Chapter VIII

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

From this reading "It's small business for a Yale student to boast of what he can do," exclaimed Frank, in disgust.

prior to a specified or implied time

From this reading Higgins bit his lip and said nothing; although he was a freshman of but few months' standing, he had already learned that in athletic matters the word of a manager is law, and that a student in training would no sooner dispute his manager or trainer than a soldier would dispute an officer.

in spite of the fact that

From this reading Higgins bit his lip and said nothing; although he was a freshman of but few months' standing, he had already learned that in athletic matters the word of a manager is law, and that a student in training would no sooner dispute his manager or trainer than a soldier would dispute an officer.

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

From this reading Higgins bit his lip and said nothing; although he was a freshman of but few months' standing, he had already learned that in athletic matters the word of a manager is law, and that a student in training would no sooner dispute his manager or trainer than a soldier would dispute an officer.

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

From this reading "Why," answered Higgins, hesitatingly, for he had not yet half recovered from the surprise of the event, "nothing but swapping boasts with those Princeton fellows and refusing to drink with them."

past form of “answer” — react verbally

From this reading "Why," answered Higgins, hesitatingly, for he had not yet half recovered from the surprise of the event, "nothing but swapping boasts with those Princeton fellows and refusing to drink with them."

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

From this reading "Now, Higgins," said Frank, rather sharply, as they were well out on Twenty-sixth Street, "what have you been up to?"

relating to or befitting athletics or athletes

From this reading Higgins bit his lip and said nothing; although he was a freshman of but few months' standing, he had already learned that in athletic matters the word of a manager is law, and that a student in training would no sooner dispute his manager or trainer than a soldier would dispute an officer.

the past participle of “be”

From this reading "Now, Higgins," said Frank, rather sharply, as they were well out on Twenty-sixth Street, "what have you been up to?"

a small piece or quantity of something

From this reading Higgins bit his lip and said nothing; although he was a freshman of but few months' standing, he had already learned that in athletic matters the word of a manager is law, and that a student in training would no sooner dispute his manager or trainer than a soldier would dispute an officer.

show off

From this reading "It's small business for a Yale student to boast of what he can do," exclaimed Frank, in disgust.

plural of “boast” — speaking of yourself in superlatives

From this reading "Why," answered Higgins, hesitatingly, for he had not yet half recovered from the surprise of the event, "nothing but swapping boasts with those Princeton fellows and refusing to drink with them."

a commercial or industrial enterprise and the people who constitute it

From this reading "It's small business for a Yale student to boast of what he can do," exclaimed Frank, in disgust.

used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before

From this reading "Why," answered Higgins, hesitatingly, for he had not yet half recovered from the surprise of the event, "nothing but swapping boasts with those Princeton fellows and refusing to drink with them."

to be able to, or to be allowed to

From this reading "It's small business for a Yale student to boast of what he can do," exclaimed Frank, in disgust.

fill with distaste

From this reading "It's small business for a Yale student to boast of what he can do," exclaimed Frank, in disgust.

take exception to

From this reading Higgins bit his lip and said nothing; although he was a freshman of but few months' standing, he had already learned that in athletic matters the word of a manager is law, and that a student in training would no sooner dispute his manager or trainer than a soldier would dispute an officer.

used to form questions and negatives, and to give emphasis

From this reading "It's small business for a Yale student to boast of what he can do," exclaimed Frank, in disgust.

take in liquids

From this reading "Why," answered Higgins, hesitatingly, for he had not yet half recovered from the surprise of the event, "nothing but swapping boasts with those Princeton fellows and refusing to drink with them."

something that happens at a given place and time

From this reading "Why," answered Higgins, hesitatingly, for he had not yet half recovered from the surprise of the event, "nothing but swapping boasts with those Princeton fellows and refusing to drink with them."

past form of “exclaim” — utter aloud; often with surprise, horror, or joy

From this reading "It's small business for a Yale student to boast of what he can do," exclaimed Frank, in disgust.

plural of “fellow” — a boy or man

From this reading "Why," answered Higgins, hesitatingly, for he had not yet half recovered from the surprise of the event, "nothing but swapping boasts with those Princeton fellows and refusing to drink with them."

a quantifier that can be used with count nouns and is often preceded by “a”; a small but indefinite number

From this reading Higgins bit his lip and said nothing; although he was a freshman of but few months' standing, he had already learned that in athletic matters the word of a manager is law, and that a student in training would no sooner dispute his manager or trainer than a soldier would dispute an officer.

the act of determining the properties of something, usually by research or calculation

From this reading THE FINDING OF MELLOR.

intended to be given to, or used by, somebody

From this reading "Why," answered Higgins, hesitatingly, for he had not yet half recovered from the surprise of the event, "nothing but swapping boasts with those Princeton fellows and refusing to drink with them."

characterized by directness in manner or speech; without subtlety or evasion

From this reading "Now, Higgins," said Frank, rather sharply, as they were well out on Twenty-sixth Street, "what have you been up to?"

a first-year undergraduate

From this reading Higgins bit his lip and said nothing; although he was a freshman of but few months' standing, he had already learned that in athletic matters the word of a manager is law, and that a student in training would no sooner dispute his manager or trainer than a soldier would dispute an officer.

showing where something starts, or who sent it

From this reading "Why," answered Higgins, hesitatingly, for he had not yet half recovered from the surprise of the event, "nothing but swapping boasts with those Princeton fellows and refusing to drink with them."

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

From this reading "Why," answered Higgins, hesitatingly, for he had not yet half recovered from the surprise of the event, "nothing but swapping boasts with those Princeton fellows and refusing to drink with them."

consisting of one of two equivalent parts in value or quantity

From this reading "Why," answered Higgins, hesitatingly, for he had not yet half recovered from the surprise of the event, "nothing but swapping boasts with those Princeton fellows and refusing to drink with them."

used with a past participle to form the perfect tenses

From this reading "Now, Higgins," said Frank, rather sharply, as they were well out on Twenty-sixth Street, "what have you been up to?"

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

From this reading "Why," answered Higgins, hesitatingly, for he had not yet half recovered from the surprise of the event, "nothing but swapping boasts with those Princeton fellows and refusing to drink with them."

with hesitation; in a hesitant manner

From this reading "Why," answered Higgins, hesitatingly, for he had not yet half recovered from the surprise of the event, "nothing but swapping boasts with those Princeton fellows and refusing to drink with them."

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

From this reading "Now, Higgins," said Frank, rather sharply, as they were well out on Twenty-sixth Street, "what have you been up to?"

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

From this reading Higgins bit his lip and said nothing; although he was a freshman of but few months' standing, he had already learned that in athletic matters the word of a manager is law, and that a student in training would no sooner dispute his manager or trainer than a soldier would dispute an officer.

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

From this reading "It's small business for a Yale student to boast of what he can do," exclaimed Frank, in disgust.

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

From this reading Higgins bit his lip and said nothing; although he was a freshman of but few months' standing, he had already learned that in athletic matters the word of a manager is law, and that a student in training would no sooner dispute his manager or trainer than a soldier would dispute an officer.

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

From this reading "It's small business for a Yale student to boast of what he can do," exclaimed Frank, in disgust.

the collection of rules imposed by authority

From this reading Higgins bit his lip and said nothing; although he was a freshman of but few months' standing, he had already learned that in athletic matters the word of a manager is law, and that a student in training would no sooner dispute his manager or trainer than a soldier would dispute an officer.

having or showing profound knowledge

From this reading Higgins bit his lip and said nothing; although he was a freshman of but few months' standing, he had already learned that in athletic matters the word of a manager is law, and that a student in training would no sooner dispute his manager or trainer than a soldier would dispute an officer.

either of two fleshy folds of tissue that surround the mouth and play a role in speaking

From this reading Higgins bit his lip and said nothing; although he was a freshman of but few months' standing, he had already learned that in athletic matters the word of a manager is law, and that a student in training would no sooner dispute his manager or trainer than a soldier would dispute an officer.

someone who controls resources and expenditures

From this reading Higgins bit his lip and said nothing; although he was a freshman of but few months' standing, he had already learned that in athletic matters the word of a manager is law, and that a student in training would no sooner dispute his manager or trainer than a soldier would dispute an officer.

plural of “matter” — a vaguely specified concern

From this reading Higgins bit his lip and said nothing; although he was a freshman of but few months' standing, he had already learned that in athletic matters the word of a manager is law, and that a student in training would no sooner dispute his manager or trainer than a soldier would dispute an officer.

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

From this reading THE FINDING OF MELLOR.

plural of “month” — one of the twelve divisions of the calendar year

From this reading Higgins bit his lip and said nothing; although he was a freshman of but few months' standing, he had already learned that in athletic matters the word of a manager is law, and that a student in training would no sooner dispute his manager or trainer than a soldier would dispute an officer.

not any; not one

From this reading Higgins bit his lip and said nothing; although he was a freshman of but few months' standing, he had already learned that in athletic matters the word of a manager is law, and that a student in training would no sooner dispute his manager or trainer than a soldier would dispute an officer.

used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative

From this reading "Why," answered Higgins, hesitatingly, for he had not yet half recovered from the surprise of the event, "nothing but swapping boasts with those Princeton fellows and refusing to drink with them."

not one thing; not anything

From this reading "Why," answered Higgins, hesitatingly, for he had not yet half recovered from the surprise of the event, "nothing but swapping boasts with those Princeton fellows and refusing to drink with them."

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

From this reading "Now, Higgins," said Frank, rather sharply, as they were well out on Twenty-sixth Street, "what have you been up to?"

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading THE FINDING OF MELLOR.

any person in the armed services who holds a position of authority or command

From this reading Higgins bit his lip and said nothing; although he was a freshman of but few months' standing, he had already learned that in athletic matters the word of a manager is law, and that a student in training would no sooner dispute his manager or trainer than a soldier would dispute an officer.

touching and supported by a surface

From this reading "Now, Higgins," said Frank, rather sharply, as they were well out on Twenty-sixth Street, "what have you been up to?"

used to join alternatives or possibilities

From this reading Higgins bit his lip and said nothing; although he was a freshman of but few months' standing, he had already learned that in athletic matters the word of a manager is law, and that a student in training would no sooner dispute his manager or trainer than a soldier would dispute an officer.

not allowed to continue to bat or run

From this reading "Now, Higgins," said Frank, rather sharply, as they were well out on Twenty-sixth Street, "what have you been up to?"

a university town in central New Jersey

From this reading "Why," answered Higgins, hesitatingly, for he had not yet half recovered from the surprise of the event, "nothing but swapping boasts with those Princeton fellows and refusing to drink with them."

on the contrary

From this reading "Now, Higgins," said Frank, rather sharply, as they were well out on Twenty-sixth Street, "what have you been up to?"

freed from illness or injury

From this reading "Why," answered Higgins, hesitatingly, for he had not yet half recovered from the surprise of the event, "nothing but swapping boasts with those Princeton fellows and refusing to drink with them."

-ing form of “refuse” — show unwillingness towards

From this reading "Why," answered Higgins, hesitatingly, for he had not yet half recovered from the surprise of the event, "nothing but swapping boasts with those Princeton fellows and refusing to drink with them."

being the one previously mentioned or spoken of

From this reading "Now, Higgins," said Frank, rather sharply, as they were well out on Twenty-sixth Street, "what have you been up to?"

in an aggressive manner

From this reading "Now, Higgins," said Frank, rather sharply, as they were well out on Twenty-sixth Street, "what have you been up to?"

limited or below average in number or quantity or magnitude or extent

From this reading "It's small business for a Yale student to boast of what he can do," exclaimed Frank, in disgust.

an enlisted man or woman who serves in an army

From this reading Higgins bit his lip and said nothing; although he was a freshman of but few months' standing, he had already learned that in athletic matters the word of a manager is law, and that a student in training would no sooner dispute his manager or trainer than a soldier would dispute an officer.

comparatives of “soon” or “early”

From this reading Higgins bit his lip and said nothing; although he was a freshman of but few months' standing, he had already learned that in athletic matters the word of a manager is law, and that a student in training would no sooner dispute his manager or trainer than a soldier would dispute an officer.

having a supporting base

From this reading Higgins bit his lip and said nothing; although he was a freshman of but few months' standing, he had already learned that in athletic matters the word of a manager is law, and that a student in training would no sooner dispute his manager or trainer than a soldier would dispute an officer.

a thoroughfare (usually including sidewalks) that is lined with buildings

From this reading "Now, Higgins," said Frank, rather sharply, as they were well out on Twenty-sixth Street, "what have you been up to?"

a learner who is enrolled in an educational institution

From this reading "It's small business for a Yale student to boast of what he can do," exclaimed Frank, in disgust.

the astonishment you feel when something totally unexpected happens to you

From this reading "Why," answered Higgins, hesitatingly, for he had not yet half recovered from the surprise of the event, "nothing but swapping boasts with those Princeton fellows and refusing to drink with them."

inflected form of “swap” — exchange or give (something) in exchange for

From this reading "Why," answered Higgins, hesitatingly, for he had not yet half recovered from the surprise of the event, "nothing but swapping boasts with those Princeton fellows and refusing to drink with them."

used to introduce the second part of a comparison

From this reading Higgins bit his lip and said nothing; although he was a freshman of but few months' standing, he had already learned that in athletic matters the word of a manager is law, and that a student in training would no sooner dispute his manager or trainer than a soldier would dispute an officer.

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading Higgins bit his lip and said nothing; although he was a freshman of but few months' standing, he had already learned that in athletic matters the word of a manager is law, and that a student in training would no sooner dispute his manager or trainer than a soldier would dispute an officer.

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

From this reading THE FINDING OF MELLOR.

the people or things already mentioned, as the object

From this reading "Why," answered Higgins, hesitatingly, for he had not yet half recovered from the surprise of the event, "nothing but swapping boasts with those Princeton fellows and refusing to drink with them."

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

From this reading "Now, Higgins," said Frank, rather sharply, as they were well out on Twenty-sixth Street, "what have you been up to?"

the plural of “that”: the people or things further away, or already known

From this reading "Why," answered Higgins, hesitatingly, for he had not yet half recovered from the surprise of the event, "nothing but swapping boasts with those Princeton fellows and refusing to drink with them."

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

From this reading "Now, Higgins," said Frank, rather sharply, as they were well out on Twenty-sixth Street, "what have you been up to?"

one who trains other persons or animals

From this reading Higgins bit his lip and said nothing; although he was a freshman of but few months' standing, he had already learned that in athletic matters the word of a manager is law, and that a student in training would no sooner dispute his manager or trainer than a soldier would dispute an officer.

activity leading to skilled behavior

From this reading Higgins bit his lip and said nothing; although he was a freshman of but few months' standing, he had already learned that in athletic matters the word of a manager is law, and that a student in training would no sooner dispute his manager or trainer than a soldier would dispute an officer.

coming next after the twenty-fifth in position

From this reading "Now, Higgins," said Frank, rather sharply, as they were well out on Twenty-sixth Street, "what have you been up to?"

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

From this reading "Now, Higgins," said Frank, rather sharply, as they were well out on Twenty-sixth Street, "what have you been up to?"

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

From this reading Higgins bit his lip and said nothing; although he was a freshman of but few months' standing, he had already learned that in athletic matters the word of a manager is law, and that a student in training would no sooner dispute his manager or trainer than a soldier would dispute an officer.

(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 "Now, Higgins," said Frank, rather sharply, as they were well out on Twenty-sixth Street, "what have you been up to?"

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

From this reading "Now, Higgins," said Frank, rather sharply, as they were well out on Twenty-sixth Street, "what have you been up to?"

used to ask for information about something

From this reading "Now, Higgins," said Frank, rather sharply, as they were well out on Twenty-sixth Street, "what have you been up to?"

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

From this reading "Why," answered Higgins, hesitatingly, for he had not yet half recovered from the surprise of the event, "nothing but swapping boasts with those Princeton fellows and refusing to drink with them."

in the company of; together with

From this reading "Why," answered Higgins, hesitatingly, for he had not yet half recovered from the surprise of the event, "nothing but swapping boasts with those Princeton fellows and refusing to drink with them."

a unit of language that native speakers can identify

From this reading Higgins bit his lip and said nothing; although he was a freshman of but few months' standing, he had already learned that in athletic matters the word of a manager is law, and that a student in training would no sooner dispute his manager or trainer than a soldier would dispute an officer.

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

From this reading Higgins bit his lip and said nothing; although he was a freshman of but few months' standing, he had already learned that in athletic matters the word of a manager is law, and that a student in training would no sooner dispute his manager or trainer than a soldier would dispute an officer.

a university in Connecticut

From this reading "It's small business for a Yale student to boast of what he can do," exclaimed Frank, in disgust.

but in spite of that

From this reading "Why," answered Higgins, hesitatingly, for he had not yet half recovered from the surprise of the event, "nothing but swapping boasts with those Princeton fellows and refusing to drink with them."

the person or people being spoken to

From this reading "Now, Higgins," said Frank, rather sharply, as they were well out on Twenty-sixth Street, "what have you been up to?"