Chapter XXXII

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

From this reading It was night, and the scene was a somewhat curious one.

anew

From this reading When we are school-boys we wish we were children again, and think of the caresses without the pangs and inconveniences of infancy; when we are men we wish we were school-boys again, and forget the heavy task, the ferule, and the rod; old age looks back to youth and sorrows over its lost powers; and only one man I know of has written in praise of life's declining stage.

how long something has existed

From this reading When we are school-boys we wish we were children again, and think of the caresses without the pangs and inconveniences of infancy; when we are men we wish we were school-boys again, and forget the heavy task, the ferule, and the rod; old age looks back to youth and sorrows over its lost powers; and only one man I know of has written in praise of life's declining stage.

(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 All days have their olden times; and I believe the olden times have always been praised,--such is the tendency of the human mind to regret.

at all times; all the time and on every occasion

From this reading All days have their olden times; and I believe the olden times have always been praised,--such is the tendency of the human mind to regret.

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

From this reading A large chamber, with a vaulted roof, long square windows, and decorations neither new nor in a modern taste, a tall four-post bedstead with green velvet hangings a good deal tarnished, a brick floor well waxed and polished, an immense armory or wardrobe quaintly carved, three or four tall straight-backed chairs, and one large arm-chair well stuffed, together with a table of black oak, the legs of which were cut into the forms of some nondescript species of devil,--not the conventional gentleman with hoofs and tail and pitchfork, but somebody not a whit less hideous,--presented the aspect of a chamber quite of the olden time, it might be of the reign of Francis I. or Louis XII.

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

From this reading It was night, and the scene was a somewhat curious one.

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

From this reading When we are school-boys we wish we were children again, and think of the caresses without the pangs and inconveniences of infancy; when we are men we wish we were school-boys again, and forget the heavy task, the ferule, and the rod; old age looks back to youth and sorrows over its lost powers; and only one man I know of has written in praise of life's declining stage.

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

From this reading A large chamber, with a vaulted roof, long square windows, and decorations neither new nor in a modern taste, a tall four-post bedstead with green velvet hangings a good deal tarnished, a brick floor well waxed and polished, an immense armory or wardrobe quaintly carved, three or four tall straight-backed chairs, and one large arm-chair well stuffed, together with a table of black oak, the legs of which were cut into the forms of some nondescript species of devil,--not the conventional gentleman with hoofs and tail and pitchfork, but somebody not a whit less hideous,--presented the aspect of a chamber quite of the olden time, it might be of the reign of Francis I. or Louis XII.

a collection of resources

From this reading A large chamber, with a vaulted roof, long square windows, and decorations neither new nor in a modern taste, a tall four-post bedstead with green velvet hangings a good deal tarnished, a brick floor well waxed and polished, an immense armory or wardrobe quaintly carved, three or four tall straight-backed chairs, and one large arm-chair well stuffed, together with a table of black oak, the legs of which were cut into the forms of some nondescript species of devil,--not the conventional gentleman with hoofs and tail and pitchfork, but somebody not a whit less hideous,--presented the aspect of a chamber quite of the olden time, it might be of the reign of Francis I. or Louis XII.

a distinct feature or element in a problem

From this reading A large chamber, with a vaulted roof, long square windows, and decorations neither new nor in a modern taste, a tall four-post bedstead with green velvet hangings a good deal tarnished, a brick floor well waxed and polished, an immense armory or wardrobe quaintly carved, three or four tall straight-backed chairs, and one large arm-chair well stuffed, together with a table of black oak, the legs of which were cut into the forms of some nondescript species of devil,--not the conventional gentleman with hoofs and tail and pitchfork, but somebody not a whit less hideous,--presented the aspect of a chamber quite of the olden time, it might be of the reign of Francis I. or Louis XII.

in or to or toward a former location

From this reading When we are school-boys we wish we were children again, and think of the caresses without the pangs and inconveniences of infancy; when we are men we wish we were school-boys again, and forget the heavy task, the ferule, and the rod; old age looks back to youth and sorrows over its lost powers; and only one man I know of has written in praise of life's declining stage.

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

From this reading A large chamber, with a vaulted roof, long square windows, and decorations neither new nor in a modern taste, a tall four-post bedstead with green velvet hangings a good deal tarnished, a brick floor well waxed and polished, an immense armory or wardrobe quaintly carved, three or four tall straight-backed chairs, and one large arm-chair well stuffed, together with a table of black oak, the legs of which were cut into the forms of some nondescript species of devil,--not the conventional gentleman with hoofs and tail and pitchfork, but somebody not a whit less hideous,--presented the aspect of a chamber quite of the olden time, it might be of the reign of Francis I. or Louis XII.

the framework of a bed

From this reading A large chamber, with a vaulted roof, long square windows, and decorations neither new nor in a modern taste, a tall four-post bedstead with green velvet hangings a good deal tarnished, a brick floor well waxed and polished, an immense armory or wardrobe quaintly carved, three or four tall straight-backed chairs, and one large arm-chair well stuffed, together with a table of black oak, the legs of which were cut into the forms of some nondescript species of devil,--not the conventional gentleman with hoofs and tail and pitchfork, but somebody not a whit less hideous,--presented the aspect of a chamber quite of the olden time, it might be of the reign of Francis I. or Louis XII.

the past participle of “be”

From this reading All days have their olden times; and I believe the olden times have always been praised,--such is the tendency of the human mind to regret.

accept as true; take to be true

From this reading All days have their olden times; and I believe the olden times have always been praised,--such is the tendency of the human mind to regret.

being of the achromatic color of maximum darkness; having little or no hue owing to absorption of almost all incident light

From this reading A large chamber, with a vaulted roof, long square windows, and decorations neither new nor in a modern taste, a tall four-post bedstead with green velvet hangings a good deal tarnished, a brick floor well waxed and polished, an immense armory or wardrobe quaintly carved, three or four tall straight-backed chairs, and one large arm-chair well stuffed, together with a table of black oak, the legs of which were cut into the forms of some nondescript species of devil,--not the conventional gentleman with hoofs and tail and pitchfork, but somebody not a whit less hideous,--presented the aspect of a chamber quite of the olden time, it might be of the reign of Francis I. or Louis XII.

rectangular block of clay baked by the sun or in a kiln; used as a building or paving material

From this reading A large chamber, with a vaulted roof, long square windows, and decorations neither new nor in a modern taste, a tall four-post bedstead with green velvet hangings a good deal tarnished, a brick floor well waxed and polished, an immense armory or wardrobe quaintly carved, three or four tall straight-backed chairs, and one large arm-chair well stuffed, together with a table of black oak, the legs of which were cut into the forms of some nondescript species of devil,--not the conventional gentleman with hoofs and tail and pitchfork, but somebody not a whit less hideous,--presented the aspect of a chamber quite of the olden time, it might be of the reign of Francis I. or Louis XII.

used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before

From this reading A large chamber, with a vaulted roof, long square windows, and decorations neither new nor in a modern taste, a tall four-post bedstead with green velvet hangings a good deal tarnished, a brick floor well waxed and polished, an immense armory or wardrobe quaintly carved, three or four tall straight-backed chairs, and one large arm-chair well stuffed, together with a table of black oak, the legs of which were cut into the forms of some nondescript species of devil,--not the conventional gentleman with hoofs and tail and pitchfork, but somebody not a whit less hideous,--presented the aspect of a chamber quite of the olden time, it might be of the reign of Francis I. or Louis XII.

plural of “caress” — a gentle affectionate stroking (or something resembling it)

From this reading When we are school-boys we wish we were children again, and think of the caresses without the pangs and inconveniences of infancy; when we are men we wish we were school-boys again, and forget the heavy task, the ferule, and the rod; old age looks back to youth and sorrows over its lost powers; and only one man I know of has written in praise of life's declining stage.

made for or formed by carving (“carven” is archaic or literary)

From this reading A large chamber, with a vaulted roof, long square windows, and decorations neither new nor in a modern taste, a tall four-post bedstead with green velvet hangings a good deal tarnished, a brick floor well waxed and polished, an immense armory or wardrobe quaintly carved, three or four tall straight-backed chairs, and one large arm-chair well stuffed, together with a table of black oak, the legs of which were cut into the forms of some nondescript species of devil,--not the conventional gentleman with hoofs and tail and pitchfork, but somebody not a whit less hideous,--presented the aspect of a chamber quite of the olden time, it might be of the reign of Francis I. or Louis XII.

plural of “chair” — a seat for one person, with a support for the back

From this reading A large chamber, with a vaulted roof, long square windows, and decorations neither new nor in a modern taste, a tall four-post bedstead with green velvet hangings a good deal tarnished, a brick floor well waxed and polished, an immense armory or wardrobe quaintly carved, three or four tall straight-backed chairs, and one large arm-chair well stuffed, together with a table of black oak, the legs of which were cut into the forms of some nondescript species of devil,--not the conventional gentleman with hoofs and tail and pitchfork, but somebody not a whit less hideous,--presented the aspect of a chamber quite of the olden time, it might be of the reign of Francis I. or Louis XII.

a natural or artificial enclosed space

From this reading A large chamber, with a vaulted roof, long square windows, and decorations neither new nor in a modern taste, a tall four-post bedstead with green velvet hangings a good deal tarnished, a brick floor well waxed and polished, an immense armory or wardrobe quaintly carved, three or four tall straight-backed chairs, and one large arm-chair well stuffed, together with a table of black oak, the legs of which were cut into the forms of some nondescript species of devil,--not the conventional gentleman with hoofs and tail and pitchfork, but somebody not a whit less hideous,--presented the aspect of a chamber quite of the olden time, it might be of the reign of Francis I. or Louis XII.

plural of “child” — a young person of either sex

From this reading When we are school-boys we wish we were children again, and think of the caresses without the pangs and inconveniences of infancy; when we are men we wish we were school-boys again, and forget the heavy task, the ferule, and the rod; old age looks back to youth and sorrows over its lost powers; and only one man I know of has written in praise of life's declining stage.

a linear unit of the size of type slightly larger than an em

From this reading But even Cicero upon such a theme could only indite an eloquent lie.

following accepted customs and proprieties

From this reading A large chamber, with a vaulted roof, long square windows, and decorations neither new nor in a modern taste, a tall four-post bedstead with green velvet hangings a good deal tarnished, a brick floor well waxed and polished, an immense armory or wardrobe quaintly carved, three or four tall straight-backed chairs, and one large arm-chair well stuffed, together with a table of black oak, the legs of which were cut into the forms of some nondescript species of devil,--not the conventional gentleman with hoofs and tail and pitchfork, but somebody not a whit less hideous,--presented the aspect of a chamber quite of the olden time, it might be of the reign of Francis I. or Louis XII.

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

From this reading But even Cicero upon such a theme could only indite an eloquent lie.

beyond or deviating from the usual or expected

From this reading It was night, and the scene was a somewhat curious one.

separate with or as if with an instrument

From this reading A large chamber, with a vaulted roof, long square windows, and decorations neither new nor in a modern taste, a tall four-post bedstead with green velvet hangings a good deal tarnished, a brick floor well waxed and polished, an immense armory or wardrobe quaintly carved, three or four tall straight-backed chairs, and one large arm-chair well stuffed, together with a table of black oak, the legs of which were cut into the forms of some nondescript species of devil,--not the conventional gentleman with hoofs and tail and pitchfork, but somebody not a whit less hideous,--presented the aspect of a chamber quite of the olden time, it might be of the reign of Francis I. or Louis XII.

the time during which someone's life continues

From this reading All days have their olden times; and I believe the olden times have always been praised,--such is the tendency of the human mind to regret.

act on verbally or in some form of artistic expression

From this reading A large chamber, with a vaulted roof, long square windows, and decorations neither new nor in a modern taste, a tall four-post bedstead with green velvet hangings a good deal tarnished, a brick floor well waxed and polished, an immense armory or wardrobe quaintly carved, three or four tall straight-backed chairs, and one large arm-chair well stuffed, together with a table of black oak, the legs of which were cut into the forms of some nondescript species of devil,--not the conventional gentleman with hoofs and tail and pitchfork, but somebody not a whit less hideous,--presented the aspect of a chamber quite of the olden time, it might be of the reign of Francis I. or Louis XII.

-ing form of “decline” — grow worse

From this reading When we are school-boys we wish we were children again, and think of the caresses without the pangs and inconveniences of infancy; when we are men we wish we were school-boys again, and forget the heavy task, the ferule, and the rod; old age looks back to youth and sorrows over its lost powers; and only one man I know of has written in praise of life's declining stage.

plural of “decoration” — something used to beautify

From this reading A large chamber, with a vaulted roof, long square windows, and decorations neither new nor in a modern taste, a tall four-post bedstead with green velvet hangings a good deal tarnished, a brick floor well waxed and polished, an immense armory or wardrobe quaintly carved, three or four tall straight-backed chairs, and one large arm-chair well stuffed, together with a table of black oak, the legs of which were cut into the forms of some nondescript species of devil,--not the conventional gentleman with hoofs and tail and pitchfork, but somebody not a whit less hideous,--presented the aspect of a chamber quite of the olden time, it might be of the reign of Francis I. or Louis XII.

(Judeo-Christian and Islamic religions) chief spirit of evil and adversary of God; tempter of mankind; master of Hell

From this reading A large chamber, with a vaulted roof, long square windows, and decorations neither new nor in a modern taste, a tall four-post bedstead with green velvet hangings a good deal tarnished, a brick floor well waxed and polished, an immense armory or wardrobe quaintly carved, three or four tall straight-backed chairs, and one large arm-chair well stuffed, together with a table of black oak, the legs of which were cut into the forms of some nondescript species of devil,--not the conventional gentleman with hoofs and tail and pitchfork, but somebody not a whit less hideous,--presented the aspect of a chamber quite of the olden time, it might be of the reign of Francis I. or Louis XII.

expressing yourself readily, clearly, effectively

From this reading But even Cicero upon such a theme could only indite an eloquent lie.

divisible by two

From this reading But even Cicero upon such a theme could only indite an eloquent lie.

a switch (a stick or cane or flat paddle) used to punish children

From this reading When we are school-boys we wish we were children again, and think of the caresses without the pangs and inconveniences of infancy; when we are men we wish we were school-boys again, and forget the heavy task, the ferule, and the rod; old age looks back to youth and sorrows over its lost powers; and only one man I know of has written in praise of life's declining stage.

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

From this reading A large chamber, with a vaulted roof, long square windows, and decorations neither new nor in a modern taste, a tall four-post bedstead with green velvet hangings a good deal tarnished, a brick floor well waxed and polished, an immense armory or wardrobe quaintly carved, three or four tall straight-backed chairs, and one large arm-chair well stuffed, together with a table of black oak, the legs of which were cut into the forms of some nondescript species of devil,--not the conventional gentleman with hoofs and tail and pitchfork, but somebody not a whit less hideous,--presented the aspect of a chamber quite of the olden time, it might be of the reign of Francis I. or Louis XII.

dismiss from the mind; stop remembering

From this reading When we are school-boys we wish we were children again, and think of the caresses without the pangs and inconveniences of infancy; when we are men we wish we were school-boys again, and forget the heavy task, the ferule, and the rod; old age looks back to youth and sorrows over its lost powers; and only one man I know of has written in praise of life's declining stage.

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 A large chamber, with a vaulted roof, long square windows, and decorations neither new nor in a modern taste, a tall four-post bedstead with green velvet hangings a good deal tarnished, a brick floor well waxed and polished, an immense armory or wardrobe quaintly carved, three or four tall straight-backed chairs, and one large arm-chair well stuffed, together with a table of black oak, the legs of which were cut into the forms of some nondescript species of devil,--not the conventional gentleman with hoofs and tail and pitchfork, but somebody not a whit less hideous,--presented the aspect of a chamber quite of the olden time, it might be of the reign of Francis I. or Louis XII.

the cardinal number that is the sum of three and one

From this reading A large chamber, with a vaulted roof, long square windows, and decorations neither new nor in a modern taste, a tall four-post bedstead with green velvet hangings a good deal tarnished, a brick floor well waxed and polished, an immense armory or wardrobe quaintly carved, three or four tall straight-backed chairs, and one large arm-chair well stuffed, together with a table of black oak, the legs of which were cut into the forms of some nondescript species of devil,--not the conventional gentleman with hoofs and tail and pitchfork, but somebody not a whit less hideous,--presented the aspect of a chamber quite of the olden time, it might be of the reign of Francis I. or Louis XII.

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

From this reading A large chamber, with a vaulted roof, long square windows, and decorations neither new nor in a modern taste, a tall four-post bedstead with green velvet hangings a good deal tarnished, a brick floor well waxed and polished, an immense armory or wardrobe quaintly carved, three or four tall straight-backed chairs, and one large arm-chair well stuffed, together with a table of black oak, the legs of which were cut into the forms of some nondescript species of devil,--not the conventional gentleman with hoofs and tail and pitchfork, but somebody not a whit less hideous,--presented the aspect of a chamber quite of the olden time, it might be of the reign of Francis I. or Louis XII.

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

From this reading A large chamber, with a vaulted roof, long square windows, and decorations neither new nor in a modern taste, a tall four-post bedstead with green velvet hangings a good deal tarnished, a brick floor well waxed and polished, an immense armory or wardrobe quaintly carved, three or four tall straight-backed chairs, and one large arm-chair well stuffed, together with a table of black oak, the legs of which were cut into the forms of some nondescript species of devil,--not the conventional gentleman with hoofs and tail and pitchfork, but somebody not a whit less hideous,--presented the aspect of a chamber quite of the olden time, it might be of the reign of Francis I. or Louis XII.

a man of refinement

From this reading A large chamber, with a vaulted roof, long square windows, and decorations neither new nor in a modern taste, a tall four-post bedstead with green velvet hangings a good deal tarnished, a brick floor well waxed and polished, an immense armory or wardrobe quaintly carved, three or four tall straight-backed chairs, and one large arm-chair well stuffed, together with a table of black oak, the legs of which were cut into the forms of some nondescript species of devil,--not the conventional gentleman with hoofs and tail and pitchfork, but somebody not a whit less hideous,--presented the aspect of a chamber quite of the olden time, it might be of the reign of Francis I. or Louis XII.

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

From this reading A large chamber, with a vaulted roof, long square windows, and decorations neither new nor in a modern taste, a tall four-post bedstead with green velvet hangings a good deal tarnished, a brick floor well waxed and polished, an immense armory or wardrobe quaintly carved, three or four tall straight-backed chairs, and one large arm-chair well stuffed, together with a table of black oak, the legs of which were cut into the forms of some nondescript species of devil,--not the conventional gentleman with hoofs and tail and pitchfork, but somebody not a whit less hideous,--presented the aspect of a chamber quite of the olden time, it might be of the reign of Francis I. or Louis XII.

green color or pigment; resembling the color of growing grass

From this reading A large chamber, with a vaulted roof, long square windows, and decorations neither new nor in a modern taste, a tall four-post bedstead with green velvet hangings a good deal tarnished, a brick floor well waxed and polished, an immense armory or wardrobe quaintly carved, three or four tall straight-backed chairs, and one large arm-chair well stuffed, together with a table of black oak, the legs of which were cut into the forms of some nondescript species of devil,--not the conventional gentleman with hoofs and tail and pitchfork, but somebody not a whit less hideous,--presented the aspect of a chamber quite of the olden time, it might be of the reign of Francis I. or Louis XII.

plural of “hanging” — decoration that is hung (as a tapestry) on a wall or over a window

From this reading A large chamber, with a vaulted roof, long square windows, and decorations neither new nor in a modern taste, a tall four-post bedstead with green velvet hangings a good deal tarnished, a brick floor well waxed and polished, an immense armory or wardrobe quaintly carved, three or four tall straight-backed chairs, and one large arm-chair well stuffed, together with a table of black oak, the legs of which were cut into the forms of some nondescript species of devil,--not the conventional gentleman with hoofs and tail and pitchfork, but somebody not a whit less hideous,--presented the aspect of a chamber quite of the olden time, it might be of the reign of Francis I. or Louis XII.

the form of “have” used with he, she, it, or a singular noun

From this reading When we are school-boys we wish we were children again, and think of the caresses without the pangs and inconveniences of infancy; when we are men we wish we were school-boys again, and forget the heavy task, the ferule, and the rod; old age looks back to youth and sorrows over its lost powers; and only one man I know of has written in praise of life's declining stage.

used with a past participle to form the perfect tenses

From this reading All days have their olden times; and I believe the olden times have always been praised,--such is the tendency of the human mind to regret.

of comparatively great physical weight or density

From this reading When we are school-boys we wish we were children again, and think of the caresses without the pangs and inconveniences of infancy; when we are men we wish we were school-boys again, and forget the heavy task, the ferule, and the rod; old age looks back to youth and sorrows over its lost powers; and only one man I know of has written in praise of life's declining stage.

grossly offensive to decency or morality; causing horror

From this reading A large chamber, with a vaulted roof, long square windows, and decorations neither new nor in a modern taste, a tall four-post bedstead with green velvet hangings a good deal tarnished, a brick floor well waxed and polished, an immense armory or wardrobe quaintly carved, three or four tall straight-backed chairs, and one large arm-chair well stuffed, together with a table of black oak, the legs of which were cut into the forms of some nondescript species of devil,--not the conventional gentleman with hoofs and tail and pitchfork, but somebody not a whit less hideous,--presented the aspect of a chamber quite of the olden time, it might be of the reign of Francis I. or Louis XII.

plural of “hoof” — the foot of an ungulate mammal

From this reading A large chamber, with a vaulted roof, long square windows, and decorations neither new nor in a modern taste, a tall four-post bedstead with green velvet hangings a good deal tarnished, a brick floor well waxed and polished, an immense armory or wardrobe quaintly carved, three or four tall straight-backed chairs, and one large arm-chair well stuffed, together with a table of black oak, the legs of which were cut into the forms of some nondescript species of devil,--not the conventional gentleman with hoofs and tail and pitchfork, but somebody not a whit less hideous,--presented the aspect of a chamber quite of the olden time, it might be of the reign of Francis I. or Louis XII.

characteristic of humanity

From this reading All days have their olden times; and I believe the olden times have always been praised,--such is the tendency of the human mind to regret.

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

From this reading A large chamber, with a vaulted roof, long square windows, and decorations neither new nor in a modern taste, a tall four-post bedstead with green velvet hangings a good deal tarnished, a brick floor well waxed and polished, an immense armory or wardrobe quaintly carved, three or four tall straight-backed chairs, and one large arm-chair well stuffed, together with a table of black oak, the legs of which were cut into the forms of some nondescript species of devil,--not the conventional gentleman with hoofs and tail and pitchfork, but somebody not a whit less hideous,--presented the aspect of a chamber quite of the olden time, it might be of the reign of Francis I. or Louis XII.

unusually great in size or amount or degree or especially extent or scope

From this reading A large chamber, with a vaulted roof, long square windows, and decorations neither new nor in a modern taste, a tall four-post bedstead with green velvet hangings a good deal tarnished, a brick floor well waxed and polished, an immense armory or wardrobe quaintly carved, three or four tall straight-backed chairs, and one large arm-chair well stuffed, together with a table of black oak, the legs of which were cut into the forms of some nondescript species of devil,--not the conventional gentleman with hoofs and tail and pitchfork, but somebody not a whit less hideous,--presented the aspect of a chamber quite of the olden time, it might be of the reign of Francis I. or Louis XII.

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

From this reading A large chamber, with a vaulted roof, long square windows, and decorations neither new nor in a modern taste, a tall four-post bedstead with green velvet hangings a good deal tarnished, a brick floor well waxed and polished, an immense armory or wardrobe quaintly carved, three or four tall straight-backed chairs, and one large arm-chair well stuffed, together with a table of black oak, the legs of which were cut into the forms of some nondescript species of devil,--not the conventional gentleman with hoofs and tail and pitchfork, but somebody not a whit less hideous,--presented the aspect of a chamber quite of the olden time, it might be of the reign of Francis I. or Louis XII.

plural of “inconvenience” — an inconvenient discomfort

From this reading When we are school-boys we wish we were children again, and think of the caresses without the pangs and inconveniences of infancy; when we are men we wish we were school-boys again, and forget the heavy task, the ferule, and the rod; old age looks back to youth and sorrows over its lost powers; and only one man I know of has written in praise of life's declining stage.

produce a literary work

From this reading But even Cicero upon such a theme could only indite an eloquent lie.

the early stage of growth or development

From this reading When we are school-boys we wish we were children again, and think of the caresses without the pangs and inconveniences of infancy; when we are men we wish we were school-boys again, and forget the heavy task, the ferule, and the rod; old age looks back to youth and sorrows over its lost powers; and only one man I know of has written in praise of life's declining stage.

moving to the inside of something

From this reading A large chamber, with a vaulted roof, long square windows, and decorations neither new nor in a modern taste, a tall four-post bedstead with green velvet hangings a good deal tarnished, a brick floor well waxed and polished, an immense armory or wardrobe quaintly carved, three or four tall straight-backed chairs, and one large arm-chair well stuffed, together with a table of black oak, the legs of which were cut into the forms of some nondescript species of devil,--not the conventional gentleman with hoofs and tail and pitchfork, but somebody not a whit less hideous,--presented the aspect of a chamber quite of the olden time, it might be of the reign of Francis I. or Louis XII.

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

From this reading All days have their olden times; and I believe the olden times have always been praised,--such is the tendency of the human mind to regret.

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading It was night, and the scene was a somewhat curious one.

belonging to the thing or animal already mentioned

From this reading When we are school-boys we wish we were children again, and think of the caresses without the pangs and inconveniences of infancy; when we are men we wish we were school-boys again, and forget the heavy task, the ferule, and the rod; old age looks back to youth and sorrows over its lost powers; and only one man I know of has written in praise of life's declining stage.

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

From this reading When we are school-boys we wish we were children again, and think of the caresses without the pangs and inconveniences of infancy; when we are men we wish we were school-boys again, and forget the heavy task, the ferule, and the rod; old age looks back to youth and sorrows over its lost powers; and only one man I know of has written in praise of life's declining stage.

above average in size or number or quantity or magnitude or extent

From this reading A large chamber, with a vaulted roof, long square windows, and decorations neither new nor in a modern taste, a tall four-post bedstead with green velvet hangings a good deal tarnished, a brick floor well waxed and polished, an immense armory or wardrobe quaintly carved, three or four tall straight-backed chairs, and one large arm-chair well stuffed, together with a table of black oak, the legs of which were cut into the forms of some nondescript species of devil,--not the conventional gentleman with hoofs and tail and pitchfork, but somebody not a whit less hideous,--presented the aspect of a chamber quite of the olden time, it might be of the reign of Francis I. or Louis XII.

staying power

From this reading A large chamber, with a vaulted roof, long square windows, and decorations neither new nor in a modern taste, a tall four-post bedstead with green velvet hangings a good deal tarnished, a brick floor well waxed and polished, an immense armory or wardrobe quaintly carved, three or four tall straight-backed chairs, and one large arm-chair well stuffed, together with a table of black oak, the legs of which were cut into the forms of some nondescript species of devil,--not the conventional gentleman with hoofs and tail and pitchfork, but somebody not a whit less hideous,--presented the aspect of a chamber quite of the olden time, it might be of the reign of Francis I. or Louis XII.

used to form the comparative of some adjectives and adverbs

From this reading A large chamber, with a vaulted roof, long square windows, and decorations neither new nor in a modern taste, a tall four-post bedstead with green velvet hangings a good deal tarnished, a brick floor well waxed and polished, an immense armory or wardrobe quaintly carved, three or four tall straight-backed chairs, and one large arm-chair well stuffed, together with a table of black oak, the legs of which were cut into the forms of some nondescript species of devil,--not the conventional gentleman with hoofs and tail and pitchfork, but somebody not a whit less hideous,--presented the aspect of a chamber quite of the olden time, it might be of the reign of Francis I. or Louis XII.

be located or situated somewhere; occupy a certain position

From this reading But even Cicero upon such a theme could only indite an eloquent lie.

possessive form of “life” — a characteristic state or mode of living

From this reading When we are school-boys we wish we were children again, and think of the caresses without the pangs and inconveniences of infancy; when we are men we wish we were school-boys again, and forget the heavy task, the ferule, and the rod; old age looks back to youth and sorrows over its lost powers; and only one man I know of has written in praise of life's declining stage.

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

From this reading A large chamber, with a vaulted roof, long square windows, and decorations neither new nor in a modern taste, a tall four-post bedstead with green velvet hangings a good deal tarnished, a brick floor well waxed and polished, an immense armory or wardrobe quaintly carved, three or four tall straight-backed chairs, and one large arm-chair well stuffed, together with a table of black oak, the legs of which were cut into the forms of some nondescript species of devil,--not the conventional gentleman with hoofs and tail and pitchfork, but somebody not a whit less hideous,--presented the aspect of a chamber quite of the olden time, it might be of the reign of Francis I. or Louis XII.

plural of “look” — the feelings expressed on a person's face

From this reading When we are school-boys we wish we were children again, and think of the caresses without the pangs and inconveniences of infancy; when we are men we wish we were school-boys again, and forget the heavy task, the ferule, and the rod; old age looks back to youth and sorrows over its lost powers; and only one man I know of has written in praise of life's declining stage.

no longer in your possession or control; unable to be found or recovered

From this reading When we are school-boys we wish we were children again, and think of the caresses without the pangs and inconveniences of infancy; when we are men we wish we were school-boys again, and forget the heavy task, the ferule, and the rod; old age looks back to youth and sorrows over its lost powers; and only one man I know of has written in praise of life's declining stage.

United States prizefighter who was world heavyweight champion for 12 years (1914-1981)

From this reading A large chamber, with a vaulted roof, long square windows, and decorations neither new nor in a modern taste, a tall four-post bedstead with green velvet hangings a good deal tarnished, a brick floor well waxed and polished, an immense armory or wardrobe quaintly carved, three or four tall straight-backed chairs, and one large arm-chair well stuffed, together with a table of black oak, the legs of which were cut into the forms of some nondescript species of devil,--not the conventional gentleman with hoofs and tail and pitchfork, but somebody not a whit less hideous,--presented the aspect of a chamber quite of the olden time, it might be of the reign of Francis I. or Louis XII.

an adult person who is male (as opposed to a woman)

From this reading When we are school-boys we wish we were children again, and think of the caresses without the pangs and inconveniences of infancy; when we are men we wish we were school-boys again, and forget the heavy task, the ferule, and the rod; old age looks back to youth and sorrows over its lost powers; and only one man I know of has written in praise of life's declining stage.

the force of workers available

From this reading When we are school-boys we wish we were children again, and think of the caresses without the pangs and inconveniences of infancy; when we are men we wish we were school-boys again, and forget the heavy task, the ferule, and the rod; old age looks back to youth and sorrows over its lost powers; and only one man I know of has written in praise of life's declining stage.

used to say something is possible but not certain

From this reading A large chamber, with a vaulted roof, long square windows, and decorations neither new nor in a modern taste, a tall four-post bedstead with green velvet hangings a good deal tarnished, a brick floor well waxed and polished, an immense armory or wardrobe quaintly carved, three or four tall straight-backed chairs, and one large arm-chair well stuffed, together with a table of black oak, the legs of which were cut into the forms of some nondescript species of devil,--not the conventional gentleman with hoofs and tail and pitchfork, but somebody not a whit less hideous,--presented the aspect of a chamber quite of the olden time, it might be of the reign of Francis I. or Louis XII.

The element of a person that enables awareness and thought.

From this reading All days have their olden times; and I believe the olden times have always been praised,--such is the tendency of the human mind to regret.

belonging to the modern era; since the Middle Ages

From this reading A large chamber, with a vaulted roof, long square windows, and decorations neither new nor in a modern taste, a tall four-post bedstead with green velvet hangings a good deal tarnished, a brick floor well waxed and polished, an immense armory or wardrobe quaintly carved, three or four tall straight-backed chairs, and one large arm-chair well stuffed, together with a table of black oak, the legs of which were cut into the forms of some nondescript species of devil,--not the conventional gentleman with hoofs and tail and pitchfork, but somebody not a whit less hideous,--presented the aspect of a chamber quite of the olden time, it might be of the reign of Francis I. or Louis XII.

not one and not the other of two

From this reading A large chamber, with a vaulted roof, long square windows, and decorations neither new nor in a modern taste, a tall four-post bedstead with green velvet hangings a good deal tarnished, a brick floor well waxed and polished, an immense armory or wardrobe quaintly carved, three or four tall straight-backed chairs, and one large arm-chair well stuffed, together with a table of black oak, the legs of which were cut into the forms of some nondescript species of devil,--not the conventional gentleman with hoofs and tail and pitchfork, but somebody not a whit less hideous,--presented the aspect of a chamber quite of the olden time, it might be of the reign of Francis I. or Louis XII.

not of long duration; having just (or relatively recently) come into being or been made or acquired or discovered

From this reading A large chamber, with a vaulted roof, long square windows, and decorations neither new nor in a modern taste, a tall four-post bedstead with green velvet hangings a good deal tarnished, a brick floor well waxed and polished, an immense armory or wardrobe quaintly carved, three or four tall straight-backed chairs, and one large arm-chair well stuffed, together with a table of black oak, the legs of which were cut into the forms of some nondescript species of devil,--not the conventional gentleman with hoofs and tail and pitchfork, but somebody not a whit less hideous,--presented the aspect of a chamber quite of the olden time, it might be of the reign of Francis I. or Louis XII.

the time after sunset and before sunrise while it is dark outside

From this reading It was night, and the scene was a somewhat curious one.

lacking distinct or individual characteristics; dull and uninteresting

From this reading A large chamber, with a vaulted roof, long square windows, and decorations neither new nor in a modern taste, a tall four-post bedstead with green velvet hangings a good deal tarnished, a brick floor well waxed and polished, an immense armory or wardrobe quaintly carved, three or four tall straight-backed chairs, and one large arm-chair well stuffed, together with a table of black oak, the legs of which were cut into the forms of some nondescript species of devil,--not the conventional gentleman with hoofs and tail and pitchfork, but somebody not a whit less hideous,--presented the aspect of a chamber quite of the olden time, it might be of the reign of Francis I. or Louis XII.

and not; used after a negative to add a second negative

From this reading A large chamber, with a vaulted roof, long square windows, and decorations neither new nor in a modern taste, a tall four-post bedstead with green velvet hangings a good deal tarnished, a brick floor well waxed and polished, an immense armory or wardrobe quaintly carved, three or four tall straight-backed chairs, and one large arm-chair well stuffed, together with a table of black oak, the legs of which were cut into the forms of some nondescript species of devil,--not the conventional gentleman with hoofs and tail and pitchfork, but somebody not a whit less hideous,--presented the aspect of a chamber quite of the olden time, it might be of the reign of Francis I. or Louis XII.

used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative

From this reading A large chamber, with a vaulted roof, long square windows, and decorations neither new nor in a modern taste, a tall four-post bedstead with green velvet hangings a good deal tarnished, a brick floor well waxed and polished, an immense armory or wardrobe quaintly carved, three or four tall straight-backed chairs, and one large arm-chair well stuffed, together with a table of black oak, the legs of which were cut into the forms of some nondescript species of devil,--not the conventional gentleman with hoofs and tail and pitchfork, but somebody not a whit less hideous,--presented the aspect of a chamber quite of the olden time, it might be of the reign of Francis I. or Louis XII.

the hard durable wood of any oak; used especially for furniture and flooring

From this reading A large chamber, with a vaulted roof, long square windows, and decorations neither new nor in a modern taste, a tall four-post bedstead with green velvet hangings a good deal tarnished, a brick floor well waxed and polished, an immense armory or wardrobe quaintly carved, three or four tall straight-backed chairs, and one large arm-chair well stuffed, together with a table of black oak, the legs of which were cut into the forms of some nondescript species of devil,--not the conventional gentleman with hoofs and tail and pitchfork, but somebody not a whit less hideous,--presented the aspect of a chamber quite of the olden time, it might be of the reign of Francis I. or Louis XII.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading A large chamber, with a vaulted roof, long square windows, and decorations neither new nor in a modern taste, a tall four-post bedstead with green velvet hangings a good deal tarnished, a brick floor well waxed and polished, an immense armory or wardrobe quaintly carved, three or four tall straight-backed chairs, and one large arm-chair well stuffed, together with a table of black oak, the legs of which were cut into the forms of some nondescript species of devil,--not the conventional gentleman with hoofs and tail and pitchfork, but somebody not a whit less hideous,--presented the aspect of a chamber quite of the olden time, it might be of the reign of Francis I. or Louis XII.

(used especially of persons) having lived for a relatively long time or attained a specific age

From this reading When we are school-boys we wish we were children again, and think of the caresses without the pangs and inconveniences of infancy; when we are men we wish we were school-boys again, and forget the heavy task, the ferule, and the rod; old age looks back to youth and sorrows over its lost powers; and only one man I know of has written in praise of life's declining stage.

relating to time long past

From this reading A large chamber, with a vaulted roof, long square windows, and decorations neither new nor in a modern taste, a tall four-post bedstead with green velvet hangings a good deal tarnished, a brick floor well waxed and polished, an immense armory or wardrobe quaintly carved, three or four tall straight-backed chairs, and one large arm-chair well stuffed, together with a table of black oak, the legs of which were cut into the forms of some nondescript species of devil,--not the conventional gentleman with hoofs and tail and pitchfork, but somebody not a whit less hideous,--presented the aspect of a chamber quite of the olden time, it might be of the reign of Francis I. or Louis XII.

used to mean any person in general, including the speaker

From this reading It was night, and the scene was a somewhat curious one.

and nothing more

From this reading When we are school-boys we wish we were children again, and think of the caresses without the pangs and inconveniences of infancy; when we are men we wish we were school-boys again, and forget the heavy task, the ferule, and the rod; old age looks back to youth and sorrows over its lost powers; and only one man I know of has written in praise of life's declining stage.

used to join alternatives or possibilities

From this reading A large chamber, with a vaulted roof, long square windows, and decorations neither new nor in a modern taste, a tall four-post bedstead with green velvet hangings a good deal tarnished, a brick floor well waxed and polished, an immense armory or wardrobe quaintly carved, three or four tall straight-backed chairs, and one large arm-chair well stuffed, together with a table of black oak, the legs of which were cut into the forms of some nondescript species of devil,--not the conventional gentleman with hoofs and tail and pitchfork, but somebody not a whit less hideous,--presented the aspect of a chamber quite of the olden time, it might be of the reign of Francis I. or Louis XII.

above and across; more than

From this reading When we are school-boys we wish we were children again, and think of the caresses without the pangs and inconveniences of infancy; when we are men we wish we were school-boys again, and forget the heavy task, the ferule, and the rod; old age looks back to youth and sorrows over its lost powers; and only one man I know of has written in praise of life's declining stage.

plural of “pang” — a sudden sharp feeling

From this reading When we are school-boys we wish we were children again, and think of the caresses without the pangs and inconveniences of infancy; when we are men we wish we were school-boys again, and forget the heavy task, the ferule, and the rod; old age looks back to youth and sorrows over its lost powers; and only one man I know of has written in praise of life's declining stage.

a long-handled hand tool with sharp widely spaced prongs for lifting and pitching hay

From this reading A large chamber, with a vaulted roof, long square windows, and decorations neither new nor in a modern taste, a tall four-post bedstead with green velvet hangings a good deal tarnished, a brick floor well waxed and polished, an immense armory or wardrobe quaintly carved, three or four tall straight-backed chairs, and one large arm-chair well stuffed, together with a table of black oak, the legs of which were cut into the forms of some nondescript species of devil,--not the conventional gentleman with hoofs and tail and pitchfork, but somebody not a whit less hideous,--presented the aspect of a chamber quite of the olden time, it might be of the reign of Francis I. or Louis XII.

perfected or made shiny and smooth

From this reading A large chamber, with a vaulted roof, long square windows, and decorations neither new nor in a modern taste, a tall four-post bedstead with green velvet hangings a good deal tarnished, a brick floor well waxed and polished, an immense armory or wardrobe quaintly carved, three or four tall straight-backed chairs, and one large arm-chair well stuffed, together with a table of black oak, the legs of which were cut into the forms of some nondescript species of devil,--not the conventional gentleman with hoofs and tail and pitchfork, but somebody not a whit less hideous,--presented the aspect of a chamber quite of the olden time, it might be of the reign of Francis I. or Louis XII.

plural of “power” — possession of controlling influence

From this reading When we are school-boys we wish we were children again, and think of the caresses without the pangs and inconveniences of infancy; when we are men we wish we were school-boys again, and forget the heavy task, the ferule, and the rod; old age looks back to youth and sorrows over its lost powers; and only one man I know of has written in praise of life's declining stage.

an expression of approval and commendation

From this reading When we are school-boys we wish we were children again, and think of the caresses without the pangs and inconveniences of infancy; when we are men we wish we were school-boys again, and forget the heavy task, the ferule, and the rod; old age looks back to youth and sorrows over its lost powers; and only one man I know of has written in praise of life's declining stage.

past form of “praise” — express approval of

From this reading All days have their olden times; and I believe the olden times have always been praised,--such is the tendency of the human mind to regret.

past form of “present” — give an exhibition of to an interested audience

From this reading A large chamber, with a vaulted roof, long square windows, and decorations neither new nor in a modern taste, a tall four-post bedstead with green velvet hangings a good deal tarnished, a brick floor well waxed and polished, an immense armory or wardrobe quaintly carved, three or four tall straight-backed chairs, and one large arm-chair well stuffed, together with a table of black oak, the legs of which were cut into the forms of some nondescript species of devil,--not the conventional gentleman with hoofs and tail and pitchfork, but somebody not a whit less hideous,--presented the aspect of a chamber quite of the olden time, it might be of the reign of Francis I. or Louis XII.

in a strange but not unpleasant manner

From this reading A large chamber, with a vaulted roof, long square windows, and decorations neither new nor in a modern taste, a tall four-post bedstead with green velvet hangings a good deal tarnished, a brick floor well waxed and polished, an immense armory or wardrobe quaintly carved, three or four tall straight-backed chairs, and one large arm-chair well stuffed, together with a table of black oak, the legs of which were cut into the forms of some nondescript species of devil,--not the conventional gentleman with hoofs and tail and pitchfork, but somebody not a whit less hideous,--presented the aspect of a chamber quite of the olden time, it might be of the reign of Francis I. or Louis XII.

to a degree (not used with a negative)

From this reading A large chamber, with a vaulted roof, long square windows, and decorations neither new nor in a modern taste, a tall four-post bedstead with green velvet hangings a good deal tarnished, a brick floor well waxed and polished, an immense armory or wardrobe quaintly carved, three or four tall straight-backed chairs, and one large arm-chair well stuffed, together with a table of black oak, the legs of which were cut into the forms of some nondescript species of devil,--not the conventional gentleman with hoofs and tail and pitchfork, but somebody not a whit less hideous,--presented the aspect of a chamber quite of the olden time, it might be of the reign of Francis I. or Louis XII.

feel remorse for; feel sorry for; be contrite about

From this reading All days have their olden times; and I believe the olden times have always been praised,--such is the tendency of the human mind to regret.

have sovereign power

From this reading A large chamber, with a vaulted roof, long square windows, and decorations neither new nor in a modern taste, a tall four-post bedstead with green velvet hangings a good deal tarnished, a brick floor well waxed and polished, an immense armory or wardrobe quaintly carved, three or four tall straight-backed chairs, and one large arm-chair well stuffed, together with a table of black oak, the legs of which were cut into the forms of some nondescript species of devil,--not the conventional gentleman with hoofs and tail and pitchfork, but somebody not a whit less hideous,--presented the aspect of a chamber quite of the olden time, it might be of the reign of Francis I. or Louis XII.

a long thin implement made of metal or wood

From this reading When we are school-boys we wish we were children again, and think of the caresses without the pangs and inconveniences of infancy; when we are men we wish we were school-boys again, and forget the heavy task, the ferule, and the rod; old age looks back to youth and sorrows over its lost powers; and only one man I know of has written in praise of life's declining stage.

a protective covering that covers or forms the top of a building

From this reading A large chamber, with a vaulted roof, long square windows, and decorations neither new nor in a modern taste, a tall four-post bedstead with green velvet hangings a good deal tarnished, a brick floor well waxed and polished, an immense armory or wardrobe quaintly carved, three or four tall straight-backed chairs, and one large arm-chair well stuffed, together with a table of black oak, the legs of which were cut into the forms of some nondescript species of devil,--not the conventional gentleman with hoofs and tail and pitchfork, but somebody not a whit less hideous,--presented the aspect of a chamber quite of the olden time, it might be of the reign of Francis I. or Louis XII.

the place where some action occurs

From this reading It was night, and the scene was a somewhat curious one.

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

From this reading When we are school-boys we wish we were children again, and think of the caresses without the pangs and inconveniences of infancy; when we are men we wish we were school-boys again, and forget the heavy task, the ferule, and the rod; old age looks back to youth and sorrows over its lost powers; and only one man I know of has written in praise of life's declining stage.

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

From this reading A large chamber, with a vaulted roof, long square windows, and decorations neither new nor in a modern taste, a tall four-post bedstead with green velvet hangings a good deal tarnished, a brick floor well waxed and polished, an immense armory or wardrobe quaintly carved, three or four tall straight-backed chairs, and one large arm-chair well stuffed, together with a table of black oak, the legs of which were cut into the forms of some nondescript species of devil,--not the conventional gentleman with hoofs and tail and pitchfork, but somebody not a whit less hideous,--presented the aspect of a chamber quite of the olden time, it might be of the reign of Francis I. or Louis XII.

a person, without saying who

From this reading A large chamber, with a vaulted roof, long square windows, and decorations neither new nor in a modern taste, a tall four-post bedstead with green velvet hangings a good deal tarnished, a brick floor well waxed and polished, an immense armory or wardrobe quaintly carved, three or four tall straight-backed chairs, and one large arm-chair well stuffed, together with a table of black oak, the legs of which were cut into the forms of some nondescript species of devil,--not the conventional gentleman with hoofs and tail and pitchfork, but somebody not a whit less hideous,--presented the aspect of a chamber quite of the olden time, it might be of the reign of Francis I. or Louis XII.

to a small degree or extent

From this reading It was night, and the scene was a somewhat curious one.

plural of “sorrow” — an emotion of great sadness associated with loss or bereavement

From this reading When we are school-boys we wish we were children again, and think of the caresses without the pangs and inconveniences of infancy; when we are men we wish we were school-boys again, and forget the heavy task, the ferule, and the rod; old age looks back to youth and sorrows over its lost powers; and only one man I know of has written in praise of life's declining stage.

(biology) taxonomic group whose members can interbreed

From this reading A large chamber, with a vaulted roof, long square windows, and decorations neither new nor in a modern taste, a tall four-post bedstead with green velvet hangings a good deal tarnished, a brick floor well waxed and polished, an immense armory or wardrobe quaintly carved, three or four tall straight-backed chairs, and one large arm-chair well stuffed, together with a table of black oak, the legs of which were cut into the forms of some nondescript species of devil,--not the conventional gentleman with hoofs and tail and pitchfork, but somebody not a whit less hideous,--presented the aspect of a chamber quite of the olden time, it might be of the reign of Francis I. or Louis XII.

make square

From this reading A large chamber, with a vaulted roof, long square windows, and decorations neither new nor in a modern taste, a tall four-post bedstead with green velvet hangings a good deal tarnished, a brick floor well waxed and polished, an immense armory or wardrobe quaintly carved, three or four tall straight-backed chairs, and one large arm-chair well stuffed, together with a table of black oak, the legs of which were cut into the forms of some nondescript species of devil,--not the conventional gentleman with hoofs and tail and pitchfork, but somebody not a whit less hideous,--presented the aspect of a chamber quite of the olden time, it might be of the reign of Francis I. or Louis XII.

any distinct time period in a sequence of events

From this reading When we are school-boys we wish we were children again, and think of the caresses without the pangs and inconveniences of infancy; when we are men we wish we were school-boys again, and forget the heavy task, the ferule, and the rod; old age looks back to youth and sorrows over its lost powers; and only one man I know of has written in praise of life's declining stage.

having a straight back

From this reading A large chamber, with a vaulted roof, long square windows, and decorations neither new nor in a modern taste, a tall four-post bedstead with green velvet hangings a good deal tarnished, a brick floor well waxed and polished, an immense armory or wardrobe quaintly carved, three or four tall straight-backed chairs, and one large arm-chair well stuffed, together with a table of black oak, the legs of which were cut into the forms of some nondescript species of devil,--not the conventional gentleman with hoofs and tail and pitchfork, but somebody not a whit less hideous,--presented the aspect of a chamber quite of the olden time, it might be of the reign of Francis I. or Louis XII.

filled with something

From this reading A large chamber, with a vaulted roof, long square windows, and decorations neither new nor in a modern taste, a tall four-post bedstead with green velvet hangings a good deal tarnished, a brick floor well waxed and polished, an immense armory or wardrobe quaintly carved, three or four tall straight-backed chairs, and one large arm-chair well stuffed, together with a table of black oak, the legs of which were cut into the forms of some nondescript species of devil,--not the conventional gentleman with hoofs and tail and pitchfork, but somebody not a whit less hideous,--presented the aspect of a chamber quite of the olden time, it might be of the reign of Francis I. or Louis XII.

of the kind already mentioned

From this reading All days have their olden times; and I believe the olden times have always been praised,--such is the tendency of the human mind to regret.

a set of data arranged in rows and columns

From this reading A large chamber, with a vaulted roof, long square windows, and decorations neither new nor in a modern taste, a tall four-post bedstead with green velvet hangings a good deal tarnished, a brick floor well waxed and polished, an immense armory or wardrobe quaintly carved, three or four tall straight-backed chairs, and one large arm-chair well stuffed, together with a table of black oak, the legs of which were cut into the forms of some nondescript species of devil,--not the conventional gentleman with hoofs and tail and pitchfork, but somebody not a whit less hideous,--presented the aspect of a chamber quite of the olden time, it might be of the reign of Francis I. or Louis XII.

the posterior part of the body of a vertebrate especially when elongated and extending beyond the trunk or main part of the body

From this reading A large chamber, with a vaulted roof, long square windows, and decorations neither new nor in a modern taste, a tall four-post bedstead with green velvet hangings a good deal tarnished, a brick floor well waxed and polished, an immense armory or wardrobe quaintly carved, three or four tall straight-backed chairs, and one large arm-chair well stuffed, together with a table of black oak, the legs of which were cut into the forms of some nondescript species of devil,--not the conventional gentleman with hoofs and tail and pitchfork, but somebody not a whit less hideous,--presented the aspect of a chamber quite of the olden time, it might be of the reign of Francis I. or Louis XII.

great in vertical dimension; high in stature

From this reading A large chamber, with a vaulted roof, long square windows, and decorations neither new nor in a modern taste, a tall four-post bedstead with green velvet hangings a good deal tarnished, a brick floor well waxed and polished, an immense armory or wardrobe quaintly carved, three or four tall straight-backed chairs, and one large arm-chair well stuffed, together with a table of black oak, the legs of which were cut into the forms of some nondescript species of devil,--not the conventional gentleman with hoofs and tail and pitchfork, but somebody not a whit less hideous,--presented the aspect of a chamber quite of the olden time, it might be of the reign of Francis I. or Louis XII.

past form of “tarnish” — make dirty or spotty, as by exposure to air; also used metaphorically

From this reading A large chamber, with a vaulted roof, long square windows, and decorations neither new nor in a modern taste, a tall four-post bedstead with green velvet hangings a good deal tarnished, a brick floor well waxed and polished, an immense armory or wardrobe quaintly carved, three or four tall straight-backed chairs, and one large arm-chair well stuffed, together with a table of black oak, the legs of which were cut into the forms of some nondescript species of devil,--not the conventional gentleman with hoofs and tail and pitchfork, but somebody not a whit less hideous,--presented the aspect of a chamber quite of the olden time, it might be of the reign of Francis I. or Louis XII.

any piece of work that is undertaken or attempted

From this reading When we are school-boys we wish we were children again, and think of the caresses without the pangs and inconveniences of infancy; when we are men we wish we were school-boys again, and forget the heavy task, the ferule, and the rod; old age looks back to youth and sorrows over its lost powers; and only one man I know of has written in praise of life's declining stage.

To perceive flavor through the mouth.

From this reading A large chamber, with a vaulted roof, long square windows, and decorations neither new nor in a modern taste, a tall four-post bedstead with green velvet hangings a good deal tarnished, a brick floor well waxed and polished, an immense armory or wardrobe quaintly carved, three or four tall straight-backed chairs, and one large arm-chair well stuffed, together with a table of black oak, the legs of which were cut into the forms of some nondescript species of devil,--not the conventional gentleman with hoofs and tail and pitchfork, but somebody not a whit less hideous,--presented the aspect of a chamber quite of the olden time, it might be of the reign of Francis I. or Louis XII.

an attitude of mind especially one that favors one alternative over others

From this reading All days have their olden times; and I believe the olden times have always been praised,--such is the tendency of the human mind to regret.

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

From this reading It was night, and the scene was a somewhat curious one.

belonging to the people or things already mentioned

From this reading All days have their olden times; and I believe the olden times have always been praised,--such is the tendency of the human mind to regret.

the subject matter of a conversation or discussion

From this reading But even Cicero upon such a theme could only indite an eloquent lie.

judge or regard; look upon; judge

From this reading When we are school-boys we wish we were children again, and think of the caresses without the pangs and inconveniences of infancy; when we are men we wish we were school-boys again, and forget the heavy task, the ferule, and the rod; old age looks back to youth and sorrows over its lost powers; and only one man I know of has written in praise of life's declining stage.

the cardinal number that is the sum of one and one and one

From this reading A large chamber, with a vaulted roof, long square windows, and decorations neither new nor in a modern taste, a tall four-post bedstead with green velvet hangings a good deal tarnished, a brick floor well waxed and polished, an immense armory or wardrobe quaintly carved, three or four tall straight-backed chairs, and one large arm-chair well stuffed, together with a table of black oak, the legs of which were cut into the forms of some nondescript species of devil,--not the conventional gentleman with hoofs and tail and pitchfork, but somebody not a whit less hideous,--presented the aspect of a chamber quite of the olden time, it might be of the reign of Francis I. or Louis XII.

an instance or single occasion for some event

From this reading A large chamber, with a vaulted roof, long square windows, and decorations neither new nor in a modern taste, a tall four-post bedstead with green velvet hangings a good deal tarnished, a brick floor well waxed and polished, an immense armory or wardrobe quaintly carved, three or four tall straight-backed chairs, and one large arm-chair well stuffed, together with a table of black oak, the legs of which were cut into the forms of some nondescript species of devil,--not the conventional gentleman with hoofs and tail and pitchfork, but somebody not a whit less hideous,--presented the aspect of a chamber quite of the olden time, it might be of the reign of Francis I. or Louis XII.

a more or less definite period of time now or previously present

From this reading All days have their olden times; and I believe the olden times have always been praised,--such is the tendency of the human mind to regret.

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

From this reading All days have their olden times; and I believe the olden times have always been praised,--such is the tendency of the human mind to regret.

in contact with each other or in proximity

From this reading A large chamber, with a vaulted roof, long square windows, and decorations neither new nor in a modern taste, a tall four-post bedstead with green velvet hangings a good deal tarnished, a brick floor well waxed and polished, an immense armory or wardrobe quaintly carved, three or four tall straight-backed chairs, and one large arm-chair well stuffed, together with a table of black oak, the legs of which were cut into the forms of some nondescript species of devil,--not the conventional gentleman with hoofs and tail and pitchfork, but somebody not a whit less hideous,--presented the aspect of a chamber quite of the olden time, it might be of the reign of Francis I. or Louis XII.

a formal word for “on”

From this reading But even Cicero upon such a theme could only indite an eloquent lie.

having a hemispherical vault or dome

From this reading A large chamber, with a vaulted roof, long square windows, and decorations neither new nor in a modern taste, a tall four-post bedstead with green velvet hangings a good deal tarnished, a brick floor well waxed and polished, an immense armory or wardrobe quaintly carved, three or four tall straight-backed chairs, and one large arm-chair well stuffed, together with a table of black oak, the legs of which were cut into the forms of some nondescript species of devil,--not the conventional gentleman with hoofs and tail and pitchfork, but somebody not a whit less hideous,--presented the aspect of a chamber quite of the olden time, it might be of the reign of Francis I. or Louis XII.

a silky densely piled fabric with a plain back

From this reading A large chamber, with a vaulted roof, long square windows, and decorations neither new nor in a modern taste, a tall four-post bedstead with green velvet hangings a good deal tarnished, a brick floor well waxed and polished, an immense armory or wardrobe quaintly carved, three or four tall straight-backed chairs, and one large arm-chair well stuffed, together with a table of black oak, the legs of which were cut into the forms of some nondescript species of devil,--not the conventional gentleman with hoofs and tail and pitchfork, but somebody not a whit less hideous,--presented the aspect of a chamber quite of the olden time, it might be of the reign of Francis I. or Louis XII.

a tall piece of furniture that provides storage space for clothes; has a door and rails or hooks for hanging clothes

From this reading A large chamber, with a vaulted roof, long square windows, and decorations neither new nor in a modern taste, a tall four-post bedstead with green velvet hangings a good deal tarnished, a brick floor well waxed and polished, an immense armory or wardrobe quaintly carved, three or four tall straight-backed chairs, and one large arm-chair well stuffed, together with a table of black oak, the legs of which were cut into the forms of some nondescript species of devil,--not the conventional gentleman with hoofs and tail and pitchfork, but somebody not a whit less hideous,--presented the aspect of a chamber quite of the olden time, it might be of the reign of Francis I. or Louis XII.

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

From this reading It was night, and the scene was a somewhat curious one.

treated with wax

From this reading A large chamber, with a vaulted roof, long square windows, and decorations neither new nor in a modern taste, a tall four-post bedstead with green velvet hangings a good deal tarnished, a brick floor well waxed and polished, an immense armory or wardrobe quaintly carved, three or four tall straight-backed chairs, and one large arm-chair well stuffed, together with a table of black oak, the legs of which were cut into the forms of some nondescript species of devil,--not the conventional gentleman with hoofs and tail and pitchfork, but somebody not a whit less hideous,--presented the aspect of a chamber quite of the olden time, it might be of the reign of Francis I. or Louis XII.

the speaker together with one or more other people

From this reading When we are school-boys we wish we were children again, and think of the caresses without the pangs and inconveniences of infancy; when we are men we wish we were school-boys again, and forget the heavy task, the ferule, and the rod; old age looks back to youth and sorrows over its lost powers; and only one man I know of has written in praise of life's declining stage.

(often used as a combining form) in a good or proper or satisfactory manner or to a high standard (“good” is a nonstandard dialectal variant for “well”)

From this reading A large chamber, with a vaulted roof, long square windows, and decorations neither new nor in a modern taste, a tall four-post bedstead with green velvet hangings a good deal tarnished, a brick floor well waxed and polished, an immense armory or wardrobe quaintly carved, three or four tall straight-backed chairs, and one large arm-chair well stuffed, together with a table of black oak, the legs of which were cut into the forms of some nondescript species of devil,--not the conventional gentleman with hoofs and tail and pitchfork, but somebody not a whit less hideous,--presented the aspect of a chamber quite of the olden time, it might be of the reign of Francis I. or Louis XII.

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

From this reading A large chamber, with a vaulted roof, long square windows, and decorations neither new nor in a modern taste, a tall four-post bedstead with green velvet hangings a good deal tarnished, a brick floor well waxed and polished, an immense armory or wardrobe quaintly carved, three or four tall straight-backed chairs, and one large arm-chair well stuffed, together with a table of black oak, the legs of which were cut into the forms of some nondescript species of devil,--not the conventional gentleman with hoofs and tail and pitchfork, but somebody not a whit less hideous,--presented the aspect of a chamber quite of the olden time, it might be of the reign of Francis I. or Louis XII.

at the time that

From this reading When we are school-boys we wish we were children again, and think of the caresses without the pangs and inconveniences of infancy; when we are men we wish we were school-boys again, and forget the heavy task, the ferule, and the rod; old age looks back to youth and sorrows over its lost powers; and only one man I know of has written in praise of life's declining stage.

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

From this reading A large chamber, with a vaulted roof, long square windows, and decorations neither new nor in a modern taste, a tall four-post bedstead with green velvet hangings a good deal tarnished, a brick floor well waxed and polished, an immense armory or wardrobe quaintly carved, three or four tall straight-backed chairs, and one large arm-chair well stuffed, together with a table of black oak, the legs of which were cut into the forms of some nondescript species of devil,--not the conventional gentleman with hoofs and tail and pitchfork, but somebody not a whit less hideous,--presented the aspect of a chamber quite of the olden time, it might be of the reign of Francis I. or Louis XII.

a tiny or scarcely detectable amount

From this reading A large chamber, with a vaulted roof, long square windows, and decorations neither new nor in a modern taste, a tall four-post bedstead with green velvet hangings a good deal tarnished, a brick floor well waxed and polished, an immense armory or wardrobe quaintly carved, three or four tall straight-backed chairs, and one large arm-chair well stuffed, together with a table of black oak, the legs of which were cut into the forms of some nondescript species of devil,--not the conventional gentleman with hoofs and tail and pitchfork, but somebody not a whit less hideous,--presented the aspect of a chamber quite of the olden time, it might be of the reign of Francis I. or Louis XII.

(trademark) an operating system with a graphical user interface

From this reading A large chamber, with a vaulted roof, long square windows, and decorations neither new nor in a modern taste, a tall four-post bedstead with green velvet hangings a good deal tarnished, a brick floor well waxed and polished, an immense armory or wardrobe quaintly carved, three or four tall straight-backed chairs, and one large arm-chair well stuffed, together with a table of black oak, the legs of which were cut into the forms of some nondescript species of devil,--not the conventional gentleman with hoofs and tail and pitchfork, but somebody not a whit less hideous,--presented the aspect of a chamber quite of the olden time, it might be of the reign of Francis I. or Louis XII.

hope for; have a wish

From this reading When we are school-boys we wish we were children again, and think of the caresses without the pangs and inconveniences of infancy; when we are men we wish we were school-boys again, and forget the heavy task, the ferule, and the rod; old age looks back to youth and sorrows over its lost powers; and only one man I know of has written in praise of life's declining stage.

in the company of; together with

From this reading A large chamber, with a vaulted roof, long square windows, and decorations neither new nor in a modern taste, a tall four-post bedstead with green velvet hangings a good deal tarnished, a brick floor well waxed and polished, an immense armory or wardrobe quaintly carved, three or four tall straight-backed chairs, and one large arm-chair well stuffed, together with a table of black oak, the legs of which were cut into the forms of some nondescript species of devil,--not the conventional gentleman with hoofs and tail and pitchfork, but somebody not a whit less hideous,--presented the aspect of a chamber quite of the olden time, it might be of the reign of Francis I. or Louis XII.

not having, not using, or not accompanied by

From this reading When we are school-boys we wish we were children again, and think of the caresses without the pangs and inconveniences of infancy; when we are men we wish we were school-boys again, and forget the heavy task, the ferule, and the rod; old age looks back to youth and sorrows over its lost powers; and only one man I know of has written in praise of life's declining stage.

set down in writing in any of various ways

From this reading When we are school-boys we wish we were children again, and think of the caresses without the pangs and inconveniences of infancy; when we are men we wish we were school-boys again, and forget the heavy task, the ferule, and the rod; old age looks back to youth and sorrows over its lost powers; and only one man I know of has written in praise of life's declining stage.

the cardinal number that is the sum of eleven and one

From this reading A large chamber, with a vaulted roof, long square windows, and decorations neither new nor in a modern taste, a tall four-post bedstead with green velvet hangings a good deal tarnished, a brick floor well waxed and polished, an immense armory or wardrobe quaintly carved, three or four tall straight-backed chairs, and one large arm-chair well stuffed, together with a table of black oak, the legs of which were cut into the forms of some nondescript species of devil,--not the conventional gentleman with hoofs and tail and pitchfork, but somebody not a whit less hideous,--presented the aspect of a chamber quite of the olden time, it might be of the reign of Francis I. or Louis XII.

a young person (especially a young man or boy)

From this reading When we are school-boys we wish we were children again, and think of the caresses without the pangs and inconveniences of infancy; when we are men we wish we were school-boys again, and forget the heavy task, the ferule, and the rod; old age looks back to youth and sorrows over its lost powers; and only one man I know of has written in praise of life's declining stage.