Chapter XIX · Chapter 19

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

From this reading AN INCUBUS It is not to be supposed that any gentleman can see a lady in the streets of London and remain himself unseen.

conforming exactly or almost exactly to fact or to a standard or performing with total accuracy

From this reading In the human as in meaner races the female organ of perception is quicker, keener, and more accurate than the male.

any specific behavior

From this reading Nor was her ladyship best pleased with the activity he displayed in avoiding her carriage and escaping from her society.

in addition

From this reading As Dick saw Lady Bearwarden in Oxford Street, we may be sure that Lady Bearwarden also saw Dick.

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

From this reading AN INCUBUS It is not to be supposed that any gentleman can see a lady in the streets of London and remain himself unseen.

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

From this reading AN INCUBUS It is not to be supposed that any gentleman can see a lady in the streets of London and remain himself unseen.

one or some or every or all without specification

From this reading AN INCUBUS It is not to be supposed that any gentleman can see a lady in the streets of London and remain himself unseen.

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

From this reading In the human as in meaner races the female organ of perception is quicker, keener, and more accurate than the male.

third-person singular of “assume” — take to be the case or to be true; accept without verification or proof

From this reading Therefore it is that a man bowing in Pall Mall or Piccadilly to some divinity in an open carriage, and failing to receive any return for his salute, sinks at once into a false position of awkwardness and discomfiture, _il a manqué son coup_, and his face assumes incontinently the expression of one who has missed a woodcock in the open, and has no second barrel with which to redeem his shot.

in or near a particular place or position

From this reading Therefore it is that a man bowing in Pall Mall or Piccadilly to some divinity in an open carriage, and failing to receive any return for his salute, sinks at once into a false position of awkwardness and discomfiture, _il a manqué son coup_, and his face assumes incontinently the expression of one who has missed a woodcock in the open, and has no second barrel with which to redeem his shot.

-ing form of “avoid” — stay clear from; keep away from; keep out of the way of someone or something

From this reading Nor was her ladyship best pleased with the activity he displayed in avoiding her carriage and escaping from her society.

unskillfulness resulting from a lack of training

From this reading Therefore it is that a man bowing in Pall Mall or Piccadilly to some divinity in an open carriage, and failing to receive any return for his salute, sinks at once into a false position of awkwardness and discomfiture, _il a manqué son coup_, and his face assumes incontinently the expression of one who has missed a woodcock in the open, and has no second barrel with which to redeem his shot.

a tube through which a bullet travels when a gun is fired

From this reading Therefore it is that a man bowing in Pall Mall or Piccadilly to some divinity in an open carriage, and failing to receive any return for his salute, sinks at once into a false position of awkwardness and discomfiture, _il a manqué son coup_, and his face assumes incontinently the expression of one who has missed a woodcock in the open, and has no second barrel with which to redeem his shot.

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

From this reading AN INCUBUS It is not to be supposed that any gentleman can see a lady in the streets of London and remain himself unseen.

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

From this reading As Dick saw Lady Bearwarden in Oxford Street, we may be sure that Lady Bearwarden also saw Dick.

the supreme effort one can make

From this reading Nor was her ladyship best pleased with the activity he displayed in avoiding her carriage and escaping from her society.

bending the head or body or knee as a sign of reverence or submission or shame or greeting

From this reading Therefore it is that a man bowing in Pall Mall or Piccadilly to some divinity in an open carriage, and failing to receive any return for his salute, sinks at once into a false position of awkwardness and discomfiture, _il a manqué son coup_, and his face assumes incontinently the expression of one who has missed a woodcock in the open, and has no second barrel with which to redeem his shot.

to be able to, or to be allowed to

From this reading AN INCUBUS It is not to be supposed that any gentleman can see a lady in the streets of London and remain himself unseen.

a railcar where passengers ride

From this reading Therefore it is that a man bowing in Pall Mall or Piccadilly to some divinity in an open carriage, and failing to receive any return for his salute, sinks at once into a false position of awkwardness and discomfiture, _il a manqué son coup_, and his face assumes incontinently the expression of one who has missed a woodcock in the open, and has no second barrel with which to redeem his shot.

a sudden and decisive change of government illegally or by force

From this reading Therefore it is that a man bowing in Pall Mall or Piccadilly to some divinity in an open carriage, and failing to receive any return for his salute, sinks at once into a false position of awkwardness and discomfiture, _il a manqué son coup_, and his face assumes incontinently the expression of one who has missed a woodcock in the open, and has no second barrel with which to redeem his shot.

someone who is a detective

From this reading As Dick saw Lady Bearwarden in Oxford Street, we may be sure that Lady Bearwarden also saw Dick.

anxious embarrassment

From this reading Therefore it is that a man bowing in Pall Mall or Piccadilly to some divinity in an open carriage, and failing to receive any return for his salute, sinks at once into a false position of awkwardness and discomfiture, _il a manqué son coup_, and his face assumes incontinently the expression of one who has missed a woodcock in the open, and has no second barrel with which to redeem his shot.

past form of “display” — to show, make visible or apparent

From this reading Nor was her ladyship best pleased with the activity he displayed in avoiding her carriage and escaping from her society.

any supernatural being worshipped as controlling some part of the world or some aspect of life or who is the personification of a force

From this reading Therefore it is that a man bowing in Pall Mall or Piccadilly to some divinity in an open carriage, and failing to receive any return for his salute, sinks at once into a false position of awkwardness and discomfiture, _il a manqué son coup_, and his face assumes incontinently the expression of one who has missed a woodcock in the open, and has no second barrel with which to redeem his shot.

-ing form of “escape” — run away from confinement

From this reading Nor was her ladyship best pleased with the activity he displayed in avoiding her carriage and escaping from her society.

the feelings expressed on a person's face

From this reading Therefore it is that a man bowing in Pall Mall or Piccadilly to some divinity in an open carriage, and failing to receive any return for his salute, sinks at once into a false position of awkwardness and discomfiture, _il a manqué son coup_, and his face assumes incontinently the expression of one who has missed a woodcock in the open, and has no second barrel with which to redeem his shot.

the front of the human head from the forehead to the chin and ear to ear

From this reading Therefore it is that a man bowing in Pall Mall or Piccadilly to some divinity in an open carriage, and failing to receive any return for his salute, sinks at once into a false position of awkwardness and discomfiture, _il a manqué son coup_, and his face assumes incontinently the expression of one who has missed a woodcock in the open, and has no second barrel with which to redeem his shot.

a flaw or weak point

From this reading Therefore it is that a man bowing in Pall Mall or Piccadilly to some divinity in an open carriage, and failing to receive any return for his salute, sinks at once into a false position of awkwardness and discomfiture, _il a manqué son coup_, and his face assumes incontinently the expression of one who has missed a woodcock in the open, and has no second barrel with which to redeem his shot.

not in accordance with the fact or reality or actuality

From this reading Therefore it is that a man bowing in Pall Mall or Piccadilly to some divinity in an open carriage, and failing to receive any return for his salute, sinks at once into a false position of awkwardness and discomfiture, _il a manqué son coup_, and his face assumes incontinently the expression of one who has missed a woodcock in the open, and has no second barrel with which to redeem his shot.

being the sex (of plant or animal) that produces fertilizable gametes (ova) from which offspring develop

From this reading In the human as in meaner races the female organ of perception is quicker, keener, and more accurate than the male.

intended to be given to, or used by, somebody

From this reading Therefore it is that a man bowing in Pall Mall or Piccadilly to some divinity in an open carriage, and failing to receive any return for his salute, sinks at once into a false position of awkwardness and discomfiture, _il a manqué son coup_, and his face assumes incontinently the expression of one who has missed a woodcock in the open, and has no second barrel with which to redeem his shot.

showing where something starts, or who sent it

From this reading Nor was her ladyship best pleased with the activity he displayed in avoiding her carriage and escaping from her society.

a man of refinement

From this reading AN INCUBUS It is not to be supposed that any gentleman can see a lady in the streets of London and remain himself unseen.

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

From this reading Therefore it is that a man bowing in Pall Mall or Piccadilly to some divinity in an open carriage, and failing to receive any return for his salute, sinks at once into a false position of awkwardness and discomfiture, _il a manqué son coup_, and his face assumes incontinently the expression of one who has missed a woodcock in the open, and has no second barrel with which to redeem his shot.

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

From this reading Nor was her ladyship best pleased with the activity he displayed in avoiding her carriage and escaping from her society.

belonging to a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned

From this reading Nor was her ladyship best pleased with the activity he displayed in avoiding her carriage and escaping from her society.

used when the man or boy doing the action is also its object

From this reading AN INCUBUS It is not to be supposed that any gentleman can see a lady in the streets of London and remain himself unseen.

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

From this reading Therefore it is that a man bowing in Pall Mall or Piccadilly to some divinity in an open carriage, and failing to receive any return for his salute, sinks at once into a false position of awkwardness and discomfiture, _il a manqué son coup_, and his face assumes incontinently the expression of one who has missed a woodcock in the open, and has no second barrel with which to redeem his shot.

characteristic of humanity

From this reading In the human as in meaner races the female organ of perception is quicker, keener, and more accurate than the male.

a midwestern state in north-central United States

From this reading Therefore it is that a man bowing in Pall Mall or Piccadilly to some divinity in an open carriage, and failing to receive any return for his salute, sinks at once into a false position of awkwardness and discomfiture, _il a manqué son coup_, and his face assumes incontinently the expression of one who has missed a woodcock in the open, and has no second barrel with which to redeem his shot.

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

From this reading AN INCUBUS It is not to be supposed that any gentleman can see a lady in the streets of London and remain himself unseen.

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

From this reading Therefore it is that a man bowing in Pall Mall or Piccadilly to some divinity in an open carriage, and failing to receive any return for his salute, sinks at once into a false position of awkwardness and discomfiture, _il a manqué son coup_, and his face assumes incontinently the expression of one who has missed a woodcock in the open, and has no second barrel with which to redeem his shot.

a male demon believed to lie on sleeping persons and to have sexual intercourse with sleeping women

From this reading AN INCUBUS It is not to be supposed that any gentleman can see a lady in the streets of London and remain himself unseen.

moving to the inside of something

From this reading Therefore it is that a man bowing in Pall Mall or Piccadilly to some divinity in an open carriage, and failing to receive any return for his salute, sinks at once into a false position of awkwardness and discomfiture, _il a manqué son coup_, and his face assumes incontinently the expression of one who has missed a woodcock in the open, and has no second barrel with which to redeem his shot.

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

From this reading AN INCUBUS It is not to be supposed that any gentleman can see a lady in the streets of London and remain himself unseen.

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading AN INCUBUS It is not to be supposed that any gentleman can see a lady in the streets of London and remain himself unseen.

comparative of “keen” — having or demonstrating ability to recognize or draw fine distinctions

From this reading In the human as in meaner races the female organ of perception is quicker, keener, and more accurate than the male.

a polite name for any woman

From this reading AN INCUBUS It is not to be supposed that any gentleman can see a lady in the streets of London and remain himself unseen.

a title used to address any peeress except a duchess

From this reading Nor was her ladyship best pleased with the activity he displayed in avoiding her carriage and escaping from her society.

the capital and largest city of England; located on the Thames in southeastern England; financial and industrial and cultural center

From this reading AN INCUBUS It is not to be supposed that any gentleman can see a lady in the streets of London and remain himself unseen.

an animal that produces gametes (spermatozoa) that can fertilize female gametes

From this reading In the human as in meaner races the female organ of perception is quicker, keener, and more accurate than the male.

a public area set aside as a pedestrian walk

From this reading Therefore it is that a man bowing in Pall Mall or Piccadilly to some divinity in an open carriage, and failing to receive any return for his salute, sinks at once into a false position of awkwardness and discomfiture, _il a manqué son coup_, and his face assumes incontinently the expression of one who has missed a woodcock in the open, and has no second barrel with which to redeem his shot.

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

From this reading Therefore it is that a man bowing in Pall Mall or Piccadilly to some divinity in an open carriage, and failing to receive any return for his salute, sinks at once into a false position of awkwardness and discomfiture, _il a manqué son coup_, and his face assumes incontinently the expression of one who has missed a woodcock in the open, and has no second barrel with which to redeem his shot.

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

From this reading Therefore it is that a man bowing in Pall Mall or Piccadilly to some divinity in an open carriage, and failing to receive any return for his salute, sinks at once into a false position of awkwardness and discomfiture, _il a manqué son coup_, and his face assumes incontinently the expression of one who has missed a woodcock in the open, and has no second barrel with which to redeem his shot.

used to say something is possible, or to give permission

From this reading As Dick saw Lady Bearwarden in Oxford Street, we may be sure that Lady Bearwarden also saw Dick.

comparative of “mean” — approximating the statistical norm or average or expected value

From this reading In the human as in meaner races the female organ of perception is quicker, keener, and more accurate than the male.

not caught with the senses or the mind

From this reading Therefore it is that a man bowing in Pall Mall or Piccadilly to some divinity in an open carriage, and failing to receive any return for his salute, sinks at once into a false position of awkwardness and discomfiture, _il a manqué son coup_, and his face assumes incontinently the expression of one who has missed a woodcock in the open, and has no second barrel with which to redeem his shot.

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

From this reading In the human as in meaner races the female organ of perception is quicker, keener, and more accurate than the male.

not any; not one

From this reading Therefore it is that a man bowing in Pall Mall or Piccadilly to some divinity in an open carriage, and failing to receive any return for his salute, sinks at once into a false position of awkwardness and discomfiture, _il a manqué son coup_, and his face assumes incontinently the expression of one who has missed a woodcock in the open, and has no second barrel with which to redeem his shot.

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

From this reading Nor was her ladyship best pleased with the activity he displayed in avoiding her carriage and escaping from her society.

used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative

From this reading AN INCUBUS It is not to be supposed that any gentleman can see a lady in the streets of London and remain himself unseen.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading AN INCUBUS It is not to be supposed that any gentleman can see a lady in the streets of London and remain himself unseen.

on one occasion

From this reading Therefore it is that a man bowing in Pall Mall or Piccadilly to some divinity in an open carriage, and failing to receive any return for his salute, sinks at once into a false position of awkwardness and discomfiture, _il a manqué son coup_, and his face assumes incontinently the expression of one who has missed a woodcock in the open, and has no second barrel with which to redeem his shot.

used to mean any person in general, including the speaker

From this reading Therefore it is that a man bowing in Pall Mall or Piccadilly to some divinity in an open carriage, and failing to receive any return for his salute, sinks at once into a false position of awkwardness and discomfiture, _il a manqué son coup_, and his face assumes incontinently the expression of one who has missed a woodcock in the open, and has no second barrel with which to redeem his shot.

To move from a closed position.

From this reading Therefore it is that a man bowing in Pall Mall or Piccadilly to some divinity in an open carriage, and failing to receive any return for his salute, sinks at once into a false position of awkwardness and discomfiture, _il a manqué son coup_, and his face assumes incontinently the expression of one who has missed a woodcock in the open, and has no second barrel with which to redeem his shot.

used to join alternatives or possibilities

From this reading Therefore it is that a man bowing in Pall Mall or Piccadilly to some divinity in an open carriage, and failing to receive any return for his salute, sinks at once into a false position of awkwardness and discomfiture, _il a manqué son coup_, and his face assumes incontinently the expression of one who has missed a woodcock in the open, and has no second barrel with which to redeem his shot.

a fully differentiated structural and functional unit in an animal that is specialized for some particular function

From this reading In the human as in meaner races the female organ of perception is quicker, keener, and more accurate than the male.

a city in southern England to the northwest of London; site of Oxford University

From this reading As Dick saw Lady Bearwarden in Oxford Street, we may be sure that Lady Bearwarden also saw Dick.

become less interesting or attractive

From this reading Therefore it is that a man bowing in Pall Mall or Piccadilly to some divinity in an open carriage, and failing to receive any return for his salute, sinks at once into a false position of awkwardness and discomfiture, _il a manqué son coup_, and his face assumes incontinently the expression of one who has missed a woodcock in the open, and has no second barrel with which to redeem his shot.

the representation of what is perceived; basic component in the formation of a concept

From this reading In the human as in meaner races the female organ of perception is quicker, keener, and more accurate than the male.

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

From this reading Therefore it is that a man bowing in Pall Mall or Piccadilly to some divinity in an open carriage, and failing to receive any return for his salute, sinks at once into a false position of awkwardness and discomfiture, _il a manqué son coup_, and his face assumes incontinently the expression of one who has missed a woodcock in the open, and has no second barrel with which to redeem his shot.

experiencing or manifesting pleasure

From this reading Nor was her ladyship best pleased with the activity he displayed in avoiding her carriage and escaping from her society.

the particular portion of space occupied by something

From this reading Therefore it is that a man bowing in Pall Mall or Piccadilly to some divinity in an open carriage, and failing to receive any return for his salute, sinks at once into a false position of awkwardness and discomfiture, _il a manqué son coup_, and his face assumes incontinently the expression of one who has missed a woodcock in the open, and has no second barrel with which to redeem his shot.

more quickly

From this reading In the human as in meaner races the female organ of perception is quicker, keener, and more accurate than the male.

plural of “race” — any competition

From this reading In the human as in meaner races the female organ of perception is quicker, keener, and more accurate than the male.

get something; come into possession of

From this reading Therefore it is that a man bowing in Pall Mall or Piccadilly to some divinity in an open carriage, and failing to receive any return for his salute, sinks at once into a false position of awkwardness and discomfiture, _il a manqué son coup_, and his face assumes incontinently the expression of one who has missed a woodcock in the open, and has no second barrel with which to redeem his shot.

save from sins

From this reading Therefore it is that a man bowing in Pall Mall or Piccadilly to some divinity in an open carriage, and failing to receive any return for his salute, sinks at once into a false position of awkwardness and discomfiture, _il a manqué son coup_, and his face assumes incontinently the expression of one who has missed a woodcock in the open, and has no second barrel with which to redeem his shot.

stay the same; remain in a certain state

From this reading AN INCUBUS It is not to be supposed that any gentleman can see a lady in the streets of London and remain himself unseen.

go or come back to place, condition, or activity where one has been before

From this reading Therefore it is that a man bowing in Pall Mall or Piccadilly to some divinity in an open carriage, and failing to receive any return for his salute, sinks at once into a false position of awkwardness and discomfiture, _il a manqué son coup_, and his face assumes incontinently the expression of one who has missed a woodcock in the open, and has no second barrel with which to redeem his shot.

propose a toast to

From this reading Therefore it is that a man bowing in Pall Mall or Piccadilly to some divinity in an open carriage, and failing to receive any return for his salute, sinks at once into a false position of awkwardness and discomfiture, _il a manqué son coup_, and his face assumes incontinently the expression of one who has missed a woodcock in the open, and has no second barrel with which to redeem his shot.

cut with a saw

From this reading As Dick saw Lady Bearwarden in Oxford Street, we may be sure that Lady Bearwarden also saw Dick.

1/60 of a minute; the basic unit of time adopted under the Systeme International d'Unites

From this reading Therefore it is that a man bowing in Pall Mall or Piccadilly to some divinity in an open carriage, and failing to receive any return for his salute, sinks at once into a false position of awkwardness and discomfiture, _il a manqué son coup_, and his face assumes incontinently the expression of one who has missed a woodcock in the open, and has no second barrel with which to redeem his shot.

perceive by sight or have the power to perceive by sight

From this reading AN INCUBUS It is not to be supposed that any gentleman can see a lady in the streets of London and remain himself unseen.

the act of firing a projectile

From this reading Therefore it is that a man bowing in Pall Mall or Piccadilly to some divinity in an open carriage, and failing to receive any return for his salute, sinks at once into a false position of awkwardness and discomfiture, _il a manqué son coup_, and his face assumes incontinently the expression of one who has missed a woodcock in the open, and has no second barrel with which to redeem his shot.

plural of “sink” — plumbing fixture consisting of a water basin fixed to a wall or floor and having a drainpipe

From this reading Therefore it is that a man bowing in Pall Mall or Piccadilly to some divinity in an open carriage, and failing to receive any return for his salute, sinks at once into a false position of awkwardness and discomfiture, _il a manqué son coup_, and his face assumes incontinently the expression of one who has missed a woodcock in the open, and has no second barrel with which to redeem his shot.

an extended social group having a distinctive cultural and economic organization

From this reading Nor was her ladyship best pleased with the activity he displayed in avoiding her carriage and escaping from her society.

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

From this reading Therefore it is that a man bowing in Pall Mall or Piccadilly to some divinity in an open carriage, and failing to receive any return for his salute, sinks at once into a false position of awkwardness and discomfiture, _il a manqué son coup_, and his face assumes incontinently the expression of one who has missed a woodcock in the open, and has no second barrel with which to redeem his shot.

a male human offspring

From this reading Therefore it is that a man bowing in Pall Mall or Piccadilly to some divinity in an open carriage, and failing to receive any return for his salute, sinks at once into a false position of awkwardness and discomfiture, _il a manqué son coup_, and his face assumes incontinently the expression of one who has missed a woodcock in the open, and has no second barrel with which to redeem his shot.

a thoroughfare (usually including sidewalks) that is lined with buildings

From this reading As Dick saw Lady Bearwarden in Oxford Street, we may be sure that Lady Bearwarden also saw Dick.

plural of “street” — a thoroughfare (usually including sidewalks) that is lined with buildings

From this reading AN INCUBUS It is not to be supposed that any gentleman can see a lady in the streets of London and remain himself unseen.

required or under orders

From this reading AN INCUBUS It is not to be supposed that any gentleman can see a lady in the streets of London and remain himself unseen.

having or feeling no doubt or uncertainty; confident and assured

From this reading As Dick saw Lady Bearwarden in Oxford Street, we may be sure that Lady Bearwarden also saw Dick.

used to introduce the second part of a comparison

From this reading In the human as in meaner races the female organ of perception is quicker, keener, and more accurate than the male.

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading AN INCUBUS It is not to be supposed that any gentleman can see a lady in the streets of London and remain himself unseen.

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

From this reading AN INCUBUS It is not to be supposed that any gentleman can see a lady in the streets of London and remain himself unseen.

for that reason; as a result

From this reading Therefore it is that a man bowing in Pall Mall or Piccadilly to some divinity in an open carriage, and failing to receive any return for his salute, sinks at once into a false position of awkwardness and discomfiture, _il a manqué son coup_, and his face assumes incontinently the expression of one who has missed a woodcock in the open, and has no second barrel with which to redeem his shot.

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

From this reading AN INCUBUS It is not to be supposed that any gentleman can see a lady in the streets of London and remain himself unseen.

not seen or perceived

From this reading AN INCUBUS It is not to be supposed that any gentleman can see a lady in the streets of London and remain himself unseen.

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

From this reading Nor was her ladyship best pleased with the activity he displayed in avoiding her carriage and escaping from her society.

the speaker together with one or more other people

From this reading As Dick saw Lady Bearwarden in Oxford Street, we may be sure that Lady Bearwarden also saw Dick.

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

From this reading Therefore it is that a man bowing in Pall Mall or Piccadilly to some divinity in an open carriage, and failing to receive any return for his salute, sinks at once into a false position of awkwardness and discomfiture, _il a manqué son coup_, and his face assumes incontinently the expression of one who has missed a woodcock in the open, and has no second barrel with which to redeem his shot.

which person or people

From this reading Therefore it is that a man bowing in Pall Mall or Piccadilly to some divinity in an open carriage, and failing to receive any return for his salute, sinks at once into a false position of awkwardness and discomfiture, _il a manqué son coup_, and his face assumes incontinently the expression of one who has missed a woodcock in the open, and has no second barrel with which to redeem his shot.

in the company of; together with

From this reading Therefore it is that a man bowing in Pall Mall or Piccadilly to some divinity in an open carriage, and failing to receive any return for his salute, sinks at once into a false position of awkwardness and discomfiture, _il a manqué son coup_, and his face assumes incontinently the expression of one who has missed a woodcock in the open, and has no second barrel with which to redeem his shot.

game bird of the sandpiper family that resembles a snipe

From this reading Therefore it is that a man bowing in Pall Mall or Piccadilly to some divinity in an open carriage, and failing to receive any return for his salute, sinks at once into a false position of awkwardness and discomfiture, _il a manqué son coup_, and his face assumes incontinently the expression of one who has missed a woodcock in the open, and has no second barrel with which to redeem his shot.