanky began to preach.

inflected form of “catch” — discover or come upon accidentally, suddenly, or unexpectedly; catch somebody doing something or in a certain state

From this reading There had, it seemed, been no intention of lighting it until nightfall; but it had accidentally caught fire through the carelessness of a workman, much about the time when Hanky began to preach.

one of the groups of Christians who have their own beliefs and forms of worship

From this reading There had been nothing of the kind an hour before; the wood, therefore, must have been piled and lighted while people had been in church.

the effort contributed by a person in bringing about a result

From this reading He had no time at the moment to enquire why this had been done, but later on he discovered that on the Sunday morning the Manager of the new temple had obtained leave from the Mayor to have the wood piled in the square, representing that this was Professor Hanky’s contribution to the festivities of the day.

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

From this reading No one for a moment believed that there had been any sinister intention, or that Professor Hanky when he urged the crowd to burn my father alive, even knew that there was a pile of wood in the square at all--much less that it had been lighted--for he could hardly have supposed that the wood had been got together so soon.

cause to herd, drive, or crowd together

From this reading No one for a moment believed that there had been any sinister intention, or that Professor Hanky when he urged the crowd to burn my father alive, even knew that there was a pile of wood in the square at all--much less that it had been lighted--for he could hardly have supposed that the wood had been got together so soon.

time for Earth to make a complete rotation on its axis

From this reading He had no time at the moment to enquire why this had been done, but later on he discovered that on the Sunday morning the Manager of the new temple had obtained leave from the Mayor to have the wood piled in the square, representing that this was Professor Hanky’s contribution to the festivities of the day.

discovered or determined by scientific observation

From this reading He had no time at the moment to enquire why this had been done, but later on he discovered that on the Sunday morning the Manager of the new temple had obtained leave from the Mayor to have the wood piled in the square, representing that this was Professor Hanky’s contribution to the festivities of the day.

having finished or arrived at completion

From this reading He had no time at the moment to enquire why this had been done, but later on he discovered that on the Sunday morning the Manager of the new temple had obtained leave from the Mayor to have the wood piled in the square, representing that this was Professor Hanky’s contribution to the festivities of the day.

address a question to and expect an answer from

From this reading He had no time at the moment to enquire why this had been done, but later on he discovered that on the Sunday morning the Manager of the new temple had obtained leave from the Mayor to have the wood piled in the square, representing that this was Professor Hanky’s contribution to the festivities of the day.

divisible by two

From this reading No one for a moment believed that there had been any sinister intention, or that Professor Hanky when he urged the crowd to burn my father alive, even knew that there was a pile of wood in the square at all--much less that it had been lighted--for he could hardly have supposed that the wood had been got together so soon.

a male parent (also used as a term of address to your father)

From this reading USEFUL INFORMATION By this time George had got my father into the open square, where he was surprised to find that a large bonfire had been made and lighted.

plural of “festivity” — any joyous diversion

From this reading He had no time at the moment to enquire why this had been done, but later on he discovered that on the Sunday morning the Manager of the new temple had obtained leave from the Mayor to have the wood piled in the square, representing that this was Professor Hanky’s contribution to the festivities of the day.

come upon, as if by accident; meet with

From this reading USEFUL INFORMATION By this time George had got my father into the open square, where he was surprised to find that a large bonfire had been made and lighted.

start firing a weapon

From this reading There had, it seemed, been no intention of lighting it until nightfall; but it had accidentally caught fire through the carelessness of a workman, much about the time when Hanky began to preach.

intended to be given to, or used by, somebody

From this reading No one for a moment believed that there had been any sinister intention, or that Professor Hanky when he urged the crowd to burn my father alive, even knew that there was a pile of wood in the square at all--much less that it had been lighted--for he could hardly have supposed that the wood had been got together so soon.

showing where something starts, or who sent it

From this reading He had no time at the moment to enquire why this had been done, but later on he discovered that on the Sunday morning the Manager of the new temple had obtained leave from the Mayor to have the wood piled in the square, representing that this was Professor Hanky’s contribution to the festivities of the day.

Christian martyr; patron saint of England; hero of the legend of Saint George and the Dragon in which he slew a dragon and saved a princess (?-303)

From this reading USEFUL INFORMATION By this time George had got my father into the open square, where he was surprised to find that a large bonfire had been made and lighted.

inflected form of “get” — come into the possession of something concrete or abstract

From this reading USEFUL INFORMATION By this time George had got my father into the open square, where he was surprised to find that a large bonfire had been made and lighted.

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

From this reading USEFUL INFORMATION By this time George had got my father into the open square, where he was surprised to find that a large bonfire had been made and lighted.

a square piece of cloth used for wiping the eyes or nose or as a costume accessory

From this reading There had, it seemed, been no intention of lighting it until nightfall; but it had accidentally caught fire through the carelessness of a workman, much about the time when Hanky began to preach.

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

From this reading He had no time at the moment to enquire why this had been done, but later on he discovered that on the Sunday morning the Manager of the new temple had obtained leave from the Mayor to have the wood piled in the square, representing that this was Professor Hanky’s contribution to the festivities of the day.

only a very short time before

From this reading No one for a moment believed that there had been any sinister intention, or that Professor Hanky when he urged the crowd to burn my father alive, even knew that there was a pile of wood in the square at all--much less that it had been lighted--for he could hardly have supposed that the wood had been got together so soon.

used with a past participle to form the perfect tenses

From this reading There had been nothing of the kind an hour before; the wood, therefore, must have been piled and lighted while people had been in church.

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

From this reading USEFUL INFORMATION By this time George had got my father into the open square, where he was surprised to find that a large bonfire had been made and lighted.

a period of time equal to 1/24th of a day

From this reading There had been nothing of the kind an hour before; the wood, therefore, must have been piled and lighted while people had been in church.

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

From this reading There had been nothing of the kind an hour before; the wood, therefore, must have been piled and lighted while people had been in church.

a message received and understood

From this reading USEFUL INFORMATION By this time George had got my father into the open square, where he was surprised to find that a large bonfire had been made and lighted.

an anticipated outcome that is intended or that guides your planned actions

From this reading There had, it seemed, been no intention of lighting it until nightfall; but it had accidentally caught fire through the carelessness of a workman, much about the time when Hanky began to preach.

moving to the inside of something

From this reading USEFUL INFORMATION By this time George had got my father into the open square, where he was surprised to find that a large bonfire had been made and lighted.

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading There had, it seemed, been no intention of lighting it until nightfall; but it had accidentally caught fire through the carelessness of a workman, much about the time when Hanky began to preach.

having or showing a tender and considerate and helpful nature; used especially of persons and their behavior

From this reading There had been nothing of the kind an hour before; the wood, therefore, must have been piled and lighted while people had been in church.

inflected form of “know” — be cognizant or aware of a fact or a specific piece of information; possess knowledge or information about

From this reading No one for a moment believed that there had been any sinister intention, or that Professor Hanky when he urged the crowd to burn my father alive, even knew that there was a pile of wood in the square at all--much less that it had been lighted--for he could hardly have supposed that the wood had been got together so soon.

above average in size or number or quantity or magnitude or extent

From this reading USEFUL INFORMATION By this time George had got my father into the open square, where he was surprised to find that a large bonfire had been made and lighted.

happening at a time subsequent to a reference time

From this reading He had no time at the moment to enquire why this had been done, but later on he discovered that on the Sunday morning the Manager of the new temple had obtained leave from the Mayor to have the wood piled in the square, representing that this was Professor Hanky’s contribution to the festivities of the day.

go away from a place

From this reading He had no time at the moment to enquire why this had been done, but later on he discovered that on the Sunday morning the Manager of the new temple had obtained leave from the Mayor to have the wood piled in the square, representing that this was Professor Hanky’s contribution to the festivities of the day.

used to form the comparative of some adjectives and adverbs

From this reading No one for a moment believed that there had been any sinister intention, or that Professor Hanky when he urged the crowd to burn my father alive, even knew that there was a pile of wood in the square at all--much less that it had been lighted--for he could hardly have supposed that the wood had been got together so soon.

set afire or burning

From this reading USEFUL INFORMATION By this time George had got my father into the open square, where he was surprised to find that a large bonfire had been made and lighted.

having abundant light or illumination

From this reading There had, it seemed, been no intention of lighting it until nightfall; but it had accidentally caught fire through the carelessness of a workman, much about the time when Hanky began to preach.

produced by a manufacturing process

From this reading USEFUL INFORMATION By this time George had got my father into the open square, where he was surprised to find that a large bonfire had been made and lighted.

someone who controls resources and expenditures

From this reading He had no time at the moment to enquire why this had been done, but later on he discovered that on the Sunday morning the Manager of the new temple had obtained leave from the Mayor to have the wood piled in the square, representing that this was Professor Hanky’s contribution to the festivities of the day.

the head of a city government

From this reading He had no time at the moment to enquire why this had been done, but later on he discovered that on the Sunday morning the Manager of the new temple had obtained leave from the Mayor to have the wood piled in the square, representing that this was Professor Hanky’s contribution to the festivities of the day.

a particular point in time

From this reading He had no time at the moment to enquire why this had been done, but later on he discovered that on the Sunday morning the Manager of the new temple had obtained leave from the Mayor to have the wood piled in the square, representing that this was Professor Hanky’s contribution to the festivities of the day.

the time period between dawn and noon

From this reading He had no time at the moment to enquire why this had been done, but later on he discovered that on the Sunday morning the Manager of the new temple had obtained leave from the Mayor to have the wood piled in the square, representing that this was Professor Hanky’s contribution to the festivities of the day.

to a great degree or extent

From this reading There had, it seemed, been no intention of lighting it until nightfall; but it had accidentally caught fire through the carelessness of a workman, much about the time when Hanky began to preach.

used to say something is necessary, or almost certainly true

From this reading There had been nothing of the kind an hour before; the wood, therefore, must have been piled and lighted while people had been in church.

belonging to the person speaking

From this reading USEFUL INFORMATION By this time George had got my father into the open square, where he was surprised to find that a large bonfire had been made and lighted.

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

From this reading He had no time at the moment to enquire why this had been done, but later on he discovered that on the Sunday morning the Manager of the new temple had obtained leave from the Mayor to have the wood piled in the square, representing that this was Professor Hanky’s contribution to the festivities of the day.

the time of day immediately following sunset

From this reading There had, it seemed, been no intention of lighting it until nightfall; but it had accidentally caught fire through the carelessness of a workman, much about the time when Hanky began to preach.

not any; not one

From this reading He had no time at the moment to enquire why this had been done, but later on he discovered that on the Sunday morning the Manager of the new temple had obtained leave from the Mayor to have the wood piled in the square, representing that this was Professor Hanky’s contribution to the festivities of the day.

not one thing; not anything

From this reading There had been nothing of the kind an hour before; the wood, therefore, must have been piled and lighted while people had been in church.

past form of “obtain” — come into possession of

From this reading He had no time at the moment to enquire why this had been done, but later on he discovered that on the Sunday morning the Manager of the new temple had obtained leave from the Mayor to have the wood piled in the square, representing that this was Professor Hanky’s contribution to the festivities of the day.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading There had been nothing of the kind an hour before; the wood, therefore, must have been piled and lighted while people had been in church.

touching and supported by a surface

From this reading He had no time at the moment to enquire why this had been done, but later on he discovered that on the Sunday morning the Manager of the new temple had obtained leave from the Mayor to have the wood piled in the square, representing that this was Professor Hanky’s contribution to the festivities of the day.

used to mean any person in general, including the speaker

From this reading No one for a moment believed that there had been any sinister intention, or that Professor Hanky when he urged the crowd to burn my father alive, even knew that there was a pile of wood in the square at all--much less that it had been lighted--for he could hardly have supposed that the wood had been got together so soon.

To move from a closed position.

From this reading USEFUL INFORMATION By this time George had got my father into the open square, where he was surprised to find that a large bonfire had been made and lighted.

used to join alternatives or possibilities

From this reading No one for a moment believed that there had been any sinister intention, or that Professor Hanky when he urged the crowd to burn my father alive, even knew that there was a pile of wood in the square at all--much less that it had been lighted--for he could hardly have supposed that the wood had been got together so soon.

(plural) any group of human beings (men or women or children) collectively

From this reading There had been nothing of the kind an hour before; the wood, therefore, must have been piled and lighted while people had been in church.

a collection of objects laid on top of each other

From this reading No one for a moment believed that there had been any sinister intention, or that Professor Hanky when he urged the crowd to burn my father alive, even knew that there was a pile of wood in the square at all--much less that it had been lighted--for he could hardly have supposed that the wood had been got together so soon.

past form of “pile” — arrange in stacks

From this reading There had been nothing of the kind an hour before; the wood, therefore, must have been piled and lighted while people had been in church.

deliver a sermon

From this reading There had, it seemed, been no intention of lighting it until nightfall; but it had accidentally caught fire through the carelessness of a workman, much about the time when Hanky began to preach.

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

From this reading He had no time at the moment to enquire why this had been done, but later on he discovered that on the Sunday morning the Manager of the new temple had obtained leave from the Mayor to have the wood piled in the square, representing that this was Professor Hanky’s contribution to the festivities of the day.

-ing form of “represent” — take the place of or be parallel or equivalent to

From this reading He had no time at the moment to enquire why this had been done, but later on he discovered that on the Sunday morning the Manager of the new temple had obtained leave from the Mayor to have the wood piled in the square, representing that this was Professor Hanky’s contribution to the festivities of the day.

past form of “seem” — give a certain impression or have a certain outward aspect

From this reading There had, it seemed, been no intention of lighting it until nightfall; but it had accidentally caught fire through the carelessness of a workman, much about the time when Hanky began to preach.

threatening or foreshadowing evil or tragic developments

From this reading No one for a moment believed that there had been any sinister intention, or that Professor Hanky when he urged the crowd to burn my father alive, even knew that there was a pile of wood in the square at all--much less that it had been lighted--for he could hardly have supposed that the wood had been got together so soon.

for that reason; with the result that

From this reading No one for a moment believed that there had been any sinister intention, or that Professor Hanky when he urged the crowd to burn my father alive, even knew that there was a pile of wood in the square at all--much less that it had been lighted--for he could hardly have supposed that the wood had been got together so soon.

in the near future

From this reading No one for a moment believed that there had been any sinister intention, or that Professor Hanky when he urged the crowd to burn my father alive, even knew that there was a pile of wood in the square at all--much less that it had been lighted--for he could hardly have supposed that the wood had been got together so soon.

make square

From this reading USEFUL INFORMATION By this time George had got my father into the open square, where he was surprised to find that a large bonfire had been made and lighted.

first day of the week; observed as a day of rest and worship by most Christians

From this reading He had no time at the moment to enquire why this had been done, but later on he discovered that on the Sunday morning the Manager of the new temple had obtained leave from the Mayor to have the wood piled in the square, representing that this was Professor Hanky’s contribution to the festivities of the day.

required or under orders

From this reading No one for a moment believed that there had been any sinister intention, or that Professor Hanky when he urged the crowd to burn my father alive, even knew that there was a pile of wood in the square at all--much less that it had been lighted--for he could hardly have supposed that the wood had been got together so soon.

taken unawares or suddenly and feeling wonder or astonishment

From this reading USEFUL INFORMATION By this time George had got my father into the open square, where he was surprised to find that a large bonfire had been made and lighted.

place of worship consisting of an edifice for the worship of a deity

From this reading He had no time at the moment to enquire why this had been done, but later on he discovered that on the Sunday morning the Manager of the new temple had obtained leave from the Mayor to have the wood piled in the square, representing that this was Professor Hanky’s contribution to the festivities of the day.

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading USEFUL INFORMATION By this time George had got my father into the open square, where he was surprised to find that a large bonfire had been made and lighted.

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

From this reading USEFUL INFORMATION By this time George had got my father into the open square, where he was surprised to find that a large bonfire had been made and lighted.

in or at that place or location

From this reading There had been nothing of the kind an hour before; the wood, therefore, must have been piled and lighted while people had been in church.

for that reason; as a result

From this reading There had been nothing of the kind an hour before; the wood, therefore, must have been piled and lighted while people had been in church.

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

From this reading USEFUL INFORMATION By this time George had got my father into the open square, where he was surprised to find that a large bonfire had been made and lighted.

from one end or side of something to the other

From this reading There had, it seemed, been no intention of lighting it until nightfall; but it had accidentally caught fire through the carelessness of a workman, much about the time when Hanky began to preach.

an instance or single occasion for some event

From this reading USEFUL INFORMATION By this time George had got my father into the open square, where he was surprised to find that a large bonfire had been made and lighted.

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

From this reading USEFUL INFORMATION By this time George had got my father into the open square, where he was surprised to find that a large bonfire had been made and lighted.

in contact with each other or in proximity

From this reading No one for a moment believed that there had been any sinister intention, or that Professor Hanky when he urged the crowd to burn my father alive, even knew that there was a pile of wood in the square at all--much less that it had been lighted--for he could hardly have supposed that the wood had been got together so soon.

up to a particular time

From this reading There had, it seemed, been no intention of lighting it until nightfall; but it had accidentally caught fire through the carelessness of a workman, much about the time when Hanky began to preach.

past form of “urge” — force or impel in an indicated direction

From this reading No one for a moment believed that there had been any sinister intention, or that Professor Hanky when he urged the crowd to burn my father alive, even knew that there was a pile of wood in the square at all--much less that it had been lighted--for he could hardly have supposed that the wood had been got together so soon.

being of use or service

From this reading USEFUL INFORMATION By this time George had got my father into the open square, where he was surprised to find that a large bonfire had been made and lighted.

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

From this reading USEFUL INFORMATION By this time George had got my father into the open square, where he was surprised to find that a large bonfire had been made and lighted.

at the time that

From this reading There had, it seemed, been no intention of lighting it until nightfall; but it had accidentally caught fire through the carelessness of a workman, much about the time when Hanky began to preach.

in or at the place that

From this reading USEFUL INFORMATION By this time George had got my father into the open square, where he was surprised to find that a large bonfire had been made and lighted.

during the time that

From this reading There had been nothing of the kind an hour before; the wood, therefore, must have been piled and lighted while people had been in church.

the cause or intention underlying an action or situation, especially in the phrase “the whys and wherefores”

From this reading He had no time at the moment to enquire why this had been done, but later on he discovered that on the Sunday morning the Manager of the new temple had obtained leave from the Mayor to have the wood piled in the square, representing that this was Professor Hanky’s contribution to the festivities of the day.

the hard fibrous lignified substance under the bark of trees

From this reading There had been nothing of the kind an hour before; the wood, therefore, must have been piled and lighted while people had been in church.

an employee who performs manual or industrial labor

From this reading There had, it seemed, been no intention of lighting it until nightfall; but it had accidentally caught fire through the carelessness of a workman, much about the time when Hanky began to preach.