Chapter IV · Chapter 4

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

From this reading Behind the pile, indeed, sat Chaîne, a burly fellow who was quietly painting away, copying the fireless rusty stove on a small canvas.

on the subject of; concerning

From this reading He came from Saint Firmin, a village about six miles from Plassans, where he had been a cow-boy, until he drew for the conscription; and his misfortunes dated from the enthusiasm that a gentleman of the neighbourhood had shown for the walking-stick handles which he carved out of roots with his knife.

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

From this reading From that moment, having become a rustic genius, an embryo great man for this local connoisseur, who happened to be a member of the museum committee, he had been helped by him, adulated and driven crazy with hopes; but he had successively failed in everything--his studies and competitions--thus missing the town’s purse.

(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 His only noticeable feature was his forehead, displaying all the bumps of obstinacy; for his nose was so small as to be lost between his red cheeks, while a stiff beard hid his powerful jaws.

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

From this reading From that moment, having become a rustic genius, an embryo great man for this local connoisseur, who happened to be a member of the museum committee, he had been helped by him, adulated and driven crazy with hopes; but he had successively failed in everything--his studies and competitions--thus missing the town’s purse.

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

From this reading It could be told that he was a peasant by his heavy, deliberate manner and his bull-neck, tanned and hardened like leather.

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

From this reading His only noticeable feature was his forehead, displaying all the bumps of obstinacy; for his nose was so small as to be lost between his red cheeks, while a stiff beard hid his powerful jaws.

from a particular thing or place or position (“forth” is obsolete)

From this reading Behind the pile, indeed, sat Chaîne, a burly fellow who was quietly painting away, copying the fireless rusty stove on a small canvas.

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

From this reading It could be told that he was a peasant by his heavy, deliberate manner and his bull-neck, tanned and hardened like leather.

the hair growing on the lower part of a man's face

From this reading His only noticeable feature was his forehead, displaying all the bumps of obstinacy; for his nose was so small as to be lost between his red cheeks, while a stiff beard hid his powerful jaws.

enter or assume a certain state or condition

From this reading From that moment, having become a rustic genius, an embryo great man for this local connoisseur, who happened to be a member of the museum committee, he had been helped by him, adulated and driven crazy with hopes; but he had successively failed in everything--his studies and competitions--thus missing the town’s purse.

the past participle of “be”

From this reading He came from Saint Firmin, a village about six miles from Plassans, where he had been a cow-boy, until he drew for the conscription; and his misfortunes dated from the enthusiasm that a gentleman of the neighbourhood had shown for the walking-stick handles which he carved out of roots with his knife.

at or toward the back of something

From this reading Behind the pile, indeed, sat Chaîne, a burly fellow who was quietly painting away, copying the fireless rusty stove on a small canvas.

in the space, time, or range separating two things

From this reading His only noticeable feature was his forehead, displaying all the bumps of obstinacy; for his nose was so small as to be lost between his red cheeks, while a stiff beard hid his powerful jaws.

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

From this reading It could be told that he was a peasant by his heavy, deliberate manner and his bull-neck, tanned and hardened like leather.

plural of “bump” — a lump on the body caused by a blow

From this reading His only noticeable feature was his forehead, displaying all the bumps of obstinacy; for his nose was so small as to be lost between his red cheeks, while a stiff beard hid his powerful jaws.

muscular and heavily built

From this reading Behind the pile, indeed, sat Chaîne, a burly fellow who was quietly painting away, copying the fireless rusty stove on a small canvas.

used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before

From this reading From that moment, having become a rustic genius, an embryo great man for this local connoisseur, who happened to be a member of the museum committee, he had been helped by him, adulated and driven crazy with hopes; but he had successively failed in everything--his studies and competitions--thus missing the town’s purse.

showing who or what does the action

From this reading It could be told that he was a peasant by his heavy, deliberate manner and his bull-neck, tanned and hardened like leather.

inflected form of “come” — move toward, travel toward something or somebody or approach something or somebody

From this reading He came from Saint Firmin, a village about six miles from Plassans, where he had been a cow-boy, until he drew for the conscription; and his misfortunes dated from the enthusiasm that a gentleman of the neighbourhood had shown for the walking-stick handles which he carved out of roots with his knife.

a heavy, closely woven fabric (used for clothing or chairs or sails or tents)

From this reading Behind the pile, indeed, sat Chaîne, a burly fellow who was quietly painting away, copying the fireless rusty stove on a small canvas.

made for or formed by carving (“carven” is archaic or literary)

From this reading He came from Saint Firmin, a village about six miles from Plassans, where he had been a cow-boy, until he drew for the conscription; and his misfortunes dated from the enthusiasm that a gentleman of the neighbourhood had shown for the walking-stick handles which he carved out of roots with his knife.

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

From this reading Behind the pile, indeed, sat Chaîne, a burly fellow who was quietly painting away, copying the fireless rusty stove on a small canvas.

plural of “cheek” — either side of the face below the eyes

From this reading His only noticeable feature was his forehead, displaying all the bumps of obstinacy; for his nose was so small as to be lost between his red cheeks, while a stiff beard hid his powerful jaws.

a special group delegated to consider some matter

From this reading From that moment, having become a rustic genius, an embryo great man for this local connoisseur, who happened to be a member of the museum committee, he had been helped by him, adulated and driven crazy with hopes; but he had successively failed in everything--his studies and competitions--thus missing the town’s purse.

plural of “competition” — a business relation in which two parties compete to gain customers

From this reading From that moment, having become a rustic genius, an embryo great man for this local connoisseur, who happened to be a member of the museum committee, he had been helped by him, adulated and driven crazy with hopes; but he had successively failed in everything--his studies and competitions--thus missing the town’s purse.

an expert able to appreciate a field; especially in the fine arts

From this reading From that moment, having become a rustic genius, an embryo great man for this local connoisseur, who happened to be a member of the museum committee, he had been helped by him, adulated and driven crazy with hopes; but he had successively failed in everything--his studies and competitions--thus missing the town’s purse.

compulsory military service

From this reading He came from Saint Firmin, a village about six miles from Plassans, where he had been a cow-boy, until he drew for the conscription; and his misfortunes dated from the enthusiasm that a gentleman of the neighbourhood had shown for the walking-stick handles which he carved out of roots with his knife.

an act of copying

From this reading Behind the pile, indeed, sat Chaîne, a burly fellow who was quietly painting away, copying the fireless rusty stove on a small canvas.

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

From this reading It could be told that he was a peasant by his heavy, deliberate manner and his bull-neck, tanned and hardened like leather.

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

From this reading He came from Saint Firmin, a village about six miles from Plassans, where he had been a cow-boy, until he drew for the conscription; and his misfortunes dated from the enthusiasm that a gentleman of the neighbourhood had shown for the walking-stick handles which he carved out of roots with his knife.

affected with madness or insanity

From this reading From that moment, having become a rustic genius, an embryo great man for this local connoisseur, who happened to be a member of the museum committee, he had been helped by him, adulated and driven crazy with hopes; but he had successively failed in everything--his studies and competitions--thus missing the town’s purse.

marked by features of the immediate and usually discounted past

From this reading He came from Saint Firmin, a village about six miles from Plassans, where he had been a cow-boy, until he drew for the conscription; and his misfortunes dated from the enthusiasm that a gentleman of the neighbourhood had shown for the walking-stick handles which he carved out of roots with his knife.

carefully thought out in advance

From this reading It could be told that he was a peasant by his heavy, deliberate manner and his bull-neck, tanned and hardened like leather.

-ing form of “display” — to show, make visible or apparent

From this reading His only noticeable feature was his forehead, displaying all the bumps of obstinacy; for his nose was so small as to be lost between his red cheeks, while a stiff beard hid his powerful jaws.

United States actor (born in Ireland); father of Georgiana Emma Barrymore (1827-1862)

From this reading He came from Saint Firmin, a village about six miles from Plassans, where he had been a cow-boy, until he drew for the conscription; and his misfortunes dated from the enthusiasm that a gentleman of the neighbourhood had shown for the walking-stick handles which he carved out of roots with his knife.

compelled forcibly by an outside agency

From this reading From that moment, having become a rustic genius, an embryo great man for this local connoisseur, who happened to be a member of the museum committee, he had been helped by him, adulated and driven crazy with hopes; but he had successively failed in everything--his studies and competitions--thus missing the town’s purse.

(botany) a minute rudimentary plant contained within a seed or an archegonium

From this reading From that moment, having become a rustic genius, an embryo great man for this local connoisseur, who happened to be a member of the museum committee, he had been helped by him, adulated and driven crazy with hopes; but he had successively failed in everything--his studies and competitions--thus missing the town’s purse.

a feeling of excitement

From this reading He came from Saint Firmin, a village about six miles from Plassans, where he had been a cow-boy, until he drew for the conscription; and his misfortunes dated from the enthusiasm that a gentleman of the neighbourhood had shown for the walking-stick handles which he carved out of roots with his knife.

all things; all of a situation

From this reading From that moment, having become a rustic genius, an embryo great man for this local connoisseur, who happened to be a member of the museum committee, he had been helped by him, adulated and driven crazy with hopes; but he had successively failed in everything--his studies and competitions--thus missing the town’s purse.

past form of “fail” — fail to do something; leave something undone

From this reading From that moment, having become a rustic genius, an embryo great man for this local connoisseur, who happened to be a member of the museum committee, he had been helped by him, adulated and driven crazy with hopes; but he had successively failed in everything--his studies and competitions--thus missing the town’s purse.

a prominent attribute or aspect of something

From this reading His only noticeable feature was his forehead, displaying all the bumps of obstinacy; for his nose was so small as to be lost between his red cheeks, while a stiff beard hid his powerful jaws.

a boy or man

From this reading Behind the pile, indeed, sat Chaîne, a burly fellow who was quietly painting away, copying the fireless rusty stove on a small canvas.

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

From this reading Behind the pile, indeed, sat Chaîne, a burly fellow who was quietly painting away, copying the fireless rusty stove on a small canvas.

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

From this reading He came from Saint Firmin, a village about six miles from Plassans, where he had been a cow-boy, until he drew for the conscription; and his misfortunes dated from the enthusiasm that a gentleman of the neighbourhood had shown for the walking-stick handles which he carved out of roots with his knife.

intended to be given to, or used by, somebody

From this reading His only noticeable feature was his forehead, displaying all the bumps of obstinacy; for his nose was so small as to be lost between his red cheeks, while a stiff beard hid his powerful jaws.

the part of the face above the eyes

From this reading His only noticeable feature was his forehead, displaying all the bumps of obstinacy; for his nose was so small as to be lost between his red cheeks, while a stiff beard hid his powerful jaws.

showing where something starts, or who sent it

From this reading He came from Saint Firmin, a village about six miles from Plassans, where he had been a cow-boy, until he drew for the conscription; and his misfortunes dated from the enthusiasm that a gentleman of the neighbourhood had shown for the walking-stick handles which he carved out of roots with his knife.

someone who has exceptional intellectual ability and originality

From this reading From that moment, having become a rustic genius, an embryo great man for this local connoisseur, who happened to be a member of the museum committee, he had been helped by him, adulated and driven crazy with hopes; but he had successively failed in everything--his studies and competitions--thus missing the town’s purse.

a man of refinement

From this reading He came from Saint Firmin, a village about six miles from Plassans, where he had been a cow-boy, until he drew for the conscription; and his misfortunes dated from the enthusiasm that a gentleman of the neighbourhood had shown for the walking-stick handles which he carved out of roots with his knife.

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

From this reading From that moment, having become a rustic genius, an embryo great man for this local connoisseur, who happened to be a member of the museum committee, he had been helped by him, adulated and driven crazy with hopes; but he had successively failed in everything--his studies and competitions--thus missing the town’s purse.

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

From this reading He came from Saint Firmin, a village about six miles from Plassans, where he had been a cow-boy, until he drew for the conscription; and his misfortunes dated from the enthusiasm that a gentleman of the neighbourhood had shown for the walking-stick handles which he carved out of roots with his knife.

plural of “handle” — the appendage to an object that is designed to be held in order to use or move it

From this reading He came from Saint Firmin, a village about six miles from Plassans, where he had been a cow-boy, until he drew for the conscription; and his misfortunes dated from the enthusiasm that a gentleman of the neighbourhood had shown for the walking-stick handles which he carved out of roots with his knife.

past form of “happen” — come to pass

From this reading From that moment, having become a rustic genius, an embryo great man for this local connoisseur, who happened to be a member of the museum committee, he had been helped by him, adulated and driven crazy with hopes; but he had successively failed in everything--his studies and competitions--thus missing the town’s purse.

used of persons; emotionally hardened

From this reading It could be told that he was a peasant by his heavy, deliberate manner and his bull-neck, tanned and hardened like leather.

the -ing form of “have”

From this reading From that moment, having become a rustic genius, an embryo great man for this local connoisseur, who happened to be a member of the museum committee, he had been helped by him, adulated and driven crazy with hopes; but he had successively failed in everything--his studies and competitions--thus missing the town’s purse.

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

From this reading It could be told that he was a peasant by his heavy, deliberate manner and his bull-neck, tanned and hardened like leather.

of comparatively great physical weight or density

From this reading It could be told that he was a peasant by his heavy, deliberate manner and his bull-neck, tanned and hardened like leather.

past form of “help” — give help or assistance; be of service

From this reading From that moment, having become a rustic genius, an embryo great man for this local connoisseur, who happened to be a member of the museum committee, he had been helped by him, adulated and driven crazy with hopes; but he had successively failed in everything--his studies and competitions--thus missing the town’s purse.

inflected form of “hide” — prevent from being seen or discovered

From this reading His only noticeable feature was his forehead, displaying all the bumps of obstinacy; for his nose was so small as to be lost between his red cheeks, while a stiff beard hid his powerful jaws.

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

From this reading From that moment, having become a rustic genius, an embryo great man for this local connoisseur, who happened to be a member of the museum committee, he had been helped by him, adulated and driven crazy with hopes; but he had successively failed in everything--his studies and competitions--thus missing the town’s purse.

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

From this reading It could be told that he was a peasant by his heavy, deliberate manner and his bull-neck, tanned and hardened like leather.

plural of “hope” — a specific instance of feeling hopeful

From this reading From that moment, having become a rustic genius, an embryo great man for this local connoisseur, who happened to be a member of the museum committee, he had been helped by him, adulated and driven crazy with hopes; but he had successively failed in everything--his studies and competitions--thus missing the town’s purse.

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

From this reading From that moment, having become a rustic genius, an embryo great man for this local connoisseur, who happened to be a member of the museum committee, he had been helped by him, adulated and driven crazy with hopes; but he had successively failed in everything--his studies and competitions--thus missing the town’s purse.

in truth (often tends to intensify)

From this reading Behind the pile, indeed, sat Chaîne, a burly fellow who was quietly painting away, copying the fireless rusty stove on a small canvas.

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading It could be told that he was a peasant by his heavy, deliberate manner and his bull-neck, tanned and hardened like leather.

plural of “jaw” — the part of the skull of a vertebrate that frames the mouth and holds the teeth

From this reading His only noticeable feature was his forehead, displaying all the bumps of obstinacy; for his nose was so small as to be lost between his red cheeks, while a stiff beard hid his powerful jaws.

edge tool used as a cutting instrument; has a pointed blade with a sharp edge and a handle

From this reading He came from Saint Firmin, a village about six miles from Plassans, where he had been a cow-boy, until he drew for the conscription; and his misfortunes dated from the enthusiasm that a gentleman of the neighbourhood had shown for the walking-stick handles which he carved out of roots with his knife.

an animal skin made smooth and flexible by removing the hair and then tanning

From this reading It could be told that he was a peasant by his heavy, deliberate manner and his bull-neck, tanned and hardened like leather.

prefer or wish to do something

From this reading It could be told that he was a peasant by his heavy, deliberate manner and his bull-neck, tanned and hardened like leather.

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 From that moment, having become a rustic genius, an embryo great man for this local connoisseur, who happened to be a member of the museum committee, he had been helped by him, adulated and driven crazy with hopes; but he had successively failed in everything--his studies and competitions--thus missing the town’s purse.

no longer in your possession or control; unable to be found or recovered

From this reading His only noticeable feature was his forehead, displaying all the bumps of obstinacy; for his nose was so small as to be lost between his red cheeks, while a stiff beard hid his powerful jaws.

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

From this reading From that moment, having become a rustic genius, an embryo great man for this local connoisseur, who happened to be a member of the museum committee, he had been helped by him, adulated and driven crazy with hopes; but he had successively failed in everything--his studies and competitions--thus missing the town’s purse.

how something is done or how it happens

From this reading It could be told that he was a peasant by his heavy, deliberate manner and his bull-neck, tanned and hardened like leather.

one of the persons who compose a social group (especially individuals who have joined and participate in a group organization)

From this reading From that moment, having become a rustic genius, an embryo great man for this local connoisseur, who happened to be a member of the museum committee, he had been helped by him, adulated and driven crazy with hopes; but he had successively failed in everything--his studies and competitions--thus missing the town’s purse.

plural of “mile” — a unit of length equal to 1,760 yards or 5,280 feet; exactly 1609.344 meters

From this reading He came from Saint Firmin, a village about six miles from Plassans, where he had been a cow-boy, until he drew for the conscription; and his misfortunes dated from the enthusiasm that a gentleman of the neighbourhood had shown for the walking-stick handles which he carved out of roots with his knife.

plural of “misfortune” — unnecessary and unforeseen trouble resulting from an unfortunate event

From this reading He came from Saint Firmin, a village about six miles from Plassans, where he had been a cow-boy, until he drew for the conscription; and his misfortunes dated from the enthusiasm that a gentleman of the neighbourhood had shown for the walking-stick handles which he carved out of roots with his knife.

not able to be found

From this reading From that moment, having become a rustic genius, an embryo great man for this local connoisseur, who happened to be a member of the museum committee, he had been helped by him, adulated and driven crazy with hopes; but he had successively failed in everything--his studies and competitions--thus missing the town’s purse.

a particular point in time

From this reading From that moment, having become a rustic genius, an embryo great man for this local connoisseur, who happened to be a member of the museum committee, he had been helped by him, adulated and driven crazy with hopes; but he had successively failed in everything--his studies and competitions--thus missing the town’s purse.

a depository for collecting and displaying objects having scientific or historical or artistic value

From this reading From that moment, having become a rustic genius, an embryo great man for this local connoisseur, who happened to be a member of the museum committee, he had been helped by him, adulated and driven crazy with hopes; but he had successively failed in everything--his studies and competitions--thus missing the town’s purse.

a surrounding or nearby region

From this reading He came from Saint Firmin, a village about six miles from Plassans, where he had been a cow-boy, until he drew for the conscription; and his misfortunes dated from the enthusiasm that a gentleman of the neighbourhood had shown for the walking-stick handles which he carved out of roots with his knife.

the organ of smell and entrance to the respiratory tract; the prominent part of the face of man or other mammals

From this reading His only noticeable feature was his forehead, displaying all the bumps of obstinacy; for his nose was so small as to be lost between his red cheeks, while a stiff beard hid his powerful jaws.

capable or worthy of being noticed

From this reading His only noticeable feature was his forehead, displaying all the bumps of obstinacy; for his nose was so small as to be lost between his red cheeks, while a stiff beard hid his powerful jaws.

the trait of being difficult to handle or overcome

From this reading His only noticeable feature was his forehead, displaying all the bumps of obstinacy; for his nose was so small as to be lost between his red cheeks, while a stiff beard hid his powerful jaws.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading His only noticeable feature was his forehead, displaying all the bumps of obstinacy; for his nose was so small as to be lost between his red cheeks, while a stiff beard hid his powerful jaws.

touching and supported by a surface

From this reading Behind the pile, indeed, sat Chaîne, a burly fellow who was quietly painting away, copying the fireless rusty stove on a small canvas.

and nothing more

From this reading His only noticeable feature was his forehead, displaying all the bumps of obstinacy; for his nose was so small as to be lost between his red cheeks, while a stiff beard hid his powerful jaws.

not allowed to continue to bat or run

From this reading He came from Saint Firmin, a village about six miles from Plassans, where he had been a cow-boy, until he drew for the conscription; and his misfortunes dated from the enthusiasm that a gentleman of the neighbourhood had shown for the walking-stick handles which he carved out of roots with his knife.

graphic art consisting of an artistic composition made by applying paints to a surface

From this reading Behind the pile, indeed, sat Chaîne, a burly fellow who was quietly painting away, copying the fireless rusty stove on a small canvas.

a country person

From this reading It could be told that he was a peasant by his heavy, deliberate manner and his bull-neck, tanned and hardened like leather.

a collection of objects laid on top of each other

From this reading Behind the pile, indeed, sat Chaîne, a burly fellow who was quietly painting away, copying the fireless rusty stove on a small canvas.

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

From this reading He came from Saint Firmin, a village about six miles from Plassans, where he had been a cow-boy, until he drew for the conscription; and his misfortunes dated from the enthusiasm that a gentleman of the neighbourhood had shown for the walking-stick handles which he carved out of roots with his knife.

having great power or force or potency or effect

From this reading His only noticeable feature was his forehead, displaying all the bumps of obstinacy; for his nose was so small as to be lost between his red cheeks, while a stiff beard hid his powerful jaws.

a container used for carrying money and small personal items or accessories (especially by women)

From this reading From that moment, having become a rustic genius, an embryo great man for this local connoisseur, who happened to be a member of the museum committee, he had been helped by him, adulated and driven crazy with hopes; but he had successively failed in everything--his studies and competitions--thus missing the town’s purse.

with low volume

From this reading Behind the pile, indeed, sat Chaîne, a burly fellow who was quietly painting away, copying the fireless rusty stove on a small canvas.

red color or pigment; the chromatic color resembling the hue of blood

From this reading His only noticeable feature was his forehead, displaying all the bumps of obstinacy; for his nose was so small as to be lost between his red cheeks, while a stiff beard hid his powerful jaws.

the condition of belonging to a particular place or group by virtue of social or ethnic or cultural lineage

From this reading He came from Saint Firmin, a village about six miles from Plassans, where he had been a cow-boy, until he drew for the conscription; and his misfortunes dated from the enthusiasm that a gentleman of the neighbourhood had shown for the walking-stick handles which he carved out of roots with his knife.

characteristic of rural life

From this reading From that moment, having become a rustic genius, an embryo great man for this local connoisseur, who happened to be a member of the museum committee, he had been helped by him, adulated and driven crazy with hopes; but he had successively failed in everything--his studies and competitions--thus missing the town’s purse.

covered with or consisting of rust

From this reading Behind the pile, indeed, sat Chaîne, a burly fellow who was quietly painting away, copying the fireless rusty stove on a small canvas.

a person who has died and has been declared a saint by canonization

From this reading He came from Saint Firmin, a village about six miles from Plassans, where he had been a cow-boy, until he drew for the conscription; and his misfortunes dated from the enthusiasm that a gentleman of the neighbourhood had shown for the walking-stick handles which he carved out of roots with his knife.

the seventh and last day of the week; observed as the Sabbath by Jews and some Christians

From this reading Behind the pile, indeed, sat Chaîne, a burly fellow who was quietly painting away, copying the fireless rusty stove on a small canvas.

inflected form of “show” — give an exhibition of to an interested audience

From this reading He came from Saint Firmin, a village about six miles from Plassans, where he had been a cow-boy, until he drew for the conscription; and his misfortunes dated from the enthusiasm that a gentleman of the neighbourhood had shown for the walking-stick handles which he carved out of roots with his knife.

the cardinal number that is the sum of five and one

From this reading He came from Saint Firmin, a village about six miles from Plassans, where he had been a cow-boy, until he drew for the conscription; and his misfortunes dated from the enthusiasm that a gentleman of the neighbourhood had shown for the walking-stick handles which he carved out of roots with his knife.

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

From this reading Behind the pile, indeed, sat Chaîne, a burly fellow who was quietly painting away, copying the fireless rusty stove on a small canvas.

for that reason; with the result that

From this reading His only noticeable feature was his forehead, displaying all the bumps of obstinacy; for his nose was so small as to be lost between his red cheeks, while a stiff beard hid his powerful jaws.

not moving or operating freely

From this reading His only noticeable feature was his forehead, displaying all the bumps of obstinacy; for his nose was so small as to be lost between his red cheeks, while a stiff beard hid his powerful jaws.

a kitchen appliance used for cooking food

From this reading Behind the pile, indeed, sat Chaîne, a burly fellow who was quietly painting away, copying the fireless rusty stove on a small canvas.

plural of “study” — a detailed critical inspection

From this reading From that moment, having become a rustic genius, an embryo great man for this local connoisseur, who happened to be a member of the museum committee, he had been helped by him, adulated and driven crazy with hopes; but he had successively failed in everything--his studies and competitions--thus missing the town’s purse.

in proper order or sequence

From this reading From that moment, having become a rustic genius, an embryo great man for this local connoisseur, who happened to be a member of the museum committee, he had been helped by him, adulated and driven crazy with hopes; but he had successively failed in everything--his studies and competitions--thus missing the town’s purse.

(of skin) having a tan color from exposure to the sun

From this reading It could be told that he was a peasant by his heavy, deliberate manner and his bull-neck, tanned and hardened like leather.

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading It could be told that he was a peasant by his heavy, deliberate manner and his bull-neck, tanned and hardened like leather.

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

From this reading Behind the pile, indeed, sat Chaîne, a burly fellow who was quietly painting away, copying the fireless rusty stove on a small canvas.

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

From this reading From that moment, having become a rustic genius, an embryo great man for this local connoisseur, who happened to be a member of the museum committee, he had been helped by him, adulated and driven crazy with hopes; but he had successively failed in everything--his studies and competitions--thus missing the town’s purse.

(used to introduce a logical conclusion) from that fact or reason or as a result

From this reading From that moment, having become a rustic genius, an embryo great man for this local connoisseur, who happened to be a member of the museum committee, he had been helped by him, adulated and driven crazy with hopes; but he had successively failed in everything--his studies and competitions--thus missing the town’s purse.

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

From this reading His only noticeable feature was his forehead, displaying all the bumps of obstinacy; for his nose was so small as to be lost between his red cheeks, while a stiff beard hid his powerful jaws.

inflected form of “tell” — express in words

From this reading It could be told that he was a peasant by his heavy, deliberate manner and his bull-neck, tanned and hardened like leather.

possessive form of “town” — an urban area with a fixed boundary that is smaller than a city

From this reading From that moment, having become a rustic genius, an embryo great man for this local connoisseur, who happened to be a member of the museum committee, he had been helped by him, adulated and driven crazy with hopes; but he had successively failed in everything--his studies and competitions--thus missing the town’s purse.

up to a particular time

From this reading He came from Saint Firmin, a village about six miles from Plassans, where he had been a cow-boy, until he drew for the conscription; and his misfortunes dated from the enthusiasm that a gentleman of the neighbourhood had shown for the walking-stick handles which he carved out of roots with his knife.

a community of people smaller than a town

From this reading He came from Saint Firmin, a village about six miles from Plassans, where he had been a cow-boy, until he drew for the conscription; and his misfortunes dated from the enthusiasm that a gentleman of the neighbourhood had shown for the walking-stick handles which he carved out of roots with his knife.

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

From this reading He came from Saint Firmin, a village about six miles from Plassans, where he had been a cow-boy, until he drew for the conscription; and his misfortunes dated from the enthusiasm that a gentleman of the neighbourhood had shown for the walking-stick handles which he carved out of roots with his knife.

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

From this reading Behind the pile, indeed, sat Chaîne, a burly fellow who was quietly painting away, copying the fireless rusty stove on a small canvas.

in or at the place that

From this reading He came from Saint Firmin, a village about six miles from Plassans, where he had been a cow-boy, until he drew for the conscription; and his misfortunes dated from the enthusiasm that a gentleman of the neighbourhood had shown for the walking-stick handles which he carved out of roots with his knife.

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

From this reading He came from Saint Firmin, a village about six miles from Plassans, where he had been a cow-boy, until he drew for the conscription; and his misfortunes dated from the enthusiasm that a gentleman of the neighbourhood had shown for the walking-stick handles which he carved out of roots with his knife.

during the time that

From this reading His only noticeable feature was his forehead, displaying all the bumps of obstinacy; for his nose was so small as to be lost between his red cheeks, while a stiff beard hid his powerful jaws.

which person or people

From this reading Behind the pile, indeed, sat Chaîne, a burly fellow who was quietly painting away, copying the fireless rusty stove on a small canvas.

in the company of; together with

From this reading He came from Saint Firmin, a village about six miles from Plassans, where he had been a cow-boy, until he drew for the conscription; and his misfortunes dated from the enthusiasm that a gentleman of the neighbourhood had shown for the walking-stick handles which he carved out of roots with his knife.