Chapter I

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

From this reading I daresay that it served as well as any other to describe with a pleasant mixture of dignity and playfulness, the sort of glorified bag-man or drummer that I was.

(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 It was my job to go into all quarters of the earth where the old man had scented a concession or a contract—and what a nose he had for them!—and make it appear to powerful persons that the Coldston firm would pay more for the concession (more in the long run, at all events) or ask less for the contract (less in the first instance, at all events) than any other responsible firm, company, or corporation in the world.

a diplomat of the highest rank; accredited as representative from one country to another

From this reading HIS “Business Ambassador” was the title which my old chief, Ezekiel Coldston, used to give me.

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

From this reading —Obvious print and punctuation errors were corrected.

one or some or every or all without specification

From this reading I daresay that it served as well as any other to describe with a pleasant mixture of dignity and playfulness, the sort of glorified bag-man or drummer that I was.

give a certain impression or have a certain outward aspect

From this reading It was my job to go into all quarters of the earth where the old man had scented a concession or a contract—and what a nose he had for them!—and make it appear to powerful persons that the Coldston firm would pay more for the concession (more in the long run, at all events) or ask less for the contract (less in the first instance, at all events) than any other responsible firm, company, or corporation in the world.

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

From this reading I daresay that it served as well as any other to describe with a pleasant mixture of dignity and playfulness, the sort of glorified bag-man or drummer that I was.

make a request or demand for something to somebody

From this reading It was my job to go into all quarters of the earth where the old man had scented a concession or a contract—and what a nose he had for them!—and make it appear to powerful persons that the Coldston firm would pay more for the concession (more in the long run, at all events) or ask less for the contract (less in the first instance, at all events) than any other responsible firm, company, or corporation in the world.

in or near a particular place or position

From this reading It was my job to go into all quarters of the earth where the old man had scented a concession or a contract—and what a nose he had for them!—and make it appear to powerful persons that the Coldston firm would pay more for the concession (more in the long run, at all events) or ask less for the contract (less in the first instance, at all events) than any other responsible firm, company, or corporation in the world.

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

From this reading AUTHOR OF “THE SECRET OF THE TOWER,” “THE PRISONER OF ZENDA,” “RUPERT OF HENTZAU,” ETC.

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

From this reading I daresay that it served as well as any other to describe with a pleasant mixture of dignity and playfulness, the sort of glorified bag-man or drummer that I was.

a commercial or industrial enterprise and the people who constitute it

From this reading HIS “Business Ambassador” was the title which my old chief, Ezekiel Coldston, used to give me.

a person who is in charge

From this reading HIS “Business Ambassador” was the title which my old chief, Ezekiel Coldston, used to give me.

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

From this reading HIS “Business Ambassador” was the title which my old chief, Ezekiel Coldston, used to give me.

an institution created to conduct business

From this reading It was my job to go into all quarters of the earth where the old man had scented a concession or a contract—and what a nose he had for them!—and make it appear to powerful persons that the Coldston firm would pay more for the concession (more in the long run, at all events) or ask less for the contract (less in the first instance, at all events) than any other responsible firm, company, or corporation in the world.

a contract granting the right to operate a subsidiary business

From this reading It was my job to go into all quarters of the earth where the old man had scented a concession or a contract—and what a nose he had for them!—and make it appear to powerful persons that the Coldston firm would pay more for the concession (more in the long run, at all events) or ask less for the contract (less in the first instance, at all events) than any other responsible firm, company, or corporation in the world.

enter into a contractual arrangement

From this reading It was my job to go into all quarters of the earth where the old man had scented a concession or a contract—and what a nose he had for them!—and make it appear to powerful persons that the Coldston firm would pay more for the concession (more in the long run, at all events) or ask less for the contract (less in the first instance, at all events) than any other responsible firm, company, or corporation in the world.

a business firm whose articles of incorporation have been approved in some state

From this reading It was my job to go into all quarters of the earth where the old man had scented a concession or a contract—and what a nose he had for them!—and make it appear to powerful persons that the Coldston firm would pay more for the concession (more in the long run, at all events) or ask less for the contract (less in the first instance, at all events) than any other responsible firm, company, or corporation in the world.

having something undesirable neutralized

From this reading —Obvious print and punctuation errors were corrected.

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

From this reading I daresay that it served as well as any other to describe with a pleasant mixture of dignity and playfulness, the sort of glorified bag-man or drummer that I was.

give a description of

From this reading I daresay that it served as well as any other to describe with a pleasant mixture of dignity and playfulness, the sort of glorified bag-man or drummer that I was.

the quality of being worthy of esteem or respect

From this reading I daresay that it served as well as any other to describe with a pleasant mixture of dignity and playfulness, the sort of glorified bag-man or drummer that I was.

someone who plays a drum

From this reading I daresay that it served as well as any other to describe with a pleasant mixture of dignity and playfulness, the sort of glorified bag-man or drummer that I was.

the 3rd planet from the sun; the planet we live on

From this reading It was my job to go into all quarters of the earth where the old man had scented a concession or a contract—and what a nose he had for them!—and make it appear to powerful persons that the Coldston firm would pay more for the concession (more in the long run, at all events) or ask less for the contract (less in the first instance, at all events) than any other responsible firm, company, or corporation in the world.

plural of “error” — a wrong action attributable to bad judgment or ignorance or inattention

From this reading —Obvious print and punctuation errors were corrected.

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

From this reading AUTHOR OF “THE SECRET OF THE TOWER,” “THE PRISONER OF ZENDA,” “RUPERT OF HENTZAU,” ETC.

plural of “event” — something that happens at a given place and time

From this reading It was my job to go into all quarters of the earth where the old man had scented a concession or a contract—and what a nose he had for them!—and make it appear to powerful persons that the Coldston firm would pay more for the concession (more in the long run, at all events) or ask less for the contract (less in the first instance, at all events) than any other responsible firm, company, or corporation in the world.

a Hebrew prophet of the 6th century BC who was exiled to Babylon in 587 BC

From this reading HIS “Business Ambassador” was the title which my old chief, Ezekiel Coldston, used to give me.

marked by firm determination or resolution; not shakable

From this reading It was my job to go into all quarters of the earth where the old man had scented a concession or a contract—and what a nose he had for them!—and make it appear to powerful persons that the Coldston firm would pay more for the concession (more in the long run, at all events) or ask less for the contract (less in the first instance, at all events) than any other responsible firm, company, or corporation in the world.

preceding all others in time or space or degree

From this reading It was my job to go into all quarters of the earth where the old man had scented a concession or a contract—and what a nose he had for them!—and make it appear to powerful persons that the Coldston firm would pay more for the concession (more in the long run, at all events) or ask less for the contract (less in the first instance, at all events) than any other responsible firm, company, or corporation in the world.

intended to be given to, or used by, somebody

From this reading It was my job to go into all quarters of the earth where the old man had scented a concession or a contract—and what a nose he had for them!—and make it appear to powerful persons that the Coldston firm would pay more for the concession (more in the long run, at all events) or ask less for the contract (less in the first instance, at all events) than any other responsible firm, company, or corporation in the world.

cause to have, in the abstract sense or physical sense

From this reading HIS “Business Ambassador” was the title which my old chief, Ezekiel Coldston, used to give me.

accorded sacrosanct or authoritative standing

From this reading I daresay that it served as well as any other to describe with a pleasant mixture of dignity and playfulness, the sort of glorified bag-man or drummer that I was.

change location; move, travel, or proceed, also metaphorically

From this reading It was my job to go into all quarters of the earth where the old man had scented a concession or a contract—and what a nose he had for them!—and make it appear to powerful persons that the Coldston firm would pay more for the concession (more in the long run, at all events) or ask less for the contract (less in the first instance, at all events) than any other responsible firm, company, or corporation in the world.

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

From this reading It was my job to go into all quarters of the earth where the old man had scented a concession or a contract—and what a nose he had for them!—and make it appear to powerful persons that the Coldston firm would pay more for the concession (more in the long run, at all events) or ask less for the contract (less in the first instance, at all events) than any other responsible firm, company, or corporation in the world.

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

From this reading It was my job to go into all quarters of the earth where the old man had scented a concession or a contract—and what a nose he had for them!—and make it appear to powerful persons that the Coldston firm would pay more for the concession (more in the long run, at all events) or ask less for the contract (less in the first instance, at all events) than any other responsible firm, company, or corporation in the world.

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

From this reading AUTHOR OF “THE SECRET OF THE TOWER,” “THE PRISONER OF ZENDA,” “RUPERT OF HENTZAU,” ETC.

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

From this reading HIS “Business Ambassador” was the title which my old chief, Ezekiel Coldston, used to give me.

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

From this reading I daresay that it served as well as any other to describe with a pleasant mixture of dignity and playfulness, the sort of glorified bag-man or drummer that I was.

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

From this reading It was my job to go into all quarters of the earth where the old man had scented a concession or a contract—and what a nose he had for them!—and make it appear to powerful persons that the Coldston firm would pay more for the concession (more in the long run, at all events) or ask less for the contract (less in the first instance, at all events) than any other responsible firm, company, or corporation in the world.

an occurrence of something

From this reading It was my job to go into all quarters of the earth where the old man had scented a concession or a contract—and what a nose he had for them!—and make it appear to powerful persons that the Coldston firm would pay more for the concession (more in the long run, at all events) or ask less for the contract (less in the first instance, at all events) than any other responsible firm, company, or corporation in the world.

moving to the inside of something

From this reading It was my job to go into all quarters of the earth where the old man had scented a concession or a contract—and what a nose he had for them!—and make it appear to powerful persons that the Coldston firm would pay more for the concession (more in the long run, at all events) or ask less for the contract (less in the first instance, at all events) than any other responsible firm, company, or corporation in the world.

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading I daresay that it served as well as any other to describe with a pleasant mixture of dignity and playfulness, the sort of glorified bag-man or drummer that I was.

the principal activity in your life that you do to earn money

From this reading It was my job to go into all quarters of the earth where the old man had scented a concession or a contract—and what a nose he had for them!—and make it appear to powerful persons that the Coldston firm would pay more for the concession (more in the long run, at all events) or ask less for the contract (less in the first instance, at all events) than any other responsible firm, company, or corporation in the world.

used to form the comparative of some adjectives and adverbs

From this reading It was my job to go into all quarters of the earth where the old man had scented a concession or a contract—and what a nose he had for them!—and make it appear to powerful persons that the Coldston firm would pay more for the concession (more in the long run, at all events) or ask less for the contract (less in the first instance, at all events) than any other responsible firm, company, or corporation in the world.

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 It was my job to go into all quarters of the earth where the old man had scented a concession or a contract—and what a nose he had for them!—and make it appear to powerful persons that the Coldston firm would pay more for the concession (more in the long run, at all events) or ask less for the contract (less in the first instance, at all events) than any other responsible firm, company, or corporation in the world.

engage in

From this reading It was my job to go into all quarters of the earth where the old man had scented a concession or a contract—and what a nose he had for them!—and make it appear to powerful persons that the Coldston firm would pay more for the concession (more in the long run, at all events) or ask less for the contract (less in the first instance, at all events) than any other responsible firm, company, or corporation in the world.

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

From this reading It was my job to go into all quarters of the earth where the old man had scented a concession or a contract—and what a nose he had for them!—and make it appear to powerful persons that the Coldston firm would pay more for the concession (more in the long run, at all events) or ask less for the contract (less in the first instance, at all events) than any other responsible firm, company, or corporation in the world.

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

From this reading HIS “Business Ambassador” was the title which my old chief, Ezekiel Coldston, used to give me.

(chemistry) a substance consisting of two or more substances mixed together (not in fixed proportions and not with chemical bonding)

From this reading I daresay that it served as well as any other to describe with a pleasant mixture of dignity and playfulness, the sort of glorified bag-man or drummer that I was.

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

From this reading It was my job to go into all quarters of the earth where the old man had scented a concession or a contract—and what a nose he had for them!—and make it appear to powerful persons that the Coldston firm would pay more for the concession (more in the long run, at all events) or ask less for the contract (less in the first instance, at all events) than any other responsible firm, company, or corporation in the world.

belonging to the person speaking

From this reading HIS “Business Ambassador” was the title which my old chief, Ezekiel Coldston, used to give me.

the organ of smell and entrance to the respiratory tract; the prominent part of the face of man or other mammals

From this reading It was my job to go into all quarters of the earth where the old man had scented a concession or a contract—and what a nose he had for them!—and make it appear to powerful persons that the Coldston firm would pay more for the concession (more in the long run, at all events) or ask less for the contract (less in the first instance, at all events) than any other responsible firm, company, or corporation in the world.

easily perceived by the senses or grasped by the mind

From this reading —Obvious print and punctuation errors were corrected.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading AUTHOR OF “THE SECRET OF THE TOWER,” “THE PRISONER OF ZENDA,” “RUPERT OF HENTZAU,” ETC.

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

From this reading HIS “Business Ambassador” was the title which my old chief, Ezekiel Coldston, used to give me.

used to join alternatives or possibilities

From this reading I daresay that it served as well as any other to describe with a pleasant mixture of dignity and playfulness, the sort of glorified bag-man or drummer that I was.

not the same one or ones already mentioned or implied

From this reading I daresay that it served as well as any other to describe with a pleasant mixture of dignity and playfulness, the sort of glorified bag-man or drummer that I was.

give money, usually in exchange for goods or services

From this reading It was my job to go into all quarters of the earth where the old man had scented a concession or a contract—and what a nose he had for them!—and make it appear to powerful persons that the Coldston firm would pay more for the concession (more in the long run, at all events) or ask less for the contract (less in the first instance, at all events) than any other responsible firm, company, or corporation in the world.

plural of “person” — a human being

From this reading It was my job to go into all quarters of the earth where the old man had scented a concession or a contract—and what a nose he had for them!—and make it appear to powerful persons that the Coldston firm would pay more for the concession (more in the long run, at all events) or ask less for the contract (less in the first instance, at all events) than any other responsible firm, company, or corporation in the world.

a festive merry feeling

From this reading I daresay that it served as well as any other to describe with a pleasant mixture of dignity and playfulness, the sort of glorified bag-man or drummer that I was.

affording pleasure; being in harmony with your taste or likings

From this reading I daresay that it served as well as any other to describe with a pleasant mixture of dignity and playfulness, the sort of glorified bag-man or drummer that I was.

having great power or force or potency or effect

From this reading It was my job to go into all quarters of the earth where the old man had scented a concession or a contract—and what a nose he had for them!—and make it appear to powerful persons that the Coldston firm would pay more for the concession (more in the long run, at all events) or ask less for the contract (less in the first instance, at all events) than any other responsible firm, company, or corporation in the world.

the text appearing in a book, newspaper, or other printed publication

From this reading —Obvious print and punctuation errors were corrected.

a person who is confined; especially a prisoner of war

From this reading AUTHOR OF “THE SECRET OF THE TOWER,” “THE PRISONER OF ZENDA,” “RUPERT OF HENTZAU,” ETC.

something that makes repeated and regular interruptions or divisions

From this reading —Obvious print and punctuation errors were corrected.

housing available for people to live in

From this reading It was my job to go into all quarters of the earth where the old man had scented a concession or a contract—and what a nose he had for them!—and make it appear to powerful persons that the Coldston firm would pay more for the concession (more in the long run, at all events) or ask less for the contract (less in the first instance, at all events) than any other responsible firm, company, or corporation in the world.

worthy of or requiring responsibility or trust; or held accountable

From this reading It was my job to go into all quarters of the earth where the old man had scented a concession or a contract—and what a nose he had for them!—and make it appear to powerful persons that the Coldston firm would pay more for the concession (more in the long run, at all events) or ask less for the contract (less in the first instance, at all events) than any other responsible firm, company, or corporation in the world.

move fast by using one's feet, with one foot off the ground at any given time

From this reading It was my job to go into all quarters of the earth where the old man had scented a concession or a contract—and what a nose he had for them!—and make it appear to powerful persons that the Coldston firm would pay more for the concession (more in the long run, at all events) or ask less for the contract (less in the first instance, at all events) than any other responsible firm, company, or corporation in the world.

English leader (born in Germany) of the Royalist forces during the English Civil War (1619-1682)

From this reading AUTHOR OF “THE SECRET OF THE TOWER,” “THE PRISONER OF ZENDA,” “RUPERT OF HENTZAU,” ETC.

having the sense of smell

From this reading It was my job to go into all quarters of the earth where the old man had scented a concession or a contract—and what a nose he had for them!—and make it appear to powerful persons that the Coldston firm would pay more for the concession (more in the long run, at all events) or ask less for the contract (less in the first instance, at all events) than any other responsible firm, company, or corporation in the world.

Something that is kept or meant to be kept unknown or unseen by others.

From this reading AUTHOR OF “THE SECRET OF THE TOWER,” “THE PRISONER OF ZENDA,” “RUPERT OF HENTZAU,” ETC.

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

From this reading I daresay that it served as well as any other to describe with a pleasant mixture of dignity and playfulness, the sort of glorified bag-man or drummer that I was.

a category of things distinguished by some common characteristic or quality

From this reading I daresay that it served as well as any other to describe with a pleasant mixture of dignity and playfulness, the sort of glorified bag-man or drummer that I was.

used to introduce the second part of a comparison

From this reading It was my job to go into all quarters of the earth where the old man had scented a concession or a contract—and what a nose he had for them!—and make it appear to powerful persons that the Coldston firm would pay more for the concession (more in the long run, at all events) or ask less for the contract (less in the first instance, at all events) than any other responsible firm, company, or corporation in the world.

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading I daresay that it served as well as any other to describe with a pleasant mixture of dignity and playfulness, the sort of glorified bag-man or drummer that I was.

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

From this reading AUTHOR OF “THE SECRET OF THE TOWER,” “THE PRISONER OF ZENDA,” “RUPERT OF HENTZAU,” ETC.

the people or things already mentioned, as the object

From this reading It was my job to go into all quarters of the earth where the old man had scented a concession or a contract—and what a nose he had for them!—and make it appear to powerful persons that the Coldston firm would pay more for the concession (more in the long run, at all events) or ask less for the contract (less in the first instance, at all events) than any other responsible firm, company, or corporation in the world.

a heading that names a statute or legislative bill; may give a brief summary of the matters it deals with

From this reading HIS “Business Ambassador” was the title which my old chief, Ezekiel Coldston, used to give me.

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

From this reading HIS “Business Ambassador” was the title which my old chief, Ezekiel Coldston, used to give me.

a structure taller than its diameter; can stand alone or be attached to a larger building

From this reading AUTHOR OF “THE SECRET OF THE TOWER,” “THE PRISONER OF ZENDA,” “RUPERT OF HENTZAU,” ETC.

employed in accomplishing something

From this reading HIS “Business Ambassador” was the title which my old chief, Ezekiel Coldston, used to give me.

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

From this reading HIS “Business Ambassador” was the title which my old chief, Ezekiel Coldston, used to give me.

(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 I daresay that it served as well as any other to describe with a pleasant mixture of dignity and playfulness, the sort of glorified bag-man or drummer that I was.

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

From this reading —Obvious print and punctuation errors were corrected.

used to ask for information about something

From this reading It was my job to go into all quarters of the earth where the old man had scented a concession or a contract—and what a nose he had for them!—and make it appear to powerful persons that the Coldston firm would pay more for the concession (more in the long run, at all events) or ask less for the contract (less in the first instance, at all events) than any other responsible firm, company, or corporation in the world.

in or at the place that

From this reading It was my job to go into all quarters of the earth where the old man had scented a concession or a contract—and what a nose he had for them!—and make it appear to powerful persons that the Coldston firm would pay more for the concession (more in the long run, at all events) or ask less for the contract (less in the first instance, at all events) than any other responsible firm, company, or corporation in the world.

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

From this reading HIS “Business Ambassador” was the title which my old chief, Ezekiel Coldston, used to give me.

in the company of; together with

From this reading I daresay that it served as well as any other to describe with a pleasant mixture of dignity and playfulness, the sort of glorified bag-man or drummer that I was.

everything that exists anywhere

From this reading It was my job to go into all quarters of the earth where the old man had scented a concession or a contract—and what a nose he had for them!—and make it appear to powerful persons that the Coldston firm would pay more for the concession (more in the long run, at all events) or ask less for the contract (less in the first instance, at all events) than any other responsible firm, company, or corporation in the world.

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

From this reading It was my job to go into all quarters of the earth where the old man had scented a concession or a contract—and what a nose he had for them!—and make it appear to powerful persons that the Coldston firm would pay more for the concession (more in the long run, at all events) or ask less for the contract (less in the first instance, at all events) than any other responsible firm, company, or corporation in the world.

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

From this reading AUTHOR OF “THE SECRET OF THE TOWER,” “THE PRISONER OF ZENDA,” “RUPERT OF HENTZAU,” ETC.