used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading THE ADVENTURE BEGINS Now, it is not to be expected that when a man has been living for three years among "stiffs" and "sunfish", with only occasional lapses into decency, he can suddenly turn around and rank as a gentleman and a scholar for ever after, with never a fall from grace.
adnounUS /æd/
a public promotion of some product or service
From this reading "Regeneration is all werry well," as that peculiar individual said, "but it ain't to be 'ad with a 'op, skip, and jump, I says.
take a risk in the hope of a favorable outcome
From this reading THE ADVENTURE BEGINS Now, it is not to be expected that when a man has been living for three years among "stiffs" and "sunfish", with only occasional lapses into decency, he can suddenly turn around and rank as a gentleman and a scholar for ever after, with never a fall from grace.
be able to spare or give up
From this reading It would be very nice to chronicle such a miracle in the life of Cyrus Hammer, and would, no doubt, afford great pleasure to the average reader; but it would afford great disgust to the average student of human nature, such as John Solomon.
afterprepositionUS /ˈæftər/
later than; following
From this reading THE ADVENTURE BEGINS Now, it is not to be expected that when a man has been living for three years among "stiffs" and "sunfish", with only occasional lapses into decency, he can suddenly turn around and rank as a gentleman and a scholar for ever after, with never a fall from grace.
ain't
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading "Regeneration is all werry well," as that peculiar individual said, "but it ain't to be 'ad with a 'op, skip, and jump, I says.
(quantifier) used with either mass or count nouns to indicate the whole number or amount of or every one of a class
From this reading "Regeneration is all werry well," as that peculiar individual said, "but it ain't to be 'ad with a 'op, skip, and jump, I says.
amongprepositionUS /əˈmʌŋ/
surrounded by; in the middle of a group
From this reading THE ADVENTURE BEGINS Now, it is not to be expected that when a man has been living for three years among "stiffs" and "sunfish", with only occasional lapses into decency, he can suddenly turn around and rank as a gentleman and a scholar for ever after, with never a fall from grace.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading THE ADVENTURE BEGINS Now, it is not to be expected that when a man has been living for three years among "stiffs" and "sunfish", with only occasional lapses into decency, he can suddenly turn around and rank as a gentleman and a scholar for ever after, with never a fall from grace.
surrounding, or on every side of, something
From this reading THE ADVENTURE BEGINS Now, it is not to be expected that when a man has been living for three years among "stiffs" and "sunfish", with only occasional lapses into decency, he can suddenly turn around and rank as a gentleman and a scholar for ever after, with never a fall from grace.
at the same time that; because; in the way that
From this reading THE ADVENTURE BEGINS Now, it is not to be expected that when a man has been living for three years among "stiffs" and "sunfish", with only occasional lapses into decency, he can suddenly turn around and rank as a gentleman and a scholar for ever after, with never a fall from grace.
averageadjectiveUS /ˈævərɪdʒ/
approximating the statistical norm or average or expected value
From this reading It would be very nice to chronicle such a miracle in the life of Cyrus Hammer, and would, no doubt, afford great pleasure to the average reader; but it would afford great disgust to the average student of human nature, such as John Solomon.
used with a past participle to form the passive, or with -ing for continuous tenses
From this reading THE ADVENTURE BEGINS Now, it is not to be expected that when a man has been living for three years among "stiffs" and "sunfish", with only occasional lapses into decency, he can suddenly turn around and rank as a gentleman and a scholar for ever after, with never a fall from grace.
beenauxiliary verbUS /bɪn/
the past participle of “be”
From this reading THE ADVENTURE BEGINS Now, it is not to be expected that when a man has been living for three years among "stiffs" and "sunfish", with only occasional lapses into decency, he can suddenly turn around and rank as a gentleman and a scholar for ever after, with never a fall from grace.
BEGINSnounUS /bɪˈɡɪnz/
plural of “begin” — Israeli statesman (born in Russia) who (as prime minister of Israel) negotiated a peace treaty with Anwar Sadat (then the president of Egypt) (1913-1992)
From this reading THE ADVENTURE BEGINS Now, it is not to be expected that when a man has been living for three years among "stiffs" and "sunfish", with only occasional lapses into decency, he can suddenly turn around and rank as a gentleman and a scholar for ever after, with never a fall from grace.
used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before
From this reading It would be very nice to chronicle such a miracle in the life of Cyrus Hammer, and would, no doubt, afford great pleasure to the average reader; but it would afford great disgust to the average student of human nature, such as John Solomon.
to be able to, or to be allowed to
From this reading THE ADVENTURE BEGINS Now, it is not to be expected that when a man has been living for three years among "stiffs" and "sunfish", with only occasional lapses into decency, he can suddenly turn around and rank as a gentleman and a scholar for ever after, with never a fall from grace.
chroniclenounUS /ˈkrɑː.nɪ.kəl/
A detailed written record of historical events in order. (Sử ký, biên niên sử lịch sử.)
From this reading It would be very nice to chronicle such a miracle in the life of Cyrus Hammer, and would, no doubt, afford great pleasure to the average reader; but it would afford great disgust to the average student of human nature, such as John Solomon.
constablenounUS /ˈkɑːnstəbəl/
a lawman with less authority and jurisdiction than a sheriff
From this reading 'Umans is 'umans, and nature ain't to be denied, as the parson remarked when 'e smashed the constable in the eye.
CyrusnounUS /ˈsaɪrəs/
Persian prince who was defeated in battle by his brother Artaxerxes II (424-401 BC)
From this reading It would be very nice to chronicle such a miracle in the life of Cyrus Hammer, and would, no doubt, afford great pleasure to the average reader; but it would afford great disgust to the average student of human nature, such as John Solomon.
decencynounUS /ˈdiːsənsi/
the quality of conforming to standards of propriety and morality
From this reading THE ADVENTURE BEGINS Now, it is not to be expected that when a man has been living for three years among "stiffs" and "sunfish", with only occasional lapses into decency, he can suddenly turn around and rank as a gentleman and a scholar for ever after, with never a fall from grace.
deniedverbUS /dɪˈnaɪd/
inflected form of “deny” — declare untrue; contradict
From this reading 'Umans is 'umans, and nature ain't to be denied, as the parson remarked when 'e smashed the constable in the eye.
disgustverbUS /dɪsˈɡʌst/
fill with distaste
From this reading It would be very nice to chronicle such a miracle in the life of Cyrus Hammer, and would, no doubt, afford great pleasure to the average reader; but it would afford great disgust to the average student of human nature, such as John Solomon.
the state of being unsure of something
From this reading It would be very nice to chronicle such a miracle in the life of Cyrus Hammer, and would, no doubt, afford great pleasure to the average reader; but it would afford great disgust to the average student of human nature, such as John Solomon.
a fat-soluble vitamin that is essential for normal reproduction; an important antioxidant that neutralizes free radicals in the body
From this reading 'Umans is 'umans, and nature ain't to be denied, as the parson remarked when 'e smashed the constable in the eye.
the 3rd planet from the sun; the planet we live on
From this reading If so be as a man's a saint, why, 'is place ain't 'ere on earth, says I."
an old word for “before”
From this reading If so be as a man's a saint, why, 'is place ain't 'ere on earth, says I."
at any time
From this reading THE ADVENTURE BEGINS Now, it is not to be expected that when a man has been living for three years among "stiffs" and "sunfish", with only occasional lapses into decency, he can suddenly turn around and rank as a gentleman and a scholar for ever after, with never a fall from grace.
considered likely or probable to happen or arrive
From this reading THE ADVENTURE BEGINS Now, it is not to be expected that when a man has been living for three years among "stiffs" and "sunfish", with only occasional lapses into decency, he can suddenly turn around and rank as a gentleman and a scholar for ever after, with never a fall from grace.
the organ of sight
From this reading 'Umans is 'umans, and nature ain't to be denied, as the parson remarked when 'e smashed the constable in the eye.
descend in free fall under the influence of gravity
From this reading THE ADVENTURE BEGINS Now, it is not to be expected that when a man has been living for three years among "stiffs" and "sunfish", with only occasional lapses into decency, he can suddenly turn around and rank as a gentleman and a scholar for ever after, with never a fall from grace.
intended to be given to, or used by, somebody
From this reading THE ADVENTURE BEGINS Now, it is not to be expected that when a man has been living for three years among "stiffs" and "sunfish", with only occasional lapses into decency, he can suddenly turn around and rank as a gentleman and a scholar for ever after, with never a fall from grace.
showing where something starts, or who sent it
From this reading THE ADVENTURE BEGINS Now, it is not to be expected that when a man has been living for three years among "stiffs" and "sunfish", with only occasional lapses into decency, he can suddenly turn around and rank as a gentleman and a scholar for ever after, with never a fall from grace.
a man of refinement
From this reading THE ADVENTURE BEGINS Now, it is not to be expected that when a man has been living for three years among "stiffs" and "sunfish", with only occasional lapses into decency, he can suddenly turn around and rank as a gentleman and a scholar for ever after, with never a fall from grace.
(Christian theology) a state of sanctification by God; the state of one who is under such divine influence
From this reading THE ADVENTURE BEGINS Now, it is not to be expected that when a man has been living for three years among "stiffs" and "sunfish", with only occasional lapses into decency, he can suddenly turn around and rank as a gentleman and a scholar for ever after, with never a fall from grace.
relatively large in size or number or extent; larger than others of its kind
From this reading It would be very nice to chronicle such a miracle in the life of Cyrus Hammer, and would, no doubt, afford great pleasure to the average reader; but it would afford great disgust to the average student of human nature, such as John Solomon.
HammernounUS /ˈhæmər/
the part of a gunlock that strikes the percussion cap when the trigger is pulled
From this reading It would be very nice to chronicle such a miracle in the life of Cyrus Hammer, and would, no doubt, afford great pleasure to the average reader; but it would afford great disgust to the average student of human nature, such as John Solomon.
hasauxiliary verbUS /hæz/
the form of “have” used with he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading THE ADVENTURE BEGINS Now, it is not to be expected that when a man has been living for three years among "stiffs" and "sunfish", with only occasional lapses into decency, he can suddenly turn around and rank as a gentleman and a scholar for ever after, with never a fall from grace.
a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading THE ADVENTURE BEGINS Now, it is not to be expected that when a man has been living for three years among "stiffs" and "sunfish", with only occasional lapses into decency, he can suddenly turn around and rank as a gentleman and a scholar for ever after, with never a fall from grace.
humanadjectiveUS /ˈhjuːmən/
characteristic of humanity
From this reading It would be very nice to chronicle such a miracle in the life of Cyrus Hammer, and would, no doubt, afford great pleasure to the average reader; but it would afford great disgust to the average student of human nature, such as John Solomon.
the person speaking or writing, as the subject of the verb
From this reading "Regeneration is all werry well," as that peculiar individual said, "but it ain't to be 'ad with a 'op, skip, and jump, I says.
on condition that; in the event that
From this reading If so be as a man's a saint, why, 'is place ain't 'ere on earth, says I."
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading It would be very nice to chronicle such a miracle in the life of Cyrus Hammer, and would, no doubt, afford great pleasure to the average reader; but it would afford great disgust to the average student of human nature, such as John Solomon.
being or characteristic of a single thing or person
From this reading "Regeneration is all werry well," as that peculiar individual said, "but it ain't to be 'ad with a 'op, skip, and jump, I says.
intoprepositionUS /ˈɪntuː/
moving to the inside of something
From this reading THE ADVENTURE BEGINS Now, it is not to be expected that when a man has been living for three years among "stiffs" and "sunfish", with only occasional lapses into decency, he can suddenly turn around and rank as a gentleman and a scholar for ever after, with never a fall from grace.
the form of “be” used with he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading THE ADVENTURE BEGINS Now, it is not to be expected that when a man has been living for three years among "stiffs" and "sunfish", with only occasional lapses into decency, he can suddenly turn around and rank as a gentleman and a scholar for ever after, with never a fall from grace.
a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned
From this reading THE ADVENTURE BEGINS Now, it is not to be expected that when a man has been living for three years among "stiffs" and "sunfish", with only occasional lapses into decency, he can suddenly turn around and rank as a gentleman and a scholar for ever after, with never a fall from grace.
a room or building equipped with one or more toilets
From this reading It would be very nice to chronicle such a miracle in the life of Cyrus Hammer, and would, no doubt, afford great pleasure to the average reader; but it would afford great disgust to the average student of human nature, such as John Solomon.
move forward by leaps and bounds
From this reading "Regeneration is all werry well," as that peculiar individual said, "but it ain't to be 'ad with a 'op, skip, and jump, I says.
lapsesnounUS /ˈlæpsɪz/
plural of “lapse” — a mistake resulting from inattention
From this reading THE ADVENTURE BEGINS Now, it is not to be expected that when a man has been living for three years among "stiffs" and "sunfish", with only occasional lapses into decency, he can suddenly turn around and rank as a gentleman and a scholar for ever after, with never a fall from grace.
a characteristic state or mode of living
From this reading It would be very nice to chronicle such a miracle in the life of Cyrus Hammer, and would, no doubt, afford great pleasure to the average reader; but it would afford great disgust to the average student of human nature, such as John Solomon.
the experience of being alive; the course of human events and activities
From this reading THE ADVENTURE BEGINS Now, it is not to be expected that when a man has been living for three years among "stiffs" and "sunfish", with only occasional lapses into decency, he can suddenly turn around and rank as a gentleman and a scholar for ever after, with never a fall from grace.
an adult person who is male (as opposed to a woman)
From this reading THE ADVENTURE BEGINS Now, it is not to be expected that when a man has been living for three years among "stiffs" and "sunfish", with only occasional lapses into decency, he can suddenly turn around and rank as a gentleman and a scholar for ever after, with never a fall from grace.
man'snounUS /mænz/
possessive form of “man” — an adult person who is male (as opposed to a woman)
From this reading If so be as a man's a saint, why, 'is place ain't 'ere on earth, says I."
miraclenounUS /ˈmɪrəkəl/
any amazing or wonderful occurrence
From this reading It would be very nice to chronicle such a miracle in the life of Cyrus Hammer, and would, no doubt, afford great pleasure to the average reader; but it would afford great disgust to the average student of human nature, such as John Solomon.
the essential qualities or characteristics by which something is recognized
From this reading It would be very nice to chronicle such a miracle in the life of Cyrus Hammer, and would, no doubt, afford great pleasure to the average reader; but it would afford great disgust to the average student of human nature, such as John Solomon.
not ever; at no time in the past or future
From this reading THE ADVENTURE BEGINS Now, it is not to be expected that when a man has been living for three years among "stiffs" and "sunfish", with only occasional lapses into decency, he can suddenly turn around and rank as a gentleman and a scholar for ever after, with never a fall from grace.
pleasant or pleasing or agreeable in nature or appearance
From this reading It would be very nice to chronicle such a miracle in the life of Cyrus Hammer, and would, no doubt, afford great pleasure to the average reader; but it would afford great disgust to the average student of human nature, such as John Solomon.
not any; not one
From this reading It would be very nice to chronicle such a miracle in the life of Cyrus Hammer, and would, no doubt, afford great pleasure to the average reader; but it would afford great disgust to the average student of human nature, such as John Solomon.
used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative
From this reading THE ADVENTURE BEGINS Now, it is not to be expected that when a man has been living for three years among "stiffs" and "sunfish", with only occasional lapses into decency, he can suddenly turn around and rank as a gentleman and a scholar for ever after, with never a fall from grace.
in the historical present; at this point in the narration of a series of past events
From this reading THE ADVENTURE BEGINS Now, it is not to be expected that when a man has been living for three years among "stiffs" and "sunfish", with only occasional lapses into decency, he can suddenly turn around and rank as a gentleman and a scholar for ever after, with never a fall from grace.
occasionaladjectiveUS /əˈkeɪʒənəl/
occurring from time to time
From this reading THE ADVENTURE BEGINS Now, it is not to be expected that when a man has been living for three years among "stiffs" and "sunfish", with only occasional lapses into decency, he can suddenly turn around and rank as a gentleman and a scholar for ever after, with never a fall from grace.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading It would be very nice to chronicle such a miracle in the life of Cyrus Hammer, and would, no doubt, afford great pleasure to the average reader; but it would afford great disgust to the average student of human nature, such as John Solomon.
touching and supported by a surface
From this reading If so be as a man's a saint, why, 'is place ain't 'ere on earth, says I."
and nothing more
From this reading THE ADVENTURE BEGINS Now, it is not to be expected that when a man has been living for three years among "stiffs" and "sunfish", with only occasional lapses into decency, he can suddenly turn around and rank as a gentleman and a scholar for ever after, with never a fall from grace.
op
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading "Regeneration is all werry well," as that peculiar individual said, "but it ain't to be 'ad with a 'op, skip, and jump, I says.
parsonnounUS /ˈpɑːrsən/
a person authorized to conduct religious worship
From this reading 'Umans is 'umans, and nature ain't to be denied, as the parson remarked when 'e smashed the constable in the eye.
beyond or deviating from the usual or expected
From this reading "Regeneration is all werry well," as that peculiar individual said, "but it ain't to be 'ad with a 'op, skip, and jump, I says.
a point located with respect to surface features of some region
From this reading If so be as a man's a saint, why, 'is place ain't 'ere on earth, says I."
a fundamental feeling that is hard to define but that people desire to experience
From this reading It would be very nice to chronicle such a miracle in the life of Cyrus Hammer, and would, no doubt, afford great pleasure to the average reader; but it would afford great disgust to the average student of human nature, such as John Solomon.
a row or line of people (especially soldiers or police) standing abreast of one another
From this reading THE ADVENTURE BEGINS Now, it is not to be expected that when a man has been living for three years among "stiffs" and "sunfish", with only occasional lapses into decency, he can suddenly turn around and rank as a gentleman and a scholar for ever after, with never a fall from grace.
a person who enjoys reading
From this reading It would be very nice to chronicle such a miracle in the life of Cyrus Hammer, and would, no doubt, afford great pleasure to the average reader; but it would afford great disgust to the average student of human nature, such as John Solomon.
RegenerationnounUS /riˈdʒenərˈeɪʃən/
(biology) growth anew of lost tissue or destroyed parts or organs
From this reading "Regeneration is all werry well," as that peculiar individual said, "but it ain't to be 'ad with a 'op, skip, and jump, I says.
past form of “remark” — make mention of
From this reading 'Umans is 'umans, and nature ain't to be denied, as the parson remarked when 'e smashed the constable in the eye.
being the one previously mentioned or spoken of
From this reading "Regeneration is all werry well," as that peculiar individual said, "but it ain't to be 'ad with a 'op, skip, and jump, I says.
a person who has died and has been declared a saint by canonization
From this reading If so be as a man's a saint, why, 'is place ain't 'ere on earth, says I."
plural of “say” — the chance to speak
From this reading "Regeneration is all werry well," as that peculiar individual said, "but it ain't to be 'ad with a 'op, skip, and jump, I says.
scholarnounUS /ˈskɒl.ər/
A specialist in a particular branch of study; a distinguished student.
From this reading THE ADVENTURE BEGINS Now, it is not to be expected that when a man has been living for three years among "stiffs" and "sunfish", with only occasional lapses into decency, he can suddenly turn around and rank as a gentleman and a scholar for ever after, with never a fall from grace.
skipverbUS /skɪp/
bypass
From this reading "Regeneration is all werry well," as that peculiar individual said, "but it ain't to be 'ad with a 'op, skip, and jump, I says.
smashedadjectiveUS /smæʃt/
very drunk
From this reading 'Umans is 'umans, and nature ain't to be denied, as the parson remarked when 'e smashed the constable in the eye.
for that reason; with the result that
From this reading If so be as a man's a saint, why, 'is place ain't 'ere on earth, says I."
Solomonproper nounUS /ˈsɒl.ə.mən/
A legendary king renowned for his wisdom and fabulous hidden mines.
From this reading It would be very nice to chronicle such a miracle in the life of Cyrus Hammer, and would, no doubt, afford great pleasure to the average reader; but it would afford great disgust to the average student of human nature, such as John Solomon.
stiffsnounUS /stɪfs/
plural of “stiff” — an ordinary man
From this reading THE ADVENTURE BEGINS Now, it is not to be expected that when a man has been living for three years among "stiffs" and "sunfish", with only occasional lapses into decency, he can suddenly turn around and rank as a gentleman and a scholar for ever after, with never a fall from grace.
studentnounUS /ˈstuːdənt/
a learner who is enrolled in an educational institution
From this reading It would be very nice to chronicle such a miracle in the life of Cyrus Hammer, and would, no doubt, afford great pleasure to the average reader; but it would afford great disgust to the average student of human nature, such as John Solomon.
of the kind already mentioned
From this reading It would be very nice to chronicle such a miracle in the life of Cyrus Hammer, and would, no doubt, afford great pleasure to the average reader; but it would afford great disgust to the average student of human nature, such as John Solomon.
happening unexpectedly
From this reading THE ADVENTURE BEGINS Now, it is not to be expected that when a man has been living for three years among "stiffs" and "sunfish", with only occasional lapses into decency, he can suddenly turn around and rank as a gentleman and a scholar for ever after, with never a fall from grace.
sunfishnounUS /ˈsʌnfɪʃ/
the lean flesh of any of numerous American perch-like fishes of the family Centrarchidae
From this reading THE ADVENTURE BEGINS Now, it is not to be expected that when a man has been living for three years among "stiffs" and "sunfish", with only occasional lapses into decency, he can suddenly turn around and rank as a gentleman and a scholar for ever after, with never a fall from grace.
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading THE ADVENTURE BEGINS Now, it is not to be expected that when a man has been living for three years among "stiffs" and "sunfish", with only occasional lapses into decency, he can suddenly turn around and rank as a gentleman and a scholar for ever after, with never a fall from grace.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading THE ADVENTURE BEGINS Now, it is not to be expected that when a man has been living for three years among "stiffs" and "sunfish", with only occasional lapses into decency, he can suddenly turn around and rank as a gentleman and a scholar for ever after, with never a fall from grace.
the cardinal number that is the sum of one and one and one
From this reading THE ADVENTURE BEGINS Now, it is not to be expected that when a man has been living for three years among "stiffs" and "sunfish", with only occasional lapses into decency, he can suddenly turn around and rank as a gentleman and a scholar for ever after, with never a fall from grace.
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading THE ADVENTURE BEGINS Now, it is not to be expected that when a man has been living for three years among "stiffs" and "sunfish", with only occasional lapses into decency, he can suddenly turn around and rank as a gentleman and a scholar for ever after, with never a fall from grace.
change orientation or direction, also in the abstract sense
From this reading THE ADVENTURE BEGINS Now, it is not to be expected that when a man has been living for three years among "stiffs" and "sunfish", with only occasional lapses into decency, he can suddenly turn around and rank as a gentleman and a scholar for ever after, with never a fall from grace.
Umans
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading 'Umans is 'umans, and nature ain't to be denied, as the parson remarked when 'e smashed the constable in the eye.
precisely as stated
From this reading It would be very nice to chronicle such a miracle in the life of Cyrus Hammer, and would, no doubt, afford great pleasure to the average reader; but it would afford great disgust to the average student of human nature, such as John Solomon.
(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 "Regeneration is all werry well," as that peculiar individual said, "but it ain't to be 'ad with a 'op, skip, and jump, I says.
werry
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading "Regeneration is all werry well," as that peculiar individual said, "but it ain't to be 'ad with a 'op, skip, and jump, I says.
at the time that
From this reading THE ADVENTURE BEGINS Now, it is not to be expected that when a man has been living for three years among "stiffs" and "sunfish", with only occasional lapses into decency, he can suddenly turn around and rank as a gentleman and a scholar for ever after, with never a fall from grace.
the cause or intention underlying an action or situation, especially in the phrase “the whys and wherefores”
From this reading If so be as a man's a saint, why, 'is place ain't 'ere on earth, says I."
in the company of; together with
From this reading THE ADVENTURE BEGINS Now, it is not to be expected that when a man has been living for three years among "stiffs" and "sunfish", with only occasional lapses into decency, he can suddenly turn around and rank as a gentleman and a scholar for ever after, with never a fall from grace.
used for something imagined, polite, or habitual in the past
From this reading It would be very nice to chronicle such a miracle in the life of Cyrus Hammer, and would, no doubt, afford great pleasure to the average reader; but it would afford great disgust to the average student of human nature, such as John Solomon.
a late time of life
From this reading THE ADVENTURE BEGINS Now, it is not to be expected that when a man has been living for three years among "stiffs" and "sunfish", with only occasional lapses into decency, he can suddenly turn around and rank as a gentleman and a scholar for ever after, with never a fall from grace.
