Chapter II

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

From this reading This was followed by a sort of fish broth in lacquer bowls, with a condiment made of shredded daikon—the Japanese radish—mingled with green herbs.

(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 Soon all four were seated on cushions on the floor, while the four musumés knelt in front of them, offering the first course of Bob’s first Japanese breakfast.

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

From this reading It consisted of beautiful white cakes made of bean-flour and sugar, and little cups of weak tea.

plural of “attempt” — earnest and conscientious activity intended to do or accomplish something

From this reading Bob found that he had to pick morsels of fish from the broth with a pair of chop-sticks, dip them into the condiment, and poke them into his mouth; and his first clumsy attempts with these novel utensils did not call the shadow of a smile to the faces of his polite entertainers.

strike against forcefully

From this reading Then came prawns in batter, fish cakes, rice in bowls of gold lacquer, preserved plums, crystallized walnuts, and other dishes, in many of which fish figured in some form or other: all in such midget quantities that Bob felt he would still be hungry if he swallowed the portions of all four.

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

From this reading Then came prawns in batter, fish cakes, rice in bowls of gold lacquer, preserved plums, crystallized walnuts, and other dishes, in many of which fish figured in some form or other: all in such midget quantities that Bob felt he would still be hungry if he swallowed the portions of all four.

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

From this reading It consisted of beautiful white cakes made of bean-flour and sugar, and little cups of weak tea.

delighting the senses or exciting intellectual or emotional admiration

From this reading It consisted of beautiful white cakes made of bean-flour and sugar, and little cups of weak tea.

move up and down repeatedly

From this reading Bob found that he had to pick morsels of fish from the broth with a pair of chop-sticks, dip them into the condiment, and poke them into his mouth; and his first clumsy attempts with these novel utensils did not call the shadow of a smile to the faces of his polite entertainers.

possessive form of “bob” — a former monetary unit in Great Britain

From this reading Soon all four were seated on cushions on the floor, while the four musumés knelt in front of them, offering the first course of Bob’s first Japanese breakfast.

a bowling game played on a level lawn with biased wooden balls that are rolled at a jack

From this reading This was followed by a sort of fish broth in lacquer bowls, with a condiment made of shredded daikon—the Japanese radish—mingled with green herbs.

eat an early morning meal

From this reading Soon all four were seated on cushions on the floor, while the four musumés knelt in front of them, offering the first course of Bob’s first Japanese breakfast.

liquid in which meat and vegetables are simmered; used as a basis for e.g. soups or sauces

From this reading This was followed by a sort of fish broth in lacquer bowls, with a condiment made of shredded daikon—the Japanese radish—mingled with green herbs.

showing who or what does the action

From this reading This was followed by a sort of fish broth in lacquer bowls, with a condiment made of shredded daikon—the Japanese radish—mingled with green herbs.

plural of “cake” — a block of solid substance (such as soap or wax)

From this reading It consisted of beautiful white cakes made of bean-flour and sugar, and little cups of weak tea.

assign a specified (usually proper) proper name to

From this reading Bob found that he had to pick morsels of fish from the broth with a pair of chop-sticks, dip them into the condiment, and poke them into his mouth; and his first clumsy attempts with these novel utensils did not call the shadow of a smile to the faces of his polite entertainers.

inflected form of “come” — move toward, travel toward something or somebody or approach something or somebody

From this reading Then came prawns in batter, fish cakes, rice in bowls of gold lacquer, preserved plums, crystallized walnuts, and other dishes, in many of which fish figured in some form or other: all in such midget quantities that Bob felt he would still be hungry if he swallowed the portions of all four.

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

From this reading Bob found that he had to pick morsels of fish from the broth with a pair of chop-sticks, dip them into the condiment, and poke them into his mouth; and his first clumsy attempts with these novel utensils did not call the shadow of a smile to the faces of his polite entertainers.

lacking grace in movement or posture

From this reading Bob found that he had to pick morsels of fish from the broth with a pair of chop-sticks, dip them into the condiment, and poke them into his mouth; and his first clumsy attempts with these novel utensils did not call the shadow of a smile to the faces of his polite entertainers.

a preparation (a sauce or relish or spice) to enhance flavor or enjoyment

From this reading This was followed by a sort of fish broth in lacquer bowls, with a condiment made of shredded daikon—the Japanese radish—mingled with green herbs.

past form of “consist” — originate

From this reading It consisted of beautiful white cakes made of bean-flour and sugar, and little cups of weak tea.

education imparted in a series of lessons or meetings

From this reading Soon all four were seated on cushions on the floor, while the four musumés knelt in front of them, offering the first course of Bob’s first Japanese breakfast.

having become fixed and definite in form

From this reading Then came prawns in batter, fish cakes, rice in bowls of gold lacquer, preserved plums, crystallized walnuts, and other dishes, in many of which fish figured in some form or other: all in such midget quantities that Bob felt he would still be hungry if he swallowed the portions of all four.

plural of “cup” — a small open container usually used for drinking; usually has a handle

From this reading It consisted of beautiful white cakes made of bean-flour and sugar, and little cups of weak tea.

plural of “cushion” — a mechanical damper; absorbs energy of sudden impulses

From this reading Soon all four were seated on cushions on the floor, while the four musumés knelt in front of them, offering the first course of Bob’s first Japanese breakfast.

radish of Japan with a long hard durable root eaten raw or cooked

From this reading This was followed by a sort of fish broth in lacquer bowls, with a condiment made of shredded daikon—the Japanese radish—mingled with green herbs.

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

From this reading Bob found that he had to pick morsels of fish from the broth with a pair of chop-sticks, dip them into the condiment, and poke them into his mouth; and his first clumsy attempts with these novel utensils did not call the shadow of a smile to the faces of his polite entertainers.

immerse briefly into a liquid so as to wet, coat, or saturate

From this reading Bob found that he had to pick morsels of fish from the broth with a pair of chop-sticks, dip them into the condiment, and poke them into his mouth; and his first clumsy attempts with these novel utensils did not call the shadow of a smile to the faces of his polite entertainers.

plural of “dish” — a piece of dishware normally used as a container for holding or serving food

From this reading Then came prawns in batter, fish cakes, rice in bowls of gold lacquer, preserved plums, crystallized walnuts, and other dishes, in many of which fish figured in some form or other: all in such midget quantities that Bob felt he would still be hungry if he swallowed the portions of all four.

plural of “entertainer” — a person who tries to please or amuse

From this reading Bob found that he had to pick morsels of fish from the broth with a pair of chop-sticks, dip them into the condiment, and poke them into his mouth; and his first clumsy attempts with these novel utensils did not call the shadow of a smile to the faces of his polite entertainers.

plural of “face” — the front of the human head from the forehead to the chin and ear to ear

From this reading Bob found that he had to pick morsels of fish from the broth with a pair of chop-sticks, dip them into the condiment, and poke them into his mouth; and his first clumsy attempts with these novel utensils did not call the shadow of a smile to the faces of his polite entertainers.

mat together and make felt-like

From this reading Then came prawns in batter, fish cakes, rice in bowls of gold lacquer, preserved plums, crystallized walnuts, and other dishes, in many of which fish figured in some form or other: all in such midget quantities that Bob felt he would still be hungry if he swallowed the portions of all four.

(of e.g. fabric design) adorned with patterns

From this reading Then came prawns in batter, fish cakes, rice in bowls of gold lacquer, preserved plums, crystallized walnuts, and other dishes, in many of which fish figured in some form or other: all in such midget quantities that Bob felt he would still be hungry if he swallowed the portions of all four.

preceding all others in time or space or degree

From this reading Soon all four were seated on cushions on the floor, while the four musumés knelt in front of them, offering the first course of Bob’s first Japanese breakfast.

any of various mostly cold-blooded aquatic vertebrates usually having scales and breathing through gills

From this reading This was followed by a sort of fish broth in lacquer bowls, with a condiment made of shredded daikon—the Japanese radish—mingled with green herbs.

the inside lower horizontal surface (as of a room, hallway, tent, or other structure)

From this reading Soon all four were seated on cushions on the floor, while the four musumés knelt in front of them, offering the first course of Bob’s first Japanese breakfast.

past form of “follow” — to travel behind, go after, come after

From this reading This was followed by a sort of fish broth in lacquer bowls, with a condiment made of shredded daikon—the Japanese radish—mingled with green herbs.

the phonological or orthographic sound or appearance of a word that can be used to describe or identify something

From this reading Then came prawns in batter, fish cakes, rice in bowls of gold lacquer, preserved plums, crystallized walnuts, and other dishes, in many of which fish figured in some form or other: all in such midget quantities that Bob felt he would still be hungry if he swallowed the portions of all four.

set up or found

From this reading Bob found that he had to pick morsels of fish from the broth with a pair of chop-sticks, dip them into the condiment, and poke them into his mouth; and his first clumsy attempts with these novel utensils did not call the shadow of a smile to the faces of his polite entertainers.

the cardinal number that is the sum of three and one

From this reading Soon all four were seated on cushions on the floor, while the four musumés knelt in front of them, offering the first course of Bob’s first Japanese breakfast.

showing where something starts, or who sent it

From this reading Bob found that he had to pick morsels of fish from the broth with a pair of chop-sticks, dip them into the condiment, and poke them into his mouth; and his first clumsy attempts with these novel utensils did not call the shadow of a smile to the faces of his polite entertainers.

the side that is forward or prominent

From this reading Soon all four were seated on cushions on the floor, while the four musumés knelt in front of them, offering the first course of Bob’s first Japanese breakfast.

coins made of gold

From this reading Then came prawns in batter, fish cakes, rice in bowls of gold lacquer, preserved plums, crystallized walnuts, and other dishes, in many of which fish figured in some form or other: all in such midget quantities that Bob felt he would still be hungry if he swallowed the portions of all four.

green color or pigment; resembling the color of growing grass

From this reading This was followed by a sort of fish broth in lacquer bowls, with a condiment made of shredded daikon—the Japanese radish—mingled with green herbs.

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

From this reading Bob found that he had to pick morsels of fish from the broth with a pair of chop-sticks, dip them into the condiment, and poke them into his mouth; and his first clumsy attempts with these novel utensils did not call the shadow of a smile to the faces of his polite entertainers.

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

From this reading Bob found that he had to pick morsels of fish from the broth with a pair of chop-sticks, dip them into the condiment, and poke them into his mouth; and his first clumsy attempts with these novel utensils did not call the shadow of a smile to the faces of his polite entertainers.

plural of “herb” — a plant lacking a permanent woody stem; many are flowering garden plants or potherbs; some having medicinal properties; some are pests

From this reading This was followed by a sort of fish broth in lacquer bowls, with a condiment made of shredded daikon—the Japanese radish—mingled with green herbs.

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

From this reading Bob found that he had to pick morsels of fish from the broth with a pair of chop-sticks, dip them into the condiment, and poke them into his mouth; and his first clumsy attempts with these novel utensils did not call the shadow of a smile to the faces of his polite entertainers.

feeling hunger; feeling a need or desire to eat food

From this reading Then came prawns in batter, fish cakes, rice in bowls of gold lacquer, preserved plums, crystallized walnuts, and other dishes, in many of which fish figured in some form or other: all in such midget quantities that Bob felt he would still be hungry if he swallowed the portions of all four.

on condition that; in the event that

From this reading Then came prawns in batter, fish cakes, rice in bowls of gold lacquer, preserved plums, crystallized walnuts, and other dishes, in many of which fish figured in some form or other: all in such midget quantities that Bob felt he would still be hungry if he swallowed the portions of all four.

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

From this reading Soon all four were seated on cushions on the floor, while the four musumés knelt in front of them, offering the first course of Bob’s first Japanese breakfast.

moving to the inside of something

From this reading Bob found that he had to pick morsels of fish from the broth with a pair of chop-sticks, dip them into the condiment, and poke them into his mouth; and his first clumsy attempts with these novel utensils did not call the shadow of a smile to the faces of his polite entertainers.

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading It consisted of beautiful white cakes made of bean-flour and sugar, and little cups of weak tea.

a native or inhabitant of Japan

From this reading Soon all four were seated on cushions on the floor, while the four musumés knelt in front of them, offering the first course of Bob’s first Japanese breakfast.

inflected form of “kneel” — rest one's weight on one's knees

From this reading Soon all four were seated on cushions on the floor, while the four musumés knelt in front of them, offering the first course of Bob’s first Japanese breakfast.

a black resinous substance obtained from certain trees and used as a natural varnish

From this reading This was followed by a sort of fish broth in lacquer bowls, with a condiment made of shredded daikon—the Japanese radish—mingled with green herbs.

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

From this reading It consisted of beautiful white cakes made of bean-flour and sugar, and little cups of weak tea.

produced by a manufacturing process

From this reading It consisted of beautiful white cakes made of bean-flour and sugar, and little cups of weak tea.

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 Then came prawns in batter, fish cakes, rice in bowls of gold lacquer, preserved plums, crystallized walnuts, and other dishes, in many of which fish figured in some form or other: all in such midget quantities that Bob felt he would still be hungry if he swallowed the portions of all four.

a person who is markedly small

From this reading Then came prawns in batter, fish cakes, rice in bowls of gold lacquer, preserved plums, crystallized walnuts, and other dishes, in many of which fish figured in some form or other: all in such midget quantities that Bob felt he would still be hungry if he swallowed the portions of all four.

past form of “mingle” — to bring or combine together or with something else

From this reading This was followed by a sort of fish broth in lacquer bowls, with a condiment made of shredded daikon—the Japanese radish—mingled with green herbs.

plural of “morsel” — a small quantity of anything

From this reading Bob found that he had to pick morsels of fish from the broth with a pair of chop-sticks, dip them into the condiment, and poke them into his mouth; and his first clumsy attempts with these novel utensils did not call the shadow of a smile to the faces of his polite entertainers.

the opening through which food is taken in and vocalizations emerge

From this reading Bob found that he had to pick morsels of fish from the broth with a pair of chop-sticks, dip them into the condiment, and poke them into his mouth; and his first clumsy attempts with these novel utensils did not call the shadow of a smile to the faces of his polite entertainers.

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

From this reading Soon all four were seated on cushions on the floor, while the four musumés knelt in front of them, offering the first course of Bob’s first Japanese breakfast.

used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative

From this reading Bob found that he had to pick morsels of fish from the broth with a pair of chop-sticks, dip them into the condiment, and poke them into his mouth; and his first clumsy attempts with these novel utensils did not call the shadow of a smile to the faces of his polite entertainers.

an extended fictional work in prose; usually in the form of a story

From this reading Bob found that he had to pick morsels of fish from the broth with a pair of chop-sticks, dip them into the condiment, and poke them into his mouth; and his first clumsy attempts with these novel utensils did not call the shadow of a smile to the faces of his polite entertainers.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading Soon all four were seated on cushions on the floor, while the four musumés knelt in front of them, offering the first course of Bob’s first Japanese breakfast.

something offered (as a proposal or bid)

From this reading Soon all four were seated on cushions on the floor, while the four musumés knelt in front of them, offering the first course of Bob’s first Japanese breakfast.

touching and supported by a surface

From this reading Soon all four were seated on cushions on the floor, while the four musumés knelt in front of them, offering the first course of Bob’s first Japanese breakfast.

used to join alternatives or possibilities

From this reading Then came prawns in batter, fish cakes, rice in bowls of gold lacquer, preserved plums, crystallized walnuts, and other dishes, in many of which fish figured in some form or other: all in such midget quantities that Bob felt he would still be hungry if he swallowed the portions of all four.

not the same one or ones already mentioned or implied

From this reading Then came prawns in batter, fish cakes, rice in bowls of gold lacquer, preserved plums, crystallized walnuts, and other dishes, in many of which fish figured in some form or other: all in such midget quantities that Bob felt he would still be hungry if he swallowed the portions of all four.

a set of two similar things considered as a unit

From this reading Bob found that he had to pick morsels of fish from the broth with a pair of chop-sticks, dip them into the condiment, and poke them into his mouth; and his first clumsy attempts with these novel utensils did not call the shadow of a smile to the faces of his polite entertainers.

select carefully from a group

From this reading Bob found that he had to pick morsels of fish from the broth with a pair of chop-sticks, dip them into the condiment, and poke them into his mouth; and his first clumsy attempts with these novel utensils did not call the shadow of a smile to the faces of his polite entertainers.

plural of “plum” — any of several trees producing edible oval fruit having a smooth skin and a single hard stone

From this reading Then came prawns in batter, fish cakes, rice in bowls of gold lacquer, preserved plums, crystallized walnuts, and other dishes, in many of which fish figured in some form or other: all in such midget quantities that Bob felt he would still be hungry if he swallowed the portions of all four.

poke or thrust abruptly

From this reading Bob found that he had to pick morsels of fish from the broth with a pair of chop-sticks, dip them into the condiment, and poke them into his mouth; and his first clumsy attempts with these novel utensils did not call the shadow of a smile to the faces of his polite entertainers.

showing regard for others in manners, speech, behavior, etc.

From this reading Bob found that he had to pick morsels of fish from the broth with a pair of chop-sticks, dip them into the condiment, and poke them into his mouth; and his first clumsy attempts with these novel utensils did not call the shadow of a smile to the faces of his polite entertainers.

plural of “portion” — something determined in relation to something that includes it

From this reading Then came prawns in batter, fish cakes, rice in bowls of gold lacquer, preserved plums, crystallized walnuts, and other dishes, in many of which fish figured in some form or other: all in such midget quantities that Bob felt he would still be hungry if he swallowed the portions of all four.

plural of “prawn” — any of various edible decapod crustaceans

From this reading Then came prawns in batter, fish cakes, rice in bowls of gold lacquer, preserved plums, crystallized walnuts, and other dishes, in many of which fish figured in some form or other: all in such midget quantities that Bob felt he would still be hungry if he swallowed the portions of all four.

prevented from decaying or spoiling and prepared for future use

From this reading Then came prawns in batter, fish cakes, rice in bowls of gold lacquer, preserved plums, crystallized walnuts, and other dishes, in many of which fish figured in some form or other: all in such midget quantities that Bob felt he would still be hungry if he swallowed the portions of all four.

plural of “quantity” — how much there is or how many there are of something that you can quantify

From this reading Then came prawns in batter, fish cakes, rice in bowls of gold lacquer, preserved plums, crystallized walnuts, and other dishes, in many of which fish figured in some form or other: all in such midget quantities that Bob felt he would still be hungry if he swallowed the portions of all four.

pungent fleshy edible root

From this reading This was followed by a sort of fish broth in lacquer bowls, with a condiment made of shredded daikon—the Japanese radish—mingled with green herbs.

grains used as food either unpolished or more often polished

From this reading Then came prawns in batter, fish cakes, rice in bowls of gold lacquer, preserved plums, crystallized walnuts, and other dishes, in many of which fish figured in some form or other: all in such midget quantities that Bob felt he would still be hungry if he swallowed the portions of all four.

(of persons) having the torso erect and legs bent with the body supported on the buttocks

From this reading Soon all four were seated on cushions on the floor, while the four musumés knelt in front of them, offering the first course of Bob’s first Japanese breakfast.

A dark area or shape produced by a body coming between rays of light and a surface.

From this reading Bob found that he had to pick morsels of fish from the broth with a pair of chop-sticks, dip them into the condiment, and poke them into his mouth; and his first clumsy attempts with these novel utensils did not call the shadow of a smile to the faces of his polite entertainers.

prepared by cutting

From this reading This was followed by a sort of fish broth in lacquer bowls, with a condiment made of shredded daikon—the Japanese radish—mingled with green herbs.

change one's facial expression by spreading the lips, often to signal pleasure

From this reading Bob found that he had to pick morsels of fish from the broth with a pair of chop-sticks, dip them into the condiment, and poke them into his mouth; and his first clumsy attempts with these novel utensils did not call the shadow of a smile to the faces of his polite entertainers.

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

From this reading Then came prawns in batter, fish cakes, rice in bowls of gold lacquer, preserved plums, crystallized walnuts, and other dishes, in many of which fish figured in some form or other: all in such midget quantities that Bob felt he would still be hungry if he swallowed the portions of all four.

in the near future

From this reading Soon all four were seated on cushions on the floor, while the four musumés knelt in front of them, offering the first course of Bob’s first Japanese breakfast.

a category of things distinguished by some common characteristic or quality

From this reading This was followed by a sort of fish broth in lacquer bowls, with a condiment made of shredded daikon—the Japanese radish—mingled with green herbs.

not in physical motion

From this reading Then came prawns in batter, fish cakes, rice in bowls of gold lacquer, preserved plums, crystallized walnuts, and other dishes, in many of which fish figured in some form or other: all in such midget quantities that Bob felt he would still be hungry if he swallowed the portions of all four.

of the kind already mentioned

From this reading Then came prawns in batter, fish cakes, rice in bowls of gold lacquer, preserved plums, crystallized walnuts, and other dishes, in many of which fish figured in some form or other: all in such midget quantities that Bob felt he would still be hungry if he swallowed the portions of all four.

a white crystalline carbohydrate used as a sweetener and preservative

From this reading It consisted of beautiful white cakes made of bean-flour and sugar, and little cups of weak tea.

past form of “swallow” — pass through the esophagus as part of eating or drinking

From this reading Then came prawns in batter, fish cakes, rice in bowls of gold lacquer, preserved plums, crystallized walnuts, and other dishes, in many of which fish figured in some form or other: all in such midget quantities that Bob felt he would still be hungry if he swallowed the portions of all four.

a beverage made by steeping tea leaves in water

From this reading It consisted of beautiful white cakes made of bean-flour and sugar, and little cups of weak tea.

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading Bob found that he had to pick morsels of fish from the broth with a pair of chop-sticks, dip them into the condiment, and poke them into his mouth; and his first clumsy attempts with these novel utensils did not call the shadow of a smile to the faces of his polite entertainers.

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

From this reading Soon all four were seated on cushions on the floor, while the four musumés knelt in front of them, offering the first course of Bob’s first Japanese breakfast.

the people or things already mentioned, as the object

From this reading Soon all four were seated on cushions on the floor, while the four musumés knelt in front of them, offering the first course of Bob’s first Japanese breakfast.

subsequently or soon afterward (often used as sentence connectors)

From this reading Then came prawns in batter, fish cakes, rice in bowls of gold lacquer, preserved plums, crystallized walnuts, and other dishes, in many of which fish figured in some form or other: all in such midget quantities that Bob felt he would still be hungry if he swallowed the portions of all four.

the plural of “this”: the people or things near, or just mentioned

From this reading Bob found that he had to pick morsels of fish from the broth with a pair of chop-sticks, dip them into the condiment, and poke them into his mouth; and his first clumsy attempts with these novel utensils did not call the shadow of a smile to the faces of his polite entertainers.

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

From this reading This was followed by a sort of fish broth in lacquer bowls, with a condiment made of shredded daikon—the Japanese radish—mingled with green herbs.

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

From this reading Bob found that he had to pick morsels of fish from the broth with a pair of chop-sticks, dip them into the condiment, and poke them into his mouth; and his first clumsy attempts with these novel utensils did not call the shadow of a smile to the faces of his polite entertainers.

plural of “utensil” — an implement for practical use (especially in a household)

From this reading Bob found that he had to pick morsels of fish from the broth with a pair of chop-sticks, dip them into the condiment, and poke them into his mouth; and his first clumsy attempts with these novel utensils did not call the shadow of a smile to the faces of his polite entertainers.

plural of “walnut” — nut of any of various walnut trees having a wrinkled two-lobed seed with a hard shell

From this reading Then came prawns in batter, fish cakes, rice in bowls of gold lacquer, preserved plums, crystallized walnuts, and other dishes, in many of which fish figured in some form or other: all in such midget quantities that Bob felt he would still be hungry if he swallowed the portions of all four.

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

From this reading This was followed by a sort of fish broth in lacquer bowls, with a condiment made of shredded daikon—the Japanese radish—mingled with green herbs.

wanting in physical strength

From this reading It consisted of beautiful white cakes made of bean-flour and sugar, and little cups of weak tea.

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

From this reading Soon all four were seated on cushions on the floor, while the four musumés knelt in front of them, offering the first course of Bob’s first Japanese breakfast.

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

From this reading Then came prawns in batter, fish cakes, rice in bowls of gold lacquer, preserved plums, crystallized walnuts, and other dishes, in many of which fish figured in some form or other: all in such midget quantities that Bob felt he would still be hungry if he swallowed the portions of all four.

during the time that

From this reading Soon all four were seated on cushions on the floor, while the four musumés knelt in front of them, offering the first course of Bob’s first Japanese breakfast.

a Caucasian

From this reading It consisted of beautiful white cakes made of bean-flour and sugar, and little cups of weak tea.

in the company of; together with

From this reading This was followed by a sort of fish broth in lacquer bowls, with a condiment made of shredded daikon—the Japanese radish—mingled with green herbs.

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

From this reading Then came prawns in batter, fish cakes, rice in bowls of gold lacquer, preserved plums, crystallized walnuts, and other dishes, in many of which fish figured in some form or other: all in such midget quantities that Bob felt he would still be hungry if he swallowed the portions of all four.