Chapter XXVIII · Chapter 28

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

From this reading My Father--Premature Decay--The Easy Chair--A Few Questions--So You Told Me--A Difficult Language--They Call it Haik--Misused Opportunities--Saul--Want of Candour--Don't Weep--Heaven Forgive Me--Dated from Paris--I Wish He were Here--A Father's Reminiscences--Farewell to Vanities.

having companions or an escort

From this reading He was, however, wont to rally, more or less, after his illnesses, and might still occasionally be seen taking his walk, with his cane in his hand, and accompanied by his dog, who sympathised entirely with him, pining as he pined, improving as he improved, and never leaving the house save in his company; and in this manner matters went on for a considerable time, no very great apprehension with respect to my father's state being raised either in my mother's breast or my own.

later than; following

From this reading But, be that as it may, the health of my father, some few years after his retirement from the service to the quiet of domestic life, underwent a considerable change; his constitution appeared to be breaking up; and he was subject to severe attacks from various disorders, with which, till then, he had been utterly unacquainted.

(of actions or states) slightly short of or not quite accomplished; all but

From this reading My father, as I have already informed the reader, had been endowed by nature with great corporeal strength; indeed, I have been assured that, at the period of his prime, his figure had denoted the possession of almost Herculean powers.

prior to a specified or implied time

From this reading My father, as I have already informed the reader, had been endowed by nature with great corporeal strength; indeed, I have been assured that, at the period of his prime, his figure had denoted the possession of almost Herculean powers.

at all times; all the time and on every occasion

From this reading The strongest forms, however, do not always endure the longest, the very excess of the noble and generous juices which they contain being the cause of their premature decay.

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

From this reading The strongest forms, however, do not always endure the longest, the very excess of the noble and generous juices which they contain being the cause of their premature decay.

past form of “appear” — give a certain impression or have a certain outward aspect

From this reading But, be that as it may, the health of my father, some few years after his retirement from the service to the quiet of domestic life, underwent a considerable change; his constitution appeared to be breaking up; and he was subject to severe attacks from various disorders, with which, till then, he had been utterly unacquainted.

fearful expectation or anticipation

From this reading He was, however, wont to rally, more or less, after his illnesses, and might still occasionally be seen taking his walk, with his cane in his hand, and accompanied by his dog, who sympathised entirely with him, pining as he pined, improving as he improved, and never leaving the house save in his company; and in this manner matters went on for a considerable time, no very great apprehension with respect to my father's state being raised either in my mother's breast or my own.

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

From this reading My father, as I have already informed the reader, had been endowed by nature with great corporeal strength; indeed, I have been assured that, at the period of his prime, his figure had denoted the possession of almost Herculean powers.

marked by assurance; exhibiting confidence

From this reading My father, as I have already informed the reader, had been endowed by nature with great corporeal strength; indeed, I have been assured that, at the period of his prime, his figure had denoted the possession of almost Herculean powers.

in or near a particular place or position

From this reading My father, as I have already informed the reader, had been endowed by nature with great corporeal strength; indeed, I have been assured that, at the period of his prime, his figure had denoted the possession of almost Herculean powers.

plural of “attack” — (military) an offensive against an enemy (using weapons)

From this reading But, be that as it may, the health of my father, some few years after his retirement from the service to the quiet of domestic life, underwent a considerable change; his constitution appeared to be breaking up; and he was subject to severe attacks from various disorders, with which, till then, he had been utterly unacquainted.

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

From this reading But, be that as it may, the health of my father, some few years after his retirement from the service to the quiet of domestic life, underwent a considerable change; his constitution appeared to be breaking up; and he was subject to severe attacks from various disorders, with which, till then, he had been utterly unacquainted.

the past participle of “be”

From this reading My father, as I have already informed the reader, had been endowed by nature with great corporeal strength; indeed, I have been assured that, at the period of his prime, his figure had denoted the possession of almost Herculean powers.

the -ing form of “be”

From this reading The strongest forms, however, do not always endure the longest, the very excess of the noble and generous juices which they contain being the cause of their premature decay.

the act of breaking something

From this reading But, be that as it may, the health of my father, some few years after his retirement from the service to the quiet of domestic life, underwent a considerable change; his constitution appeared to be breaking up; and he was subject to severe attacks from various disorders, with which, till then, he had been utterly unacquainted.

the front of the trunk from the neck to the abdomen

From this reading He was, however, wont to rally, more or less, after his illnesses, and might still occasionally be seen taking his walk, with his cane in his hand, and accompanied by his dog, who sympathised entirely with him, pining as he pined, improving as he improved, and never leaving the house save in his company; and in this manner matters went on for a considerable time, no very great apprehension with respect to my father's state being raised either in my mother's breast or my own.

used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before

From this reading But, be that as it may, the health of my father, some few years after his retirement from the service to the quiet of domestic life, underwent a considerable change; his constitution appeared to be breaking up; and he was subject to severe attacks from various disorders, with which, till then, he had been utterly unacquainted.

showing who or what does the action

From this reading My father, as I have already informed the reader, had been endowed by nature with great corporeal strength; indeed, I have been assured that, at the period of his prime, his figure had denoted the possession of almost Herculean powers.

assign a specified (usually proper) proper name to

From this reading My Father--Premature Decay--The Easy Chair--A Few Questions--So You Told Me--A Difficult Language--They Call it Haik--Misused Opportunities--Saul--Want of Candour--Don't Weep--Heaven Forgive Me--Dated from Paris--I Wish He were Here--A Father's Reminiscences--Farewell to Vanities.

the quality of being honest and straightforward in attitude and speech

From this reading My Father--Premature Decay--The Easy Chair--A Few Questions--So You Told Me--A Difficult Language--They Call it Haik--Misused Opportunities--Saul--Want of Candour--Don't Weep--Heaven Forgive Me--Dated from Paris--I Wish He were Here--A Father's Reminiscences--Farewell to Vanities.

a stick that people can lean on to help them walk

From this reading He was, however, wont to rally, more or less, after his illnesses, and might still occasionally be seen taking his walk, with his cane in his hand, and accompanied by his dog, who sympathised entirely with him, pining as he pined, improving as he improved, and never leaving the house save in his company; and in this manner matters went on for a considerable time, no very great apprehension with respect to my father's state being raised either in my mother's breast or my own.

events that provide the generative force that is the origin of something

From this reading The strongest forms, however, do not always endure the longest, the very excess of the noble and generous juices which they contain being the cause of their premature decay.

a seat for one person, with a support for the back

From this reading My Father--Premature Decay--The Easy Chair--A Few Questions--So You Told Me--A Difficult Language--They Call it Haik--Misused Opportunities--Saul--Want of Candour--Don't Weep--Heaven Forgive Me--Dated from Paris--I Wish He were Here--A Father's Reminiscences--Farewell to Vanities.

cause to change; make different; cause a transformation

From this reading But, be that as it may, the health of my father, some few years after his retirement from the service to the quiet of domestic life, underwent a considerable change; his constitution appeared to be breaking up; and he was subject to severe attacks from various disorders, with which, till then, he had been utterly unacquainted.

an institution created to conduct business

From this reading He was, however, wont to rally, more or less, after his illnesses, and might still occasionally be seen taking his walk, with his cane in his hand, and accompanied by his dog, who sympathised entirely with him, pining as he pined, improving as he improved, and never leaving the house save in his company; and in this manner matters went on for a considerable time, no very great apprehension with respect to my father's state being raised either in my mother's breast or my own.

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

From this reading But, be that as it may, the health of my father, some few years after his retirement from the service to the quiet of domestic life, underwent a considerable change; his constitution appeared to be breaking up; and he was subject to severe attacks from various disorders, with which, till then, he had been utterly unacquainted.

law determining the fundamental political principles of a government

From this reading But, be that as it may, the health of my father, some few years after his retirement from the service to the quiet of domestic life, underwent a considerable change; his constitution appeared to be breaking up; and he was subject to severe attacks from various disorders, with which, till then, he had been utterly unacquainted.

include or contain; have as a component

From this reading The strongest forms, however, do not always endure the longest, the very excess of the noble and generous juices which they contain being the cause of their premature decay.

having material or physical form or substance

From this reading My father, as I have already informed the reader, had been endowed by nature with great corporeal strength; indeed, I have been assured that, at the period of his prime, his figure had denoted the possession of almost Herculean powers.

marked by features of the immediate and usually discounted past

From this reading My Father--Premature Decay--The Easy Chair--A Few Questions--So You Told Me--A Difficult Language--They Call it Haik--Misused Opportunities--Saul--Want of Candour--Don't Weep--Heaven Forgive Me--Dated from Paris--I Wish He were Here--A Father's Reminiscences--Farewell to Vanities.

the process of gradually becoming inferior

From this reading My Father--Premature Decay--The Easy Chair--A Few Questions--So You Told Me--A Difficult Language--They Call it Haik--Misused Opportunities--Saul--Want of Candour--Don't Weep--Heaven Forgive Me--Dated from Paris--I Wish He were Here--A Father's Reminiscences--Farewell to Vanities.

past form of “denote” — be a sign or indication of

From this reading My father, as I have already informed the reader, had been endowed by nature with great corporeal strength; indeed, I have been assured that, at the period of his prime, his figure had denoted the possession of almost Herculean powers.

not easy; requiring great physical or mental effort to accomplish or comprehend or endure

From this reading My Father--Premature Decay--The Easy Chair--A Few Questions--So You Told Me--A Difficult Language--They Call it Haik--Misused Opportunities--Saul--Want of Candour--Don't Weep--Heaven Forgive Me--Dated from Paris--I Wish He were Here--A Father's Reminiscences--Farewell to Vanities.

plural of “disorder” — a physical condition in which there is a disturbance of normal functioning

From this reading But, be that as it may, the health of my father, some few years after his retirement from the service to the quiet of domestic life, underwent a considerable change; his constitution appeared to be breaking up; and he was subject to severe attacks from various disorders, with which, till then, he had been utterly unacquainted.

used to form questions and negatives, and to give emphasis

From this reading The strongest forms, however, do not always endure the longest, the very excess of the noble and generous juices which they contain being the cause of their premature decay.

a member of the genus Canis (probably descended from the common wolf) that has been domesticated by man since prehistoric times; occurs in many breeds

From this reading He was, however, wont to rally, more or less, after his illnesses, and might still occasionally be seen taking his walk, with his cane in his hand, and accompanied by his dog, who sympathised entirely with him, pining as he pined, improving as he improved, and never leaving the house save in his company; and in this manner matters went on for a considerable time, no very great apprehension with respect to my father's state being raised either in my mother's breast or my own.

of concern to or concerning the internal affairs of a nation

From this reading But, be that as it may, the health of my father, some few years after his retirement from the service to the quiet of domestic life, underwent a considerable change; his constitution appeared to be breaking up; and he was subject to severe attacks from various disorders, with which, till then, he had been utterly unacquainted.

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

From this reading My Father--Premature Decay--The Easy Chair--A Few Questions--So You Told Me--A Difficult Language--They Call it Haik--Misused Opportunities--Saul--Want of Candour--Don't Weep--Heaven Forgive Me--Dated from Paris--I Wish He were Here--A Father's Reminiscences--Farewell to Vanities.

posing no difficulty; requiring little effort

From this reading My Father--Premature Decay--The Easy Chair--A Few Questions--So You Told Me--A Difficult Language--They Call it Haik--Misused Opportunities--Saul--Want of Candour--Don't Weep--Heaven Forgive Me--Dated from Paris--I Wish He were Here--A Father's Reminiscences--Farewell to Vanities.

one or the other of two

From this reading He was, however, wont to rally, more or less, after his illnesses, and might still occasionally be seen taking his walk, with his cane in his hand, and accompanied by his dog, who sympathised entirely with him, pining as he pined, improving as he improved, and never leaving the house save in his company; and in this manner matters went on for a considerable time, no very great apprehension with respect to my father's state being raised either in my mother's breast or my own.

provided or supplied or equipped with (especially as by inheritance or nature)

From this reading My father, as I have already informed the reader, had been endowed by nature with great corporeal strength; indeed, I have been assured that, at the period of his prime, his figure had denoted the possession of almost Herculean powers.

put up with something or somebody unpleasant

From this reading The strongest forms, however, do not always endure the longest, the very excess of the noble and generous juices which they contain being the cause of their premature decay.

to a complete degree or to the full or entire extent (“whole” is often used informally for “wholly”)

From this reading He was, however, wont to rally, more or less, after his illnesses, and might still occasionally be seen taking his walk, with his cane in his hand, and accompanied by his dog, who sympathised entirely with him, pining as he pined, improving as he improved, and never leaving the house save in his company; and in this manner matters went on for a considerable time, no very great apprehension with respect to my father's state being raised either in my mother's breast or my own.

a quantity much larger than is needed

From this reading The strongest forms, however, do not always endure the longest, the very excess of the noble and generous juices which they contain being the cause of their premature decay.

an acknowledgment or expression of goodwill at parting

From this reading My Father--Premature Decay--The Easy Chair--A Few Questions--So You Told Me--A Difficult Language--They Call it Haik--Misused Opportunities--Saul--Want of Candour--Don't Weep--Heaven Forgive Me--Dated from Paris--I Wish He were Here--A Father's Reminiscences--Farewell to Vanities.

a male parent (also used as a term of address to your father)

From this reading My Father--Premature Decay--The Easy Chair--A Few Questions--So You Told Me--A Difficult Language--They Call it Haik--Misused Opportunities--Saul--Want of Candour--Don't Weep--Heaven Forgive Me--Dated from Paris--I Wish He were Here--A Father's Reminiscences--Farewell to Vanities.

possessive form of “father” — a male parent (also used as a term of address to your father)

From this reading My Father--Premature Decay--The Easy Chair--A Few Questions--So You Told Me--A Difficult Language--They Call it Haik--Misused Opportunities--Saul--Want of Candour--Don't Weep--Heaven Forgive Me--Dated from Paris--I Wish He were Here--A Father's Reminiscences--Farewell to Vanities.

a quantifier that can be used with count nouns and is often preceded by “a”; a small but indefinite number

From this reading My Father--Premature Decay--The Easy Chair--A Few Questions--So You Told Me--A Difficult Language--They Call it Haik--Misused Opportunities--Saul--Want of Candour--Don't Weep--Heaven Forgive Me--Dated from Paris--I Wish He were Here--A Father's Reminiscences--Farewell to Vanities.

a diagram or picture illustrating textual material

From this reading My father, as I have already informed the reader, had been endowed by nature with great corporeal strength; indeed, I have been assured that, at the period of his prime, his figure had denoted the possession of almost Herculean powers.

intended to be given to, or used by, somebody

From this reading He was, however, wont to rally, more or less, after his illnesses, and might still occasionally be seen taking his walk, with his cane in his hand, and accompanied by his dog, who sympathised entirely with him, pining as he pined, improving as he improved, and never leaving the house save in his company; and in this manner matters went on for a considerable time, no very great apprehension with respect to my father's state being raised either in my mother's breast or my own.

stop blaming or grant forgiveness

From this reading My Father--Premature Decay--The Easy Chair--A Few Questions--So You Told Me--A Difficult Language--They Call it Haik--Misused Opportunities--Saul--Want of Candour--Don't Weep--Heaven Forgive Me--Dated from Paris--I Wish He were Here--A Father's Reminiscences--Farewell to Vanities.

plural of “form” — the phonological or orthographic sound or appearance of a word that can be used to describe or identify something

From this reading The strongest forms, however, do not always endure the longest, the very excess of the noble and generous juices which they contain being the cause of their premature decay.

showing where something starts, or who sent it

From this reading My Father--Premature Decay--The Easy Chair--A Few Questions--So You Told Me--A Difficult Language--They Call it Haik--Misused Opportunities--Saul--Want of Candour--Don't Weep--Heaven Forgive Me--Dated from Paris--I Wish He were Here--A Father's Reminiscences--Farewell to Vanities.

willing to give and share unstintingly

From this reading The strongest forms, however, do not always endure the longest, the very excess of the noble and generous juices which they contain being the cause of their premature decay.

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

From this reading My father, as I have already informed the reader, had been endowed by nature with great corporeal strength; indeed, I have been assured that, at the period of his prime, his figure had denoted the possession of almost Herculean powers.

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

From this reading My father, as I have already informed the reader, had been endowed by nature with great corporeal strength; indeed, I have been assured that, at the period of his prime, his figure had denoted the possession of almost Herculean powers.

an outer garment consisting of a large piece of white cloth; worn by men and women in northern Africa

From this reading My Father--Premature Decay--The Easy Chair--A Few Questions--So You Told Me--A Difficult Language--They Call it Haik--Misused Opportunities--Saul--Want of Candour--Don't Weep--Heaven Forgive Me--Dated from Paris--I Wish He were Here--A Father's Reminiscences--Farewell to Vanities.

the (prehensile) extremity of the superior limb

From this reading He was, however, wont to rally, more or less, after his illnesses, and might still occasionally be seen taking his walk, with his cane in his hand, and accompanied by his dog, who sympathised entirely with him, pining as he pined, improving as he improved, and never leaving the house save in his company; and in this manner matters went on for a considerable time, no very great apprehension with respect to my father's state being raised either in my mother's breast or my own.

used with a past participle to form the perfect tenses

From this reading My father, as I have already informed the reader, had been endowed by nature with great corporeal strength; indeed, I have been assured that, at the period of his prime, his figure had denoted the possession of almost Herculean powers.

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

From this reading My Father--Premature Decay--The Easy Chair--A Few Questions--So You Told Me--A Difficult Language--They Call it Haik--Misused Opportunities--Saul--Want of Candour--Don't Weep--Heaven Forgive Me--Dated from Paris--I Wish He were Here--A Father's Reminiscences--Farewell to Vanities.

a healthy state of wellbeing free from disease

From this reading But, be that as it may, the health of my father, some few years after his retirement from the service to the quiet of domestic life, underwent a considerable change; his constitution appeared to be breaking up; and he was subject to severe attacks from various disorders, with which, till then, he had been utterly unacquainted.

any place of complete bliss and delight and peace

From this reading My Father--Premature Decay--The Easy Chair--A Few Questions--So You Told Me--A Difficult Language--They Call it Haik--Misused Opportunities--Saul--Want of Candour--Don't Weep--Heaven Forgive Me--Dated from Paris--I Wish He were Here--A Father's Reminiscences--Farewell to Vanities.

displaying superhuman strength or power

From this reading My father, as I have already informed the reader, had been endowed by nature with great corporeal strength; indeed, I have been assured that, at the period of his prime, his figure had denoted the possession of almost Herculean powers.

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

From this reading My Father--Premature Decay--The Easy Chair--A Few Questions--So You Told Me--A Difficult Language--They Call it Haik--Misused Opportunities--Saul--Want of Candour--Don't Weep--Heaven Forgive Me--Dated from Paris--I Wish He were Here--A Father's Reminiscences--Farewell to Vanities.

the male already mentioned, as the object of a verb or preposition

From this reading He was, however, wont to rally, more or less, after his illnesses, and might still occasionally be seen taking his walk, with his cane in his hand, and accompanied by his dog, who sympathised entirely with him, pining as he pined, improving as he improved, and never leaving the house save in his company; and in this manner matters went on for a considerable time, no very great apprehension with respect to my father's state being raised either in my mother's breast or my own.

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

From this reading My father, as I have already informed the reader, had been endowed by nature with great corporeal strength; indeed, I have been assured that, at the period of his prime, his figure had denoted the possession of almost Herculean powers.

a dwelling that serves as living quarters for one or more families

From this reading He was, however, wont to rally, more or less, after his illnesses, and might still occasionally be seen taking his walk, with his cane in his hand, and accompanied by his dog, who sympathised entirely with him, pining as he pined, improving as he improved, and never leaving the house save in his company; and in this manner matters went on for a considerable time, no very great apprehension with respect to my father's state being raised either in my mother's breast or my own.

used to add a contrasting statement

From this reading The strongest forms, however, do not always endure the longest, the very excess of the noble and generous juices which they contain being the cause of their premature decay.

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

From this reading My Father--Premature Decay--The Easy Chair--A Few Questions--So You Told Me--A Difficult Language--They Call it Haik--Misused Opportunities--Saul--Want of Candour--Don't Weep--Heaven Forgive Me--Dated from Paris--I Wish He were Here--A Father's Reminiscences--Farewell to Vanities.

plural of “illness” — impairment of normal physiological function affecting part or all of an organism

From this reading He was, however, wont to rally, more or less, after his illnesses, and might still occasionally be seen taking his walk, with his cane in his hand, and accompanied by his dog, who sympathised entirely with him, pining as he pined, improving as he improved, and never leaving the house save in his company; and in this manner matters went on for a considerable time, no very great apprehension with respect to my father's state being raised either in my mother's breast or my own.

made more desirable or valuable or profitable; especially made ready for use or marketing

From this reading He was, however, wont to rally, more or less, after his illnesses, and might still occasionally be seen taking his walk, with his cane in his hand, and accompanied by his dog, who sympathised entirely with him, pining as he pined, improving as he improved, and never leaving the house save in his company; and in this manner matters went on for a considerable time, no very great apprehension with respect to my father's state being raised either in my mother's breast or my own.

getting higher or more vigorous

From this reading He was, however, wont to rally, more or less, after his illnesses, and might still occasionally be seen taking his walk, with his cane in his hand, and accompanied by his dog, who sympathised entirely with him, pining as he pined, improving as he improved, and never leaving the house save in his company; and in this manner matters went on for a considerable time, no very great apprehension with respect to my father's state being raised either in my mother's breast or my own.

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

From this reading He was, however, wont to rally, more or less, after his illnesses, and might still occasionally be seen taking his walk, with his cane in his hand, and accompanied by his dog, who sympathised entirely with him, pining as he pined, improving as he improved, and never leaving the house save in his company; and in this manner matters went on for a considerable time, no very great apprehension with respect to my father's state being raised either in my mother's breast or my own.

in truth (often tends to intensify)

From this reading My father, as I have already informed the reader, had been endowed by nature with great corporeal strength; indeed, I have been assured that, at the period of his prime, his figure had denoted the possession of almost Herculean powers.

having much knowledge or education

From this reading My father, as I have already informed the reader, had been endowed by nature with great corporeal strength; indeed, I have been assured that, at the period of his prime, his figure had denoted the possession of almost Herculean powers.

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading My Father--Premature Decay--The Easy Chair--A Few Questions--So You Told Me--A Difficult Language--They Call it Haik--Misused Opportunities--Saul--Want of Candour--Don't Weep--Heaven Forgive Me--Dated from Paris--I Wish He were Here--A Father's Reminiscences--Farewell to Vanities.

plural of “juice” — the liquid part that can be extracted from plant or animal tissue by squeezing or cooking

From this reading The strongest forms, however, do not always endure the longest, the very excess of the noble and generous juices which they contain being the cause of their premature decay.

a systematic means of communicating by the use of sounds or conventional symbols

From this reading My Father--Premature Decay--The Easy Chair--A Few Questions--So You Told Me--A Difficult Language--They Call it Haik--Misused Opportunities--Saul--Want of Candour--Don't Weep--Heaven Forgive Me--Dated from Paris--I Wish He were Here--A Father's Reminiscences--Farewell to Vanities.

the act of departing

From this reading He was, however, wont to rally, more or less, after his illnesses, and might still occasionally be seen taking his walk, with his cane in his hand, and accompanied by his dog, who sympathised entirely with him, pining as he pined, improving as he improved, and never leaving the house save in his company; and in this manner matters went on for a considerable time, no very great apprehension with respect to my father's state being raised either in my mother's breast or my own.

used to form the comparative of some adjectives and adverbs

From this reading He was, however, wont to rally, more or less, after his illnesses, and might still occasionally be seen taking his walk, with his cane in his hand, and accompanied by his dog, who sympathised entirely with him, pining as he pined, improving as he improved, and never leaving the house save in his company; and in this manner matters went on for a considerable time, no very great apprehension with respect to my father's state being raised either in my mother's breast or my own.

a characteristic state or mode of living

From this reading But, be that as it may, the health of my father, some few years after his retirement from the service to the quiet of domestic life, underwent a considerable change; his constitution appeared to be breaking up; and he was subject to severe attacks from various disorders, with which, till then, he had been utterly unacquainted.

for the most time

From this reading The strongest forms, however, do not always endure the longest, the very excess of the noble and generous juices which they contain being the cause of their premature decay.

how something is done or how it happens

From this reading He was, however, wont to rally, more or less, after his illnesses, and might still occasionally be seen taking his walk, with his cane in his hand, and accompanied by his dog, who sympathised entirely with him, pining as he pined, improving as he improved, and never leaving the house save in his company; and in this manner matters went on for a considerable time, no very great apprehension with respect to my father's state being raised either in my mother's breast or my own.

plural of “matter” — a vaguely specified concern

From this reading He was, however, wont to rally, more or less, after his illnesses, and might still occasionally be seen taking his walk, with his cane in his hand, and accompanied by his dog, who sympathised entirely with him, pining as he pined, improving as he improved, and never leaving the house save in his company; and in this manner matters went on for a considerable time, no very great apprehension with respect to my father's state being raised either in my mother's breast or my own.

used to say something is possible, or to give permission

From this reading But, be that as it may, the health of my father, some few years after his retirement from the service to the quiet of domestic life, underwent a considerable change; his constitution appeared to be breaking up; and he was subject to severe attacks from various disorders, with which, till then, he had been utterly unacquainted.

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

From this reading My Father--Premature Decay--The Easy Chair--A Few Questions--So You Told Me--A Difficult Language--They Call it Haik--Misused Opportunities--Saul--Want of Candour--Don't Weep--Heaven Forgive Me--Dated from Paris--I Wish He were Here--A Father's Reminiscences--Farewell to Vanities.

used to say something is possible but not certain

From this reading He was, however, wont to rally, more or less, after his illnesses, and might still occasionally be seen taking his walk, with his cane in his hand, and accompanied by his dog, who sympathised entirely with him, pining as he pined, improving as he improved, and never leaving the house save in his company; and in this manner matters went on for a considerable time, no very great apprehension with respect to my father's state being raised either in my mother's breast or my own.

used incorrectly or carelessly or for an improper purpose

From this reading My Father--Premature Decay--The Easy Chair--A Few Questions--So You Told Me--A Difficult Language--They Call it Haik--Misused Opportunities--Saul--Want of Candour--Don't Weep--Heaven Forgive Me--Dated from Paris--I Wish He were Here--A Father's Reminiscences--Farewell to Vanities.

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

From this reading He was, however, wont to rally, more or less, after his illnesses, and might still occasionally be seen taking his walk, with his cane in his hand, and accompanied by his dog, who sympathised entirely with him, pining as he pined, improving as he improved, and never leaving the house save in his company; and in this manner matters went on for a considerable time, no very great apprehension with respect to my father's state being raised either in my mother's breast or my own.

possessive form of “mother” — a woman who has given birth to a child (also used as a term of address to your mother)

From this reading He was, however, wont to rally, more or less, after his illnesses, and might still occasionally be seen taking his walk, with his cane in his hand, and accompanied by his dog, who sympathised entirely with him, pining as he pined, improving as he improved, and never leaving the house save in his company; and in this manner matters went on for a considerable time, no very great apprehension with respect to my father's state being raised either in my mother's breast or my own.

belonging to the person speaking

From this reading My Father--Premature Decay--The Easy Chair--A Few Questions--So You Told Me--A Difficult Language--They Call it Haik--Misused Opportunities--Saul--Want of Candour--Don't Weep--Heaven Forgive Me--Dated from Paris--I Wish He were Here--A Father's Reminiscences--Farewell to Vanities.

the essential qualities or characteristics by which something is recognized

From this reading My father, as I have already informed the reader, had been endowed by nature with great corporeal strength; indeed, I have been assured that, at the period of his prime, his figure had denoted the possession of almost Herculean powers.

not ever; at no time in the past or future

From this reading He was, however, wont to rally, more or less, after his illnesses, and might still occasionally be seen taking his walk, with his cane in his hand, and accompanied by his dog, who sympathised entirely with him, pining as he pined, improving as he improved, and never leaving the house save in his company; and in this manner matters went on for a considerable time, no very great apprehension with respect to my father's state being raised either in my mother's breast or my own.

not any; not one

From this reading He was, however, wont to rally, more or less, after his illnesses, and might still occasionally be seen taking his walk, with his cane in his hand, and accompanied by his dog, who sympathised entirely with him, pining as he pined, improving as he improved, and never leaving the house save in his company; and in this manner matters went on for a considerable time, no very great apprehension with respect to my father's state being raised either in my mother's breast or my own.

impressive in appearance

From this reading The strongest forms, however, do not always endure the longest, the very excess of the noble and generous juices which they contain being the cause of their premature decay.

used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative

From this reading The strongest forms, however, do not always endure the longest, the very excess of the noble and generous juices which they contain being the cause of their premature decay.

sporadically and infrequently

From this reading He was, however, wont to rally, more or less, after his illnesses, and might still occasionally be seen taking his walk, with his cane in his hand, and accompanied by his dog, who sympathised entirely with him, pining as he pined, improving as he improved, and never leaving the house save in his company; and in this manner matters went on for a considerable time, no very great apprehension with respect to my father's state being raised either in my mother's breast or my own.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading My Father--Premature Decay--The Easy Chair--A Few Questions--So You Told Me--A Difficult Language--They Call it Haik--Misused Opportunities--Saul--Want of Candour--Don't Weep--Heaven Forgive Me--Dated from Paris--I Wish He were Here--A Father's Reminiscences--Farewell to Vanities.

touching and supported by a surface

From this reading He was, however, wont to rally, more or less, after his illnesses, and might still occasionally be seen taking his walk, with his cane in his hand, and accompanied by his dog, who sympathised entirely with him, pining as he pined, improving as he improved, and never leaving the house save in his company; and in this manner matters went on for a considerable time, no very great apprehension with respect to my father's state being raised either in my mother's breast or my own.

plural of “opportunity” — a possibility due to a favorable combination of circumstances

From this reading My Father--Premature Decay--The Easy Chair--A Few Questions--So You Told Me--A Difficult Language--They Call it Haik--Misused Opportunities--Saul--Want of Candour--Don't Weep--Heaven Forgive Me--Dated from Paris--I Wish He were Here--A Father's Reminiscences--Farewell to Vanities.

used to join alternatives or possibilities

From this reading He was, however, wont to rally, more or less, after his illnesses, and might still occasionally be seen taking his walk, with his cane in his hand, and accompanied by his dog, who sympathised entirely with him, pining as he pined, improving as he improved, and never leaving the house save in his company; and in this manner matters went on for a considerable time, no very great apprehension with respect to my father's state being raised either in my mother's breast or my own.

have ownership or possession of

From this reading He was, however, wont to rally, more or less, after his illnesses, and might still occasionally be seen taking his walk, with his cane in his hand, and accompanied by his dog, who sympathised entirely with him, pining as he pined, improving as he improved, and never leaving the house save in his company; and in this manner matters went on for a considerable time, no very great apprehension with respect to my father's state being raised either in my mother's breast or my own.

the capital and largest city of France; and international center of culture and commerce

From this reading My Father--Premature Decay--The Easy Chair--A Few Questions--So You Told Me--A Difficult Language--They Call it Haik--Misused Opportunities--Saul--Want of Candour--Don't Weep--Heaven Forgive Me--Dated from Paris--I Wish He were Here--A Father's Reminiscences--Farewell to Vanities.

an amount of time

From this reading My father, as I have already informed the reader, had been endowed by nature with great corporeal strength; indeed, I have been assured that, at the period of his prime, his figure had denoted the possession of almost Herculean powers.

past form of “pine” — have a desire for something or someone who is not present

From this reading He was, however, wont to rally, more or less, after his illnesses, and might still occasionally be seen taking his walk, with his cane in his hand, and accompanied by his dog, who sympathised entirely with him, pining as he pined, improving as he improved, and never leaving the house save in his company; and in this manner matters went on for a considerable time, no very great apprehension with respect to my father's state being raised either in my mother's breast or my own.

a feeling of deep longing

From this reading He was, however, wont to rally, more or less, after his illnesses, and might still occasionally be seen taking his walk, with his cane in his hand, and accompanied by his dog, who sympathised entirely with him, pining as he pined, improving as he improved, and never leaving the house save in his company; and in this manner matters went on for a considerable time, no very great apprehension with respect to my father's state being raised either in my mother's breast or my own.

the act of having and controlling property

From this reading My father, as I have already informed the reader, had been endowed by nature with great corporeal strength; indeed, I have been assured that, at the period of his prime, his figure had denoted the possession of almost Herculean powers.

plural of “power” — possession of controlling influence

From this reading My father, as I have already informed the reader, had been endowed by nature with great corporeal strength; indeed, I have been assured that, at the period of his prime, his figure had denoted the possession of almost Herculean powers.

born after a gestation period of less than the normal time

From this reading My Father--Premature Decay--The Easy Chair--A Few Questions--So You Told Me--A Difficult Language--They Call it Haik--Misused Opportunities--Saul--Want of Candour--Don't Weep--Heaven Forgive Me--Dated from Paris--I Wish He were Here--A Father's Reminiscences--Farewell to Vanities.

first in rank or degree

From this reading My father, as I have already informed the reader, had been endowed by nature with great corporeal strength; indeed, I have been assured that, at the period of his prime, his figure had denoted the possession of almost Herculean powers.

plural of “question” — an instance of questioning

From this reading My Father--Premature Decay--The Easy Chair--A Few Questions--So You Told Me--A Difficult Language--They Call it Haik--Misused Opportunities--Saul--Want of Candour--Don't Weep--Heaven Forgive Me--Dated from Paris--I Wish He were Here--A Father's Reminiscences--Farewell to Vanities.

characterized by an absence or near absence of agitation or activity

From this reading But, be that as it may, the health of my father, some few years after his retirement from the service to the quiet of domestic life, underwent a considerable change; his constitution appeared to be breaking up; and he was subject to severe attacks from various disorders, with which, till then, he had been utterly unacquainted.

located or moved above the surround or above the normal position

From this reading He was, however, wont to rally, more or less, after his illnesses, and might still occasionally be seen taking his walk, with his cane in his hand, and accompanied by his dog, who sympathised entirely with him, pining as he pined, improving as he improved, and never leaving the house save in his company; and in this manner matters went on for a considerable time, no very great apprehension with respect to my father's state being raised either in my mother's breast or my own.

gather

From this reading He was, however, wont to rally, more or less, after his illnesses, and might still occasionally be seen taking his walk, with his cane in his hand, and accompanied by his dog, who sympathised entirely with him, pining as he pined, improving as he improved, and never leaving the house save in his company; and in this manner matters went on for a considerable time, no very great apprehension with respect to my father's state being raised either in my mother's breast or my own.

a person who enjoys reading

From this reading My father, as I have already informed the reader, had been endowed by nature with great corporeal strength; indeed, I have been assured that, at the period of his prime, his figure had denoted the possession of almost Herculean powers.

plural of “reminiscence” — a mental impression retained and recalled from the past

From this reading My Father--Premature Decay--The Easy Chair--A Few Questions--So You Told Me--A Difficult Language--They Call it Haik--Misused Opportunities--Saul--Want of Candour--Don't Weep--Heaven Forgive Me--Dated from Paris--I Wish He were Here--A Father's Reminiscences--Farewell to Vanities.

(usually preceded by “in”) a detail or point

From this reading He was, however, wont to rally, more or less, after his illnesses, and might still occasionally be seen taking his walk, with his cane in his hand, and accompanied by his dog, who sympathised entirely with him, pining as he pined, improving as he improved, and never leaving the house save in his company; and in this manner matters went on for a considerable time, no very great apprehension with respect to my father's state being raised either in my mother's breast or my own.

the state of being retired from one's business or occupation

From this reading But, be that as it may, the health of my father, some few years after his retirement from the service to the quiet of domestic life, underwent a considerable change; his constitution appeared to be breaking up; and he was subject to severe attacks from various disorders, with which, till then, he had been utterly unacquainted.

(Old Testament) the first king of the Israelites who defended Israel against many enemies (especially the Philistines)

From this reading My Father--Premature Decay--The Easy Chair--A Few Questions--So You Told Me--A Difficult Language--They Call it Haik--Misused Opportunities--Saul--Want of Candour--Don't Weep--Heaven Forgive Me--Dated from Paris--I Wish He were Here--A Father's Reminiscences--Farewell to Vanities.

except for; apart from

From this reading He was, however, wont to rally, more or less, after his illnesses, and might still occasionally be seen taking his walk, with his cane in his hand, and accompanied by his dog, who sympathised entirely with him, pining as he pined, improving as he improved, and never leaving the house save in his company; and in this manner matters went on for a considerable time, no very great apprehension with respect to my father's state being raised either in my mother's breast or my own.

inflected form of “see” — perceive by sight or have the power to perceive by sight

From this reading He was, however, wont to rally, more or less, after his illnesses, and might still occasionally be seen taking his walk, with his cane in his hand, and accompanied by his dog, who sympathised entirely with him, pining as he pined, improving as he improved, and never leaving the house save in his company; and in this manner matters went on for a considerable time, no very great apprehension with respect to my father's state being raised either in my mother's breast or my own.

work done by one person or group that benefits another

From this reading But, be that as it may, the health of my father, some few years after his retirement from the service to the quiet of domestic life, underwent a considerable change; his constitution appeared to be breaking up; and he was subject to severe attacks from various disorders, with which, till then, he had been utterly unacquainted.

intensely or extremely bad or unpleasant in degree or quality

From this reading But, be that as it may, the health of my father, some few years after his retirement from the service to the quiet of domestic life, underwent a considerable change; his constitution appeared to be breaking up; and he was subject to severe attacks from various disorders, with which, till then, he had been utterly unacquainted.

for that reason; with the result that

From this reading My Father--Premature Decay--The Easy Chair--A Few Questions--So You Told Me--A Difficult Language--They Call it Haik--Misused Opportunities--Saul--Want of Candour--Don't Weep--Heaven Forgive Me--Dated from Paris--I Wish He were Here--A Father's Reminiscences--Farewell to Vanities.

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

From this reading But, be that as it may, the health of my father, some few years after his retirement from the service to the quiet of domestic life, underwent a considerable change; his constitution appeared to be breaking up; and he was subject to severe attacks from various disorders, with which, till then, he had been utterly unacquainted.

the territory occupied by one of the constituent administrative districts of a nation

From this reading He was, however, wont to rally, more or less, after his illnesses, and might still occasionally be seen taking his walk, with his cane in his hand, and accompanied by his dog, who sympathised entirely with him, pining as he pined, improving as he improved, and never leaving the house save in his company; and in this manner matters went on for a considerable time, no very great apprehension with respect to my father's state being raised either in my mother's breast or my own.

not in physical motion

From this reading He was, however, wont to rally, more or less, after his illnesses, and might still occasionally be seen taking his walk, with his cane in his hand, and accompanied by his dog, who sympathised entirely with him, pining as he pined, improving as he improved, and never leaving the house save in his company; and in this manner matters went on for a considerable time, no very great apprehension with respect to my father's state being raised either in my mother's breast or my own.

the property of being physically or mentally strong

From this reading My father, as I have already informed the reader, had been endowed by nature with great corporeal strength; indeed, I have been assured that, at the period of his prime, his figure had denoted the possession of almost Herculean powers.

superlative of “strong” — having strength or power greater than average or expected

From this reading The strongest forms, however, do not always endure the longest, the very excess of the noble and generous juices which they contain being the cause of their premature decay.

the subject matter of a conversation or discussion

From this reading But, be that as it may, the health of my father, some few years after his retirement from the service to the quiet of domestic life, underwent a considerable change; his constitution appeared to be breaking up; and he was subject to severe attacks from various disorders, with which, till then, he had been utterly unacquainted.

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

From this reading He was, however, wont to rally, more or less, after his illnesses, and might still occasionally be seen taking his walk, with his cane in his hand, and accompanied by his dog, who sympathised entirely with him, pining as he pined, improving as he improved, and never leaving the house save in his company; and in this manner matters went on for a considerable time, no very great apprehension with respect to my father's state being raised either in my mother's breast or my own.

the act of someone who picks up or takes something

From this reading He was, however, wont to rally, more or less, after his illnesses, and might still occasionally be seen taking his walk, with his cane in his hand, and accompanied by his dog, who sympathised entirely with him, pining as he pined, improving as he improved, and never leaving the house save in his company; and in this manner matters went on for a considerable time, no very great apprehension with respect to my father's state being raised either in my mother's breast or my own.

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading My father, as I have already informed the reader, had been endowed by nature with great corporeal strength; indeed, I have been assured that, at the period of his prime, his figure had denoted the possession of almost Herculean powers.

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

From this reading My Father--Premature Decay--The Easy Chair--A Few Questions--So You Told Me--A Difficult Language--They Call it Haik--Misused Opportunities--Saul--Want of Candour--Don't Weep--Heaven Forgive Me--Dated from Paris--I Wish He were Here--A Father's Reminiscences--Farewell to Vanities.

belonging to the people or things already mentioned

From this reading The strongest forms, however, do not always endure the longest, the very excess of the noble and generous juices which they contain being the cause of their premature decay.

subsequently or soon afterward (often used as sentence connectors)

From this reading But, be that as it may, the health of my father, some few years after his retirement from the service to the quiet of domestic life, underwent a considerable change; his constitution appeared to be breaking up; and he was subject to severe attacks from various disorders, with which, till then, he had been utterly unacquainted.

the people, animals, or things already mentioned, as the subject

From this reading My Father--Premature Decay--The Easy Chair--A Few Questions--So You Told Me--A Difficult Language--They Call it Haik--Misused Opportunities--Saul--Want of Candour--Don't Weep--Heaven Forgive Me--Dated from Paris--I Wish He were Here--A Father's Reminiscences--Farewell to Vanities.

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

From this reading He was, however, wont to rally, more or less, after his illnesses, and might still occasionally be seen taking his walk, with his cane in his hand, and accompanied by his dog, who sympathised entirely with him, pining as he pined, improving as he improved, and never leaving the house save in his company; and in this manner matters went on for a considerable time, no very great apprehension with respect to my father's state being raised either in my mother's breast or my own.

up to a particular time

From this reading But, be that as it may, the health of my father, some few years after his retirement from the service to the quiet of domestic life, underwent a considerable change; his constitution appeared to be breaking up; and he was subject to severe attacks from various disorders, with which, till then, he had been utterly unacquainted.

an instance or single occasion for some event

From this reading He was, however, wont to rally, more or less, after his illnesses, and might still occasionally be seen taking his walk, with his cane in his hand, and accompanied by his dog, who sympathised entirely with him, pining as he pined, improving as he improved, and never leaving the house save in his company; and in this manner matters went on for a considerable time, no very great apprehension with respect to my father's state being raised either in my mother's breast or my own.

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

From this reading My Father--Premature Decay--The Easy Chair--A Few Questions--So You Told Me--A Difficult Language--They Call it Haik--Misused Opportunities--Saul--Want of Candour--Don't Weep--Heaven Forgive Me--Dated from Paris--I Wish He were Here--A Father's Reminiscences--Farewell to Vanities.

inflected form of “tell” — express in words

From this reading My Father--Premature Decay--The Easy Chair--A Few Questions--So You Told Me--A Difficult Language--They Call it Haik--Misused Opportunities--Saul--Want of Candour--Don't Weep--Heaven Forgive Me--Dated from Paris--I Wish He were Here--A Father's Reminiscences--Farewell to Vanities.

not knowledgeable about something specified

From this reading But, be that as it may, the health of my father, some few years after his retirement from the service to the quiet of domestic life, underwent a considerable change; his constitution appeared to be breaking up; and he was subject to severe attacks from various disorders, with which, till then, he had been utterly unacquainted.

inflected form of “undergo” — pass through

From this reading But, be that as it may, the health of my father, some few years after his retirement from the service to the quiet of domestic life, underwent a considerable change; his constitution appeared to be breaking up; and he was subject to severe attacks from various disorders, with which, till then, he had been utterly unacquainted.

being or moving higher in position or greater in some value; being above a former position or level

From this reading But, be that as it may, the health of my father, some few years after his retirement from the service to the quiet of domestic life, underwent a considerable change; his constitution appeared to be breaking up; and he was subject to severe attacks from various disorders, with which, till then, he had been utterly unacquainted.

completely and without qualification; used informally as intensifiers

From this reading But, be that as it may, the health of my father, some few years after his retirement from the service to the quiet of domestic life, underwent a considerable change; his constitution appeared to be breaking up; and he was subject to severe attacks from various disorders, with which, till then, he had been utterly unacquainted.

plural of “vanity” — feelings of excessive pride

From this reading My Father--Premature Decay--The Easy Chair--A Few Questions--So You Told Me--A Difficult Language--They Call it Haik--Misused Opportunities--Saul--Want of Candour--Don't Weep--Heaven Forgive Me--Dated from Paris--I Wish He were Here--A Father's Reminiscences--Farewell to Vanities.

of many different kinds purposefully arranged but lacking any uniformity

From this reading But, be that as it may, the health of my father, some few years after his retirement from the service to the quiet of domestic life, underwent a considerable change; his constitution appeared to be breaking up; and he was subject to severe attacks from various disorders, with which, till then, he had been utterly unacquainted.

precisely as stated

From this reading The strongest forms, however, do not always endure the longest, the very excess of the noble and generous juices which they contain being the cause of their premature decay.

the act of traveling by foot

From this reading He was, however, wont to rally, more or less, after his illnesses, and might still occasionally be seen taking his walk, with his cane in his hand, and accompanied by his dog, who sympathised entirely with him, pining as he pined, improving as he improved, and never leaving the house save in his company; and in this manner matters went on for a considerable time, no very great apprehension with respect to my father's state being raised either in my mother's breast or my own.

feel or have a desire for; want strongly

From this reading My Father--Premature Decay--The Easy Chair--A Few Questions--So You Told Me--A Difficult Language--They Call it Haik--Misused Opportunities--Saul--Want of Candour--Don't Weep--Heaven Forgive Me--Dated from Paris--I Wish He were Here--A Father's Reminiscences--Farewell to Vanities.

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

From this reading But, be that as it may, the health of my father, some few years after his retirement from the service to the quiet of domestic life, underwent a considerable change; his constitution appeared to be breaking up; and he was subject to severe attacks from various disorders, with which, till then, he had been utterly unacquainted.

shed tears because of sadness, rage, or pain

From this reading My Father--Premature Decay--The Easy Chair--A Few Questions--So You Told Me--A Difficult Language--They Call it Haik--Misused Opportunities--Saul--Want of Candour--Don't Weep--Heaven Forgive Me--Dated from Paris--I Wish He were Here--A Father's Reminiscences--Farewell to Vanities.

inflected form of “go” — change location; move, travel, or proceed, also metaphorically

From this reading He was, however, wont to rally, more or less, after his illnesses, and might still occasionally be seen taking his walk, with his cane in his hand, and accompanied by his dog, who sympathised entirely with him, pining as he pined, improving as he improved, and never leaving the house save in his company; and in this manner matters went on for a considerable time, no very great apprehension with respect to my father's state being raised either in my mother's breast or my own.

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

From this reading My Father--Premature Decay--The Easy Chair--A Few Questions--So You Told Me--A Difficult Language--They Call it Haik--Misused Opportunities--Saul--Want of Candour--Don't Weep--Heaven Forgive Me--Dated from Paris--I Wish He were Here--A Father's Reminiscences--Farewell to Vanities.

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

From this reading The strongest forms, however, do not always endure the longest, the very excess of the noble and generous juices which they contain being the cause of their premature decay.

which person or people

From this reading He was, however, wont to rally, more or less, after his illnesses, and might still occasionally be seen taking his walk, with his cane in his hand, and accompanied by his dog, who sympathised entirely with him, pining as he pined, improving as he improved, and never leaving the house save in his company; and in this manner matters went on for a considerable time, no very great apprehension with respect to my father's state being raised either in my mother's breast or my own.

hope for; have a wish

From this reading My Father--Premature Decay--The Easy Chair--A Few Questions--So You Told Me--A Difficult Language--They Call it Haik--Misused Opportunities--Saul--Want of Candour--Don't Weep--Heaven Forgive Me--Dated from Paris--I Wish He were Here--A Father's Reminiscences--Farewell to Vanities.

in the company of; together with

From this reading My father, as I have already informed the reader, had been endowed by nature with great corporeal strength; indeed, I have been assured that, at the period of his prime, his figure had denoted the possession of almost Herculean powers.

an established custom

From this reading He was, however, wont to rally, more or less, after his illnesses, and might still occasionally be seen taking his walk, with his cane in his hand, and accompanied by his dog, who sympathised entirely with him, pining as he pined, improving as he improved, and never leaving the house save in his company; and in this manner matters went on for a considerable time, no very great apprehension with respect to my father's state being raised either in my mother's breast or my own.

a late time of life

From this reading But, be that as it may, the health of my father, some few years after his retirement from the service to the quiet of domestic life, underwent a considerable change; his constitution appeared to be breaking up; and he was subject to severe attacks from various disorders, with which, till then, he had been utterly unacquainted.

the person or people being spoken to

From this reading My Father--Premature Decay--The Easy Chair--A Few Questions--So You Told Me--A Difficult Language--They Call it Haik--Misused Opportunities--Saul--Want of Candour--Don't Weep--Heaven Forgive Me--Dated from Paris--I Wish He were Here--A Father's Reminiscences--Farewell to Vanities.