Chapter I

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

From this reading William Fletcher was the son of a respectable country gentleman of Suffolk, in England, and the destined heir of his uncle, Sir William Fletcher, an eminent lawyer, who had employed his talents with such effective zeal and pliant principle, that he had won his way to courtly favour and secured a courtly fortune.

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

From this reading Sir William had only one child--a daughter; and possessing the common ambition of transmitting his name with his wealth, he selected his nephew as the future husband of his daughter Alice.

the 1st letter of the Greek alphabet

From this reading “Take good heed,” Sir William thus expressed himself in a letter to his brother, “take good heed that the boy be taught unquestioning and unqualified loyalty to his sovereign--the Alpha and Omega of political duty.

a cherished desire

From this reading Sir William had only one child--a daughter; and possessing the common ambition of transmitting his name with his wealth, he selected his nephew as the future husband of his daughter Alice.

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

From this reading William Fletcher was the son of a respectable country gentleman of Suffolk, in England, and the destined heir of his uncle, Sir William Fletcher, an eminent lawyer, who had employed his talents with such effective zeal and pliant principle, that he had won his way to courtly favour and secured a courtly fortune.

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

From this reading William Fletcher was the son of a respectable country gentleman of Suffolk, in England, and the destined heir of his uncle, Sir William Fletcher, an eminent lawyer, who had employed his talents with such effective zeal and pliant principle, that he had won his way to courtly favour and secured a courtly fortune.

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

From this reading Sir William had only one child--a daughter; and possessing the common ambition of transmitting his name with his wealth, he selected his nephew as the future husband of his daughter Alice.

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

From this reading “Virtue may be assail’d, but never hurt, Surprised by unjust force, but not enthrall’d; Yea, even that which mischief meant most harm, Shall in the happy trial prove most glory.”

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

From this reading “Virtue may be assail’d, but never hurt, Surprised by unjust force, but not enthrall’d; Yea, even that which mischief meant most harm, Shall in the happy trial prove most glory.”

a youthful male person

From this reading “Take good heed,” Sir William thus expressed himself in a letter to his brother, “take good heed that the boy be taught unquestioning and unqualified loyalty to his sovereign--the Alpha and Omega of political duty.

a male with the same parents as someone else

From this reading “Take good heed,” Sir William thus expressed himself in a letter to his brother, “take good heed that the boy be taught unquestioning and unqualified loyalty to his sovereign--the Alpha and Omega of political duty.

used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before

From this reading “Virtue may be assail’d, but never hurt, Surprised by unjust force, but not enthrall’d; Yea, even that which mischief meant most harm, Shall in the happy trial prove most glory.”

showing who or what does the action

From this reading “Virtue may be assail’d, but never hurt, Surprised by unjust force, but not enthrall’d; Yea, even that which mischief meant most harm, Shall in the happy trial prove most glory.”

a young person of either sex

From this reading Sir William had only one child--a daughter; and possessing the common ambition of transmitting his name with his wealth, he selected his nephew as the future husband of his daughter Alice.

belonging to or participated in by a community as a whole; public

From this reading Sir William had only one child--a daughter; and possessing the common ambition of transmitting his name with his wealth, he selected his nephew as the future husband of his daughter Alice.

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

From this reading Comus.

a politically organized body of people under a single government

From this reading William Fletcher was the son of a respectable country gentleman of Suffolk, in England, and the destined heir of his uncle, Sir William Fletcher, an eminent lawyer, who had employed his talents with such effective zeal and pliant principle, that he had won his way to courtly favour and secured a courtly fortune.

refined or imposing in manner or appearance; befitting a royal court

From this reading William Fletcher was the son of a respectable country gentleman of Suffolk, in England, and the destined heir of his uncle, Sir William Fletcher, an eminent lawyer, who had employed his talents with such effective zeal and pliant principle, that he had won his way to courtly favour and secured a courtly fortune.

a female human offspring

From this reading Sir William had only one child--a daughter; and possessing the common ambition of transmitting his name with his wealth, he selected his nephew as the future husband of his daughter Alice.

headed or intending to head in a certain direction; often used as a combining form as in “college-bound students”

From this reading William Fletcher was the son of a respectable country gentleman of Suffolk, in England, and the destined heir of his uncle, Sir William Fletcher, an eminent lawyer, who had employed his talents with such effective zeal and pliant principle, that he had won his way to courtly favour and secured a courtly fortune.

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

From this reading “Take good heed,” Sir William thus expressed himself in a letter to his brother, “take good heed that the boy be taught unquestioning and unqualified loyalty to his sovereign--the Alpha and Omega of political duty.

producing or capable of producing an intended result or having a striking effect

From this reading William Fletcher was the son of a respectable country gentleman of Suffolk, in England, and the destined heir of his uncle, Sir William Fletcher, an eminent lawyer, who had employed his talents with such effective zeal and pliant principle, that he had won his way to courtly favour and secured a courtly fortune.

standing above others in quality or position

From this reading William Fletcher was the son of a respectable country gentleman of Suffolk, in England, and the destined heir of his uncle, Sir William Fletcher, an eminent lawyer, who had employed his talents with such effective zeal and pliant principle, that he had won his way to courtly favour and secured a courtly fortune.

having your services engaged for; or having a job especially one that pays wages or a salary

From this reading William Fletcher was the son of a respectable country gentleman of Suffolk, in England, and the destined heir of his uncle, Sir William Fletcher, an eminent lawyer, who had employed his talents with such effective zeal and pliant principle, that he had won his way to courtly favour and secured a courtly fortune.

a division of the United Kingdom

From this reading William Fletcher was the son of a respectable country gentleman of Suffolk, in England, and the destined heir of his uncle, Sir William Fletcher, an eminent lawyer, who had employed his talents with such effective zeal and pliant principle, that he had won his way to courtly favour and secured a courtly fortune.

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

From this reading “Virtue may be assail’d, but never hurt, Surprised by unjust force, but not enthrall’d; Yea, even that which mischief meant most harm, Shall in the happy trial prove most glory.”

divisible by two

From this reading “Virtue may be assail’d, but never hurt, Surprised by unjust force, but not enthrall’d; Yea, even that which mischief meant most harm, Shall in the happy trial prove most glory.”

communicated in words

From this reading “Take good heed,” Sir William thus expressed himself in a letter to his brother, “take good heed that the boy be taught unquestioning and unqualified loyalty to his sovereign--the Alpha and Omega of political duty.

a feeling of favorable regard

From this reading William Fletcher was the son of a respectable country gentleman of Suffolk, in England, and the destined heir of his uncle, Sir William Fletcher, an eminent lawyer, who had employed his talents with such effective zeal and pliant principle, that he had won his way to courtly favour and secured a courtly fortune.

prolific English dramatist who collaborated with Francis Beaumont and many other dramatists (1579-1625)

From this reading William Fletcher was the son of a respectable country gentleman of Suffolk, in England, and the destined heir of his uncle, Sir William Fletcher, an eminent lawyer, who had employed his talents with such effective zeal and pliant principle, that he had won his way to courtly favour and secured a courtly fortune.

a powerful effect or influence

From this reading “Virtue may be assail’d, but never hurt, Surprised by unjust force, but not enthrall’d; Yea, even that which mischief meant most harm, Shall in the happy trial prove most glory.”

an unknown and unpredictable phenomenon that causes an event to result one way rather than another

From this reading William Fletcher was the son of a respectable country gentleman of Suffolk, in England, and the destined heir of his uncle, Sir William Fletcher, an eminent lawyer, who had employed his talents with such effective zeal and pliant principle, that he had won his way to courtly favour and secured a courtly fortune.

yet to be or coming

From this reading Sir William had only one child--a daughter; and possessing the common ambition of transmitting his name with his wealth, he selected his nephew as the future husband of his daughter Alice.

a man of refinement

From this reading William Fletcher was the son of a respectable country gentleman of Suffolk, in England, and the destined heir of his uncle, Sir William Fletcher, an eminent lawyer, who had employed his talents with such effective zeal and pliant principle, that he had won his way to courtly favour and secured a courtly fortune.

a state of high honor

From this reading “Virtue may be assail’d, but never hurt, Surprised by unjust force, but not enthrall’d; Yea, even that which mischief meant most harm, Shall in the happy trial prove most glory.”

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

From this reading “Take good heed,” Sir William thus expressed himself in a letter to his brother, “take good heed that the boy be taught unquestioning and unqualified loyalty to his sovereign--the Alpha and Omega of political duty.

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

From this reading William Fletcher was the son of a respectable country gentleman of Suffolk, in England, and the destined heir of his uncle, Sir William Fletcher, an eminent lawyer, who had employed his talents with such effective zeal and pliant principle, that he had won his way to courtly favour and secured a courtly fortune.

enjoying or showing or marked by joy or pleasure

From this reading “Virtue may be assail’d, but never hurt, Surprised by unjust force, but not enthrall’d; Yea, even that which mischief meant most harm, Shall in the happy trial prove most glory.”

any physical damage to the body caused by violence or accident or fracture etc.

From this reading “Virtue may be assail’d, but never hurt, Surprised by unjust force, but not enthrall’d; Yea, even that which mischief meant most harm, Shall in the happy trial prove most glory.”

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

From this reading William Fletcher was the son of a respectable country gentleman of Suffolk, in England, and the destined heir of his uncle, Sir William Fletcher, an eminent lawyer, who had employed his talents with such effective zeal and pliant principle, that he had won his way to courtly favour and secured a courtly fortune.

paying particular notice (as to children or helpless people)

From this reading “Take good heed,” Sir William thus expressed himself in a letter to his brother, “take good heed that the boy be taught unquestioning and unqualified loyalty to his sovereign--the Alpha and Omega of political duty.

A person legally or magically entitled to the property or rank of another on that person's death.

From this reading William Fletcher was the son of a respectable country gentleman of Suffolk, in England, and the destined heir of his uncle, Sir William Fletcher, an eminent lawyer, who had employed his talents with such effective zeal and pliant principle, that he had won his way to courtly favour and secured a courtly fortune.

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

From this reading “Take good heed,” Sir William thus expressed himself in a letter to his brother, “take good heed that the boy be taught unquestioning and unqualified loyalty to his sovereign--the Alpha and Omega of political duty.

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

From this reading William Fletcher was the son of a respectable country gentleman of Suffolk, in England, and the destined heir of his uncle, Sir William Fletcher, an eminent lawyer, who had employed his talents with such effective zeal and pliant principle, that he had won his way to courtly favour and secured a courtly fortune.

be the source of pain

From this reading “Virtue may be assail’d, but never hurt, Surprised by unjust force, but not enthrall’d; Yea, even that which mischief meant most harm, Shall in the happy trial prove most glory.”

a married man; a woman's partner in marriage

From this reading Sir William had only one child--a daughter; and possessing the common ambition of transmitting his name with his wealth, he selected his nephew as the future husband of his daughter Alice.

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

From this reading “Virtue may be assail’d, but never hurt, Surprised by unjust force, but not enthrall’d; Yea, even that which mischief meant most harm, Shall in the happy trial prove most glory.”

a professional person authorized to practice law; conducts lawsuits or gives legal advice

From this reading William Fletcher was the son of a respectable country gentleman of Suffolk, in England, and the destined heir of his uncle, Sir William Fletcher, an eminent lawyer, who had employed his talents with such effective zeal and pliant principle, that he had won his way to courtly favour and secured a courtly fortune.

a written message addressed to a person or organization

From this reading “Take good heed,” Sir William thus expressed himself in a letter to his brother, “take good heed that the boy be taught unquestioning and unqualified loyalty to his sovereign--the Alpha and Omega of political duty.

the quality of being loyal

From this reading “Take good heed,” Sir William thus expressed himself in a letter to his brother, “take good heed that the boy be taught unquestioning and unqualified loyalty to his sovereign--the Alpha and Omega of political duty.

used to say something is possible, or to give permission

From this reading “Virtue may be assail’d, but never hurt, Surprised by unjust force, but not enthrall’d; Yea, even that which mischief meant most harm, Shall in the happy trial prove most glory.”

inflected form of “mean” — mean or intend to express or convey

From this reading “Virtue may be assail’d, but never hurt, Surprised by unjust force, but not enthrall’d; Yea, even that which mischief meant most harm, Shall in the happy trial prove most glory.”

reckless or malicious behavior that causes discomfort or annoyance in others

From this reading “Virtue may be assail’d, but never hurt, Surprised by unjust force, but not enthrall’d; Yea, even that which mischief meant most harm, Shall in the happy trial prove most glory.”

used to form the superlative

From this reading “Virtue may be assail’d, but never hurt, Surprised by unjust force, but not enthrall’d; Yea, even that which mischief meant most harm, Shall in the happy trial prove most glory.”

assign a specified (usually proper) proper name to

From this reading Sir William had only one child--a daughter; and possessing the common ambition of transmitting his name with his wealth, he selected his nephew as the future husband of his daughter Alice.

a son of your brother or sister

From this reading Sir William had only one child--a daughter; and possessing the common ambition of transmitting his name with his wealth, he selected his nephew as the future husband of his daughter Alice.

not ever; at no time in the past or future

From this reading “Virtue may be assail’d, but never hurt, Surprised by unjust force, but not enthrall’d; Yea, even that which mischief meant most harm, Shall in the happy trial prove most glory.”

used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative

From this reading “Virtue may be assail’d, but never hurt, Surprised by unjust force, but not enthrall’d; Yea, even that which mischief meant most harm, Shall in the happy trial prove most glory.”

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading William Fletcher was the son of a respectable country gentleman of Suffolk, in England, and the destined heir of his uncle, Sir William Fletcher, an eminent lawyer, who had employed his talents with such effective zeal and pliant principle, that he had won his way to courtly favour and secured a courtly fortune.

the ending of a series or sequence

From this reading “Take good heed,” Sir William thus expressed himself in a letter to his brother, “take good heed that the boy be taught unquestioning and unqualified loyalty to his sovereign--the Alpha and Omega of political duty.

used to mean any person in general, including the speaker

From this reading Sir William had only one child--a daughter; and possessing the common ambition of transmitting his name with his wealth, he selected his nephew as the future husband of his daughter Alice.

and nothing more

From this reading Sir William had only one child--a daughter; and possessing the common ambition of transmitting his name with his wealth, he selected his nephew as the future husband of his daughter Alice.

capable of being influenced or formed

From this reading William Fletcher was the son of a respectable country gentleman of Suffolk, in England, and the destined heir of his uncle, Sir William Fletcher, an eminent lawyer, who had employed his talents with such effective zeal and pliant principle, that he had won his way to courtly favour and secured a courtly fortune.

involving or characteristic of politics or parties or politicians

From this reading “Take good heed,” Sir William thus expressed himself in a letter to his brother, “take good heed that the boy be taught unquestioning and unqualified loyalty to his sovereign--the Alpha and Omega of political duty.

-ing form of “possess” — have as an attribute, knowledge, or skill

From this reading Sir William had only one child--a daughter; and possessing the common ambition of transmitting his name with his wealth, he selected his nephew as the future husband of his daughter Alice.

a basic generalization that is accepted as true and that can be used as a basis for reasoning or conduct

From this reading William Fletcher was the son of a respectable country gentleman of Suffolk, in England, and the destined heir of his uncle, Sir William Fletcher, an eminent lawyer, who had employed his talents with such effective zeal and pliant principle, that he had won his way to courtly favour and secured a courtly fortune.

be shown or be found to be

From this reading “Virtue may be assail’d, but never hurt, Surprised by unjust force, but not enthrall’d; Yea, even that which mischief meant most harm, Shall in the happy trial prove most glory.”

characterized by socially or conventionally acceptable morals

From this reading William Fletcher was the son of a respectable country gentleman of Suffolk, in England, and the destined heir of his uncle, Sir William Fletcher, an eminent lawyer, who had employed his talents with such effective zeal and pliant principle, that he had won his way to courtly favour and secured a courtly fortune.

past form of “secure” — get by special effort

From this reading William Fletcher was the son of a respectable country gentleman of Suffolk, in England, and the destined heir of his uncle, Sir William Fletcher, an eminent lawyer, who had employed his talents with such effective zeal and pliant principle, that he had won his way to courtly favour and secured a courtly fortune.

chosen in preference to another

From this reading Sir William had only one child--a daughter; and possessing the common ambition of transmitting his name with his wealth, he selected his nephew as the future husband of his daughter Alice.

used with I and we for the future, or to offer and suggest

From this reading “Virtue may be assail’d, but never hurt, Surprised by unjust force, but not enthrall’d; Yea, even that which mischief meant most harm, Shall in the happy trial prove most glory.”

term of address for a man

From this reading William Fletcher was the son of a respectable country gentleman of Suffolk, in England, and the destined heir of his uncle, Sir William Fletcher, an eminent lawyer, who had employed his talents with such effective zeal and pliant principle, that he had won his way to courtly favour and secured a courtly fortune.

a male human offspring

From this reading William Fletcher was the son of a respectable country gentleman of Suffolk, in England, and the destined heir of his uncle, Sir William Fletcher, an eminent lawyer, who had employed his talents with such effective zeal and pliant principle, that he had won his way to courtly favour and secured a courtly fortune.

Possessing supreme or ultimate power; autonomous and commanding.

From this reading “Take good heed,” Sir William thus expressed himself in a letter to his brother, “take good heed that the boy be taught unquestioning and unqualified loyalty to his sovereign--the Alpha and Omega of political duty.

of the kind already mentioned

From this reading William Fletcher was the son of a respectable country gentleman of Suffolk, in England, and the destined heir of his uncle, Sir William Fletcher, an eminent lawyer, who had employed his talents with such effective zeal and pliant principle, that he had won his way to courtly favour and secured a courtly fortune.

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

From this reading William Fletcher was the son of a respectable country gentleman of Suffolk, in England, and the destined heir of his uncle, Sir William Fletcher, an eminent lawyer, who had employed his talents with such effective zeal and pliant principle, that he had won his way to courtly favour and secured a courtly fortune.

taken unawares or suddenly and feeling wonder or astonishment

From this reading “Virtue may be assail’d, but never hurt, Surprised by unjust force, but not enthrall’d; Yea, even that which mischief meant most harm, Shall in the happy trial prove most glory.”

carry out

From this reading “Take good heed,” Sir William thus expressed himself in a letter to his brother, “take good heed that the boy be taught unquestioning and unqualified loyalty to his sovereign--the Alpha and Omega of political duty.

plural of “talent” — natural abilities or qualities

From this reading William Fletcher was the son of a respectable country gentleman of Suffolk, in England, and the destined heir of his uncle, Sir William Fletcher, an eminent lawyer, who had employed his talents with such effective zeal and pliant principle, that he had won his way to courtly favour and secured a courtly fortune.

inflected form of “teach” — impart skills or knowledge to

From this reading “Take good heed,” Sir William thus expressed himself in a letter to his brother, “take good heed that the boy be taught unquestioning and unqualified loyalty to his sovereign--the Alpha and Omega of political duty.

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading “Virtue may be assail’d, but never hurt, Surprised by unjust force, but not enthrall’d; Yea, even that which mischief meant most harm, Shall in the happy trial prove most glory.”

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

From this reading “Virtue may be assail’d, but never hurt, Surprised by unjust force, but not enthrall’d; Yea, even that which mischief meant most harm, Shall in the happy trial prove most glory.”

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

From this reading “Take good heed,” Sir William thus expressed himself in a letter to his brother, “take good heed that the boy be taught unquestioning and unqualified loyalty to his sovereign--the Alpha and Omega of political duty.

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

From this reading William Fletcher was the son of a respectable country gentleman of Suffolk, in England, and the destined heir of his uncle, Sir William Fletcher, an eminent lawyer, who had employed his talents with such effective zeal and pliant principle, that he had won his way to courtly favour and secured a courtly fortune.

the act of sending a message; causing a message to be transmitted

From this reading Sir William had only one child--a daughter; and possessing the common ambition of transmitting his name with his wealth, he selected his nephew as the future husband of his daughter Alice.

the act of testing something

From this reading “Virtue may be assail’d, but never hurt, Surprised by unjust force, but not enthrall’d; Yea, even that which mischief meant most harm, Shall in the happy trial prove most glory.”

the brother of your father or mother; the husband of your aunt

From this reading William Fletcher was the son of a respectable country gentleman of Suffolk, in England, and the destined heir of his uncle, Sir William Fletcher, an eminent lawyer, who had employed his talents with such effective zeal and pliant principle, that he had won his way to courtly favour and secured a courtly fortune.

not fair; marked by injustice or partiality or deception

From this reading “Virtue may be assail’d, but never hurt, Surprised by unjust force, but not enthrall’d; Yea, even that which mischief meant most harm, Shall in the happy trial prove most glory.”

not limited or restricted

From this reading “Take good heed,” Sir William thus expressed himself in a letter to his brother, “take good heed that the boy be taught unquestioning and unqualified loyalty to his sovereign--the Alpha and Omega of political duty.

not inclined to ask questions

From this reading “Take good heed,” Sir William thus expressed himself in a letter to his brother, “take good heed that the boy be taught unquestioning and unqualified loyalty to his sovereign--the Alpha and Omega of political duty.

Moral excellence and goodness of character; the highest human attainment in Stoic philosophy.

From this reading “Virtue may be assail’d, but never hurt, Surprised by unjust force, but not enthrall’d; Yea, even that which mischief meant most harm, Shall in the happy trial prove most glory.”

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

From this reading William Fletcher was the son of a respectable country gentleman of Suffolk, in England, and the destined heir of his uncle, Sir William Fletcher, an eminent lawyer, who had employed his talents with such effective zeal and pliant principle, that he had won his way to courtly favour and secured a courtly fortune.

how something is done or how it happens

From this reading William Fletcher was the son of a respectable country gentleman of Suffolk, in England, and the destined heir of his uncle, Sir William Fletcher, an eminent lawyer, who had employed his talents with such effective zeal and pliant principle, that he had won his way to courtly favour and secured a courtly fortune.

the state of being rich and affluent; having a plentiful supply of material goods and money

From this reading Sir William had only one child--a daughter; and possessing the common ambition of transmitting his name with his wealth, he selected his nephew as the future husband of his daughter Alice.

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

From this reading “Virtue may be assail’d, but never hurt, Surprised by unjust force, but not enthrall’d; Yea, even that which mischief meant most harm, Shall in the happy trial prove most glory.”

which person or people

From this reading William Fletcher was the son of a respectable country gentleman of Suffolk, in England, and the destined heir of his uncle, Sir William Fletcher, an eminent lawyer, who had employed his talents with such effective zeal and pliant principle, that he had won his way to courtly favour and secured a courtly fortune.

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

From this reading William Fletcher was the son of a respectable country gentleman of Suffolk, in England, and the destined heir of his uncle, Sir William Fletcher, an eminent lawyer, who had employed his talents with such effective zeal and pliant principle, that he had won his way to courtly favour and secured a courtly fortune.

in the company of; together with

From this reading William Fletcher was the son of a respectable country gentleman of Suffolk, in England, and the destined heir of his uncle, Sir William Fletcher, an eminent lawyer, who had employed his talents with such effective zeal and pliant principle, that he had won his way to courtly favour and secured a courtly fortune.

the basic unit of money in South Korea

From this reading William Fletcher was the son of a respectable country gentleman of Suffolk, in England, and the destined heir of his uncle, Sir William Fletcher, an eminent lawyer, who had employed his talents with such effective zeal and pliant principle, that he had won his way to courtly favour and secured a courtly fortune.

an old word for “yes”

From this reading “Virtue may be assail’d, but never hurt, Surprised by unjust force, but not enthrall’d; Yea, even that which mischief meant most harm, Shall in the happy trial prove most glory.”

a feeling of strong eagerness (usually in favor of a person or cause)

From this reading William Fletcher was the son of a respectable country gentleman of Suffolk, in England, and the destined heir of his uncle, Sir William Fletcher, an eminent lawyer, who had employed his talents with such effective zeal and pliant principle, that he had won his way to courtly favour and secured a courtly fortune.