Chapter II · St. Cuthbert’s

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

From this reading He waited till the singing had ceased and the congregation had settled in their pews; and while he listened to the vicar announcing his text--“For in Him we live, and move, and have our being”--he fumbled in the pockets beneath his black gown of office, and then limped noiselessly out into the sunshine, where, after a glance round him, he pulled out a short clay pipe, well seasoned, filled it with twist, and began his usual after-dinner smoke.

from one side of something to the other

From this reading |As the sweet, clear voices of the surpliced choristers rose in the closing verse of the hymn, and the vicar, in his white robe and violet hood, ascended the pulpit steps, old Gabriel Ware, sexton and doorkeeper of St. Cuthbert’s, limped across the pavement and slipped into the porch, as his custom was at sermon-time on Sunday afternoons.

later than; following

From this reading He waited till the singing had ceased and the congregation had settled in their pews; and while he listened to the vicar announcing his text--“For in Him we live, and move, and have our being”--he fumbled in the pockets beneath his black gown of office, and then limped noiselessly out into the sunshine, where, after a glance round him, he pulled out a short clay pipe, well seasoned, filled it with twist, and began his usual after-dinner smoke.

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

From this reading He waited till the singing had ceased and the congregation had settled in their pews; and while he listened to the vicar announcing his text--“For in Him we live, and move, and have our being”--he fumbled in the pockets beneath his black gown of office, and then limped noiselessly out into the sunshine, where, after a glance round him, he pulled out a short clay pipe, well seasoned, filled it with twist, and began his usual after-dinner smoke.

the part of the day between noon and evening

From this reading It was a hot, shimmering July afternoon, and it was much pleasanter to sit out of doors on a tombstone, listening to the vicars voice as it came though the dark lancets like a sound of running water.

plural of “afternoon” — the part of the day between noon and evening

From this reading |As the sweet, clear voices of the surpliced choristers rose in the closing verse of the hymn, and the vicar, in his white robe and violet hood, ascended the pulpit steps, old Gabriel Ware, sexton and doorkeeper of St. Cuthbert’s, limped across the pavement and slipped into the porch, as his custom was at sermon-time on Sunday afternoons.

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

From this reading |As the sweet, clear voices of the surpliced choristers rose in the closing verse of the hymn, and the vicar, in his white robe and violet hood, ascended the pulpit steps, old Gabriel Ware, sexton and doorkeeper of St. Cuthbert’s, limped across the pavement and slipped into the porch, as his custom was at sermon-time on Sunday afternoons.

-ing form of “announce” — make known; make an announcement

From this reading He waited till the singing had ceased and the congregation had settled in their pews; and while he listened to the vicar announcing his text--“For in Him we live, and move, and have our being”--he fumbled in the pockets beneath his black gown of office, and then limped noiselessly out into the sunshine, where, after a glance round him, he pulled out a short clay pipe, well seasoned, filled it with twist, and began his usual after-dinner smoke.

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

From this reading |As the sweet, clear voices of the surpliced choristers rose in the closing verse of the hymn, and the vicar, in his white robe and violet hood, ascended the pulpit steps, old Gabriel Ware, sexton and doorkeeper of St. Cuthbert’s, limped across the pavement and slipped into the porch, as his custom was at sermon-time on Sunday afternoons.

past form of “ascend” — travel up

From this reading |As the sweet, clear voices of the surpliced choristers rose in the closing verse of the hymn, and the vicar, in his white robe and violet hood, ascended the pulpit steps, old Gabriel Ware, sexton and doorkeeper of St. Cuthbert’s, limped across the pavement and slipped into the porch, as his custom was at sermon-time on Sunday afternoons.

in or near a particular place or position

From this reading |As the sweet, clear voices of the surpliced choristers rose in the closing verse of the hymn, and the vicar, in his white robe and violet hood, ascended the pulpit steps, old Gabriel Ware, sexton and doorkeeper of St. Cuthbert’s, limped across the pavement and slipped into the porch, as his custom was at sermon-time on Sunday afternoons.

from a particular thing or place or position (“forth” is obsolete)

From this reading Half a mile or so away, nestled in trees, was the village of Omberley, with its glimpses of white walls and tiled or slated roofs.

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

From this reading He waited till the singing had ceased and the congregation had settled in their pews; and while he listened to the vicar announcing his text--“For in Him we live, and move, and have our being”--he fumbled in the pockets beneath his black gown of office, and then limped noiselessly out into the sunshine, where, after a glance round him, he pulled out a short clay pipe, well seasoned, filled it with twist, and began his usual after-dinner smoke.

the -ing form of “be”

From this reading He waited till the singing had ceased and the congregation had settled in their pews; and while he listened to the vicar announcing his text--“For in Him we live, and move, and have our being”--he fumbled in the pockets beneath his black gown of office, and then limped noiselessly out into the sunshine, where, after a glance round him, he pulled out a short clay pipe, well seasoned, filled it with twist, and began his usual after-dinner smoke.

Directly under; in or to a lower position than.

From this reading He waited till the singing had ceased and the congregation had settled in their pews; and while he listened to the vicar announcing his text--“For in Him we live, and move, and have our being”--he fumbled in the pockets beneath his black gown of office, and then limped noiselessly out into the sunshine, where, after a glance round him, he pulled out a short clay pipe, well seasoned, filled it with twist, and began his usual after-dinner smoke.

being of the achromatic color of maximum darkness; having little or no hue owing to absorption of almost all incident light

From this reading He waited till the singing had ceased and the congregation had settled in their pews; and while he listened to the vicar announcing his text--“For in Him we live, and move, and have our being”--he fumbled in the pockets beneath his black gown of office, and then limped noiselessly out into the sunshine, where, after a glance round him, he pulled out a short clay pipe, well seasoned, filled it with twist, and began his usual after-dinner smoke.

inflected form of “come” — move toward, travel toward something or somebody or approach something or somebody

From this reading It was a hot, shimmering July afternoon, and it was much pleasanter to sit out of doors on a tombstone, listening to the vicars voice as it came though the dark lancets like a sound of running water.

domesticated bovine animals as a group regardless of sex or age

From this reading Then there were soft, hazy stretches of pasture, with idyllic groupings of cattle and sheep and trees.

past form of “cease” — put an end to a state or an activity

From this reading He waited till the singing had ceased and the congregation had settled in their pews; and while he listened to the vicar announcing his text--“For in Him we live, and move, and have our being”--he fumbled in the pockets beneath his black gown of office, and then limped noiselessly out into the sunshine, where, after a glance round him, he pulled out a short clay pipe, well seasoned, filled it with twist, and began his usual after-dinner smoke.

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

From this reading |As the sweet, clear voices of the surpliced choristers rose in the closing verse of the hymn, and the vicar, in his white robe and violet hood, ascended the pulpit steps, old Gabriel Ware, sexton and doorkeeper of St. Cuthbert’s, limped across the pavement and slipped into the porch, as his custom was at sermon-time on Sunday afternoons.

a very fine-grained soil that is plastic when moist but hard when fired

From this reading He waited till the singing had ceased and the congregation had settled in their pews; and while he listened to the vicar announcing his text--“For in Him we live, and move, and have our being”--he fumbled in the pockets beneath his black gown of office, and then limped noiselessly out into the sunshine, where, after a glance round him, he pulled out a short clay pipe, well seasoned, filled it with twist, and began his usual after-dinner smoke.

rid of obstructions

From this reading |As the sweet, clear voices of the surpliced choristers rose in the closing verse of the hymn, and the vicar, in his white robe and violet hood, ascended the pulpit steps, old Gabriel Ware, sexton and doorkeeper of St. Cuthbert’s, limped across the pavement and slipped into the porch, as his custom was at sermon-time on Sunday afternoons.

the act of closing something

From this reading |As the sweet, clear voices of the surpliced choristers rose in the closing verse of the hymn, and the vicar, in his white robe and violet hood, ascended the pulpit steps, old Gabriel Ware, sexton and doorkeeper of St. Cuthbert’s, limped across the pavement and slipped into the porch, as his custom was at sermon-time on Sunday afternoons.

a group of people who adhere to a common faith and habitually attend a given church

From this reading He waited till the singing had ceased and the congregation had settled in their pews; and while he listened to the vicar announcing his text--“For in Him we live, and move, and have our being”--he fumbled in the pockets beneath his black gown of office, and then limped noiselessly out into the sunshine, where, after a glance round him, he pulled out a short clay pipe, well seasoned, filled it with twist, and began his usual after-dinner smoke.

accepted or habitual practice

From this reading |As the sweet, clear voices of the surpliced choristers rose in the closing verse of the hymn, and the vicar, in his white robe and violet hood, ascended the pulpit steps, old Gabriel Ware, sexton and doorkeeper of St. Cuthbert’s, limped across the pavement and slipped into the porch, as his custom was at sermon-time on Sunday afternoons.

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

From this reading |As the sweet, clear voices of the surpliced choristers rose in the closing verse of the hymn, and the vicar, in his white robe and violet hood, ascended the pulpit steps, old Gabriel Ware, sexton and doorkeeper of St. Cuthbert’s, limped across the pavement and slipped into the porch, as his custom was at sermon-time on Sunday afternoons.

absence of light or illumination

From this reading It was a hot, shimmering July afternoon, and it was much pleasanter to sit out of doors on a tombstone, listening to the vicars voice as it came though the dark lancets like a sound of running water.

an official stationed at the entrance of a courtroom or legislative chamber

From this reading |As the sweet, clear voices of the surpliced choristers rose in the closing verse of the hymn, and the vicar, in his white robe and violet hood, ascended the pulpit steps, old Gabriel Ware, sexton and doorkeeper of St. Cuthbert’s, limped across the pavement and slipped into the porch, as his custom was at sermon-time on Sunday afternoons.

plural of “door” — a swinging or sliding barrier that will close the entrance to a room or building or vehicle

From this reading It was a hot, shimmering July afternoon, and it was much pleasanter to sit out of doors on a tombstone, listening to the vicars voice as it came though the dark lancets like a sound of running water.

(usually followed by “with” or used as a combining form) generously supplied with

From this reading He waited till the singing had ceased and the congregation had settled in their pews; and while he listened to the vicar announcing his text--“For in Him we live, and move, and have our being”--he fumbled in the pockets beneath his black gown of office, and then limped noiselessly out into the sunshine, where, after a glance round him, he pulled out a short clay pipe, well seasoned, filled it with twist, and began his usual after-dinner smoke.

intended to be given to, or used by, somebody

From this reading He waited till the singing had ceased and the congregation had settled in their pews; and while he listened to the vicar announcing his text--“For in Him we live, and move, and have our being”--he fumbled in the pockets beneath his black gown of office, and then limped noiselessly out into the sunshine, where, after a glance round him, he pulled out a short clay pipe, well seasoned, filled it with twist, and began his usual after-dinner smoke.

past form of “fumble” — feel about uncertainly or blindly

From this reading He waited till the singing had ceased and the congregation had settled in their pews; and while he listened to the vicar announcing his text--“For in Him we live, and move, and have our being”--he fumbled in the pockets beneath his black gown of office, and then limped noiselessly out into the sunshine, where, after a glance round him, he pulled out a short clay pipe, well seasoned, filled it with twist, and began his usual after-dinner smoke.

(Bible) the archangel who was the messenger of God

From this reading |As the sweet, clear voices of the surpliced choristers rose in the closing verse of the hymn, and the vicar, in his white robe and violet hood, ascended the pulpit steps, old Gabriel Ware, sexton and doorkeeper of St. Cuthbert’s, limped across the pavement and slipped into the porch, as his custom was at sermon-time on Sunday afternoons.

throw a glance at; take a brief look at

From this reading He waited till the singing had ceased and the congregation had settled in their pews; and while he listened to the vicar announcing his text--“For in Him we live, and move, and have our being”--he fumbled in the pockets beneath his black gown of office, and then limped noiselessly out into the sunshine, where, after a glance round him, he pulled out a short clay pipe, well seasoned, filled it with twist, and began his usual after-dinner smoke.

plural of “glimpse” — a quick look

From this reading Half a mile or so away, nestled in trees, was the village of Omberley, with its glimpses of white walls and tiled or slated roofs.

a woman's dress, usually with a close-fitting bodice and a long flared skirt, often worn on formal occasions

From this reading He waited till the singing had ceased and the congregation had settled in their pews; and while he listened to the vicar announcing his text--“For in Him we live, and move, and have our being”--he fumbled in the pockets beneath his black gown of office, and then limped noiselessly out into the sunshine, where, after a glance round him, he pulled out a short clay pipe, well seasoned, filled it with twist, and began his usual after-dinner smoke.

plural of “grouping” — any number of entities (members) considered as a unit

From this reading Then there were soft, hazy stretches of pasture, with idyllic groupings of cattle and sheep and trees.

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

From this reading He waited till the singing had ceased and the congregation had settled in their pews; and while he listened to the vicar announcing his text--“For in Him we live, and move, and have our being”--he fumbled in the pockets beneath his black gown of office, and then limped noiselessly out into the sunshine, where, after a glance round him, he pulled out a short clay pipe, well seasoned, filled it with twist, and began his usual after-dinner smoke.

consisting of one of two equivalent parts in value or quantity

From this reading Half a mile or so away, nestled in trees, was the village of Omberley, with its glimpses of white walls and tiled or slated roofs.

used with a past participle to form the perfect tenses

From this reading He waited till the singing had ceased and the congregation had settled in their pews; and while he listened to the vicar announcing his text--“For in Him we live, and move, and have our being”--he fumbled in the pockets beneath his black gown of office, and then limped noiselessly out into the sunshine, where, after a glance round him, he pulled out a short clay pipe, well seasoned, filled it with twist, and began his usual after-dinner smoke.

filled or abounding with fog or mist

From this reading Then there were soft, hazy stretches of pasture, with idyllic groupings of cattle and sheep and trees.

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

From this reading He waited till the singing had ceased and the congregation had settled in their pews; and while he listened to the vicar announcing his text--“For in Him we live, and move, and have our being”--he fumbled in the pockets beneath his black gown of office, and then limped noiselessly out into the sunshine, where, after a glance round him, he pulled out a short clay pipe, well seasoned, filled it with twist, and began his usual after-dinner smoke.

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

From this reading He waited till the singing had ceased and the congregation had settled in their pews; and while he listened to the vicar announcing his text--“For in Him we live, and move, and have our being”--he fumbled in the pockets beneath his black gown of office, and then limped noiselessly out into the sunshine, where, after a glance round him, he pulled out a short clay pipe, well seasoned, filled it with twist, and began his usual after-dinner smoke.

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

From this reading |As the sweet, clear voices of the surpliced choristers rose in the closing verse of the hymn, and the vicar, in his white robe and violet hood, ascended the pulpit steps, old Gabriel Ware, sexton and doorkeeper of St. Cuthbert’s, limped across the pavement and slipped into the porch, as his custom was at sermon-time on Sunday afternoons.

an aggressive and violent young criminal

From this reading |As the sweet, clear voices of the surpliced choristers rose in the closing verse of the hymn, and the vicar, in his white robe and violet hood, ascended the pulpit steps, old Gabriel Ware, sexton and doorkeeper of St. Cuthbert’s, limped across the pavement and slipped into the porch, as his custom was at sermon-time on Sunday afternoons.

used of physical heat; having a high or higher than desirable temperature or giving off heat or feeling or causing a sensation of heat or burning

From this reading It was a hot, shimmering July afternoon, and it was much pleasanter to sit out of doors on a tombstone, listening to the vicars voice as it came though the dark lancets like a sound of running water.

a song of praise (to God or to a saint or to a nation)

From this reading |As the sweet, clear voices of the surpliced choristers rose in the closing verse of the hymn, and the vicar, in his white robe and violet hood, ascended the pulpit steps, old Gabriel Ware, sexton and doorkeeper of St. Cuthbert’s, limped across the pavement and slipped into the porch, as his custom was at sermon-time on Sunday afternoons.

excellent and delightful in all respects

From this reading Then there were soft, hazy stretches of pasture, with idyllic groupings of cattle and sheep and trees.

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

From this reading |As the sweet, clear voices of the surpliced choristers rose in the closing verse of the hymn, and the vicar, in his white robe and violet hood, ascended the pulpit steps, old Gabriel Ware, sexton and doorkeeper of St. Cuthbert’s, limped across the pavement and slipped into the porch, as his custom was at sermon-time on Sunday afternoons.

moving to the inside of something

From this reading |As the sweet, clear voices of the surpliced choristers rose in the closing verse of the hymn, and the vicar, in his white robe and violet hood, ascended the pulpit steps, old Gabriel Ware, sexton and doorkeeper of St. Cuthbert’s, limped across the pavement and slipped into the porch, as his custom was at sermon-time on Sunday afternoons.

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading He waited till the singing had ceased and the congregation had settled in their pews; and while he listened to the vicar announcing his text--“For in Him we live, and move, and have our being”--he fumbled in the pockets beneath his black gown of office, and then limped noiselessly out into the sunshine, where, after a glance round him, he pulled out a short clay pipe, well seasoned, filled it with twist, and began his usual after-dinner smoke.

belonging to the thing or animal already mentioned

From this reading Half a mile or so away, nestled in trees, was the village of Omberley, with its glimpses of white walls and tiled or slated roofs.

the month following June and preceding August

From this reading It was a hot, shimmering July afternoon, and it was much pleasanter to sit out of doors on a tombstone, listening to the vicars voice as it came though the dark lancets like a sound of running water.

plural of “lancet” — an acutely pointed Gothic arch, like a lance

From this reading It was a hot, shimmering July afternoon, and it was much pleasanter to sit out of doors on a tombstone, listening to the vicars voice as it came though the dark lancets like a sound of running water.

prefer or wish to do something

From this reading It was a hot, shimmering July afternoon, and it was much pleasanter to sit out of doors on a tombstone, listening to the vicars voice as it came though the dark lancets like a sound of running water.

past form of “limp” — walk impeded by some physical limitation or injury

From this reading |As the sweet, clear voices of the surpliced choristers rose in the closing verse of the hymn, and the vicar, in his white robe and violet hood, ascended the pulpit steps, old Gabriel Ware, sexton and doorkeeper of St. Cuthbert’s, limped across the pavement and slipped into the porch, as his custom was at sermon-time on Sunday afternoons.

past form of “listen” — hear with intention

From this reading He waited till the singing had ceased and the congregation had settled in their pews; and while he listened to the vicar announcing his text--“For in Him we live, and move, and have our being”--he fumbled in the pockets beneath his black gown of office, and then limped noiselessly out into the sunshine, where, after a glance round him, he pulled out a short clay pipe, well seasoned, filled it with twist, and began his usual after-dinner smoke.

the act of hearing attentively

From this reading It was a hot, shimmering July afternoon, and it was much pleasanter to sit out of doors on a tombstone, listening to the vicars voice as it came though the dark lancets like a sound of running water.

be an inhabitant of or reside in

From this reading He waited till the singing had ceased and the congregation had settled in their pews; and while he listened to the vicar announcing his text--“For in Him we live, and move, and have our being”--he fumbled in the pockets beneath his black gown of office, and then limped noiselessly out into the sunshine, where, after a glance round him, he pulled out a short clay pipe, well seasoned, filled it with twist, and began his usual after-dinner smoke.

a unit of length equal to 1,760 yards or 5,280 feet; exactly 1609.344 meters

From this reading Half a mile or so away, nestled in trees, was the village of Omberley, with its glimpses of white walls and tiled or slated roofs.

change location; move, travel, or proceed, also metaphorically

From this reading He waited till the singing had ceased and the congregation had settled in their pews; and while he listened to the vicar announcing his text--“For in Him we live, and move, and have our being”--he fumbled in the pockets beneath his black gown of office, and then limped noiselessly out into the sunshine, where, after a glance round him, he pulled out a short clay pipe, well seasoned, filled it with twist, and began his usual after-dinner smoke.

to a great degree or extent

From this reading It was a hot, shimmering July afternoon, and it was much pleasanter to sit out of doors on a tombstone, listening to the vicars voice as it came though the dark lancets like a sound of running water.

drawn or pressed close to someone or something for or as if for affection or protection

From this reading Half a mile or so away, nestled in trees, was the village of Omberley, with its glimpses of white walls and tiled or slated roofs.

without a sound

From this reading He waited till the singing had ceased and the congregation had settled in their pews; and while he listened to the vicar announcing his text--“For in Him we live, and move, and have our being”--he fumbled in the pockets beneath his black gown of office, and then limped noiselessly out into the sunshine, where, after a glance round him, he pulled out a short clay pipe, well seasoned, filled it with twist, and began his usual after-dinner smoke.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading |As the sweet, clear voices of the surpliced choristers rose in the closing verse of the hymn, and the vicar, in his white robe and violet hood, ascended the pulpit steps, old Gabriel Ware, sexton and doorkeeper of St. Cuthbert’s, limped across the pavement and slipped into the porch, as his custom was at sermon-time on Sunday afternoons.

place of business where professional or clerical duties are performed

From this reading He waited till the singing had ceased and the congregation had settled in their pews; and while he listened to the vicar announcing his text--“For in Him we live, and move, and have our being”--he fumbled in the pockets beneath his black gown of office, and then limped noiselessly out into the sunshine, where, after a glance round him, he pulled out a short clay pipe, well seasoned, filled it with twist, and began his usual after-dinner smoke.

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

From this reading |As the sweet, clear voices of the surpliced choristers rose in the closing verse of the hymn, and the vicar, in his white robe and violet hood, ascended the pulpit steps, old Gabriel Ware, sexton and doorkeeper of St. Cuthbert’s, limped across the pavement and slipped into the porch, as his custom was at sermon-time on Sunday afternoons.

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

From this reading Half a mile or so away, nestled in trees, was the village of Omberley, with its glimpses of white walls and tiled or slated roofs.

touching and supported by a surface

From this reading |As the sweet, clear voices of the surpliced choristers rose in the closing verse of the hymn, and the vicar, in his white robe and violet hood, ascended the pulpit steps, old Gabriel Ware, sexton and doorkeeper of St. Cuthbert’s, limped across the pavement and slipped into the porch, as his custom was at sermon-time on Sunday afternoons.

used to join alternatives or possibilities

From this reading Half a mile or so away, nestled in trees, was the village of Omberley, with its glimpses of white walls and tiled or slated roofs.

belonging to the speaker and others

From this reading He waited till the singing had ceased and the congregation had settled in their pews; and while he listened to the vicar announcing his text--“For in Him we live, and move, and have our being”--he fumbled in the pockets beneath his black gown of office, and then limped noiselessly out into the sunshine, where, after a glance round him, he pulled out a short clay pipe, well seasoned, filled it with twist, and began his usual after-dinner smoke.

not allowed to continue to bat or run

From this reading He waited till the singing had ceased and the congregation had settled in their pews; and while he listened to the vicar announcing his text--“For in Him we live, and move, and have our being”--he fumbled in the pockets beneath his black gown of office, and then limped noiselessly out into the sunshine, where, after a glance round him, he pulled out a short clay pipe, well seasoned, filled it with twist, and began his usual after-dinner smoke.

a field covered with grass or herbage and suitable for grazing by livestock

From this reading Then there were soft, hazy stretches of pasture, with idyllic groupings of cattle and sheep and trees.

the paved surface of a thoroughfare

From this reading |As the sweet, clear voices of the surpliced choristers rose in the closing verse of the hymn, and the vicar, in his white robe and violet hood, ascended the pulpit steps, old Gabriel Ware, sexton and doorkeeper of St. Cuthbert’s, limped across the pavement and slipped into the porch, as his custom was at sermon-time on Sunday afternoons.

plural of “pew” — long bench with backs; used in church by the congregation

From this reading He waited till the singing had ceased and the congregation had settled in their pews; and while he listened to the vicar announcing his text--“For in Him we live, and move, and have our being”--he fumbled in the pockets beneath his black gown of office, and then limped noiselessly out into the sunshine, where, after a glance round him, he pulled out a short clay pipe, well seasoned, filled it with twist, and began his usual after-dinner smoke.

a tube with a small bowl at one end; used for smoking tobacco

From this reading He waited till the singing had ceased and the congregation had settled in their pews; and while he listened to the vicar announcing his text--“For in Him we live, and move, and have our being”--he fumbled in the pockets beneath his black gown of office, and then limped noiselessly out into the sunshine, where, after a glance round him, he pulled out a short clay pipe, well seasoned, filled it with twist, and began his usual after-dinner smoke.

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

From this reading It was a hot, shimmering July afternoon, and it was much pleasanter to sit out of doors on a tombstone, listening to the vicars voice as it came though the dark lancets like a sound of running water.

plural of “pocket” — a small pouch inside a garment for carrying small articles

From this reading He waited till the singing had ceased and the congregation had settled in their pews; and while he listened to the vicar announcing his text--“For in Him we live, and move, and have our being”--he fumbled in the pockets beneath his black gown of office, and then limped noiselessly out into the sunshine, where, after a glance round him, he pulled out a short clay pipe, well seasoned, filled it with twist, and began his usual after-dinner smoke.

a structure attached to the exterior of a building often forming a covered entrance

From this reading |As the sweet, clear voices of the surpliced choristers rose in the closing verse of the hymn, and the vicar, in his white robe and violet hood, ascended the pulpit steps, old Gabriel Ware, sexton and doorkeeper of St. Cuthbert’s, limped across the pavement and slipped into the porch, as his custom was at sermon-time on Sunday afternoons.

past form of “pull” — cause to move by pulling

From this reading He waited till the singing had ceased and the congregation had settled in their pews; and while he listened to the vicar announcing his text--“For in Him we live, and move, and have our being”--he fumbled in the pockets beneath his black gown of office, and then limped noiselessly out into the sunshine, where, after a glance round him, he pulled out a short clay pipe, well seasoned, filled it with twist, and began his usual after-dinner smoke.

a platform raised above the surrounding level to give prominence to the person on it

From this reading |As the sweet, clear voices of the surpliced choristers rose in the closing verse of the hymn, and the vicar, in his white robe and violet hood, ascended the pulpit steps, old Gabriel Ware, sexton and doorkeeper of St. Cuthbert’s, limped across the pavement and slipped into the porch, as his custom was at sermon-time on Sunday afternoons.

any loose flowing garment

From this reading |As the sweet, clear voices of the surpliced choristers rose in the closing verse of the hymn, and the vicar, in his white robe and violet hood, ascended the pulpit steps, old Gabriel Ware, sexton and doorkeeper of St. Cuthbert’s, limped across the pavement and slipped into the porch, as his custom was at sermon-time on Sunday afternoons.

plural of “roof” — a protective covering that covers or forms the top of a building

From this reading Half a mile or so away, nestled in trees, was the village of Omberley, with its glimpses of white walls and tiled or slated roofs.

any of many shrubs of the genus Rosa that bear roses

From this reading |As the sweet, clear voices of the surpliced choristers rose in the closing verse of the hymn, and the vicar, in his white robe and violet hood, ascended the pulpit steps, old Gabriel Ware, sexton and doorkeeper of St. Cuthbert’s, limped across the pavement and slipped into the porch, as his custom was at sermon-time on Sunday afternoons.

a charge of ammunition for a single shot

From this reading He waited till the singing had ceased and the congregation had settled in their pews; and while he listened to the vicar announcing his text--“For in Him we live, and move, and have our being”--he fumbled in the pockets beneath his black gown of office, and then limped noiselessly out into the sunshine, where, after a glance round him, he pulled out a short clay pipe, well seasoned, filled it with twist, and began his usual after-dinner smoke.

(of fluids) moving or issuing in a stream

From this reading It was a hot, shimmering July afternoon, and it was much pleasanter to sit out of doors on a tombstone, listening to the vicars voice as it came though the dark lancets like a sound of running water.

aged or processed

From this reading He waited till the singing had ceased and the congregation had settled in their pews; and while he listened to the vicar announcing his text--“For in Him we live, and move, and have our being”--he fumbled in the pockets beneath his black gown of office, and then limped noiselessly out into the sunshine, where, after a glance round him, he pulled out a short clay pipe, well seasoned, filled it with twist, and began his usual after-dinner smoke.

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

From this reading |As the sweet, clear voices of the surpliced choristers rose in the closing verse of the hymn, and the vicar, in his white robe and violet hood, ascended the pulpit steps, old Gabriel Ware, sexton and doorkeeper of St. Cuthbert’s, limped across the pavement and slipped into the porch, as his custom was at sermon-time on Sunday afternoons.

established or decided beyond dispute or doubt

From this reading He waited till the singing had ceased and the congregation had settled in their pews; and while he listened to the vicar announcing his text--“For in Him we live, and move, and have our being”--he fumbled in the pockets beneath his black gown of office, and then limped noiselessly out into the sunshine, where, after a glance round him, he pulled out a short clay pipe, well seasoned, filled it with twist, and began his usual after-dinner smoke.

United States poet (1928-1974)

From this reading |As the sweet, clear voices of the surpliced choristers rose in the closing verse of the hymn, and the vicar, in his white robe and violet hood, ascended the pulpit steps, old Gabriel Ware, sexton and doorkeeper of St. Cuthbert’s, limped across the pavement and slipped into the porch, as his custom was at sermon-time on Sunday afternoons.

woolly usually horned ruminant mammal related to the goat

From this reading Then there were soft, hazy stretches of pasture, with idyllic groupings of cattle and sheep and trees.

-ing form of “shimmer” — shine with a weak or fitful light

From this reading It was a hot, shimmering July afternoon, and it was much pleasanter to sit out of doors on a tombstone, listening to the vicars voice as it came though the dark lancets like a sound of running water.

primarily temporal sense; indicating or being or seeming to be limited in duration

From this reading He waited till the singing had ceased and the congregation had settled in their pews; and while he listened to the vicar announcing his text--“For in Him we live, and move, and have our being”--he fumbled in the pockets beneath his black gown of office, and then limped noiselessly out into the sunshine, where, after a glance round him, he pulled out a short clay pipe, well seasoned, filled it with twist, and began his usual after-dinner smoke.

the act of singing vocal music

From this reading He waited till the singing had ceased and the congregation had settled in their pews; and while he listened to the vicar announcing his text--“For in Him we live, and move, and have our being”--he fumbled in the pockets beneath his black gown of office, and then limped noiselessly out into the sunshine, where, after a glance round him, he pulled out a short clay pipe, well seasoned, filled it with twist, and began his usual after-dinner smoke.

be seated

From this reading It was a hot, shimmering July afternoon, and it was much pleasanter to sit out of doors on a tombstone, listening to the vicars voice as it came though the dark lancets like a sound of running water.

past form of “slate” — designate or schedule

From this reading Half a mile or so away, nestled in trees, was the village of Omberley, with its glimpses of white walls and tiled or slated roofs.

inflected form of “slip” — move stealthily

From this reading |As the sweet, clear voices of the surpliced choristers rose in the closing verse of the hymn, and the vicar, in his white robe and violet hood, ascended the pulpit steps, old Gabriel Ware, sexton and doorkeeper of St. Cuthbert’s, limped across the pavement and slipped into the porch, as his custom was at sermon-time on Sunday afternoons.

a cloud of fine particles suspended in a gas

From this reading He waited till the singing had ceased and the congregation had settled in their pews; and while he listened to the vicar announcing his text--“For in Him we live, and move, and have our being”--he fumbled in the pockets beneath his black gown of office, and then limped noiselessly out into the sunshine, where, after a glance round him, he pulled out a short clay pipe, well seasoned, filled it with twist, and began his usual after-dinner smoke.

for that reason; with the result that

From this reading Half a mile or so away, nestled in trees, was the village of Omberley, with its glimpses of white walls and tiled or slated roofs.

yielding readily to pressure or weight

From this reading Then there were soft, hazy stretches of pasture, with idyllic groupings of cattle and sheep and trees.

the particular auditory effect produced by a given cause

From this reading It was a hot, shimmering July afternoon, and it was much pleasanter to sit out of doors on a tombstone, listening to the vicars voice as it came though the dark lancets like a sound of running water.

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

From this reading |As the sweet, clear voices of the surpliced choristers rose in the closing verse of the hymn, and the vicar, in his white robe and violet hood, ascended the pulpit steps, old Gabriel Ware, sexton and doorkeeper of St. Cuthbert’s, limped across the pavement and slipped into the porch, as his custom was at sermon-time on Sunday afternoons.

a flight of stairs or a flight of steps

From this reading |As the sweet, clear voices of the surpliced choristers rose in the closing verse of the hymn, and the vicar, in his white robe and violet hood, ascended the pulpit steps, old Gabriel Ware, sexton and doorkeeper of St. Cuthbert’s, limped across the pavement and slipped into the porch, as his custom was at sermon-time on Sunday afternoons.

plural of “stretch” — a large and unbroken expanse or distance

From this reading Then there were soft, hazy stretches of pasture, with idyllic groupings of cattle and sheep and trees.

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

From this reading |As the sweet, clear voices of the surpliced choristers rose in the closing verse of the hymn, and the vicar, in his white robe and violet hood, ascended the pulpit steps, old Gabriel Ware, sexton and doorkeeper of St. Cuthbert’s, limped across the pavement and slipped into the porch, as his custom was at sermon-time on Sunday afternoons.

the rays of the sun

From this reading He waited till the singing had ceased and the congregation had settled in their pews; and while he listened to the vicar announcing his text--“For in Him we live, and move, and have our being”--he fumbled in the pockets beneath his black gown of office, and then limped noiselessly out into the sunshine, where, after a glance round him, he pulled out a short clay pipe, well seasoned, filled it with twist, and began his usual after-dinner smoke.

wearing a surplice

From this reading |As the sweet, clear voices of the surpliced choristers rose in the closing verse of the hymn, and the vicar, in his white robe and violet hood, ascended the pulpit steps, old Gabriel Ware, sexton and doorkeeper of St. Cuthbert’s, limped across the pavement and slipped into the porch, as his custom was at sermon-time on Sunday afternoons.

having or denoting the characteristic taste of sugar

From this reading |As the sweet, clear voices of the surpliced choristers rose in the closing verse of the hymn, and the vicar, in his white robe and violet hood, ascended the pulpit steps, old Gabriel Ware, sexton and doorkeeper of St. Cuthbert’s, limped across the pavement and slipped into the porch, as his custom was at sermon-time on Sunday afternoons.

the words of something written

From this reading He waited till the singing had ceased and the congregation had settled in their pews; and while he listened to the vicar announcing his text--“For in Him we live, and move, and have our being”--he fumbled in the pockets beneath his black gown of office, and then limped noiselessly out into the sunshine, where, after a glance round him, he pulled out a short clay pipe, well seasoned, filled it with twist, and began his usual after-dinner smoke.

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

From this reading |As the sweet, clear voices of the surpliced choristers rose in the closing verse of the hymn, and the vicar, in his white robe and violet hood, ascended the pulpit steps, old Gabriel Ware, sexton and doorkeeper of St. Cuthbert’s, limped across the pavement and slipped into the porch, as his custom was at sermon-time on Sunday afternoons.

belonging to the people or things already mentioned

From this reading He waited till the singing had ceased and the congregation had settled in their pews; and while he listened to the vicar announcing his text--“For in Him we live, and move, and have our being”--he fumbled in the pockets beneath his black gown of office, and then limped noiselessly out into the sunshine, where, after a glance round him, he pulled out a short clay pipe, well seasoned, filled it with twist, and began his usual after-dinner smoke.

subsequently or soon afterward (often used as sentence connectors)

From this reading He waited till the singing had ceased and the congregation had settled in their pews; and while he listened to the vicar announcing his text--“For in Him we live, and move, and have our being”--he fumbled in the pockets beneath his black gown of office, and then limped noiselessly out into the sunshine, where, after a glance round him, he pulled out a short clay pipe, well seasoned, filled it with twist, and began his usual after-dinner smoke.

in or at that place or location

From this reading Then there were soft, hazy stretches of pasture, with idyllic groupings of cattle and sheep and trees.

in spite of the fact that

From this reading It was a hot, shimmering July afternoon, and it was much pleasanter to sit out of doors on a tombstone, listening to the vicars voice as it came though the dark lancets like a sound of running water.

covered or furnished with tiles

From this reading Half a mile or so away, nestled in trees, was the village of Omberley, with its glimpses of white walls and tiled or slated roofs.

up to a particular time

From this reading He waited till the singing had ceased and the congregation had settled in their pews; and while he listened to the vicar announcing his text--“For in Him we live, and move, and have our being”--he fumbled in the pockets beneath his black gown of office, and then limped noiselessly out into the sunshine, where, after a glance round him, he pulled out a short clay pipe, well seasoned, filled it with twist, and began his usual after-dinner smoke.

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

From this reading He waited till the singing had ceased and the congregation had settled in their pews; and while he listened to the vicar announcing his text--“For in Him we live, and move, and have our being”--he fumbled in the pockets beneath his black gown of office, and then limped noiselessly out into the sunshine, where, after a glance round him, he pulled out a short clay pipe, well seasoned, filled it with twist, and began his usual after-dinner smoke.

a stone that is used to mark a grave

From this reading It was a hot, shimmering July afternoon, and it was much pleasanter to sit out of doors on a tombstone, listening to the vicars voice as it came though the dark lancets like a sound of running water.

plural of “tree” — a tall perennial woody plant having a main trunk and branches forming a distinct elevated crown; includes both gymnosperms and angiosperms

From this reading Half a mile or so away, nestled in trees, was the village of Omberley, with its glimpses of white walls and tiled or slated roofs.

to move in a twisting or contorted motion, (especially when struggling)

From this reading He waited till the singing had ceased and the congregation had settled in their pews; and while he listened to the vicar announcing his text--“For in Him we live, and move, and have our being”--he fumbled in the pockets beneath his black gown of office, and then limped noiselessly out into the sunshine, where, after a glance round him, he pulled out a short clay pipe, well seasoned, filled it with twist, and began his usual after-dinner smoke.

occurring or encountered or experienced or observed frequently or in accordance with regular practice or procedure

From this reading He waited till the singing had ceased and the congregation had settled in their pews; and while he listened to the vicar announcing his text--“For in Him we live, and move, and have our being”--he fumbled in the pockets beneath his black gown of office, and then limped noiselessly out into the sunshine, where, after a glance round him, he pulled out a short clay pipe, well seasoned, filled it with twist, and began his usual after-dinner smoke.

literature in metrical form

From this reading |As the sweet, clear voices of the surpliced choristers rose in the closing verse of the hymn, and the vicar, in his white robe and violet hood, ascended the pulpit steps, old Gabriel Ware, sexton and doorkeeper of St. Cuthbert’s, limped across the pavement and slipped into the porch, as his custom was at sermon-time on Sunday afternoons.

a Roman Catholic priest who acts for another higher-ranking clergyman

From this reading |As the sweet, clear voices of the surpliced choristers rose in the closing verse of the hymn, and the vicar, in his white robe and violet hood, ascended the pulpit steps, old Gabriel Ware, sexton and doorkeeper of St. Cuthbert’s, limped across the pavement and slipped into the porch, as his custom was at sermon-time on Sunday afternoons.

plural of “vicar” — a Roman Catholic priest who acts for another higher-ranking clergyman

From this reading It was a hot, shimmering July afternoon, and it was much pleasanter to sit out of doors on a tombstone, listening to the vicars voice as it came though the dark lancets like a sound of running water.

a community of people smaller than a town

From this reading Half a mile or so away, nestled in trees, was the village of Omberley, with its glimpses of white walls and tiled or slated roofs.

any of numerous low-growing violas with small flowers

From this reading |As the sweet, clear voices of the surpliced choristers rose in the closing verse of the hymn, and the vicar, in his white robe and violet hood, ascended the pulpit steps, old Gabriel Ware, sexton and doorkeeper of St. Cuthbert’s, limped across the pavement and slipped into the porch, as his custom was at sermon-time on Sunday afternoons.

the distinctive quality or pitch or condition of a person's speech

From this reading It was a hot, shimmering July afternoon, and it was much pleasanter to sit out of doors on a tombstone, listening to the vicars voice as it came though the dark lancets like a sound of running water.

plural of “voice” — the distinctive quality or pitch or condition of a person's speech

From this reading |As the sweet, clear voices of the surpliced choristers rose in the closing verse of the hymn, and the vicar, in his white robe and violet hood, ascended the pulpit steps, old Gabriel Ware, sexton and doorkeeper of St. Cuthbert’s, limped across the pavement and slipped into the porch, as his custom was at sermon-time on Sunday afternoons.

past form of “wait” — stay in one place and anticipate or expect something

From this reading He waited till the singing had ceased and the congregation had settled in their pews; and while he listened to the vicar announcing his text--“For in Him we live, and move, and have our being”--he fumbled in the pockets beneath his black gown of office, and then limped noiselessly out into the sunshine, where, after a glance round him, he pulled out a short clay pipe, well seasoned, filled it with twist, and began his usual after-dinner smoke.

plural of “wall” — an architectural partition with a height and length greater than its thickness; used to divide or enclose an area or to support another structure

From this reading Half a mile or so away, nestled in trees, was the village of Omberley, with its glimpses of white walls and tiled or slated roofs.

articles of the same kind or material; usually used in combination: “silverware”, “software”

From this reading |As the sweet, clear voices of the surpliced choristers rose in the closing verse of the hymn, and the vicar, in his white robe and violet hood, ascended the pulpit steps, old Gabriel Ware, sexton and doorkeeper of St. Cuthbert’s, limped across the pavement and slipped into the porch, as his custom was at sermon-time on Sunday afternoons.

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

From this reading |As the sweet, clear voices of the surpliced choristers rose in the closing verse of the hymn, and the vicar, in his white robe and violet hood, ascended the pulpit steps, old Gabriel Ware, sexton and doorkeeper of St. Cuthbert’s, limped across the pavement and slipped into the porch, as his custom was at sermon-time on Sunday afternoons.

binary compound that occurs at room temperature as a clear colorless odorless tasteless liquid; freezes into ice below 0 degrees centigrade and boils above 100 degrees centigrade; widely used as a solvent

From this reading It was a hot, shimmering July afternoon, and it was much pleasanter to sit out of doors on a tombstone, listening to the vicars voice as it came though the dark lancets like a sound of running water.

the speaker together with one or more other people

From this reading He waited till the singing had ceased and the congregation had settled in their pews; and while he listened to the vicar announcing his text--“For in Him we live, and move, and have our being”--he fumbled in the pockets beneath his black gown of office, and then limped noiselessly out into the sunshine, where, after a glance round him, he pulled out a short clay pipe, well seasoned, filled it with twist, and began his usual after-dinner smoke.

(often used as a combining form) in a good or proper or satisfactory manner or to a high standard (“good” is a nonstandard dialectal variant for “well”)

From this reading He waited till the singing had ceased and the congregation had settled in their pews; and while he listened to the vicar announcing his text--“For in Him we live, and move, and have our being”--he fumbled in the pockets beneath his black gown of office, and then limped noiselessly out into the sunshine, where, after a glance round him, he pulled out a short clay pipe, well seasoned, filled it with twist, and began his usual after-dinner smoke.

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

From this reading Then there were soft, hazy stretches of pasture, with idyllic groupings of cattle and sheep and trees.

in or at the place that

From this reading He waited till the singing had ceased and the congregation had settled in their pews; and while he listened to the vicar announcing his text--“For in Him we live, and move, and have our being”--he fumbled in the pockets beneath his black gown of office, and then limped noiselessly out into the sunshine, where, after a glance round him, he pulled out a short clay pipe, well seasoned, filled it with twist, and began his usual after-dinner smoke.

during the time that

From this reading He waited till the singing had ceased and the congregation had settled in their pews; and while he listened to the vicar announcing his text--“For in Him we live, and move, and have our being”--he fumbled in the pockets beneath his black gown of office, and then limped noiselessly out into the sunshine, where, after a glance round him, he pulled out a short clay pipe, well seasoned, filled it with twist, and began his usual after-dinner smoke.

a Caucasian

From this reading |As the sweet, clear voices of the surpliced choristers rose in the closing verse of the hymn, and the vicar, in his white robe and violet hood, ascended the pulpit steps, old Gabriel Ware, sexton and doorkeeper of St. Cuthbert’s, limped across the pavement and slipped into the porch, as his custom was at sermon-time on Sunday afternoons.

in the company of; together with

From this reading He waited till the singing had ceased and the congregation had settled in their pews; and while he listened to the vicar announcing his text--“For in Him we live, and move, and have our being”--he fumbled in the pockets beneath his black gown of office, and then limped noiselessly out into the sunshine, where, after a glance round him, he pulled out a short clay pipe, well seasoned, filled it with twist, and began his usual after-dinner smoke.