Chapter XV · Strange Revelations in Uncle Bryan's Life

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

From this reading So, without a friend in the world, I wandered still further away from the town in which I was born.

someone who maintains and audits business accounts

From this reading I tarried here and tarried there, and found no rest for the sole of my foot until I reached a city where, before my means were exhausted, I obtained employment in the office of an accountant.

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

From this reading I tarried here and tarried there, and found no rest for the sole of my foot until I reached a city where, before my means were exhausted, I obtained employment in the office of an accountant.

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

From this reading I tarried here and tarried there, and found no rest for the sole of my foot until I reached a city where, before my means were exhausted, I obtained employment in the office of an accountant.

plural of “applicant” — a person who requests or seeks something such as assistance or employment or admission

From this reading It was by the merest chance that I obtained the situation, for there were many applicants; but I was quick at figures, and that quality served me.

in or near a particular place or position

From this reading It was by the merest chance that I obtained the situation, for there were many applicants; but I was quick at figures, and that quality served me.

from a particular thing or place or position (“forth” is obsolete)

From this reading So, without a friend in the world, I wandered still further away from the town in which I was born.

for the reason that

From this reading The position was not a distinguished one; I was not destined to occupy it long, however, for being coldly interested in my work--simply because it enabled me to live--I performed the tasks set for me to do, not only expeditiously, but with the exactitude of a machine.

earlier than; in front of

From this reading I tarried here and tarried there, and found no rest for the sole of my foot until I reached a city where, before my means were exhausted, I obtained employment in the office of an accountant.

the -ing form of “be”

From this reading The position was not a distinguished one; I was not destined to occupy it long, however, for being coldly interested in my work--simply because it enabled me to live--I performed the tasks set for me to do, not only expeditiously, but with the exactitude of a machine.

brought into existence

From this reading So, without a friend in the world, I wandered still further away from the town in which I was born.

used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before

From this reading It was by the merest chance that I obtained the situation, for there were many applicants; but I was quick at figures, and that quality served me.

showing who or what does the action

From this reading It was by the merest chance that I obtained the situation, for there were many applicants; but I was quick at figures, and that quality served me.

a possibility due to a favorable combination of circumstances

From this reading It was by the merest chance that I obtained the situation, for there were many applicants; but I was quick at figures, and that quality served me.

a large and densely populated urban area; may include several independent administrative districts

From this reading I tarried here and tarried there, and found no rest for the sole of my foot until I reached a city where, before my means were exhausted, I obtained employment in the office of an accountant.

lacking warmth of feeling; in a cold, unemotional manner

From this reading The position was not a distinguished one; I was not destined to occupy it long, however, for being coldly interested in my work--simply because it enabled me to live--I performed the tasks set for me to do, not only expeditiously, but with the exactitude of a machine.

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

From this reading The position was not a distinguished one; I was not destined to occupy it long, however, for being coldly interested in my work--simply because it enabled me to live--I performed the tasks set for me to do, not only expeditiously, but with the exactitude of a machine.

(used of persons) standing above others in character or attainment or reputation

From this reading The position was not a distinguished one; I was not destined to occupy it long, however, for being coldly interested in my work--simply because it enabled me to live--I performed the tasks set for me to do, not only expeditiously, but with the exactitude of a machine.

used to form questions and negatives, and to give emphasis

From this reading The position was not a distinguished one; I was not destined to occupy it long, however, for being coldly interested in my work--simply because it enabled me to live--I performed the tasks set for me to do, not only expeditiously, but with the exactitude of a machine.

a person or firm that employs workers

From this reading This was precisely what was required of me, and I rose into favour with my employer.

the state of being employed or having a job

From this reading I tarried here and tarried there, and found no rest for the sole of my foot until I reached a city where, before my means were exhausted, I obtained employment in the office of an accountant.

past form of “enable” — render capable or able for some task

From this reading The position was not a distinguished one; I was not destined to occupy it long, however, for being coldly interested in my work--simply because it enabled me to live--I performed the tasks set for me to do, not only expeditiously, but with the exactitude of a machine.

the quality of being exact

From this reading The position was not a distinguished one; I was not destined to occupy it long, however, for being coldly interested in my work--simply because it enabled me to live--I performed the tasks set for me to do, not only expeditiously, but with the exactitude of a machine.

drained of energy or effectiveness; extremely tired; completely exhausted

From this reading I tarried here and tarried there, and found no rest for the sole of my foot until I reached a city where, before my means were exhausted, I obtained employment in the office of an accountant.

with efficiency; in an efficient manner

From this reading The position was not a distinguished one; I was not destined to occupy it long, however, for being coldly interested in my work--simply because it enabled me to live--I performed the tasks set for me to do, not only expeditiously, but with the exactitude of a machine.

a feeling of favorable regard

From this reading This was precisely what was required of me, and I rose into favour with my employer.

plural of “figure” — a diagram or picture illustrating textual material

From this reading It was by the merest chance that I obtained the situation, for there were many applicants; but I was quick at figures, and that quality served me.

the part of the leg of a human being below the ankle joint

From this reading I tarried here and tarried there, and found no rest for the sole of my foot until I reached a city where, before my means were exhausted, I obtained employment in the office of an accountant.

intended to be given to, or used by, somebody

From this reading I tarried here and tarried there, and found no rest for the sole of my foot until I reached a city where, before my means were exhausted, I obtained employment in the office of an accountant.

set up or found

From this reading I tarried here and tarried there, and found no rest for the sole of my foot until I reached a city where, before my means were exhausted, I obtained employment in the office of an accountant.

a person you know well and regard with affection and trust

From this reading So, without a friend in the world, I wandered still further away from the town in which I was born.

showing where something starts, or who sent it

From this reading So, without a friend in the world, I wandered still further away from the town in which I was born.

to or at a greater extent or degree or a more advanced stage (“further” is used more often than “farther” in this abstract sense)

From this reading So, without a friend in the world, I wandered still further away from the town in which I was born.

in or at this place; where the speaker or writer is

From this reading I tarried here and tarried there, and found no rest for the sole of my foot until I reached a city where, before my means were exhausted, I obtained employment in the office of an accountant.

used to add a contrasting statement

From this reading The position was not a distinguished one; I was not destined to occupy it long, however, for being coldly interested in my work--simply because it enabled me to live--I performed the tasks set for me to do, not only expeditiously, but with the exactitude of a machine.

the person speaking or writing, as the subject of the verb

From this reading So, without a friend in the world, I wandered still further away from the town in which I was born.

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

From this reading So, without a friend in the world, I wandered still further away from the town in which I was born.

having or showing interest; especially curiosity or fascination or concern

From this reading The position was not a distinguished one; I was not destined to occupy it long, however, for being coldly interested in my work--simply because it enabled me to live--I performed the tasks set for me to do, not only expeditiously, but with the exactitude of a machine.

moving to the inside of something

From this reading This was precisely what was required of me, and I rose into favour with my employer.

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading It was by the merest chance that I obtained the situation, for there were many applicants; but I was quick at figures, and that quality served me.

be an inhabitant of or reside in

From this reading The position was not a distinguished one; I was not destined to occupy it long, however, for being coldly interested in my work--simply because it enabled me to live--I performed the tasks set for me to do, not only expeditiously, but with the exactitude of a machine.

primarily temporal sense; being or indicating a relatively great or greater than average duration or passage of time or a duration as specified

From this reading The position was not a distinguished one; I was not destined to occupy it long, however, for being coldly interested in my work--simply because it enabled me to live--I performed the tasks set for me to do, not only expeditiously, but with the exactitude of a machine.

any mechanical or electrical device that transmits or modifies energy to perform or assist in the performance of human tasks

From this reading The position was not a distinguished one; I was not destined to occupy it long, however, for being coldly interested in my work--simply because it enabled me to live--I performed the tasks set for me to do, not only expeditiously, but with the exactitude of a machine.

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 was by the merest chance that I obtained the situation, for there were many applicants; but I was quick at figures, and that quality served me.

the person speaking, as the object of a verb or preposition

From this reading It was by the merest chance that I obtained the situation, for there were many applicants; but I was quick at figures, and that quality served me.

thing or person that acts to produce a particular effect or achieve an end

From this reading I tarried here and tarried there, and found no rest for the sole of my foot until I reached a city where, before my means were exhausted, I obtained employment in the office of an accountant.

superlative of “mere” — being nothing more than specified

From this reading It was by the merest chance that I obtained the situation, for there were many applicants; but I was quick at figures, and that quality served me.

belonging to the person speaking

From this reading I tarried here and tarried there, and found no rest for the sole of my foot until I reached a city where, before my means were exhausted, I obtained employment in the office of an accountant.

not any; not one

From this reading I tarried here and tarried there, and found no rest for the sole of my foot until I reached a city where, before my means were exhausted, I obtained employment in the office of an accountant.

used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative

From this reading The position was not a distinguished one; I was not destined to occupy it long, however, for being coldly interested in my work--simply because it enabled me to live--I performed the tasks set for me to do, not only expeditiously, but with the exactitude of a machine.

past form of “obtain” — come into possession of

From this reading I tarried here and tarried there, and found no rest for the sole of my foot until I reached a city where, before my means were exhausted, I obtained employment in the office of an accountant.

keep busy with

From this reading The position was not a distinguished one; I was not destined to occupy it long, however, for being coldly interested in my work--simply because it enabled me to live--I performed the tasks set for me to do, not only expeditiously, but with the exactitude of a machine.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading I tarried here and tarried there, and found no rest for the sole of my foot until I reached a city where, before my means were exhausted, I obtained employment in the office of an accountant.

place of business where professional or clerical duties are performed

From this reading I tarried here and tarried there, and found no rest for the sole of my foot until I reached a city where, before my means were exhausted, I obtained employment in the office of an accountant.

used to mean any person in general, including the speaker

From this reading The position was not a distinguished one; I was not destined to occupy it long, however, for being coldly interested in my work--simply because it enabled me to live--I performed the tasks set for me to do, not only expeditiously, but with the exactitude of a machine.

and nothing more

From this reading The position was not a distinguished one; I was not destined to occupy it long, however, for being coldly interested in my work--simply because it enabled me to live--I performed the tasks set for me to do, not only expeditiously, but with the exactitude of a machine.

past form of “perform” — carry out or perform an action

From this reading The position was not a distinguished one; I was not destined to occupy it long, however, for being coldly interested in my work--simply because it enabled me to live--I performed the tasks set for me to do, not only expeditiously, but with the exactitude of a machine.

the particular portion of space occupied by something

From this reading The position was not a distinguished one; I was not destined to occupy it long, however, for being coldly interested in my work--simply because it enabled me to live--I performed the tasks set for me to do, not only expeditiously, but with the exactitude of a machine.

indicating exactness or preciseness

From this reading This was precisely what was required of me, and I rose into favour with my employer.

an essential and distinguishing attribute of something or someone

From this reading It was by the merest chance that I obtained the situation, for there were many applicants; but I was quick at figures, and that quality served me.

accomplished rapidly and without delay

From this reading It was by the merest chance that I obtained the situation, for there were many applicants; but I was quick at figures, and that quality served me.

past form of “reach” — reach a destination, either real or abstract

From this reading I tarried here and tarried there, and found no rest for the sole of my foot until I reached a city where, before my means were exhausted, I obtained employment in the office of an accountant.

necessary for relief or supply

From this reading This was precisely what was required of me, and I rose into favour with my employer.

not move; be in a resting position

From this reading I tarried here and tarried there, and found no rest for the sole of my foot until I reached a city where, before my means were exhausted, I obtained employment in the office of an accountant.

any of many shrubs of the genus Rosa that bear roses

From this reading This was precisely what was required of me, and I rose into favour with my employer.

past form of “serve” — serve a purpose, role, or function

From this reading It was by the merest chance that I obtained the situation, for there were many applicants; but I was quick at figures, and that quality served me.

put into a certain place or abstract location

From this reading The position was not a distinguished one; I was not destined to occupy it long, however, for being coldly interested in my work--simply because it enabled me to live--I performed the tasks set for me to do, not only expeditiously, but with the exactitude of a machine.

and nothing more

From this reading The position was not a distinguished one; I was not destined to occupy it long, however, for being coldly interested in my work--simply because it enabled me to live--I performed the tasks set for me to do, not only expeditiously, but with the exactitude of a machine.

the general state of things; the combination of circumstances at a given time

From this reading It was by the merest chance that I obtained the situation, for there were many applicants; but I was quick at figures, and that quality served me.

for that reason; with the result that

From this reading So, without a friend in the world, I wandered still further away from the town in which I was born.

the underside of footwear or a golf club

From this reading I tarried here and tarried there, and found no rest for the sole of my foot until I reached a city where, before my means were exhausted, I obtained employment in the office of an accountant.

not in physical motion

From this reading So, without a friend in the world, I wandered still further away from the town in which I was born.

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

From this reading I tarried here and tarried there, and found no rest for the sole of my foot until I reached a city where, before my means were exhausted, I obtained employment in the office of an accountant.

plural of “task” — any piece of work that is undertaken or attempted

From this reading The position was not a distinguished one; I was not destined to occupy it long, however, for being coldly interested in my work--simply because it enabled me to live--I performed the tasks set for me to do, not only expeditiously, but with the exactitude of a machine.

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading It was by the merest chance that I obtained the situation, for there were many applicants; but I was quick at figures, and that quality served me.

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

From this reading So, without a friend in the world, I wandered still further away from the town in which I was born.

in or at that place or location

From this reading I tarried here and tarried there, and found no rest for the sole of my foot until I reached a city where, before my means were exhausted, I obtained employment in the office of an accountant.

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

From this reading This was precisely what was required of me, and I rose into favour with my employer.

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

From this reading The position was not a distinguished one; I was not destined to occupy it long, however, for being coldly interested in my work--simply because it enabled me to live--I performed the tasks set for me to do, not only expeditiously, but with the exactitude of a machine.

an urban area with a fixed boundary that is smaller than a city

From this reading So, without a friend in the world, I wandered still further away from the town in which I was born.

up to a particular time

From this reading I tarried here and tarried there, and found no rest for the sole of my foot until I reached a city where, before my means were exhausted, I obtained employment in the office of an accountant.

past form of “wander” — move about aimlessly or without any destination, often in search of food or employment

From this reading So, without a friend in the world, I wandered still further away from the town in which I was born.

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

From this reading So, without a friend in the world, I wandered still further away from the town in which I was born.

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

From this reading I tarried here and tarried there, and found no rest for the sole of my foot until I reached a city where, before my means were exhausted, I obtained employment in the office of an accountant.

used to ask for information about something

From this reading This was precisely what was required of me, and I rose into favour with my employer.

in or at the place that

From this reading I tarried here and tarried there, and found no rest for the sole of my foot until I reached a city where, before my means were exhausted, I obtained employment in the office of an accountant.

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

From this reading So, without a friend in the world, I wandered still further away from the town in which I was born.

in the company of; together with

From this reading The position was not a distinguished one; I was not destined to occupy it long, however, for being coldly interested in my work--simply because it enabled me to live--I performed the tasks set for me to do, not only expeditiously, but with the exactitude of a machine.

not having, not using, or not accompanied by

From this reading So, without a friend in the world, I wandered still further away from the town in which I was born.

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

From this reading The position was not a distinguished one; I was not destined to occupy it long, however, for being coldly interested in my work--simply because it enabled me to live--I performed the tasks set for me to do, not only expeditiously, but with the exactitude of a machine.

everything that exists anywhere

From this reading So, without a friend in the world, I wandered still further away from the town in which I was born.