Chapter II · Chapter 2

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

From this reading A RETROSPECT Long ago, when I used to read an occasional novel, if the author dared to say: "But I am anticipating; we must go back here twenty years to understand the thread of this history," I invariably flung down the book in disgust.

in the past

From this reading A RETROSPECT Long ago, when I used to read an occasional novel, if the author dared to say: "But I am anticipating; we must go back here twenty years to understand the thread of this history," I invariably flung down the book in disgust.

the form of “be” used with “I”

From this reading A RETROSPECT Long ago, when I used to read an occasional novel, if the author dared to say: "But I am anticipating; we must go back here twenty years to understand the thread of this history," I invariably flung down the book in disgust.

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

From this reading A RETROSPECT Long ago, when I used to read an occasional novel, if the author dared to say: "But I am anticipating; we must go back here twenty years to understand the thread of this history," I invariably flung down the book in disgust.

Belonging to the very distant past and no longer in existence or deeply revered.

From this reading The idea of taking you back to ancient history when you were dying to know what was to become of the yellow-haired Blumine, or the grand chivalrous Roland.

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

From this reading Well, I am just going to commit the very same sin; and, dear reader, be patient just a little while.

-ing form of “anticipate” — regard something as probable or likely

From this reading A RETROSPECT Long ago, when I used to read an occasional novel, if the author dared to say: "But I am anticipating; we must go back here twenty years to understand the thread of this history," I invariably flung down the book in disgust.

subject to appointment

From this reading It is many years since I was appointed to the parish of Kilronan.

writes (books or stories or articles or the like) professionally (for pay)

From this reading A RETROSPECT Long ago, when I used to read an occasional novel, if the author dared to say: "But I am anticipating; we must go back here twenty years to understand the thread of this history," I invariably flung down the book in disgust.

in or to or toward a former location

From this reading A RETROSPECT Long ago, when I used to read an occasional novel, if the author dared to say: "But I am anticipating; we must go back here twenty years to understand the thread of this history," I invariably flung down the book in disgust.

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

From this reading Well, I am just going to commit the very same sin; and, dear reader, be patient just a little while.

enter or assume a certain state or condition

From this reading The idea of taking you back to ancient history when you were dying to know what was to become of the yellow-haired Blumine, or the grand chivalrous Roland.

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

From this reading The idea of taking you back to ancient history when you were dying to know what was to become of the yellow-haired Blumine, or the grand chivalrous Roland.

a written work or composition that has been published (printed on pages bound together)

From this reading A RETROSPECT Long ago, when I used to read an occasional novel, if the author dared to say: "But I am anticipating; we must go back here twenty years to understand the thread of this history," I invariably flung down the book in disgust.

used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before

From this reading A RETROSPECT Long ago, when I used to read an occasional novel, if the author dared to say: "But I am anticipating; we must go back here twenty years to understand the thread of this history," I invariably flung down the book in disgust.

being attentive to women like an ideal knight

From this reading The idea of taking you back to ancient history when you were dying to know what was to become of the yellow-haired Blumine, or the grand chivalrous Roland.

perform an act, usually with a negative connotation

From this reading Well, I am just going to commit the very same sin; and, dear reader, be patient just a little while.

past form of “dare” — take upon oneself; act presumptuously, without permission

From this reading A RETROSPECT Long ago, when I used to read an occasional novel, if the author dared to say: "But I am anticipating; we must go back here twenty years to understand the thread of this history," I invariably flung down the book in disgust.

dearly loved

From this reading Well, I am just going to commit the very same sin; and, dear reader, be patient just a little while.

fill with distaste

From this reading A RETROSPECT Long ago, when I used to read an occasional novel, if the author dared to say: "But I am anticipating; we must go back here twenty years to understand the thread of this history," I invariably flung down the book in disgust.

being or moving lower in position or less in some value

From this reading A RETROSPECT Long ago, when I used to read an occasional novel, if the author dared to say: "But I am anticipating; we must go back here twenty years to understand the thread of this history," I invariably flung down the book in disgust.

in or associated with the process of passing from life or ceasing to be

From this reading The idea of taking you back to ancient history when you were dying to know what was to become of the yellow-haired Blumine, or the grand chivalrous Roland.

inflected form of “fling” — throw with force or recklessness

From this reading A RETROSPECT Long ago, when I used to read an occasional novel, if the author dared to say: "But I am anticipating; we must go back here twenty years to understand the thread of this history," I invariably flung down the book in disgust.

change location; move, travel, or proceed, also metaphorically

From this reading A RETROSPECT Long ago, when I used to read an occasional novel, if the author dared to say: "But I am anticipating; we must go back here twenty years to understand the thread of this history," I invariably flung down the book in disgust.

the act of departing

From this reading Well, I am just going to commit the very same sin; and, dear reader, be patient just a little while.

of behavior that is impressive and ambitious in scale or scope

From this reading The idea of taking you back to ancient history when you were dying to know what was to become of the yellow-haired Blumine, or the grand chivalrous Roland.

past form of “happen” — come to pass

From this reading It happened in this wise.

in or at this place; where the speaker or writer is

From this reading A RETROSPECT Long ago, when I used to read an occasional novel, if the author dared to say: "But I am anticipating; we must go back here twenty years to understand the thread of this history," I invariably flung down the book in disgust.

the aggregate of past events

From this reading A RETROSPECT Long ago, when I used to read an occasional novel, if the author dared to say: "But I am anticipating; we must go back here twenty years to understand the thread of this history," I invariably flung down the book in disgust.

the person speaking or writing, as the subject of the verb

From this reading A RETROSPECT Long ago, when I used to read an occasional novel, if the author dared to say: "But I am anticipating; we must go back here twenty years to understand the thread of this history," I invariably flung down the book in disgust.

the content of cognition; the main thing you are thinking about

From this reading The idea of taking you back to ancient history when you were dying to know what was to become of the yellow-haired Blumine, or the grand chivalrous Roland.

on condition that; in the event that

From this reading A RETROSPECT Long ago, when I used to read an occasional novel, if the author dared to say: "But I am anticipating; we must go back here twenty years to understand the thread of this history," I invariably flung down the book in disgust.

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

From this reading A RETROSPECT Long ago, when I used to read an occasional novel, if the author dared to say: "But I am anticipating; we must go back here twenty years to understand the thread of this history," I invariably flung down the book in disgust.

without variation or change, in every case

From this reading A RETROSPECT Long ago, when I used to read an occasional novel, if the author dared to say: "But I am anticipating; we must go back here twenty years to understand the thread of this history," I invariably flung down the book in disgust.

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

From this reading It is many years since I was appointed to the parish of Kilronan.

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading It is many years since I was appointed to the parish of Kilronan.

and nothing more

From this reading Well, I am just going to commit the very same sin; and, dear reader, be patient just a little while.

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

From this reading It is many years since I was appointed to the parish of Kilronan.

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

From this reading The idea of taking you back to ancient history when you were dying to know what was to become of the yellow-haired Blumine, or the grand chivalrous Roland.

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

From this reading Well, I am just going to commit the very same sin; and, dear reader, be patient just a little while.

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

From this reading A RETROSPECT Long ago, when I used to read an occasional novel, if the author dared to say: "But I am anticipating; we must go back here twenty years to understand the thread of this history," I invariably flung down the book in disgust.

a quantifier that can be used with count nouns and is often preceded by “as” or “too” or “so” or “that”; amounting to a large but indefinite number

From this reading It is many years since I was appointed to the parish of Kilronan.

used to say something is necessary, or almost certainly true

From this reading A RETROSPECT Long ago, when I used to read an occasional novel, if the author dared to say: "But I am anticipating; we must go back here twenty years to understand the thread of this history," I invariably flung down the book in disgust.

an extended fictional work in prose; usually in the form of a story

From this reading A RETROSPECT Long ago, when I used to read an occasional novel, if the author dared to say: "But I am anticipating; we must go back here twenty years to understand the thread of this history," I invariably flung down the book in disgust.

occurring from time to time

From this reading A RETROSPECT Long ago, when I used to read an occasional novel, if the author dared to say: "But I am anticipating; we must go back here twenty years to understand the thread of this history," I invariably flung down the book in disgust.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading A RETROSPECT Long ago, when I used to read an occasional novel, if the author dared to say: "But I am anticipating; we must go back here twenty years to understand the thread of this history," I invariably flung down the book in disgust.

used to join alternatives or possibilities

From this reading The idea of taking you back to ancient history when you were dying to know what was to become of the yellow-haired Blumine, or the grand chivalrous Roland.

a local church community

From this reading It is many years since I was appointed to the parish of Kilronan.

a person who requires medical care

From this reading Well, I am just going to commit the very same sin; and, dear reader, be patient just a little while.

interpret something that is written or printed

From this reading A RETROSPECT Long ago, when I used to read an occasional novel, if the author dared to say: "But I am anticipating; we must go back here twenty years to understand the thread of this history," I invariably flung down the book in disgust.

a person who enjoys reading

From this reading Well, I am just going to commit the very same sin; and, dear reader, be patient just a little while.

contemplation of things past

From this reading A RETROSPECT Long ago, when I used to read an occasional novel, if the author dared to say: "But I am anticipating; we must go back here twenty years to understand the thread of this history," I invariably flung down the book in disgust.

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

From this reading The idea of taking you back to ancient history when you were dying to know what was to become of the yellow-haired Blumine, or the grand chivalrous Roland.

Identical; not different.

From this reading Well, I am just going to commit the very same sin; and, dear reader, be patient just a little while.

express in words

From this reading A RETROSPECT Long ago, when I used to read an occasional novel, if the author dared to say: "But I am anticipating; we must go back here twenty years to understand the thread of this history," I invariably flung down the book in disgust.

estrangement from god

From this reading Well, I am just going to commit the very same sin; and, dear reader, be patient just a little while.

from a time in the past until now

From this reading It is many years since I was appointed to the parish of Kilronan.

the act of someone who picks up or takes something

From this reading The idea of taking you back to ancient history when you were dying to know what was to become of the yellow-haired Blumine, or the grand chivalrous Roland.

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

From this reading A RETROSPECT Long ago, when I used to read an occasional novel, if the author dared to say: "But I am anticipating; we must go back here twenty years to understand the thread of this history," I invariably flung down the book in disgust.

used for a person or thing that is near, or that has just been mentioned

From this reading A RETROSPECT Long ago, when I used to read an occasional novel, if the author dared to say: "But I am anticipating; we must go back here twenty years to understand the thread of this history," I invariably flung down the book in disgust.

to move or cause to move in a sinuous, spiral, or circular course

From this reading A RETROSPECT Long ago, when I used to read an occasional novel, if the author dared to say: "But I am anticipating; we must go back here twenty years to understand the thread of this history," I invariably flung down the book in disgust.

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

From this reading A RETROSPECT Long ago, when I used to read an occasional novel, if the author dared to say: "But I am anticipating; we must go back here twenty years to understand the thread of this history," I invariably flung down the book in disgust.

the cardinal number that is the sum of nineteen and one

From this reading A RETROSPECT Long ago, when I used to read an occasional novel, if the author dared to say: "But I am anticipating; we must go back here twenty years to understand the thread of this history," I invariably flung down the book in disgust.

know and comprehend the nature or meaning of

From this reading A RETROSPECT Long ago, when I used to read an occasional novel, if the author dared to say: "But I am anticipating; we must go back here twenty years to understand the thread of this history," I invariably flung down the book in disgust.

employed in accomplishing something

From this reading A RETROSPECT Long ago, when I used to read an occasional novel, if the author dared to say: "But I am anticipating; we must go back here twenty years to understand the thread of this history," I invariably flung down the book in disgust.

precisely as stated

From this reading Well, I am just going to commit the very same sin; and, dear reader, be patient just a little while.

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

From this reading The idea of taking you back to ancient history when you were dying to know what was to become of the yellow-haired Blumine, or the grand chivalrous Roland.

the speaker together with one or more other people

From this reading A RETROSPECT Long ago, when I used to read an occasional novel, if the author dared to say: "But I am anticipating; we must go back here twenty years to understand the thread of this history," I invariably flung down the book in disgust.

(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 Well, I am just going to commit the very same sin; and, dear reader, be patient just a little while.

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

From this reading The idea of taking you back to ancient history when you were dying to know what was to become of the yellow-haired Blumine, or the grand chivalrous Roland.

used to ask for information about something

From this reading The idea of taking you back to ancient history when you were dying to know what was to become of the yellow-haired Blumine, or the grand chivalrous Roland.

at the time that

From this reading A RETROSPECT Long ago, when I used to read an occasional novel, if the author dared to say: "But I am anticipating; we must go back here twenty years to understand the thread of this history," I invariably flung down the book in disgust.

during the time that

From this reading Well, I am just going to commit the very same sin; and, dear reader, be patient just a little while.

having or prompted by wisdom or discernment

From this reading It happened in this wise.

a late time of life

From this reading A RETROSPECT Long ago, when I used to read an occasional novel, if the author dared to say: "But I am anticipating; we must go back here twenty years to understand the thread of this history," I invariably flung down the book in disgust.

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

From this reading The idea of taking you back to ancient history when you were dying to know what was to become of the yellow-haired Blumine, or the grand chivalrous Roland.

the person or people being spoken to

From this reading The idea of taking you back to ancient history when you were dying to know what was to become of the yellow-haired Blumine, or the grand chivalrous Roland.