Chapter V · Chapter 5

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

From this reading OLD TOM TOWLER There are few more difficult persons to identify than a huntsman in undress, and of all queer ones perhaps old Tom Towler was the queerest.

(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 OLD TOM TOWLER There are few more difficult persons to identify than a huntsman in undress, and of all queer ones perhaps old Tom Towler was the queerest.

(of actions or states) slightly short of or not quite accomplished; all but

From this reading He was too weak for a groom, too small for a coachman, too ugly for a postillion, too stunted for a footman, too light for a ploughman, too useless-looking for almost anything.

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

From this reading Tom in his person furnished an apt illustration of the right appropriation of talent and the fitness of things, for he would neither have made a groom, nor a coachman, nor a postillion, nor a footman, nor a ploughman, nor a mechanic, nor anything we know of, and yet he was first-rate as a huntsman.

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

From this reading OLD TOM TOWLER There are few more difficult persons to identify than a huntsman in undress, and of all queer ones perhaps old Tom Towler was the queerest.

one or some or every or all without specification

From this reading Any one looking at him in 'mufti' would exclaim, 'what an unfortunate object!' and perhaps offer him a penny, while in his hunting habiliments lords would hail him with, 'Well, Tom, how are you?' and baronets ask him 'how he was?'

any thing at all

From this reading Tom in his person furnished an apt illustration of the right appropriation of talent and the fitness of things, for he would neither have made a groom, nor a coachman, nor a postillion, nor a footman, nor a ploughman, nor a mechanic, nor anything we know of, and yet he was first-rate as a huntsman.

money set aside (as by a legislature) for a specific purpose

From this reading Tom in his person furnished an apt illustration of the right appropriation of talent and the fitness of things, for he would neither have made a groom, nor a coachman, nor a postillion, nor a footman, nor a ploughman, nor a mechanic, nor anything we know of, and yet he was first-rate as a huntsman.

(usually followed by “to”) naturally disposed toward

From this reading Tom in his person furnished an apt illustration of the right appropriation of talent and the fitness of things, for he would neither have made a groom, nor a coachman, nor a postillion, nor a footman, nor a ploughman, nor a mechanic, nor anything we know of, and yet he was first-rate as a huntsman.

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

From this reading OLD TOM TOWLER There are few more difficult persons to identify than a huntsman in undress, and of all queer ones perhaps old Tom Towler was the queerest.

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

From this reading Tom in his person furnished an apt illustration of the right appropriation of talent and the fitness of things, for he would neither have made a groom, nor a coachman, nor a postillion, nor a footman, nor a ploughman, nor a mechanic, nor anything we know of, and yet he was first-rate as a huntsman.

make a request or demand for something to somebody

From this reading Any one looking at him in 'mufti' would exclaim, 'what an unfortunate object!' and perhaps offer him a penny, while in his hunting habiliments lords would hail him with, 'Well, Tom, how are you?' and baronets ask him 'how he was?'

in or near a particular place or position

From this reading Any one looking at him in 'mufti' would exclaim, 'what an unfortunate object!' and perhaps offer him a penny, while in his hunting habiliments lords would hail him with, 'Well, Tom, how are you?' and baronets ask him 'how he was?'

plural of “baronet” — a member of the British order of honor; ranks below a baron but above a knight

From this reading Any one looking at him in 'mufti' would exclaim, 'what an unfortunate object!' and perhaps offer him a penny, while in his hunting habiliments lords would hail him with, 'Well, Tom, how are you?' and baronets ask him 'how he was?'

the past participle of “be”

From this reading Commoners felt honoured by his countenance, and yet, but for hunting, Tom would have been wasted--a cypher--an inapplicable sort of man.

used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before

From this reading Commoners felt honoured by his countenance, and yet, but for hunting, Tom would have been wasted--a cypher--an inapplicable sort of man.

showing who or what does the action

From this reading Commoners felt honoured by his countenance, and yet, but for hunting, Tom would have been wasted--a cypher--an inapplicable sort of man.

a man who drives a coach (or carriage)

From this reading Tom in his person furnished an apt illustration of the right appropriation of talent and the fitness of things, for he would neither have made a groom, nor a coachman, nor a postillion, nor a footman, nor a ploughman, nor a mechanic, nor anything we know of, and yet he was first-rate as a huntsman.

plural of “commoner” — a person who holds no title

From this reading Commoners felt honoured by his countenance, and yet, but for hunting, Tom would have been wasted--a cypher--an inapplicable sort of man.

the appearance conveyed by a person's face

From this reading Commoners felt honoured by his countenance, and yet, but for hunting, Tom would have been wasted--a cypher--an inapplicable sort of man.

a mathematical element that when added to another number yields the same number

From this reading Commoners felt honoured by his countenance, and yet, but for hunting, Tom would have been wasted--a cypher--an inapplicable sort of man.

not easy; requiring great physical or mental effort to accomplish or comprehend or endure

From this reading OLD TOM TOWLER There are few more difficult persons to identify than a huntsman in undress, and of all queer ones perhaps old Tom Towler was the queerest.

utter aloud; often with surprise, horror, or joy

From this reading Any one looking at him in 'mufti' would exclaim, 'what an unfortunate object!' and perhaps offer him a penny, while in his hunting habiliments lords would hail him with, 'Well, Tom, how are you?' and baronets ask him 'how he was?'

mat together and make felt-like

From this reading Commoners felt honoured by his countenance, and yet, but for hunting, Tom would have been wasted--a cypher--an inapplicable sort of man.

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

From this reading OLD TOM TOWLER There are few more difficult persons to identify than a huntsman in undress, and of all queer ones perhaps old Tom Towler was the queerest.

of the highest quality

From this reading Tom in his person furnished an apt illustration of the right appropriation of talent and the fitness of things, for he would neither have made a groom, nor a coachman, nor a postillion, nor a footman, nor a ploughman, nor a mechanic, nor anything we know of, and yet he was first-rate as a huntsman.

the quality of being suitable

From this reading Tom in his person furnished an apt illustration of the right appropriation of talent and the fitness of things, for he would neither have made a groom, nor a coachman, nor a postillion, nor a footman, nor a ploughman, nor a mechanic, nor anything we know of, and yet he was first-rate as a huntsman.

a man employed as a servant in a large establishment (as a palace) to run errands and do chores

From this reading Tom in his person furnished an apt illustration of the right appropriation of talent and the fitness of things, for he would neither have made a groom, nor a coachman, nor a postillion, nor a footman, nor a ploughman, nor a mechanic, nor anything we know of, and yet he was first-rate as a huntsman.

intended to be given to, or used by, somebody

From this reading Tom in his person furnished an apt illustration of the right appropriation of talent and the fitness of things, for he would neither have made a groom, nor a coachman, nor a postillion, nor a footman, nor a ploughman, nor a mechanic, nor anything we know of, and yet he was first-rate as a huntsman.

provided with whatever is necessary for a purpose (as furniture or equipment or authority)

From this reading Tom in his person furnished an apt illustration of the right appropriation of talent and the fitness of things, for he would neither have made a groom, nor a coachman, nor a postillion, nor a footman, nor a ploughman, nor a mechanic, nor anything we know of, and yet he was first-rate as a huntsman.

educate for a future role or function

From this reading Tom in his person furnished an apt illustration of the right appropriation of talent and the fitness of things, for he would neither have made a groom, nor a coachman, nor a postillion, nor a footman, nor a ploughman, nor a mechanic, nor anything we know of, and yet he was first-rate as a huntsman.

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

From this reading Any one looking at him in 'mufti' would exclaim, 'what an unfortunate object!' and perhaps offer him a penny, while in his hunting habiliments lords would hail him with, 'Well, Tom, how are you?' and baronets ask him 'how he was?'

praise vociferously

From this reading Any one looking at him in 'mufti' would exclaim, 'what an unfortunate object!' and perhaps offer him a penny, while in his hunting habiliments lords would hail him with, 'Well, Tom, how are you?' and baronets ask him 'how he was?'

used with a past participle to form the perfect tenses

From this reading Tom in his person furnished an apt illustration of the right appropriation of talent and the fitness of things, for he would neither have made a groom, nor a coachman, nor a postillion, nor a footman, nor a ploughman, nor a mechanic, nor anything we know of, and yet he was first-rate as a huntsman.

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

From this reading Tom in his person furnished an apt illustration of the right appropriation of talent and the fitness of things, for he would neither have made a groom, nor a coachman, nor a postillion, nor a footman, nor a ploughman, nor a mechanic, nor anything we know of, and yet he was first-rate as a huntsman.

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

From this reading Any one looking at him in 'mufti' would exclaim, 'what an unfortunate object!' and perhaps offer him a penny, while in his hunting habiliments lords would hail him with, 'Well, Tom, how are you?' and baronets ask him 'how he was?'

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

From this reading Tom in his person furnished an apt illustration of the right appropriation of talent and the fitness of things, for he would neither have made a groom, nor a coachman, nor a postillion, nor a footman, nor a ploughman, nor a mechanic, nor anything we know of, and yet he was first-rate as a huntsman.

past form of “honour” — bestow honor or rewards upon

From this reading Commoners felt honoured by his countenance, and yet, but for hunting, Tom would have been wasted--a cypher--an inapplicable sort of man.

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

From this reading Any one looking at him in 'mufti' would exclaim, 'what an unfortunate object!' and perhaps offer him a penny, while in his hunting habiliments lords would hail him with, 'Well, Tom, how are you?' and baronets ask him 'how he was?'

the pursuit and killing or capture of wild animals regarded as a sport

From this reading Any one looking at him in 'mufti' would exclaim, 'what an unfortunate object!' and perhaps offer him a penny, while in his hunting habiliments lords would hail him with, 'Well, Tom, how are you?' and baronets ask him 'how he was?'

someone who hunts game

From this reading OLD TOM TOWLER There are few more difficult persons to identify than a huntsman in undress, and of all queer ones perhaps old Tom Towler was the queerest.

recognize as being; establish the identity of someone or something

From this reading OLD TOM TOWLER There are few more difficult persons to identify than a huntsman in undress, and of all queer ones perhaps old Tom Towler was the queerest.

artwork that helps make something clear or attractive

From this reading Tom in his person furnished an apt illustration of the right appropriation of talent and the fitness of things, for he would neither have made a groom, nor a coachman, nor a postillion, nor a footman, nor a ploughman, nor a mechanic, nor anything we know of, and yet he was first-rate as a huntsman.

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

From this reading OLD TOM TOWLER There are few more difficult persons to identify than a huntsman in undress, and of all queer ones perhaps old Tom Towler was the queerest.

not capable of being applied

From this reading Commoners felt honoured by his countenance, and yet, but for hunting, Tom would have been wasted--a cypher--an inapplicable sort of man.

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

From this reading Tom in his person furnished an apt illustration of the right appropriation of talent and the fitness of things, for he would neither have made a groom, nor a coachman, nor a postillion, nor a footman, nor a ploughman, nor a mechanic, nor anything we know of, and yet he was first-rate as a huntsman.

of comparatively little physical weight or density

From this reading He was too weak for a groom, too small for a coachman, too ugly for a postillion, too stunted for a footman, too light for a ploughman, too useless-looking for almost anything.

the act of directing the eyes toward something and perceiving it visually

From this reading Any one looking at him in 'mufti' would exclaim, 'what an unfortunate object!' and perhaps offer him a penny, while in his hunting habiliments lords would hail him with, 'Well, Tom, how are you?' and baronets ask him 'how he was?'

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

From this reading Any one looking at him in 'mufti' would exclaim, 'what an unfortunate object!' and perhaps offer him a penny, while in his hunting habiliments lords would hail him with, 'Well, Tom, how are you?' and baronets ask him 'how he was?'

produced by a manufacturing process

From this reading Tom in his person furnished an apt illustration of the right appropriation of talent and the fitness of things, for he would neither have made a groom, nor a coachman, nor a postillion, nor a footman, nor a ploughman, nor a mechanic, nor anything we know of, and yet he was first-rate as a huntsman.

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

From this reading Commoners felt honoured by his countenance, and yet, but for hunting, Tom would have been wasted--a cypher--an inapplicable sort of man.

a craftsman skilled in operating machine tools

From this reading Tom in his person furnished an apt illustration of the right appropriation of talent and the fitness of things, for he would neither have made a groom, nor a coachman, nor a postillion, nor a footman, nor a ploughman, nor a mechanic, nor anything we know of, and yet he was first-rate as a huntsman.

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

From this reading OLD TOM TOWLER There are few more difficult persons to identify than a huntsman in undress, and of all queer ones perhaps old Tom Towler was the queerest.

a jurist who interprets Muslim religious law

From this reading Any one looking at him in 'mufti' would exclaim, 'what an unfortunate object!' and perhaps offer him a penny, while in his hunting habiliments lords would hail him with, 'Well, Tom, how are you?' and baronets ask him 'how he was?'

not one and not the other of two

From this reading Tom in his person furnished an apt illustration of the right appropriation of talent and the fitness of things, for he would neither have made a groom, nor a coachman, nor a postillion, nor a footman, nor a ploughman, nor a mechanic, nor anything we know of, and yet he was first-rate as a huntsman.

and not; used after a negative to add a second negative

From this reading Tom in his person furnished an apt illustration of the right appropriation of talent and the fitness of things, for he would neither have made a groom, nor a coachman, nor a postillion, nor a footman, nor a ploughman, nor a mechanic, nor anything we know of, and yet he was first-rate as a huntsman.

a tangible and visible entity; an entity that can cast a shadow

From this reading Any one looking at him in 'mufti' would exclaim, 'what an unfortunate object!' and perhaps offer him a penny, while in his hunting habiliments lords would hail him with, 'Well, Tom, how are you?' and baronets ask him 'how he was?'

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading OLD TOM TOWLER There are few more difficult persons to identify than a huntsman in undress, and of all queer ones perhaps old Tom Towler was the queerest.

make available or accessible, provide or furnish

From this reading Any one looking at him in 'mufti' would exclaim, 'what an unfortunate object!' and perhaps offer him a penny, while in his hunting habiliments lords would hail him with, 'Well, Tom, how are you?' and baronets ask him 'how he was?'

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

From this reading OLD TOM TOWLER There are few more difficult persons to identify than a huntsman in undress, and of all queer ones perhaps old Tom Towler was the queerest.

used to mean any person in general, including the speaker

From this reading Any one looking at him in 'mufti' would exclaim, 'what an unfortunate object!' and perhaps offer him a penny, while in his hunting habiliments lords would hail him with, 'Well, Tom, how are you?' and baronets ask him 'how he was?'

plural of “one” — the smallest whole number or a numeral representing this number

From this reading OLD TOM TOWLER There are few more difficult persons to identify than a huntsman in undress, and of all queer ones perhaps old Tom Towler was the queerest.

a fractional monetary unit of Ireland and the United Kingdom; equal to one hundredth of a pound

From this reading Any one looking at him in 'mufti' would exclaim, 'what an unfortunate object!' and perhaps offer him a penny, while in his hunting habiliments lords would hail him with, 'Well, Tom, how are you?' and baronets ask him 'how he was?'

by chance

From this reading OLD TOM TOWLER There are few more difficult persons to identify than a huntsman in undress, and of all queer ones perhaps old Tom Towler was the queerest.

a human being

From this reading Tom in his person furnished an apt illustration of the right appropriation of talent and the fitness of things, for he would neither have made a groom, nor a coachman, nor a postillion, nor a footman, nor a ploughman, nor a mechanic, nor anything we know of, and yet he was first-rate as a huntsman.

plural of “person” — a human being

From this reading OLD TOM TOWLER There are few more difficult persons to identify than a huntsman in undress, and of all queer ones perhaps old Tom Towler was the queerest.

a man who plows

From this reading Tom in his person furnished an apt illustration of the right appropriation of talent and the fitness of things, for he would neither have made a groom, nor a coachman, nor a postillion, nor a footman, nor a ploughman, nor a mechanic, nor anything we know of, and yet he was first-rate as a huntsman.

someone who rides the near horse of a pair in order to guide the horses pulling a carriage (especially a carriage without a coachman)

From this reading Tom in his person furnished an apt illustration of the right appropriation of talent and the fitness of things, for he would neither have made a groom, nor a coachman, nor a postillion, nor a footman, nor a ploughman, nor a mechanic, nor anything we know of, and yet he was first-rate as a huntsman.

beyond or deviating from the usual or expected

From this reading OLD TOM TOWLER There are few more difficult persons to identify than a huntsman in undress, and of all queer ones perhaps old Tom Towler was the queerest.

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

From this reading OLD TOM TOWLER There are few more difficult persons to identify than a huntsman in undress, and of all queer ones perhaps old Tom Towler was the queerest.

precisely, exactly

From this reading Tom in his person furnished an apt illustration of the right appropriation of talent and the fitness of things, for he would neither have made a groom, nor a coachman, nor a postillion, nor a footman, nor a ploughman, nor a mechanic, nor anything we know of, and yet he was first-rate as a huntsman.

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

From this reading He was too weak for a groom, too small for a coachman, too ugly for a postillion, too stunted for a footman, too light for a ploughman, too useless-looking for almost anything.

a category of things distinguished by some common characteristic or quality

From this reading Commoners felt honoured by his countenance, and yet, but for hunting, Tom would have been wasted--a cypher--an inapplicable sort of man.

inferior in size or quality

From this reading He was too weak for a groom, too small for a coachman, too ugly for a postillion, too stunted for a footman, too light for a ploughman, too useless-looking for almost anything.

natural abilities or qualities

From this reading Tom in his person furnished an apt illustration of the right appropriation of talent and the fitness of things, for he would neither have made a groom, nor a coachman, nor a postillion, nor a footman, nor a ploughman, nor a mechanic, nor anything we know of, and yet he was first-rate as a huntsman.

used to introduce the second part of a comparison

From this reading OLD TOM TOWLER There are few more difficult persons to identify than a huntsman in undress, and of all queer ones perhaps old Tom Towler was the queerest.

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

From this reading OLD TOM TOWLER There are few more difficult persons to identify than a huntsman in undress, and of all queer ones perhaps old Tom Towler was the queerest.

in or at that place or location

From this reading OLD TOM TOWLER There are few more difficult persons to identify than a huntsman in undress, and of all queer ones perhaps old Tom Towler was the queerest.

any movable possession (especially articles of clothing)

From this reading Tom in his person furnished an apt illustration of the right appropriation of talent and the fitness of things, for he would neither have made a groom, nor a coachman, nor a postillion, nor a footman, nor a ploughman, nor a mechanic, nor anything we know of, and yet he was first-rate as a huntsman.

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

From this reading OLD TOM TOWLER There are few more difficult persons to identify than a huntsman in undress, and of all queer ones perhaps old Tom Towler was the queerest.

male cat

From this reading OLD TOM TOWLER There are few more difficult persons to identify than a huntsman in undress, and of all queer ones perhaps old Tom Towler was the queerest.

to a degree exceeding normal or proper limits

From this reading He was too weak for a groom, too small for a coachman, too ugly for a postillion, too stunted for a footman, too light for a ploughman, too useless-looking for almost anything.

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

From this reading OLD TOM TOWLER There are few more difficult persons to identify than a huntsman in undress, and of all queer ones perhaps old Tom Towler was the queerest.

displeasing to the senses

From this reading He was too weak for a groom, too small for a coachman, too ugly for a postillion, too stunted for a footman, too light for a ploughman, too useless-looking for almost anything.

get undressed

From this reading OLD TOM TOWLER There are few more difficult persons to identify than a huntsman in undress, and of all queer ones perhaps old Tom Towler was the queerest.

not favored by fortune; marked or accompanied by or resulting in ill fortune

From this reading Any one looking at him in 'mufti' would exclaim, 'what an unfortunate object!' and perhaps offer him a penny, while in his hunting habiliments lords would hail him with, 'Well, Tom, how are you?' and baronets ask him 'how he was?'

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

From this reading He was too weak for a groom, too small for a coachman, too ugly for a postillion, too stunted for a footman, too light for a ploughman, too useless-looking for almost anything.

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

From this reading OLD TOM TOWLER There are few more difficult persons to identify than a huntsman in undress, and of all queer ones perhaps old Tom Towler was the queerest.

serving no useful purpose; having no excuse for being

From this reading Commoners felt honoured by his countenance, and yet, but for hunting, Tom would have been wasted--a cypher--an inapplicable sort of man.

the speaker together with one or more other people

From this reading Tom in his person furnished an apt illustration of the right appropriation of talent and the fitness of things, for he would neither have made a groom, nor a coachman, nor a postillion, nor a footman, nor a ploughman, nor a mechanic, nor anything we know of, and yet he was first-rate as a huntsman.

wanting in physical strength

From this reading He was too weak for a groom, too small for a coachman, too ugly for a postillion, too stunted for a footman, too light for a ploughman, too useless-looking for almost anything.

(often used as a combining form) in a good or proper or satisfactory manner or to a high standard (“good” is a nonstandard dialectal variant for “well”)

From this reading Any one looking at him in 'mufti' would exclaim, 'what an unfortunate object!' and perhaps offer him a penny, while in his hunting habiliments lords would hail him with, 'Well, Tom, how are you?' and baronets ask him 'how he was?'

used to ask for information about something

From this reading Any one looking at him in 'mufti' would exclaim, 'what an unfortunate object!' and perhaps offer him a penny, while in his hunting habiliments lords would hail him with, 'Well, Tom, how are you?' and baronets ask him 'how he was?'

during the time that

From this reading Any one looking at him in 'mufti' would exclaim, 'what an unfortunate object!' and perhaps offer him a penny, while in his hunting habiliments lords would hail him with, 'Well, Tom, how are you?' and baronets ask him 'how he was?'

in the company of; together with

From this reading Any one looking at him in 'mufti' would exclaim, 'what an unfortunate object!' and perhaps offer him a penny, while in his hunting habiliments lords would hail him with, 'Well, Tom, how are you?' and baronets ask him 'how he was?'

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

From this reading Tom in his person furnished an apt illustration of the right appropriation of talent and the fitness of things, for he would neither have made a groom, nor a coachman, nor a postillion, nor a footman, nor a ploughman, nor a mechanic, nor anything we know of, and yet he was first-rate as a huntsman.

but in spite of that

From this reading Tom in his person furnished an apt illustration of the right appropriation of talent and the fitness of things, for he would neither have made a groom, nor a coachman, nor a postillion, nor a footman, nor a ploughman, nor a mechanic, nor anything we know of, and yet he was first-rate as a huntsman.

the person or people being spoken to

From this reading Any one looking at him in 'mufti' would exclaim, 'what an unfortunate object!' and perhaps offer him a penny, while in his hunting habiliments lords would hail him with, 'Well, Tom, how are you?' and baronets ask him 'how he was?'