Chapter XVII

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

From this reading A certain instinct of perfection was characteristic of him; all his habits of living were of a finished character.

on the subject of; concerning

From this reading THE FIRST DEAL Mr. Alington was an early riser, and it was barely half-past eight when he finished his plain but excellent breakfast the morning after he had received Jack's telegram about Kit's venture in Carmel East.

in an admirable manner

From this reading He lived plainly, and he would sooner have his simple eggs and bacon off fine china, with alternate mouthfuls of admirably crisp toast and the freshest butter, than have rioted in the feasts of Caligula with a napkin ever so slightly stained.

later than; following

From this reading THE FIRST DEAL Mr. Alington was an early riser, and it was barely half-past eight when he finished his plain but excellent breakfast the morning after he had received Jack's telegram about Kit's venture in Carmel East.

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

From this reading THE FIRST DEAL Mr. Alington was an early riser, and it was barely half-past eight when he finished his plain but excellent breakfast the morning after he had received Jack's telegram about Kit's venture in Carmel East.

(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 A certain instinct of perfection was characteristic of him; all his habits of living were of a finished character.

every second one of a series

From this reading He lived plainly, and he would sooner have his simple eggs and bacon off fine china, with alternate mouthfuls of admirably crisp toast and the freshest butter, than have rioted in the feasts of Caligula with a napkin ever so slightly stained.

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

From this reading THE FIRST DEAL Mr. Alington was an early riser, and it was barely half-past eight when he finished his plain but excellent breakfast the morning after he had received Jack's telegram about Kit's venture in Carmel East.

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

From this reading THE FIRST DEAL Mr. Alington was an early riser, and it was barely half-past eight when he finished his plain but excellent breakfast the morning after he had received Jack's telegram about Kit's venture in Carmel East.

in or near a particular place or position

From this reading Gangs of men were out at work clearing it away, and streaks and squares of brown, muddy pavement and roadway of contrasted sordidness were being disclosed in the solid whiteness of the street.

from a particular thing or place or position (“forth” is obsolete)

From this reading Gangs of men were out at work clearing it away, and streaks and squares of brown, muddy pavement and roadway of contrasted sordidness were being disclosed in the solid whiteness of the street.

back and sides of a hog salted and dried or smoked; usually sliced thin and fried

From this reading He lived plainly, and he would sooner have his simple eggs and bacon off fine china, with alternate mouthfuls of admirably crisp toast and the freshest butter, than have rioted in the feasts of Caligula with a napkin ever so slightly stained.

only a very short time before

From this reading THE FIRST DEAL Mr. Alington was an early riser, and it was barely half-past eight when he finished his plain but excellent breakfast the morning after he had received Jack's telegram about Kit's venture in Carmel East.

the -ing form of “be”

From this reading Gangs of men were out at work clearing it away, and streaks and squares of brown, muddy pavement and roadway of contrasted sordidness were being disclosed in the solid whiteness of the street.

in the space, time, or range separating two things

From this reading The same snowfall which had blocked the line between Tilehurst and Goring had not spared London, and the streets on this Sunday morning were dumb and heavy with snow.

closed to traffic

From this reading The same snowfall which had blocked the line between Tilehurst and Goring had not spared London, and the streets on this Sunday morning were dumb and heavy with snow.

eat an early morning meal

From this reading THE FIRST DEAL Mr. Alington was an early riser, and it was barely half-past eight when he finished his plain but excellent breakfast the morning after he had received Jack's telegram about Kit's venture in Carmel East.

an orange of low brightness and saturation

From this reading Gangs of men were out at work clearing it away, and streaks and squares of brown, muddy pavement and roadway of contrasted sordidness were being disclosed in the solid whiteness of the street.

used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before

From this reading THE FIRST DEAL Mr. Alington was an early riser, and it was barely half-past eight when he finished his plain but excellent breakfast the morning after he had received Jack's telegram about Kit's venture in Carmel East.

an edible emulsion of fat globules made by churning milk or cream; for cooking and table use

From this reading He lived plainly, and he would sooner have his simple eggs and bacon off fine china, with alternate mouthfuls of admirably crisp toast and the freshest butter, than have rioted in the feasts of Caligula with a napkin ever so slightly stained.

Roman Emperor who succeeded Tiberius and whose uncontrolled passions resulted in manifest insanity; noted for his cruelty and tyranny; was assassinated (12-41)

From this reading He lived plainly, and he would sooner have his simple eggs and bacon off fine china, with alternate mouthfuls of admirably crisp toast and the freshest butter, than have rioted in the feasts of Caligula with a napkin ever so slightly stained.

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

From this reading THE FIRST DEAL Mr. Alington was an early riser, and it was barely half-past eight when he finished his plain but excellent breakfast the morning after he had received Jack's telegram about Kit's venture in Carmel East.

definite but not specified or identified

From this reading A certain instinct of perfection was characteristic of him; all his habits of living were of a finished character.

an imaginary person represented in a work of fiction (play or film or story)

From this reading A certain instinct of perfection was characteristic of him; all his habits of living were of a finished character.

a prominent attribute or aspect of something

From this reading A certain instinct of perfection was characteristic of him; all his habits of living were of a finished character.

a communist nation that covers a vast territory in eastern Asia; the most populous country in the world

From this reading He lived plainly, and he would sooner have his simple eggs and bacon off fine china, with alternate mouthfuls of admirably crisp toast and the freshest butter, than have rioted in the feasts of Caligula with a napkin ever so slightly stained.

a tract of land with few or no trees in the middle of a wooded area

From this reading Gangs of men were out at work clearing it away, and streaks and squares of brown, muddy pavement and roadway of contrasted sordidness were being disclosed in the solid whiteness of the street.

past form of “contrast” — put in opposition to show or emphasize differences

From this reading Gangs of men were out at work clearing it away, and streaks and squares of brown, muddy pavement and roadway of contrasted sordidness were being disclosed in the solid whiteness of the street.

(of something seen or heard) clearly defined

From this reading He lived plainly, and he would sooner have his simple eggs and bacon off fine china, with alternate mouthfuls of admirably crisp toast and the freshest butter, than have rioted in the feasts of Caligula with a napkin ever so slightly stained.

act on verbally or in some form of artistic expression

From this reading THE FIRST DEAL Mr. Alington was an early riser, and it was barely half-past eight when he finished his plain but excellent breakfast the morning after he had received Jack's telegram about Kit's venture in Carmel East.

made known (especially something secret or concealed)

From this reading Gangs of men were out at work clearing it away, and streaks and squares of brown, muddy pavement and roadway of contrasted sordidness were being disclosed in the solid whiteness of the street.

slow to learn or understand; lacking intellectual acuity

From this reading The same snowfall which had blocked the line between Tilehurst and Goring had not spared London, and the streets on this Sunday morning were dumb and heavy with snow.

at or near the beginning of a period of time or course of events or before the usual or expected time

From this reading THE FIRST DEAL Mr. Alington was an early riser, and it was barely half-past eight when he finished his plain but excellent breakfast the morning after he had received Jack's telegram about Kit's venture in Carmel East.

the cardinal compass point that is at 90 degrees

From this reading THE FIRST DEAL Mr. Alington was an early riser, and it was barely half-past eight when he finished his plain but excellent breakfast the morning after he had received Jack's telegram about Kit's venture in Carmel East.

oval reproductive body of a fowl (especially a hen) used as food

From this reading He lived plainly, and he would sooner have his simple eggs and bacon off fine china, with alternate mouthfuls of admirably crisp toast and the freshest butter, than have rioted in the feasts of Caligula with a napkin ever so slightly stained.

being one more than seven

From this reading THE FIRST DEAL Mr. Alington was an early riser, and it was barely half-past eight when he finished his plain but excellent breakfast the morning after he had received Jack's telegram about Kit's venture in Carmel East.

at any time

From this reading He lived plainly, and he would sooner have his simple eggs and bacon off fine china, with alternate mouthfuls of admirably crisp toast and the freshest butter, than have rioted in the feasts of Caligula with a napkin ever so slightly stained.

very good; of the highest quality

From this reading THE FIRST DEAL Mr. Alington was an early riser, and it was barely half-past eight when he finished his plain but excellent breakfast the morning after he had received Jack's telegram about Kit's venture in Carmel East.

plural of “feast” — a ceremonial dinner party for many people

From this reading He lived plainly, and he would sooner have his simple eggs and bacon off fine china, with alternate mouthfuls of admirably crisp toast and the freshest butter, than have rioted in the feasts of Caligula with a napkin ever so slightly stained.

being satisfactory or in satisfactory condition

From this reading He lived plainly, and he would sooner have his simple eggs and bacon off fine china, with alternate mouthfuls of admirably crisp toast and the freshest butter, than have rioted in the feasts of Caligula with a napkin ever so slightly stained.

(of materials or goods) brought to the desired final state

From this reading THE FIRST DEAL Mr. Alington was an early riser, and it was barely half-past eight when he finished his plain but excellent breakfast the morning after he had received Jack's telegram about Kit's venture in Carmel East.

preceding all others in time or space or degree

From this reading THE FIRST DEAL Mr. Alington was an early riser, and it was barely half-past eight when he finished his plain but excellent breakfast the morning after he had received Jack's telegram about Kit's venture in Carmel East.

superlative of “fresh” — recently made, produced, or harvested

From this reading He lived plainly, and he would sooner have his simple eggs and bacon off fine china, with alternate mouthfuls of admirably crisp toast and the freshest butter, than have rioted in the feasts of Caligula with a napkin ever so slightly stained.

plural of “gang” — an association of criminals

From this reading Gangs of men were out at work clearing it away, and streaks and squares of brown, muddy pavement and roadway of contrasted sordidness were being disclosed in the solid whiteness of the street.

German politician in Nazi Germany who founded the Gestapo and mobilized Germany for war (1893-1946)

From this reading The same snowfall which had blocked the line between Tilehurst and Goring had not spared London, and the streets on this Sunday morning were dumb and heavy with snow.

plural of “habit” — an established custom

From this reading A certain instinct of perfection was characteristic of him; all his habits of living were of a finished character.

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

From this reading THE FIRST DEAL Mr. Alington was an early riser, and it was barely half-past eight when he finished his plain but excellent breakfast the morning after he had received Jack's telegram about Kit's venture in Carmel East.

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

From this reading THE FIRST DEAL Mr. Alington was an early riser, and it was barely half-past eight when he finished his plain but excellent breakfast the morning after he had received Jack's telegram about Kit's venture in Carmel East.

used with a past participle to form the perfect tenses

From this reading He lived plainly, and he would sooner have his simple eggs and bacon off fine china, with alternate mouthfuls of admirably crisp toast and the freshest butter, than have rioted in the feasts of Caligula with a napkin ever so slightly stained.

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

From this reading THE FIRST DEAL Mr. Alington was an early riser, and it was barely half-past eight when he finished his plain but excellent breakfast the morning after he had received Jack's telegram about Kit's venture in Carmel East.

of comparatively great physical weight or density

From this reading The same snowfall which had blocked the line between Tilehurst and Goring had not spared London, and the streets on this Sunday morning were dumb and heavy with snow.

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

From this reading A certain instinct of perfection was characteristic of him; all his habits of living were of a finished character.

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

From this reading THE FIRST DEAL Mr. Alington was an early riser, and it was barely half-past eight when he finished his plain but excellent breakfast the morning after he had received Jack's telegram about Kit's venture in Carmel East.

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

From this reading THE FIRST DEAL Mr. Alington was an early riser, and it was barely half-past eight when he finished his plain but excellent breakfast the morning after he had received Jack's telegram about Kit's venture in Carmel East.

inborn pattern of behavior often responsive to specific stimuli

From this reading A certain instinct of perfection was characteristic of him; all his habits of living were of a finished character.

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading THE FIRST DEAL Mr. Alington was an early riser, and it was barely half-past eight when he finished his plain but excellent breakfast the morning after he had received Jack's telegram about Kit's venture in Carmel East.

possessive form of “jack” — a small worthless amount

From this reading THE FIRST DEAL Mr. Alington was an early riser, and it was barely half-past eight when he finished his plain but excellent breakfast the morning after he had received Jack's telegram about Kit's venture in Carmel East.

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

From this reading THE FIRST DEAL Mr. Alington was an early riser, and it was barely half-past eight when he finished his plain but excellent breakfast the morning after he had received Jack's telegram about Kit's venture in Carmel East.

a formation of people or things one beside another

From this reading The same snowfall which had blocked the line between Tilehurst and Goring had not spared London, and the streets on this Sunday morning were dumb and heavy with snow.

past form of “live” — be an inhabitant of or reside in

From this reading He lived plainly, and he would sooner have his simple eggs and bacon off fine china, with alternate mouthfuls of admirably crisp toast and the freshest butter, than have rioted in the feasts of Caligula with a napkin ever so slightly stained.

the experience of being alive; the course of human events and activities

From this reading A certain instinct of perfection was characteristic of him; all his habits of living were of a finished character.

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

From this reading The same snowfall which had blocked the line between Tilehurst and Goring had not spared London, and the streets on this Sunday morning were dumb and heavy with snow.

the force of workers available

From this reading Gangs of men were out at work clearing it away, and streaks and squares of brown, muddy pavement and roadway of contrasted sordidness were being disclosed in the solid whiteness of the street.

the time period between dawn and noon

From this reading THE FIRST DEAL Mr. Alington was an early riser, and it was barely half-past eight when he finished his plain but excellent breakfast the morning after he had received Jack's telegram about Kit's venture in Carmel East.

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

From this reading He lived plainly, and he would sooner have his simple eggs and bacon off fine china, with alternate mouthfuls of admirably crisp toast and the freshest butter, than have rioted in the feasts of Caligula with a napkin ever so slightly stained.

a form of address for a man

From this reading THE FIRST DEAL Mr. Alington was an early riser, and it was barely half-past eight when he finished his plain but excellent breakfast the morning after he had received Jack's telegram about Kit's venture in Carmel East.

(of soil) soft and watery

From this reading Gangs of men were out at work clearing it away, and streaks and squares of brown, muddy pavement and roadway of contrasted sordidness were being disclosed in the solid whiteness of the street.

a small piece of table linen that is used to wipe the mouth and to cover the lap in order to protect clothing

From this reading He lived plainly, and he would sooner have his simple eggs and bacon off fine china, with alternate mouthfuls of admirably crisp toast and the freshest butter, than have rioted in the feasts of Caligula with a napkin ever so slightly stained.

used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative

From this reading The same snowfall which had blocked the line between Tilehurst and Goring had not spared London, and the streets on this Sunday morning were dumb and heavy with snow.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading A certain instinct of perfection was characteristic of him; all his habits of living were of a finished character.

from a particular thing or place or position (“forth” is obsolete)

From this reading He lived plainly, and he would sooner have his simple eggs and bacon off fine china, with alternate mouthfuls of admirably crisp toast and the freshest butter, than have rioted in the feasts of Caligula with a napkin ever so slightly stained.

touching and supported by a surface

From this reading The same snowfall which had blocked the line between Tilehurst and Goring had not spared London, and the streets on this Sunday morning were dumb and heavy with snow.

not allowed to continue to bat or run

From this reading Gangs of men were out at work clearing it away, and streaks and squares of brown, muddy pavement and roadway of contrasted sordidness were being disclosed in the solid whiteness of the street.

the paved surface of a thoroughfare

From this reading Gangs of men were out at work clearing it away, and streaks and squares of brown, muddy pavement and roadway of contrasted sordidness were being disclosed in the solid whiteness of the street.

the state of being without a flaw or defect

From this reading A certain instinct of perfection was characteristic of him; all his habits of living were of a finished character.

clearly revealed to the mind or the senses or judgment

From this reading THE FIRST DEAL Mr. Alington was an early riser, and it was barely half-past eight when he finished his plain but excellent breakfast the morning after he had received Jack's telegram about Kit's venture in Carmel East.

unmistakably (“plain” is often used informally for “plainly”)

From this reading He lived plainly, and he would sooner have his simple eggs and bacon off fine china, with alternate mouthfuls of admirably crisp toast and the freshest butter, than have rioted in the feasts of Caligula with a napkin ever so slightly stained.

conforming to the established language usage of educated native speakers

From this reading THE FIRST DEAL Mr. Alington was an early riser, and it was barely half-past eight when he finished his plain but excellent breakfast the morning after he had received Jack's telegram about Kit's venture in Carmel East.

past form of “riot” — take part in a riot; disturb the public peace by engaging in a riot

From this reading He lived plainly, and he would sooner have his simple eggs and bacon off fine china, with alternate mouthfuls of admirably crisp toast and the freshest butter, than have rioted in the feasts of Caligula with a napkin ever so slightly stained.

a person who rises (especially from bed)

From this reading THE FIRST DEAL Mr. Alington was an early riser, and it was barely half-past eight when he finished his plain but excellent breakfast the morning after he had received Jack's telegram about Kit's venture in Carmel East.

a road (especially that part of a road) over which vehicles travel

From this reading Gangs of men were out at work clearing it away, and streaks and squares of brown, muddy pavement and roadway of contrasted sordidness were being disclosed in the solid whiteness of the street.

Identical; not different.

From this reading The same snowfall which had blocked the line between Tilehurst and Goring had not spared London, and the streets on this Sunday morning were dumb and heavy with snow.

having few parts; not complex or complicated or involved

From this reading He lived plainly, and he would sooner have his simple eggs and bacon off fine china, with alternate mouthfuls of admirably crisp toast and the freshest butter, than have rioted in the feasts of Caligula with a napkin ever so slightly stained.

to a small degree or extent

From this reading He lived plainly, and he would sooner have his simple eggs and bacon off fine china, with alternate mouthfuls of admirably crisp toast and the freshest butter, than have rioted in the feasts of Caligula with a napkin ever so slightly stained.

precipitation falling from clouds in the form of ice crystals

From this reading The same snowfall which had blocked the line between Tilehurst and Goring had not spared London, and the streets on this Sunday morning were dumb and heavy with snow.

precipitation falling from clouds in the form of ice crystals

From this reading The same snowfall which had blocked the line between Tilehurst and Goring had not spared London, and the streets on this Sunday morning were dumb and heavy with snow.

for that reason; with the result that

From this reading He lived plainly, and he would sooner have his simple eggs and bacon off fine china, with alternate mouthfuls of admirably crisp toast and the freshest butter, than have rioted in the feasts of Caligula with a napkin ever so slightly stained.

characterized by good substantial quality

From this reading Gangs of men were out at work clearing it away, and streaks and squares of brown, muddy pavement and roadway of contrasted sordidness were being disclosed in the solid whiteness of the street.

comparatives of “soon” or “early”

From this reading He lived plainly, and he would sooner have his simple eggs and bacon off fine china, with alternate mouthfuls of admirably crisp toast and the freshest butter, than have rioted in the feasts of Caligula with a napkin ever so slightly stained.

sordid dirtiness

From this reading Gangs of men were out at work clearing it away, and streaks and squares of brown, muddy pavement and roadway of contrasted sordidness were being disclosed in the solid whiteness of the street.

past form of “spare” — refrain from harming

From this reading The same snowfall which had blocked the line between Tilehurst and Goring had not spared London, and the streets on this Sunday morning were dumb and heavy with snow.

plural of “square” — (geometry) a plane rectangle with four equal sides and four right angles; a four-sided regular polygon

From this reading Gangs of men were out at work clearing it away, and streaks and squares of brown, muddy pavement and roadway of contrasted sordidness were being disclosed in the solid whiteness of the street.

marked or dyed or discolored with foreign matter

From this reading He lived plainly, and he would sooner have his simple eggs and bacon off fine china, with alternate mouthfuls of admirably crisp toast and the freshest butter, than have rioted in the feasts of Caligula with a napkin ever so slightly stained.

plural of “streak” — an unbroken series of events

From this reading Gangs of men were out at work clearing it away, and streaks and squares of brown, muddy pavement and roadway of contrasted sordidness were being disclosed in the solid whiteness of the street.

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

From this reading Gangs of men were out at work clearing it away, and streaks and squares of brown, muddy pavement and roadway of contrasted sordidness were being disclosed in the solid whiteness of the street.

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

From this reading The same snowfall which had blocked the line between Tilehurst and Goring had not spared London, and the streets on this Sunday morning were dumb and heavy with snow.

first day of the week; observed as a day of rest and worship by most Christians

From this reading The same snowfall which had blocked the line between Tilehurst and Goring had not spared London, and the streets on this Sunday morning were dumb and heavy with snow.

a message transmitted by telegraph

From this reading THE FIRST DEAL Mr. Alington was an early riser, and it was barely half-past eight when he finished his plain but excellent breakfast the morning after he had received Jack's telegram about Kit's venture in Carmel East.

used to introduce the second part of a comparison

From this reading He lived plainly, and he would sooner have his simple eggs and bacon off fine china, with alternate mouthfuls of admirably crisp toast and the freshest butter, than have rioted in the feasts of Caligula with a napkin ever so slightly stained.

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

From this reading THE FIRST DEAL Mr. Alington was an early riser, and it was barely half-past eight when he finished his plain but excellent breakfast the morning after he had received Jack's telegram about Kit's venture in Carmel East.

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

From this reading The same snowfall which had blocked the line between Tilehurst and Goring had not spared London, and the streets on this Sunday morning were dumb and heavy with snow.

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

From this reading The same snowfall which had blocked the line between Tilehurst and Goring had not spared London, and the streets on this Sunday morning were dumb and heavy with snow.

make brown and crisp by heating

From this reading He lived plainly, and he would sooner have his simple eggs and bacon off fine china, with alternate mouthfuls of admirably crisp toast and the freshest butter, than have rioted in the feasts of Caligula with a napkin ever so slightly stained.

any venturesome undertaking especially one with an uncertain outcome

From this reading THE FIRST DEAL Mr. Alington was an early riser, and it was barely half-past eight when he finished his plain but excellent breakfast the morning after he had received Jack's telegram about Kit's venture in Carmel East.

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

From this reading THE FIRST DEAL Mr. Alington was an early riser, and it was barely half-past eight when he finished his plain but excellent breakfast the morning after he had received Jack's telegram about Kit's venture in Carmel East.

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

From this reading A certain instinct of perfection was characteristic of him; all his habits of living were of a finished character.

at the time that

From this reading THE FIRST DEAL Mr. Alington was an early riser, and it was barely half-past eight when he finished his plain but excellent breakfast the morning after he had received Jack's telegram about Kit's venture in Carmel East.

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

From this reading The same snowfall which had blocked the line between Tilehurst and Goring had not spared London, and the streets on this Sunday morning were dumb and heavy with snow.

the quality or state of the achromatic color of greatest lightness (bearing the least resemblance to black)

From this reading Gangs of men were out at work clearing it away, and streaks and squares of brown, muddy pavement and roadway of contrasted sordidness were being disclosed in the solid whiteness of the street.

in the company of; together with

From this reading He lived plainly, and he would sooner have his simple eggs and bacon off fine china, with alternate mouthfuls of admirably crisp toast and the freshest butter, than have rioted in the feasts of Caligula with a napkin ever so slightly stained.

exert oneself by doing mental or physical work for a purpose or out of necessity

From this reading Gangs of men were out at work clearing it away, and streaks and squares of brown, muddy pavement and roadway of contrasted sordidness were being disclosed in the solid whiteness of the street.

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

From this reading He lived plainly, and he would sooner have his simple eggs and bacon off fine china, with alternate mouthfuls of admirably crisp toast and the freshest butter, than have rioted in the feasts of Caligula with a napkin ever so slightly stained.