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 Tongs, a confirmed toper, was easily persuaded to anything that guarantied hard drinking.

commonly used or practiced; usual

From this reading Brooks, his brother-in-law, was a somewhat better and less pregnable person; but he was a widower, had been a good deal with Tongs, and, what with the accustomed loneliness of the office which he held, and the gloomy dwelling in which it required he should live, he found it not such an easy matter to resist the temptation of social enjoyment, and all the pleasant associations of that good-fellowship, which Bunce had taken care to depict before the minds of both parties.

(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 Brooks, his brother-in-law, was a somewhat better and less pregnable person; but he was a widower, had been a good deal with Tongs, and, what with the accustomed loneliness of the office which he held, and the gloomy dwelling in which it required he should live, he found it not such an easy matter to resist the temptation of social enjoyment, and all the pleasant associations of that good-fellowship, which Bunce had taken care to depict before the minds of both parties.

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

From this reading Brooks, his brother-in-law, was a somewhat better and less pregnable person; but he was a widower, had been a good deal with Tongs, and, what with the accustomed loneliness of the office which he held, and the gloomy dwelling in which it required he should live, he found it not such an easy matter to resist the temptation of social enjoyment, and all the pleasant associations of that good-fellowship, which Bunce had taken care to depict before the minds of both parties.

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

From this reading SACK AND SUGAR.

any thing at all

From this reading Tongs, a confirmed toper, was easily persuaded to anything that guarantied hard drinking.

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

From this reading The task of getting the desired guests, as Munro had assured him, was by no means difficult, and our pedler was not long in reporting progress.

plural of “association” — a formal organization of people or groups of people

From this reading Brooks, his brother-in-law, was a somewhat better and less pregnable person; but he was a widower, had been a good deal with Tongs, and, what with the accustomed loneliness of the office which he held, and the gloomy dwelling in which it required he should live, he found it not such an easy matter to resist the temptation of social enjoyment, and all the pleasant associations of that good-fellowship, which Bunce had taken care to depict before the minds of both parties.

marked by assurance; exhibiting confidence

From this reading The task of getting the desired guests, as Munro had assured him, was by no means difficult, and our pedler was not long in reporting progress.

the past participle of “be”

From this reading Brooks, his brother-in-law, was a somewhat better and less pregnable person; but he was a widower, had been a good deal with Tongs, and, what with the accustomed loneliness of the office which he held, and the gloomy dwelling in which it required he should live, he found it not such an easy matter to resist the temptation of social enjoyment, and all the pleasant associations of that good-fellowship, which Bunce had taken care to depict before the minds of both parties.

earlier than; in front of

From this reading Brooks, his brother-in-law, was a somewhat better and less pregnable person; but he was a widower, had been a good deal with Tongs, and, what with the accustomed loneliness of the office which he held, and the gloomy dwelling in which it required he should live, he found it not such an easy matter to resist the temptation of social enjoyment, and all the pleasant associations of that good-fellowship, which Bunce had taken care to depict before the minds of both parties.

(comparative of “good”) superior to another (of the same class or set or kind) in excellence or quality or desirability or suitability; more highly skilled than another

From this reading Brooks, his brother-in-law, was a somewhat better and less pregnable person; but he was a widower, had been a good deal with Tongs, and, what with the accustomed loneliness of the office which he held, and the gloomy dwelling in which it required he should live, he found it not such an easy matter to resist the temptation of social enjoyment, and all the pleasant associations of that good-fellowship, which Bunce had taken care to depict before the minds of both parties.

the two together, not just one

From this reading Brooks, his brother-in-law, was a somewhat better and less pregnable person; but he was a widower, had been a good deal with Tongs, and, what with the accustomed loneliness of the office which he held, and the gloomy dwelling in which it required he should live, he found it not such an easy matter to resist the temptation of social enjoyment, and all the pleasant associations of that good-fellowship, which Bunce had taken care to depict before the minds of both parties.

United States literary critic and historian (1886-1963)

From this reading Brooks, his brother-in-law, was a somewhat better and less pregnable person; but he was a widower, had been a good deal with Tongs, and, what with the accustomed loneliness of the office which he held, and the gloomy dwelling in which it required he should live, he found it not such an easy matter to resist the temptation of social enjoyment, and all the pleasant associations of that good-fellowship, which Bunce had taken care to depict before the minds of both parties.

a brother by marriage

From this reading Brooks, his brother-in-law, was a somewhat better and less pregnable person; but he was a widower, had been a good deal with Tongs, and, what with the accustomed loneliness of the office which he held, and the gloomy dwelling in which it required he should live, he found it not such an easy matter to resist the temptation of social enjoyment, and all the pleasant associations of that good-fellowship, which Bunce had taken care to depict before the minds of both parties.

a sudden happening that brings good fortune (as a sudden opportunity to make money)

From this reading Brooks, his brother-in-law, was a somewhat better and less pregnable person; but he was a widower, had been a good deal with Tongs, and, what with the accustomed loneliness of the office which he held, and the gloomy dwelling in which it required he should live, he found it not such an easy matter to resist the temptation of social enjoyment, and all the pleasant associations of that good-fellowship, which Bunce had taken care to depict before the minds of both parties.

used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before

From this reading Brooks, his brother-in-law, was a somewhat better and less pregnable person; but he was a widower, had been a good deal with Tongs, and, what with the accustomed loneliness of the office which he held, and the gloomy dwelling in which it required he should live, he found it not such an easy matter to resist the temptation of social enjoyment, and all the pleasant associations of that good-fellowship, which Bunce had taken care to depict before the minds of both parties.

showing who or what does the action

From this reading The task of getting the desired guests, as Munro had assured him, was by no means difficult, and our pedler was not long in reporting progress.

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

From this reading Brooks, his brother-in-law, was a somewhat better and less pregnable person; but he was a widower, had been a good deal with Tongs, and, what with the accustomed loneliness of the office which he held, and the gloomy dwelling in which it required he should live, he found it not such an easy matter to resist the temptation of social enjoyment, and all the pleasant associations of that good-fellowship, which Bunce had taken care to depict before the minds of both parties.

of persons; not subject to change

From this reading Tongs, a confirmed toper, was easily persuaded to anything that guarantied hard drinking.

act on verbally or in some form of artistic expression

From this reading Brooks, his brother-in-law, was a somewhat better and less pregnable person; but he was a widower, had been a good deal with Tongs, and, what with the accustomed loneliness of the office which he held, and the gloomy dwelling in which it required he should live, he found it not such an easy matter to resist the temptation of social enjoyment, and all the pleasant associations of that good-fellowship, which Bunce had taken care to depict before the minds of both parties.

a wild gathering involving excessive drinking and promiscuity

From this reading He luxuriated in the very idea of a debauch.

show in, or as in, a picture

From this reading Brooks, his brother-in-law, was a somewhat better and less pregnable person; but he was a widower, had been a good deal with Tongs, and, what with the accustomed loneliness of the office which he held, and the gloomy dwelling in which it required he should live, he found it not such an easy matter to resist the temptation of social enjoyment, and all the pleasant associations of that good-fellowship, which Bunce had taken care to depict before the minds of both parties.

wanted intensely

From this reading The task of getting the desired guests, as Munro had assured him, was by no means difficult, and our pedler was not long in reporting progress.

not easy; requiring great physical or mental effort to accomplish or comprehend or endure

From this reading The task of getting the desired guests, as Munro had assured him, was by no means difficult, and our pedler was not long in reporting progress.

the act of consuming liquids

From this reading Tongs, a confirmed toper, was easily persuaded to anything that guarantied hard drinking.

housing that someone is living in

From this reading Brooks, his brother-in-law, was a somewhat better and less pregnable person; but he was a widower, had been a good deal with Tongs, and, what with the accustomed loneliness of the office which he held, and the gloomy dwelling in which it required he should live, he found it not such an easy matter to resist the temptation of social enjoyment, and all the pleasant associations of that good-fellowship, which Bunce had taken care to depict before the minds of both parties.

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

From this reading Tongs, a confirmed toper, was easily persuaded to anything that guarantied hard drinking.

posing no difficulty; requiring little effort

From this reading Brooks, his brother-in-law, was a somewhat better and less pregnable person; but he was a widower, had been a good deal with Tongs, and, what with the accustomed loneliness of the office which he held, and the gloomy dwelling in which it required he should live, he found it not such an easy matter to resist the temptation of social enjoyment, and all the pleasant associations of that good-fellowship, which Bunce had taken care to depict before the minds of both parties.

the pleasure felt when having a good time

From this reading Brooks, his brother-in-law, was a somewhat better and less pregnable person; but he was a widower, had been a good deal with Tongs, and, what with the accustomed loneliness of the office which he held, and the gloomy dwelling in which it required he should live, he found it not such an easy matter to resist the temptation of social enjoyment, and all the pleasant associations of that good-fellowship, which Bunce had taken care to depict before the minds of both parties.

set up or found

From this reading Brooks, his brother-in-law, was a somewhat better and less pregnable person; but he was a widower, had been a good deal with Tongs, and, what with the accustomed loneliness of the office which he held, and the gloomy dwelling in which it required he should live, he found it not such an easy matter to resist the temptation of social enjoyment, and all the pleasant associations of that good-fellowship, which Bunce had taken care to depict before the minds of both parties.

the act of acquiring something

From this reading The task of getting the desired guests, as Munro had assured him, was by no means difficult, and our pedler was not long in reporting progress.

depressingly dark

From this reading Brooks, his brother-in-law, was a somewhat better and less pregnable person; but he was a widower, had been a good deal with Tongs, and, what with the accustomed loneliness of the office which he held, and the gloomy dwelling in which it required he should live, he found it not such an easy matter to resist the temptation of social enjoyment, and all the pleasant associations of that good-fellowship, which Bunce had taken care to depict before the minds of both parties.

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

From this reading Brooks, his brother-in-law, was a somewhat better and less pregnable person; but he was a widower, had been a good deal with Tongs, and, what with the accustomed loneliness of the office which he held, and the gloomy dwelling in which it required he should live, he found it not such an easy matter to resist the temptation of social enjoyment, and all the pleasant associations of that good-fellowship, which Bunce had taken care to depict before the minds of both parties.

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

From this reading Brooks, his brother-in-law, was a somewhat better and less pregnable person; but he was a widower, had been a good deal with Tongs, and, what with the accustomed loneliness of the office which he held, and the gloomy dwelling in which it required he should live, he found it not such an easy matter to resist the temptation of social enjoyment, and all the pleasant associations of that good-fellowship, which Bunce had taken care to depict before the minds of both parties.

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

From this reading Tongs, a confirmed toper, was easily persuaded to anything that guarantied hard drinking.

plural of “guest” — a visitor to whom hospitality is extended

From this reading The task of getting the desired guests, as Munro had assured him, was by no means difficult, and our pedler was not long in reporting progress.

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

From this reading The task of getting the desired guests, as Munro had assured him, was by no means difficult, and our pedler was not long in reporting progress.

not easy; requiring great physical or mental effort to accomplish or comprehend or endure

From this reading Tongs, a confirmed toper, was easily persuaded to anything that guarantied hard drinking.

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

From this reading He luxuriated in the very idea of a debauch.

occupied or in the control of; often used in combination

From this reading Brooks, his brother-in-law, was a somewhat better and less pregnable person; but he was a widower, had been a good deal with Tongs, and, what with the accustomed loneliness of the office which he held, and the gloomy dwelling in which it required he should live, he found it not such an easy matter to resist the temptation of social enjoyment, and all the pleasant associations of that good-fellowship, which Bunce had taken care to depict before the minds of both parties.

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

From this reading The task of getting the desired guests, as Munro had assured him, was by no means difficult, and our pedler was not long in reporting progress.

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

From this reading Brooks, his brother-in-law, was a somewhat better and less pregnable person; but he was a widower, had been a good deal with Tongs, and, what with the accustomed loneliness of the office which he held, and the gloomy dwelling in which it required he should live, he found it not such an easy matter to resist the temptation of social enjoyment, and all the pleasant associations of that good-fellowship, which Bunce had taken care to depict before the minds of both parties.

the content of cognition; the main thing you are thinking about

From this reading He luxuriated in the very idea of a debauch.

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

From this reading The task of getting the desired guests, as Munro had assured him, was by no means difficult, and our pedler was not long in reporting progress.

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading Brooks, his brother-in-law, was a somewhat better and less pregnable person; but he was a widower, had been a good deal with Tongs, and, what with the accustomed loneliness of the office which he held, and the gloomy dwelling in which it required he should live, he found it not such an easy matter to resist the temptation of social enjoyment, and all the pleasant associations of that good-fellowship, which Bunce had taken care to depict before the minds of both parties.

used to form the comparative of some adjectives and adverbs

From this reading Brooks, his brother-in-law, was a somewhat better and less pregnable person; but he was a widower, had been a good deal with Tongs, and, what with the accustomed loneliness of the office which he held, and the gloomy dwelling in which it required he should live, he found it not such an easy matter to resist the temptation of social enjoyment, and all the pleasant associations of that good-fellowship, which Bunce had taken care to depict before the minds of both parties.

be an inhabitant of or reside in

From this reading Brooks, his brother-in-law, was a somewhat better and less pregnable person; but he was a widower, had been a good deal with Tongs, and, what with the accustomed loneliness of the office which he held, and the gloomy dwelling in which it required he should live, he found it not such an easy matter to resist the temptation of social enjoyment, and all the pleasant associations of that good-fellowship, which Bunce had taken care to depict before the minds of both parties.

the state of being alone in solitary isolation

From this reading Brooks, his brother-in-law, was a somewhat better and less pregnable person; but he was a widower, had been a good deal with Tongs, and, what with the accustomed loneliness of the office which he held, and the gloomy dwelling in which it required he should live, he found it not such an easy matter to resist the temptation of social enjoyment, and all the pleasant associations of that good-fellowship, which Bunce had taken care to depict before the minds of both parties.

primarily temporal sense; being or indicating a relatively great or greater than average duration or passage of time or a duration as specified

From this reading The task of getting the desired guests, as Munro had assured him, was by no means difficult, and our pedler was not long in reporting progress.

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

From this reading He luxuriated in the very idea of a debauch.

a vaguely specified concern

From this reading Brooks, his brother-in-law, was a somewhat better and less pregnable person; but he was a widower, had been a good deal with Tongs, and, what with the accustomed loneliness of the office which he held, and the gloomy dwelling in which it required he should live, he found it not such an easy matter to resist the temptation of social enjoyment, and all the pleasant associations of that good-fellowship, which Bunce had taken care to depict before the minds of both parties.

thing or person that acts to produce a particular effect or achieve an end

From this reading The task of getting the desired guests, as Munro had assured him, was by no means difficult, and our pedler was not long in reporting progress.

plural of “mind” — that which is responsible for one's thoughts, feelings, and conscious brain functions; the seat of the faculty of reason

From this reading Brooks, his brother-in-law, was a somewhat better and less pregnable person; but he was a widower, had been a good deal with Tongs, and, what with the accustomed loneliness of the office which he held, and the gloomy dwelling in which it required he should live, he found it not such an easy matter to resist the temptation of social enjoyment, and all the pleasant associations of that good-fellowship, which Bunce had taken care to depict before the minds of both parties.

British writer of short stories (1870-1916)

From this reading The task of getting the desired guests, as Munro had assured him, was by no means difficult, and our pedler was not long in reporting progress.

not any; not one

From this reading The task of getting the desired guests, as Munro had assured him, was by no means difficult, and our pedler was not long in reporting progress.

used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative

From this reading The task of getting the desired guests, as Munro had assured him, was by no means difficult, and our pedler was not long in reporting progress.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading The task of getting the desired guests, as Munro had assured him, was by no means difficult, and our pedler was not long in reporting progress.

place of business where professional or clerical duties are performed

From this reading Brooks, his brother-in-law, was a somewhat better and less pregnable person; but he was a widower, had been a good deal with Tongs, and, what with the accustomed loneliness of the office which he held, and the gloomy dwelling in which it required he should live, he found it not such an easy matter to resist the temptation of social enjoyment, and all the pleasant associations of that good-fellowship, which Bunce had taken care to depict before the minds of both parties.

belonging to the speaker and others

From this reading The task of getting the desired guests, as Munro had assured him, was by no means difficult, and our pedler was not long in reporting progress.

plural of “party” — an organization to gain political power

From this reading Brooks, his brother-in-law, was a somewhat better and less pregnable person; but he was a widower, had been a good deal with Tongs, and, what with the accustomed loneliness of the office which he held, and the gloomy dwelling in which it required he should live, he found it not such an easy matter to resist the temptation of social enjoyment, and all the pleasant associations of that good-fellowship, which Bunce had taken care to depict before the minds of both parties.

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

From this reading The task of getting the desired guests, as Munro had assured him, was by no means difficult, and our pedler was not long in reporting progress.

a human being

From this reading Brooks, his brother-in-law, was a somewhat better and less pregnable person; but he was a widower, had been a good deal with Tongs, and, what with the accustomed loneliness of the office which he held, and the gloomy dwelling in which it required he should live, he found it not such an easy matter to resist the temptation of social enjoyment, and all the pleasant associations of that good-fellowship, which Bunce had taken care to depict before the minds of both parties.

past form of “persuade” — win approval or support for

From this reading Tongs, a confirmed toper, was easily persuaded to anything that guarantied hard drinking.

affording pleasure; being in harmony with your taste or likings

From this reading Brooks, his brother-in-law, was a somewhat better and less pregnable person; but he was a widower, had been a good deal with Tongs, and, what with the accustomed loneliness of the office which he held, and the gloomy dwelling in which it required he should live, he found it not such an easy matter to resist the temptation of social enjoyment, and all the pleasant associations of that good-fellowship, which Bunce had taken care to depict before the minds of both parties.

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

From this reading Brooks, his brother-in-law, was a somewhat better and less pregnable person; but he was a widower, had been a good deal with Tongs, and, what with the accustomed loneliness of the office which he held, and the gloomy dwelling in which it required he should live, he found it not such an easy matter to resist the temptation of social enjoyment, and all the pleasant associations of that good-fellowship, which Bunce had taken care to depict before the minds of both parties.

gradual improvement or growth or development

From this reading The task of getting the desired guests, as Munro had assured him, was by no means difficult, and our pedler was not long in reporting progress.

the news as presented by reporters for newspapers or radio or television

From this reading The task of getting the desired guests, as Munro had assured him, was by no means difficult, and our pedler was not long in reporting progress.

necessary for relief or supply

From this reading Brooks, his brother-in-law, was a somewhat better and less pregnable person; but he was a widower, had been a good deal with Tongs, and, what with the accustomed loneliness of the office which he held, and the gloomy dwelling in which it required he should live, he found it not such an easy matter to resist the temptation of social enjoyment, and all the pleasant associations of that good-fellowship, which Bunce had taken care to depict before the minds of both parties.

elude, especially in a baffling way

From this reading Brooks, his brother-in-law, was a somewhat better and less pregnable person; but he was a widower, had been a good deal with Tongs, and, what with the accustomed loneliness of the office which he held, and the gloomy dwelling in which it required he should live, he found it not such an easy matter to resist the temptation of social enjoyment, and all the pleasant associations of that good-fellowship, which Bunce had taken care to depict before the minds of both parties.

a bag made of paper or plastic for holding customer's purchases

From this reading SACK AND SUGAR.

used to say what is right, expected, or advisable

From this reading Brooks, his brother-in-law, was a somewhat better and less pregnable person; but he was a widower, had been a good deal with Tongs, and, what with the accustomed loneliness of the office which he held, and the gloomy dwelling in which it required he should live, he found it not such an easy matter to resist the temptation of social enjoyment, and all the pleasant associations of that good-fellowship, which Bunce had taken care to depict before the minds of both parties.

relating to human society and its members

From this reading Brooks, his brother-in-law, was a somewhat better and less pregnable person; but he was a widower, had been a good deal with Tongs, and, what with the accustomed loneliness of the office which he held, and the gloomy dwelling in which it required he should live, he found it not such an easy matter to resist the temptation of social enjoyment, and all the pleasant associations of that good-fellowship, which Bunce had taken care to depict before the minds of both parties.

to a small degree or extent

From this reading Brooks, his brother-in-law, was a somewhat better and less pregnable person; but he was a widower, had been a good deal with Tongs, and, what with the accustomed loneliness of the office which he held, and the gloomy dwelling in which it required he should live, he found it not such an easy matter to resist the temptation of social enjoyment, and all the pleasant associations of that good-fellowship, which Bunce had taken care to depict before the minds of both parties.

of the kind already mentioned

From this reading Brooks, his brother-in-law, was a somewhat better and less pregnable person; but he was a widower, had been a good deal with Tongs, and, what with the accustomed loneliness of the office which he held, and the gloomy dwelling in which it required he should live, he found it not such an easy matter to resist the temptation of social enjoyment, and all the pleasant associations of that good-fellowship, which Bunce had taken care to depict before the minds of both parties.

a white crystalline carbohydrate used as a sweetener and preservative

From this reading SACK AND SUGAR.

understood in a certain way; made sense of

From this reading Brooks, his brother-in-law, was a somewhat better and less pregnable person; but he was a widower, had been a good deal with Tongs, and, what with the accustomed loneliness of the office which he held, and the gloomy dwelling in which it required he should live, he found it not such an easy matter to resist the temptation of social enjoyment, and all the pleasant associations of that good-fellowship, which Bunce had taken care to depict before the minds of both parties.

any piece of work that is undertaken or attempted

From this reading The task of getting the desired guests, as Munro had assured him, was by no means difficult, and our pedler was not long in reporting progress.

something that seduces or has the quality to seduce

From this reading Brooks, his brother-in-law, was a somewhat better and less pregnable person; but he was a widower, had been a good deal with Tongs, and, what with the accustomed loneliness of the office which he held, and the gloomy dwelling in which it required he should live, he found it not such an easy matter to resist the temptation of social enjoyment, and all the pleasant associations of that good-fellowship, which Bunce had taken care to depict before the minds of both parties.

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading Tongs, a confirmed toper, was easily persuaded to anything that guarantied hard drinking.

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

From this reading The task of getting the desired guests, as Munro had assured him, was by no means difficult, and our pedler was not long in reporting progress.

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

From this reading Tongs, a confirmed toper, was easily persuaded to anything that guarantied hard drinking.

any of various devices for taking hold of objects; usually have two hinged legs with handles above and pointed hooks below

From this reading Tongs, a confirmed toper, was easily persuaded to anything that guarantied hard drinking.

a person who drinks alcoholic beverages (especially to excess)

From this reading Tongs, a confirmed toper, was easily persuaded to anything that guarantied hard drinking.

precisely as stated

From this reading He luxuriated in the very idea of a debauch.

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

From this reading The task of getting the desired guests, as Munro had assured him, was by no means difficult, and our pedler was not long in reporting progress.

used to ask for information about something

From this reading Brooks, his brother-in-law, was a somewhat better and less pregnable person; but he was a widower, had been a good deal with Tongs, and, what with the accustomed loneliness of the office which he held, and the gloomy dwelling in which it required he should live, he found it not such an easy matter to resist the temptation of social enjoyment, and all the pleasant associations of that good-fellowship, which Bunce had taken care to depict before the minds of both parties.

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

From this reading Brooks, his brother-in-law, was a somewhat better and less pregnable person; but he was a widower, had been a good deal with Tongs, and, what with the accustomed loneliness of the office which he held, and the gloomy dwelling in which it required he should live, he found it not such an easy matter to resist the temptation of social enjoyment, and all the pleasant associations of that good-fellowship, which Bunce had taken care to depict before the minds of both parties.

a man whose wife is dead especially one who has not remarried

From this reading Brooks, his brother-in-law, was a somewhat better and less pregnable person; but he was a widower, had been a good deal with Tongs, and, what with the accustomed loneliness of the office which he held, and the gloomy dwelling in which it required he should live, he found it not such an easy matter to resist the temptation of social enjoyment, and all the pleasant associations of that good-fellowship, which Bunce had taken care to depict before the minds of both parties.

in the company of; together with

From this reading Brooks, his brother-in-law, was a somewhat better and less pregnable person; but he was a widower, had been a good deal with Tongs, and, what with the accustomed loneliness of the office which he held, and the gloomy dwelling in which it required he should live, he found it not such an easy matter to resist the temptation of social enjoyment, and all the pleasant associations of that good-fellowship, which Bunce had taken care to depict before the minds of both parties.