Chapter II

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

From this reading There were but two meals in that household--breakfast and dinner--or rather but two for the mandarin and those who shared his rice; the servants ate three times a day, such few of them as ate in the house at all.

in an admirable manner

From this reading For three years the young Scot had held, and filled admirably, a chair in the University of Pekin.

past form of “afford” — be able to spare or give up

From this reading The post had been well paid, and he had enjoyed it hugely, and the Pekin background of life no less; but old Wu had lured him from it with a salary four times as generous, and with an opportunity to study China and Chinese life from the inside such as probably no Briton had had before, and far more complete and intimate than the no mean opportunity afforded by his professorship in the capital.

(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 There were but two meals in that household--breakfast and dinner--or rather but two for the mandarin and those who shared his rice; the servants ate three times a day, such few of them as ate in the house at all.

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

From this reading The post had been well paid, and he had enjoyed it hugely, and the Pekin background of life no less; but old Wu had lured him from it with a salary four times as generous, and with an opportunity to study China and Chinese life from the inside such as probably no Briton had had before, and far more complete and intimate than the no mean opportunity afforded by his professorship in the capital.

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

From this reading There were but two meals in that household--breakfast and dinner--or rather but two for the mandarin and those who shared his rice; the servants ate three times a day, such few of them as ate in the house at all.

an old form of “are”, used with “thou”

From this reading But there was a fine mastery of the art of dining, as well as a good deal of clockwork, in the old Chinese’s constitution; and Muir, at liberty to command food when and where he would, found it convenient and entertaining to eat with his pupil and his host.

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

From this reading There were but two meals in that household--breakfast and dinner--or rather but two for the mandarin and those who shared his rice; the servants ate three times a day, such few of them as ate in the house at all.

in or near a particular place or position

From this reading AT RICE James Muir was waiting for them in the room where their meal was served.

goddess of criminal rashness and its punishment

From this reading There were but two meals in that household--breakfast and dinner--or rather but two for the mandarin and those who shared his rice; the servants ate three times a day, such few of them as ate in the house at all.

a person's social heritage: previous experience or training

From this reading The post had been well paid, and he had enjoyed it hugely, and the Pekin background of life no less; but old Wu had lured him from it with a salary four times as generous, and with an opportunity to study China and Chinese life from the inside such as probably no Briton had had before, and far more complete and intimate than the no mean opportunity afforded by his professorship in the capital.

the past participle of “be”

From this reading The post had been well paid, and he had enjoyed it hugely, and the Pekin background of life no less; but old Wu had lured him from it with a salary four times as generous, and with an opportunity to study China and Chinese life from the inside such as probably no Briton had had before, and far more complete and intimate than the no mean opportunity afforded by his professorship in the capital.

earlier than; in front of

From this reading The post had been well paid, and he had enjoyed it hugely, and the Pekin background of life no less; but old Wu had lured him from it with a salary four times as generous, and with an opportunity to study China and Chinese life from the inside such as probably no Briton had had before, and far more complete and intimate than the no mean opportunity afforded by his professorship in the capital.

eat an early morning meal

From this reading There were but two meals in that household--breakfast and dinner--or rather but two for the mandarin and those who shared his rice; the servants ate three times a day, such few of them as ate in the house at all.

a native or inhabitant of Great Britain

From this reading The post had been well paid, and he had enjoyed it hugely, and the Pekin background of life no less; but old Wu had lured him from it with a salary four times as generous, and with an opportunity to study China and Chinese life from the inside such as probably no Briton had had before, and far more complete and intimate than the no mean opportunity afforded by his professorship in the capital.

used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before

From this reading There were but two meals in that household--breakfast and dinner--or rather but two for the mandarin and those who shared his rice; the servants ate three times a day, such few of them as ate in the house at all.

showing who or what does the action

From this reading The post had been well paid, and he had enjoyed it hugely, and the Pekin background of life no less; but old Wu had lured him from it with a salary four times as generous, and with an opportunity to study China and Chinese life from the inside such as probably no Briton had had before, and far more complete and intimate than the no mean opportunity afforded by his professorship in the capital.

assets available for use in the production of further assets

From this reading The post had been well paid, and he had enjoyed it hugely, and the Pekin background of life no less; but old Wu had lured him from it with a salary four times as generous, and with an opportunity to study China and Chinese life from the inside such as probably no Briton had had before, and far more complete and intimate than the no mean opportunity afforded by his professorship in the capital.

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

From this reading For three years the young Scot had held, and filled admirably, a chair in the University of Pekin.

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

From this reading The post had been well paid, and he had enjoyed it hugely, and the Pekin background of life no less; but old Wu had lured him from it with a salary four times as generous, and with an opportunity to study China and Chinese life from the inside such as probably no Briton had had before, and far more complete and intimate than the no mean opportunity afforded by his professorship in the capital.

any of the Sino-Tibetan languages spoken in China; regarded as dialects of a single language (even though they are mutually unintelligible) because they share an ideographic writing system

From this reading The post had been well paid, and he had enjoyed it hugely, and the Pekin background of life no less; but old Wu had lured him from it with a salary four times as generous, and with an opportunity to study China and Chinese life from the inside such as probably no Briton had had before, and far more complete and intimate than the no mean opportunity afforded by his professorship in the capital.

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

From this reading But there was a fine mastery of the art of dining, as well as a good deal of clockwork, in the old Chinese’s constitution; and Muir, at liberty to command food when and where he would, found it convenient and entertaining to eat with his pupil and his host.

any mechanism of geared wheels that is driven by a coiled spring; resembles the works of a mechanical clock

From this reading But there was a fine mastery of the art of dining, as well as a good deal of clockwork, in the old Chinese’s constitution; and Muir, at liberty to command food when and where he would, found it convenient and entertaining to eat with his pupil and his host.

an authoritative direction or instruction to do something

From this reading But there was a fine mastery of the art of dining, as well as a good deal of clockwork, in the old Chinese’s constitution; and Muir, at liberty to command food when and where he would, found it convenient and entertaining to eat with his pupil and his host.

come or bring to a finish or an end

From this reading The post had been well paid, and he had enjoyed it hugely, and the Pekin background of life no less; but old Wu had lured him from it with a salary four times as generous, and with an opportunity to study China and Chinese life from the inside such as probably no Briton had had before, and far more complete and intimate than the no mean opportunity afforded by his professorship in the capital.

law determining the fundamental political principles of a government

From this reading But there was a fine mastery of the art of dining, as well as a good deal of clockwork, in the old Chinese’s constitution; and Muir, at liberty to command food when and where he would, found it convenient and entertaining to eat with his pupil and his host.

suited to your comfort or purpose or needs

From this reading But there was a fine mastery of the art of dining, as well as a good deal of clockwork, in the old Chinese’s constitution; and Muir, at liberty to command food when and where he would, found it convenient and entertaining to eat with his pupil and his host.

time for Earth to make a complete rotation on its axis

From this reading There were but two meals in that household--breakfast and dinner--or rather but two for the mandarin and those who shared his rice; the servants ate three times a day, such few of them as ate in the house at all.

act on verbally or in some form of artistic expression

From this reading But there was a fine mastery of the art of dining, as well as a good deal of clockwork, in the old Chinese’s constitution; and Muir, at liberty to command food when and where he would, found it convenient and entertaining to eat with his pupil and his host.

the act of eating dinner

From this reading But there was a fine mastery of the art of dining, as well as a good deal of clockwork, in the old Chinese’s constitution; and Muir, at liberty to command food when and where he would, found it convenient and entertaining to eat with his pupil and his host.

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

From this reading There were but two meals in that household--breakfast and dinner--or rather but two for the mandarin and those who shared his rice; the servants ate three times a day, such few of them as ate in the house at all.

take in solid food

From this reading But there was a fine mastery of the art of dining, as well as a good deal of clockwork, in the old Chinese’s constitution; and Muir, at liberty to command food when and where he would, found it convenient and entertaining to eat with his pupil and his host.

past form of “enjoy” — derive or receive pleasure from; get enjoyment from; take pleasure in

From this reading The post had been well paid, and he had enjoyed it hugely, and the Pekin background of life no less; but old Wu had lured him from it with a salary four times as generous, and with an opportunity to study China and Chinese life from the inside such as probably no Briton had had before, and far more complete and intimate than the no mean opportunity afforded by his professorship in the capital.

agreeably diverting

From this reading But there was a fine mastery of the art of dining, as well as a good deal of clockwork, in the old Chinese’s constitution; and Muir, at liberty to command food when and where he would, found it convenient and entertaining to eat with his pupil and his host.

to a considerable degree; very much

From this reading The post had been well paid, and he had enjoyed it hugely, and the Pekin background of life no less; but old Wu had lured him from it with a salary four times as generous, and with an opportunity to study China and Chinese life from the inside such as probably no Briton had had before, and far more complete and intimate than the no mean opportunity afforded by his professorship in the capital.

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

From this reading There were but two meals in that household--breakfast and dinner--or rather but two for the mandarin and those who shared his rice; the servants ate three times a day, such few of them as ate in the house at all.

(usually followed by “with” or used as a combining form) generously supplied with

From this reading For three years the young Scot had held, and filled admirably, a chair in the University of Pekin.

being satisfactory or in satisfactory condition

From this reading But there was a fine mastery of the art of dining, as well as a good deal of clockwork, in the old Chinese’s constitution; and Muir, at liberty to command food when and where he would, found it convenient and entertaining to eat with his pupil and his host.

any substance that can be metabolized by an animal to give energy and build tissue

From this reading But there was a fine mastery of the art of dining, as well as a good deal of clockwork, in the old Chinese’s constitution; and Muir, at liberty to command food when and where he would, found it convenient and entertaining to eat with his pupil and his host.

intended to be given to, or used by, somebody

From this reading AT RICE James Muir was waiting for them in the room where their meal was served.

set up or found

From this reading But there was a fine mastery of the art of dining, as well as a good deal of clockwork, in the old Chinese’s constitution; and Muir, at liberty to command food when and where he would, found it convenient and entertaining to eat with his pupil and his host.

the cardinal number that is the sum of three and one

From this reading The post had been well paid, and he had enjoyed it hugely, and the Pekin background of life no less; but old Wu had lured him from it with a salary four times as generous, and with an opportunity to study China and Chinese life from the inside such as probably no Briton had had before, and far more complete and intimate than the no mean opportunity afforded by his professorship in the capital.

showing where something starts, or who sent it

From this reading The post had been well paid, and he had enjoyed it hugely, and the Pekin background of life no less; but old Wu had lured him from it with a salary four times as generous, and with an opportunity to study China and Chinese life from the inside such as probably no Briton had had before, and far more complete and intimate than the no mean opportunity afforded by his professorship in the capital.

willing to give and share unstintingly

From this reading The post had been well paid, and he had enjoyed it hugely, and the Pekin background of life no less; but old Wu had lured him from it with a salary four times as generous, and with an opportunity to study China and Chinese life from the inside such as probably no Briton had had before, and far more complete and intimate than the no mean opportunity afforded by his professorship in the capital.

having desirable or positive qualities especially those suitable for a thing specified

From this reading But there was a fine mastery of the art of dining, as well as a good deal of clockwork, in the old Chinese’s constitution; and Muir, at liberty to command food when and where he would, found it convenient and entertaining to eat with his pupil and his host.

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

From this reading For three years the young Scot had held, and filled admirably, a chair in the University of Pekin.

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

From this reading But there was a fine mastery of the art of dining, as well as a good deal of clockwork, in the old Chinese’s constitution; and Muir, at liberty to command food when and where he would, found it convenient and entertaining to eat with his pupil and his host.

occupied or in the control of; often used in combination

From this reading For three years the young Scot had held, and filled admirably, a chair in the University of Pekin.

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

From this reading The post had been well paid, and he had enjoyed it hugely, and the Pekin background of life no less; but old Wu had lured him from it with a salary four times as generous, and with an opportunity to study China and Chinese life from the inside such as probably no Briton had had before, and far more complete and intimate than the no mean opportunity afforded by his professorship in the capital.

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

From this reading There were but two meals in that household--breakfast and dinner--or rather but two for the mandarin and those who shared his rice; the servants ate three times a day, such few of them as ate in the house at all.

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 But there was a fine mastery of the art of dining, as well as a good deal of clockwork, in the old Chinese’s constitution; and Muir, at liberty to command food when and where he would, found it convenient and entertaining to eat with his pupil and his host.

a dwelling that serves as living quarters for one or more families

From this reading There were but two meals in that household--breakfast and dinner--or rather but two for the mandarin and those who shared his rice; the servants ate three times a day, such few of them as ate in the house at all.

a social unit living together

From this reading There were but two meals in that household--breakfast and dinner--or rather but two for the mandarin and those who shared his rice; the servants ate three times a day, such few of them as ate in the house at all.

extremely

From this reading The post had been well paid, and he had enjoyed it hugely, and the Pekin background of life no less; but old Wu had lured him from it with a salary four times as generous, and with an opportunity to study China and Chinese life from the inside such as probably no Briton had had before, and far more complete and intimate than the no mean opportunity afforded by his professorship in the capital.

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

From this reading AT RICE James Muir was waiting for them in the room where their meal was served.

relating to or being on the side closer to the center or within a defined space

From this reading The post had been well paid, and he had enjoyed it hugely, and the Pekin background of life no less; but old Wu had lured him from it with a salary four times as generous, and with an opportunity to study China and Chinese life from the inside such as probably no Briton had had before, and far more complete and intimate than the no mean opportunity afforded by his professorship in the capital.

marked by close acquaintance, association, or familiarity

From this reading The post had been well paid, and he had enjoyed it hugely, and the Pekin background of life no less; but old Wu had lured him from it with a salary four times as generous, and with an opportunity to study China and Chinese life from the inside such as probably no Briton had had before, and far more complete and intimate than the no mean opportunity afforded by his professorship in the capital.

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading But there was a fine mastery of the art of dining, as well as a good deal of clockwork, in the old Chinese’s constitution; and Muir, at liberty to command food when and where he would, found it convenient and entertaining to eat with his pupil and his host.

a Stuart king of Scotland who married a daughter of Henry VII; when England and France went to war in 1513 he invaded England and died in defeat at Flodden (1473-1513)

From this reading AT RICE James Muir was waiting for them in the room where their meal was served.

used to form the comparative of some adjectives and adverbs

From this reading The post had been well paid, and he had enjoyed it hugely, and the Pekin background of life no less; but old Wu had lured him from it with a salary four times as generous, and with an opportunity to study China and Chinese life from the inside such as probably no Briton had had before, and far more complete and intimate than the no mean opportunity afforded by his professorship in the capital.

The state of being free within society from oppressive restrictions on one's way of life.

From this reading But there was a fine mastery of the art of dining, as well as a good deal of clockwork, in the old Chinese’s constitution; and Muir, at liberty to command food when and where he would, found it convenient and entertaining to eat with his pupil and his host.

a characteristic state or mode of living

From this reading The post had been well paid, and he had enjoyed it hugely, and the Pekin background of life no less; but old Wu had lured him from it with a salary four times as generous, and with an opportunity to study China and Chinese life from the inside such as probably no Briton had had before, and far more complete and intimate than the no mean opportunity afforded by his professorship in the capital.

past form of “lure” — provoke someone to do something through (often false or exaggerated) promises or persuasion

From this reading The post had been well paid, and he had enjoyed it hugely, and the Pekin background of life no less; but old Wu had lured him from it with a salary four times as generous, and with an opportunity to study China and Chinese life from the inside such as probably no Briton had had before, and far more complete and intimate than the no mean opportunity afforded by his professorship in the capital.

shrub or small tree having flattened globose fruit with very sweet aromatic pulp and thin yellow-orange to flame-orange rind that is loose and easily removed; native to southeastern Asia

From this reading There were but two meals in that household--breakfast and dinner--or rather but two for the mandarin and those who shared his rice; the servants ate three times a day, such few of them as ate in the house at all.

great skillfulness and knowledge of some subject or activity

From this reading But there was a fine mastery of the art of dining, as well as a good deal of clockwork, in the old Chinese’s constitution; and Muir, at liberty to command food when and where he would, found it convenient and entertaining to eat with his pupil and his host.

the food served and eaten at one time

From this reading AT RICE James Muir was waiting for them in the room where their meal was served.

plural of “meal” — the food served and eaten at one time

From this reading There were but two meals in that household--breakfast and dinner--or rather but two for the mandarin and those who shared his rice; the servants ate three times a day, such few of them as ate in the house at all.

mean or intend to express or convey

From this reading The post had been well paid, and he had enjoyed it hugely, and the Pekin background of life no less; but old Wu had lured him from it with a salary four times as generous, and with an opportunity to study China and Chinese life from the inside such as probably no Briton had had before, and far more complete and intimate than the no mean opportunity afforded by his professorship in the capital.

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

From this reading The post had been well paid, and he had enjoyed it hugely, and the Pekin background of life no less; but old Wu had lured him from it with a salary four times as generous, and with an opportunity to study China and Chinese life from the inside such as probably no Briton had had before, and far more complete and intimate than the no mean opportunity afforded by his professorship in the capital.

United States naturalist (born in England) who advocated the creation of national parks (1838-1914)

From this reading AT RICE James Muir was waiting for them in the room where their meal was served.

not any; not one

From this reading The post had been well paid, and he had enjoyed it hugely, and the Pekin background of life no less; but old Wu had lured him from it with a salary four times as generous, and with an opportunity to study China and Chinese life from the inside such as probably no Briton had had before, and far more complete and intimate than the no mean opportunity afforded by his professorship in the capital.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading There were but two meals in that household--breakfast and dinner--or rather but two for the mandarin and those who shared his rice; the servants ate three times a day, such few of them as ate in the house at all.

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

From this reading But there was a fine mastery of the art of dining, as well as a good deal of clockwork, in the old Chinese’s constitution; and Muir, at liberty to command food when and where he would, found it convenient and entertaining to eat with his pupil and his host.

a possibility due to a favorable combination of circumstances

From this reading The post had been well paid, and he had enjoyed it hugely, and the Pekin background of life no less; but old Wu had lured him from it with a salary four times as generous, and with an opportunity to study China and Chinese life from the inside such as probably no Briton had had before, and far more complete and intimate than the no mean opportunity afforded by his professorship in the capital.

used to join alternatives or possibilities

From this reading There were but two meals in that household--breakfast and dinner--or rather but two for the mandarin and those who shared his rice; the servants ate three times a day, such few of them as ate in the house at all.

marked by the reception of pay

From this reading The post had been well paid, and he had enjoyed it hugely, and the Pekin background of life no less; but old Wu had lured him from it with a salary four times as generous, and with an opportunity to study China and Chinese life from the inside such as probably no Briton had had before, and far more complete and intimate than the no mean opportunity afforded by his professorship in the capital.

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

From this reading For three years the young Scot had held, and filled admirably, a chair in the University of Pekin.

affix in a public place or for public notice

From this reading The post had been well paid, and he had enjoyed it hugely, and the Pekin background of life no less; but old Wu had lured him from it with a salary four times as generous, and with an opportunity to study China and Chinese life from the inside such as probably no Briton had had before, and far more complete and intimate than the no mean opportunity afforded by his professorship in the capital.

with considerable certainty; without much doubt

From this reading The post had been well paid, and he had enjoyed it hugely, and the Pekin background of life no less; but old Wu had lured him from it with a salary four times as generous, and with an opportunity to study China and Chinese life from the inside such as probably no Briton had had before, and far more complete and intimate than the no mean opportunity afforded by his professorship in the capital.

the position of professor

From this reading The post had been well paid, and he had enjoyed it hugely, and the Pekin background of life no less; but old Wu had lured him from it with a salary four times as generous, and with an opportunity to study China and Chinese life from the inside such as probably no Briton had had before, and far more complete and intimate than the no mean opportunity afforded by his professorship in the capital.

a learner who is enrolled in an educational institution

From this reading But there was a fine mastery of the art of dining, as well as a good deal of clockwork, in the old Chinese’s constitution; and Muir, at liberty to command food when and where he would, found it convenient and entertaining to eat with his pupil and his host.

on the contrary

From this reading There were but two meals in that household--breakfast and dinner--or rather but two for the mandarin and those who shared his rice; the servants ate three times a day, such few of them as ate in the house at all.

grains used as food either unpolished or more often polished

From this reading AT RICE James Muir was waiting for them in the room where their meal was served.

an area within a building enclosed by walls and floor and ceiling

From this reading AT RICE James Muir was waiting for them in the room where their meal was served.

something that remunerates

From this reading The post had been well paid, and he had enjoyed it hugely, and the Pekin background of life no less; but old Wu had lured him from it with a salary four times as generous, and with an opportunity to study China and Chinese life from the inside such as probably no Briton had had before, and far more complete and intimate than the no mean opportunity afforded by his professorship in the capital.

a native or inhabitant of Scotland

From this reading For three years the young Scot had held, and filled admirably, a chair in the University of Pekin.

plural of “servant” — a person working in the service of another (especially in the household)

From this reading There were but two meals in that household--breakfast and dinner--or rather but two for the mandarin and those who shared his rice; the servants ate three times a day, such few of them as ate in the house at all.

past form of “serve” — serve a purpose, role, or function

From this reading AT RICE James Muir was waiting for them in the room where their meal was served.

have in common; held or experienced in common

From this reading There were but two meals in that household--breakfast and dinner--or rather but two for the mandarin and those who shared his rice; the servants ate three times a day, such few of them as ate in the house at all.

a detailed critical inspection

From this reading The post had been well paid, and he had enjoyed it hugely, and the Pekin background of life no less; but old Wu had lured him from it with a salary four times as generous, and with an opportunity to study China and Chinese life from the inside such as probably no Briton had had before, and far more complete and intimate than the no mean opportunity afforded by his professorship in the capital.

of the kind already mentioned

From this reading There were but two meals in that household--breakfast and dinner--or rather but two for the mandarin and those who shared his rice; the servants ate three times a day, such few of them as ate in the house at all.

used to introduce the second part of a comparison

From this reading The post had been well paid, and he had enjoyed it hugely, and the Pekin background of life no less; but old Wu had lured him from it with a salary four times as generous, and with an opportunity to study China and Chinese life from the inside such as probably no Briton had had before, and far more complete and intimate than the no mean opportunity afforded by his professorship in the capital.

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading There were but two meals in that household--breakfast and dinner--or rather but two for the mandarin and those who shared his rice; the servants ate three times a day, such few of them as ate in the house at all.

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

From this reading AT RICE James Muir was waiting for them in the room where their meal was served.

belonging to the people or things already mentioned

From this reading AT RICE James Muir was waiting for them in the room where their meal was served.

the people or things already mentioned, as the object

From this reading AT RICE James Muir was waiting for them in the room where their meal was served.

in or at that place or location

From this reading There were but two meals in that household--breakfast and dinner--or rather but two for the mandarin and those who shared his rice; the servants ate three times a day, such few of them as ate in the house at all.

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

From this reading There were but two meals in that household--breakfast and dinner--or rather but two for the mandarin and those who shared his rice; the servants ate three times a day, such few of them as ate in the house at all.

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

From this reading There were but two meals in that household--breakfast and dinner--or rather but two for the mandarin and those who shared his rice; the servants ate three times a day, such few of them as ate in the house at all.

a more or less definite period of time now or previously present

From this reading There were but two meals in that household--breakfast and dinner--or rather but two for the mandarin and those who shared his rice; the servants ate three times a day, such few of them as ate in the house at all.

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

From this reading But there was a fine mastery of the art of dining, as well as a good deal of clockwork, in the old Chinese’s constitution; and Muir, at liberty to command food when and where he would, found it convenient and entertaining to eat with his pupil and his host.

the cardinal number that is the sum of one and one or a numeral representing this number

From this reading There were but two meals in that household--breakfast and dinner--or rather but two for the mandarin and those who shared his rice; the servants ate three times a day, such few of them as ate in the house at all.

the body of faculty and students at a university

From this reading For three years the young Scot had held, and filled admirably, a chair in the University of Pekin.

the act of waiting (remaining inactive in one place while expecting something)

From this reading AT RICE James Muir was waiting for them in the room where their meal was served.

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

From this reading AT RICE James Muir was waiting for them in the room where their meal was served.

(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 But there was a fine mastery of the art of dining, as well as a good deal of clockwork, in the old Chinese’s constitution; and Muir, at liberty to command food when and where he would, found it convenient and entertaining to eat with his pupil and his host.

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

From this reading There were but two meals in that household--breakfast and dinner--or rather but two for the mandarin and those who shared his rice; the servants ate three times a day, such few of them as ate in the house at all.

at the time that

From this reading But there was a fine mastery of the art of dining, as well as a good deal of clockwork, in the old Chinese’s constitution; and Muir, at liberty to command food when and where he would, found it convenient and entertaining to eat with his pupil and his host.

in or at the place that

From this reading AT RICE James Muir was waiting for them in the room where their meal was served.

which person or people

From this reading There were but two meals in that household--breakfast and dinner--or rather but two for the mandarin and those who shared his rice; the servants ate three times a day, such few of them as ate in the house at all.

in the company of; together with

From this reading But there was a fine mastery of the art of dining, as well as a good deal of clockwork, in the old Chinese’s constitution; and Muir, at liberty to command food when and where he would, found it convenient and entertaining to eat with his pupil and his host.

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

From this reading But there was a fine mastery of the art of dining, as well as a good deal of clockwork, in the old Chinese’s constitution; and Muir, at liberty to command food when and where he would, found it convenient and entertaining to eat with his pupil and his host.

a dialect of Chinese spoken in the Yangtze delta

From this reading The post had been well paid, and he had enjoyed it hugely, and the Pekin background of life no less; but old Wu had lured him from it with a salary four times as generous, and with an opportunity to study China and Chinese life from the inside such as probably no Briton had had before, and far more complete and intimate than the no mean opportunity afforded by his professorship in the capital.

a late time of life

From this reading For three years the young Scot had held, and filled admirably, a chair in the University of Pekin.

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

From this reading For three years the young Scot had held, and filled admirably, a chair in the University of Pekin.