1871
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Entered according to Act of Congress, in the year 1871, BY JAMES RUSSELL LOWELL, in the Office of the Librarian of Congress, at Washington.
used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading The papers here gathered have been written at intervals during the last fifteen years, and I knew no way so effectual to rid my mind of them and make ready for a new departure, as this of shutting them between two covers where they can haunt me, at least, no more.
(followed by “to”) in agreement with or accordant with
From this reading Entered according to Act of Congress, in the year 1871, BY JAMES RUSSELL LOWELL, in the Office of the Librarian of Congress, at Washington.
perform an action, or work out or perform (an action)
From this reading Entered according to Act of Congress, in the year 1871, BY JAMES RUSSELL LOWELL, in the Office of the Librarian of Congress, at Washington.
the form of “be” used with “I”
From this reading My former volume of Essays has been so kindly received that I am emboldened to make another and more miscellaneous collection.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading My former volume of Essays has been so kindly received that I am emboldened to make another and more miscellaneous collection.
one more of the same kind, or a different one
From this reading My former volume of Essays has been so kindly received that I am emboldened to make another and more miscellaneous collection.
areauxiliary verbUS /ɑːr/
the form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun
From this reading I should have preferred a simpler title, but publishers nowadays are inexorable on this point, and I was too much occupied for happiness of choice.
at the same time that; because; in the way that
From this reading The papers here gathered have been written at intervals during the last fifteen years, and I knew no way so effectual to rid my mind of them and make ready for a new departure, as this of shutting them between two covers where they can haunt me, at least, no more.
in or near a particular place or position
From this reading Entered according to Act of Congress, in the year 1871, BY JAMES RUSSELL LOWELL, in the Office of the Librarian of Congress, at Washington.
beenauxiliary verbUS /bɪn/
the past participle of “be”
From this reading My former volume of Essays has been so kindly received that I am emboldened to make another and more miscellaneous collection.
in the space, time, or range separating two things
From this reading The papers here gathered have been written at intervals during the last fifteen years, and I knew no way so effectual to rid my mind of them and make ready for a new departure, as this of shutting them between two covers where they can haunt me, at least, no more.
used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before
From this reading I should have preferred a simpler title, but publishers nowadays are inexorable on this point, and I was too much occupied for happiness of choice.
showing who or what does the action
From this reading Entered according to Act of Congress, in the year 1871, BY JAMES RUSSELL LOWELL, in the Office of the Librarian of Congress, at Washington.
to be able to, or to be allowed to
From this reading The papers here gathered have been written at intervals during the last fifteen years, and I knew no way so effectual to rid my mind of them and make ready for a new departure, as this of shutting them between two covers where they can haunt me, at least, no more.
the person or thing chosen or selected
From this reading I should have preferred a simpler title, but publishers nowadays are inexorable on this point, and I was too much occupied for happiness of choice.
collectionnounUS /kəˈlekʃən/
several things grouped together or considered as a whole
From this reading My former volume of Essays has been so kindly received that I am emboldened to make another and more miscellaneous collection.
CongressnounUS /ˈkɑːŋɡrəs/
the legislature of the United States government
From this reading Entered according to Act of Congress, in the year 1871, BY JAMES RUSSELL LOWELL, in the Office of the Librarian of Congress, at Washington.
coversnounUS /ˈkʌvərz/
plural of “cover” — a covering that serves to conceal or shelter something
From this reading The papers here gathered have been written at intervals during the last fifteen years, and I knew no way so effectual to rid my mind of them and make ready for a new departure, as this of shutting them between two covers where they can haunt me, at least, no more.
the act of departing
From this reading The papers here gathered have been written at intervals during the last fifteen years, and I knew no way so effectual to rid my mind of them and make ready for a new departure, as this of shutting them between two covers where they can haunt me, at least, no more.
all through a period, or at some point within it
From this reading The papers here gathered have been written at intervals during the last fifteen years, and I knew no way so effectual to rid my mind of them and make ready for a new departure, as this of shutting them between two covers where they can haunt me, at least, no more.
effectualadjective
producing or capable of producing an intended result or having a striking effect
From this reading The papers here gathered have been written at intervals during the last fifteen years, and I knew no way so effectual to rid my mind of them and make ready for a new departure, as this of shutting them between two covers where they can haunt me, at least, no more.
emboldenedadjectiveUS /emˈboʊldənd/
made bold or courageous
From this reading My former volume of Essays has been so kindly received that I am emboldened to make another and more miscellaneous collection.
past form of “enter” — to come or go into
From this reading Entered according to Act of Congress, in the year 1871, BY JAMES RUSSELL LOWELL, in the Office of the Librarian of Congress, at Washington.
EssaysnounUS /eˈseɪz/
plural of “essay” — an analytic or interpretive literary composition
From this reading My former volume of Essays has been so kindly received that I am emboldened to make another and more miscellaneous collection.
the cardinal number that is the sum of fourteen and one
From this reading The papers here gathered have been written at intervals during the last fifteen years, and I knew no way so effectual to rid my mind of them and make ready for a new departure, as this of shutting them between two covers where they can haunt me, at least, no more.
intended to be given to, or used by, somebody
From this reading The papers here gathered have been written at intervals during the last fifteen years, and I knew no way so effectual to rid my mind of them and make ready for a new departure, as this of shutting them between two covers where they can haunt me, at least, no more.
referring to the first of two things or persons mentioned (or the earlier one or ones of several)
From this reading My former volume of Essays has been so kindly received that I am emboldened to make another and more miscellaneous collection.
brought together in one place
From this reading The papers here gathered have been written at intervals during the last fifteen years, and I knew no way so effectual to rid my mind of them and make ready for a new departure, as this of shutting them between two covers where they can haunt me, at least, no more.
state of well-being characterized by emotions ranging from contentment to intense joy
From this reading I should have preferred a simpler title, but publishers nowadays are inexorable on this point, and I was too much occupied for happiness of choice.
hasauxiliary verbUS /hæz/
the form of “have” used with he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading My former volume of Essays has been so kindly received that I am emboldened to make another and more miscellaneous collection.
hauntverbUS /hɔːnt/
follow stealthily or recur constantly and spontaneously to
From this reading The papers here gathered have been written at intervals during the last fifteen years, and I knew no way so effectual to rid my mind of them and make ready for a new departure, as this of shutting them between two covers where they can haunt me, at least, no more.
haveauxiliary verbUS /hæv/
used with a past participle to form the perfect tenses
From this reading The papers here gathered have been written at intervals during the last fifteen years, and I knew no way so effectual to rid my mind of them and make ready for a new departure, as this of shutting them between two covers where they can haunt me, at least, no more.
in or at this place; where the speaker or writer is
From this reading The papers here gathered have been written at intervals during the last fifteen years, and I knew no way so effectual to rid my mind of them and make ready for a new departure, as this of shutting them between two covers where they can haunt me, at least, no more.
the person speaking or writing, as the subject of the verb
From this reading My former volume of Essays has been so kindly received that I am emboldened to make another and more miscellaneous collection.
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading Entered according to Act of Congress, in the year 1871, BY JAMES RUSSELL LOWELL, in the Office of the Librarian of Congress, at Washington.
inexorableadjectiveUS /ˌɪˈneksərəbəl/
not to be placated or appeased or moved by entreaty
From this reading I should have preferred a simpler title, but publishers nowadays are inexorable on this point, and I was too much occupied for happiness of choice.
intervalsnounUS /ˈɪntərvəlz/
plural of “interval” — a definite length of time marked off by two instants
From this reading The papers here gathered have been written at intervals during the last fifteen years, and I knew no way so effectual to rid my mind of them and make ready for a new departure, as this of shutting them between two covers where they can haunt me, at least, no more.
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 Entered according to Act of Congress, in the year 1871, BY JAMES RUSSELL LOWELL, in the Office of the Librarian of Congress, at Washington.
showing or motivated by sympathy and understanding and generosity
From this reading My former volume of Essays has been so kindly received that I am emboldened to make another and more miscellaneous collection.
inflected form of “know” — be cognizant or aware of a fact or a specific piece of information; possess knowledge or information about
From this reading The papers here gathered have been written at intervals during the last fifteen years, and I knew no way so effectual to rid my mind of them and make ready for a new departure, as this of shutting them between two covers where they can haunt me, at least, no more.
immediately past
From this reading The papers here gathered have been written at intervals during the last fifteen years, and I knew no way so effectual to rid my mind of them and make ready for a new departure, as this of shutting them between two covers where they can haunt me, at least, no more.
the superlative of “little” that can be used with mass nouns and is usually preceded by “the”; a quantifier meaning smallest in amount or extent or degree
From this reading The papers here gathered have been written at intervals during the last fifteen years, and I knew no way so effectual to rid my mind of them and make ready for a new departure, as this of shutting them between two covers where they can haunt me, at least, no more.
LibrariannounUS /laɪˈbreriːən/
a professional person trained in library science and engaged in library services
From this reading Entered according to Act of Congress, in the year 1871, BY JAMES RUSSELL LOWELL, in the Office of the Librarian of Congress, at Washington.
LOWELLnounUS /ˈloʊəl/
United States poet (1917-1977)
From this reading Entered according to Act of Congress, in the year 1871, BY JAMES RUSSELL LOWELL, in the Office of the Librarian of Congress, at Washington.
engage in
From this reading My former volume of Essays has been so kindly received that I am emboldened to make another and more miscellaneous collection.
the person speaking, as the object of a verb or preposition
From this reading The papers here gathered have been written at intervals during the last fifteen years, and I knew no way so effectual to rid my mind of them and make ready for a new departure, as this of shutting them between two covers where they can haunt me, at least, no more.
The element of a person that enables awareness and thought.
From this reading The papers here gathered have been written at intervals during the last fifteen years, and I knew no way so effectual to rid my mind of them and make ready for a new departure, as this of shutting them between two covers where they can haunt me, at least, no more.
miscellaneousadjectiveUS /ˌmɪsəˈleɪniəs/
consisting of a haphazard assortment of different kinds
From this reading My former volume of Essays has been so kindly received that I am emboldened to make another and more miscellaneous collection.
(comparative of “much” used with mass nouns) a quantifier meaning greater in size or amount or extent or degree
From this reading My former volume of Essays has been so kindly received that I am emboldened to make another and more miscellaneous collection.
to a great degree or extent
From this reading I should have preferred a simpler title, but publishers nowadays are inexorable on this point, and I was too much occupied for happiness of choice.
belonging to the person speaking
From this reading My former volume of Essays has been so kindly received that I am emboldened to make another and more miscellaneous collection.
not of long duration; having just (or relatively recently) come into being or been made or acquired or discovered
From this reading The papers here gathered have been written at intervals during the last fifteen years, and I knew no way so effectual to rid my mind of them and make ready for a new departure, as this of shutting them between two covers where they can haunt me, at least, no more.
not any; not one
From this reading The papers here gathered have been written at intervals during the last fifteen years, and I knew no way so effectual to rid my mind of them and make ready for a new departure, as this of shutting them between two covers where they can haunt me, at least, no more.
a brief written record
From this reading PREFATORY NOTE.
nowadaysnounUS /ˈnaʊədeɪz/
the period of time that is happening now; any continuous stretch of time including the moment of speech
From this reading I should have preferred a simpler title, but publishers nowadays are inexorable on this point, and I was too much occupied for happiness of choice.
held or filled or in use
From this reading I should have preferred a simpler title, but publishers nowadays are inexorable on this point, and I was too much occupied for happiness of choice.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading Entered according to Act of Congress, in the year 1871, BY JAMES RUSSELL LOWELL, in the Office of the Librarian of Congress, at Washington.
place of business where professional or clerical duties are performed
From this reading Entered according to Act of Congress, in the year 1871, BY JAMES RUSSELL LOWELL, in the Office of the Librarian of Congress, at Washington.
touching and supported by a surface
From this reading I should have preferred a simpler title, but publishers nowadays are inexorable on this point, and I was too much occupied for happiness of choice.
writing that provides information (especially information of an official nature)
From this reading The papers here gathered have been written at intervals during the last fifteen years, and I knew no way so effectual to rid my mind of them and make ready for a new departure, as this of shutting them between two covers where they can haunt me, at least, no more.
a geometric element that has position but no extension
From this reading I should have preferred a simpler title, but publishers nowadays are inexorable on this point, and I was too much occupied for happiness of choice.
PREFATORYadjective
serving as an introduction or preface
From this reading PREFATORY NOTE.
preferredadjectiveUS /prəˈfɜːrd/
more desirable than another
From this reading I should have preferred a simpler title, but publishers nowadays are inexorable on this point, and I was too much occupied for happiness of choice.
publishersnounUS /ˈpʌblɪʃərz/
plural of “publisher” — a firm in the publishing business
From this reading I should have preferred a simpler title, but publishers nowadays are inexorable on this point, and I was too much occupied for happiness of choice.
completely prepared or in condition for immediate action or use or progress
From this reading The papers here gathered have been written at intervals during the last fifteen years, and I knew no way so effectual to rid my mind of them and make ready for a new departure, as this of shutting them between two covers where they can haunt me, at least, no more.
conforming to the established language usage of educated native speakers
From this reading My former volume of Essays has been so kindly received that I am emboldened to make another and more miscellaneous collection.
relieve from
From this reading The papers here gathered have been written at intervals during the last fifteen years, and I knew no way so effectual to rid my mind of them and make ready for a new departure, as this of shutting them between two covers where they can haunt me, at least, no more.
RUSSELLnounUS /ˈrʌsəl/
United States religious leader who founded the sect that is now called Jehovah's Witnesses (1852-1916)
From this reading Entered according to Act of Congress, in the year 1871, BY JAMES RUSSELL LOWELL, in the Office of the Librarian of Congress, at Washington.
used to say what is right, expected, or advisable
From this reading I should have preferred a simpler title, but publishers nowadays are inexorable on this point, and I was too much occupied for happiness of choice.
shuttingnounUS /ˈʃʌtɪŋ/
the act of closing something
From this reading The papers here gathered have been written at intervals during the last fifteen years, and I knew no way so effectual to rid my mind of them and make ready for a new departure, as this of shutting them between two covers where they can haunt me, at least, no more.
simpleradjectiveUS /ˈsɪmpələr/
comparative of “simple” — having few parts; not complex or complicated or involved
From this reading I should have preferred a simpler title, but publishers nowadays are inexorable on this point, and I was too much occupied for happiness of choice.
for that reason; with the result that
From this reading My former volume of Essays has been so kindly received that I am emboldened to make another and more miscellaneous collection.
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading My former volume of Essays has been so kindly received that I am emboldened to make another and more miscellaneous collection.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading Entered according to Act of Congress, in the year 1871, BY JAMES RUSSELL LOWELL, in the Office of the Librarian of Congress, at Washington.
the people or things already mentioned, as the object
From this reading The papers here gathered have been written at intervals during the last fifteen years, and I knew no way so effectual to rid my mind of them and make ready for a new departure, as this of shutting them between two covers where they can haunt me, at least, no more.
the people, animals, or things already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading The papers here gathered have been written at intervals during the last fifteen years, and I knew no way so effectual to rid my mind of them and make ready for a new departure, as this of shutting them between two covers where they can haunt me, at least, no more.
used for a person or thing that is near, or that has just been mentioned
From this reading The papers here gathered have been written at intervals during the last fifteen years, and I knew no way so effectual to rid my mind of them and make ready for a new departure, as this of shutting them between two covers where they can haunt me, at least, no more.
a heading that names a statute or legislative bill; may give a brief summary of the matters it deals with
From this reading I should have preferred a simpler title, but publishers nowadays are inexorable on this point, and I was too much occupied for happiness of choice.
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading Entered according to Act of Congress, in the year 1871, BY JAMES RUSSELL LOWELL, in the Office of the Librarian of Congress, at Washington.
to a degree exceeding normal or proper limits
From this reading I should have preferred a simpler title, but publishers nowadays are inexorable on this point, and I was too much occupied for happiness of choice.
the cardinal number that is the sum of one and one or a numeral representing this number
From this reading The papers here gathered have been written at intervals during the last fifteen years, and I knew no way so effectual to rid my mind of them and make ready for a new departure, as this of shutting them between two covers where they can haunt me, at least, no more.
the amount of 3-dimensional space occupied by an object
From this reading My former volume of Essays has been so kindly received that I am emboldened to make another and more miscellaneous collection.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading I should have preferred a simpler title, but publishers nowadays are inexorable on this point, and I was too much occupied for happiness of choice.
the capital of the United States in the District of Columbia and a tourist mecca; George Washington commissioned Charles L'Enfant to lay out the city in 1791
From this reading Entered according to Act of Congress, in the year 1871, BY JAMES RUSSELL LOWELL, in the Office of the Librarian of Congress, at Washington.
how something is done or how it happens
From this reading The papers here gathered have been written at intervals during the last fifteen years, and I knew no way so effectual to rid my mind of them and make ready for a new departure, as this of shutting them between two covers where they can haunt me, at least, no more.
in or at the place that
From this reading The papers here gathered have been written at intervals during the last fifteen years, and I knew no way so effectual to rid my mind of them and make ready for a new departure, as this of shutting them between two covers where they can haunt me, at least, no more.
set down in writing in any of various ways
From this reading The papers here gathered have been written at intervals during the last fifteen years, and I knew no way so effectual to rid my mind of them and make ready for a new departure, as this of shutting them between two covers where they can haunt me, at least, no more.
a period of time containing 365 (or 366) days
From this reading Entered according to Act of Congress, in the year 1871, BY JAMES RUSSELL LOWELL, in the Office of the Librarian of Congress, at Washington.
a late time of life
From this reading The papers here gathered have been written at intervals during the last fifteen years, and I knew no way so effectual to rid my mind of them and make ready for a new departure, as this of shutting them between two covers where they can haunt me, at least, no more.
