Chapter IX · Chapter 9

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

From this reading And if the worst had fall'n which could befall, He stood, a stranger in this breathing world, An erring spirit from another hurled; A thing of dark imaginings, that shaped By choice the perils he by chance escaped; But 'scaped in vain.

on the subject of; concerning

From this reading "Now, James," said his companion, whose ready familiarity was becoming exceedingly distasteful, "they are about to begin, see!"

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

From this reading Edmund Wynne was rudely awakened from the train of thought into which he had fallen by the rough hand of the ostler, which alighted upon his shoulders with a smack which was re-echoed in the farthest corner of the yard.

prior to a specified or implied time

From this reading The courtyard was, in fact, already more than comfortably filled.

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

From this reading And if the worst had fall'n which could befall, He stood, a stranger in this breathing world, An erring spirit from another hurled; A thing of dark imaginings, that shaped By choice the perils he by chance escaped; But 'scaped in vain.

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

From this reading And if the worst had fall'n which could befall, He stood, a stranger in this breathing world, An erring spirit from another hurled; A thing of dark imaginings, that shaped By choice the perils he by chance escaped; But 'scaped in vain.

one more of the same kind, or a different one

From this reading And if the worst had fall'n which could befall, He stood, a stranger in this breathing world, An erring spirit from another hurled; A thing of dark imaginings, that shaped By choice the perils he by chance escaped; But 'scaped in vain.

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

From this reading "Now, James," said his companion, whose ready familiarity was becoming exceedingly distasteful, "they are about to begin, see!"

aroused or activated

From this reading Edmund Wynne was rudely awakened from the train of thought into which he had fallen by the rough hand of the ostler, which alighted upon his shoulders with a smack which was re-echoed in the farthest corner of the yard.

according with custom or propriety

From this reading "Now, James," said his companion, whose ready familiarity was becoming exceedingly distasteful, "they are about to begin, see!"

become of; happen to

From this reading And if the worst had fall'n which could befall, He stood, a stranger in this breathing world, An erring spirit from another hurled; A thing of dark imaginings, that shaped By choice the perils he by chance escaped; But 'scaped in vain.

take the first step or steps in carrying out an action

From this reading "Now, James," said his companion, whose ready familiarity was becoming exceedingly distasteful, "they are about to begin, see!"

the bodily process of inhalation and exhalation; the process of taking in oxygen from inhaled air and releasing carbon dioxide by exhalation

From this reading And if the worst had fall'n which could befall, He stood, a stranger in this breathing world, An erring spirit from another hurled; A thing of dark imaginings, that shaped By choice the perils he by chance escaped; But 'scaped in vain.

used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before

From this reading And if the worst had fall'n which could befall, He stood, a stranger in this breathing world, An erring spirit from another hurled; A thing of dark imaginings, that shaped By choice the perils he by chance escaped; But 'scaped in vain.

showing who or what does the action

From this reading And if the worst had fall'n which could befall, He stood, a stranger in this breathing world, An erring spirit from another hurled; A thing of dark imaginings, that shaped By choice the perils he by chance escaped; But 'scaped in vain.

a possibility due to a favorable combination of circumstances

From this reading And if the worst had fall'n which could befall, He stood, a stranger in this breathing world, An erring spirit from another hurled; A thing of dark imaginings, that shaped By choice the perils he by chance escaped; But 'scaped in vain.

the person or thing chosen or selected

From this reading And if the worst had fall'n which could befall, He stood, a stranger in this breathing world, An erring spirit from another hurled; A thing of dark imaginings, that shaped By choice the perils he by chance escaped; But 'scaped in vain.

in mental comfort; without stress

From this reading The courtyard was, in fact, already more than comfortably filled.

a friend who is frequently in the company of another

From this reading "Now, James," said his companion, whose ready familiarity was becoming exceedingly distasteful, "they are about to begin, see!"

a place off to the side of an area

From this reading Edmund Wynne was rudely awakened from the train of thought into which he had fallen by the rough hand of the ostler, which alighted upon his shoulders with a smack which was re-echoed in the farthest corner of the yard.

the past of “can”; used for possibility or polite requests

From this reading And if the worst had fall'n which could befall, He stood, a stranger in this breathing world, An erring spirit from another hurled; A thing of dark imaginings, that shaped By choice the perils he by chance escaped; But 'scaped in vain.

An unroofed area that is completely or partially enclosed by the walls of a house.

From this reading The courtyard was, in fact, already more than comfortably filled.

absence of light or illumination

From this reading And if the worst had fall'n which could befall, He stood, a stranger in this breathing world, An erring spirit from another hurled; A thing of dark imaginings, that shaped By choice the perils he by chance escaped; But 'scaped in vain.

fraught with extreme danger; nearly hopeless

From this reading IN DIRE STRAITS.

not pleasing in odor or taste

From this reading "Now, James," said his companion, whose ready familiarity was becoming exceedingly distasteful, "they are about to begin, see!"

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

From this reading Edmund Wynne was rudely awakened from the train of thought into which he had fallen by the rough hand of the ostler, which alighted upon his shoulders with a smack which was re-echoed in the farthest corner of the yard.

capable of making an error

From this reading And if the worst had fall'n which could befall, He stood, a stranger in this breathing world, An erring spirit from another hurled; A thing of dark imaginings, that shaped By choice the perils he by chance escaped; But 'scaped in vain.

having escaped, especially from confinement

From this reading And if the worst had fall'n which could befall, He stood, a stranger in this breathing world, An erring spirit from another hurled; A thing of dark imaginings, that shaped By choice the perils he by chance escaped; But 'scaped in vain.

to an extreme degree

From this reading "Now, James," said his companion, whose ready familiarity was becoming exceedingly distasteful, "they are about to begin, see!"

a piece of information about circumstances that exist or events that have occurred

From this reading The courtyard was, in fact, already more than comfortably filled.

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

From this reading And if the worst had fall'n which could befall, He stood, a stranger in this breathing world, An erring spirit from another hurled; A thing of dark imaginings, that shaped By choice the perils he by chance escaped; But 'scaped in vain.

having dropped by the force of gravity

From this reading Edmund Wynne was rudely awakened from the train of thought into which he had fallen by the rough hand of the ostler, which alighted upon his shoulders with a smack which was re-echoed in the farthest corner of the yard.

personal knowledge or information about someone or something

From this reading "Now, James," said his companion, whose ready familiarity was becoming exceedingly distasteful, "they are about to begin, see!"

to the greatest distance in space or time (“farthest” is used more often than “furthest” in this physical sense)

From this reading Edmund Wynne was rudely awakened from the train of thought into which he had fallen by the rough hand of the ostler, which alighted upon his shoulders with a smack which was re-echoed in the farthest corner of the yard.

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

From this reading The courtyard was, in fact, already more than comfortably filled.

showing where something starts, or who sent it

From this reading And if the worst had fall'n which could befall, He stood, a stranger in this breathing world, An erring spirit from another hurled; A thing of dark imaginings, that shaped By choice the perils he by chance escaped; But 'scaped in vain.

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

From this reading And if the worst had fall'n which could befall, He stood, a stranger in this breathing world, An erring spirit from another hurled; A thing of dark imaginings, that shaped By choice the perils he by chance escaped; But 'scaped in vain.

the (prehensile) extremity of the superior limb

From this reading Edmund Wynne was rudely awakened from the train of thought into which he had fallen by the rough hand of the ostler, which alighted upon his shoulders with a smack which was re-echoed in the farthest corner of the yard.

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

From this reading And if the worst had fall'n which could befall, He stood, a stranger in this breathing world, An erring spirit from another hurled; A thing of dark imaginings, that shaped By choice the perils he by chance escaped; But 'scaped in vain.

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

From this reading Edmund Wynne was rudely awakened from the train of thought into which he had fallen by the rough hand of the ostler, which alighted upon his shoulders with a smack which was re-echoed in the farthest corner of the yard.

past form of “hurl” — throw forcefully

From this reading And if the worst had fall'n which could befall, He stood, a stranger in this breathing world, An erring spirit from another hurled; A thing of dark imaginings, that shaped By choice the perils he by chance escaped; But 'scaped in vain.

on condition that; in the event that

From this reading And if the worst had fall'n which could befall, He stood, a stranger in this breathing world, An erring spirit from another hurled; A thing of dark imaginings, that shaped By choice the perils he by chance escaped; But 'scaped in vain.

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

From this reading And if the worst had fall'n which could befall, He stood, a stranger in this breathing world, An erring spirit from another hurled; A thing of dark imaginings, that shaped By choice the perils he by chance escaped; But 'scaped in vain.

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

From this reading IN DIRE STRAITS.

moving to the inside of something

From this reading Edmund Wynne was rudely awakened from the train of thought into which he had fallen by the rough hand of the ostler, which alighted upon his shoulders with a smack which was re-echoed in the farthest corner of the yard.

a Stuart king of Scotland who married a daughter of Henry VII; when England and France went to war in 1513 he invaded England and died in defeat at Flodden (1473-1513)

From this reading "Now, James," said his companion, whose ready familiarity was becoming exceedingly distasteful, "they are about to begin, see!"

(comparative of “much” used with mass nouns) a quantifier meaning greater in size or amount or extent or degree

From this reading The courtyard was, in fact, already more than comfortably filled.

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

From this reading "Now, James," said his companion, whose ready familiarity was becoming exceedingly distasteful, "they are about to begin, see!"

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading And if the worst had fall'n which could befall, He stood, a stranger in this breathing world, An erring spirit from another hurled; A thing of dark imaginings, that shaped By choice the perils he by chance escaped; But 'scaped in vain.

someone employed in a stable to take care of the horses

From this reading Edmund Wynne was rudely awakened from the train of thought into which he had fallen by the rough hand of the ostler, which alighted upon his shoulders with a smack which was re-echoed in the farthest corner of the yard.

plural of “peril” — a source of danger; a possibility of incurring loss or misfortune

From this reading And if the worst had fall'n which could befall, He stood, a stranger in this breathing world, An erring spirit from another hurled; A thing of dark imaginings, that shaped By choice the perils he by chance escaped; But 'scaped in vain.

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

From this reading Edmund Wynne was rudely awakened from the train of thought into which he had fallen by the rough hand of the ostler, which alighted upon his shoulders with a smack which was re-echoed in the farthest corner of the yard.

completely prepared or in condition for immediate action or use or progress

From this reading "Now, James," said his companion, whose ready familiarity was becoming exceedingly distasteful, "they are about to begin, see!"

having or caused by an irregular surface

From this reading Edmund Wynne was rudely awakened from the train of thought into which he had fallen by the rough hand of the ostler, which alighted upon his shoulders with a smack which was re-echoed in the farthest corner of the yard.

in an impolite manner

From this reading Edmund Wynne was rudely awakened from the train of thought into which he had fallen by the rough hand of the ostler, which alighted upon his shoulders with a smack which was re-echoed in the farthest corner of the yard.

being the one previously mentioned or spoken of

From this reading "Now, James," said his companion, whose ready familiarity was becoming exceedingly distasteful, "they are about to begin, see!"

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

From this reading And if the worst had fall'n which could befall, He stood, a stranger in this breathing world, An erring spirit from another hurled; A thing of dark imaginings, that shaped By choice the perils he by chance escaped; But 'scaped in vain.

perceive by sight or have the power to perceive by sight

From this reading "Now, James," said his companion, whose ready familiarity was becoming exceedingly distasteful, "they are about to begin, see!"

shaped to fit by or as if by altering the contours of a pliable mass (as by work or effort)

From this reading And if the worst had fall'n which could befall, He stood, a stranger in this breathing world, An erring spirit from another hurled; A thing of dark imaginings, that shaped By choice the perils he by chance escaped; But 'scaped in vain.

plural of “shoulder” — the part of the body between the neck and the upper arm

From this reading Edmund Wynne was rudely awakened from the train of thought into which he had fallen by the rough hand of the ostler, which alighted upon his shoulders with a smack which was re-echoed in the farthest corner of the yard.

deliver a hard blow to

From this reading Edmund Wynne was rudely awakened from the train of thought into which he had fallen by the rough hand of the ostler, which alighted upon his shoulders with a smack which was re-echoed in the farthest corner of the yard.

the vital principle or animating force within living things

From this reading And if the worst had fall'n which could befall, He stood, a stranger in this breathing world, An erring spirit from another hurled; A thing of dark imaginings, that shaped By choice the perils he by chance escaped; But 'scaped in vain.

Maintained an upright posture.

From this reading And if the worst had fall'n which could befall, He stood, a stranger in this breathing world, An erring spirit from another hurled; A thing of dark imaginings, that shaped By choice the perils he by chance escaped; But 'scaped in vain.

a bad or difficult situation or state of affairs

From this reading IN DIRE STRAITS.

anyone who does not belong in the environment in which they are found

From this reading And if the worst had fall'n which could befall, He stood, a stranger in this breathing world, An erring spirit from another hurled; A thing of dark imaginings, that shaped By choice the perils he by chance escaped; But 'scaped in vain.

used to introduce the second part of a comparison

From this reading The courtyard was, in fact, already more than comfortably filled.

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading And if the worst had fall'n which could befall, He stood, a stranger in this breathing world, An erring spirit from another hurled; A thing of dark imaginings, that shaped By choice the perils he by chance escaped; But 'scaped in vain.

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

From this reading And if the worst had fall'n which could befall, He stood, a stranger in this breathing world, An erring spirit from another hurled; A thing of dark imaginings, that shaped By choice the perils he by chance escaped; But 'scaped in vain.

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

From this reading "Now, James," said his companion, whose ready familiarity was becoming exceedingly distasteful, "they are about to begin, see!"

a special situation

From this reading And if the worst had fall'n which could befall, He stood, a stranger in this breathing world, An erring spirit from another hurled; A thing of dark imaginings, that shaped By choice the perils he by chance escaped; But 'scaped in vain.

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

From this reading And if the worst had fall'n which could befall, He stood, a stranger in this breathing world, An erring spirit from another hurled; A thing of dark imaginings, that shaped By choice the perils he by chance escaped; But 'scaped in vain.

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

From this reading Edmund Wynne was rudely awakened from the train of thought into which he had fallen by the rough hand of the ostler, which alighted upon his shoulders with a smack which was re-echoed in the farthest corner of the yard.

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

From this reading "Now, James," said his companion, whose ready familiarity was becoming exceedingly distasteful, "they are about to begin, see!"

create by training and teaching

From this reading Edmund Wynne was rudely awakened from the train of thought into which he had fallen by the rough hand of the ostler, which alighted upon his shoulders with a smack which was re-echoed in the farthest corner of the yard.

a formal word for “on”

From this reading Edmund Wynne was rudely awakened from the train of thought into which he had fallen by the rough hand of the ostler, which alighted upon his shoulders with a smack which was re-echoed in the farthest corner of the yard.

characteristic of false pride; having an exaggerated sense of self-importance

From this reading And if the worst had fall'n which could befall, He stood, a stranger in this breathing world, An erring spirit from another hurled; A thing of dark imaginings, that shaped By choice the perils he by chance escaped; But 'scaped in vain.

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

From this reading Edmund Wynne was rudely awakened from the train of thought into which he had fallen by the rough hand of the ostler, which alighted upon his shoulders with a smack which was re-echoed in the farthest corner of the yard.

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

From this reading And if the worst had fall'n which could befall, He stood, a stranger in this breathing world, An erring spirit from another hurled; A thing of dark imaginings, that shaped By choice the perils he by chance escaped; But 'scaped in vain.

belonging to which person

From this reading "Now, James," said his companion, whose ready familiarity was becoming exceedingly distasteful, "they are about to begin, see!"

in the company of; together with

From this reading Edmund Wynne was rudely awakened from the train of thought into which he had fallen by the rough hand of the ostler, which alighted upon his shoulders with a smack which was re-echoed in the farthest corner of the yard.

everything that exists anywhere

From this reading And if the worst had fall'n which could befall, He stood, a stranger in this breathing world, An erring spirit from another hurled; A thing of dark imaginings, that shaped By choice the perils he by chance escaped; But 'scaped in vain.

the least favorable outcome

From this reading And if the worst had fall'n which could befall, He stood, a stranger in this breathing world, An erring spirit from another hurled; A thing of dark imaginings, that shaped By choice the perils he by chance escaped; But 'scaped in vain.

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

From this reading Edmund Wynne was rudely awakened from the train of thought into which he had fallen by the rough hand of the ostler, which alighted upon his shoulders with a smack which was re-echoed in the farthest corner of the yard.

a unit of length equal to 3 feet; defined as 91.44 centimeters; originally taken to be the average length of a stride

From this reading Edmund Wynne was rudely awakened from the train of thought into which he had fallen by the rough hand of the ostler, which alighted upon his shoulders with a smack which was re-echoed in the farthest corner of the yard.