Chapter VIII

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

From this reading "Mr. Sponge," says our author, "wished to be a gentleman without knowing how;" but what Mr. Sponge did know was how to sponge upon everybody with whom he could force an acquaintance, and this he effected with surprising success.

generally approved or compelling recognition

From this reading Hunting and good hunting quarters were the objects of Mr. Sponge's machinations, and upon a half-hearted invitation from a Mr. Jawleyford, of Jawleyford Court, an invitation given without an idea that it would be accepted (as sometimes happens), Mr. Sponge found himself installed in the ancestral mansion of the Jawleyfords.

personal knowledge or information about someone or something

From this reading "Mr. Sponge," says our author, "wished to be a gentleman without knowing how;" but what Mr. Sponge did know was how to sponge upon everybody with whom he could force an acquaintance, and this he effected with surprising success.

surrounded by; in the company of

From this reading Mr. Surtees, the writer of the sporting novels, possessed considerable powers of invention, which he indulged--amongst other vagaries--in giving names to most of the characters in his books, which served to enlighten his readers as to their physical and mental peculiarities, and never more happily than when he christened the hero of this sporting tour Mr. Soapy Sponge.

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

From this reading "Mr. Sponge," says our author, "wished to be a gentleman without knowing how;" but what Mr. Sponge did know was how to sponge upon everybody with whom he could force an acquaintance, and this he effected with surprising success.

inherited or inheritable by established rules (usually legal rules) of descent

From this reading Hunting and good hunting quarters were the objects of Mr. Sponge's machinations, and upon a half-hearted invitation from a Mr. Jawleyford, of Jawleyford Court, an invitation given without an idea that it would be accepted (as sometimes happens), Mr. Sponge found himself installed in the ancestral mansion of the Jawleyfords.

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

From this reading Mr. Surtees, the writer of the sporting novels, possessed considerable powers of invention, which he indulged--amongst other vagaries--in giving names to most of the characters in his books, which served to enlighten his readers as to their physical and mental peculiarities, and never more happily than when he christened the hero of this sporting tour Mr. Soapy Sponge.

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

From this reading Mr. Surtees, the writer of the sporting novels, possessed considerable powers of invention, which he indulged--amongst other vagaries--in giving names to most of the characters in his books, which served to enlighten his readers as to their physical and mental peculiarities, and never more happily than when he christened the hero of this sporting tour Mr. Soapy Sponge.

writes (books or stories or articles or the like) professionally (for pay)

From this reading "Mr. Sponge," says our author, "wished to be a gentleman without knowing how;" but what Mr. Sponge did know was how to sponge upon everybody with whom he could force an acquaintance, and this he effected with surprising success.

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

From this reading "Mr. Sponge," says our author, "wished to be a gentleman without knowing how;" but what Mr. Sponge did know was how to sponge upon everybody with whom he could force an acquaintance, and this he effected with surprising success.

Bound written or printed works.

From this reading Mr. Surtees, the writer of the sporting novels, possessed considerable powers of invention, which he indulged--amongst other vagaries--in giving names to most of the characters in his books, which served to enlighten his readers as to their physical and mental peculiarities, and never more happily than when he christened the hero of this sporting tour Mr. Soapy Sponge.

used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before

From this reading "Mr. Sponge," says our author, "wished to be a gentleman without knowing how;" but what Mr. Sponge did know was how to sponge upon everybody with whom he could force an acquaintance, and this he effected with surprising success.

plural of “character” — an imaginary person represented in a work of fiction (play or film or story)

From this reading Mr. Surtees, the writer of the sporting novels, possessed considerable powers of invention, which he indulged--amongst other vagaries--in giving names to most of the characters in his books, which served to enlighten his readers as to their physical and mental peculiarities, and never more happily than when he christened the hero of this sporting tour Mr. Soapy Sponge.

past form of “christen” — administer baptism to

From this reading Mr. Surtees, the writer of the sporting novels, possessed considerable powers of invention, which he indulged--amongst other vagaries--in giving names to most of the characters in his books, which served to enlighten his readers as to their physical and mental peculiarities, and never more happily than when he christened the hero of this sporting tour Mr. Soapy Sponge.

large or relatively large in number or amount or extent or degree

From this reading Mr. Surtees, the writer of the sporting novels, possessed considerable powers of invention, which he indulged--amongst other vagaries--in giving names to most of the characters in his books, which served to enlighten his readers as to their physical and mental peculiarities, and never more happily than when he christened the hero of this sporting tour Mr. Soapy Sponge.

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

From this reading "Mr. Sponge," says our author, "wished to be a gentleman without knowing how;" but what Mr. Sponge did know was how to sponge upon everybody with whom he could force an acquaintance, and this he effected with surprising success.

an assembly (including one or more judges) to conduct judicial business

From this reading Hunting and good hunting quarters were the objects of Mr. Sponge's machinations, and upon a half-hearted invitation from a Mr. Jawleyford, of Jawleyford Court, an invitation given without an idea that it would be accepted (as sometimes happens), Mr. Sponge found himself installed in the ancestral mansion of the Jawleyfords.

the past form of “do”, used in questions and negatives

From this reading "Mr. Sponge," says our author, "wished to be a gentleman without knowing how;" but what Mr. Sponge did know was how to sponge upon everybody with whom he could force an acquaintance, and this he effected with surprising success.

settled securely and unconditionally

From this reading "Mr. Sponge," says our author, "wished to be a gentleman without knowing how;" but what Mr. Sponge did know was how to sponge upon everybody with whom he could force an acquaintance, and this he effected with surprising success.

make understand

From this reading Mr. Surtees, the writer of the sporting novels, possessed considerable powers of invention, which he indulged--amongst other vagaries--in giving names to most of the characters in his books, which served to enlighten his readers as to their physical and mental peculiarities, and never more happily than when he christened the hero of this sporting tour Mr. Soapy Sponge.

every person

From this reading "Mr. Sponge," says our author, "wished to be a gentleman without knowing how;" but what Mr. Sponge did know was how to sponge upon everybody with whom he could force an acquaintance, and this he effected with surprising success.

a powerful effect or influence

From this reading "Mr. Sponge," says our author, "wished to be a gentleman without knowing how;" but what Mr. Sponge did know was how to sponge upon everybody with whom he could force an acquaintance, and this he effected with surprising success.

set up or found

From this reading Hunting and good hunting quarters were the objects of Mr. Sponge's machinations, and upon a half-hearted invitation from a Mr. Jawleyford, of Jawleyford Court, an invitation given without an idea that it would be accepted (as sometimes happens), Mr. Sponge found himself installed in the ancestral mansion of the Jawleyfords.

showing where something starts, or who sent it

From this reading Hunting and good hunting quarters were the objects of Mr. Sponge's machinations, and upon a half-hearted invitation from a Mr. Jawleyford, of Jawleyford Court, an invitation given without an idea that it would be accepted (as sometimes happens), Mr. Sponge found himself installed in the ancestral mansion of the Jawleyfords.

a man of refinement

From this reading "Mr. Sponge," says our author, "wished to be a gentleman without knowing how;" but what Mr. Sponge did know was how to sponge upon everybody with whom he could force an acquaintance, and this he effected with surprising success.

acknowledged as a supposition

From this reading Hunting and good hunting quarters were the objects of Mr. Sponge's machinations, and upon a half-hearted invitation from a Mr. Jawleyford, of Jawleyford Court, an invitation given without an idea that it would be accepted (as sometimes happens), Mr. Sponge found himself installed in the ancestral mansion of the Jawleyfords.

the act of giving

From this reading Mr. Surtees, the writer of the sporting novels, possessed considerable powers of invention, which he indulged--amongst other vagaries--in giving names to most of the characters in his books, which served to enlighten his readers as to their physical and mental peculiarities, and never more happily than when he christened the hero of this sporting tour Mr. Soapy Sponge.

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

From this reading Hunting and good hunting quarters were the objects of Mr. Sponge's machinations, and upon a half-hearted invitation from a Mr. Jawleyford, of Jawleyford Court, an invitation given without an idea that it would be accepted (as sometimes happens), Mr. Sponge found himself installed in the ancestral mansion of the Jawleyfords.

feeling or showing little interest or enthusiasm

From this reading Hunting and good hunting quarters were the objects of Mr. Sponge's machinations, and upon a half-hearted invitation from a Mr. Jawleyford, of Jawleyford Court, an invitation given without an idea that it would be accepted (as sometimes happens), Mr. Sponge found himself installed in the ancestral mansion of the Jawleyfords.

third-person singular of “happen” — come to pass

From this reading Hunting and good hunting quarters were the objects of Mr. Sponge's machinations, and upon a half-hearted invitation from a Mr. Jawleyford, of Jawleyford Court, an invitation given without an idea that it would be accepted (as sometimes happens), Mr. Sponge found himself installed in the ancestral mansion of the Jawleyfords.

in a joyous manner

From this reading Mr. Surtees, the writer of the sporting novels, possessed considerable powers of invention, which he indulged--amongst other vagaries--in giving names to most of the characters in his books, which served to enlighten his readers as to their physical and mental peculiarities, and never more happily than when he christened the hero of this sporting tour Mr. Soapy Sponge.

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

From this reading Mr. Surtees, the writer of the sporting novels, possessed considerable powers of invention, which he indulged--amongst other vagaries--in giving names to most of the characters in his books, which served to enlighten his readers as to their physical and mental peculiarities, and never more happily than when he christened the hero of this sporting tour Mr. Soapy Sponge.

a man distinguished by exceptional courage and nobility and strength

From this reading Mr. Surtees, the writer of the sporting novels, possessed considerable powers of invention, which he indulged--amongst other vagaries--in giving names to most of the characters in his books, which served to enlighten his readers as to their physical and mental peculiarities, and never more happily than when he christened the hero of this sporting tour Mr. Soapy Sponge.

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

From this reading Hunting and good hunting quarters were the objects of Mr. Sponge's machinations, and upon a half-hearted invitation from a Mr. Jawleyford, of Jawleyford Court, an invitation given without an idea that it would be accepted (as sometimes happens), Mr. Sponge found himself installed in the ancestral mansion of the Jawleyfords.

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

From this reading Mr. Surtees, the writer of the sporting novels, possessed considerable powers of invention, which he indulged--amongst other vagaries--in giving names to most of the characters in his books, which served to enlighten his readers as to their physical and mental peculiarities, and never more happily than when he christened the hero of this sporting tour Mr. Soapy Sponge.

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

From this reading "Mr. Sponge," says our author, "wished to be a gentleman without knowing how;" but what Mr. Sponge did know was how to sponge upon everybody with whom he could force an acquaintance, and this he effected with surprising success.

the pursuit and killing or capture of wild animals regarded as a sport

From this reading Hunting and good hunting quarters were the objects of Mr. Sponge's machinations, and upon a half-hearted invitation from a Mr. Jawleyford, of Jawleyford Court, an invitation given without an idea that it would be accepted (as sometimes happens), Mr. Sponge found himself installed in the ancestral mansion of the Jawleyfords.

the content of cognition; the main thing you are thinking about

From this reading Hunting and good hunting quarters were the objects of Mr. Sponge's machinations, and upon a half-hearted invitation from a Mr. Jawleyford, of Jawleyford Court, an invitation given without an idea that it would be accepted (as sometimes happens), Mr. Sponge found himself installed in the ancestral mansion of the Jawleyfords.

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

From this reading Mr. Surtees, the writer of the sporting novels, possessed considerable powers of invention, which he indulged--amongst other vagaries--in giving names to most of the characters in his books, which served to enlighten his readers as to their physical and mental peculiarities, and never more happily than when he christened the hero of this sporting tour Mr. Soapy Sponge.

past form of “indulge” — give free rein to

From this reading Mr. Surtees, the writer of the sporting novels, possessed considerable powers of invention, which he indulged--amongst other vagaries--in giving names to most of the characters in his books, which served to enlighten his readers as to their physical and mental peculiarities, and never more happily than when he christened the hero of this sporting tour Mr. Soapy Sponge.

inflected form of “instal” — set up for use

From this reading Hunting and good hunting quarters were the objects of Mr. Sponge's machinations, and upon a half-hearted invitation from a Mr. Jawleyford, of Jawleyford Court, an invitation given without an idea that it would be accepted (as sometimes happens), Mr. Sponge found himself installed in the ancestral mansion of the Jawleyfords.

the creation of something in the mind

From this reading Mr. Surtees, the writer of the sporting novels, possessed considerable powers of invention, which he indulged--amongst other vagaries--in giving names to most of the characters in his books, which served to enlighten his readers as to their physical and mental peculiarities, and never more happily than when he christened the hero of this sporting tour Mr. Soapy Sponge.

a request (spoken or written) to participate or be present or take part in something

From this reading Hunting and good hunting quarters were the objects of Mr. Sponge's machinations, and upon a half-hearted invitation from a Mr. Jawleyford, of Jawleyford Court, an invitation given without an idea that it would be accepted (as sometimes happens), Mr. Sponge found himself installed in the ancestral mansion of the Jawleyfords.

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading Hunting and good hunting quarters were the objects of Mr. Sponge's machinations, and upon a half-hearted invitation from a Mr. Jawleyford, of Jawleyford Court, an invitation given without an idea that it would be accepted (as sometimes happens), Mr. Sponge found himself installed in the ancestral mansion of the Jawleyfords.

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

From this reading Hunting and good hunting quarters were the objects of Mr. Sponge's machinations, and upon a half-hearted invitation from a Mr. Jawleyford, of Jawleyford Court, an invitation given without an idea that it would be accepted (as sometimes happens), Mr. Sponge found himself installed in the ancestral mansion of the Jawleyfords.

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

From this reading Hunting and good hunting quarters were the objects of Mr. Sponge's machinations, and upon a half-hearted invitation from a Mr. Jawleyford, of Jawleyford Court, an invitation given without an idea that it would be accepted (as sometimes happens), Mr. Sponge found himself installed in the ancestral mansion of the Jawleyfords.

be cognizant or aware of a fact or a specific piece of information; possess knowledge or information about

From this reading "Mr. Sponge," says our author, "wished to be a gentleman without knowing how;" but what Mr. Sponge did know was how to sponge upon everybody with whom he could force an acquaintance, and this he effected with surprising success.

evidencing the possession of inside information

From this reading "Mr. Sponge," says our author, "wished to be a gentleman without knowing how;" but what Mr. Sponge did know was how to sponge upon everybody with whom he could force an acquaintance, and this he effected with surprising success.

plural of “machination” — a crafty and involved plot to achieve your (usually sinister) ends

From this reading Hunting and good hunting quarters were the objects of Mr. Sponge's machinations, and upon a half-hearted invitation from a Mr. Jawleyford, of Jawleyford Court, an invitation given without an idea that it would be accepted (as sometimes happens), Mr. Sponge found himself installed in the ancestral mansion of the Jawleyfords.

(astrology) one of 12 equal areas into which the zodiac is divided

From this reading Hunting and good hunting quarters were the objects of Mr. Sponge's machinations, and upon a half-hearted invitation from a Mr. Jawleyford, of Jawleyford Court, an invitation given without an idea that it would be accepted (as sometimes happens), Mr. Sponge found himself installed in the ancestral mansion of the Jawleyfords.

involving the mind or an intellectual process

From this reading Mr. Surtees, the writer of the sporting novels, possessed considerable powers of invention, which he indulged--amongst other vagaries--in giving names to most of the characters in his books, which served to enlighten his readers as to their physical and mental peculiarities, and never more happily than when he christened the hero of this sporting tour Mr. Soapy Sponge.

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

From this reading Mr. Surtees, the writer of the sporting novels, possessed considerable powers of invention, which he indulged--amongst other vagaries--in giving names to most of the characters in his books, which served to enlighten his readers as to their physical and mental peculiarities, and never more happily than when he christened the hero of this sporting tour Mr. Soapy Sponge.

used to form the superlative

From this reading Mr. Surtees, the writer of the sporting novels, possessed considerable powers of invention, which he indulged--amongst other vagaries--in giving names to most of the characters in his books, which served to enlighten his readers as to their physical and mental peculiarities, and never more happily than when he christened the hero of this sporting tour Mr. Soapy Sponge.

a form of address for a man

From this reading MR.

verbal abuse; a crude substitute for argument

From this reading Mr. Surtees, the writer of the sporting novels, possessed considerable powers of invention, which he indulged--amongst other vagaries--in giving names to most of the characters in his books, which served to enlighten his readers as to their physical and mental peculiarities, and never more happily than when he christened the hero of this sporting tour Mr. Soapy Sponge.

not ever; at no time in the past or future

From this reading Mr. Surtees, the writer of the sporting novels, possessed considerable powers of invention, which he indulged--amongst other vagaries--in giving names to most of the characters in his books, which served to enlighten his readers as to their physical and mental peculiarities, and never more happily than when he christened the hero of this sporting tour Mr. Soapy Sponge.

plural of “novel” — an extended fictional work in prose; usually in the form of a story

From this reading Mr. Surtees, the writer of the sporting novels, possessed considerable powers of invention, which he indulged--amongst other vagaries--in giving names to most of the characters in his books, which served to enlighten his readers as to their physical and mental peculiarities, and never more happily than when he christened the hero of this sporting tour Mr. Soapy Sponge.

plural of “object” — a tangible and visible entity; an entity that can cast a shadow

From this reading Hunting and good hunting quarters were the objects of Mr. Sponge's machinations, and upon a half-hearted invitation from a Mr. Jawleyford, of Jawleyford Court, an invitation given without an idea that it would be accepted (as sometimes happens), Mr. Sponge found himself installed in the ancestral mansion of the Jawleyfords.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading Mr. Surtees, the writer of the sporting novels, possessed considerable powers of invention, which he indulged--amongst other vagaries--in giving names to most of the characters in his books, which served to enlighten his readers as to their physical and mental peculiarities, and never more happily than when he christened the hero of this sporting tour Mr. Soapy Sponge.

not the same one or ones already mentioned or implied

From this reading Mr. Surtees, the writer of the sporting novels, possessed considerable powers of invention, which he indulged--amongst other vagaries--in giving names to most of the characters in his books, which served to enlighten his readers as to their physical and mental peculiarities, and never more happily than when he christened the hero of this sporting tour Mr. Soapy Sponge.

belonging to the speaker and others

From this reading "Mr. Sponge," says our author, "wished to be a gentleman without knowing how;" but what Mr. Sponge did know was how to sponge upon everybody with whom he could force an acquaintance, and this he effected with surprising success.

plural of “peculiarity” — an odd or unusual characteristic

From this reading Mr. Surtees, the writer of the sporting novels, possessed considerable powers of invention, which he indulged--amongst other vagaries--in giving names to most of the characters in his books, which served to enlighten his readers as to their physical and mental peculiarities, and never more happily than when he christened the hero of this sporting tour Mr. Soapy Sponge.

involving the body as distinguished from the mind or spirit

From this reading Mr. Surtees, the writer of the sporting novels, possessed considerable powers of invention, which he indulged--amongst other vagaries--in giving names to most of the characters in his books, which served to enlighten his readers as to their physical and mental peculiarities, and never more happily than when he christened the hero of this sporting tour Mr. Soapy Sponge.

influenced or controlled by a powerful force such as a strong emotion

From this reading Mr. Surtees, the writer of the sporting novels, possessed considerable powers of invention, which he indulged--amongst other vagaries--in giving names to most of the characters in his books, which served to enlighten his readers as to their physical and mental peculiarities, and never more happily than when he christened the hero of this sporting tour Mr. Soapy Sponge.

plural of “power” — possession of controlling influence

From this reading Mr. Surtees, the writer of the sporting novels, possessed considerable powers of invention, which he indulged--amongst other vagaries--in giving names to most of the characters in his books, which served to enlighten his readers as to their physical and mental peculiarities, and never more happily than when he christened the hero of this sporting tour Mr. Soapy Sponge.

housing available for people to live in

From this reading Hunting and good hunting quarters were the objects of Mr. Sponge's machinations, and upon a half-hearted invitation from a Mr. Jawleyford, of Jawleyford Court, an invitation given without an idea that it would be accepted (as sometimes happens), Mr. Sponge found himself installed in the ancestral mansion of the Jawleyfords.

plural of “reader” — a person who enjoys reading

From this reading Mr. Surtees, the writer of the sporting novels, possessed considerable powers of invention, which he indulged--amongst other vagaries--in giving names to most of the characters in his books, which served to enlighten his readers as to their physical and mental peculiarities, and never more happily than when he christened the hero of this sporting tour Mr. Soapy Sponge.

plural of “say” — the chance to speak

From this reading "Mr. Sponge," says our author, "wished to be a gentleman without knowing how;" but what Mr. Sponge did know was how to sponge upon everybody with whom he could force an acquaintance, and this he effected with surprising success.

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

From this reading Mr. Surtees, the writer of the sporting novels, possessed considerable powers of invention, which he indulged--amongst other vagaries--in giving names to most of the characters in his books, which served to enlighten his readers as to their physical and mental peculiarities, and never more happily than when he christened the hero of this sporting tour Mr. Soapy Sponge.

resembling or having the qualities of soap

From this reading Mr. Surtees, the writer of the sporting novels, possessed considerable powers of invention, which he indulged--amongst other vagaries--in giving names to most of the characters in his books, which served to enlighten his readers as to their physical and mental peculiarities, and never more happily than when he christened the hero of this sporting tour Mr. Soapy Sponge.

on certain occasions or in certain cases but not always

From this reading Hunting and good hunting quarters were the objects of Mr. Sponge's machinations, and upon a half-hearted invitation from a Mr. Jawleyford, of Jawleyford Court, an invitation given without an idea that it would be accepted (as sometimes happens), Mr. Sponge found himself installed in the ancestral mansion of the Jawleyfords.

wipe with a sponge, so as to clean or moisten

From this reading Mr. Surtees, the writer of the sporting novels, possessed considerable powers of invention, which he indulged--amongst other vagaries--in giving names to most of the characters in his books, which served to enlighten his readers as to their physical and mental peculiarities, and never more happily than when he christened the hero of this sporting tour Mr. Soapy Sponge.

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

From this reading SPONGE'S SPORTING TOUR.

exhibiting or calling for sportsmanship or fair play

From this reading SPONGE'S SPORTING TOUR.

an event that accomplishes its intended purpose

From this reading "Mr. Sponge," says our author, "wished to be a gentleman without knowing how;" but what Mr. Sponge did know was how to sponge upon everybody with whom he could force an acquaintance, and this he effected with surprising success.

causing surprise or wonder or amazement

From this reading "Mr. Sponge," says our author, "wished to be a gentleman without knowing how;" but what Mr. Sponge did know was how to sponge upon everybody with whom he could force an acquaintance, and this he effected with surprising success.

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

From this reading Mr. Surtees, the writer of the sporting novels, possessed considerable powers of invention, which he indulged--amongst other vagaries--in giving names to most of the characters in his books, which served to enlighten his readers as to their physical and mental peculiarities, and never more happily than when he christened the hero of this sporting tour Mr. Soapy Sponge.

used to introduce the second part of a comparison

From this reading Mr. Surtees, the writer of the sporting novels, possessed considerable powers of invention, which he indulged--amongst other vagaries--in giving names to most of the characters in his books, which served to enlighten his readers as to their physical and mental peculiarities, and never more happily than when he christened the hero of this sporting tour Mr. Soapy Sponge.

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading Hunting and good hunting quarters were the objects of Mr. Sponge's machinations, and upon a half-hearted invitation from a Mr. Jawleyford, of Jawleyford Court, an invitation given without an idea that it would be accepted (as sometimes happens), Mr. Sponge found himself installed in the ancestral mansion of the Jawleyfords.

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

From this reading Mr. Surtees, the writer of the sporting novels, possessed considerable powers of invention, which he indulged--amongst other vagaries--in giving names to most of the characters in his books, which served to enlighten his readers as to their physical and mental peculiarities, and never more happily than when he christened the hero of this sporting tour Mr. Soapy Sponge.

belonging to the people or things already mentioned

From this reading Mr. Surtees, the writer of the sporting novels, possessed considerable powers of invention, which he indulged--amongst other vagaries--in giving names to most of the characters in his books, which served to enlighten his readers as to their physical and mental peculiarities, and never more happily than when he christened the hero of this sporting tour Mr. Soapy Sponge.

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

From this reading Mr. Surtees, the writer of the sporting novels, possessed considerable powers of invention, which he indulged--amongst other vagaries--in giving names to most of the characters in his books, which served to enlighten his readers as to their physical and mental peculiarities, and never more happily than when he christened the hero of this sporting tour Mr. Soapy Sponge.

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

From this reading Mr. Surtees, the writer of the sporting novels, possessed considerable powers of invention, which he indulged--amongst other vagaries--in giving names to most of the characters in his books, which served to enlighten his readers as to their physical and mental peculiarities, and never more happily than when he christened the hero of this sporting tour Mr. Soapy Sponge.

a journey or route all the way around a particular place or area

From this reading SPONGE'S SPORTING TOUR.

a formal word for “on”

From this reading "Mr. Sponge," says our author, "wished to be a gentleman without knowing how;" but what Mr. Sponge did know was how to sponge upon everybody with whom he could force an acquaintance, and this he effected with surprising success.

plural of “vagary” — an unexpected and inexplicable change in something (in a situation or a person's behavior, etc.)

From this reading Mr. Surtees, the writer of the sporting novels, possessed considerable powers of invention, which he indulged--amongst other vagaries--in giving names to most of the characters in his books, which served to enlighten his readers as to their physical and mental peculiarities, and never more happily than when he christened the hero of this sporting tour Mr. Soapy Sponge.

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

From this reading "Mr. Sponge," says our author, "wished to be a gentleman without knowing how;" but what Mr. Sponge did know was how to sponge upon everybody with whom he could force an acquaintance, and this he effected with surprising success.

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

From this reading Hunting and good hunting quarters were the objects of Mr. Sponge's machinations, and upon a half-hearted invitation from a Mr. Jawleyford, of Jawleyford Court, an invitation given without an idea that it would be accepted (as sometimes happens), Mr. Sponge found himself installed in the ancestral mansion of the Jawleyfords.

used to ask for information about something

From this reading "Mr. Sponge," says our author, "wished to be a gentleman without knowing how;" but what Mr. Sponge did know was how to sponge upon everybody with whom he could force an acquaintance, and this he effected with surprising success.

at the time that

From this reading Mr. Surtees, the writer of the sporting novels, possessed considerable powers of invention, which he indulged--amongst other vagaries--in giving names to most of the characters in his books, which served to enlighten his readers as to their physical and mental peculiarities, and never more happily than when he christened the hero of this sporting tour Mr. Soapy Sponge.

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

From this reading Mr. Surtees, the writer of the sporting novels, possessed considerable powers of invention, which he indulged--amongst other vagaries--in giving names to most of the characters in his books, which served to enlighten his readers as to their physical and mental peculiarities, and never more happily than when he christened the hero of this sporting tour Mr. Soapy Sponge.

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

From this reading "Mr. Sponge," says our author, "wished to be a gentleman without knowing how;" but what Mr. Sponge did know was how to sponge upon everybody with whom he could force an acquaintance, and this he effected with surprising success.

past form of “wish” — hope for; have a wish

From this reading "Mr. Sponge," says our author, "wished to be a gentleman without knowing how;" but what Mr. Sponge did know was how to sponge upon everybody with whom he could force an acquaintance, and this he effected with surprising success.

in the company of; together with

From this reading "Mr. Sponge," says our author, "wished to be a gentleman without knowing how;" but what Mr. Sponge did know was how to sponge upon everybody with whom he could force an acquaintance, and this he effected with surprising success.

not having, not using, or not accompanied by

From this reading "Mr. Sponge," says our author, "wished to be a gentleman without knowing how;" but what Mr. Sponge did know was how to sponge upon everybody with whom he could force an acquaintance, and this he effected with surprising success.

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

From this reading Hunting and good hunting quarters were the objects of Mr. Sponge's machinations, and upon a half-hearted invitation from a Mr. Jawleyford, of Jawleyford Court, an invitation given without an idea that it would be accepted (as sometimes happens), Mr. Sponge found himself installed in the ancestral mansion of the Jawleyfords.

writes (books or stories or articles or the like) professionally (for pay)

From this reading Mr. Surtees, the writer of the sporting novels, possessed considerable powers of invention, which he indulged--amongst other vagaries--in giving names to most of the characters in his books, which served to enlighten his readers as to their physical and mental peculiarities, and never more happily than when he christened the hero of this sporting tour Mr. Soapy Sponge.