Chapter XX

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

From this reading Howsoever these things be, a long farewell to Locksley Hall, Now for me the woods may wither, now for me the roof-tree fall.

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

From this reading The shades of evening were closing over Montrevor, and candles had just been lighted in the library, earlier than usual, as it seemed, for the completion of some urgent business with which its occupants were employed.

eagerly desirous

From this reading He wrote some time in silence, the old man rocking himself backwards and forwards in his chair, as if nervous and weary; and the other leaning over the table, watching the proceedings of the scribe with anxious interest plainly revealed in his dark, but handsome countenance.

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

From this reading The shades of evening were closing over Montrevor, and candles had just been lighted in the library, earlier than usual, as it seemed, for the completion of some urgent business with which its occupants were employed.

at or to or toward the back or rear

From this reading He wrote some time in silence, the old man rocking himself backwards and forwards in his chair, as if nervous and weary; and the other leaning over the table, watching the proceedings of the scribe with anxious interest plainly revealed in his dark, but handsome countenance.

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

From this reading Howsoever these things be, a long farewell to Locksley Hall, Now for me the woods may wither, now for me the roof-tree fall.

the past participle of “be”

From this reading The shades of evening were closing over Montrevor, and candles had just been lighted in the library, earlier than usual, as it seemed, for the completion of some urgent business with which its occupants were employed.

earlier than; in front of

From this reading There were three individuals seated round the writing-table: Mr. Trevor, his son Eugene, and a third person, who, with pen in hand, with parchment opened before him, looked what he really was--a lawyer.

a commercial or industrial enterprise and the people who constitute it

From this reading The shades of evening were closing over Montrevor, and candles had just been lighted in the library, earlier than usual, as it seemed, for the completion of some urgent business with which its occupants were employed.

used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before

From this reading He wrote some time in silence, the old man rocking himself backwards and forwards in his chair, as if nervous and weary; and the other leaning over the table, watching the proceedings of the scribe with anxious interest plainly revealed in his dark, but handsome countenance.

plural of “candle” — stick of wax with a wick in the middle

From this reading The shades of evening were closing over Montrevor, and candles had just been lighted in the library, earlier than usual, as it seemed, for the completion of some urgent business with which its occupants were employed.

a seat for one person, with a support for the back

From this reading He wrote some time in silence, the old man rocking himself backwards and forwards in his chair, as if nervous and weary; and the other leaning over the table, watching the proceedings of the scribe with anxious interest plainly revealed in his dark, but handsome countenance.

the act of closing something

From this reading The shades of evening were closing over Montrevor, and candles had just been lighted in the library, earlier than usual, as it seemed, for the completion of some urgent business with which its occupants were employed.

(American football) a successful forward pass in football

From this reading The shades of evening were closing over Montrevor, and candles had just been lighted in the library, earlier than usual, as it seemed, for the completion of some urgent business with which its occupants were employed.

the appearance conveyed by a person's face

From this reading He wrote some time in silence, the old man rocking himself backwards and forwards in his chair, as if nervous and weary; and the other leaning over the table, watching the proceedings of the scribe with anxious interest plainly revealed in his dark, but handsome countenance.

absence of light or illumination

From this reading He wrote some time in silence, the old man rocking himself backwards and forwards in his chair, as if nervous and weary; and the other leaning over the table, watching the proceedings of the scribe with anxious interest plainly revealed in his dark, but handsome countenance.

earlier in time; previously

From this reading The shades of evening were closing over Montrevor, and candles had just been lighted in the library, earlier than usual, as it seemed, for the completion of some urgent business with which its occupants were employed.

having your services engaged for; or having a job especially one that pays wages or a salary

From this reading The shades of evening were closing over Montrevor, and candles had just been lighted in the library, earlier than usual, as it seemed, for the completion of some urgent business with which its occupants were employed.

Austrian general in the service of the Holy Roman Empire during the War of the Spanish Succession (1663-1736)

From this reading There were three individuals seated round the writing-table: Mr. Trevor, his son Eugene, and a third person, who, with pen in hand, with parchment opened before him, looked what he really was--a lawyer.

the latter part of the day (the period of decreasing daylight from late afternoon until nightfall)

From this reading The shades of evening were closing over Montrevor, and candles had just been lighted in the library, earlier than usual, as it seemed, for the completion of some urgent business with which its occupants were employed.

descend in free fall under the influence of gravity

From this reading Howsoever these things be, a long farewell to Locksley Hall, Now for me the woods may wither, now for me the roof-tree fall.

an acknowledgment or expression of goodwill at parting

From this reading Howsoever these things be, a long farewell to Locksley Hall, Now for me the woods may wither, now for me the roof-tree fall.

intended to be given to, or used by, somebody

From this reading Howsoever these things be, a long farewell to Locksley Hall, Now for me the woods may wither, now for me the roof-tree fall.

at or to or toward the front

From this reading He wrote some time in silence, the old man rocking himself backwards and forwards in his chair, as if nervous and weary; and the other leaning over the table, watching the proceedings of the scribe with anxious interest plainly revealed in his dark, but handsome countenance.

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

From this reading The shades of evening were closing over Montrevor, and candles had just been lighted in the library, earlier than usual, as it seemed, for the completion of some urgent business with which its occupants were employed.

an interior passage or corridor onto which rooms open

From this reading Howsoever these things be, a long farewell to Locksley Hall, Now for me the woods may wither, now for me the roof-tree fall.

the (prehensile) extremity of the superior limb

From this reading There were three individuals seated round the writing-table: Mr. Trevor, his son Eugene, and a third person, who, with pen in hand, with parchment opened before him, looked what he really was--a lawyer.

pleasing in appearance especially by reason of conformity to ideals of form and proportion

From this reading He wrote some time in silence, the old man rocking himself backwards and forwards in his chair, as if nervous and weary; and the other leaning over the table, watching the proceedings of the scribe with anxious interest plainly revealed in his dark, but handsome countenance.

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

From this reading There were three individuals seated round the writing-table: Mr. Trevor, his son Eugene, and a third person, who, with pen in hand, with parchment opened before him, looked what he really was--a lawyer.

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

From this reading There were three individuals seated round the writing-table: Mr. Trevor, his son Eugene, and a third person, who, with pen in hand, with parchment opened before him, looked what he really was--a lawyer.

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

From this reading He wrote some time in silence, the old man rocking himself backwards and forwards in his chair, as if nervous and weary; and the other leaning over the table, watching the proceedings of the scribe with anxious interest plainly revealed in his dark, but handsome countenance.

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

From this reading There were three individuals seated round the writing-table: Mr. Trevor, his son Eugene, and a third person, who, with pen in hand, with parchment opened before him, looked what he really was--a lawyer.

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

From this reading Howsoever these things be, a long farewell to Locksley Hall, Now for me the woods may wither, now for me the roof-tree fall.

on condition that; in the event that

From this reading He wrote some time in silence, the old man rocking himself backwards and forwards in his chair, as if nervous and weary; and the other leaning over the table, watching the proceedings of the scribe with anxious interest plainly revealed in his dark, but handsome countenance.

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

From this reading The shades of evening were closing over Montrevor, and candles had just been lighted in the library, earlier than usual, as it seemed, for the completion of some urgent business with which its occupants were employed.

plural of “individual” — a human being

From this reading There were three individuals seated round the writing-table: Mr. Trevor, his son Eugene, and a third person, who, with pen in hand, with parchment opened before him, looked what he really was--a lawyer.

a sense of concern with and curiosity about someone or something

From this reading He wrote some time in silence, the old man rocking himself backwards and forwards in his chair, as if nervous and weary; and the other leaning over the table, watching the proceedings of the scribe with anxious interest plainly revealed in his dark, but handsome countenance.

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading The shades of evening were closing over Montrevor, and candles had just been lighted in the library, earlier than usual, as it seemed, for the completion of some urgent business with which its occupants were employed.

belonging to the thing or animal already mentioned

From this reading The shades of evening were closing over Montrevor, and candles had just been lighted in the library, earlier than usual, as it seemed, for the completion of some urgent business with which its occupants were employed.

and nothing more

From this reading The shades of evening were closing over Montrevor, and candles had just been lighted in the library, earlier than usual, as it seemed, for the completion of some urgent business with which its occupants were employed.

a professional person authorized to practice law; conducts lawsuits or gives legal advice

From this reading There were three individuals seated round the writing-table: Mr. Trevor, his son Eugene, and a third person, who, with pen in hand, with parchment opened before him, looked what he really was--a lawyer.

departing or being caused to depart from the true vertical or horizontal

From this reading He wrote some time in silence, the old man rocking himself backwards and forwards in his chair, as if nervous and weary; and the other leaning over the table, watching the proceedings of the scribe with anxious interest plainly revealed in his dark, but handsome countenance.

a room where books are kept

From this reading The shades of evening were closing over Montrevor, and candles had just been lighted in the library, earlier than usual, as it seemed, for the completion of some urgent business with which its occupants were employed.

set afire or burning

From this reading The shades of evening were closing over Montrevor, and candles had just been lighted in the library, earlier than usual, as it seemed, for the completion of some urgent business with which its occupants were employed.

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

From this reading Howsoever these things be, a long farewell to Locksley Hall, Now for me the woods may wither, now for me the roof-tree fall.

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

From this reading Howsoever these things be, a long farewell to Locksley Hall, Now for me the woods may wither, now for me the roof-tree fall.

past form of “look” — perceive with attention; direct one's gaze towards

From this reading There were three individuals seated round the writing-table: Mr. Trevor, his son Eugene, and a third person, who, with pen in hand, with parchment opened before him, looked what he really was--a lawyer.

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

From this reading He wrote some time in silence, the old man rocking himself backwards and forwards in his chair, as if nervous and weary; and the other leaning over the table, watching the proceedings of the scribe with anxious interest plainly revealed in his dark, but handsome countenance.

used to say something is possible, or to give permission

From this reading Howsoever these things be, a long farewell to Locksley Hall, Now for me the woods may wither, now for me the roof-tree fall.

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

From this reading Howsoever these things be, a long farewell to Locksley Hall, Now for me the woods may wither, now for me the roof-tree fall.

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

From this reading The shades of evening were closing over Montrevor, and candles had just been lighted in the library, earlier than usual, as it seemed, for the completion of some urgent business with which its occupants were employed.

a form of address for a man

From this reading There were three individuals seated round the writing-table: Mr. Trevor, his son Eugene, and a third person, who, with pen in hand, with parchment opened before him, looked what he really was--a lawyer.

easily agitated

From this reading He wrote some time in silence, the old man rocking himself backwards and forwards in his chair, as if nervous and weary; and the other leaning over the table, watching the proceedings of the scribe with anxious interest plainly revealed in his dark, but handsome countenance.

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

From this reading Howsoever these things be, a long farewell to Locksley Hall, Now for me the woods may wither, now for me the roof-tree fall.

plural of “occupant” — someone who lives at a particular place for a prolonged period or who was born there

From this reading The shades of evening were closing over Montrevor, and candles had just been lighted in the library, earlier than usual, as it seemed, for the completion of some urgent business with which its occupants were employed.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading The shades of evening were closing over Montrevor, and candles had just been lighted in the library, earlier than usual, as it seemed, for the completion of some urgent business with which its occupants were employed.

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

From this reading He wrote some time in silence, the old man rocking himself backwards and forwards in his chair, as if nervous and weary; and the other leaning over the table, watching the proceedings of the scribe with anxious interest plainly revealed in his dark, but handsome countenance.

used of mouth or eyes

From this reading There were three individuals seated round the writing-table: Mr. Trevor, his son Eugene, and a third person, who, with pen in hand, with parchment opened before him, looked what he really was--a lawyer.

not the same one or ones already mentioned or implied

From this reading He wrote some time in silence, the old man rocking himself backwards and forwards in his chair, as if nervous and weary; and the other leaning over the table, watching the proceedings of the scribe with anxious interest plainly revealed in his dark, but handsome countenance.

above and across; more than

From this reading The shades of evening were closing over Montrevor, and candles had just been lighted in the library, earlier than usual, as it seemed, for the completion of some urgent business with which its occupants were employed.

A stiff, flat, thin material made from the prepared skin of an animal, used for writing.

From this reading There were three individuals seated round the writing-table: Mr. Trevor, his son Eugene, and a third person, who, with pen in hand, with parchment opened before him, looked what he really was--a lawyer.

a writing implement with a point from which ink flows

From this reading There were three individuals seated round the writing-table: Mr. Trevor, his son Eugene, and a third person, who, with pen in hand, with parchment opened before him, looked what he really was--a lawyer.

a human being

From this reading There were three individuals seated round the writing-table: Mr. Trevor, his son Eugene, and a third person, who, with pen in hand, with parchment opened before him, looked what he really was--a lawyer.

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

From this reading He wrote some time in silence, the old man rocking himself backwards and forwards in his chair, as if nervous and weary; and the other leaning over the table, watching the proceedings of the scribe with anxious interest plainly revealed in his dark, but handsome countenance.

(law) the institution of a sequence of steps by which legal judgments are invoked

From this reading He wrote some time in silence, the old man rocking himself backwards and forwards in his chair, as if nervous and weary; and the other leaning over the table, watching the proceedings of the scribe with anxious interest plainly revealed in his dark, but handsome countenance.

in accordance with truth or fact or reality

From this reading There were three individuals seated round the writing-table: Mr. Trevor, his son Eugene, and a third person, who, with pen in hand, with parchment opened before him, looked what he really was--a lawyer.

past form of “reveal” — make visible

From this reading He wrote some time in silence, the old man rocking himself backwards and forwards in his chair, as if nervous and weary; and the other leaning over the table, watching the proceedings of the scribe with anxious interest plainly revealed in his dark, but handsome countenance.

-ing form of “rock” — move back and forth or sideways

From this reading He wrote some time in silence, the old man rocking himself backwards and forwards in his chair, as if nervous and weary; and the other leaning over the table, watching the proceedings of the scribe with anxious interest plainly revealed in his dark, but handsome countenance.

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

From this reading Howsoever these things be, a long farewell to Locksley Hall, Now for me the woods may wither, now for me the roof-tree fall.

a charge of ammunition for a single shot

From this reading There were three individuals seated round the writing-table: Mr. Trevor, his son Eugene, and a third person, who, with pen in hand, with parchment opened before him, looked what he really was--a lawyer.

score a line on with a pointed instrument, as in metalworking

From this reading He wrote some time in silence, the old man rocking himself backwards and forwards in his chair, as if nervous and weary; and the other leaning over the table, watching the proceedings of the scribe with anxious interest plainly revealed in his dark, but handsome countenance.

(of persons) having the torso erect and legs bent with the body supported on the buttocks

From this reading There were three individuals seated round the writing-table: Mr. Trevor, his son Eugene, and a third person, who, with pen in hand, with parchment opened before him, looked what he really was--a lawyer.

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

From this reading The shades of evening were closing over Montrevor, and candles had just been lighted in the library, earlier than usual, as it seemed, for the completion of some urgent business with which its occupants were employed.

(plural) something that reminds you of someone or something

From this reading The shades of evening were closing over Montrevor, and candles had just been lighted in the library, earlier than usual, as it seemed, for the completion of some urgent business with which its occupants were employed.

Complete absence of sound; a state of quietness and stillness.

From this reading He wrote some time in silence, the old man rocking himself backwards and forwards in his chair, as if nervous and weary; and the other leaning over the table, watching the proceedings of the scribe with anxious interest plainly revealed in his dark, but handsome countenance.

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

From this reading The shades of evening were closing over Montrevor, and candles had just been lighted in the library, earlier than usual, as it seemed, for the completion of some urgent business with which its occupants were employed.

a male human offspring

From this reading There were three individuals seated round the writing-table: Mr. Trevor, his son Eugene, and a third person, who, with pen in hand, with parchment opened before him, looked what he really was--a lawyer.

a set of data arranged in rows and columns

From this reading He wrote some time in silence, the old man rocking himself backwards and forwards in his chair, as if nervous and weary; and the other leaning over the table, watching the proceedings of the scribe with anxious interest plainly revealed in his dark, but handsome countenance.

Englishman and Victorian poet (1809-1892)

From this reading TENNYSON.

used to introduce the second part of a comparison

From this reading The shades of evening were closing over Montrevor, and candles had just been lighted in the library, earlier than usual, as it seemed, for the completion of some urgent business with which its occupants were employed.

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

From this reading Howsoever these things be, a long farewell to Locksley Hall, Now for me the woods may wither, now for me the roof-tree fall.

in or at that place or location

From this reading There were three individuals seated round the writing-table: Mr. Trevor, his son Eugene, and a third person, who, with pen in hand, with parchment opened before him, looked what he really was--a lawyer.

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

From this reading Howsoever these things be, a long farewell to Locksley Hall, Now for me the woods may wither, now for me the roof-tree fall.

any movable possession (especially articles of clothing)

From this reading Howsoever these things be, a long farewell to Locksley Hall, Now for me the woods may wither, now for me the roof-tree fall.

one of three equal parts of a divisible whole

From this reading There were three individuals seated round the writing-table: Mr. Trevor, his son Eugene, and a third person, who, with pen in hand, with parchment opened before him, looked what he really was--a lawyer.

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

From this reading There were three individuals seated round the writing-table: Mr. Trevor, his son Eugene, and a third person, who, with pen in hand, with parchment opened before him, looked what he really was--a lawyer.

an instance or single occasion for some event

From this reading He wrote some time in silence, the old man rocking himself backwards and forwards in his chair, as if nervous and weary; and the other leaning over the table, watching the proceedings of the scribe with anxious interest plainly revealed in his dark, but handsome countenance.

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

From this reading Howsoever these things be, a long farewell to Locksley Hall, Now for me the woods may wither, now for me the roof-tree fall.

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

From this reading There were three individuals seated round the writing-table: Mr. Trevor, his son Eugene, and a third person, who, with pen in hand, with parchment opened before him, looked what he really was--a lawyer.

compelling immediate action

From this reading The shades of evening were closing over Montrevor, and candles had just been lighted in the library, earlier than usual, as it seemed, for the completion of some urgent business with which its occupants were employed.

occurring or encountered or experienced or observed frequently or in accordance with regular practice or procedure

From this reading The shades of evening were closing over Montrevor, and candles had just been lighted in the library, earlier than usual, as it seemed, for the completion of some urgent business with which its occupants were employed.

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

From this reading There were three individuals seated round the writing-table: Mr. Trevor, his son Eugene, and a third person, who, with pen in hand, with parchment opened before him, looked what he really was--a lawyer.

the act of observing; taking a patient look

From this reading He wrote some time in silence, the old man rocking himself backwards and forwards in his chair, as if nervous and weary; and the other leaning over the table, watching the proceedings of the scribe with anxious interest plainly revealed in his dark, but handsome countenance.

exhaust or get tired through overuse or great strain or stress

From this reading He wrote some time in silence, the old man rocking himself backwards and forwards in his chair, as if nervous and weary; and the other leaning over the table, watching the proceedings of the scribe with anxious interest plainly revealed in his dark, but handsome countenance.

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

From this reading The shades of evening were closing over Montrevor, and candles had just been lighted in the library, earlier than usual, as it seemed, for the completion of some urgent business with which its occupants were employed.

used to ask for information about something

From this reading There were three individuals seated round the writing-table: Mr. Trevor, his son Eugene, and a third person, who, with pen in hand, with parchment opened before him, looked what he really was--a lawyer.

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

From this reading The shades of evening were closing over Montrevor, and candles had just been lighted in the library, earlier than usual, as it seemed, for the completion of some urgent business with which its occupants were employed.

which person or people

From this reading There were three individuals seated round the writing-table: Mr. Trevor, his son Eugene, and a third person, who, with pen in hand, with parchment opened before him, looked what he really was--a lawyer.

in the company of; together with

From this reading The shades of evening were closing over Montrevor, and candles had just been lighted in the library, earlier than usual, as it seemed, for the completion of some urgent business with which its occupants were employed.

wither, as with a loss of moisture

From this reading Howsoever these things be, a long farewell to Locksley Hall, Now for me the woods may wither, now for me the roof-tree fall.

the trees and other plants in a large densely wooded area

From this reading Howsoever these things be, a long farewell to Locksley Hall, Now for me the woods may wither, now for me the roof-tree fall.

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

From this reading There were three individuals seated round the writing-table: Mr. Trevor, his son Eugene, and a third person, who, with pen in hand, with parchment opened before him, looked what he really was--a lawyer.

inflected form of “write” — produce a literary work

From this reading He wrote some time in silence, the old man rocking himself backwards and forwards in his chair, as if nervous and weary; and the other leaning over the table, watching the proceedings of the scribe with anxious interest plainly revealed in his dark, but handsome countenance.