Chapter XXIV

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

From this reading As the years passed on, his followers increased so rapidly in stature and wisdom, that the old man often contemplated them in silent astonishment, more particularly little Tommy, who, from a tender yearling, had progressed to a stout little fellow of some three or four years, and scorning longer to be a mere portable, used his powers of locomotion to great advantage.

the quality of having a superior or more favorable position

From this reading As the years passed on, his followers increased so rapidly in stature and wisdom, that the old man often contemplated them in silent astonishment, more particularly little Tommy, who, from a tender yearling, had progressed to a stout little fellow of some three or four years, and scorning longer to be a mere portable, used his powers of locomotion to great advantage.

(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 As Mr. Byers was deeply impressed with a sense of his own moral responsibility, he endeavored at all times to instruct as well as amuse the children.

following the length of something from one end toward the other

From this reading In his walks over the hills and along the seashore, he was never without companions, first and foremost among whom, ranked the Greysons and Grimsbys.

prior to a specified or implied time

From this reading AS we have already stated, Mr. Byers was very fond of children, and in return, the children were greatly attached to him.

surrounded by; in the middle of a group

From this reading In his walks over the hills and along the seashore, he was never without companions, first and foremost among whom, ranked the Greysons and Grimsbys.

occupy in an agreeable, entertaining or pleasant fashion

From this reading As Mr. Byers was deeply impressed with a sense of his own moral responsibility, he endeavored at all times to instruct as well as amuse the children.

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

From this reading AS we have already stated, Mr. Byers was very fond of children, and in return, the children were greatly attached to him.

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

From this reading AS we have already stated, Mr. Byers was very fond of children, and in return, the children were greatly attached to him.

the feeling that accompanies something extremely surprising

From this reading As the years passed on, his followers increased so rapidly in stature and wisdom, that the old man often contemplated them in silent astonishment, more particularly little Tommy, who, from a tender yearling, had progressed to a stout little fellow of some three or four years, and scorning longer to be a mere portable, used his powers of locomotion to great advantage.

in or near a particular place or position

From this reading As Mr. Byers was deeply impressed with a sense of his own moral responsibility, he endeavored at all times to instruct as well as amuse the children.

being joined in close association

From this reading AS we have already stated, Mr. Byers was very fond of children, and in return, the children were greatly attached to him.

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

From this reading As the years passed on, his followers increased so rapidly in stature and wisdom, that the old man often contemplated them in silent astonishment, more particularly little Tommy, who, from a tender yearling, had progressed to a stout little fellow of some three or four years, and scorning longer to be a mere portable, used his powers of locomotion to great advantage.

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

From this reading AS we have already stated, Mr. Byers was very fond of children, and in return, the children were greatly attached to him.

a foundation created to promote the public good (not for assistance to any particular individuals)

From this reading THE CHARITY SCHOOL.

plural of “child” — a young person of either sex

From this reading AS we have already stated, Mr. Byers was very fond of children, and in return, the children were greatly attached to him.

plural of “companion” — a friend who is frequently in the company of another

From this reading In his walks over the hills and along the seashore, he was never without companions, first and foremost among whom, ranked the Greysons and Grimsbys.

past form of “contemplate” — look at thoughtfully; observe deep in thought

From this reading As the years passed on, his followers increased so rapidly in stature and wisdom, that the old man often contemplated them in silent astonishment, more particularly little Tommy, who, from a tender yearling, had progressed to a stout little fellow of some three or four years, and scorning longer to be a mere portable, used his powers of locomotion to great advantage.

to a great depth psychologically or emotionally

From this reading As Mr. Byers was deeply impressed with a sense of his own moral responsibility, he endeavored at all times to instruct as well as amuse the children.

past form of “endeavor” — attempt by employing effort

From this reading As Mr. Byers was deeply impressed with a sense of his own moral responsibility, he endeavored at all times to instruct as well as amuse the children.

a boy or man

From this reading As the years passed on, his followers increased so rapidly in stature and wisdom, that the old man often contemplated them in silent astonishment, more particularly little Tommy, who, from a tender yearling, had progressed to a stout little fellow of some three or four years, and scorning longer to be a mere portable, used his powers of locomotion to great advantage.

preceding all others in time or space or degree

From this reading In his walks over the hills and along the seashore, he was never without companions, first and foremost among whom, ranked the Greysons and Grimsbys.

a group of followers or enthusiasts

From this reading As the years passed on, his followers increased so rapidly in stature and wisdom, that the old man often contemplated them in silent astonishment, more particularly little Tommy, who, from a tender yearling, had progressed to a stout little fellow of some three or four years, and scorning longer to be a mere portable, used his powers of locomotion to great advantage.

having or displaying warmth or affection

From this reading AS we have already stated, Mr. Byers was very fond of children, and in return, the children were greatly attached to him.

ranking above all others

From this reading In his walks over the hills and along the seashore, he was never without companions, first and foremost among whom, ranked the Greysons and Grimsbys.

the cardinal number that is the sum of three and one

From this reading As the years passed on, his followers increased so rapidly in stature and wisdom, that the old man often contemplated them in silent astonishment, more particularly little Tommy, who, from a tender yearling, had progressed to a stout little fellow of some three or four years, and scorning longer to be a mere portable, used his powers of locomotion to great advantage.

showing where something starts, or who sent it

From this reading As the years passed on, his followers increased so rapidly in stature and wisdom, that the old man often contemplated them in silent astonishment, more particularly little Tommy, who, from a tender yearling, had progressed to a stout little fellow of some three or four years, and scorning longer to be a mere portable, used his powers of locomotion to great advantage.

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

From this reading As the years passed on, his followers increased so rapidly in stature and wisdom, that the old man often contemplated them in silent astonishment, more particularly little Tommy, who, from a tender yearling, had progressed to a stout little fellow of some three or four years, and scorning longer to be a mere portable, used his powers of locomotion to great advantage.

to an extraordinary extent or degree

From this reading AS we have already stated, Mr. Byers was very fond of children, and in return, the children were greatly attached to him.

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

From this reading In his walks over the hills and along the seashore, he was never without companions, first and foremost among whom, ranked the Greysons and Grimsbys.

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

From this reading In his walks over the hills and along the seashore, he was never without companions, first and foremost among whom, ranked the Greysons and Grimsbys.

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

From this reading As the years passed on, his followers increased so rapidly in stature and wisdom, that the old man often contemplated them in silent astonishment, more particularly little Tommy, who, from a tender yearling, had progressed to a stout little fellow of some three or four years, and scorning longer to be a mere portable, used his powers of locomotion to great advantage.

used with a past participle to form the perfect tenses

From this reading AS we have already stated, Mr. Byers was very fond of children, and in return, the children were greatly attached to him.

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

From this reading In his walks over the hills and along the seashore, he was never without companions, first and foremost among whom, ranked the Greysons and Grimsbys.

plural of “hill” — a local and well-defined elevation of the land

From this reading In his walks over the hills and along the seashore, he was never without companions, first and foremost among whom, ranked the Greysons and Grimsbys.

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

From this reading AS we have already stated, Mr. Byers was very fond of children, and in return, the children were greatly attached to him.

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

From this reading In his walks over the hills and along the seashore, he was never without companions, first and foremost among whom, ranked the Greysons and Grimsbys.

deeply or markedly affected or influenced

From this reading As Mr. Byers was deeply impressed with a sense of his own moral responsibility, he endeavored at all times to instruct as well as amuse the children.

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

From this reading AS we have already stated, Mr. Byers was very fond of children, and in return, the children were greatly attached to him.

made greater in size or amount or degree

From this reading As the years passed on, his followers increased so rapidly in stature and wisdom, that the old man often contemplated them in silent astonishment, more particularly little Tommy, who, from a tender yearling, had progressed to a stout little fellow of some three or four years, and scorning longer to be a mere portable, used his powers of locomotion to great advantage.

impart skills or knowledge to

From this reading As Mr. Byers was deeply impressed with a sense of his own moral responsibility, he endeavored at all times to instruct as well as amuse the children.

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

From this reading As the years passed on, his followers increased so rapidly in stature and wisdom, that the old man often contemplated them in silent astonishment, more particularly little Tommy, who, from a tender yearling, had progressed to a stout little fellow of some three or four years, and scorning longer to be a mere portable, used his powers of locomotion to great advantage.

the power or ability to move

From this reading As the years passed on, his followers increased so rapidly in stature and wisdom, that the old man often contemplated them in silent astonishment, more particularly little Tommy, who, from a tender yearling, had progressed to a stout little fellow of some three or four years, and scorning longer to be a mere portable, used his powers of locomotion to great advantage.

for more time

From this reading As the years passed on, his followers increased so rapidly in stature and wisdom, that the old man often contemplated them in silent astonishment, more particularly little Tommy, who, from a tender yearling, had progressed to a stout little fellow of some three or four years, and scorning longer to be a mere portable, used his powers of locomotion to great advantage.

an adult person who is male (as opposed to a woman)

From this reading As the years passed on, his followers increased so rapidly in stature and wisdom, that the old man often contemplated them in silent astonishment, more particularly little Tommy, who, from a tender yearling, had progressed to a stout little fellow of some three or four years, and scorning longer to be a mere portable, used his powers of locomotion to great advantage.

being nothing more than specified

From this reading As the years passed on, his followers increased so rapidly in stature and wisdom, that the old man often contemplated them in silent astonishment, more particularly little Tommy, who, from a tender yearling, had progressed to a stout little fellow of some three or four years, and scorning longer to be a mere portable, used his powers of locomotion to great advantage.

concerned with principles of right and wrong or conforming to standards of behavior and character based on those principles

From this reading As Mr. Byers was deeply impressed with a sense of his own moral responsibility, he endeavored at all times to instruct as well as amuse the children.

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

From this reading As the years passed on, his followers increased so rapidly in stature and wisdom, that the old man often contemplated them in silent astonishment, more particularly little Tommy, who, from a tender yearling, had progressed to a stout little fellow of some three or four years, and scorning longer to be a mere portable, used his powers of locomotion to great advantage.

a form of address for a man

From this reading AS we have already stated, Mr. Byers was very fond of children, and in return, the children were greatly attached to him.

not ever; at no time in the past or future

From this reading In his walks over the hills and along the seashore, he was never without companions, first and foremost among whom, ranked the Greysons and Grimsbys.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading AS we have already stated, Mr. Byers was very fond of children, and in return, the children were greatly attached to him.

many times at short intervals

From this reading As the years passed on, his followers increased so rapidly in stature and wisdom, that the old man often contemplated them in silent astonishment, more particularly little Tommy, who, from a tender yearling, had progressed to a stout little fellow of some three or four years, and scorning longer to be a mere portable, used his powers of locomotion to great advantage.

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

From this reading As the years passed on, his followers increased so rapidly in stature and wisdom, that the old man often contemplated them in silent astonishment, more particularly little Tommy, who, from a tender yearling, had progressed to a stout little fellow of some three or four years, and scorning longer to be a mere portable, used his powers of locomotion to great advantage.

touching and supported by a surface

From this reading As the years passed on, his followers increased so rapidly in stature and wisdom, that the old man often contemplated them in silent astonishment, more particularly little Tommy, who, from a tender yearling, had progressed to a stout little fellow of some three or four years, and scorning longer to be a mere portable, used his powers of locomotion to great advantage.

used to join alternatives or possibilities

From this reading As the years passed on, his followers increased so rapidly in stature and wisdom, that the old man often contemplated them in silent astonishment, more particularly little Tommy, who, from a tender yearling, had progressed to a stout little fellow of some three or four years, and scorning longer to be a mere portable, used his powers of locomotion to great advantage.

above and across; more than

From this reading In his walks over the hills and along the seashore, he was never without companions, first and foremost among whom, ranked the Greysons and Grimsbys.

have ownership or possession of

From this reading As Mr. Byers was deeply impressed with a sense of his own moral responsibility, he endeavored at all times to instruct as well as amuse the children.

to a distinctly greater extent or degree than is common

From this reading As the years passed on, his followers increased so rapidly in stature and wisdom, that the old man often contemplated them in silent astonishment, more particularly little Tommy, who, from a tender yearling, had progressed to a stout little fellow of some three or four years, and scorning longer to be a mere portable, used his powers of locomotion to great advantage.

past form of “pass” — go across or through

From this reading As the years passed on, his followers increased so rapidly in stature and wisdom, that the old man often contemplated them in silent astonishment, more particularly little Tommy, who, from a tender yearling, had progressed to a stout little fellow of some three or four years, and scorning longer to be a mere portable, used his powers of locomotion to great advantage.

easily or conveniently transported

From this reading As the years passed on, his followers increased so rapidly in stature and wisdom, that the old man often contemplated them in silent astonishment, more particularly little Tommy, who, from a tender yearling, had progressed to a stout little fellow of some three or four years, and scorning longer to be a mere portable, used his powers of locomotion to great advantage.

plural of “power” — possession of controlling influence

From this reading As the years passed on, his followers increased so rapidly in stature and wisdom, that the old man often contemplated them in silent astonishment, more particularly little Tommy, who, from a tender yearling, had progressed to a stout little fellow of some three or four years, and scorning longer to be a mere portable, used his powers of locomotion to great advantage.

past form of “progress” — develop in a positive way

From this reading As the years passed on, his followers increased so rapidly in stature and wisdom, that the old man often contemplated them in silent astonishment, more particularly little Tommy, who, from a tender yearling, had progressed to a stout little fellow of some three or four years, and scorning longer to be a mere portable, used his powers of locomotion to great advantage.

arranged in a sequence of grades or ranks

From this reading In his walks over the hills and along the seashore, he was never without companions, first and foremost among whom, ranked the Greysons and Grimsbys.

with speed

From this reading As the years passed on, his followers increased so rapidly in stature and wisdom, that the old man often contemplated them in silent astonishment, more particularly little Tommy, who, from a tender yearling, had progressed to a stout little fellow of some three or four years, and scorning longer to be a mere portable, used his powers of locomotion to great advantage.

the social force that binds you to the courses of action demanded by that force

From this reading As Mr. Byers was deeply impressed with a sense of his own moral responsibility, he endeavored at all times to instruct as well as amuse the children.

go or come back to place, condition, or activity where one has been before

From this reading AS we have already stated, Mr. Byers was very fond of children, and in return, the children were greatly attached to him.

an educational institution

From this reading THE CHARITY SCHOOL.

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

From this reading As the years passed on, his followers increased so rapidly in stature and wisdom, that the old man often contemplated them in silent astonishment, more particularly little Tommy, who, from a tender yearling, had progressed to a stout little fellow of some three or four years, and scorning longer to be a mere portable, used his powers of locomotion to great advantage.

the shore of a sea or ocean

From this reading In his walks over the hills and along the seashore, he was never without companions, first and foremost among whom, ranked the Greysons and Grimsbys.

a general conscious awareness

From this reading As Mr. Byers was deeply impressed with a sense of his own moral responsibility, he endeavored at all times to instruct as well as amuse the children.

marked by absence of sound

From this reading As the years passed on, his followers increased so rapidly in stature and wisdom, that the old man often contemplated them in silent astonishment, more particularly little Tommy, who, from a tender yearling, had progressed to a stout little fellow of some three or four years, and scorning longer to be a mere portable, used his powers of locomotion to great advantage.

for that reason; with the result that

From this reading As the years passed on, his followers increased so rapidly in stature and wisdom, that the old man often contemplated them in silent astonishment, more particularly little Tommy, who, from a tender yearling, had progressed to a stout little fellow of some three or four years, and scorning longer to be a mere portable, used his powers of locomotion to great advantage.

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

From this reading As the years passed on, his followers increased so rapidly in stature and wisdom, that the old man often contemplated them in silent astonishment, more particularly little Tommy, who, from a tender yearling, had progressed to a stout little fellow of some three or four years, and scorning longer to be a mere portable, used his powers of locomotion to great advantage.

declared as fact; explicitly stated

From this reading AS we have already stated, Mr. Byers was very fond of children, and in return, the children were greatly attached to him.

high level of respect gained by impressive development or achievement

From this reading As the years passed on, his followers increased so rapidly in stature and wisdom, that the old man often contemplated them in silent astonishment, more particularly little Tommy, who, from a tender yearling, had progressed to a stout little fellow of some three or four years, and scorning longer to be a mere portable, used his powers of locomotion to great advantage.

dependable

From this reading As the years passed on, his followers increased so rapidly in stature and wisdom, that the old man often contemplated them in silent astonishment, more particularly little Tommy, who, from a tender yearling, had progressed to a stout little fellow of some three or four years, and scorning longer to be a mere portable, used his powers of locomotion to great advantage.

given to sympathy or gentleness or sentimentality

From this reading As the years passed on, his followers increased so rapidly in stature and wisdom, that the old man often contemplated them in silent astonishment, more particularly little Tommy, who, from a tender yearling, had progressed to a stout little fellow of some three or four years, and scorning longer to be a mere portable, used his powers of locomotion to great advantage.

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading As the years passed on, his followers increased so rapidly in stature and wisdom, that the old man often contemplated them in silent astonishment, more particularly little Tommy, who, from a tender yearling, had progressed to a stout little fellow of some three or four years, and scorning longer to be a mere portable, used his powers of locomotion to great advantage.

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

From this reading THE CHARITY SCHOOL.

the people or things already mentioned, as the object

From this reading As the years passed on, his followers increased so rapidly in stature and wisdom, that the old man often contemplated them in silent astonishment, more particularly little Tommy, who, from a tender yearling, had progressed to a stout little fellow of some three or four years, and scorning longer to be a mere portable, used his powers of locomotion to great advantage.

the cardinal number that is the sum of one and one and one

From this reading As the years passed on, his followers increased so rapidly in stature and wisdom, that the old man often contemplated them in silent astonishment, more particularly little Tommy, who, from a tender yearling, had progressed to a stout little fellow of some three or four years, and scorning longer to be a mere portable, used his powers of locomotion to great advantage.

a more or less definite period of time now or previously present

From this reading As Mr. Byers was deeply impressed with a sense of his own moral responsibility, he endeavored at all times to instruct as well as amuse the children.

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

From this reading AS we have already stated, Mr. Byers was very fond of children, and in return, the children were greatly attached to him.

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

From this reading As the years passed on, his followers increased so rapidly in stature and wisdom, that the old man often contemplated them in silent astonishment, more particularly little Tommy, who, from a tender yearling, had progressed to a stout little fellow of some three or four years, and scorning longer to be a mere portable, used his powers of locomotion to great advantage.

employed in accomplishing something

From this reading As the years passed on, his followers increased so rapidly in stature and wisdom, that the old man often contemplated them in silent astonishment, more particularly little Tommy, who, from a tender yearling, had progressed to a stout little fellow of some three or four years, and scorning longer to be a mere portable, used his powers of locomotion to great advantage.

precisely as stated

From this reading AS we have already stated, Mr. Byers was very fond of children, and in return, the children were greatly attached to him.

plural of “walk” — the act of traveling by foot

From this reading In his walks over the hills and along the seashore, he was never without companions, first and foremost among whom, ranked the Greysons and Grimsbys.

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

From this reading AS we have already stated, Mr. Byers was very fond of children, and in return, the children were greatly attached to him.

the speaker together with one or more other people

From this reading AS we have already stated, Mr. Byers was very fond of children, and in return, the children were greatly attached to him.

(often used as a combining form) in a good or proper or satisfactory manner or to a high standard (“good” is a nonstandard dialectal variant for “well”)

From this reading As Mr. Byers was deeply impressed with a sense of his own moral responsibility, he endeavored at all times to instruct as well as amuse the children.

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

From this reading AS we have already stated, Mr. Byers was very fond of children, and in return, the children were greatly attached to him.

which person or people

From this reading As the years passed on, his followers increased so rapidly in stature and wisdom, that the old man often contemplated them in silent astonishment, more particularly little Tommy, who, from a tender yearling, had progressed to a stout little fellow of some three or four years, and scorning longer to be a mere portable, used his powers of locomotion to great advantage.

the form of “who” used as the object of a verb or preposition

From this reading In his walks over the hills and along the seashore, he was never without companions, first and foremost among whom, ranked the Greysons and Grimsbys.

accumulated knowledge or erudition or enlightenment

From this reading As the years passed on, his followers increased so rapidly in stature and wisdom, that the old man often contemplated them in silent astonishment, more particularly little Tommy, who, from a tender yearling, had progressed to a stout little fellow of some three or four years, and scorning longer to be a mere portable, used his powers of locomotion to great advantage.

in the company of; together with

From this reading As Mr. Byers was deeply impressed with a sense of his own moral responsibility, he endeavored at all times to instruct as well as amuse the children.

not having, not using, or not accompanied by

From this reading In his walks over the hills and along the seashore, he was never without companions, first and foremost among whom, ranked the Greysons and Grimsbys.

a young child

From this reading As the years passed on, his followers increased so rapidly in stature and wisdom, that the old man often contemplated them in silent astonishment, more particularly little Tommy, who, from a tender yearling, had progressed to a stout little fellow of some three or four years, and scorning longer to be a mere portable, used his powers of locomotion to great advantage.

a late time of life

From this reading As the years passed on, his followers increased so rapidly in stature and wisdom, that the old man often contemplated them in silent astonishment, more particularly little Tommy, who, from a tender yearling, had progressed to a stout little fellow of some three or four years, and scorning longer to be a mere portable, used his powers of locomotion to great advantage.