Chapter XV · Chapter 15

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

From this reading Before a table, in the apartments appropriated to him in his father's house at Knightsbridge, sat Lord L'Estrange, sorting or destroying letters and papers,--an ordinary symptom of change of residence.

at all times; all the time and on every occasion

From this reading Thus, ranged on the table, with some elegance, but with soldier-like precision, were sundry little relics of former days, hallowed by some sentiment of memory, or perhaps endeared solely by custom; which, whether he was in Egypt, Italy, or England, always made part of the furniture of Harley's room.

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

From this reading Before a table, in the apartments appropriated to him in his father's house at Knightsbridge, sat Lord L'Estrange, sorting or destroying letters and papers,--an ordinary symptom of change of residence.

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

From this reading Before a table, in the apartments appropriated to him in his father's house at Knightsbridge, sat Lord L'Estrange, sorting or destroying letters and papers,--an ordinary symptom of change of residence.

plural of “apartment” — a suite of rooms usually on one floor of an apartment house

From this reading Before a table, in the apartments appropriated to him in his father's house at Knightsbridge, sat Lord L'Estrange, sorting or destroying letters and papers,--an ordinary symptom of change of residence.

past form of “appropriate” — give or assign a resource to a particular person or cause

From this reading Before a table, in the apartments appropriated to him in his father's house at Knightsbridge, sat Lord L'Estrange, sorting or destroying letters and papers,--an ordinary symptom of change of residence.

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

From this reading There are certain trifles by which a shrewd observer may judge of a man's disposition.

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

From this reading Even the small, old-fashioned, and somewhat inconvenient inkstand into which he dipped the pen as he labelled the letters he put aside, belonged to the writing-desk which had been his pride as a schoolboy.

on or to one side

From this reading Even the small, old-fashioned, and somewhat inconvenient inkstand into which he dipped the pen as he labelled the letters he put aside, belonged to the writing-desk which had been his pride as a schoolboy.

in or near a particular place or position

From this reading Before a table, in the apartments appropriated to him in his father's house at Knightsbridge, sat Lord L'Estrange, sorting or destroying letters and papers,--an ordinary symptom of change of residence.

enter or assume a certain state or condition

From this reading Even the books that lay scattered round were not new works, not those to which we turn to satisfy the curiosity of an hour, or to distract our graver thoughts; they were chiefly either Latin or Italian poets, with many a, pencil-mark on the margin; or books which, making severe demand on thought, require slow and frequent perusal, and become companions.

the past participle of “be”

From this reading Even the small, old-fashioned, and somewhat inconvenient inkstand into which he dipped the pen as he labelled the letters he put aside, belonged to the writing-desk which had been his pride as a schoolboy.

earlier than; in front of

From this reading Before a table, in the apartments appropriated to him in his father's house at Knightsbridge, sat Lord L'Estrange, sorting or destroying letters and papers,--an ordinary symptom of change of residence.

past form of “belong” — be owned by; be in the possession of

From this reading Even the small, old-fashioned, and somewhat inconvenient inkstand into which he dipped the pen as he labelled the letters he put aside, belonged to the writing-desk which had been his pride as a schoolboy.

Bound written or printed works.

From this reading Even the books that lay scattered round were not new works, not those to which we turn to satisfy the curiosity of an hour, or to distract our graver thoughts; they were chiefly either Latin or Italian poets, with many a, pencil-mark on the margin; or books which, making severe demand on thought, require slow and frequent perusal, and become companions.

used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before

From this reading Thus, ranged on the table, with some elegance, but with soldier-like precision, were sundry little relics of former days, hallowed by some sentiment of memory, or perhaps endeared solely by custom; which, whether he was in Egypt, Italy, or England, always made part of the furniture of Harley's room.

showing who or what does the action

From this reading There are certain trifles by which a shrewd observer may judge of a man's disposition.

definite but not specified or identified

From this reading There are certain trifles by which a shrewd observer may judge of a man's disposition.

cause to change; make different; cause a transformation

From this reading Before a table, in the apartments appropriated to him in his father's house at Knightsbridge, sat Lord L'Estrange, sorting or destroying letters and papers,--an ordinary symptom of change of residence.

for the most part

From this reading Even the books that lay scattered round were not new works, not those to which we turn to satisfy the curiosity of an hour, or to distract our graver thoughts; they were chiefly either Latin or Italian poets, with many a, pencil-mark on the margin; or books which, making severe demand on thought, require slow and frequent perusal, and become companions.

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

From this reading Even the books that lay scattered round were not new works, not those to which we turn to satisfy the curiosity of an hour, or to distract our graver thoughts; they were chiefly either Latin or Italian poets, with many a, pencil-mark on the margin; or books which, making severe demand on thought, require slow and frequent perusal, and become companions.

a state in which you want to learn more about something

From this reading Even the books that lay scattered round were not new works, not those to which we turn to satisfy the curiosity of an hour, or to distract our graver thoughts; they were chiefly either Latin or Italian poets, with many a, pencil-mark on the margin; or books which, making severe demand on thought, require slow and frequent perusal, and become companions.

accepted or habitual practice

From this reading Thus, ranged on the table, with some elegance, but with soldier-like precision, were sundry little relics of former days, hallowed by some sentiment of memory, or perhaps endeared solely by custom; which, whether he was in Egypt, Italy, or England, always made part of the furniture of Harley's room.

the time during which someone's life continues

From this reading Thus, ranged on the table, with some elegance, but with soldier-like precision, were sundry little relics of former days, hallowed by some sentiment of memory, or perhaps endeared solely by custom; which, whether he was in Egypt, Italy, or England, always made part of the furniture of Harley's room.

an urgent or peremptory request

From this reading Even the books that lay scattered round were not new works, not those to which we turn to satisfy the curiosity of an hour, or to distract our graver thoughts; they were chiefly either Latin or Italian poets, with many a, pencil-mark on the margin; or books which, making severe demand on thought, require slow and frequent perusal, and become companions.

-ing form of “destroy” — do away with, cause the destruction or undoing of

From this reading Before a table, in the apartments appropriated to him in his father's house at Knightsbridge, sat Lord L'Estrange, sorting or destroying letters and papers,--an ordinary symptom of change of residence.

having abnormal sagging of the spine (especially in horses)

From this reading Even the small, old-fashioned, and somewhat inconvenient inkstand into which he dipped the pen as he labelled the letters he put aside, belonged to the writing-desk which had been his pride as a schoolboy.

your usual mood

From this reading There are certain trifles by which a shrewd observer may judge of a man's disposition.

draw someone's attention away from something

From this reading Even the books that lay scattered round were not new works, not those to which we turn to satisfy the curiosity of an hour, or to distract our graver thoughts; they were chiefly either Latin or Italian poets, with many a, pencil-mark on the margin; or books which, making severe demand on thought, require slow and frequent perusal, and become companions.

a republic in northeastern Africa known as the United Arab Republic until 1971; site of an ancient civilization that flourished from 2600 to 30 BC

From this reading Thus, ranged on the table, with some elegance, but with soldier-like precision, were sundry little relics of former days, hallowed by some sentiment of memory, or perhaps endeared solely by custom; which, whether he was in Egypt, Italy, or England, always made part of the furniture of Harley's room.

one or the other of two

From this reading Even the books that lay scattered round were not new works, not those to which we turn to satisfy the curiosity of an hour, or to distract our graver thoughts; they were chiefly either Latin or Italian poets, with many a, pencil-mark on the margin; or books which, making severe demand on thought, require slow and frequent perusal, and become companions.

a refined quality of gracefulness and good taste

From this reading Thus, ranged on the table, with some elegance, but with soldier-like precision, were sundry little relics of former days, hallowed by some sentiment of memory, or perhaps endeared solely by custom; which, whether he was in Egypt, Italy, or England, always made part of the furniture of Harley's room.

past form of “endear” — make attractive or lovable

From this reading Thus, ranged on the table, with some elegance, but with soldier-like precision, were sundry little relics of former days, hallowed by some sentiment of memory, or perhaps endeared solely by custom; which, whether he was in Egypt, Italy, or England, always made part of the furniture of Harley's room.

a division of the United Kingdom

From this reading Thus, ranged on the table, with some elegance, but with soldier-like precision, were sundry little relics of former days, hallowed by some sentiment of memory, or perhaps endeared solely by custom; which, whether he was in Egypt, Italy, or England, always made part of the furniture of Harley's room.

divisible by two

From this reading Even the small, old-fashioned, and somewhat inconvenient inkstand into which he dipped the pen as he labelled the letters he put aside, belonged to the writing-desk which had been his pride as a schoolboy.

possessive form of “father” — a male parent (also used as a term of address to your father)

From this reading Before a table, in the apartments appropriated to him in his father's house at Knightsbridge, sat Lord L'Estrange, sorting or destroying letters and papers,--an ordinary symptom of change of residence.

referring to the first of two things or persons mentioned (or the earlier one or ones of several)

From this reading Thus, ranged on the table, with some elegance, but with soldier-like precision, were sundry little relics of former days, hallowed by some sentiment of memory, or perhaps endeared solely by custom; which, whether he was in Egypt, Italy, or England, always made part of the furniture of Harley's room.

do one's shopping at; do business with; be a customer or client of

From this reading Even the books that lay scattered round were not new works, not those to which we turn to satisfy the curiosity of an hour, or to distract our graver thoughts; they were chiefly either Latin or Italian poets, with many a, pencil-mark on the margin; or books which, making severe demand on thought, require slow and frequent perusal, and become companions.

furnishings that make a room or other area ready for occupancy

From this reading Thus, ranged on the table, with some elegance, but with soldier-like precision, were sundry little relics of former days, hallowed by some sentiment of memory, or perhaps endeared solely by custom; which, whether he was in Egypt, Italy, or England, always made part of the furniture of Harley's room.

a tool used by an engraver

From this reading Even the books that lay scattered round were not new works, not those to which we turn to satisfy the curiosity of an hour, or to distract our graver thoughts; they were chiefly either Latin or Italian poets, with many a, pencil-mark on the margin; or books which, making severe demand on thought, require slow and frequent perusal, and become companions.

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

From this reading Even the small, old-fashioned, and somewhat inconvenient inkstand into which he dipped the pen as he labelled the letters he put aside, belonged to the writing-desk which had been his pride as a schoolboy.

worthy of religious veneration

From this reading Thus, ranged on the table, with some elegance, but with soldier-like precision, were sundry little relics of former days, hallowed by some sentiment of memory, or perhaps endeared solely by custom; which, whether he was in Egypt, Italy, or England, always made part of the furniture of Harley's room.

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

From this reading Thus, ranged on the table, with some elegance, but with soldier-like precision, were sundry little relics of former days, hallowed by some sentiment of memory, or perhaps endeared solely by custom; which, whether he was in Egypt, Italy, or England, always made part of the furniture of Harley's room.

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

From this reading Thus, ranged on the table, with some elegance, but with soldier-like precision, were sundry little relics of former days, hallowed by some sentiment of memory, or perhaps endeared solely by custom; which, whether he was in Egypt, Italy, or England, always made part of the furniture of Harley's room.

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

From this reading Before a table, in the apartments appropriated to him in his father's house at Knightsbridge, sat Lord L'Estrange, sorting or destroying letters and papers,--an ordinary symptom of change of residence.

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

From this reading Before a table, in the apartments appropriated to him in his father's house at Knightsbridge, sat Lord L'Estrange, sorting or destroying letters and papers,--an ordinary symptom of change of residence.

a period of time equal to 1/24th of a day

From this reading Even the books that lay scattered round were not new works, not those to which we turn to satisfy the curiosity of an hour, or to distract our graver thoughts; they were chiefly either Latin or Italian poets, with many a, pencil-mark on the margin; or books which, making severe demand on thought, require slow and frequent perusal, and become companions.

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

From this reading Before a table, in the apartments appropriated to him in his father's house at Knightsbridge, sat Lord L'Estrange, sorting or destroying letters and papers,--an ordinary symptom of change of residence.

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

From this reading Before a table, in the apartments appropriated to him in his father's house at Knightsbridge, sat Lord L'Estrange, sorting or destroying letters and papers,--an ordinary symptom of change of residence.

not suited to your comfort, purpose or needs

From this reading Even the small, old-fashioned, and somewhat inconvenient inkstand into which he dipped the pen as he labelled the letters he put aside, belonged to the writing-desk which had been his pride as a schoolboy.

a small well holding writing ink into which a pen can be dipped

From this reading Even the small, old-fashioned, and somewhat inconvenient inkstand into which he dipped the pen as he labelled the letters he put aside, belonged to the writing-desk which had been his pride as a schoolboy.

moving to the inside of something

From this reading Even the small, old-fashioned, and somewhat inconvenient inkstand into which he dipped the pen as he labelled the letters he put aside, belonged to the writing-desk which had been his pride as a schoolboy.

a native or inhabitant of Italy

From this reading Even the books that lay scattered round were not new works, not those to which we turn to satisfy the curiosity of an hour, or to distract our graver thoughts; they were chiefly either Latin or Italian poets, with many a, pencil-mark on the margin; or books which, making severe demand on thought, require slow and frequent perusal, and become companions.

a republic in southern Europe on the Italian Peninsula; was the core of the Roman Republic and the Roman Empire between the 4th century BC and the 5th century AD

From this reading Thus, ranged on the table, with some elegance, but with soldier-like precision, were sundry little relics of former days, hallowed by some sentiment of memory, or perhaps endeared solely by custom; which, whether he was in Egypt, Italy, or England, always made part of the furniture of Harley's room.

determine the result of (a competition)

From this reading There are certain trifles by which a shrewd observer may judge of a man's disposition.

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

From this reading Before a table, in the apartments appropriated to him in his father's house at Knightsbridge, sat Lord L'Estrange, sorting or destroying letters and papers,--an ordinary symptom of change of residence.

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

From this reading Before a table, in the apartments appropriated to him in his father's house at Knightsbridge, sat Lord L'Estrange, sorting or destroying letters and papers,--an ordinary symptom of change of residence.

bearing or marked with a label or tag

From this reading Even the small, old-fashioned, and somewhat inconvenient inkstand into which he dipped the pen as he labelled the letters he put aside, belonged to the writing-desk which had been his pride as a schoolboy.

of or relating to the ancient Latins or the Latin language

From this reading Even the books that lay scattered round were not new works, not those to which we turn to satisfy the curiosity of an hour, or to distract our graver thoughts; they were chiefly either Latin or Italian poets, with many a, pencil-mark on the margin; or books which, making severe demand on thought, require slow and frequent perusal, and become companions.

put into a certain place or abstract location

From this reading Even the books that lay scattered round were not new works, not those to which we turn to satisfy the curiosity of an hour, or to distract our graver thoughts; they were chiefly either Latin or Italian poets, with many a, pencil-mark on the margin; or books which, making severe demand on thought, require slow and frequent perusal, and become companions.

the literary culture

From this reading Before a table, in the apartments appropriated to him in his father's house at Knightsbridge, sat Lord L'Estrange, sorting or destroying letters and papers,--an ordinary symptom of change of residence.

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

From this reading Thus, ranged on the table, with some elegance, but with soldier-like precision, were sundry little relics of former days, hallowed by some sentiment of memory, or perhaps endeared solely by custom; which, whether he was in Egypt, Italy, or England, always made part of the furniture of Harley's room.

terms referring to the Judeo-Christian God

From this reading Before a table, in the apartments appropriated to him in his father's house at Knightsbridge, sat Lord L'Estrange, sorting or destroying letters and papers,--an ordinary symptom of change of residence.

produced by a manufacturing process

From this reading Thus, ranged on the table, with some elegance, but with soldier-like precision, were sundry little relics of former days, hallowed by some sentiment of memory, or perhaps endeared solely by custom; which, whether he was in Egypt, Italy, or England, always made part of the furniture of Harley's room.

the act that results in something coming to be

From this reading Even the books that lay scattered round were not new works, not those to which we turn to satisfy the curiosity of an hour, or to distract our graver thoughts; they were chiefly either Latin or Italian poets, with many a, pencil-mark on the margin; or books which, making severe demand on thought, require slow and frequent perusal, and become companions.

possessive form of “man” — an adult person who is male (as opposed to a woman)

From this reading There are certain trifles by which a shrewd observer may judge of a man's disposition.

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 Even the books that lay scattered round were not new works, not those to which we turn to satisfy the curiosity of an hour, or to distract our graver thoughts; they were chiefly either Latin or Italian poets, with many a, pencil-mark on the margin; or books which, making severe demand on thought, require slow and frequent perusal, and become companions.

the boundary line or the area immediately inside the boundary

From this reading Even the books that lay scattered round were not new works, not those to which we turn to satisfy the curiosity of an hour, or to distract our graver thoughts; they were chiefly either Latin or Italian poets, with many a, pencil-mark on the margin; or books which, making severe demand on thought, require slow and frequent perusal, and become companions.

used to say something is possible, or to give permission

From this reading There are certain trifles by which a shrewd observer may judge of a man's disposition.

The faculty by which the mind stores and remembers information and knowledge.

From this reading Thus, ranged on the table, with some elegance, but with soldier-like precision, were sundry little relics of former days, hallowed by some sentiment of memory, or perhaps endeared solely by custom; which, whether he was in Egypt, Italy, or England, always made part of the furniture of Harley's room.

not of long duration; having just (or relatively recently) come into being or been made or acquired or discovered

From this reading Even the books that lay scattered round were not new works, not those to which we turn to satisfy the curiosity of an hour, or to distract our graver thoughts; they were chiefly either Latin or Italian poets, with many a, pencil-mark on the margin; or books which, making severe demand on thought, require slow and frequent perusal, and become companions.

used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative

From this reading Even the books that lay scattered round were not new works, not those to which we turn to satisfy the curiosity of an hour, or to distract our graver thoughts; they were chiefly either Latin or Italian poets, with many a, pencil-mark on the margin; or books which, making severe demand on thought, require slow and frequent perusal, and become companions.

a person who becomes aware (of things or events) through the senses

From this reading There are certain trifles by which a shrewd observer may judge of a man's disposition.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading Before a table, in the apartments appropriated to him in his father's house at Knightsbridge, sat Lord L'Estrange, sorting or destroying letters and papers,--an ordinary symptom of change of residence.

out of fashion

From this reading Even the small, old-fashioned, and somewhat inconvenient inkstand into which he dipped the pen as he labelled the letters he put aside, belonged to the writing-desk which had been his pride as a schoolboy.

touching and supported by a surface

From this reading Thus, ranged on the table, with some elegance, but with soldier-like precision, were sundry little relics of former days, hallowed by some sentiment of memory, or perhaps endeared solely by custom; which, whether he was in Egypt, Italy, or England, always made part of the furniture of Harley's room.

used to join alternatives or possibilities

From this reading Before a table, in the apartments appropriated to him in his father's house at Knightsbridge, sat Lord L'Estrange, sorting or destroying letters and papers,--an ordinary symptom of change of residence.

a judge of a probate court

From this reading Before a table, in the apartments appropriated to him in his father's house at Knightsbridge, sat Lord L'Estrange, sorting or destroying letters and papers,--an ordinary symptom of change of residence.

belonging to the speaker and others

From this reading Even the books that lay scattered round were not new works, not those to which we turn to satisfy the curiosity of an hour, or to distract our graver thoughts; they were chiefly either Latin or Italian poets, with many a, pencil-mark on the margin; or books which, making severe demand on thought, require slow and frequent perusal, and become companions.

writing that provides information (especially information of an official nature)

From this reading Before a table, in the apartments appropriated to him in his father's house at Knightsbridge, sat Lord L'Estrange, sorting or destroying letters and papers,--an ordinary symptom of change of residence.

something determined in relation to something that includes it

From this reading Thus, ranged on the table, with some elegance, but with soldier-like precision, were sundry little relics of former days, hallowed by some sentiment of memory, or perhaps endeared solely by custom; which, whether he was in Egypt, Italy, or England, always made part of the furniture of Harley's room.

a writing implement with a point from which ink flows

From this reading Even the small, old-fashioned, and somewhat inconvenient inkstand into which he dipped the pen as he labelled the letters he put aside, belonged to the writing-desk which had been his pride as a schoolboy.

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

From this reading Even the books that lay scattered round were not new works, not those to which we turn to satisfy the curiosity of an hour, or to distract our graver thoughts; they were chiefly either Latin or Italian poets, with many a, pencil-mark on the margin; or books which, making severe demand on thought, require slow and frequent perusal, and become companions.

by chance

From this reading Thus, ranged on the table, with some elegance, but with soldier-like precision, were sundry little relics of former days, hallowed by some sentiment of memory, or perhaps endeared solely by custom; which, whether he was in Egypt, Italy, or England, always made part of the furniture of Harley's room.

reading carefully with intent to remember

From this reading Even the books that lay scattered round were not new works, not those to which we turn to satisfy the curiosity of an hour, or to distract our graver thoughts; they were chiefly either Latin or Italian poets, with many a, pencil-mark on the margin; or books which, making severe demand on thought, require slow and frequent perusal, and become companions.

plural of “poet” — a writer of poems (the term is usually reserved for writers of good poetry)

From this reading Even the books that lay scattered round were not new works, not those to which we turn to satisfy the curiosity of an hour, or to distract our graver thoughts; they were chiefly either Latin or Italian poets, with many a, pencil-mark on the margin; or books which, making severe demand on thought, require slow and frequent perusal, and become companions.

the quality of being reproducible in amount or performance

From this reading Thus, ranged on the table, with some elegance, but with soldier-like precision, were sundry little relics of former days, hallowed by some sentiment of memory, or perhaps endeared solely by custom; which, whether he was in Egypt, Italy, or England, always made part of the furniture of Harley's room.

a feeling of self-respect and personal worth

From this reading Even the small, old-fashioned, and somewhat inconvenient inkstand into which he dipped the pen as he labelled the letters he put aside, belonged to the writing-desk which had been his pride as a schoolboy.

put into a certain place or abstract location

From this reading Even the small, old-fashioned, and somewhat inconvenient inkstand into which he dipped the pen as he labelled the letters he put aside, belonged to the writing-desk which had been his pride as a schoolboy.

past form of “range” — change or be different within limits

From this reading Thus, ranged on the table, with some elegance, but with soldier-like precision, were sundry little relics of former days, hallowed by some sentiment of memory, or perhaps endeared solely by custom; which, whether he was in Egypt, Italy, or England, always made part of the furniture of Harley's room.

plural of “relic” — an antiquity that has survived from the distant past

From this reading Thus, ranged on the table, with some elegance, but with soldier-like precision, were sundry little relics of former days, hallowed by some sentiment of memory, or perhaps endeared solely by custom; which, whether he was in Egypt, Italy, or England, always made part of the furniture of Harley's room.

require as useful, just, or proper

From this reading Even the books that lay scattered round were not new works, not those to which we turn to satisfy the curiosity of an hour, or to distract our graver thoughts; they were chiefly either Latin or Italian poets, with many a, pencil-mark on the margin; or books which, making severe demand on thought, require slow and frequent perusal, and become companions.

any address at which you dwell more than temporarily

From this reading Before a table, in the apartments appropriated to him in his father's house at Knightsbridge, sat Lord L'Estrange, sorting or destroying letters and papers,--an ordinary symptom of change of residence.

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

From this reading Thus, ranged on the table, with some elegance, but with soldier-like precision, were sundry little relics of former days, hallowed by some sentiment of memory, or perhaps endeared solely by custom; which, whether he was in Egypt, Italy, or England, always made part of the furniture of Harley's room.

a charge of ammunition for a single shot

From this reading Even the books that lay scattered round were not new works, not those to which we turn to satisfy the curiosity of an hour, or to distract our graver thoughts; they were chiefly either Latin or Italian poets, with many a, pencil-mark on the margin; or books which, making severe demand on thought, require slow and frequent perusal, and become companions.

the seventh and last day of the week; observed as the Sabbath by Jews and some Christians

From this reading Before a table, in the apartments appropriated to him in his father's house at Knightsbridge, sat Lord L'Estrange, sorting or destroying letters and papers,--an ordinary symptom of change of residence.

meet the requirements or expectations of

From this reading Even the books that lay scattered round were not new works, not those to which we turn to satisfy the curiosity of an hour, or to distract our graver thoughts; they were chiefly either Latin or Italian poets, with many a, pencil-mark on the margin; or books which, making severe demand on thought, require slow and frequent perusal, and become companions.

occurring or distributed over widely spaced and irregular intervals in time or space

From this reading Even the books that lay scattered round were not new works, not those to which we turn to satisfy the curiosity of an hour, or to distract our graver thoughts; they were chiefly either Latin or Italian poets, with many a, pencil-mark on the margin; or books which, making severe demand on thought, require slow and frequent perusal, and become companions.

a boy attending school

From this reading Even the small, old-fashioned, and somewhat inconvenient inkstand into which he dipped the pen as he labelled the letters he put aside, belonged to the writing-desk which had been his pride as a schoolboy.

tender, romantic, or nostalgic feeling or emotion

From this reading Thus, ranged on the table, with some elegance, but with soldier-like precision, were sundry little relics of former days, hallowed by some sentiment of memory, or perhaps endeared solely by custom; which, whether he was in Egypt, Italy, or England, always made part of the furniture of Harley's room.

intensely or extremely bad or unpleasant in degree or quality

From this reading Even the books that lay scattered round were not new works, not those to which we turn to satisfy the curiosity of an hour, or to distract our graver thoughts; they were chiefly either Latin or Italian poets, with many a, pencil-mark on the margin; or books which, making severe demand on thought, require slow and frequent perusal, and become companions.

marked by practical hardheaded intelligence

From this reading There are certain trifles by which a shrewd observer may judge of a man's disposition.

not moving quickly; taking a comparatively long time

From this reading Even the books that lay scattered round were not new works, not those to which we turn to satisfy the curiosity of an hour, or to distract our graver thoughts; they were chiefly either Latin or Italian poets, with many a, pencil-mark on the margin; or books which, making severe demand on thought, require slow and frequent perusal, and become companions.

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

From this reading Even the small, old-fashioned, and somewhat inconvenient inkstand into which he dipped the pen as he labelled the letters he put aside, belonged to the writing-desk which had been his pride as a schoolboy.

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

From this reading Thus, ranged on the table, with some elegance, but with soldier-like precision, were sundry little relics of former days, hallowed by some sentiment of memory, or perhaps endeared solely by custom; which, whether he was in Egypt, Italy, or England, always made part of the furniture of Harley's room.

without any others being included or involved

From this reading Thus, ranged on the table, with some elegance, but with soldier-like precision, were sundry little relics of former days, hallowed by some sentiment of memory, or perhaps endeared solely by custom; which, whether he was in Egypt, Italy, or England, always made part of the furniture of Harley's room.

(quantifier) used with either mass nouns or plural count nouns to indicate an unspecified number or quantity

From this reading Thus, ranged on the table, with some elegance, but with soldier-like precision, were sundry little relics of former days, hallowed by some sentiment of memory, or perhaps endeared solely by custom; which, whether he was in Egypt, Italy, or England, always made part of the furniture of Harley's room.

to a small degree or extent

From this reading Even the small, old-fashioned, and somewhat inconvenient inkstand into which he dipped the pen as he labelled the letters he put aside, belonged to the writing-desk which had been his pride as a schoolboy.

an operation that segregates items into groups according to a specified criterion

From this reading Before a table, in the apartments appropriated to him in his father's house at Knightsbridge, sat Lord L'Estrange, sorting or destroying letters and papers,--an ordinary symptom of change of residence.

consisting of a haphazard assortment of different kinds

From this reading Thus, ranged on the table, with some elegance, but with soldier-like precision, were sundry little relics of former days, hallowed by some sentiment of memory, or perhaps endeared solely by custom; which, whether he was in Egypt, Italy, or England, always made part of the furniture of Harley's room.

(medicine) any sensation or change in bodily function that is experienced by a patient and is associated with a particular disease

From this reading Before a table, in the apartments appropriated to him in his father's house at Knightsbridge, sat Lord L'Estrange, sorting or destroying letters and papers,--an ordinary symptom of change of residence.

a set of data arranged in rows and columns

From this reading Before a table, in the apartments appropriated to him in his father's house at Knightsbridge, sat Lord L'Estrange, sorting or destroying letters and papers,--an ordinary symptom of change of residence.

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading Even the books that lay scattered round were not new works, not those to which we turn to satisfy the curiosity of an hour, or to distract our graver thoughts; they were chiefly either Latin or Italian poets, with many a, pencil-mark on the margin; or books which, making severe demand on thought, require slow and frequent perusal, and become companions.

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

From this reading Before a table, in the apartments appropriated to him in his father's house at Knightsbridge, sat Lord L'Estrange, sorting or destroying letters and papers,--an ordinary symptom of change of residence.

in or at that place or location

From this reading There are certain trifles by which a shrewd observer may judge of a man's disposition.

the people, animals, or things already mentioned, as the subject

From this reading Even the books that lay scattered round were not new works, not those to which we turn to satisfy the curiosity of an hour, or to distract our graver thoughts; they were chiefly either Latin or Italian poets, with many a, pencil-mark on the margin; or books which, making severe demand on thought, require slow and frequent perusal, and become companions.

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

From this reading Even the books that lay scattered round were not new works, not those to which we turn to satisfy the curiosity of an hour, or to distract our graver thoughts; they were chiefly either Latin or Italian poets, with many a, pencil-mark on the margin; or books which, making severe demand on thought, require slow and frequent perusal, and become companions.

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

From this reading Even the books that lay scattered round were not new works, not those to which we turn to satisfy the curiosity of an hour, or to distract our graver thoughts; they were chiefly either Latin or Italian poets, with many a, pencil-mark on the margin; or books which, making severe demand on thought, require slow and frequent perusal, and become companions.

plural of “thought” — the content of cognition; the main thing you are thinking about

From this reading Even the books that lay scattered round were not new works, not those to which we turn to satisfy the curiosity of an hour, or to distract our graver thoughts; they were chiefly either Latin or Italian poets, with many a, pencil-mark on the margin; or books which, making severe demand on thought, require slow and frequent perusal, and become companions.

(used to introduce a logical conclusion) from that fact or reason or as a result

From this reading Thus, ranged on the table, with some elegance, but with soldier-like precision, were sundry little relics of former days, hallowed by some sentiment of memory, or perhaps endeared solely by custom; which, whether he was in Egypt, Italy, or England, always made part of the furniture of Harley's room.

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

From this reading Before a table, in the apartments appropriated to him in his father's house at Knightsbridge, sat Lord L'Estrange, sorting or destroying letters and papers,--an ordinary symptom of change of residence.

plural of “trifle” — a cold pudding made of layers of sponge cake spread with fruit or jelly; may be decorated with nuts, cream, or chocolate

From this reading There are certain trifles by which a shrewd observer may judge of a man's disposition.

change orientation or direction, also in the abstract sense

From this reading Even the books that lay scattered round were not new works, not those to which we turn to satisfy the curiosity of an hour, or to distract our graver thoughts; they were chiefly either Latin or Italian poets, with many a, pencil-mark on the margin; or books which, making severe demand on thought, require slow and frequent perusal, and become companions.

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

From this reading Thus, ranged on the table, with some elegance, but with soldier-like precision, were sundry little relics of former days, hallowed by some sentiment of memory, or perhaps endeared solely by custom; which, whether he was in Egypt, Italy, or England, always made part of the furniture of Harley's room.

the speaker together with one or more other people

From this reading Even the books that lay scattered round were not new works, not those to which we turn to satisfy the curiosity of an hour, or to distract our graver thoughts; they were chiefly either Latin or Italian poets, with many a, pencil-mark on the margin; or books which, making severe demand on thought, require slow and frequent perusal, and become companions.

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

From this reading Thus, ranged on the table, with some elegance, but with soldier-like precision, were sundry little relics of former days, hallowed by some sentiment of memory, or perhaps endeared solely by custom; which, whether he was in Egypt, Italy, or England, always made part of the furniture of Harley's room.

used to introduce two or more possibilities

From this reading Thus, ranged on the table, with some elegance, but with soldier-like precision, were sundry little relics of former days, hallowed by some sentiment of memory, or perhaps endeared solely by custom; which, whether he was in Egypt, Italy, or England, always made part of the furniture of Harley's room.

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

From this reading There are certain trifles by which a shrewd observer may judge of a man's disposition.

in the company of; together with

From this reading Thus, ranged on the table, with some elegance, but with soldier-like precision, were sundry little relics of former days, hallowed by some sentiment of memory, or perhaps endeared solely by custom; which, whether he was in Egypt, Italy, or England, always made part of the furniture of Harley's room.

buildings for carrying on industrial labor

From this reading Even the books that lay scattered round were not new works, not those to which we turn to satisfy the curiosity of an hour, or to distract our graver thoughts; they were chiefly either Latin or Italian poets, with many a, pencil-mark on the margin; or books which, making severe demand on thought, require slow and frequent perusal, and become companions.

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

From this reading Even the small, old-fashioned, and somewhat inconvenient inkstand into which he dipped the pen as he labelled the letters he put aside, belonged to the writing-desk which had been his pride as a schoolboy.