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 propos/ of the inexpressibles, Mr. Richard did not forget to provide his nephew with a much larger wardrobe than could have been thrust into Dr. Riccabocca's knapsack.

a mixture of gases (especially oxygen) required for breathing; the stuff that the wind consists of

From this reading And, but for an air more ingenuous, and a cheek that, despite study and night vigils, retained much of the sunburned bloom of the rustic, Leonard Fairfield might now have almost passed, without disparaging comment, by the bow-window at White's.

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

From this reading And, but for an air more ingenuous, and a cheek that, despite study and night vigils, retained much of the sunburned bloom of the rustic, Leonard Fairfield might now have almost passed, without disparaging comment, by the bow-window at White's.

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

From this reading And, but for an air more ingenuous, and a cheek that, despite study and night vigils, retained much of the sunburned bloom of the rustic, Leonard Fairfield might now have almost passed, without disparaging comment, by the bow-window at White's.

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

From this reading There was a very good tailor in the town, and the clothes were very well made.

in or near a particular place or position

From this reading And, but for an air more ingenuous, and a cheek that, despite study and night vigils, retained much of the sunburned bloom of the rustic, Leonard Fairfield might now have almost passed, without disparaging comment, by the bow-window at White's.

make amends for

From this reading Richard burst into an immoderate fit of laughter when he first saw the watch which the poor Italian had bestowed upon Leonard; but to atone for the laughter, he made him a present of a very pretty substitute, and bade him "lock up his turnip."

a Chadic language spoken in northern Nigeria

From this reading Richard burst into an immoderate fit of laughter when he first saw the watch which the poor Italian had bestowed upon Leonard; but to atone for the laughter, he made him a present of a very pretty substitute, and bade him "lock up his turnip."

the past participle of “be”

From this reading /A propos/ of the inexpressibles, Mr. Richard did not forget to provide his nephew with a much larger wardrobe than could have been thrust into Dr. Riccabocca's knapsack.

past form of “bestow” — present

From this reading Richard burst into an immoderate fit of laughter when he first saw the watch which the poor Italian had bestowed upon Leonard; but to atone for the laughter, he made him a present of a very pretty substitute, and bade him "lock up his turnip."

the organic process of bearing flowers

From this reading And, but for an air more ingenuous, and a cheek that, despite study and night vigils, retained much of the sunburned bloom of the rustic, Leonard Fairfield might now have almost passed, without disparaging comment, by the bow-window at White's.

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

From this reading And, but for an air more ingenuous, and a cheek that, despite study and night vigils, retained much of the sunburned bloom of the rustic, Leonard Fairfield might now have almost passed, without disparaging comment, by the bow-window at White's.

come open suddenly and violently, as if from internal pressure

From this reading Richard burst into an immoderate fit of laughter when he first saw the watch which the poor Italian had bestowed upon Leonard; but to atone for the laughter, he made him a present of a very pretty substitute, and bade him "lock up his turnip."

used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before

From this reading And, but for an air more ingenuous, and a cheek that, despite study and night vigils, retained much of the sunburned bloom of the rustic, Leonard Fairfield might now have almost passed, without disparaging comment, by the bow-window at White's.

showing who or what does the action

From this reading And, but for an air more ingenuous, and a cheek that, despite study and night vigils, retained much of the sunburned bloom of the rustic, Leonard Fairfield might now have almost passed, without disparaging comment, by the bow-window at White's.

either side of the face below the eyes

From this reading And, but for an air more ingenuous, and a cheek that, despite study and night vigils, retained much of the sunburned bloom of the rustic, Leonard Fairfield might now have almost passed, without disparaging comment, by the bow-window at White's.

clothing in general

From this reading There was a very good tailor in the town, and the clothes were very well made.

a statement that expresses a personal opinion or belief or adds information

From this reading And, but for an air more ingenuous, and a cheek that, despite study and night vigils, retained much of the sunburned bloom of the rustic, Leonard Fairfield might now have almost passed, without disparaging comment, by the bow-window at White's.

the past of “can”; used for possibility or polite requests

From this reading /A propos/ of the inexpressibles, Mr. Richard did not forget to provide his nephew with a much larger wardrobe than could have been thrust into Dr. Riccabocca's knapsack.

although something is true; in spite of

From this reading And, but for an air more ingenuous, and a cheek that, despite study and night vigils, retained much of the sunburned bloom of the rustic, Leonard Fairfield might now have almost passed, without disparaging comment, by the bow-window at White's.

the past form of “do”, used in questions and negatives

From this reading /A propos/ of the inexpressibles, Mr. Richard did not forget to provide his nephew with a much larger wardrobe than could have been thrust into Dr. Riccabocca's knapsack.

expressive of low opinion

From this reading And, but for an air more ingenuous, and a cheek that, despite study and night vigils, retained much of the sunburned bloom of the rustic, Leonard Fairfield might now have almost passed, without disparaging comment, by the bow-window at White's.

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

From this reading /A propos/ of the inexpressibles, Mr. Richard did not forget to provide his nephew with a much larger wardrobe than could have been thrust into Dr. Riccabocca's knapsack.

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

From this reading And, but for an air more ingenuous, and a cheek that, despite study and night vigils, retained much of the sunburned bloom of the rustic, Leonard Fairfield might now have almost passed, without disparaging comment, by the bow-window at White's.

preceding all others in time or space or degree

From this reading Richard burst into an immoderate fit of laughter when he first saw the watch which the poor Italian had bestowed upon Leonard; but to atone for the laughter, he made him a present of a very pretty substitute, and bade him "lock up his turnip."

be agreeable or acceptable to

From this reading Richard burst into an immoderate fit of laughter when he first saw the watch which the poor Italian had bestowed upon Leonard; but to atone for the laughter, he made him a present of a very pretty substitute, and bade him "lock up his turnip."

intended to be given to, or used by, somebody

From this reading And, but for an air more ingenuous, and a cheek that, despite study and night vigils, retained much of the sunburned bloom of the rustic, Leonard Fairfield might now have almost passed, without disparaging comment, by the bow-window at White's.

dismiss from the mind; stop remembering

From this reading /A propos/ of the inexpressibles, Mr. Richard did not forget to provide his nephew with a much larger wardrobe than could have been thrust into Dr. Riccabocca's knapsack.

something acquired without compensation

From this reading Leonard was more hurt by the jeer at his old patron's gift than pleased by his uncle's.

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

From this reading There was a very good tailor in the town, and the clothes were very well made.

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

From this reading Richard burst into an immoderate fit of laughter when he first saw the watch which the poor Italian had bestowed upon Leonard; but to atone for the laughter, he made him a present of a very pretty substitute, and bade him "lock up his turnip."

used with a past participle to form the perfect tenses

From this reading /A propos/ of the inexpressibles, Mr. Richard did not forget to provide his nephew with a much larger wardrobe than could have been thrust into Dr. Riccabocca's knapsack.

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

From this reading Richard burst into an immoderate fit of laughter when he first saw the watch which the poor Italian had bestowed upon Leonard; but to atone for the laughter, he made him a present of a very pretty substitute, and bade him "lock up his turnip."

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

From this reading Richard burst into an immoderate fit of laughter when he first saw the watch which the poor Italian had bestowed upon Leonard; but to atone for the laughter, he made him a present of a very pretty substitute, and bade him "lock up his turnip."

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

From this reading /A propos/ of the inexpressibles, Mr. Richard did not forget to provide his nephew with a much larger wardrobe than could have been thrust into Dr. Riccabocca's knapsack.

be the source of pain

From this reading Leonard was more hurt by the jeer at his old patron's gift than pleased by his uncle's.

beyond reasonable limits

From this reading Richard burst into an immoderate fit of laughter when he first saw the watch which the poor Italian had bestowed upon Leonard; but to atone for the laughter, he made him a present of a very pretty substitute, and bade him "lock up his turnip."

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

From this reading There was a very good tailor in the town, and the clothes were very well made.

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

From this reading /A propos/ of the inexpressibles, Mr. Richard did not forget to provide his nephew with a much larger wardrobe than could have been thrust into Dr. Riccabocca's knapsack.

characterized by an inability to mask your feelings; not devious

From this reading And, but for an air more ingenuous, and a cheek that, despite study and night vigils, retained much of the sunburned bloom of the rustic, Leonard Fairfield might now have almost passed, without disparaging comment, by the bow-window at White's.

moving to the inside of something

From this reading /A propos/ of the inexpressibles, Mr. Richard did not forget to provide his nephew with a much larger wardrobe than could have been thrust into Dr. Riccabocca's knapsack.

a native or inhabitant of Italy

From this reading Richard burst into an immoderate fit of laughter when he first saw the watch which the poor Italian had bestowed upon Leonard; but to atone for the laughter, he made him a present of a very pretty substitute, and bade him "lock up his turnip."

laugh at with contempt and derision

From this reading Leonard was more hurt by the jeer at his old patron's gift than pleased by his uncle's.

a bag carried by a strap on your back or shoulder

From this reading /A propos/ of the inexpressibles, Mr. Richard did not forget to provide his nephew with a much larger wardrobe than could have been thrust into Dr. Riccabocca's knapsack.

large or big relative to something else

From this reading /A propos/ of the inexpressibles, Mr. Richard did not forget to provide his nephew with a much larger wardrobe than could have been thrust into Dr. Riccabocca's knapsack.

the sound of laughing

From this reading Richard burst into an immoderate fit of laughter when he first saw the watch which the poor Italian had bestowed upon Leonard; but to atone for the laughter, he made him a present of a very pretty substitute, and bade him "lock up his turnip."

United States writer of thrillers (born in 1925)

From this reading And, but for an air more ingenuous, and a cheek that, despite study and night vigils, retained much of the sunburned bloom of the rustic, Leonard Fairfield might now have almost passed, without disparaging comment, by the bow-window at White's.

fasten with a lock

From this reading Richard burst into an immoderate fit of laughter when he first saw the watch which the poor Italian had bestowed upon Leonard; but to atone for the laughter, he made him a present of a very pretty substitute, and bade him "lock up his turnip."

produced by a manufacturing process

From this reading There was a very good tailor in the town, and the clothes were very well made.

used to say something is possible but not certain

From this reading And, but for an air more ingenuous, and a cheek that, despite study and night vigils, retained much of the sunburned bloom of the rustic, Leonard Fairfield might now have almost passed, without disparaging comment, by the bow-window at White's.

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

From this reading And, but for an air more ingenuous, and a cheek that, despite study and night vigils, retained much of the sunburned bloom of the rustic, Leonard Fairfield might now have almost passed, without disparaging comment, by the bow-window at White's.

a form of address for a man

From this reading /A propos/ of the inexpressibles, Mr. Richard did not forget to provide his nephew with a much larger wardrobe than could have been thrust into Dr. Riccabocca's knapsack.

to a great degree or extent

From this reading /A propos/ of the inexpressibles, Mr. Richard did not forget to provide his nephew with a much larger wardrobe than could have been thrust into Dr. Riccabocca's knapsack.

a son of your brother or sister

From this reading /A propos/ of the inexpressibles, Mr. Richard did not forget to provide his nephew with a much larger wardrobe than could have been thrust into Dr. Riccabocca's knapsack.

the time after sunset and before sunrise while it is dark outside

From this reading And, but for an air more ingenuous, and a cheek that, despite study and night vigils, retained much of the sunburned bloom of the rustic, Leonard Fairfield might now have almost passed, without disparaging comment, by the bow-window at White's.

used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative

From this reading /A propos/ of the inexpressibles, Mr. Richard did not forget to provide his nephew with a much larger wardrobe than could have been thrust into Dr. Riccabocca's knapsack.

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

From this reading And, but for an air more ingenuous, and a cheek that, despite study and night vigils, retained much of the sunburned bloom of the rustic, Leonard Fairfield might now have almost passed, without disparaging comment, by the bow-window at White's.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading /A propos/ of the inexpressibles, Mr. Richard did not forget to provide his nephew with a much larger wardrobe than could have been thrust into Dr. Riccabocca's knapsack.

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

From this reading Leonard was more hurt by the jeer at his old patron's gift than pleased by his uncle's.

past form of “pass” — go across or through

From this reading And, but for an air more ingenuous, and a cheek that, despite study and night vigils, retained much of the sunburned bloom of the rustic, Leonard Fairfield might now have almost passed, without disparaging comment, by the bow-window at White's.

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

From this reading Leonard was more hurt by the jeer at his old patron's gift than pleased by his uncle's.

experiencing or manifesting pleasure

From this reading Leonard was more hurt by the jeer at his old patron's gift than pleased by his uncle's.

deserving or inciting pity

From this reading Richard burst into an immoderate fit of laughter when he first saw the watch which the poor Italian had bestowed upon Leonard; but to atone for the laughter, he made him a present of a very pretty substitute, and bade him "lock up his turnip."

give an exhibition of to an interested audience

From this reading Richard burst into an immoderate fit of laughter when he first saw the watch which the poor Italian had bestowed upon Leonard; but to atone for the laughter, he made him a present of a very pretty substitute, and bade him "lock up his turnip."

pleasing by delicacy or grace; not imposing

From this reading Richard burst into an immoderate fit of laughter when he first saw the watch which the poor Italian had bestowed upon Leonard; but to atone for the laughter, he made him a present of a very pretty substitute, and bade him "lock up his turnip."

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

From this reading /A propos/ of the inexpressibles, Mr. Richard did not forget to provide his nephew with a much larger wardrobe than could have been thrust into Dr. Riccabocca's knapsack.

give something useful or necessary to

From this reading /A propos/ of the inexpressibles, Mr. Richard did not forget to provide his nephew with a much larger wardrobe than could have been thrust into Dr. Riccabocca's knapsack.

continued in your keeping or use or memory

From this reading And, but for an air more ingenuous, and a cheek that, despite study and night vigils, retained much of the sunburned bloom of the rustic, Leonard Fairfield might now have almost passed, without disparaging comment, by the bow-window at White's.

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

From this reading /A propos/ of the inexpressibles, Mr. Richard did not forget to provide his nephew with a much larger wardrobe than could have been thrust into Dr. Riccabocca's knapsack.

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

From this reading /A propos/ of the inexpressibles, Mr. Richard did not forget to provide his nephew with a much larger wardrobe than could have been thrust into Dr. Riccabocca's knapsack.

characteristic of rural life

From this reading And, but for an air more ingenuous, and a cheek that, despite study and night vigils, retained much of the sunburned bloom of the rustic, Leonard Fairfield might now have almost passed, without disparaging comment, by the bow-window at White's.

cut with a saw

From this reading Richard burst into an immoderate fit of laughter when he first saw the watch which the poor Italian had bestowed upon Leonard; but to atone for the laughter, he made him a present of a very pretty substitute, and bade him "lock up his turnip."

a detailed critical inspection

From this reading And, but for an air more ingenuous, and a cheek that, despite study and night vigils, retained much of the sunburned bloom of the rustic, Leonard Fairfield might now have almost passed, without disparaging comment, by the bow-window at White's.

put in the place of another; switch seemingly equivalent items

From this reading Richard burst into an immoderate fit of laughter when he first saw the watch which the poor Italian had bestowed upon Leonard; but to atone for the laughter, he made him a present of a very pretty substitute, and bade him "lock up his turnip."

suffering from overexposure to direct sunlight

From this reading And, but for an air more ingenuous, and a cheek that, despite study and night vigils, retained much of the sunburned bloom of the rustic, Leonard Fairfield might now have almost passed, without disparaging comment, by the bow-window at White's.

adjust to a specific need or market

From this reading There was a very good tailor in the town, and the clothes were very well made.

used to introduce the second part of a comparison

From this reading /A propos/ of the inexpressibles, Mr. Richard did not forget to provide his nephew with a much larger wardrobe than could have been thrust into Dr. Riccabocca's knapsack.

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading And, but for an air more ingenuous, and a cheek that, despite study and night vigils, retained much of the sunburned bloom of the rustic, Leonard Fairfield might now have almost passed, without disparaging comment, by the bow-window at White's.

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

From this reading /A propos/ of the inexpressibles, Mr. Richard did not forget to provide his nephew with a much larger wardrobe than could have been thrust into Dr. Riccabocca's knapsack.

in or at that place or location

From this reading There was a very good tailor in the town, and the clothes were very well made.

push forcefully

From this reading /A propos/ of the inexpressibles, Mr. Richard did not forget to provide his nephew with a much larger wardrobe than could have been thrust into Dr. Riccabocca's knapsack.

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

From this reading /A propos/ of the inexpressibles, Mr. Richard did not forget to provide his nephew with a much larger wardrobe than could have been thrust into Dr. Riccabocca's knapsack.

an urban area with a fixed boundary that is smaller than a city

From this reading There was a very good tailor in the town, and the clothes were very well made.

widely cultivated plant having a large fleshy edible white or yellow root

From this reading Richard burst into an immoderate fit of laughter when he first saw the watch which the poor Italian had bestowed upon Leonard; but to atone for the laughter, he made him a present of a very pretty substitute, and bade him "lock up his turnip."

possessive form of “uncle” — the brother of your father or mother; the husband of your aunt

From this reading Leonard was more hurt by the jeer at his old patron's gift than pleased by his uncle's.

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

From this reading Richard burst into an immoderate fit of laughter when he first saw the watch which the poor Italian had bestowed upon Leonard; but to atone for the laughter, he made him a present of a very pretty substitute, and bade him "lock up his turnip."

a formal word for “on”

From this reading Richard burst into an immoderate fit of laughter when he first saw the watch which the poor Italian had bestowed upon Leonard; but to atone for the laughter, he made him a present of a very pretty substitute, and bade him "lock up his turnip."

precisely as stated

From this reading There was a very good tailor in the town, and the clothes were very well made.

plural of “vigil” — a period of sleeplessness

From this reading And, but for an air more ingenuous, and a cheek that, despite study and night vigils, retained much of the sunburned bloom of the rustic, Leonard Fairfield might now have almost passed, without disparaging comment, by the bow-window at White's.

a tall piece of furniture that provides storage space for clothes; has a door and rails or hooks for hanging clothes

From this reading /A propos/ of the inexpressibles, Mr. Richard did not forget to provide his nephew with a much larger wardrobe than could have been thrust into Dr. Riccabocca's knapsack.

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

From this reading There was a very good tailor in the town, and the clothes were very well made.

look attentively

From this reading Richard burst into an immoderate fit of laughter when he first saw the watch which the poor Italian had bestowed upon Leonard; but to atone for the laughter, he made him a present of a very pretty substitute, and bade him "lock up his turnip."

(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 There was a very good tailor in the town, and the clothes were very well made.

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

From this reading There was a very good tailor in the town, and the clothes were very well made.

at the time that

From this reading Richard burst into an immoderate fit of laughter when he first saw the watch which the poor Italian had bestowed upon Leonard; but to atone for the laughter, he made him a present of a very pretty substitute, and bade him "lock up his turnip."

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

From this reading Richard burst into an immoderate fit of laughter when he first saw the watch which the poor Italian had bestowed upon Leonard; but to atone for the laughter, he made him a present of a very pretty substitute, and bade him "lock up his turnip."

possessive form of “white” — a Caucasian

From this reading And, but for an air more ingenuous, and a cheek that, despite study and night vigils, retained much of the sunburned bloom of the rustic, Leonard Fairfield might now have almost passed, without disparaging comment, by the bow-window at White's.

in the company of; together with

From this reading /A propos/ of the inexpressibles, Mr. Richard did not forget to provide his nephew with a much larger wardrobe than could have been thrust into Dr. Riccabocca's knapsack.

not having, not using, or not accompanied by

From this reading And, but for an air more ingenuous, and a cheek that, despite study and night vigils, retained much of the sunburned bloom of the rustic, Leonard Fairfield might now have almost passed, without disparaging comment, by the bow-window at White's.