Chapter XX · Chapter 20

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

From this reading A man who cleaned knives, it appeared, could not possibly do anything else, and for several days the domestic arrangements below-stairs had been disturbed by a knotty question as to _whose_ business it was to answer "my lord's bell".

concurrence of opinion

From this reading It was not therefore surprising that figure-footmen, high of stature and faultless in general appearance, should have succeeded each other with startling rapidity, throwing up their appointments and doffing his lordship's livery, without regard to their own welfare or their employer's convenience, but in accordance with some Quixotic notions of respect for their office and loyalty to their order.

deserving of the highest esteem or admiration

From this reading The division of labour, that admirable system by which such great results are attained, had been brought to perfection in his as in many other establishments.

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

From this reading "THE LITTLE CLOUD" Lord Bearwarden, like other noblemen and gentlemen keeping house in London, was not invariably fortunate in the selection of his servants.

react verbally

From this reading A man who cleaned knives, it appeared, could not possibly do anything else, and for several days the domestic arrangements below-stairs had been disturbed by a knotty question as to _whose_ business it was to answer "my lord's bell".

any thing at all

From this reading A man who cleaned knives, it appeared, could not possibly do anything else, and for several days the domestic arrangements below-stairs had been disturbed by a knotty question as to _whose_ business it was to answer "my lord's bell".

outward or visible aspect of a person or thing

From this reading It was not therefore surprising that figure-footmen, high of stature and faultless in general appearance, should have succeeded each other with startling rapidity, throwing up their appointments and doffing his lordship's livery, without regard to their own welfare or their employer's convenience, but in accordance with some Quixotic notions of respect for their office and loyalty to their order.

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

From this reading A man who cleaned knives, it appeared, could not possibly do anything else, and for several days the domestic arrangements below-stairs had been disturbed by a knotty question as to _whose_ business it was to answer "my lord's bell".

plural of “appointment” — the act of putting a person into a non-elective position

From this reading It was not therefore surprising that figure-footmen, high of stature and faultless in general appearance, should have succeeded each other with startling rapidity, throwing up their appointments and doffing his lordship's livery, without regard to their own welfare or their employer's convenience, but in accordance with some Quixotic notions of respect for their office and loyalty to their order.

based on or subject to individual discretion or preference or sometimes impulse or caprice

From this reading Now my lord was what his servants called rather "a arbitrary gentleman", seeming, indeed, to entertain the preposterous notion that these were paid their wages in consideration of doing as they were bid.

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

From this reading The division of labour, that admirable system by which such great results are attained, had been brought to perfection in his as in many other establishments.

plural of “arrangement” — the thing arranged or agreed to

From this reading A man who cleaned knives, it appeared, could not possibly do anything else, and for several days the domestic arrangements below-stairs had been disturbed by a knotty question as to _whose_ business it was to answer "my lord's bell".

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

From this reading The division of labour, that admirable system by which such great results are attained, had been brought to perfection in his as in many other establishments.

achieved or reached

From this reading The division of labour, that admirable system by which such great results are attained, had been brought to perfection in his as in many other establishments.

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

From this reading "THE LITTLE CLOUD" Lord Bearwarden, like other noblemen and gentlemen keeping house in London, was not invariably fortunate in the selection of his servants.

the past participle of “be”

From this reading The division of labour, that admirable system by which such great results are attained, had been brought to perfection in his as in many other establishments.

a hollow device made of metal that makes a ringing sound when struck

From this reading A man who cleaned knives, it appeared, could not possibly do anything else, and for several days the domestic arrangements below-stairs had been disturbed by a knotty question as to _whose_ business it was to answer "my lord's bell".

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

From this reading A man who cleaned knives, it appeared, could not possibly do anything else, and for several days the domestic arrangements below-stairs had been disturbed by a knotty question as to _whose_ business it was to answer "my lord's bell".

propose a payment

From this reading Now my lord was what his servants called rather "a arbitrary gentleman", seeming, indeed, to entertain the preposterous notion that these were paid their wages in consideration of doing as they were bid.

inflected form of “bring” — take something or somebody with oneself somewhere

From this reading The division of labour, that admirable system by which such great results are attained, had been brought to perfection in his as in many other establishments.

a commercial or industrial enterprise and the people who constitute it

From this reading A man who cleaned knives, it appeared, could not possibly do anything else, and for several days the domestic arrangements below-stairs had been disturbed by a knotty question as to _whose_ business it was to answer "my lord's bell".

used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before

From this reading It was not therefore surprising that figure-footmen, high of stature and faultless in general appearance, should have succeeded each other with startling rapidity, throwing up their appointments and doffing his lordship's livery, without regard to their own welfare or their employer's convenience, but in accordance with some Quixotic notions of respect for their office and loyalty to their order.

showing who or what does the action

From this reading The division of labour, that admirable system by which such great results are attained, had been brought to perfection in his as in many other establishments.

past form of “call” — assign a specified (usually proper) proper name to

From this reading Now my lord was what his servants called rather "a arbitrary gentleman", seeming, indeed, to entertain the preposterous notion that these were paid their wages in consideration of doing as they were bid.

past form of “clean” — make clean by removing dirt, filth, or unwanted substances from

From this reading A man who cleaned knives, it appeared, could not possibly do anything else, and for several days the domestic arrangements below-stairs had been disturbed by a knotty question as to _whose_ business it was to answer "my lord's bell".

make overcast or cloudy

From this reading "THE LITTLE CLOUD" Lord Bearwarden, like other noblemen and gentlemen keeping house in London, was not invariably fortunate in the selection of his servants.

the process of giving careful thought to something

From this reading Now my lord was what his servants called rather "a arbitrary gentleman", seeming, indeed, to entertain the preposterous notion that these were paid their wages in consideration of doing as they were bid.

the state of being suitable or opportune

From this reading It was not therefore surprising that figure-footmen, high of stature and faultless in general appearance, should have succeeded each other with startling rapidity, throwing up their appointments and doffing his lordship's livery, without regard to their own welfare or their employer's convenience, but in accordance with some Quixotic notions of respect for their office and loyalty to their order.

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

From this reading A man who cleaned knives, it appeared, could not possibly do anything else, and for several days the domestic arrangements below-stairs had been disturbed by a knotty question as to _whose_ business it was to answer "my lord's bell".

the time during which someone's life continues

From this reading A man who cleaned knives, it appeared, could not possibly do anything else, and for several days the domestic arrangements below-stairs had been disturbed by a knotty question as to _whose_ business it was to answer "my lord's bell".

having the place or position changed

From this reading A man who cleaned knives, it appeared, could not possibly do anything else, and for several days the domestic arrangements below-stairs had been disturbed by a knotty question as to _whose_ business it was to answer "my lord's bell".

an army unit large enough to sustain combat

From this reading The division of labour, that admirable system by which such great results are attained, had been brought to perfection in his as in many other establishments.

used to form questions and negatives, and to give emphasis

From this reading A man who cleaned knives, it appeared, could not possibly do anything else, and for several days the domestic arrangements below-stairs had been disturbed by a knotty question as to _whose_ business it was to answer "my lord's bell".

-ing form of “doff” — remove

From this reading It was not therefore surprising that figure-footmen, high of stature and faultless in general appearance, should have succeeded each other with startling rapidity, throwing up their appointments and doffing his lordship's livery, without regard to their own welfare or their employer's convenience, but in accordance with some Quixotic notions of respect for their office and loyalty to their order.

-ing form of “do” — engage in

From this reading Now my lord was what his servants called rather "a arbitrary gentleman", seeming, indeed, to entertain the preposterous notion that these were paid their wages in consideration of doing as they were bid.

of concern to or concerning the internal affairs of a nation

From this reading A man who cleaned knives, it appeared, could not possibly do anything else, and for several days the domestic arrangements below-stairs had been disturbed by a knotty question as to _whose_ business it was to answer "my lord's bell".

every one of two or more people or things, taken separately

From this reading It was not therefore surprising that figure-footmen, high of stature and faultless in general appearance, should have succeeded each other with startling rapidity, throwing up their appointments and doffing his lordship's livery, without regard to their own welfare or their employer's convenience, but in accordance with some Quixotic notions of respect for their office and loyalty to their order.

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

From this reading A man who cleaned knives, it appeared, could not possibly do anything else, and for several days the domestic arrangements below-stairs had been disturbed by a knotty question as to _whose_ business it was to answer "my lord's bell".

possessive form of “employer” — a person or firm that employs workers

From this reading It was not therefore surprising that figure-footmen, high of stature and faultless in general appearance, should have succeeded each other with startling rapidity, throwing up their appointments and doffing his lordship's livery, without regard to their own welfare or their employer's convenience, but in accordance with some Quixotic notions of respect for their office and loyalty to their order.

provide entertainment for

From this reading Now my lord was what his servants called rather "a arbitrary gentleman", seeming, indeed, to entertain the preposterous notion that these were paid their wages in consideration of doing as they were bid.

plural of “establishment” — the act of forming or establishing something

From this reading The division of labour, that admirable system by which such great results are attained, had been brought to perfection in his as in many other establishments.

without fault or error

From this reading It was not therefore surprising that figure-footmen, high of stature and faultless in general appearance, should have succeeded each other with startling rapidity, throwing up their appointments and doffing his lordship's livery, without regard to their own welfare or their employer's convenience, but in accordance with some Quixotic notions of respect for their office and loyalty to their order.

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

From this reading It was not therefore surprising that figure-footmen, high of stature and faultless in general appearance, should have succeeded each other with startling rapidity, throwing up their appointments and doffing his lordship's livery, without regard to their own welfare or their employer's convenience, but in accordance with some Quixotic notions of respect for their office and loyalty to their order.

intended to be given to, or used by, somebody

From this reading A man who cleaned knives, it appeared, could not possibly do anything else, and for several days the domestic arrangements below-stairs had been disturbed by a knotty question as to _whose_ business it was to answer "my lord's bell".

having unexpected good fortune

From this reading "THE LITTLE CLOUD" Lord Bearwarden, like other noblemen and gentlemen keeping house in London, was not invariably fortunate in the selection of his servants.

applying to all or most members of a category or group

From this reading It was not therefore surprising that figure-footmen, high of stature and faultless in general appearance, should have succeeded each other with startling rapidity, throwing up their appointments and doffing his lordship's livery, without regard to their own welfare or their employer's convenience, but in accordance with some Quixotic notions of respect for their office and loyalty to their order.

a man of refinement

From this reading Now my lord was what his servants called rather "a arbitrary gentleman", seeming, indeed, to entertain the preposterous notion that these were paid their wages in consideration of doing as they were bid.

plural of “gentleman” — a man of refinement

From this reading "THE LITTLE CLOUD" Lord Bearwarden, like other noblemen and gentlemen keeping house in London, was not invariably fortunate in the selection of his servants.

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

From this reading The division of labour, that admirable system by which such great results are attained, had been brought to perfection in his as in many other establishments.

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

From this reading The division of labour, that admirable system by which such great results are attained, had been brought to perfection in his as in many other establishments.

used with a past participle to form the perfect tenses

From this reading It was not therefore surprising that figure-footmen, high of stature and faultless in general appearance, should have succeeded each other with startling rapidity, throwing up their appointments and doffing his lordship's livery, without regard to their own welfare or their employer's convenience, but in accordance with some Quixotic notions of respect for their office and loyalty to their order.

greater than normal in degree or intensity or amount

From this reading It was not therefore surprising that figure-footmen, high of stature and faultless in general appearance, should have succeeded each other with startling rapidity, throwing up their appointments and doffing his lordship's livery, without regard to their own welfare or their employer's convenience, but in accordance with some Quixotic notions of respect for their office and loyalty to their order.

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

From this reading "THE LITTLE CLOUD" Lord Bearwarden, like other noblemen and gentlemen keeping house in London, was not invariably fortunate in the selection of his servants.

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

From this reading "THE LITTLE CLOUD" Lord Bearwarden, like other noblemen and gentlemen keeping house in London, was not invariably fortunate in the selection of his servants.

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

From this reading "THE LITTLE CLOUD" Lord Bearwarden, like other noblemen and gentlemen keeping house in London, was not invariably fortunate in the selection of his servants.

in truth (often tends to intensify)

From this reading Now my lord was what his servants called rather "a arbitrary gentleman", seeming, indeed, to entertain the preposterous notion that these were paid their wages in consideration of doing as they were bid.

without variation or change, in every case

From this reading "THE LITTLE CLOUD" Lord Bearwarden, like other noblemen and gentlemen keeping house in London, was not invariably fortunate in the selection of his servants.

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading A man who cleaned knives, it appeared, could not possibly do anything else, and for several days the domestic arrangements below-stairs had been disturbed by a knotty question as to _whose_ business it was to answer "my lord's bell".

conformity or harmony

From this reading "THE LITTLE CLOUD" Lord Bearwarden, like other noblemen and gentlemen keeping house in London, was not invariably fortunate in the selection of his servants.

plural of “knife” — edge tool used as a cutting instrument; has a pointed blade with a sharp edge and a handle

From this reading A man who cleaned knives, it appeared, could not possibly do anything else, and for several days the domestic arrangements below-stairs had been disturbed by a knotty question as to _whose_ business it was to answer "my lord's bell".

making great mental demands; hard to comprehend or solve or believe

From this reading A man who cleaned knives, it appeared, could not possibly do anything else, and for several days the domestic arrangements below-stairs had been disturbed by a knotty question as to _whose_ business it was to answer "my lord's bell".

a social class comprising those who do manual labor or work for wages

From this reading The division of labour, that admirable system by which such great results are attained, had been brought to perfection in his as in many other establishments.

prefer or wish to do something

From this reading "THE LITTLE CLOUD" Lord Bearwarden, like other noblemen and gentlemen keeping house in London, was not invariably fortunate in the selection of his servants.

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

From this reading "THE LITTLE CLOUD" Lord Bearwarden, like other noblemen and gentlemen keeping house in London, was not invariably fortunate in the selection of his servants.

uniform worn by some menservants and chauffeurs

From this reading It was not therefore surprising that figure-footmen, high of stature and faultless in general appearance, should have succeeded each other with startling rapidity, throwing up their appointments and doffing his lordship's livery, without regard to their own welfare or their employer's convenience, but in accordance with some Quixotic notions of respect for their office and loyalty to their order.

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

From this reading "THE LITTLE CLOUD" Lord Bearwarden, like other noblemen and gentlemen keeping house in London, was not invariably fortunate in the selection of his servants.

terms referring to the Judeo-Christian God

From this reading "THE LITTLE CLOUD" Lord Bearwarden, like other noblemen and gentlemen keeping house in London, was not invariably fortunate in the selection of his servants.

possessive form of “lord” — terms referring to the Judeo-Christian God

From this reading A man who cleaned knives, it appeared, could not possibly do anything else, and for several days the domestic arrangements below-stairs had been disturbed by a knotty question as to _whose_ business it was to answer "my lord's bell".

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

From this reading It was not therefore surprising that figure-footmen, high of stature and faultless in general appearance, should have succeeded each other with startling rapidity, throwing up their appointments and doffing his lordship's livery, without regard to their own welfare or their employer's convenience, but in accordance with some Quixotic notions of respect for their office and loyalty to their order.

the quality of being loyal

From this reading It was not therefore surprising that figure-footmen, high of stature and faultless in general appearance, should have succeeded each other with startling rapidity, throwing up their appointments and doffing his lordship's livery, without regard to their own welfare or their employer's convenience, but in accordance with some Quixotic notions of respect for their office and loyalty to their order.

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

From this reading A man who cleaned knives, it appeared, could not possibly do anything else, and for several days the domestic arrangements below-stairs had been disturbed by a knotty question as to _whose_ business it was to answer "my lord's bell".

a quantifier that can be used with count nouns and is often preceded by “as” or “too” or “so” or “that”; amounting to a large but indefinite number

From this reading The division of labour, that admirable system by which such great results are attained, had been brought to perfection in his as in many other establishments.

belonging to the person speaking

From this reading A man who cleaned knives, it appeared, could not possibly do anything else, and for several days the domestic arrangements below-stairs had been disturbed by a knotty question as to _whose_ business it was to answer "my lord's bell".

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

From this reading "THE LITTLE CLOUD" Lord Bearwarden, like other noblemen and gentlemen keeping house in London, was not invariably fortunate in the selection of his servants.

used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative

From this reading "THE LITTLE CLOUD" Lord Bearwarden, like other noblemen and gentlemen keeping house in London, was not invariably fortunate in the selection of his servants.

a vague idea in which some confidence is placed

From this reading Now my lord was what his servants called rather "a arbitrary gentleman", seeming, indeed, to entertain the preposterous notion that these were paid their wages in consideration of doing as they were bid.

plural of “notion” — a vague idea in which some confidence is placed

From this reading It was not therefore surprising that figure-footmen, high of stature and faultless in general appearance, should have succeeded each other with startling rapidity, throwing up their appointments and doffing his lordship's livery, without regard to their own welfare or their employer's convenience, but in accordance with some Quixotic notions of respect for their office and loyalty to their order.

in the historical present; at this point in the narration of a series of past events

From this reading Now my lord was what his servants called rather "a arbitrary gentleman", seeming, indeed, to entertain the preposterous notion that these were paid their wages in consideration of doing as they were bid.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading "THE LITTLE CLOUD" Lord Bearwarden, like other noblemen and gentlemen keeping house in London, was not invariably fortunate in the selection of his servants.

place of business where professional or clerical duties are performed

From this reading It was not therefore surprising that figure-footmen, high of stature and faultless in general appearance, should have succeeded each other with startling rapidity, throwing up their appointments and doffing his lordship's livery, without regard to their own welfare or their employer's convenience, but in accordance with some Quixotic notions of respect for their office and loyalty to their order.

used to join alternatives or possibilities

From this reading It was not therefore surprising that figure-footmen, high of stature and faultless in general appearance, should have succeeded each other with startling rapidity, throwing up their appointments and doffing his lordship's livery, without regard to their own welfare or their employer's convenience, but in accordance with some Quixotic notions of respect for their office and loyalty to their order.

(often plural) a command given by a superior (e.g., a military or law enforcement officer) that must be obeyed

From this reading It was not therefore surprising that figure-footmen, high of stature and faultless in general appearance, should have succeeded each other with startling rapidity, throwing up their appointments and doffing his lordship's livery, without regard to their own welfare or their employer's convenience, but in accordance with some Quixotic notions of respect for their office and loyalty to their order.

not the same one or ones already mentioned or implied

From this reading "THE LITTLE CLOUD" Lord Bearwarden, like other noblemen and gentlemen keeping house in London, was not invariably fortunate in the selection of his servants.

have ownership or possession of

From this reading It was not therefore surprising that figure-footmen, high of stature and faultless in general appearance, should have succeeded each other with startling rapidity, throwing up their appointments and doffing his lordship's livery, without regard to their own welfare or their employer's convenience, but in accordance with some Quixotic notions of respect for their office and loyalty to their order.

marked by the reception of pay

From this reading Now my lord was what his servants called rather "a arbitrary gentleman", seeming, indeed, to entertain the preposterous notion that these were paid their wages in consideration of doing as they were bid.

the state of being without a flaw or defect

From this reading The division of labour, that admirable system by which such great results are attained, had been brought to perfection in his as in many other establishments.

by chance

From this reading A man who cleaned knives, it appeared, could not possibly do anything else, and for several days the domestic arrangements below-stairs had been disturbed by a knotty question as to _whose_ business it was to answer "my lord's bell".

so unreasonable as to invite derision

From this reading Now my lord was what his servants called rather "a arbitrary gentleman", seeming, indeed, to entertain the preposterous notion that these were paid their wages in consideration of doing as they were bid.

challenge the accuracy, probity, or propriety of

From this reading A man who cleaned knives, it appeared, could not possibly do anything else, and for several days the domestic arrangements below-stairs had been disturbed by a knotty question as to _whose_ business it was to answer "my lord's bell".

not sensible about practical matters; idealistic and unrealistic

From this reading It was not therefore surprising that figure-footmen, high of stature and faultless in general appearance, should have succeeded each other with startling rapidity, throwing up their appointments and doffing his lordship's livery, without regard to their own welfare or their employer's convenience, but in accordance with some Quixotic notions of respect for their office and loyalty to their order.

a rate that is rapid

From this reading It was not therefore surprising that figure-footmen, high of stature and faultless in general appearance, should have succeeded each other with startling rapidity, throwing up their appointments and doffing his lordship's livery, without regard to their own welfare or their employer's convenience, but in accordance with some Quixotic notions of respect for their office and loyalty to their order.

on the contrary

From this reading Now my lord was what his servants called rather "a arbitrary gentleman", seeming, indeed, to entertain the preposterous notion that these were paid their wages in consideration of doing as they were bid.

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

From this reading It was not therefore surprising that figure-footmen, high of stature and faultless in general appearance, should have succeeded each other with startling rapidity, throwing up their appointments and doffing his lordship's livery, without regard to their own welfare or their employer's convenience, but in accordance with some Quixotic notions of respect for their office and loyalty to their order.

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

From this reading It was not therefore surprising that figure-footmen, high of stature and faultless in general appearance, should have succeeded each other with startling rapidity, throwing up their appointments and doffing his lordship's livery, without regard to their own welfare or their employer's convenience, but in accordance with some Quixotic notions of respect for their office and loyalty to their order.

plural of “result” — a phenomenon that follows and is caused by some previous phenomenon

From this reading The division of labour, that admirable system by which such great results are attained, had been brought to perfection in his as in many other establishments.

appearing as such but not necessarily so

From this reading Now my lord was what his servants called rather "a arbitrary gentleman", seeming, indeed, to entertain the preposterous notion that these were paid their wages in consideration of doing as they were bid.

the act of choosing or selecting

From this reading "THE LITTLE CLOUD" Lord Bearwarden, like other noblemen and gentlemen keeping house in London, was not invariably fortunate in the selection of his servants.

plural of “servant” — a person working in the service of another (especially in the household)

From this reading "THE LITTLE CLOUD" Lord Bearwarden, like other noblemen and gentlemen keeping house in London, was not invariably fortunate in the selection of his servants.

(used with count nouns) of an indefinite number more than 2 or 3 but not many

From this reading A man who cleaned knives, it appeared, could not possibly do anything else, and for several days the domestic arrangements below-stairs had been disturbed by a knotty question as to _whose_ business it was to answer "my lord's bell".

used to say what is right, expected, or advisable

From this reading It was not therefore surprising that figure-footmen, high of stature and faultless in general appearance, should have succeeded each other with startling rapidity, throwing up their appointments and doffing his lordship's livery, without regard to their own welfare or their employer's convenience, but in accordance with some Quixotic notions of respect for their office and loyalty to their order.

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

From this reading It was not therefore surprising that figure-footmen, high of stature and faultless in general appearance, should have succeeded each other with startling rapidity, throwing up their appointments and doffing his lordship's livery, without regard to their own welfare or their employer's convenience, but in accordance with some Quixotic notions of respect for their office and loyalty to their order.

so remarkably different or sudden as to cause momentary shock or alarm

From this reading It was not therefore surprising that figure-footmen, high of stature and faultless in general appearance, should have succeeded each other with startling rapidity, throwing up their appointments and doffing his lordship's livery, without regard to their own welfare or their employer's convenience, but in accordance with some Quixotic notions of respect for their office and loyalty to their order.

high level of respect gained by impressive development or achievement

From this reading It was not therefore surprising that figure-footmen, high of stature and faultless in general appearance, should have succeeded each other with startling rapidity, throwing up their appointments and doffing his lordship's livery, without regard to their own welfare or their employer's convenience, but in accordance with some Quixotic notions of respect for their office and loyalty to their order.

past form of “succeed” — attain success or reach a desired goal

From this reading It was not therefore surprising that figure-footmen, high of stature and faultless in general appearance, should have succeeded each other with startling rapidity, throwing up their appointments and doffing his lordship's livery, without regard to their own welfare or their employer's convenience, but in accordance with some Quixotic notions of respect for their office and loyalty to their order.

of the kind already mentioned

From this reading The division of labour, that admirable system by which such great results are attained, had been brought to perfection in his as in many other establishments.

causing surprise or wonder or amazement

From this reading It was not therefore surprising that figure-footmen, high of stature and faultless in general appearance, should have succeeded each other with startling rapidity, throwing up their appointments and doffing his lordship's livery, without regard to their own welfare or their employer's convenience, but in accordance with some Quixotic notions of respect for their office and loyalty to their order.

instrumentality that combines interrelated interacting artifacts designed to work as a coherent entity

From this reading The division of labour, that admirable system by which such great results are attained, had been brought to perfection in his as in many other establishments.

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading The division of labour, that admirable system by which such great results are attained, had been brought to perfection in his as in many other establishments.

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

From this reading "THE LITTLE CLOUD" Lord Bearwarden, like other noblemen and gentlemen keeping house in London, was not invariably fortunate in the selection of his servants.

belonging to the people or things already mentioned

From this reading Now my lord was what his servants called rather "a arbitrary gentleman", seeming, indeed, to entertain the preposterous notion that these were paid their wages in consideration of doing as they were bid.

for that reason; as a result

From this reading It was not therefore surprising that figure-footmen, high of stature and faultless in general appearance, should have succeeded each other with startling rapidity, throwing up their appointments and doffing his lordship's livery, without regard to their own welfare or their employer's convenience, but in accordance with some Quixotic notions of respect for their office and loyalty to their order.

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

From this reading Now my lord was what his servants called rather "a arbitrary gentleman", seeming, indeed, to entertain the preposterous notion that these were paid their wages in consideration of doing as they were bid.

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

From this reading Now my lord was what his servants called rather "a arbitrary gentleman", seeming, indeed, to entertain the preposterous notion that these were paid their wages in consideration of doing as they were bid.

-ing form of “throw” — propel through the air

From this reading It was not therefore surprising that figure-footmen, high of stature and faultless in general appearance, should have succeeded each other with startling rapidity, throwing up their appointments and doffing his lordship's livery, without regard to their own welfare or their employer's convenience, but in accordance with some Quixotic notions of respect for their office and loyalty to their order.

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

From this reading The division of labour, that admirable system by which such great results are attained, had been brought to perfection in his as in many other establishments.

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

From this reading It was not therefore surprising that figure-footmen, high of stature and faultless in general appearance, should have succeeded each other with startling rapidity, throwing up their appointments and doffing his lordship's livery, without regard to their own welfare or their employer's convenience, but in accordance with some Quixotic notions of respect for their office and loyalty to their order.

a recompense for worthy acts or retribution for wrongdoing

From this reading Now my lord was what his servants called rather "a arbitrary gentleman", seeming, indeed, to entertain the preposterous notion that these were paid their wages in consideration of doing as they were bid.

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

From this reading "THE LITTLE CLOUD" Lord Bearwarden, like other noblemen and gentlemen keeping house in London, was not invariably fortunate in the selection of his servants.

governmental provision of economic assistance to persons in need

From this reading It was not therefore surprising that figure-footmen, high of stature and faultless in general appearance, should have succeeded each other with startling rapidity, throwing up their appointments and doffing his lordship's livery, without regard to their own welfare or their employer's convenience, but in accordance with some Quixotic notions of respect for their office and loyalty to their order.

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

From this reading Now my lord was what his servants called rather "a arbitrary gentleman", seeming, indeed, to entertain the preposterous notion that these were paid their wages in consideration of doing as they were bid.

used to ask for information about something

From this reading Now my lord was what his servants called rather "a arbitrary gentleman", seeming, indeed, to entertain the preposterous notion that these were paid their wages in consideration of doing as they were bid.

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

From this reading The division of labour, that admirable system by which such great results are attained, had been brought to perfection in his as in many other establishments.

which person or people

From this reading A man who cleaned knives, it appeared, could not possibly do anything else, and for several days the domestic arrangements below-stairs had been disturbed by a knotty question as to _whose_ business it was to answer "my lord's bell".

belonging to which person

From this reading A man who cleaned knives, it appeared, could not possibly do anything else, and for several days the domestic arrangements below-stairs had been disturbed by a knotty question as to _whose_ business it was to answer "my lord's bell".

in the company of; together with

From this reading It was not therefore surprising that figure-footmen, high of stature and faultless in general appearance, should have succeeded each other with startling rapidity, throwing up their appointments and doffing his lordship's livery, without regard to their own welfare or their employer's convenience, but in accordance with some Quixotic notions of respect for their office and loyalty to their order.

not having, not using, or not accompanied by

From this reading It was not therefore surprising that figure-footmen, high of stature and faultless in general appearance, should have succeeded each other with startling rapidity, throwing up their appointments and doffing his lordship's livery, without regard to their own welfare or their employer's convenience, but in accordance with some Quixotic notions of respect for their office and loyalty to their order.