Chapter XXXV · Chapter 35

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

From this reading He had to see new lawyers, Miss Dunstable’s men of business, quiet old cautious gentlemen whose place of business was in a dark alley behind the Bank, Messrs. Slow and Bideawhile by name, who had no scruple in detaining him for hours while they or their clerks talked to him about anything or about nothing.

on the subject of; concerning

From this reading He had to see new lawyers, Miss Dunstable’s men of business, quiet old cautious gentlemen whose place of business was in a dark alley behind the Bank, Messrs. Slow and Bideawhile by name, who had no scruple in detaining him for hours while they or their clerks talked to him about anything or about nothing.

a narrow street with walls on both sides

From this reading He had to see new lawyers, Miss Dunstable’s men of business, quiet old cautious gentlemen whose place of business was in a dark alley behind the Bank, Messrs. Slow and Bideawhile by name, who had no scruple in detaining him for hours while they or their clerks talked to him about anything or about nothing.

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

From this reading In these hot midsummer days, the end of June and the beginning of July, Mr. Sowerby had but an uneasy time of it.

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

From this reading In these hot midsummer days, the end of June and the beginning of July, Mr. Sowerby had but an uneasy time of it.

any thing at all

From this reading He had to see new lawyers, Miss Dunstable’s men of business, quiet old cautious gentlemen whose place of business was in a dark alley behind the Bank, Messrs. Slow and Bideawhile by name, who had no scruple in detaining him for hours while they or their clerks talked to him about anything or about nothing.

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

From this reading It was of vital consequence to Mr. Sowerby that this business of his should be settled without delay, and yet these men, to whose care this settling was now confided, went on as though law processes were a sunny bank on which it delighted men to bask easily.

in or near a particular place or position

From this reading At his sister’s instance, he had hurried up to London, and there had remained for days in attendance on the lawyers.

the act of being present (at a meeting or event etc.)

From this reading At his sister’s instance, he had hurried up to London, and there had remained for days in attendance on the lawyers.

sloping land (especially the slope beside a body of water)

From this reading He had to see new lawyers, Miss Dunstable’s men of business, quiet old cautious gentlemen whose place of business was in a dark alley behind the Bank, Messrs. Slow and Bideawhile by name, who had no scruple in detaining him for hours while they or their clerks talked to him about anything or about nothing.

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

From this reading It was of vital consequence to Mr. Sowerby that this business of his should be settled without delay, and yet these men, to whose care this settling was now confided, went on as though law processes were a sunny bank on which it delighted men to bask easily.

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

From this reading It was of vital consequence to Mr. Sowerby that this business of his should be settled without delay, and yet these men, to whose care this settling was now confided, went on as though law processes were a sunny bank on which it delighted men to bask easily.

the event consisting of the start of something

From this reading In these hot midsummer days, the end of June and the beginning of July, Mr. Sowerby had but an uneasy time of it.

at or toward the back of something

From this reading He had to see new lawyers, Miss Dunstable’s men of business, quiet old cautious gentlemen whose place of business was in a dark alley behind the Bank, Messrs. Slow and Bideawhile by name, who had no scruple in detaining him for hours while they or their clerks talked to him about anything or about nothing.

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

From this reading He had to see new lawyers, Miss Dunstable’s men of business, quiet old cautious gentlemen whose place of business was in a dark alley behind the Bank, Messrs. Slow and Bideawhile by name, who had no scruple in detaining him for hours while they or their clerks talked to him about anything or about nothing.

a commercial or industrial enterprise and the people who constitute it

From this reading He had to see new lawyers, Miss Dunstable’s men of business, quiet old cautious gentlemen whose place of business was in a dark alley behind the Bank, Messrs. Slow and Bideawhile by name, who had no scruple in detaining him for hours while they or their clerks talked to him about anything or about nothing.

used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before

From this reading In these hot midsummer days, the end of June and the beginning of July, Mr. Sowerby had but an uneasy time of it.

showing who or what does the action

From this reading He had to see new lawyers, Miss Dunstable’s men of business, quiet old cautious gentlemen whose place of business was in a dark alley behind the Bank, Messrs. Slow and Bideawhile by name, who had no scruple in detaining him for hours while they or their clerks talked to him about anything or about nothing.

the work of providing treatment for or attending to someone or something

From this reading It was of vital consequence to Mr. Sowerby that this business of his should be settled without delay, and yet these men, to whose care this settling was now confided, went on as though law processes were a sunny bank on which it delighted men to bask easily.

showing careful forethought

From this reading He had to see new lawyers, Miss Dunstable’s men of business, quiet old cautious gentlemen whose place of business was in a dark alley behind the Bank, Messrs. Slow and Bideawhile by name, who had no scruple in detaining him for hours while they or their clerks talked to him about anything or about nothing.

plural of “clerk” — an employee who performs clerical work (e.g., keeps records or accounts)

From this reading He had to see new lawyers, Miss Dunstable’s men of business, quiet old cautious gentlemen whose place of business was in a dark alley behind the Bank, Messrs. Slow and Bideawhile by name, who had no scruple in detaining him for hours while they or their clerks talked to him about anything or about nothing.

past form of “confide” — reveal in private; tell confidentially

From this reading It was of vital consequence to Mr. Sowerby that this business of his should be settled without delay, and yet these men, to whose care this settling was now confided, went on as though law processes were a sunny bank on which it delighted men to bask easily.

a phenomenon that follows and is caused by some previous phenomenon

From this reading It was of vital consequence to Mr. Sowerby that this business of his should be settled without delay, and yet these men, to whose care this settling was now confided, went on as though law processes were a sunny bank on which it delighted men to bask easily.

absence of light or illumination

From this reading He had to see new lawyers, Miss Dunstable’s men of business, quiet old cautious gentlemen whose place of business was in a dark alley behind the Bank, Messrs. Slow and Bideawhile by name, who had no scruple in detaining him for hours while they or their clerks talked to him about anything or about nothing.

the time during which someone's life continues

From this reading In these hot midsummer days, the end of June and the beginning of July, Mr. Sowerby had but an uneasy time of it.

cause to be slowed down or delayed

From this reading It was of vital consequence to Mr. Sowerby that this business of his should be settled without delay, and yet these men, to whose care this settling was now confided, went on as though law processes were a sunny bank on which it delighted men to bask easily.

greatly pleased

From this reading It was of vital consequence to Mr. Sowerby that this business of his should be settled without delay, and yet these men, to whose care this settling was now confided, went on as though law processes were a sunny bank on which it delighted men to bask easily.

-ing form of “detain” — deprive of freedom; take into confinement

From this reading He had to see new lawyers, Miss Dunstable’s men of business, quiet old cautious gentlemen whose place of business was in a dark alley behind the Bank, Messrs. Slow and Bideawhile by name, who had no scruple in detaining him for hours while they or their clerks talked to him about anything or about nothing.

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

From this reading He had to see new lawyers, Miss Dunstable’s men of business, quiet old cautious gentlemen whose place of business was in a dark alley behind the Bank, Messrs. Slow and Bideawhile by name, who had no scruple in detaining him for hours while they or their clerks talked to him about anything or about nothing.

with ease (“easy” is sometimes used informally for “easily”)

From this reading It was of vital consequence to Mr. Sowerby that this business of his should be settled without delay, and yet these men, to whose care this settling was now confided, went on as though law processes were a sunny bank on which it delighted men to bask easily.

either extremity of something that has length

From this reading In these hot midsummer days, the end of June and the beginning of July, Mr. Sowerby had but an uneasy time of it.

intended to be given to, or used by, somebody

From this reading At his sister’s instance, he had hurried up to London, and there had remained for days in attendance on the lawyers.

plural of “gentleman” — a man of refinement

From this reading He had to see new lawyers, Miss Dunstable’s men of business, quiet old cautious gentlemen whose place of business was in a dark alley behind the Bank, Messrs. Slow and Bideawhile by name, who had no scruple in detaining him for hours while they or their clerks talked to him about anything or about nothing.

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

From this reading In these hot midsummer days, the end of June and the beginning of July, Mr. Sowerby had but an uneasy time of it.

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

From this reading At his sister’s instance, he had hurried up to London, and there had remained for days in attendance on the lawyers.

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

From this reading He had to see new lawyers, Miss Dunstable’s men of business, quiet old cautious gentlemen whose place of business was in a dark alley behind the Bank, Messrs. Slow and Bideawhile by name, who had no scruple in detaining him for hours while they or their clerks talked to him about anything or about nothing.

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

From this reading At his sister’s instance, he had hurried up to London, and there had remained for days in attendance on the lawyers.

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 In these hot midsummer days, the end of June and the beginning of July, Mr. Sowerby had but an uneasy time of it.

a period of time assigned for work

From this reading He had to see new lawyers, Miss Dunstable’s men of business, quiet old cautious gentlemen whose place of business was in a dark alley behind the Bank, Messrs. Slow and Bideawhile by name, who had no scruple in detaining him for hours while they or their clerks talked to him about anything or about nothing.

moving rapidly or performed quickly or in great haste

From this reading At his sister’s instance, he had hurried up to London, and there had remained for days in attendance on the lawyers.

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

From this reading In these hot midsummer days, the end of June and the beginning of July, Mr. Sowerby had but an uneasy time of it.

an occurrence of something

From this reading At his sister’s instance, he had hurried up to London, and there had remained for days in attendance on the lawyers.

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading In these hot midsummer days, the end of June and the beginning of July, Mr. Sowerby had but an uneasy time of it.

the month following June and preceding August

From this reading In these hot midsummer days, the end of June and the beginning of July, Mr. Sowerby had but an uneasy time of it.

the month following May and preceding July

From this reading In these hot midsummer days, the end of June and the beginning of July, Mr. Sowerby had but an uneasy time of it.

the collection of rules imposed by authority

From this reading It was of vital consequence to Mr. Sowerby that this business of his should be settled without delay, and yet these men, to whose care this settling was now confided, went on as though law processes were a sunny bank on which it delighted men to bask easily.

plural of “lawyer” — a professional person authorized to practice law; conducts lawsuits or gives legal advice

From this reading At his sister’s instance, he had hurried up to London, and there had remained for days in attendance on the lawyers.

the capital and largest city of England; located on the Thames in southeastern England; financial and industrial and cultural center

From this reading At his sister’s instance, he had hurried up to London, and there had remained for days in attendance on the lawyers.

the force of workers available

From this reading He had to see new lawyers, Miss Dunstable’s men of business, quiet old cautious gentlemen whose place of business was in a dark alley behind the Bank, Messrs. Slow and Bideawhile by name, who had no scruple in detaining him for hours while they or their clerks talked to him about anything or about nothing.

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

From this reading He had to see new lawyers, Miss Dunstable’s men of business, quiet old cautious gentlemen whose place of business was in a dark alley behind the Bank, Messrs. Slow and Bideawhile by name, who had no scruple in detaining him for hours while they or their clerks talked to him about anything or about nothing.

June 21, when the sun is at its northernmost point

From this reading In these hot midsummer days, the end of June and the beginning of July, Mr. Sowerby had but an uneasy time of it.

fail to perceive or to catch with the senses or the mind

From this reading He had to see new lawyers, Miss Dunstable’s men of business, quiet old cautious gentlemen whose place of business was in a dark alley behind the Bank, Messrs. Slow and Bideawhile by name, who had no scruple in detaining him for hours while they or their clerks talked to him about anything or about nothing.

a form of address for a man

From this reading In these hot midsummer days, the end of June and the beginning of July, Mr. Sowerby had but an uneasy time of it.

assign a specified (usually proper) proper name to

From this reading He had to see new lawyers, Miss Dunstable’s men of business, quiet old cautious gentlemen whose place of business was in a dark alley behind the Bank, Messrs. Slow and Bideawhile by name, who had no scruple in detaining him for hours while they or their clerks talked to him about anything or about nothing.

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

From this reading He had to see new lawyers, Miss Dunstable’s men of business, quiet old cautious gentlemen whose place of business was in a dark alley behind the Bank, Messrs. Slow and Bideawhile by name, who had no scruple in detaining him for hours while they or their clerks talked to him about anything or about nothing.

not any; not one

From this reading He had to see new lawyers, Miss Dunstable’s men of business, quiet old cautious gentlemen whose place of business was in a dark alley behind the Bank, Messrs. Slow and Bideawhile by name, who had no scruple in detaining him for hours while they or their clerks talked to him about anything or about nothing.

not one thing; not anything

From this reading He had to see new lawyers, Miss Dunstable’s men of business, quiet old cautious gentlemen whose place of business was in a dark alley behind the Bank, Messrs. Slow and Bideawhile by name, who had no scruple in detaining him for hours while they or their clerks talked to him about anything or about nothing.

in the historical present; at this point in the narration of a series of past events

From this reading It was of vital consequence to Mr. Sowerby that this business of his should be settled without delay, and yet these men, to whose care this settling was now confided, went on as though law processes were a sunny bank on which it delighted men to bask easily.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading In these hot midsummer days, the end of June and the beginning of July, Mr. Sowerby had but an uneasy time of it.

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

From this reading He had to see new lawyers, Miss Dunstable’s men of business, quiet old cautious gentlemen whose place of business was in a dark alley behind the Bank, Messrs. Slow and Bideawhile by name, who had no scruple in detaining him for hours while they or their clerks talked to him about anything or about nothing.

touching and supported by a surface

From this reading At his sister’s instance, he had hurried up to London, and there had remained for days in attendance on the lawyers.

used to join alternatives or possibilities

From this reading He had to see new lawyers, Miss Dunstable’s men of business, quiet old cautious gentlemen whose place of business was in a dark alley behind the Bank, Messrs. Slow and Bideawhile by name, who had no scruple in detaining him for hours while they or their clerks talked to him about anything or about nothing.

the property of sound that varies with variation in the frequency of vibration

From this reading TOUCHING PITCH.

a point located with respect to surface features of some region

From this reading He had to see new lawyers, Miss Dunstable’s men of business, quiet old cautious gentlemen whose place of business was in a dark alley behind the Bank, Messrs. Slow and Bideawhile by name, who had no scruple in detaining him for hours while they or their clerks talked to him about anything or about nothing.

plural of “process” — a particular course of action intended to achieve a result

From this reading It was of vital consequence to Mr. Sowerby that this business of his should be settled without delay, and yet these men, to whose care this settling was now confided, went on as though law processes were a sunny bank on which it delighted men to bask easily.

characterized by an absence or near absence of agitation or activity

From this reading He had to see new lawyers, Miss Dunstable’s men of business, quiet old cautious gentlemen whose place of business was in a dark alley behind the Bank, Messrs. Slow and Bideawhile by name, who had no scruple in detaining him for hours while they or their clerks talked to him about anything or about nothing.

past form of “remain” — stay the same; remain in a certain state

From this reading At his sister’s instance, he had hurried up to London, and there had remained for days in attendance on the lawyers.

a unit of apothecary weight equal to 20 grains

From this reading He had to see new lawyers, Miss Dunstable’s men of business, quiet old cautious gentlemen whose place of business was in a dark alley behind the Bank, Messrs. Slow and Bideawhile by name, who had no scruple in detaining him for hours while they or their clerks talked to him about anything or about nothing.

perceive by sight or have the power to perceive by sight

From this reading He had to see new lawyers, Miss Dunstable’s men of business, quiet old cautious gentlemen whose place of business was in a dark alley behind the Bank, Messrs. Slow and Bideawhile by name, who had no scruple in detaining him for hours while they or their clerks talked to him about anything or about nothing.

established or decided beyond dispute or doubt

From this reading It was of vital consequence to Mr. Sowerby that this business of his should be settled without delay, and yet these men, to whose care this settling was now confided, went on as though law processes were a sunny bank on which it delighted men to bask easily.

a gradual sinking to a lower level

From this reading It was of vital consequence to Mr. Sowerby that this business of his should be settled without delay, and yet these men, to whose care this settling was now confided, went on as though law processes were a sunny bank on which it delighted men to bask easily.

used to say what is right, expected, or advisable

From this reading It was of vital consequence to Mr. Sowerby that this business of his should be settled without delay, and yet these men, to whose care this settling was now confided, went on as though law processes were a sunny bank on which it delighted men to bask easily.

possessive form of “sister” — a female person who has the same parents as another person

From this reading At his sister’s instance, he had hurried up to London, and there had remained for days in attendance on the lawyers.

not moving quickly; taking a comparatively long time

From this reading He had to see new lawyers, Miss Dunstable’s men of business, quiet old cautious gentlemen whose place of business was in a dark alley behind the Bank, Messrs. Slow and Bideawhile by name, who had no scruple in detaining him for hours while they or their clerks talked to him about anything or about nothing.

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

From this reading In these hot midsummer days, the end of June and the beginning of July, Mr. Sowerby had but an uneasy time of it.

bright and pleasant; promoting a feeling of cheer

From this reading It was of vital consequence to Mr. Sowerby that this business of his should be settled without delay, and yet these men, to whose care this settling was now confided, went on as though law processes were a sunny bank on which it delighted men to bask easily.

past form of “talk” — exchange thoughts; talk with

From this reading He had to see new lawyers, Miss Dunstable’s men of business, quiet old cautious gentlemen whose place of business was in a dark alley behind the Bank, Messrs. Slow and Bideawhile by name, who had no scruple in detaining him for hours while they or their clerks talked to him about anything or about nothing.

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading It was of vital consequence to Mr. Sowerby that this business of his should be settled without delay, and yet these men, to whose care this settling was now confided, went on as though law processes were a sunny bank on which it delighted men to bask easily.

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

From this reading In these hot midsummer days, the end of June and the beginning of July, Mr. Sowerby had but an uneasy time of it.

belonging to the people or things already mentioned

From this reading He had to see new lawyers, Miss Dunstable’s men of business, quiet old cautious gentlemen whose place of business was in a dark alley behind the Bank, Messrs. Slow and Bideawhile by name, who had no scruple in detaining him for hours while they or their clerks talked to him about anything or about nothing.

in or at that place or location

From this reading At his sister’s instance, he had hurried up to London, and there had remained for days in attendance on the lawyers.

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

From this reading In these hot midsummer days, the end of June and the beginning of July, Mr. Sowerby had but an uneasy time of it.

the people, animals, or things already mentioned, as the subject

From this reading He had to see new lawyers, Miss Dunstable’s men of business, quiet old cautious gentlemen whose place of business was in a dark alley behind the Bank, Messrs. Slow and Bideawhile by name, who had no scruple in detaining him for hours while they or their clerks talked to him about anything or about nothing.

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

From this reading It was of vital consequence to Mr. Sowerby that this business of his should be settled without delay, and yet these men, to whose care this settling was now confided, went on as though law processes were a sunny bank on which it delighted men to bask easily.

in spite of the fact that

From this reading It was of vital consequence to Mr. Sowerby that this business of his should be settled without delay, and yet these men, to whose care this settling was now confided, went on as though law processes were a sunny bank on which it delighted men to bask easily.

an instance or single occasion for some event

From this reading In these hot midsummer days, the end of June and the beginning of July, Mr. Sowerby had but an uneasy time of it.

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

From this reading At his sister’s instance, he had hurried up to London, and there had remained for days in attendance on the lawyers.

arousing affect

From this reading TOUCHING PITCH.

lacking a sense of security or affording no ease or reassurance

From this reading In these hot midsummer days, the end of June and the beginning of July, Mr. Sowerby had but an uneasy time of it.

being or moving higher in position or greater in some value; being above a former position or level

From this reading At his sister’s instance, he had hurried up to London, and there had remained for days in attendance on the lawyers.

urgently needed; absolutely necessary

From this reading It was of vital consequence to Mr. Sowerby that this business of his should be settled without delay, and yet these men, to whose care this settling was now confided, went on as though law processes were a sunny bank on which it delighted men to bask easily.

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

From this reading He had to see new lawyers, Miss Dunstable’s men of business, quiet old cautious gentlemen whose place of business was in a dark alley behind the Bank, Messrs. Slow and Bideawhile by name, who had no scruple in detaining him for hours while they or their clerks talked to him about anything or about nothing.

inflected form of “go” — change location; move, travel, or proceed, also metaphorically

From this reading It was of vital consequence to Mr. Sowerby that this business of his should be settled without delay, and yet these men, to whose care this settling was now confided, went on as though law processes were a sunny bank on which it delighted men to bask easily.

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

From this reading It was of vital consequence to Mr. Sowerby that this business of his should be settled without delay, and yet these men, to whose care this settling was now confided, went on as though law processes were a sunny bank on which it delighted men to bask easily.

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

From this reading It was of vital consequence to Mr. Sowerby that this business of his should be settled without delay, and yet these men, to whose care this settling was now confided, went on as though law processes were a sunny bank on which it delighted men to bask easily.

during the time that

From this reading He had to see new lawyers, Miss Dunstable’s men of business, quiet old cautious gentlemen whose place of business was in a dark alley behind the Bank, Messrs. Slow and Bideawhile by name, who had no scruple in detaining him for hours while they or their clerks talked to him about anything or about nothing.

which person or people

From this reading He had to see new lawyers, Miss Dunstable’s men of business, quiet old cautious gentlemen whose place of business was in a dark alley behind the Bank, Messrs. Slow and Bideawhile by name, who had no scruple in detaining him for hours while they or their clerks talked to him about anything or about nothing.

belonging to which person

From this reading He had to see new lawyers, Miss Dunstable’s men of business, quiet old cautious gentlemen whose place of business was in a dark alley behind the Bank, Messrs. Slow and Bideawhile by name, who had no scruple in detaining him for hours while they or their clerks talked to him about anything or about nothing.

not having, not using, or not accompanied by

From this reading It was of vital consequence to Mr. Sowerby that this business of his should be settled without delay, and yet these men, to whose care this settling was now confided, went on as though law processes were a sunny bank on which it delighted men to bask easily.

but in spite of that

From this reading It was of vital consequence to Mr. Sowerby that this business of his should be settled without delay, and yet these men, to whose care this settling was now confided, went on as though law processes were a sunny bank on which it delighted men to bask easily.