Chapter I · Chapter 1

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

From this reading Some day an enterprising editor may find time to glean from the whole field of Canadian literature a representative collection of wit and humour.

a record or narrative description of past events

From this reading It embraces, however, what are believed to be representative examples of the work of some of our better-known writers, many of which will no doubt be quite familiar to Canadian readers, but perhaps none the less welcome on that account.

recognized or made known or admitted

From this reading It would include the productions of such acknowledged humorists as Thomas Chandler Haliburton and George Thomas Lanigan, as well as specimens of characteristic humour from writers who are better remembered by their more serious work.

in addition

From this reading It would also include a great deal of genuine wit and humour, largely anonymous, in such Canadian periodicals as _Grip_, _Punch in Canada_, the _Grumbler_, the _Free Lance_, and _Diogenes_; and characteristic passages from the speeches of such brilliant and witty debaters as Thomas D'Arcy McGee, Joseph Howe, and Nicholas Flood Davin.

having a strong desire for success or achievement

From this reading The present little collection obviously makes no such ambitious claim.

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

From this reading Some day an enterprising editor may find time to glean from the whole field of Canadian literature a representative collection of wit and humour.

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

From this reading Some day an enterprising editor may find time to glean from the whole field of Canadian literature a representative collection of wit and humour.

having no known name or identity or known source

From this reading It would also include a great deal of genuine wit and humour, largely anonymous, in such Canadian periodicals as _Grip_, _Punch in Canada_, the _Grumbler_, the _Free Lance_, and _Diogenes_; and characteristic passages from the speeches of such brilliant and witty debaters as Thomas D'Arcy McGee, Joseph Howe, and Nicholas Flood Davin.

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

From this reading It would include the productions of such acknowledged humorists as Thomas Chandler Haliburton and George Thomas Lanigan, as well as specimens of characteristic humour from writers who are better remembered by their more serious work.

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

From this reading It would include the productions of such acknowledged humorists as Thomas Chandler Haliburton and George Thomas Lanigan, as well as specimens of characteristic humour from writers who are better remembered by their more serious work.

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

From this reading It embraces, however, what are believed to be representative examples of the work of some of our better-known writers, many of which will no doubt be quite familiar to Canadian readers, but perhaps none the less welcome on that account.

past form of “believe” — accept as true; take to be true

From this reading It embraces, however, what are believed to be representative examples of the work of some of our better-known writers, many of which will no doubt be quite familiar to Canadian readers, but perhaps none the less welcome on that account.

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

From this reading It would include the productions of such acknowledged humorists as Thomas Chandler Haliburton and George Thomas Lanigan, as well as specimens of characteristic humour from writers who are better remembered by their more serious work.

more familiar or renowned than the other of two

From this reading It embraces, however, what are believed to be representative examples of the work of some of our better-known writers, many of which will no doubt be quite familiar to Canadian readers, but perhaps none the less welcome on that account.

of surpassing excellence

From this reading It would also include a great deal of genuine wit and humour, largely anonymous, in such Canadian periodicals as _Grip_, _Punch in Canada_, the _Grumbler_, the _Free Lance_, and _Diogenes_; and characteristic passages from the speeches of such brilliant and witty debaters as Thomas D'Arcy McGee, Joseph Howe, and Nicholas Flood Davin.

used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before

From this reading It embraces, however, what are believed to be representative examples of the work of some of our better-known writers, many of which will no doubt be quite familiar to Canadian readers, but perhaps none the less welcome on that account.

showing who or what does the action

From this reading It would include the productions of such acknowledged humorists as Thomas Chandler Haliburton and George Thomas Lanigan, as well as specimens of characteristic humour from writers who are better remembered by their more serious work.

a nation in northern North America; the French were the first Europeans to settle in mainland Canada

From this reading It would also include a great deal of genuine wit and humour, largely anonymous, in such Canadian periodicals as _Grip_, _Punch in Canada_, the _Grumbler_, the _Free Lance_, and _Diogenes_; and characteristic passages from the speeches of such brilliant and witty debaters as Thomas D'Arcy McGee, Joseph Howe, and Nicholas Flood Davin.

of or relating to Canada or its people

From this reading Some day an enterprising editor may find time to glean from the whole field of Canadian literature a representative collection of wit and humour.

United States writer of detective thrillers featuring the character of Philip Marlowe (1888-1959)

From this reading It would include the productions of such acknowledged humorists as Thomas Chandler Haliburton and George Thomas Lanigan, as well as specimens of characteristic humour from writers who are better remembered by their more serious work.

a prominent attribute or aspect of something

From this reading It would include the productions of such acknowledged humorists as Thomas Chandler Haliburton and George Thomas Lanigan, as well as specimens of characteristic humour from writers who are better remembered by their more serious work.

an assertion of a right (as to money or property)

From this reading The present little collection obviously makes no such ambitious claim.

several things grouped together or considered as a whole

From this reading Some day an enterprising editor may find time to glean from the whole field of Canadian literature a representative collection of wit and humour.

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

From this reading It would also include a great deal of genuine wit and humour, largely anonymous, in such Canadian periodicals as _Grip_, _Punch in Canada_, the _Grumbler_, the _Free Lance_, and _Diogenes_; and characteristic passages from the speeches of such brilliant and witty debaters as Thomas D'Arcy McGee, Joseph Howe, and Nicholas Flood Davin.

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

From this reading It would also include a great deal of genuine wit and humour, largely anonymous, in such Canadian periodicals as _Grip_, _Punch in Canada_, the _Grumbler_, the _Free Lance_, and _Diogenes_; and characteristic passages from the speeches of such brilliant and witty debaters as Thomas D'Arcy McGee, Joseph Howe, and Nicholas Flood Davin.

time for Earth to make a complete rotation on its axis

From this reading Some day an enterprising editor may find time to glean from the whole field of Canadian literature a representative collection of wit and humour.

act on verbally or in some form of artistic expression

From this reading It would also include a great deal of genuine wit and humour, largely anonymous, in such Canadian periodicals as _Grip_, _Punch in Canada_, the _Grumbler_, the _Free Lance_, and _Diogenes_; and characteristic passages from the speeches of such brilliant and witty debaters as Thomas D'Arcy McGee, Joseph Howe, and Nicholas Flood Davin.

plural of “debater” — someone who engages in debate

From this reading It would also include a great deal of genuine wit and humour, largely anonymous, in such Canadian periodicals as _Grip_, _Punch in Canada_, the _Grumbler_, the _Free Lance_, and _Diogenes_; and characteristic passages from the speeches of such brilliant and witty debaters as Thomas D'Arcy McGee, Joseph Howe, and Nicholas Flood Davin.

an ancient Greek philosopher and Cynic who rejected social conventions (circa 400-325 BC)

From this reading It would also include a great deal of genuine wit and humour, largely anonymous, in such Canadian periodicals as _Grip_, _Punch in Canada_, the _Grumbler_, the _Free Lance_, and _Diogenes_; and characteristic passages from the speeches of such brilliant and witty debaters as Thomas D'Arcy McGee, Joseph Howe, and Nicholas Flood Davin.

the state of being unsure of something

From this reading It embraces, however, what are believed to be representative examples of the work of some of our better-known writers, many of which will no doubt be quite familiar to Canadian readers, but perhaps none the less welcome on that account.

a person responsible for the editorial aspects of publication; the person who determines the final content of a text (especially of a newspaper or magazine)

From this reading Some day an enterprising editor may find time to glean from the whole field of Canadian literature a representative collection of wit and humour.

plural of “embrace” — the act of clasping another person in the arms (as in greeting or affection)

From this reading It embraces, however, what are believed to be representative examples of the work of some of our better-known writers, many of which will no doubt be quite familiar to Canadian readers, but perhaps none the less welcome on that account.

marked by imagination, initiative, and readiness to undertake new projects

From this reading Some day an enterprising editor may find time to glean from the whole field of Canadian literature a representative collection of wit and humour.

plural of “example” — an item of information that is typical of a class or group

From this reading It embraces, however, what are believed to be representative examples of the work of some of our better-known writers, many of which will no doubt be quite familiar to Canadian readers, but perhaps none the less welcome on that account.

well known or easily recognized

From this reading It embraces, however, what are believed to be representative examples of the work of some of our better-known writers, many of which will no doubt be quite familiar to Canadian readers, but perhaps none the less welcome on that account.

a piece of land cleared of trees and usually enclosed

From this reading Some day an enterprising editor may find time to glean from the whole field of Canadian literature a representative collection of wit and humour.

come upon, as if by accident; meet with

From this reading Some day an enterprising editor may find time to glean from the whole field of Canadian literature a representative collection of wit and humour.

the rising of a body of water and its overflowing onto normally dry land

From this reading It would also include a great deal of genuine wit and humour, largely anonymous, in such Canadian periodicals as _Grip_, _Punch in Canada_, the _Grumbler_, the _Free Lance_, and _Diogenes_; and characteristic passages from the speeches of such brilliant and witty debaters as Thomas D'Arcy McGee, Joseph Howe, and Nicholas Flood Davin.

grant freedom to; free from confinement

From this reading It would also include a great deal of genuine wit and humour, largely anonymous, in such Canadian periodicals as _Grip_, _Punch in Canada_, the _Grumbler_, the _Free Lance_, and _Diogenes_; and characteristic passages from the speeches of such brilliant and witty debaters as Thomas D'Arcy McGee, Joseph Howe, and Nicholas Flood Davin.

showing where something starts, or who sent it

From this reading Some day an enterprising editor may find time to glean from the whole field of Canadian literature a representative collection of wit and humour.

not fake or counterfeit

From this reading It would also include a great deal of genuine wit and humour, largely anonymous, in such Canadian periodicals as _Grip_, _Punch in Canada_, the _Grumbler_, the _Free Lance_, and _Diogenes_; and characteristic passages from the speeches of such brilliant and witty debaters as Thomas D'Arcy McGee, Joseph Howe, and Nicholas Flood Davin.

Christian martyr; patron saint of England; hero of the legend of Saint George and the Dragon in which he slew a dragon and saved a princess (?-303)

From this reading It would include the productions of such acknowledged humorists as Thomas Chandler Haliburton and George Thomas Lanigan, as well as specimens of characteristic humour from writers who are better remembered by their more serious work.

gather, as of natural products

From this reading Some day an enterprising editor may find time to glean from the whole field of Canadian literature a representative collection of wit and humour.

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

From this reading It would also include a great deal of genuine wit and humour, largely anonymous, in such Canadian periodicals as _Grip_, _Punch in Canada_, the _Grumbler_, the _Free Lance_, and _Diogenes_; and characteristic passages from the speeches of such brilliant and witty debaters as Thomas D'Arcy McGee, Joseph Howe, and Nicholas Flood Davin.

the act of grasping

From this reading It would also include a great deal of genuine wit and humour, largely anonymous, in such Canadian periodicals as _Grip_, _Punch in Canada_, the _Grumbler_, the _Free Lance_, and _Diogenes_; and characteristic passages from the speeches of such brilliant and witty debaters as Thomas D'Arcy McGee, Joseph Howe, and Nicholas Flood Davin.

a person given to excessive complaints and crying and whining

From this reading It would also include a great deal of genuine wit and humour, largely anonymous, in such Canadian periodicals as _Grip_, _Punch in Canada_, the _Grumbler_, the _Free Lance_, and _Diogenes_; and characteristic passages from the speeches of such brilliant and witty debaters as Thomas D'Arcy McGee, Joseph Howe, and Nicholas Flood Davin.

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

From this reading It would include the productions of such acknowledged humorists as Thomas Chandler Haliburton and George Thomas Lanigan, as well as specimens of characteristic humour from writers who are better remembered by their more serious work.

United States editor (1920-1993)

From this reading It would also include a great deal of genuine wit and humour, largely anonymous, in such Canadian periodicals as _Grip_, _Punch in Canada_, the _Grumbler_, the _Free Lance_, and _Diogenes_; and characteristic passages from the speeches of such brilliant and witty debaters as Thomas D'Arcy McGee, Joseph Howe, and Nicholas Flood Davin.

used to add a contrasting statement

From this reading It embraces, however, what are believed to be representative examples of the work of some of our better-known writers, many of which will no doubt be quite familiar to Canadian readers, but perhaps none the less welcome on that account.

plural of “humorist” — someone who acts speaks or writes in an amusing way

From this reading It would include the productions of such acknowledged humorists as Thomas Chandler Haliburton and George Thomas Lanigan, as well as specimens of characteristic humour from writers who are better remembered by their more serious work.

a characteristic (habitual or relatively temporary) state of feeling

From this reading Some day an enterprising editor may find time to glean from the whole field of Canadian literature a representative collection of wit and humour.

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

From this reading It would also include a great deal of genuine wit and humour, largely anonymous, in such Canadian periodicals as _Grip_, _Punch in Canada_, the _Grumbler_, the _Free Lance_, and _Diogenes_; and characteristic passages from the speeches of such brilliant and witty debaters as Thomas D'Arcy McGee, Joseph Howe, and Nicholas Flood Davin.

have as a part, be made up out of

From this reading It would include the productions of such acknowledged humorists as Thomas Chandler Haliburton and George Thomas Lanigan, as well as specimens of characteristic humour from writers who are better remembered by their more serious work.

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading It would include the productions of such acknowledged humorists as Thomas Chandler Haliburton and George Thomas Lanigan, as well as specimens of characteristic humour from writers who are better remembered by their more serious work.

leader of the Nez Perce in their retreat from United States troops (1840-1904)

From this reading It would also include a great deal of genuine wit and humour, largely anonymous, in such Canadian periodicals as _Grip_, _Punch in Canada_, the _Grumbler_, the _Free Lance_, and _Diogenes_; and characteristic passages from the speeches of such brilliant and witty debaters as Thomas D'Arcy McGee, Joseph Howe, and Nicholas Flood Davin.

a long pointed rod used as a tool or weapon

From this reading It would also include a great deal of genuine wit and humour, largely anonymous, in such Canadian periodicals as _Grip_, _Punch in Canada_, the _Grumbler_, the _Free Lance_, and _Diogenes_; and characteristic passages from the speeches of such brilliant and witty debaters as Thomas D'Arcy McGee, Joseph Howe, and Nicholas Flood Davin.

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

From this reading It would include the productions of such acknowledged humorists as Thomas Chandler Haliburton and George Thomas Lanigan, as well as specimens of characteristic humour from writers who are better remembered by their more serious work.

in large part; mainly or chiefly

From this reading It would also include a great deal of genuine wit and humour, largely anonymous, in such Canadian periodicals as _Grip_, _Punch in Canada_, the _Grumbler_, the _Free Lance_, and _Diogenes_; and characteristic passages from the speeches of such brilliant and witty debaters as Thomas D'Arcy McGee, Joseph Howe, and Nicholas Flood Davin.

used to form the comparative of some adjectives and adverbs

From this reading It embraces, however, what are believed to be representative examples of the work of some of our better-known writers, many of which will no doubt be quite familiar to Canadian readers, but perhaps none the less welcome on that account.

creative writing of recognized artistic value

From this reading Some day an enterprising editor may find time to glean from the whole field of Canadian literature a representative collection of wit and humour.

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

From this reading The present little collection obviously makes no such ambitious claim.

plural of “make” — a recognizable kind

From this reading The present little collection obviously makes no such ambitious claim.

a quantifier that can be used with count nouns and is often preceded by “as” or “too” or “so” or “that”; amounting to a large but indefinite number

From this reading It embraces, however, what are believed to be representative examples of the work of some of our better-known writers, many of which will no doubt be quite familiar to Canadian readers, but perhaps none the less welcome on that account.

used to say something is possible, or to give permission

From this reading Some day an enterprising editor may find time to glean from the whole field of Canadian literature a representative collection of wit and humour.

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

From this reading It would also include a great deal of genuine wit and humour, largely anonymous, in such Canadian periodicals as _Grip_, _Punch in Canada_, the _Grumbler_, the _Free Lance_, and _Diogenes_; and characteristic passages from the speeches of such brilliant and witty debaters as Thomas D'Arcy McGee, Joseph Howe, and Nicholas Flood Davin.

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

From this reading It would include the productions of such acknowledged humorists as Thomas Chandler Haliburton and George Thomas Lanigan, as well as specimens of characteristic humour from writers who are better remembered by their more serious work.

a bishop in Asia Minor who is associated with Santa Claus (4th century)

From this reading It would also include a great deal of genuine wit and humour, largely anonymous, in such Canadian periodicals as _Grip_, _Punch in Canada_, the _Grumbler_, the _Free Lance_, and _Diogenes_; and characteristic passages from the speeches of such brilliant and witty debaters as Thomas D'Arcy McGee, Joseph Howe, and Nicholas Flood Davin.

not any; not one

From this reading The present little collection obviously makes no such ambitious claim.

not one, and not any

From this reading It embraces, however, what are believed to be representative examples of the work of some of our better-known writers, many of which will no doubt be quite familiar to Canadian readers, but perhaps none the less welcome on that account.

unmistakably (“plain” is often used informally for “plainly”)

From this reading The present little collection obviously makes no such ambitious claim.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading Some day an enterprising editor may find time to glean from the whole field of Canadian literature a representative collection of wit and humour.

touching and supported by a surface

From this reading It embraces, however, what are believed to be representative examples of the work of some of our better-known writers, many of which will no doubt be quite familiar to Canadian readers, but perhaps none the less welcome on that account.

belonging to the speaker and others

From this reading It embraces, however, what are believed to be representative examples of the work of some of our better-known writers, many of which will no doubt be quite familiar to Canadian readers, but perhaps none the less welcome on that account.

plural of “passage” — the act of passing from one state or place to the next

From this reading It would also include a great deal of genuine wit and humour, largely anonymous, in such Canadian periodicals as _Grip_, _Punch in Canada_, the _Grumbler_, the _Free Lance_, and _Diogenes_; and characteristic passages from the speeches of such brilliant and witty debaters as Thomas D'Arcy McGee, Joseph Howe, and Nicholas Flood Davin.

by chance

From this reading It embraces, however, what are believed to be representative examples of the work of some of our better-known writers, many of which will no doubt be quite familiar to Canadian readers, but perhaps none the less welcome on that account.

plural of “periodical” — a publication that appears at fixed intervals

From this reading It would also include a great deal of genuine wit and humour, largely anonymous, in such Canadian periodicals as _Grip_, _Punch in Canada_, the _Grumbler_, the _Free Lance_, and _Diogenes_; and characteristic passages from the speeches of such brilliant and witty debaters as Thomas D'Arcy McGee, Joseph Howe, and Nicholas Flood Davin.

give an exhibition of to an interested audience

From this reading The present little collection obviously makes no such ambitious claim.

plural of “production” — the act or process of producing something

From this reading It would include the productions of such acknowledged humorists as Thomas Chandler Haliburton and George Thomas Lanigan, as well as specimens of characteristic humour from writers who are better remembered by their more serious work.

deliver a quick blow to

From this reading It would also include a great deal of genuine wit and humour, largely anonymous, in such Canadian periodicals as _Grip_, _Punch in Canada_, the _Grumbler_, the _Free Lance_, and _Diogenes_; and characteristic passages from the speeches of such brilliant and witty debaters as Thomas D'Arcy McGee, Joseph Howe, and Nicholas Flood Davin.

to a degree (not used with a negative)

From this reading It embraces, however, what are believed to be representative examples of the work of some of our better-known writers, many of which will no doubt be quite familiar to Canadian readers, but perhaps none the less welcome on that account.

plural of “reader” — a person who enjoys reading

From this reading It embraces, however, what are believed to be representative examples of the work of some of our better-known writers, many of which will no doubt be quite familiar to Canadian readers, but perhaps none the less welcome on that account.

past form of “remember” — recall knowledge from memory; have a recollection

From this reading It would include the productions of such acknowledged humorists as Thomas Chandler Haliburton and George Thomas Lanigan, as well as specimens of characteristic humour from writers who are better remembered by their more serious work.

a person who represents others

From this reading Some day an enterprising editor may find time to glean from the whole field of Canadian literature a representative collection of wit and humour.

concerned with work or important matters rather than play or trivialities

From this reading It would include the productions of such acknowledged humorists as Thomas Chandler Haliburton and George Thomas Lanigan, as well as specimens of characteristic humour from writers who are better remembered by their more serious work.

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

From this reading Some day an enterprising editor may find time to glean from the whole field of Canadian literature a representative collection of wit and humour.

plural of “specimen” — an example regarded as typical of its class

From this reading It would include the productions of such acknowledged humorists as Thomas Chandler Haliburton and George Thomas Lanigan, as well as specimens of characteristic humour from writers who are better remembered by their more serious work.

plural of “speech” — the act of delivering a formal spoken communication to an audience

From this reading It would also include a great deal of genuine wit and humour, largely anonymous, in such Canadian periodicals as _Grip_, _Punch in Canada_, the _Grumbler_, the _Free Lance_, and _Diogenes_; and characteristic passages from the speeches of such brilliant and witty debaters as Thomas D'Arcy McGee, Joseph Howe, and Nicholas Flood Davin.

of the kind already mentioned

From this reading It would include the productions of such acknowledged humorists as Thomas Chandler Haliburton and George Thomas Lanigan, as well as specimens of characteristic humour from writers who are better remembered by their more serious work.

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading It embraces, however, what are believed to be representative examples of the work of some of our better-known writers, many of which will no doubt be quite familiar to Canadian readers, but perhaps none the less welcome on that account.

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

From this reading Some day an enterprising editor may find time to glean from the whole field of Canadian literature a representative collection of wit and humour.

belonging to the people or things already mentioned

From this reading It would include the productions of such acknowledged humorists as Thomas Chandler Haliburton and George Thomas Lanigan, as well as specimens of characteristic humour from writers who are better remembered by their more serious work.

United States clockmaker who introduced mass production (1785-1859)

From this reading It would include the productions of such acknowledged humorists as Thomas Chandler Haliburton and George Thomas Lanigan, as well as specimens of characteristic humour from writers who are better remembered by their more serious work.

an instance or single occasion for some event

From this reading Some day an enterprising editor may find time to glean from the whole field of Canadian literature a representative collection of wit and humour.

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

From this reading Some day an enterprising editor may find time to glean from the whole field of Canadian literature a representative collection of wit and humour.

accept gladly

From this reading It embraces, however, what are believed to be representative examples of the work of some of our better-known writers, many of which will no doubt be quite familiar to Canadian readers, but perhaps none the less welcome on that account.

(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 It would include the productions of such acknowledged humorists as Thomas Chandler Haliburton and George Thomas Lanigan, as well as specimens of characteristic humour from writers who are better remembered by their more serious work.

used to ask for information about something

From this reading It embraces, however, what are believed to be representative examples of the work of some of our better-known writers, many of which will no doubt be quite familiar to Canadian readers, but perhaps none the less welcome on that account.

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

From this reading It embraces, however, what are believed to be representative examples of the work of some of our better-known writers, many of which will no doubt be quite familiar to Canadian readers, but perhaps none the less welcome on that account.

which person or people

From this reading It would include the productions of such acknowledged humorists as Thomas Chandler Haliburton and George Thomas Lanigan, as well as specimens of characteristic humour from writers who are better remembered by their more serious work.

including all components without exception; being one unit or constituting the full amount or extent or duration; complete

From this reading Some day an enterprising editor may find time to glean from the whole field of Canadian literature a representative collection of wit and humour.

used to talk about the future, or about willingness

From this reading It embraces, however, what are believed to be representative examples of the work of some of our better-known writers, many of which will no doubt be quite familiar to Canadian readers, but perhaps none the less welcome on that account.

a message whose ingenuity or verbal skill or incongruity has the power to evoke laughter

From this reading Some day an enterprising editor may find time to glean from the whole field of Canadian literature a representative collection of wit and humour.

combining clever conception and facetious expression

From this reading It would also include a great deal of genuine wit and humour, largely anonymous, in such Canadian periodicals as _Grip_, _Punch in Canada_, the _Grumbler_, the _Free Lance_, and _Diogenes_; and characteristic passages from the speeches of such brilliant and witty debaters as Thomas D'Arcy McGee, Joseph Howe, and Nicholas Flood Davin.

exert oneself by doing mental or physical work for a purpose or out of necessity

From this reading It would include the productions of such acknowledged humorists as Thomas Chandler Haliburton and George Thomas Lanigan, as well as specimens of characteristic humour from writers who are better remembered by their more serious work.

used for something imagined, polite, or habitual in the past

From this reading It would include the productions of such acknowledged humorists as Thomas Chandler Haliburton and George Thomas Lanigan, as well as specimens of characteristic humour from writers who are better remembered by their more serious work.

plural of “writer” — writes (books or stories or articles or the like) professionally (for pay)

From this reading It would include the productions of such acknowledged humorists as Thomas Chandler Haliburton and George Thomas Lanigan, as well as specimens of characteristic humour from writers who are better remembered by their more serious work.