Chapter V

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

From this reading But poetry, though it may be a good consoler, is a poor substitute for substantial food and the other requisites of a comfortable life; and so Yerachmiel was not entirely satisfied with his lot, even though the great Ibn Ezra was a companion in misfortune.

the part of the day between noon and evening

From this reading He became an assiduous attendant at the local Beth Hammidrash, was present at all services, morning, afternoon, and evening, and remained in the sacred edifice during the greater part of the day and night.

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

From this reading He became an assiduous attendant at the local Beth Hammidrash, was present at all services, morning, afternoon, and evening, and remained in the sacred edifice during the greater part of the day and night.

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

From this reading “Were I to deal in candles, The sun would shine alway; And if ’twere shrouds I’d handle, Then death would pass away.”

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

From this reading He became an assiduous attendant at the local Beth Hammidrash, was present at all services, morning, afternoon, and evening, and remained in the sacred edifice during the greater part of the day and night.

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

From this reading “Were I to deal in candles, The sun would shine alway; And if ’twere shrouds I’d handle, Then death would pass away.”

marked by care and persistent effort

From this reading He became an assiduous attendant at the local Beth Hammidrash, was present at all services, morning, afternoon, and evening, and remained in the sacred edifice during the greater part of the day and night.

in or near a particular place or position

From this reading He became an assiduous attendant at the local Beth Hammidrash, was present at all services, morning, afternoon, and evening, and remained in the sacred edifice during the greater part of the day and night.

plural of “attempt” — earnest and conscientious activity intended to do or accomplish something

From this reading Finding that his attempts to earn a living by work were not crowned with success, Yerachmiel did what other unsuccessful persons have done under similar circumstances—he took to religion.

someone who waits on or tends to or attends to the needs of another

From this reading He became an assiduous attendant at the local Beth Hammidrash, was present at all services, morning, afternoon, and evening, and remained in the sacred edifice during the greater part of the day and night.

with attention; in an attentive manner

From this reading He would pray with great fervor, particularly the “prayer for sustenance” at the end of the morning service, would listen attentively to the rabbi or the other learned Talmudists expounding the Holy Law, and would sometimes try to learn a little himself from some of the bulky tomes.

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

From this reading “Were I to deal in candles, The sun would shine alway; And if ’twere shrouds I’d handle, Then death would pass away.”

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

From this reading But poetry, though it may be a good consoler, is a poor substitute for substantial food and the other requisites of a comfortable life; and so Yerachmiel was not entirely satisfied with his lot, even though the great Ibn Ezra was a companion in misfortune.

inflected form of “become” — enter or assume a certain state or condition

From this reading He became an assiduous attendant at the local Beth Hammidrash, was present at all services, morning, afternoon, and evening, and remained in the sacred edifice during the greater part of the day and night.

the 2nd letter of the Hebrew alphabet

From this reading He became an assiduous attendant at the local Beth Hammidrash, was present at all services, morning, afternoon, and evening, and remained in the sacred edifice during the greater part of the day and night.

of large size for its weight

From this reading He would pray with great fervor, particularly the “prayer for sustenance” at the end of the morning service, would listen attentively to the rabbi or the other learned Talmudists expounding the Holy Law, and would sometimes try to learn a little himself from some of the bulky tomes.

used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before

From this reading But poetry, though it may be a good consoler, is a poor substitute for substantial food and the other requisites of a comfortable life; and so Yerachmiel was not entirely satisfied with his lot, even though the great Ibn Ezra was a companion in misfortune.

showing who or what does the action

From this reading Finding that his attempts to earn a living by work were not crowned with success, Yerachmiel did what other unsuccessful persons have done under similar circumstances—he took to religion.

plural of “candle” — stick of wax with a wick in the middle

From this reading “Were I to deal in candles, The sun would shine alway; And if ’twere shrouds I’d handle, Then death would pass away.”

your overall circumstances or condition in life (including everything that happens to you)

From this reading Finding that his attempts to earn a living by work were not crowned with success, Yerachmiel did what other unsuccessful persons have done under similar circumstances—he took to religion.

providing or experiencing physical well-being or relief (“comfy” is informal)

From this reading But poetry, though it may be a good consoler, is a poor substitute for substantial food and the other requisites of a comfortable life; and so Yerachmiel was not entirely satisfied with his lot, even though the great Ibn Ezra was a companion in misfortune.

a friend who is frequently in the company of another

From this reading But poetry, though it may be a good consoler, is a poor substitute for substantial food and the other requisites of a comfortable life; and so Yerachmiel was not entirely satisfied with his lot, even though the great Ibn Ezra was a companion in misfortune.

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

From this reading But poetry, though it may be a good consoler, is a poor substitute for substantial food and the other requisites of a comfortable life; and so Yerachmiel was not entirely satisfied with his lot, even though the great Ibn Ezra was a companion in misfortune.

having an (artificial) crown on a tooth

From this reading Finding that his attempts to earn a living by work were not crowned with success, Yerachmiel did what other unsuccessful persons have done under similar circumstances—he took to religion.

time for Earth to make a complete rotation on its axis

From this reading He became an assiduous attendant at the local Beth Hammidrash, was present at all services, morning, afternoon, and evening, and remained in the sacred edifice during the greater part of the day and night.

act on verbally or in some form of artistic expression

From this reading “Were I to deal in candles, The sun would shine alway; And if ’twere shrouds I’d handle, Then death would pass away.”

the event of dying or departure from life

From this reading “Were I to deal in candles, The sun would shine alway; And if ’twere shrouds I’d handle, Then death would pass away.”

the past form of “do”, used in questions and negatives

From this reading Finding that his attempts to earn a living by work were not crowned with success, Yerachmiel did what other unsuccessful persons have done under similar circumstances—he took to religion.

having finished or arrived at completion

From this reading Finding that his attempts to earn a living by work were not crowned with success, Yerachmiel did what other unsuccessful persons have done under similar circumstances—he took to religion.

all through a period, or at some point within it

From this reading He became an assiduous attendant at the local Beth Hammidrash, was present at all services, morning, afternoon, and evening, and remained in the sacred edifice during the greater part of the day and night.

earn on some commercial or business transaction; earn as salary or wages

From this reading Finding that his attempts to earn a living by work were not crowned with success, Yerachmiel did what other unsuccessful persons have done under similar circumstances—he took to religion.

a structure that has a roof and walls and stands more or less permanently in one place

From this reading He became an assiduous attendant at the local Beth Hammidrash, was present at all services, morning, afternoon, and evening, and remained in the sacred edifice during the greater part of the day and night.

either extremity of something that has length

From this reading He would pray with great fervor, particularly the “prayer for sustenance” at the end of the morning service, would listen attentively to the rabbi or the other learned Talmudists expounding the Holy Law, and would sometimes try to learn a little himself from some of the bulky tomes.

to a complete degree or to the full or entire extent (“whole” is often used informally for “wholly”)

From this reading But poetry, though it may be a good consoler, is a poor substitute for substantial food and the other requisites of a comfortable life; and so Yerachmiel was not entirely satisfied with his lot, even though the great Ibn Ezra was a companion in misfortune.

divisible by two

From this reading But poetry, though it may be a good consoler, is a poor substitute for substantial food and the other requisites of a comfortable life; and so Yerachmiel was not entirely satisfied with his lot, even though the great Ibn Ezra was a companion in misfortune.

the latter part of the day (the period of decreasing daylight from late afternoon until nightfall)

From this reading He became an assiduous attendant at the local Beth Hammidrash, was present at all services, morning, afternoon, and evening, and remained in the sacred edifice during the greater part of the day and night.

a systematic interpretation or explanation (usually written) of a specific topic

From this reading He would pray with great fervor, particularly the “prayer for sustenance” at the end of the morning service, would listen attentively to the rabbi or the other learned Talmudists expounding the Holy Law, and would sometimes try to learn a little himself from some of the bulky tomes.

a Jewish priest and scribe sent by the Persian king to restore Jewish law and worship in Jerusalem

From this reading But poetry, though it may be a good consoler, is a poor substitute for substantial food and the other requisites of a comfortable life; and so Yerachmiel was not entirely satisfied with his lot, even though the great Ibn Ezra was a companion in misfortune.

feelings of great warmth and intensity

From this reading He would pray with great fervor, particularly the “prayer for sustenance” at the end of the morning service, would listen attentively to the rabbi or the other learned Talmudists expounding the Holy Law, and would sometimes try to learn a little himself from some of the bulky tomes.

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

From this reading Finding that his attempts to earn a living by work were not crowned with success, Yerachmiel did what other unsuccessful persons have done under similar circumstances—he took to religion.

any substance that can be metabolized by an animal to give energy and build tissue

From this reading But poetry, though it may be a good consoler, is a poor substitute for substantial food and the other requisites of a comfortable life; and so Yerachmiel was not entirely satisfied with his lot, even though the great Ibn Ezra was a companion in misfortune.

intended to be given to, or used by, somebody

From this reading But poetry, though it may be a good consoler, is a poor substitute for substantial food and the other requisites of a comfortable life; and so Yerachmiel was not entirely satisfied with his lot, even though the great Ibn Ezra was a companion in misfortune.

showing where something starts, or who sent it

From this reading He would pray with great fervor, particularly the “prayer for sustenance” at the end of the morning service, would listen attentively to the rabbi or the other learned Talmudists expounding the Holy Law, and would sometimes try to learn a little himself from some of the bulky tomes.

having desirable or positive qualities especially those suitable for a thing specified

From this reading But poetry, though it may be a good consoler, is a poor substitute for substantial food and the other requisites of a comfortable life; and so Yerachmiel was not entirely satisfied with his lot, even though the great Ibn Ezra was a companion in misfortune.

relatively large in size or number or extent; larger than others of its kind

From this reading But poetry, though it may be a good consoler, is a poor substitute for substantial food and the other requisites of a comfortable life; and so Yerachmiel was not entirely satisfied with his lot, even though the great Ibn Ezra was a companion in misfortune.

greater in size or importance or degree

From this reading He became an assiduous attendant at the local Beth Hammidrash, was present at all services, morning, afternoon, and evening, and remained in the sacred edifice during the greater part of the day and night.

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

From this reading He became an assiduous attendant at the local Beth Hammidrash, was present at all services, morning, afternoon, and evening, and remained in the sacred edifice during the greater part of the day and night.

be in charge of, act on, or dispose of

From this reading “Were I to deal in candles, The sun would shine alway; And if ’twere shrouds I’d handle, Then death would pass away.”

used with a past participle to form the perfect tenses

From this reading Finding that his attempts to earn a living by work were not crowned with success, Yerachmiel did what other unsuccessful persons have done under similar circumstances—he took to religion.

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

From this reading Finding that his attempts to earn a living by work were not crowned with success, Yerachmiel did what other unsuccessful persons have done under similar circumstances—he took to religion.

used when the man or boy doing the action is also its object

From this reading He would pray with great fervor, particularly the “prayer for sustenance” at the end of the morning service, would listen attentively to the rabbi or the other learned Talmudists expounding the Holy Law, and would sometimes try to learn a little himself from some of the bulky tomes.

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

From this reading But poetry, though it may be a good consoler, is a poor substitute for substantial food and the other requisites of a comfortable life; and so Yerachmiel was not entirely satisfied with his lot, even though the great Ibn Ezra was a companion in misfortune.

a sacred place of pilgrimage

From this reading He would pray with great fervor, particularly the “prayer for sustenance” at the end of the morning service, would listen attentively to the rabbi or the other learned Talmudists expounding the Holy Law, and would sometimes try to learn a little himself from some of the bulky tomes.

the person speaking or writing, as the subject of the verb

From this reading “Were I to deal in candles, The sun would shine alway; And if ’twere shrouds I’d handle, Then death would pass away.”

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

From this reading “Were I to deal in candles, The sun would shine alway; And if ’twere shrouds I’d handle, Then death would pass away.”

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

From this reading But poetry, though it may be a good consoler, is a poor substitute for substantial food and the other requisites of a comfortable life; and so Yerachmiel was not entirely satisfied with his lot, even though the great Ibn Ezra was a companion in misfortune.

on condition that; in the event that

From this reading “Were I to deal in candles, The sun would shine alway; And if ’twere shrouds I’d handle, Then death would pass away.”

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

From this reading “Were I to deal in candles, The sun would shine alway; And if ’twere shrouds I’d handle, Then death would pass away.”

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

From this reading But poetry, though it may be a good consoler, is a poor substitute for substantial food and the other requisites of a comfortable life; and so Yerachmiel was not entirely satisfied with his lot, even though the great Ibn Ezra was a companion in misfortune.

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading But poetry, though it may be a good consoler, is a poor substitute for substantial food and the other requisites of a comfortable life; and so Yerachmiel was not entirely satisfied with his lot, even though the great Ibn Ezra was a companion in misfortune.

the collection of rules imposed by authority

From this reading He would pray with great fervor, particularly the “prayer for sustenance” at the end of the morning service, would listen attentively to the rabbi or the other learned Talmudists expounding the Holy Law, and would sometimes try to learn a little himself from some of the bulky tomes.

gain knowledge or skills

From this reading He would pray with great fervor, particularly the “prayer for sustenance” at the end of the morning service, would listen attentively to the rabbi or the other learned Talmudists expounding the Holy Law, and would sometimes try to learn a little himself from some of the bulky tomes.

having or showing profound knowledge

From this reading He would pray with great fervor, particularly the “prayer for sustenance” at the end of the morning service, would listen attentively to the rabbi or the other learned Talmudists expounding the Holy Law, and would sometimes try to learn a little himself from some of the bulky tomes.

a characteristic state or mode of living

From this reading But poetry, though it may be a good consoler, is a poor substitute for substantial food and the other requisites of a comfortable life; and so Yerachmiel was not entirely satisfied with his lot, even though the great Ibn Ezra was a companion in misfortune.

hear with intention

From this reading He would pray with great fervor, particularly the “prayer for sustenance” at the end of the morning service, would listen attentively to the rabbi or the other learned Talmudists expounding the Holy Law, and would sometimes try to learn a little himself from some of the bulky tomes.

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

From this reading He would pray with great fervor, particularly the “prayer for sustenance” at the end of the morning service, would listen attentively to the rabbi or the other learned Talmudists expounding the Holy Law, and would sometimes try to learn a little himself from some of the bulky tomes.

the experience of being alive; the course of human events and activities

From this reading Finding that his attempts to earn a living by work were not crowned with success, Yerachmiel did what other unsuccessful persons have done under similar circumstances—he took to religion.

relating to or applicable to or concerned with the administration of a city or town or district rather than a larger area

From this reading He became an assiduous attendant at the local Beth Hammidrash, was present at all services, morning, afternoon, and evening, and remained in the sacred edifice during the greater part of the day and night.

(often followed by “of”) a large number or amount or extent

From this reading But poetry, though it may be a good consoler, is a poor substitute for substantial food and the other requisites of a comfortable life; and so Yerachmiel was not entirely satisfied with his lot, even though the great Ibn Ezra was a companion in misfortune.

used to say something is possible, or to give permission

From this reading But poetry, though it may be a good consoler, is a poor substitute for substantial food and the other requisites of a comfortable life; and so Yerachmiel was not entirely satisfied with his lot, even though the great Ibn Ezra was a companion in misfortune.

unnecessary and unforeseen trouble resulting from an unfortunate event

From this reading But poetry, though it may be a good consoler, is a poor substitute for substantial food and the other requisites of a comfortable life; and so Yerachmiel was not entirely satisfied with his lot, even though the great Ibn Ezra was a companion in misfortune.

the time period between dawn and noon

From this reading He became an assiduous attendant at the local Beth Hammidrash, was present at all services, morning, afternoon, and evening, and remained in the sacred edifice during the greater part of the day and night.

the time after sunset and before sunrise while it is dark outside

From this reading He became an assiduous attendant at the local Beth Hammidrash, was present at all services, morning, afternoon, and evening, and remained in the sacred edifice during the greater part of the day and night.

used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative

From this reading But poetry, though it may be a good consoler, is a poor substitute for substantial food and the other requisites of a comfortable life; and so Yerachmiel was not entirely satisfied with his lot, even though the great Ibn Ezra was a companion in misfortune.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading But poetry, though it may be a good consoler, is a poor substitute for substantial food and the other requisites of a comfortable life; and so Yerachmiel was not entirely satisfied with his lot, even though the great Ibn Ezra was a companion in misfortune.

used to join alternatives or possibilities

From this reading He would pray with great fervor, particularly the “prayer for sustenance” at the end of the morning service, would listen attentively to the rabbi or the other learned Talmudists expounding the Holy Law, and would sometimes try to learn a little himself from some of the bulky tomes.

not the same one or ones already mentioned or implied

From this reading But poetry, though it may be a good consoler, is a poor substitute for substantial food and the other requisites of a comfortable life; and so Yerachmiel was not entirely satisfied with his lot, even though the great Ibn Ezra was a companion in misfortune.

something determined in relation to something that includes it

From this reading He became an assiduous attendant at the local Beth Hammidrash, was present at all services, morning, afternoon, and evening, and remained in the sacred edifice during the greater part of the day and night.

to a distinctly greater extent or degree than is common

From this reading He would pray with great fervor, particularly the “prayer for sustenance” at the end of the morning service, would listen attentively to the rabbi or the other learned Talmudists expounding the Holy Law, and would sometimes try to learn a little himself from some of the bulky tomes.

go across or through

From this reading “Were I to deal in candles, The sun would shine alway; And if ’twere shrouds I’d handle, Then death would pass away.”

plural of “person” — a human being

From this reading Finding that his attempts to earn a living by work were not crowned with success, Yerachmiel did what other unsuccessful persons have done under similar circumstances—he took to religion.

literature in metrical form

From this reading But poetry, though it may be a good consoler, is a poor substitute for substantial food and the other requisites of a comfortable life; and so Yerachmiel was not entirely satisfied with his lot, even though the great Ibn Ezra was a companion in misfortune.

deserving or inciting pity

From this reading But poetry, though it may be a good consoler, is a poor substitute for substantial food and the other requisites of a comfortable life; and so Yerachmiel was not entirely satisfied with his lot, even though the great Ibn Ezra was a companion in misfortune.

address a deity, a prophet, a saint or an object of worship; say a prayer

From this reading He would pray with great fervor, particularly the “prayer for sustenance” at the end of the morning service, would listen attentively to the rabbi or the other learned Talmudists expounding the Holy Law, and would sometimes try to learn a little himself from some of the bulky tomes.

the act of communicating with a deity (especially as a petition or in adoration or contrition or thanksgiving)

From this reading He would pray with great fervor, particularly the “prayer for sustenance” at the end of the morning service, would listen attentively to the rabbi or the other learned Talmudists expounding the Holy Law, and would sometimes try to learn a little himself from some of the bulky tomes.

give an exhibition of to an interested audience

From this reading He became an assiduous attendant at the local Beth Hammidrash, was present at all services, morning, afternoon, and evening, and remained in the sacred edifice during the greater part of the day and night.

spiritual leader of a Jewish congregation; qualified to expound and apply Jewish law

From this reading He would pray with great fervor, particularly the “prayer for sustenance” at the end of the morning service, would listen attentively to the rabbi or the other learned Talmudists expounding the Holy Law, and would sometimes try to learn a little himself from some of the bulky tomes.

a strong belief in a supernatural power or powers that control human destiny

From this reading Finding that his attempts to earn a living by work were not crowned with success, Yerachmiel did what other unsuccessful persons have done under similar circumstances—he took to religion.

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

From this reading He became an assiduous attendant at the local Beth Hammidrash, was present at all services, morning, afternoon, and evening, and remained in the sacred edifice during the greater part of the day and night.

plural of “requisite” — anything indispensable

From this reading But poetry, though it may be a good consoler, is a poor substitute for substantial food and the other requisites of a comfortable life; and so Yerachmiel was not entirely satisfied with his lot, even though the great Ibn Ezra was a companion in misfortune.

concerned with religion or religious purposes

From this reading He became an assiduous attendant at the local Beth Hammidrash, was present at all services, morning, afternoon, and evening, and remained in the sacred edifice during the greater part of the day and night.

filled with satisfaction

From this reading But poetry, though it may be a good consoler, is a poor substitute for substantial food and the other requisites of a comfortable life; and so Yerachmiel was not entirely satisfied with his lot, even though the great Ibn Ezra was a companion in misfortune.

work done by one person or group that benefits another

From this reading He would pray with great fervor, particularly the “prayer for sustenance” at the end of the morning service, would listen attentively to the rabbi or the other learned Talmudists expounding the Holy Law, and would sometimes try to learn a little himself from some of the bulky tomes.

performance of duties or provision of space and equipment helpful to others

From this reading He became an assiduous attendant at the local Beth Hammidrash, was present at all services, morning, afternoon, and evening, and remained in the sacred edifice during the greater part of the day and night.

be bright by reflecting or casting light

From this reading “Were I to deal in candles, The sun would shine alway; And if ’twere shrouds I’d handle, Then death would pass away.”

plural of “shroud” — a line that suspends the harness from the canopy of a parachute

From this reading “Were I to deal in candles, The sun would shine alway; And if ’twere shrouds I’d handle, Then death would pass away.”

marked by correspondence or resemblance

From this reading Finding that his attempts to earn a living by work were not crowned with success, Yerachmiel did what other unsuccessful persons have done under similar circumstances—he took to religion.

for that reason; with the result that

From this reading But poetry, though it may be a good consoler, is a poor substitute for substantial food and the other requisites of a comfortable life; and so Yerachmiel was not entirely satisfied with his lot, even though the great Ibn Ezra was a companion in misfortune.

(quantifier) used with either mass nouns or plural count nouns to indicate an unspecified number or quantity

From this reading He would pray with great fervor, particularly the “prayer for sustenance” at the end of the morning service, would listen attentively to the rabbi or the other learned Talmudists expounding the Holy Law, and would sometimes try to learn a little himself from some of the bulky tomes.

on certain occasions or in certain cases but not always

From this reading He would pray with great fervor, particularly the “prayer for sustenance” at the end of the morning service, would listen attentively to the rabbi or the other learned Talmudists expounding the Holy Law, and would sometimes try to learn a little himself from some of the bulky tomes.

of considerable importance, size, or worth

From this reading But poetry, though it may be a good consoler, is a poor substitute for substantial food and the other requisites of a comfortable life; and so Yerachmiel was not entirely satisfied with his lot, even though the great Ibn Ezra was a companion in misfortune.

put in the place of another; switch seemingly equivalent items

From this reading But poetry, though it may be a good consoler, is a poor substitute for substantial food and the other requisites of a comfortable life; and so Yerachmiel was not entirely satisfied with his lot, even though the great Ibn Ezra was a companion in misfortune.

an event that accomplishes its intended purpose

From this reading Finding that his attempts to earn a living by work were not crowned with success, Yerachmiel did what other unsuccessful persons have done under similar circumstances—he took to religion.

the star that is the source of light and heat for the planets in the solar system

From this reading “Were I to deal in candles, The sun would shine alway; And if ’twere shrouds I’d handle, Then death would pass away.”

a source of materials to nourish the body

From this reading He would pray with great fervor, particularly the “prayer for sustenance” at the end of the morning service, would listen attentively to the rabbi or the other learned Talmudists expounding the Holy Law, and would sometimes try to learn a little himself from some of the bulky tomes.

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

From this reading He would pray with great fervor, particularly the “prayer for sustenance” at the end of the morning service, would listen attentively to the rabbi or the other learned Talmudists expounding the Holy Law, and would sometimes try to learn a little himself from some of the bulky tomes.

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading Finding that his attempts to earn a living by work were not crowned with success, Yerachmiel did what other unsuccessful persons have done under similar circumstances—he took to religion.

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

From this reading “Were I to deal in candles, The sun would shine alway; And if ’twere shrouds I’d handle, Then death would pass away.”

subsequently or soon afterward (often used as sentence connectors)

From this reading “Were I to deal in candles, The sun would shine alway; And if ’twere shrouds I’d handle, Then death would pass away.”

in spite of the fact that

From this reading But poetry, though it may be a good consoler, is a poor substitute for substantial food and the other requisites of a comfortable life; and so Yerachmiel was not entirely satisfied with his lot, even though the great Ibn Ezra was a companion in misfortune.

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

From this reading “Were I to deal in candles, The sun would shine alway; And if ’twere shrouds I’d handle, Then death would pass away.”

plural of “tome” — a (usually) large and scholarly book

From this reading He would pray with great fervor, particularly the “prayer for sustenance” at the end of the morning service, would listen attentively to the rabbi or the other learned Talmudists expounding the Holy Law, and would sometimes try to learn a little himself from some of the bulky tomes.

inflected form of “take” — carry out

From this reading Finding that his attempts to earn a living by work were not crowned with success, Yerachmiel did what other unsuccessful persons have done under similar circumstances—he took to religion.

make an effort or attempt

From this reading He would pray with great fervor, particularly the “prayer for sustenance” at the end of the morning service, would listen attentively to the rabbi or the other learned Talmudists expounding the Holy Law, and would sometimes try to learn a little himself from some of the bulky tomes.

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

From this reading “Were I to deal in candles, The sun would shine alway; And if ’twere shrouds I’d handle, Then death would pass away.”

below or beneath something; less than

From this reading Finding that his attempts to earn a living by work were not crowned with success, Yerachmiel did what other unsuccessful persons have done under similar circumstances—he took to religion.

not successful; having failed or having an unfavorable outcome

From this reading Finding that his attempts to earn a living by work were not crowned with success, Yerachmiel did what other unsuccessful persons have done under similar circumstances—he took to religion.

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

From this reading But poetry, though it may be a good consoler, is a poor substitute for substantial food and the other requisites of a comfortable life; and so Yerachmiel was not entirely satisfied with his lot, even though the great Ibn Ezra was a companion in misfortune.

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

From this reading “Were I to deal in candles, The sun would shine alway; And if ’twere shrouds I’d handle, Then death would pass away.”

used to ask for information about something

From this reading Finding that his attempts to earn a living by work were not crowned with success, Yerachmiel did what other unsuccessful persons have done under similar circumstances—he took to religion.

in the company of; together with

From this reading But poetry, though it may be a good consoler, is a poor substitute for substantial food and the other requisites of a comfortable life; and so Yerachmiel was not entirely satisfied with his lot, even though the great Ibn Ezra was a companion in misfortune.

exert oneself by doing mental or physical work for a purpose or out of necessity

From this reading Finding that his attempts to earn a living by work were not crowned with success, Yerachmiel did what other unsuccessful persons have done under similar circumstances—he took to religion.

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

From this reading “Were I to deal in candles, The sun would shine alway; And if ’twere shrouds I’d handle, Then death would pass away.”

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

From this reading But poetry, though it may be a good consoler, is a poor substitute for substantial food and the other requisites of a comfortable life; and so Yerachmiel was not entirely satisfied with his lot, even though the great Ibn Ezra was a companion in misfortune.