Chapter I

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

From this reading Those of us who have known the Poskitt High Tea (a much more enjoyable meal than a late dinner) know what follows the consumption of Mrs. Poskitt’s tender chickens and her home-fed hams.

personal knowledge or information about someone or something

From this reading Everyone who has had the pleasure of Mr. Poskitt’s acquaintance knows that that estimable Yorkshireman is not only the cheeriest of hosts, but the best of companions.

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

From this reading Those of us who have known the Poskitt High Tea (a much more enjoyable meal than a late dinner) know what follows the consumption of Mrs. Poskitt’s tender chickens and her home-fed hams.

give a certain impression or have a certain outward aspect

From this reading The parlour fire is stirred into a blaze; the hearth is swept clean; the curtains are drawn; the decanters, the cigars, and the quaint old leaden tobacco-box appear beneath the shaded lamp, and Mr. Poskitt bids his guests to cheer up, to help themselves, and to feel heartily welcome.

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

From this reading The parlour fire is stirred into a blaze; the hearth is swept clean; the curtains are drawn; the decanters, the cigars, and the quaint old leaden tobacco-box appear beneath the shaded lamp, and Mr. Poskitt bids his guests to cheer up, to help themselves, and to feel heartily welcome.

in or near a particular place or position

From this reading And when those guests have their glasses at their elbows, their cigars and pipes between their lips, and their legs stretched in comfort, Mr. Poskitt has his story to tell.

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

From this reading Few men know the countryside and its people, with their joys, their sorrows, their humours better than he; few people there can surely be who would not enjoy hearing him tell of the big and little dramas of life which he has watched, with a shrewd and sympathetic eye, during his seventy years of work and play, of cloud and sunshine.

Directly under; in or to a lower position than.

From this reading The parlour fire is stirred into a blaze; the hearth is swept clean; the curtains are drawn; the decanters, the cigars, and the quaint old leaden tobacco-box appear beneath the shaded lamp, and Mr. Poskitt bids his guests to cheer up, to help themselves, and to feel heartily welcome.

the supreme effort one can make

From this reading Everyone who has had the pleasure of Mr. Poskitt’s acquaintance knows that that estimable Yorkshireman is not only the cheeriest of hosts, but the best of companions.

(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 Few men know the countryside and its people, with their joys, their sorrows, their humours better than he; few people there can surely be who would not enjoy hearing him tell of the big and little dramas of life which he has watched, with a shrewd and sympathetic eye, during his seventy years of work and play, of cloud and sunshine.

in the space, time, or range separating two things

From this reading And when those guests have their glasses at their elbows, their cigars and pipes between their lips, and their legs stretched in comfort, Mr. Poskitt has his story to tell.

plural of “bid” — an authoritative direction or instruction to do something

From this reading The parlour fire is stirred into a blaze; the hearth is swept clean; the curtains are drawn; the decanters, the cigars, and the quaint old leaden tobacco-box appear beneath the shaded lamp, and Mr. Poskitt bids his guests to cheer up, to help themselves, and to feel heartily welcome.

above average in size or number or quantity or magnitude or extent

From this reading Few men know the countryside and its people, with their joys, their sorrows, their humours better than he; few people there can surely be who would not enjoy hearing him tell of the big and little dramas of life which he has watched, with a shrewd and sympathetic eye, during his seventy years of work and play, of cloud and sunshine.

a strong flame that burns brightly

From this reading The parlour fire is stirred into a blaze; the hearth is swept clean; the curtains are drawn; the decanters, the cigars, and the quaint old leaden tobacco-box appear beneath the shaded lamp, and Mr. Poskitt bids his guests to cheer up, to help themselves, and to feel heartily welcome.

used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before

From this reading Everyone who has had the pleasure of Mr. Poskitt’s acquaintance knows that that estimable Yorkshireman is not only the cheeriest of hosts, but the best of companions.

to be able to, or to be allowed to

From this reading Few men know the countryside and its people, with their joys, their sorrows, their humours better than he; few people there can surely be who would not enjoy hearing him tell of the big and little dramas of life which he has watched, with a shrewd and sympathetic eye, during his seventy years of work and play, of cloud and sunshine.

give encouragement to

From this reading The parlour fire is stirred into a blaze; the hearth is swept clean; the curtains are drawn; the decanters, the cigars, and the quaint old leaden tobacco-box appear beneath the shaded lamp, and Mr. Poskitt bids his guests to cheer up, to help themselves, and to feel heartily welcome.

superlative of “cheery” — bright and pleasant; promoting a feeling of cheer

From this reading Everyone who has had the pleasure of Mr. Poskitt’s acquaintance knows that that estimable Yorkshireman is not only the cheeriest of hosts, but the best of companions.

plural of “chicken” — the flesh of a chicken used for food

From this reading Those of us who have known the Poskitt High Tea (a much more enjoyable meal than a late dinner) know what follows the consumption of Mrs. Poskitt’s tender chickens and her home-fed hams.

plural of “cigar” — a roll of tobacco for smoking

From this reading The parlour fire is stirred into a blaze; the hearth is swept clean; the curtains are drawn; the decanters, the cigars, and the quaint old leaden tobacco-box appear beneath the shaded lamp, and Mr. Poskitt bids his guests to cheer up, to help themselves, and to feel heartily welcome.

free from dirt or impurities; or having clean habits

From this reading The parlour fire is stirred into a blaze; the hearth is swept clean; the curtains are drawn; the decanters, the cigars, and the quaint old leaden tobacco-box appear beneath the shaded lamp, and Mr. Poskitt bids his guests to cheer up, to help themselves, and to feel heartily welcome.

make overcast or cloudy

From this reading Few men know the countryside and its people, with their joys, their sorrows, their humours better than he; few people there can surely be who would not enjoy hearing him tell of the big and little dramas of life which he has watched, with a shrewd and sympathetic eye, during his seventy years of work and play, of cloud and sunshine.

a state of being relaxed and feeling no pain

From this reading And when those guests have their glasses at their elbows, their cigars and pipes between their lips, and their legs stretched in comfort, Mr. Poskitt has his story to tell.

plural of “companion” — a friend who is frequently in the company of another

From this reading Everyone who has had the pleasure of Mr. Poskitt’s acquaintance knows that that estimable Yorkshireman is not only the cheeriest of hosts, but the best of companions.

the process of taking food into the body through the mouth (as by eating)

From this reading Those of us who have known the Poskitt High Tea (a much more enjoyable meal than a late dinner) know what follows the consumption of Mrs. Poskitt’s tender chickens and her home-fed hams.

rural regions

From this reading Few men know the countryside and its people, with their joys, their sorrows, their humours better than he; few people there can surely be who would not enjoy hearing him tell of the big and little dramas of life which he has watched, with a shrewd and sympathetic eye, during his seventy years of work and play, of cloud and sunshine.

plural of “curtain” — hanging cloth used as a blind (especially for a window)

From this reading The parlour fire is stirred into a blaze; the hearth is swept clean; the curtains are drawn; the decanters, the cigars, and the quaint old leaden tobacco-box appear beneath the shaded lamp, and Mr. Poskitt bids his guests to cheer up, to help themselves, and to feel heartily welcome.

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

From this reading The parlour fire is stirred into a blaze; the hearth is swept clean; the curtains are drawn; the decanters, the cigars, and the quaint old leaden tobacco-box appear beneath the shaded lamp, and Mr. Poskitt bids his guests to cheer up, to help themselves, and to feel heartily welcome.

the main meal of the day served in the evening or at midday

From this reading Those of us who have known the Poskitt High Tea (a much more enjoyable meal than a late dinner) know what follows the consumption of Mrs. Poskitt’s tender chickens and her home-fed hams.

plural of “drama” — a dramatic work intended for performance by actors on a stage

From this reading Few men know the countryside and its people, with their joys, their sorrows, their humours better than he; few people there can surely be who would not enjoy hearing him tell of the big and little dramas of life which he has watched, with a shrewd and sympathetic eye, during his seventy years of work and play, of cloud and sunshine.

showing the wearing effects of overwork or care or suffering

From this reading The parlour fire is stirred into a blaze; the hearth is swept clean; the curtains are drawn; the decanters, the cigars, and the quaint old leaden tobacco-box appear beneath the shaded lamp, and Mr. Poskitt bids his guests to cheer up, to help themselves, and to feel heartily welcome.

all through a period, or at some point within it

From this reading Few men know the countryside and its people, with their joys, their sorrows, their humours better than he; few people there can surely be who would not enjoy hearing him tell of the big and little dramas of life which he has watched, with a shrewd and sympathetic eye, during his seventy years of work and play, of cloud and sunshine.

plural of “elbow” — hinge joint between the forearm and upper arm and the corresponding joint in the forelimb of a quadruped

From this reading And when those guests have their glasses at their elbows, their cigars and pipes between their lips, and their legs stretched in comfort, Mr. Poskitt has his story to tell.

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

From this reading Few men know the countryside and its people, with their joys, their sorrows, their humours better than he; few people there can surely be who would not enjoy hearing him tell of the big and little dramas of life which he has watched, with a shrewd and sympathetic eye, during his seventy years of work and play, of cloud and sunshine.

affording satisfaction or pleasure

From this reading Those of us who have known the Poskitt High Tea (a much more enjoyable meal than a late dinner) know what follows the consumption of Mrs. Poskitt’s tender chickens and her home-fed hams.

deserving of respect or high regard

From this reading Everyone who has had the pleasure of Mr. Poskitt’s acquaintance knows that that estimable Yorkshireman is not only the cheeriest of hosts, but the best of companions.

every person

From this reading Everyone who has had the pleasure of Mr. Poskitt’s acquaintance knows that that estimable Yorkshireman is not only the cheeriest of hosts, but the best of companions.

the organ of sight

From this reading Few men know the countryside and its people, with their joys, their sorrows, their humours better than he; few people there can surely be who would not enjoy hearing him tell of the big and little dramas of life which he has watched, with a shrewd and sympathetic eye, during his seventy years of work and play, of cloud and sunshine.

undergo an emotional sensation or be in a particular state of mind

From this reading The parlour fire is stirred into a blaze; the hearth is swept clean; the curtains are drawn; the decanters, the cigars, and the quaint old leaden tobacco-box appear beneath the shaded lamp, and Mr. Poskitt bids his guests to cheer up, to help themselves, and to feel heartily welcome.

a quantifier that can be used with count nouns and is often preceded by “a”; a small but indefinite number

From this reading Few men know the countryside and its people, with their joys, their sorrows, their humours better than he; few people there can surely be who would not enjoy hearing him tell of the big and little dramas of life which he has watched, with a shrewd and sympathetic eye, during his seventy years of work and play, of cloud and sunshine.

start firing a weapon

From this reading The parlour fire is stirred into a blaze; the hearth is swept clean; the curtains are drawn; the decanters, the cigars, and the quaint old leaden tobacco-box appear beneath the shaded lamp, and Mr. Poskitt bids his guests to cheer up, to help themselves, and to feel heartily welcome.

third-person singular of “follow” — to travel behind, go after, come after

From this reading Those of us who have known the Poskitt High Tea (a much more enjoyable meal than a late dinner) know what follows the consumption of Mrs. Poskitt’s tender chickens and her home-fed hams.

(plural) optical instrument consisting of a frame that holds a pair of lenses for correcting defective vision

From this reading And when those guests have their glasses at their elbows, their cigars and pipes between their lips, and their legs stretched in comfort, Mr. Poskitt has his story to tell.

plural of “guest” — a visitor to whom hospitality is extended

From this reading The parlour fire is stirred into a blaze; the hearth is swept clean; the curtains are drawn; the decanters, the cigars, and the quaint old leaden tobacco-box appear beneath the shaded lamp, and Mr. Poskitt bids his guests to cheer up, to help themselves, and to feel heartily welcome.

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

From this reading Everyone who has had the pleasure of Mr. Poskitt’s acquaintance knows that that estimable Yorkshireman is not only the cheeriest of hosts, but the best of companions.

plural of “ham” — meat cut from the thigh of a hog (usually smoked)

From this reading Those of us who have known the Poskitt High Tea (a much more enjoyable meal than a late dinner) know what follows the consumption of Mrs. Poskitt’s tender chickens and her home-fed hams.

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

From this reading Everyone who has had the pleasure of Mr. Poskitt’s acquaintance knows that that estimable Yorkshireman is not only the cheeriest of hosts, but the best of companions.

used with a past participle to form the perfect tenses

From this reading Those of us who have known the Poskitt High Tea (a much more enjoyable meal than a late dinner) know what follows the consumption of Mrs. Poskitt’s tender chickens and her home-fed hams.

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

From this reading Few men know the countryside and its people, with their joys, their sorrows, their humours better than he; few people there can surely be who would not enjoy hearing him tell of the big and little dramas of life which he has watched, with a shrewd and sympathetic eye, during his seventy years of work and play, of cloud and sunshine.

(law) a proceeding (usually by a court) where evidence is taken for the purpose of determining an issue of fact and reaching a decision based on that evidence

From this reading Few men know the countryside and its people, with their joys, their sorrows, their humours better than he; few people there can surely be who would not enjoy hearing him tell of the big and little dramas of life which he has watched, with a shrewd and sympathetic eye, during his seventy years of work and play, of cloud and sunshine.

an open recess in a wall at the base of a chimney where a fire can be built

From this reading The parlour fire is stirred into a blaze; the hearth is swept clean; the curtains are drawn; the decanters, the cigars, and the quaint old leaden tobacco-box appear beneath the shaded lamp, and Mr. Poskitt bids his guests to cheer up, to help themselves, and to feel heartily welcome.

with gusto and without reservation

From this reading The parlour fire is stirred into a blaze; the hearth is swept clean; the curtains are drawn; the decanters, the cigars, and the quaint old leaden tobacco-box appear beneath the shaded lamp, and Mr. Poskitt bids his guests to cheer up, to help themselves, and to feel heartily welcome.

give help or assistance; be of service

From this reading The parlour fire is stirred into a blaze; the hearth is swept clean; the curtains are drawn; the decanters, the cigars, and the quaint old leaden tobacco-box appear beneath the shaded lamp, and Mr. Poskitt bids his guests to cheer up, to help themselves, and to feel heartily welcome.

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

From this reading Those of us who have known the Poskitt High Tea (a much more enjoyable meal than a late dinner) know what follows the consumption of Mrs. Poskitt’s tender chickens and her home-fed hams.

greater than normal in degree or intensity or amount

From this reading Those of us who have known the Poskitt High Tea (a much more enjoyable meal than a late dinner) know what follows the consumption of Mrs. Poskitt’s tender chickens and her home-fed hams.

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

From this reading Few men know the countryside and its people, with their joys, their sorrows, their humours better than he; few people there can surely be who would not enjoy hearing him tell of the big and little dramas of life which he has watched, with a shrewd and sympathetic eye, during his seventy years of work and play, of cloud and sunshine.

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

From this reading The parlour fire is stirred into a blaze; the hearth is swept clean; the curtains are drawn; the decanters, the cigars, and the quaint old leaden tobacco-box appear beneath the shaded lamp, and Mr. Poskitt bids his guests to cheer up, to help themselves, and to feel heartily welcome.

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

From this reading Those of us who have known the Poskitt High Tea (a much more enjoyable meal than a late dinner) know what follows the consumption of Mrs. Poskitt’s tender chickens and her home-fed hams.

plural of “host” — a person who invites guests to a social event (such as a party in his or her own home) and who is responsible for them while they are there

From this reading Everyone who has had the pleasure of Mr. Poskitt’s acquaintance knows that that estimable Yorkshireman is not only the cheeriest of hosts, but the best of companions.

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

From this reading Few men know the countryside and its people, with their joys, their sorrows, their humours better than he; few people there can surely be who would not enjoy hearing him tell of the big and little dramas of life which he has watched, with a shrewd and sympathetic eye, during his seventy years of work and play, of cloud and sunshine.

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

From this reading And when those guests have their glasses at their elbows, their cigars and pipes between their lips, and their legs stretched in comfort, Mr. Poskitt has his story to tell.

moving to the inside of something

From this reading The parlour fire is stirred into a blaze; the hearth is swept clean; the curtains are drawn; the decanters, the cigars, and the quaint old leaden tobacco-box appear beneath the shaded lamp, and Mr. Poskitt bids his guests to cheer up, to help themselves, and to feel heartily welcome.

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

From this reading Everyone who has had the pleasure of Mr. Poskitt’s acquaintance knows that that estimable Yorkshireman is not only the cheeriest of hosts, but the best of companions.

belonging to the thing or animal already mentioned

From this reading Few men know the countryside and its people, with their joys, their sorrows, their humours better than he; few people there can surely be who would not enjoy hearing him tell of the big and little dramas of life which he has watched, with a shrewd and sympathetic eye, during his seventy years of work and play, of cloud and sunshine.

plural of “joy” — the emotion of great happiness

From this reading Few men know the countryside and its people, with their joys, their sorrows, their humours better than he; few people there can surely be who would not enjoy hearing him tell of the big and little dramas of life which he has watched, with a shrewd and sympathetic eye, during his seventy years of work and play, of cloud and sunshine.

be cognizant or aware of a fact or a specific piece of information; possess knowledge or information about

From this reading Those of us who have known the Poskitt High Tea (a much more enjoyable meal than a late dinner) know what follows the consumption of Mrs. Poskitt’s tender chickens and her home-fed hams.

apprehended with certainty

From this reading Those of us who have known the Poskitt High Tea (a much more enjoyable meal than a late dinner) know what follows the consumption of Mrs. Poskitt’s tender chickens and her home-fed hams.

plural of “know” — the fact of being aware of information that is known to few people

From this reading Everyone who has had the pleasure of Mr. Poskitt’s acquaintance knows that that estimable Yorkshireman is not only the cheeriest of hosts, but the best of companions.

an artificial source of visible illumination

From this reading The parlour fire is stirred into a blaze; the hearth is swept clean; the curtains are drawn; the decanters, the cigars, and the quaint old leaden tobacco-box appear beneath the shaded lamp, and Mr. Poskitt bids his guests to cheer up, to help themselves, and to feel heartily welcome.

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

From this reading Those of us who have known the Poskitt High Tea (a much more enjoyable meal than a late dinner) know what follows the consumption of Mrs. Poskitt’s tender chickens and her home-fed hams.

darkened with overcast

From this reading The parlour fire is stirred into a blaze; the hearth is swept clean; the curtains are drawn; the decanters, the cigars, and the quaint old leaden tobacco-box appear beneath the shaded lamp, and Mr. Poskitt bids his guests to cheer up, to help themselves, and to feel heartily welcome.

staying power

From this reading And when those guests have their glasses at their elbows, their cigars and pipes between their lips, and their legs stretched in comfort, Mr. Poskitt has his story to tell.

a characteristic state or mode of living

From this reading Few men know the countryside and its people, with their joys, their sorrows, their humours better than he; few people there can surely be who would not enjoy hearing him tell of the big and little dramas of life which he has watched, with a shrewd and sympathetic eye, during his seventy years of work and play, of cloud and sunshine.

plural of “lip” — either of two fleshy folds of tissue that surround the mouth and play a role in speaking

From this reading And when those guests have their glasses at their elbows, their cigars and pipes between their lips, and their legs stretched in comfort, Mr. Poskitt has his story to tell.

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

From this reading Few men know the countryside and its people, with their joys, their sorrows, their humours better than he; few people there can surely be who would not enjoy hearing him tell of the big and little dramas of life which he has watched, with a shrewd and sympathetic eye, during his seventy years of work and play, of cloud and sunshine.

the food served and eaten at one time

From this reading Those of us who have known the Poskitt High Tea (a much more enjoyable meal than a late dinner) know what follows the consumption of Mrs. Poskitt’s tender chickens and her home-fed hams.

the force of workers available

From this reading Few men know the countryside and its people, with their joys, their sorrows, their humours better than he; few people there can surely be who would not enjoy hearing him tell of the big and little dramas of life which he has watched, with a shrewd and sympathetic eye, during his seventy years of work and play, of cloud and sunshine.

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

From this reading Those of us who have known the Poskitt High Tea (a much more enjoyable meal than a late dinner) know what follows the consumption of Mrs. Poskitt’s tender chickens and her home-fed hams.

a form of address for a man

From this reading Everyone who has had the pleasure of Mr. Poskitt’s acquaintance knows that that estimable Yorkshireman is not only the cheeriest of hosts, but the best of companions.

a form of address for a married woman

From this reading Those of us who have known the Poskitt High Tea (a much more enjoyable meal than a late dinner) know what follows the consumption of Mrs. Poskitt’s tender chickens and her home-fed hams.

to a great degree or extent

From this reading Those of us who have known the Poskitt High Tea (a much more enjoyable meal than a late dinner) know what follows the consumption of Mrs. Poskitt’s tender chickens and her home-fed hams.

used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative

From this reading Everyone who has had the pleasure of Mr. Poskitt’s acquaintance knows that that estimable Yorkshireman is not only the cheeriest of hosts, but the best of companions.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading Everyone who has had the pleasure of Mr. Poskitt’s acquaintance knows that that estimable Yorkshireman is not only the cheeriest of hosts, but the best of companions.

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

From this reading The parlour fire is stirred into a blaze; the hearth is swept clean; the curtains are drawn; the decanters, the cigars, and the quaint old leaden tobacco-box appear beneath the shaded lamp, and Mr. Poskitt bids his guests to cheer up, to help themselves, and to feel heartily welcome.

and nothing more

From this reading Everyone who has had the pleasure of Mr. Poskitt’s acquaintance knows that that estimable Yorkshireman is not only the cheeriest of hosts, but the best of companions.

reception room in an inn or club where visitors can be received

From this reading The parlour fire is stirred into a blaze; the hearth is swept clean; the curtains are drawn; the decanters, the cigars, and the quaint old leaden tobacco-box appear beneath the shaded lamp, and Mr. Poskitt bids his guests to cheer up, to help themselves, and to feel heartily welcome.

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

From this reading Few men know the countryside and its people, with their joys, their sorrows, their humours better than he; few people there can surely be who would not enjoy hearing him tell of the big and little dramas of life which he has watched, with a shrewd and sympathetic eye, during his seventy years of work and play, of cloud and sunshine.

plural of “pipe” — a tube with a small bowl at one end; used for smoking tobacco

From this reading And when those guests have their glasses at their elbows, their cigars and pipes between their lips, and their legs stretched in comfort, Mr. Poskitt has his story to tell.

participate in games or sport

From this reading Few men know the countryside and its people, with their joys, their sorrows, their humours better than he; few people there can surely be who would not enjoy hearing him tell of the big and little dramas of life which he has watched, with a shrewd and sympathetic eye, during his seventy years of work and play, of cloud and sunshine.

a fundamental feeling that is hard to define but that people desire to experience

From this reading Everyone who has had the pleasure of Mr. Poskitt’s acquaintance knows that that estimable Yorkshireman is not only the cheeriest of hosts, but the best of companions.

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

From this reading Those of us who have known the Poskitt High Tea (a much more enjoyable meal than a late dinner) know what follows the consumption of Mrs. Poskitt’s tender chickens and her home-fed hams.

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

From this reading Everyone who has had the pleasure of Mr. Poskitt’s acquaintance knows that that estimable Yorkshireman is not only the cheeriest of hosts, but the best of companions.

strange in an interesting or pleasing way

From this reading The parlour fire is stirred into a blaze; the hearth is swept clean; the curtains are drawn; the decanters, the cigars, and the quaint old leaden tobacco-box appear beneath the shaded lamp, and Mr. Poskitt bids his guests to cheer up, to help themselves, and to feel heartily welcome.

being ten more than sixty

From this reading Few men know the countryside and its people, with their joys, their sorrows, their humours better than he; few people there can surely be who would not enjoy hearing him tell of the big and little dramas of life which he has watched, with a shrewd and sympathetic eye, during his seventy years of work and play, of cloud and sunshine.

protected from heat and light with shade or shadow

From this reading The parlour fire is stirred into a blaze; the hearth is swept clean; the curtains are drawn; the decanters, the cigars, and the quaint old leaden tobacco-box appear beneath the shaded lamp, and Mr. Poskitt bids his guests to cheer up, to help themselves, and to feel heartily welcome.

marked by practical hardheaded intelligence

From this reading Few men know the countryside and its people, with their joys, their sorrows, their humours better than he; few people there can surely be who would not enjoy hearing him tell of the big and little dramas of life which he has watched, with a shrewd and sympathetic eye, during his seventy years of work and play, of cloud and sunshine.

plural of “sorrow” — an emotion of great sadness associated with loss or bereavement

From this reading Few men know the countryside and its people, with their joys, their sorrows, their humours better than he; few people there can surely be who would not enjoy hearing him tell of the big and little dramas of life which he has watched, with a shrewd and sympathetic eye, during his seventy years of work and play, of cloud and sunshine.

being excited or provoked to the expression of an emotion

From this reading The parlour fire is stirred into a blaze; the hearth is swept clean; the curtains are drawn; the decanters, the cigars, and the quaint old leaden tobacco-box appear beneath the shaded lamp, and Mr. Poskitt bids his guests to cheer up, to help themselves, and to feel heartily welcome.

a message that tells the particulars of an act or occurrence or course of events; presented in writing or drama or cinema or as a radio or television program

From this reading And when those guests have their glasses at their elbows, their cigars and pipes between their lips, and their legs stretched in comfort, Mr. Poskitt has his story to tell.

(of muscles) relieved of stiffness by stretching

From this reading And when those guests have their glasses at their elbows, their cigars and pipes between their lips, and their legs stretched in comfort, Mr. Poskitt has his story to tell.

the rays of the sun

From this reading Few men know the countryside and its people, with their joys, their sorrows, their humours better than he; few people there can surely be who would not enjoy hearing him tell of the big and little dramas of life which he has watched, with a shrewd and sympathetic eye, during his seventy years of work and play, of cloud and sunshine.

definitely or positively (“sure” is sometimes used informally for “surely”)

From this reading Few men know the countryside and its people, with their joys, their sorrows, their humours better than he; few people there can surely be who would not enjoy hearing him tell of the big and little dramas of life which he has watched, with a shrewd and sympathetic eye, during his seventy years of work and play, of cloud and sunshine.

possessing sweep

From this reading The parlour fire is stirred into a blaze; the hearth is swept clean; the curtains are drawn; the decanters, the cigars, and the quaint old leaden tobacco-box appear beneath the shaded lamp, and Mr. Poskitt bids his guests to cheer up, to help themselves, and to feel heartily welcome.

of or relating to the sympathetic nervous system

From this reading Few men know the countryside and its people, with their joys, their sorrows, their humours better than he; few people there can surely be who would not enjoy hearing him tell of the big and little dramas of life which he has watched, with a shrewd and sympathetic eye, during his seventy years of work and play, of cloud and sunshine.

a beverage made by steeping tea leaves in water

From this reading Those of us who have known the Poskitt High Tea (a much more enjoyable meal than a late dinner) know what follows the consumption of Mrs. Poskitt’s tender chickens and her home-fed hams.

express in words

From this reading And when those guests have their glasses at their elbows, their cigars and pipes between their lips, and their legs stretched in comfort, Mr. Poskitt has his story to tell.

given to sympathy or gentleness or sentimentality

From this reading Those of us who have known the Poskitt High Tea (a much more enjoyable meal than a late dinner) know what follows the consumption of Mrs. Poskitt’s tender chickens and her home-fed hams.

used to introduce the second part of a comparison

From this reading Those of us who have known the Poskitt High Tea (a much more enjoyable meal than a late dinner) know what follows the consumption of Mrs. Poskitt’s tender chickens and her home-fed hams.

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading Everyone who has had the pleasure of Mr. Poskitt’s acquaintance knows that that estimable Yorkshireman is not only the cheeriest of hosts, but the best of companions.

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

From this reading Everyone who has had the pleasure of Mr. Poskitt’s acquaintance knows that that estimable Yorkshireman is not only the cheeriest of hosts, but the best of companions.

belonging to the people or things already mentioned

From this reading And when those guests have their glasses at their elbows, their cigars and pipes between their lips, and their legs stretched in comfort, Mr. Poskitt has his story to tell.

used when the people doing the action are also its object

From this reading The parlour fire is stirred into a blaze; the hearth is swept clean; the curtains are drawn; the decanters, the cigars, and the quaint old leaden tobacco-box appear beneath the shaded lamp, and Mr. Poskitt bids his guests to cheer up, to help themselves, and to feel heartily welcome.

in or at that place or location

From this reading Few men know the countryside and its people, with their joys, their sorrows, their humours better than he; few people there can surely be who would not enjoy hearing him tell of the big and little dramas of life which he has watched, with a shrewd and sympathetic eye, during his seventy years of work and play, of cloud and sunshine.

the plural of “that”: the people or things further away, or already known

From this reading Those of us who have known the Poskitt High Tea (a much more enjoyable meal than a late dinner) know what follows the consumption of Mrs. Poskitt’s tender chickens and her home-fed hams.

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

From this reading The parlour fire is stirred into a blaze; the hearth is swept clean; the curtains are drawn; the decanters, the cigars, and the quaint old leaden tobacco-box appear beneath the shaded lamp, and Mr. Poskitt bids his guests to cheer up, to help themselves, and to feel heartily welcome.

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

From this reading The parlour fire is stirred into a blaze; the hearth is swept clean; the curtains are drawn; the decanters, the cigars, and the quaint old leaden tobacco-box appear beneath the shaded lamp, and Mr. Poskitt bids his guests to cheer up, to help themselves, and to feel heartily welcome.

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

From this reading The parlour fire is stirred into a blaze; the hearth is swept clean; the curtains are drawn; the decanters, the cigars, and the quaint old leaden tobacco-box appear beneath the shaded lamp, and Mr. Poskitt bids his guests to cheer up, to help themselves, and to feel heartily welcome.

the speaker and others, as the object of a verb or preposition

From this reading Those of us who have known the Poskitt High Tea (a much more enjoyable meal than a late dinner) know what follows the consumption of Mrs. Poskitt’s tender chickens and her home-fed hams.

past form of “watch” — look attentively

From this reading Few men know the countryside and its people, with their joys, their sorrows, their humours better than he; few people there can surely be who would not enjoy hearing him tell of the big and little dramas of life which he has watched, with a shrewd and sympathetic eye, during his seventy years of work and play, of cloud and sunshine.

accept gladly

From this reading The parlour fire is stirred into a blaze; the hearth is swept clean; the curtains are drawn; the decanters, the cigars, and the quaint old leaden tobacco-box appear beneath the shaded lamp, and Mr. Poskitt bids his guests to cheer up, to help themselves, and to feel heartily welcome.

used to ask for information about something

From this reading Those of us who have known the Poskitt High Tea (a much more enjoyable meal than a late dinner) know what follows the consumption of Mrs. Poskitt’s tender chickens and her home-fed hams.

at the time that

From this reading And when those guests have their glasses at their elbows, their cigars and pipes between their lips, and their legs stretched in comfort, Mr. Poskitt has his story to tell.

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

From this reading Few men know the countryside and its people, with their joys, their sorrows, their humours better than he; few people there can surely be who would not enjoy hearing him tell of the big and little dramas of life which he has watched, with a shrewd and sympathetic eye, during his seventy years of work and play, of cloud and sunshine.

which person or people

From this reading Everyone who has had the pleasure of Mr. Poskitt’s acquaintance knows that that estimable Yorkshireman is not only the cheeriest of hosts, but the best of companions.

in the company of; together with

From this reading Few men know the countryside and its people, with their joys, their sorrows, their humours better than he; few people there can surely be who would not enjoy hearing him tell of the big and little dramas of life which he has watched, with a shrewd and sympathetic eye, during his seventy years of work and play, of cloud and sunshine.

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

From this reading Few men know the countryside and its people, with their joys, their sorrows, their humours better than he; few people there can surely be who would not enjoy hearing him tell of the big and little dramas of life which he has watched, with a shrewd and sympathetic eye, during his seventy years of work and play, of cloud and sunshine.

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

From this reading Few men know the countryside and its people, with their joys, their sorrows, their humours better than he; few people there can surely be who would not enjoy hearing him tell of the big and little dramas of life which he has watched, with a shrewd and sympathetic eye, during his seventy years of work and play, of cloud and sunshine.

a late time of life

From this reading Few men know the countryside and its people, with their joys, their sorrows, their humours better than he; few people there can surely be who would not enjoy hearing him tell of the big and little dramas of life which he has watched, with a shrewd and sympathetic eye, during his seventy years of work and play, of cloud and sunshine.

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

From this reading Everyone who has had the pleasure of Mr. Poskitt’s acquaintance knows that that estimable Yorkshireman is not only the cheeriest of hosts, but the best of companions.