Chapter XXI

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

From this reading A BURST OF CONFIDENCE.

having or displaying warmth or affection

From this reading He had not had much to worry him in his middle age; his youth had been a struggle, but he had been young and strong to bear with it, blest by a homely and affectionate wife, who struggled with him and consoled him; then had followed for more years than we care to reckon just now, the everyday life of a London shopkeeper--a life of business-making and money-making, plodding on in one groove, with little change to distract his attention, or trouble his brain.

how long something has existed

From this reading Yes, Mr. Wesden, late of Suffolk Street, had become nervous and eccentric in his old age--many people do, besides stationers.

similar in quality or character

From this reading All quiet and monotonous, but possessing for John Wesden peace of mind, which, if not exactly happiness, was akin to it.

(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 All quiet and monotonous, but possessing for John Wesden peace of mind, which, if not exactly happiness, was akin to it.

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

From this reading Yes, Mr. Wesden, late of Suffolk Street, had become nervous and eccentric in his old age--many people do, besides stationers.

the process whereby a person concentrates on some features of the environment to the (relative) exclusion of others

From this reading He had not had much to worry him in his middle age; his youth had been a struggle, but he had been young and strong to bear with it, blest by a homely and affectionate wife, who struggled with him and consoled him; then had followed for more years than we care to reckon just now, the everyday life of a London shopkeeper--a life of business-making and money-making, plodding on in one groove, with little change to distract his attention, or trouble his brain.

have

From this reading He had not had much to worry him in his middle age; his youth had been a struggle, but he had been young and strong to bear with it, blest by a homely and affectionate wife, who struggled with him and consoled him; then had followed for more years than we care to reckon just now, the everyday life of a London shopkeeper--a life of business-making and money-making, plodding on in one groove, with little change to distract his attention, or trouble his brain.

enter or assume a certain state or condition

From this reading Yes, Mr. Wesden, late of Suffolk Street, had become nervous and eccentric in his old age--many people do, besides stationers.

the past participle of “be”

From this reading He had not had much to worry him in his middle age; his youth had been a struggle, but he had been young and strong to bear with it, blest by a homely and affectionate wife, who struggled with him and consoled him; then had followed for more years than we care to reckon just now, the everyday life of a London shopkeeper--a life of business-making and money-making, plodding on in one groove, with little change to distract his attention, or trouble his brain.

inflected form of “begin” — take the first step or steps in carrying out an action

From this reading He had retired from business too late to enjoy the relaxation from business cares; he had better have died in harness than have given up the shop, for isolation therefrom began to work its evil.

in addition to; as well as

From this reading Yes, Mr. Wesden, late of Suffolk Street, had become nervous and eccentric in his old age--many people do, besides stationers.

(comparative of “good”) superior to another (of the same class or set or kind) in excellence or quality or desirability or suitability; more highly skilled than another

From this reading He had retired from business too late to enjoy the relaxation from business cares; he had better have died in harness than have given up the shop, for isolation therefrom began to work its evil.

highly favored or fortunate (as e.g. by divine grace)

From this reading He had not had much to worry him in his middle age; his youth had been a struggle, but he had been young and strong to bear with it, blest by a homely and affectionate wife, who struggled with him and consoled him; then had followed for more years than we care to reckon just now, the everyday life of a London shopkeeper--a life of business-making and money-making, plodding on in one groove, with little change to distract his attention, or trouble his brain.

that part of the central nervous system that includes all the higher nervous centers; enclosed within the skull; continuous with the spinal cord

From this reading He had not had much to worry him in his middle age; his youth had been a struggle, but he had been young and strong to bear with it, blest by a homely and affectionate wife, who struggled with him and consoled him; then had followed for more years than we care to reckon just now, the everyday life of a London shopkeeper--a life of business-making and money-making, plodding on in one groove, with little change to distract his attention, or trouble his brain.

come open suddenly and violently, as if from internal pressure

From this reading A BURST OF CONFIDENCE.

a commercial or industrial enterprise and the people who constitute it

From this reading He had retired from business too late to enjoy the relaxation from business cares; he had better have died in harness than have given up the shop, for isolation therefrom began to work its evil.

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

From this reading He had not had much to worry him in his middle age; his youth had been a struggle, but he had been young and strong to bear with it, blest by a homely and affectionate wife, who struggled with him and consoled him; then had followed for more years than we care to reckon just now, the everyday life of a London shopkeeper--a life of business-making and money-making, plodding on in one groove, with little change to distract his attention, or trouble his brain.

used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before

From this reading He had not had much to worry him in his middle age; his youth had been a struggle, but he had been young and strong to bear with it, blest by a homely and affectionate wife, who struggled with him and consoled him; then had followed for more years than we care to reckon just now, the everyday life of a London shopkeeper--a life of business-making and money-making, plodding on in one groove, with little change to distract his attention, or trouble his brain.

showing who or what does the action

From this reading He had not had much to worry him in his middle age; his youth had been a struggle, but he had been young and strong to bear with it, blest by a homely and affectionate wife, who struggled with him and consoled him; then had followed for more years than we care to reckon just now, the everyday life of a London shopkeeper--a life of business-making and money-making, plodding on in one groove, with little change to distract his attention, or trouble his brain.

the work of providing treatment for or attending to someone or something

From this reading He had not had much to worry him in his middle age; his youth had been a struggle, but he had been young and strong to bear with it, blest by a homely and affectionate wife, who struggled with him and consoled him; then had followed for more years than we care to reckon just now, the everyday life of a London shopkeeper--a life of business-making and money-making, plodding on in one groove, with little change to distract his attention, or trouble his brain.

plural of “care” — the work of providing treatment for or attending to someone or something

From this reading He had retired from business too late to enjoy the relaxation from business cares; he had better have died in harness than have given up the shop, for isolation therefrom began to work its evil.

cause to change; make different; cause a transformation

From this reading He had not had much to worry him in his middle age; his youth had been a struggle, but he had been young and strong to bear with it, blest by a homely and affectionate wife, who struggled with him and consoled him; then had followed for more years than we care to reckon just now, the everyday life of a London shopkeeper--a life of business-making and money-making, plodding on in one groove, with little change to distract his attention, or trouble his brain.

freedom from doubt; belief in yourself and your abilities

From this reading A BURST OF CONFIDENCE.

past form of “console” — give moral or emotional strength to

From this reading He had not had much to worry him in his middle age; his youth had been a struggle, but he had been young and strong to bear with it, blest by a homely and affectionate wife, who struggled with him and consoled him; then had followed for more years than we care to reckon just now, the everyday life of a London shopkeeper--a life of business-making and money-making, plodding on in one groove, with little change to distract his attention, or trouble his brain.

past form of “die” — pass from physical life and lose all bodily attributes and functions necessary to sustain life

From this reading He had retired from business too late to enjoy the relaxation from business cares; he had better have died in harness than have given up the shop, for isolation therefrom began to work its evil.

draw someone's attention away from something

From this reading He had not had much to worry him in his middle age; his youth had been a struggle, but he had been young and strong to bear with it, blest by a homely and affectionate wife, who struggled with him and consoled him; then had followed for more years than we care to reckon just now, the everyday life of a London shopkeeper--a life of business-making and money-making, plodding on in one groove, with little change to distract his attention, or trouble his brain.

used to form questions and negatives, and to give emphasis

From this reading Yes, Mr. Wesden, late of Suffolk Street, had become nervous and eccentric in his old age--many people do, besides stationers.

conspicuously or grossly unconventional or unusual

From this reading Yes, Mr. Wesden, late of Suffolk Street, had become nervous and eccentric in his old age--many people do, besides stationers.

derive or receive pleasure from; get enjoyment from; take pleasure in

From this reading He had retired from business too late to enjoy the relaxation from business cares; he had better have died in harness than have given up the shop, for isolation therefrom began to work its evil.

found in the ordinary course of events

From this reading He had not had much to worry him in his middle age; his youth had been a struggle, but he had been young and strong to bear with it, blest by a homely and affectionate wife, who struggled with him and consoled him; then had followed for more years than we care to reckon just now, the everyday life of a London shopkeeper--a life of business-making and money-making, plodding on in one groove, with little change to distract his attention, or trouble his brain.

morally objectionable behavior

From this reading He had retired from business too late to enjoy the relaxation from business cares; he had better have died in harness than have given up the shop, for isolation therefrom began to work its evil.

indicating exactness or preciseness

From this reading All quiet and monotonous, but possessing for John Wesden peace of mind, which, if not exactly happiness, was akin to it.

past form of “follow” — to travel behind, go after, come after

From this reading He had not had much to worry him in his middle age; his youth had been a struggle, but he had been young and strong to bear with it, blest by a homely and affectionate wife, who struggled with him and consoled him; then had followed for more years than we care to reckon just now, the everyday life of a London shopkeeper--a life of business-making and money-making, plodding on in one groove, with little change to distract his attention, or trouble his brain.

intended to be given to, or used by, somebody

From this reading He had retired from business too late to enjoy the relaxation from business cares; he had better have died in harness than have given up the shop, for isolation therefrom began to work its evil.

showing where something starts, or who sent it

From this reading He had retired from business too late to enjoy the relaxation from business cares; he had better have died in harness than have given up the shop, for isolation therefrom began to work its evil.

acknowledged as a supposition

From this reading He had retired from business too late to enjoy the relaxation from business cares; he had better have died in harness than have given up the shop, for isolation therefrom began to work its evil.

a long narrow furrow cut either by a natural process (such as erosion) or by a tool (as e.g. a groove in a phonograph record)

From this reading He had not had much to worry him in his middle age; his youth had been a struggle, but he had been young and strong to bear with it, blest by a homely and affectionate wife, who struggled with him and consoled him; then had followed for more years than we care to reckon just now, the everyday life of a London shopkeeper--a life of business-making and money-making, plodding on in one groove, with little change to distract his attention, or trouble his brain.

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

From this reading Yes, Mr. Wesden, late of Suffolk Street, had become nervous and eccentric in his old age--many people do, besides stationers.

state of well-being characterized by emotions ranging from contentment to intense joy

From this reading All quiet and monotonous, but possessing for John Wesden peace of mind, which, if not exactly happiness, was akin to it.

put a harness

From this reading He had retired from business too late to enjoy the relaxation from business cares; he had better have died in harness than have given up the shop, for isolation therefrom began to work its evil.

used with a past participle to form the perfect tenses

From this reading He had retired from business too late to enjoy the relaxation from business cares; he had better have died in harness than have given up the shop, for isolation therefrom began to work its evil.

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

From this reading He had retired from business too late to enjoy the relaxation from business cares; he had better have died in harness than have given up the shop, for isolation therefrom began to work its evil.

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

From this reading He had not had much to worry him in his middle age; his youth had been a struggle, but he had been young and strong to bear with it, blest by a homely and affectionate wife, who struggled with him and consoled him; then had followed for more years than we care to reckon just now, the everyday life of a London shopkeeper--a life of business-making and money-making, plodding on in one groove, with little change to distract his attention, or trouble his brain.

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

From this reading Yes, Mr. Wesden, late of Suffolk Street, had become nervous and eccentric in his old age--many people do, besides stationers.

lacking in physical beauty or proportion

From this reading He had not had much to worry him in his middle age; his youth had been a struggle, but he had been young and strong to bear with it, blest by a homely and affectionate wife, who struggled with him and consoled him; then had followed for more years than we care to reckon just now, the everyday life of a London shopkeeper--a life of business-making and money-making, plodding on in one groove, with little change to distract his attention, or trouble his brain.

on condition that; in the event that

From this reading All quiet and monotonous, but possessing for John Wesden peace of mind, which, if not exactly happiness, was akin to it.

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

From this reading Yes, Mr. Wesden, late of Suffolk Street, had become nervous and eccentric in his old age--many people do, besides stationers.

a state of separation between persons or groups

From this reading He had retired from business too late to enjoy the relaxation from business cares; he had better have died in harness than have given up the shop, for isolation therefrom began to work its evil.

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading He had not had much to worry him in his middle age; his youth had been a struggle, but he had been young and strong to bear with it, blest by a homely and affectionate wife, who struggled with him and consoled him; then had followed for more years than we care to reckon just now, the everyday life of a London shopkeeper--a life of business-making and money-making, plodding on in one groove, with little change to distract his attention, or trouble his brain.

belonging to the thing or animal already mentioned

From this reading He had retired from business too late to enjoy the relaxation from business cares; he had better have died in harness than have given up the shop, for isolation therefrom began to work its evil.

a room or building equipped with one or more toilets

From this reading All quiet and monotonous, but possessing for John Wesden peace of mind, which, if not exactly happiness, was akin to it.

and nothing more

From this reading He had not had much to worry him in his middle age; his youth had been a struggle, but he had been young and strong to bear with it, blest by a homely and affectionate wife, who struggled with him and consoled him; then had followed for more years than we care to reckon just now, the everyday life of a London shopkeeper--a life of business-making and money-making, plodding on in one groove, with little change to distract his attention, or trouble his brain.

being or occurring at an advanced period of time or after a usual or expected time

From this reading Yes, Mr. Wesden, late of Suffolk Street, had become nervous and eccentric in his old age--many people do, besides stationers.

a characteristic state or mode of living

From this reading He had not had much to worry him in his middle age; his youth had been a struggle, but he had been young and strong to bear with it, blest by a homely and affectionate wife, who struggled with him and consoled him; then had followed for more years than we care to reckon just now, the everyday life of a London shopkeeper--a life of business-making and money-making, plodding on in one groove, with little change to distract his attention, or trouble his brain.

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

From this reading He had not had much to worry him in his middle age; his youth had been a struggle, but he had been young and strong to bear with it, blest by a homely and affectionate wife, who struggled with him and consoled him; then had followed for more years than we care to reckon just now, the everyday life of a London shopkeeper--a life of business-making and money-making, plodding on in one groove, with little change to distract his attention, or trouble his brain.

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

From this reading He had not had much to worry him in his middle age; his youth had been a struggle, but he had been young and strong to bear with it, blest by a homely and affectionate wife, who struggled with him and consoled him; then had followed for more years than we care to reckon just now, the everyday life of a London shopkeeper--a life of business-making and money-making, plodding on in one groove, with little change to distract his attention, or trouble his brain.

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 Yes, Mr. Wesden, late of Suffolk Street, had become nervous and eccentric in his old age--many people do, besides stationers.

an area that is approximately central within some larger region

From this reading He had not had much to worry him in his middle age; his youth had been a struggle, but he had been young and strong to bear with it, blest by a homely and affectionate wife, who struggled with him and consoled him; then had followed for more years than we care to reckon just now, the everyday life of a London shopkeeper--a life of business-making and money-making, plodding on in one groove, with little change to distract his attention, or trouble his brain.

The element of a person that enables awareness and thought.

From this reading All quiet and monotonous, but possessing for John Wesden peace of mind, which, if not exactly happiness, was akin to it.

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

From this reading He had not had much to worry him in his middle age; his youth had been a struggle, but he had been young and strong to bear with it, blest by a homely and affectionate wife, who struggled with him and consoled him; then had followed for more years than we care to reckon just now, the everyday life of a London shopkeeper--a life of business-making and money-making, plodding on in one groove, with little change to distract his attention, or trouble his brain.

tediously repetitious or lacking in variety

From this reading All quiet and monotonous, but possessing for John Wesden peace of mind, which, if not exactly happiness, was akin to it.

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

From this reading He had not had much to worry him in his middle age; his youth had been a struggle, but he had been young and strong to bear with it, blest by a homely and affectionate wife, who struggled with him and consoled him; then had followed for more years than we care to reckon just now, the everyday life of a London shopkeeper--a life of business-making and money-making, plodding on in one groove, with little change to distract his attention, or trouble his brain.

a form of address for a man

From this reading Yes, Mr. Wesden, late of Suffolk Street, had become nervous and eccentric in his old age--many people do, besides stationers.

to a great degree or extent

From this reading He had not had much to worry him in his middle age; his youth had been a struggle, but he had been young and strong to bear with it, blest by a homely and affectionate wife, who struggled with him and consoled him; then had followed for more years than we care to reckon just now, the everyday life of a London shopkeeper--a life of business-making and money-making, plodding on in one groove, with little change to distract his attention, or trouble his brain.

easily agitated

From this reading Yes, Mr. Wesden, late of Suffolk Street, had become nervous and eccentric in his old age--many people do, besides stationers.

used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative

From this reading He had not had much to worry him in his middle age; his youth had been a struggle, but he had been young and strong to bear with it, blest by a homely and affectionate wife, who struggled with him and consoled him; then had followed for more years than we care to reckon just now, the everyday life of a London shopkeeper--a life of business-making and money-making, plodding on in one groove, with little change to distract his attention, or trouble his brain.

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

From this reading He had not had much to worry him in his middle age; his youth had been a struggle, but he had been young and strong to bear with it, blest by a homely and affectionate wife, who struggled with him and consoled him; then had followed for more years than we care to reckon just now, the everyday life of a London shopkeeper--a life of business-making and money-making, plodding on in one groove, with little change to distract his attention, or trouble his brain.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading A BURST OF CONFIDENCE.

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

From this reading Yes, Mr. Wesden, late of Suffolk Street, had become nervous and eccentric in his old age--many people do, besides stationers.

touching and supported by a surface

From this reading He had not had much to worry him in his middle age; his youth had been a struggle, but he had been young and strong to bear with it, blest by a homely and affectionate wife, who struggled with him and consoled him; then had followed for more years than we care to reckon just now, the everyday life of a London shopkeeper--a life of business-making and money-making, plodding on in one groove, with little change to distract his attention, or trouble his brain.

used to mean any person in general, including the speaker

From this reading He had not had much to worry him in his middle age; his youth had been a struggle, but he had been young and strong to bear with it, blest by a homely and affectionate wife, who struggled with him and consoled him; then had followed for more years than we care to reckon just now, the everyday life of a London shopkeeper--a life of business-making and money-making, plodding on in one groove, with little change to distract his attention, or trouble his brain.

used to join alternatives or possibilities

From this reading He had not had much to worry him in his middle age; his youth had been a struggle, but he had been young and strong to bear with it, blest by a homely and affectionate wife, who struggled with him and consoled him; then had followed for more years than we care to reckon just now, the everyday life of a London shopkeeper--a life of business-making and money-making, plodding on in one groove, with little change to distract his attention, or trouble his brain.

the state prevailing during the absence of war

From this reading All quiet and monotonous, but possessing for John Wesden peace of mind, which, if not exactly happiness, was akin to it.

(plural) any group of human beings (men or women or children) collectively

From this reading Yes, Mr. Wesden, late of Suffolk Street, had become nervous and eccentric in his old age--many people do, besides stationers.

hard monotonous routine work

From this reading He had not had much to worry him in his middle age; his youth had been a struggle, but he had been young and strong to bear with it, blest by a homely and affectionate wife, who struggled with him and consoled him; then had followed for more years than we care to reckon just now, the everyday life of a London shopkeeper--a life of business-making and money-making, plodding on in one groove, with little change to distract his attention, or trouble his brain.

-ing form of “possess” — have as an attribute, knowledge, or skill

From this reading All quiet and monotonous, but possessing for John Wesden peace of mind, which, if not exactly happiness, was akin to it.

characterized by an absence or near absence of agitation or activity

From this reading All quiet and monotonous, but possessing for John Wesden peace of mind, which, if not exactly happiness, was akin to it.

expect, believe, or suppose

From this reading He had not had much to worry him in his middle age; his youth had been a struggle, but he had been young and strong to bear with it, blest by a homely and affectionate wife, who struggled with him and consoled him; then had followed for more years than we care to reckon just now, the everyday life of a London shopkeeper--a life of business-making and money-making, plodding on in one groove, with little change to distract his attention, or trouble his brain.

(physiology) the gradual lengthening of inactive muscle or muscle fibers

From this reading He had retired from business too late to enjoy the relaxation from business cares; he had better have died in harness than have given up the shop, for isolation therefrom began to work its evil.

no longer active in your work or profession

From this reading He had retired from business too late to enjoy the relaxation from business cares; he had better have died in harness than have given up the shop, for isolation therefrom began to work its evil.

do one's shopping

From this reading He had retired from business too late to enjoy the relaxation from business cares; he had better have died in harness than have given up the shop, for isolation therefrom began to work its evil.

a merchant who owns or manages a shop

From this reading He had not had much to worry him in his middle age; his youth had been a struggle, but he had been young and strong to bear with it, blest by a homely and affectionate wife, who struggled with him and consoled him; then had followed for more years than we care to reckon just now, the everyday life of a London shopkeeper--a life of business-making and money-making, plodding on in one groove, with little change to distract his attention, or trouble his brain.

plural of “stationer” — a merchant who sells writing materials and office supplies

From this reading Yes, Mr. Wesden, late of Suffolk Street, had become nervous and eccentric in his old age--many people do, besides stationers.

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

From this reading Yes, Mr. Wesden, late of Suffolk Street, had become nervous and eccentric in his old age--many people do, besides stationers.

having strength or power greater than average or expected

From this reading He had not had much to worry him in his middle age; his youth had been a struggle, but he had been young and strong to bear with it, blest by a homely and affectionate wife, who struggled with him and consoled him; then had followed for more years than we care to reckon just now, the everyday life of a London shopkeeper--a life of business-making and money-making, plodding on in one groove, with little change to distract his attention, or trouble his brain.

make a strenuous or labored effort

From this reading He had not had much to worry him in his middle age; his youth had been a struggle, but he had been young and strong to bear with it, blest by a homely and affectionate wife, who struggled with him and consoled him; then had followed for more years than we care to reckon just now, the everyday life of a London shopkeeper--a life of business-making and money-making, plodding on in one groove, with little change to distract his attention, or trouble his brain.

past form of “struggle” — make a strenuous or labored effort

From this reading He had not had much to worry him in his middle age; his youth had been a struggle, but he had been young and strong to bear with it, blest by a homely and affectionate wife, who struggled with him and consoled him; then had followed for more years than we care to reckon just now, the everyday life of a London shopkeeper--a life of business-making and money-making, plodding on in one groove, with little change to distract his attention, or trouble his brain.

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

From this reading Yes, Mr. Wesden, late of Suffolk Street, had become nervous and eccentric in his old age--many people do, besides stationers.

used to introduce the second part of a comparison

From this reading He had retired from business too late to enjoy the relaxation from business cares; he had better have died in harness than have given up the shop, for isolation therefrom began to work its evil.

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

From this reading He had retired from business too late to enjoy the relaxation from business cares; he had better have died in harness than have given up the shop, for isolation therefrom began to work its evil.

subsequently or soon afterward (often used as sentence connectors)

From this reading He had not had much to worry him in his middle age; his youth had been a struggle, but he had been young and strong to bear with it, blest by a homely and affectionate wife, who struggled with him and consoled him; then had followed for more years than we care to reckon just now, the everyday life of a London shopkeeper--a life of business-making and money-making, plodding on in one groove, with little change to distract his attention, or trouble his brain.

from that circumstance or source

From this reading He had retired from business too late to enjoy the relaxation from business cares; he had better have died in harness than have given up the shop, for isolation therefrom began to work its evil.

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

From this reading He had retired from business too late to enjoy the relaxation from business cares; he had better have died in harness than have given up the shop, for isolation therefrom began to work its evil.

to a degree exceeding normal or proper limits

From this reading He had retired from business too late to enjoy the relaxation from business cares; he had better have died in harness than have given up the shop, for isolation therefrom began to work its evil.

a source of difficulty

From this reading He had not had much to worry him in his middle age; his youth had been a struggle, but he had been young and strong to bear with it, blest by a homely and affectionate wife, who struggled with him and consoled him; then had followed for more years than we care to reckon just now, the everyday life of a London shopkeeper--a life of business-making and money-making, plodding on in one groove, with little change to distract his attention, or trouble his brain.

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

From this reading He had retired from business too late to enjoy the relaxation from business cares; he had better have died in harness than have given up the shop, for isolation therefrom began to work its evil.

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

From this reading All quiet and monotonous, but possessing for John Wesden peace of mind, which, if not exactly happiness, was akin to it.

the speaker together with one or more other people

From this reading He had not had much to worry him in his middle age; his youth had been a struggle, but he had been young and strong to bear with it, blest by a homely and affectionate wife, who struggled with him and consoled him; then had followed for more years than we care to reckon just now, the everyday life of a London shopkeeper--a life of business-making and money-making, plodding on in one groove, with little change to distract his attention, or trouble his brain.

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From this reading Yes, Mr. Wesden, late of Suffolk Street, had become nervous and eccentric in his old age--many people do, besides stationers.

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

From this reading All quiet and monotonous, but possessing for John Wesden peace of mind, which, if not exactly happiness, was akin to it.

which person or people

From this reading He had not had much to worry him in his middle age; his youth had been a struggle, but he had been young and strong to bear with it, blest by a homely and affectionate wife, who struggled with him and consoled him; then had followed for more years than we care to reckon just now, the everyday life of a London shopkeeper--a life of business-making and money-making, plodding on in one groove, with little change to distract his attention, or trouble his brain.

a married woman; a man's partner in marriage

From this reading He had not had much to worry him in his middle age; his youth had been a struggle, but he had been young and strong to bear with it, blest by a homely and affectionate wife, who struggled with him and consoled him; then had followed for more years than we care to reckon just now, the everyday life of a London shopkeeper--a life of business-making and money-making, plodding on in one groove, with little change to distract his attention, or trouble his brain.

in the company of; together with

From this reading He had not had much to worry him in his middle age; his youth had been a struggle, but he had been young and strong to bear with it, blest by a homely and affectionate wife, who struggled with him and consoled him; then had followed for more years than we care to reckon just now, the everyday life of a London shopkeeper--a life of business-making and money-making, plodding on in one groove, with little change to distract his attention, or trouble his brain.

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

From this reading He had retired from business too late to enjoy the relaxation from business cares; he had better have died in harness than have given up the shop, for isolation therefrom began to work its evil.

be worried, concerned, anxious, troubled, or uneasy

From this reading He had not had much to worry him in his middle age; his youth had been a struggle, but he had been young and strong to bear with it, blest by a homely and affectionate wife, who struggled with him and consoled him; then had followed for more years than we care to reckon just now, the everyday life of a London shopkeeper--a life of business-making and money-making, plodding on in one groove, with little change to distract his attention, or trouble his brain.

a late time of life

From this reading He had not had much to worry him in his middle age; his youth had been a struggle, but he had been young and strong to bear with it, blest by a homely and affectionate wife, who struggled with him and consoled him; then had followed for more years than we care to reckon just now, the everyday life of a London shopkeeper--a life of business-making and money-making, plodding on in one groove, with little change to distract his attention, or trouble his brain.

an affirmative

From this reading Yes, Mr. Wesden, late of Suffolk Street, had become nervous and eccentric in his old age--many people do, besides stationers.

(used of living things especially persons) in an early period of life or development or growth

From this reading He had not had much to worry him in his middle age; his youth had been a struggle, but he had been young and strong to bear with it, blest by a homely and affectionate wife, who struggled with him and consoled him; then had followed for more years than we care to reckon just now, the everyday life of a London shopkeeper--a life of business-making and money-making, plodding on in one groove, with little change to distract his attention, or trouble his brain.

a young person (especially a young man or boy)

From this reading He had not had much to worry him in his middle age; his youth had been a struggle, but he had been young and strong to bear with it, blest by a homely and affectionate wife, who struggled with him and consoled him; then had followed for more years than we care to reckon just now, the everyday life of a London shopkeeper--a life of business-making and money-making, plodding on in one groove, with little change to distract his attention, or trouble his brain.