Chapter IV

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

From this reading “Though old, he still retain’d His manly sense and energy of mind, Virtuous and wise he was, but not severe; He still remembered that he once was young; His easy presence checked no decent joy, Him even the dissolute admired; for he A graceful looseness, when he pleased, put on, And, laughing, could instruct.”

(Old Testament) in Judeo-Christian mythology; the first man and the husband of Eve and the progenitor of the human race

From this reading “AUD ADAM OLLIVER.”

regarded with admiration

From this reading “Though old, he still retain’d His manly sense and energy of mind, Virtuous and wise he was, but not severe; He still remembered that he once was young; His easy presence checked no decent joy, Him even the dissolute admired; for he A graceful looseness, when he pleased, put on, And, laughing, could instruct.”

how long something has existed

From this reading He had now reached an age at which he was unequal to prolonged and heavy labour, and so he spent his time in cutting and trimming the farmer’s hedges--his thoughtful master giving him to understand that though his wages were to be continued as usual, he was at full liberty to work when it pleased him, and to rest when he chose.

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

From this reading _Armstrong._ The nearest neighbour to Nathan Blyth was an old farm labourer called Adam Olliver, who for forty years and more, as man and boy, had toiled and moiled on Gregory Houston’s farm.

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

From this reading “Though old, he still retain’d His manly sense and energy of mind, Virtuous and wise he was, but not severe; He still remembered that he once was young; His easy presence checked no decent joy, Him even the dissolute admired; for he A graceful looseness, when he pleased, put on, And, laughing, could instruct.”

one or some or every or all without specification

From this reading The old man used to ride to and from his labour on a meek and mild old donkey, which rejoiced in the name of Balaam, and which was never known to travel at any other pace than a slow jog-trot, or to carry any other rider than his master.

United States astronaut; the first man to set foot on the Moon (July 20, 1969) (1930-)

From this reading _Armstrong._ The nearest neighbour to Nathan Blyth was an old farm labourer called Adam Olliver, who for forty years and more, as man and boy, had toiled and moiled on Gregory Houston’s farm.

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

From this reading _Armstrong._ The nearest neighbour to Nathan Blyth was an old farm labourer called Adam Olliver, who for forty years and more, as man and boy, had toiled and moiled on Gregory Houston’s farm.

in or near a particular place or position

From this reading He had now reached an age at which he was unequal to prolonged and heavy labour, and so he spent his time in cutting and trimming the farmer’s hedges--his thoughtful master giving him to understand that though his wages were to be continued as usual, he was at full liberty to work when it pleased him, and to rest when he chose.

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

From this reading “AUD ADAM OLLIVER.”

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

From this reading The old man used to ride to and from his labour on a meek and mild old donkey, which rejoiced in the name of Balaam, and which was never known to travel at any other pace than a slow jog-trot, or to carry any other rider than his master.

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

From this reading He had now reached an age at which he was unequal to prolonged and heavy labour, and so he spent his time in cutting and trimming the farmer’s hedges--his thoughtful master giving him to understand that though his wages were to be continued as usual, he was at full liberty to work when it pleased him, and to rest when he chose.

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

From this reading _Armstrong._ The nearest neighbour to Nathan Blyth was an old farm labourer called Adam Olliver, who for forty years and more, as man and boy, had toiled and moiled on Gregory Houston’s farm.

a youthful male person

From this reading _Armstrong._ The nearest neighbour to Nathan Blyth was an old farm labourer called Adam Olliver, who for forty years and more, as man and boy, had toiled and moiled on Gregory Houston’s farm.

used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before

From this reading “Though old, he still retain’d His manly sense and energy of mind, Virtuous and wise he was, but not severe; He still remembered that he once was young; His easy presence checked no decent joy, Him even the dissolute admired; for he A graceful looseness, when he pleased, put on, And, laughing, could instruct.”

past form of “call” — assign a specified (usually proper) proper name to

From this reading _Armstrong._ The nearest neighbour to Nathan Blyth was an old farm labourer called Adam Olliver, who for forty years and more, as man and boy, had toiled and moiled on Gregory Houston’s farm.

move while supporting, either in a vehicle or in one's hands or on one's body

From this reading The old man used to ride to and from his labour on a meek and mild old donkey, which rejoiced in the name of Balaam, and which was never known to travel at any other pace than a slow jog-trot, or to carry any other rider than his master.

patterned with alternating squares of color

From this reading “Though old, he still retain’d His manly sense and energy of mind, Virtuous and wise he was, but not severe; He still remembered that he once was young; His easy presence checked no decent joy, Him even the dissolute admired; for he A graceful looseness, when he pleased, put on, And, laughing, could instruct.”

inflected form of “choose” — pick out, select, or choose from a number of alternatives

From this reading He had now reached an age at which he was unequal to prolonged and heavy labour, and so he spent his time in cutting and trimming the farmer’s hedges--his thoughtful master giving him to understand that though his wages were to be continued as usual, he was at full liberty to work when it pleased him, and to rest when he chose.

without stop or interruption

From this reading He had now reached an age at which he was unequal to prolonged and heavy labour, and so he spent his time in cutting and trimming the farmer’s hedges--his thoughtful master giving him to understand that though his wages were to be continued as usual, he was at full liberty to work when it pleased him, and to rest when he chose.

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

From this reading “Though old, he still retain’d His manly sense and energy of mind, Virtuous and wise he was, but not severe; He still remembered that he once was young; His easy presence checked no decent joy, Him even the dissolute admired; for he A graceful looseness, when he pleased, put on, And, laughing, could instruct.”

the activity of selecting the scenes to be shown and putting them together to create a film

From this reading He had now reached an age at which he was unequal to prolonged and heavy labour, and so he spent his time in cutting and trimming the farmer’s hedges--his thoughtful master giving him to understand that though his wages were to be continued as usual, he was at full liberty to work when it pleased him, and to rest when he chose.

socially or conventionally correct; refined or virtuous

From this reading “Though old, he still retain’d His manly sense and energy of mind, Virtuous and wise he was, but not severe; He still remembered that he once was young; His easy presence checked no decent joy, Him even the dissolute admired; for he A graceful looseness, when he pleased, put on, And, laughing, could instruct.”

unrestrained by convention or morality

From this reading “Though old, he still retain’d His manly sense and energy of mind, Virtuous and wise he was, but not severe; He still remembered that he once was young; His easy presence checked no decent joy, Him even the dissolute admired; for he A graceful looseness, when he pleased, put on, And, laughing, could instruct.”

the symbol of the Democratic Party; introduced in cartoons by Thomas Nast in 1874

From this reading The old man used to ride to and from his labour on a meek and mild old donkey, which rejoiced in the name of Balaam, and which was never known to travel at any other pace than a slow jog-trot, or to carry any other rider than his master.

posing no difficulty; requiring little effort

From this reading “Though old, he still retain’d His manly sense and energy of mind, Virtuous and wise he was, but not severe; He still remembered that he once was young; His easy presence checked no decent joy, Him even the dissolute admired; for he A graceful looseness, when he pleased, put on, And, laughing, could instruct.”

(physics) a thermodynamic quantity equivalent to the capacity of a physical system to do work; the units of energy are joules or ergs

From this reading “Though old, he still retain’d His manly sense and energy of mind, Virtuous and wise he was, but not severe; He still remembered that he once was young; His easy presence checked no decent joy, Him even the dissolute admired; for he A graceful looseness, when he pleased, put on, And, laughing, could instruct.”

divisible by two

From this reading “Though old, he still retain’d His manly sense and energy of mind, Virtuous and wise he was, but not severe; He still remembered that he once was young; His easy presence checked no decent joy, Him even the dissolute admired; for he A graceful looseness, when he pleased, put on, And, laughing, could instruct.”

be a farmer; work as a farmer

From this reading _Armstrong._ The nearest neighbour to Nathan Blyth was an old farm labourer called Adam Olliver, who for forty years and more, as man and boy, had toiled and moiled on Gregory Houston’s farm.

possessive form of “farmer” — a person who operates a farm

From this reading He had now reached an age at which he was unequal to prolonged and heavy labour, and so he spent his time in cutting and trimming the farmer’s hedges--his thoughtful master giving him to understand that though his wages were to be continued as usual, he was at full liberty to work when it pleased him, and to rest when he chose.

intended to be given to, or used by, somebody

From this reading “Though old, he still retain’d His manly sense and energy of mind, Virtuous and wise he was, but not severe; He still remembered that he once was young; His easy presence checked no decent joy, Him even the dissolute admired; for he A graceful looseness, when he pleased, put on, And, laughing, could instruct.”

being ten more than thirty

From this reading _Armstrong._ The nearest neighbour to Nathan Blyth was an old farm labourer called Adam Olliver, who for forty years and more, as man and boy, had toiled and moiled on Gregory Houston’s farm.

showing where something starts, or who sent it

From this reading The old man used to ride to and from his labour on a meek and mild old donkey, which rejoiced in the name of Balaam, and which was never known to travel at any other pace than a slow jog-trot, or to carry any other rider than his master.

containing as much or as many as is possible or normal

From this reading He had now reached an age at which he was unequal to prolonged and heavy labour, and so he spent his time in cutting and trimming the farmer’s hedges--his thoughtful master giving him to understand that though his wages were to be continued as usual, he was at full liberty to work when it pleased him, and to rest when he chose.

the act of giving

From this reading He had now reached an age at which he was unequal to prolonged and heavy labour, and so he spent his time in cutting and trimming the farmer’s hedges--his thoughtful master giving him to understand that though his wages were to be continued as usual, he was at full liberty to work when it pleased him, and to rest when he chose.

characterized by beauty of movement, style, form, or execution

From this reading “Though old, he still retain’d His manly sense and energy of mind, Virtuous and wise he was, but not severe; He still remembered that he once was young; His easy presence checked no decent joy, Him even the dissolute admired; for he A graceful looseness, when he pleased, put on, And, laughing, could instruct.”

(Roman Catholic Church) a church father known for his constant fight against perceived heresies; a saint and Doctor of the Church (329-391)

From this reading _Armstrong._ The nearest neighbour to Nathan Blyth was an old farm labourer called Adam Olliver, who for forty years and more, as man and boy, had toiled and moiled on Gregory Houston’s farm.

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

From this reading _Armstrong._ The nearest neighbour to Nathan Blyth was an old farm labourer called Adam Olliver, who for forty years and more, as man and boy, had toiled and moiled on Gregory Houston’s farm.

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

From this reading “Though old, he still retain’d His manly sense and energy of mind, Virtuous and wise he was, but not severe; He still remembered that he once was young; His easy presence checked no decent joy, Him even the dissolute admired; for he A graceful looseness, when he pleased, put on, And, laughing, could instruct.”

of comparatively great physical weight or density

From this reading He had now reached an age at which he was unequal to prolonged and heavy labour, and so he spent his time in cutting and trimming the farmer’s hedges--his thoughtful master giving him to understand that though his wages were to be continued as usual, he was at full liberty to work when it pleased him, and to rest when he chose.

plural of “hedge” — a fence formed by a row of closely planted shrubs or bushes

From this reading He had now reached an age at which he was unequal to prolonged and heavy labour, and so he spent his time in cutting and trimming the farmer’s hedges--his thoughtful master giving him to understand that though his wages were to be continued as usual, he was at full liberty to work when it pleased him, and to rest when he chose.

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

From this reading “Though old, he still retain’d His manly sense and energy of mind, Virtuous and wise he was, but not severe; He still remembered that he once was young; His easy presence checked no decent joy, Him even the dissolute admired; for he A graceful looseness, when he pleased, put on, And, laughing, could instruct.”

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

From this reading “Though old, he still retain’d His manly sense and energy of mind, Virtuous and wise he was, but not severe; He still remembered that he once was young; His easy presence checked no decent joy, Him even the dissolute admired; for he A graceful looseness, when he pleased, put on, And, laughing, could instruct.”

possessive form of “houston” — the largest city in Texas; located in southeastern Texas near the Gulf of Mexico; site of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration

From this reading _Armstrong._ The nearest neighbour to Nathan Blyth was an old farm labourer called Adam Olliver, who for forty years and more, as man and boy, had toiled and moiled on Gregory Houston’s farm.

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

From this reading He had now reached an age at which he was unequal to prolonged and heavy labour, and so he spent his time in cutting and trimming the farmer’s hedges--his thoughtful master giving him to understand that though his wages were to be continued as usual, he was at full liberty to work when it pleased him, and to rest when he chose.

impart skills or knowledge to

From this reading “Though old, he still retain’d His manly sense and energy of mind, Virtuous and wise he was, but not severe; He still remembered that he once was young; His easy presence checked no decent joy, Him even the dissolute admired; for he A graceful looseness, when he pleased, put on, And, laughing, could instruct.”

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading He had now reached an age at which he was unequal to prolonged and heavy labour, and so he spent his time in cutting and trimming the farmer’s hedges--his thoughtful master giving him to understand that though his wages were to be continued as usual, he was at full liberty to work when it pleased him, and to rest when he chose.

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

From this reading The old man used to ride to and from his labour on a meek and mild old donkey, which rejoiced in the name of Balaam, and which was never known to travel at any other pace than a slow jog-trot, or to carry any other rider than his master.

the emotion of great happiness

From this reading “Though old, he still retain’d His manly sense and energy of mind, Virtuous and wise he was, but not severe; He still remembered that he once was young; His easy presence checked no decent joy, Him even the dissolute admired; for he A graceful looseness, when he pleased, put on, And, laughing, could instruct.”

apprehended with certainty

From this reading The old man used to ride to and from his labour on a meek and mild old donkey, which rejoiced in the name of Balaam, and which was never known to travel at any other pace than a slow jog-trot, or to carry any other rider than his master.

a social class comprising those who do manual labor or work for wages

From this reading He had now reached an age at which he was unequal to prolonged and heavy labour, and so he spent his time in cutting and trimming the farmer’s hedges--his thoughtful master giving him to understand that though his wages were to be continued as usual, he was at full liberty to work when it pleased him, and to rest when he chose.

someone who works with their hands; someone engaged in manual labor

From this reading _Armstrong._ The nearest neighbour to Nathan Blyth was an old farm labourer called Adam Olliver, who for forty years and more, as man and boy, had toiled and moiled on Gregory Houston’s farm.

showing or feeling mirth or pleasure or happiness

From this reading “Though old, he still retain’d His manly sense and energy of mind, Virtuous and wise he was, but not severe; He still remembered that he once was young; His easy presence checked no decent joy, Him even the dissolute admired; for he A graceful looseness, when he pleased, put on, And, laughing, could instruct.”

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

From this reading He had now reached an age at which he was unequal to prolonged and heavy labour, and so he spent his time in cutting and trimming the farmer’s hedges--his thoughtful master giving him to understand that though his wages were to be continued as usual, he was at full liberty to work when it pleased him, and to rest when he chose.

frequent and watery bowel movements; can be a symptom of infection or food poisoning or colitis or a gastrointestinal tumor

From this reading “Though old, he still retain’d His manly sense and energy of mind, Virtuous and wise he was, but not severe; He still remembered that he once was young; His easy presence checked no decent joy, Him even the dissolute admired; for he A graceful looseness, when he pleased, put on, And, laughing, could instruct.”

an adult person who is male (as opposed to a woman)

From this reading _Armstrong._ The nearest neighbour to Nathan Blyth was an old farm labourer called Adam Olliver, who for forty years and more, as man and boy, had toiled and moiled on Gregory Houston’s farm.

possessing qualities befitting a man

From this reading “Though old, he still retain’d His manly sense and energy of mind, Virtuous and wise he was, but not severe; He still remembered that he once was young; His easy presence checked no decent joy, Him even the dissolute admired; for he A graceful looseness, when he pleased, put on, And, laughing, could instruct.”

an artist of consummate skill

From this reading He had now reached an age at which he was unequal to prolonged and heavy labour, and so he spent his time in cutting and trimming the farmer’s hedges--his thoughtful master giving him to understand that though his wages were to be continued as usual, he was at full liberty to work when it pleased him, and to rest when he chose.

humble in spirit or manner; suggesting retiring mildness or even cowed submissiveness

From this reading The old man used to ride to and from his labour on a meek and mild old donkey, which rejoiced in the name of Balaam, and which was never known to travel at any other pace than a slow jog-trot, or to carry any other rider than his master.

moderate in type or degree or effect or force; far from extreme

From this reading The old man used to ride to and from his labour on a meek and mild old donkey, which rejoiced in the name of Balaam, and which was never known to travel at any other pace than a slow jog-trot, or to carry any other rider than his master.

The element of a person that enables awareness and thought.

From this reading “Though old, he still retain’d His manly sense and energy of mind, Virtuous and wise he was, but not severe; He still remembered that he once was young; His easy presence checked no decent joy, Him even the dissolute admired; for he A graceful looseness, when he pleased, put on, And, laughing, could instruct.”

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

From this reading _Armstrong._ The nearest neighbour to Nathan Blyth was an old farm labourer called Adam Olliver, who for forty years and more, as man and boy, had toiled and moiled on Gregory Houston’s farm.

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

From this reading _Armstrong._ The nearest neighbour to Nathan Blyth was an old farm labourer called Adam Olliver, who for forty years and more, as man and boy, had toiled and moiled on Gregory Houston’s farm.

assign a specified (usually proper) proper name to

From this reading The old man used to ride to and from his labour on a meek and mild old donkey, which rejoiced in the name of Balaam, and which was never known to travel at any other pace than a slow jog-trot, or to carry any other rider than his master.

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

From this reading _Armstrong._ The nearest neighbour to Nathan Blyth was an old farm labourer called Adam Olliver, who for forty years and more, as man and boy, had toiled and moiled on Gregory Houston’s farm.

(superlative of “near” or “close”) within the shortest distance

From this reading _Armstrong._ The nearest neighbour to Nathan Blyth was an old farm labourer called Adam Olliver, who for forty years and more, as man and boy, had toiled and moiled on Gregory Houston’s farm.

a person who lives (or is located) near another

From this reading _Armstrong._ The nearest neighbour to Nathan Blyth was an old farm labourer called Adam Olliver, who for forty years and more, as man and boy, had toiled and moiled on Gregory Houston’s farm.

not ever; at no time in the past or future

From this reading The old man used to ride to and from his labour on a meek and mild old donkey, which rejoiced in the name of Balaam, and which was never known to travel at any other pace than a slow jog-trot, or to carry any other rider than his master.

not any; not one

From this reading “Though old, he still retain’d His manly sense and energy of mind, Virtuous and wise he was, but not severe; He still remembered that he once was young; His easy presence checked no decent joy, Him even the dissolute admired; for he A graceful looseness, when he pleased, put on, And, laughing, could instruct.”

used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative

From this reading “Though old, he still retain’d His manly sense and energy of mind, Virtuous and wise he was, but not severe; He still remembered that he once was young; His easy presence checked no decent joy, Him even the dissolute admired; for he A graceful looseness, when he pleased, put on, And, laughing, could instruct.”

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

From this reading He had now reached an age at which he was unequal to prolonged and heavy labour, and so he spent his time in cutting and trimming the farmer’s hedges--his thoughtful master giving him to understand that though his wages were to be continued as usual, he was at full liberty to work when it pleased him, and to rest when he chose.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading “Though old, he still retain’d His manly sense and energy of mind, Virtuous and wise he was, but not severe; He still remembered that he once was young; His easy presence checked no decent joy, Him even the dissolute admired; for he A graceful looseness, when he pleased, put on, And, laughing, could instruct.”

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

From this reading “Though old, he still retain’d His manly sense and energy of mind, Virtuous and wise he was, but not severe; He still remembered that he once was young; His easy presence checked no decent joy, Him even the dissolute admired; for he A graceful looseness, when he pleased, put on, And, laughing, could instruct.”

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

From this reading “AUD ADAM OLLIVER.”

touching and supported by a surface

From this reading “Though old, he still retain’d His manly sense and energy of mind, Virtuous and wise he was, but not severe; He still remembered that he once was young; His easy presence checked no decent joy, Him even the dissolute admired; for he A graceful looseness, when he pleased, put on, And, laughing, could instruct.”

on one occasion

From this reading “Though old, he still retain’d His manly sense and energy of mind, Virtuous and wise he was, but not severe; He still remembered that he once was young; His easy presence checked no decent joy, Him even the dissolute admired; for he A graceful looseness, when he pleased, put on, And, laughing, could instruct.”

used to join alternatives or possibilities

From this reading The old man used to ride to and from his labour on a meek and mild old donkey, which rejoiced in the name of Balaam, and which was never known to travel at any other pace than a slow jog-trot, or to carry any other rider than his master.

not the same one or ones already mentioned or implied

From this reading The old man used to ride to and from his labour on a meek and mild old donkey, which rejoiced in the name of Balaam, and which was never known to travel at any other pace than a slow jog-trot, or to carry any other rider than his master.

the rate of moving (especially walking or running)

From this reading The old man used to ride to and from his labour on a meek and mild old donkey, which rejoiced in the name of Balaam, and which was never known to travel at any other pace than a slow jog-trot, or to carry any other rider than his master.

experiencing or manifesting pleasure

From this reading “Though old, he still retain’d His manly sense and energy of mind, Virtuous and wise he was, but not severe; He still remembered that he once was young; His easy presence checked no decent joy, Him even the dissolute admired; for he A graceful looseness, when he pleased, put on, And, laughing, could instruct.”

the state of being present; current existence

From this reading “Though old, he still retain’d His manly sense and energy of mind, Virtuous and wise he was, but not severe; He still remembered that he once was young; His easy presence checked no decent joy, Him even the dissolute admired; for he A graceful looseness, when he pleased, put on, And, laughing, could instruct.”

relatively long in duration; tediously protracted

From this reading He had now reached an age at which he was unequal to prolonged and heavy labour, and so he spent his time in cutting and trimming the farmer’s hedges--his thoughtful master giving him to understand that though his wages were to be continued as usual, he was at full liberty to work when it pleased him, and to rest when he chose.

put into a certain place or abstract location

From this reading “Though old, he still retain’d His manly sense and energy of mind, Virtuous and wise he was, but not severe; He still remembered that he once was young; His easy presence checked no decent joy, Him even the dissolute admired; for he A graceful looseness, when he pleased, put on, And, laughing, could instruct.”

past form of “reach” — reach a destination, either real or abstract

From this reading He had now reached an age at which he was unequal to prolonged and heavy labour, and so he spent his time in cutting and trimming the farmer’s hedges--his thoughtful master giving him to understand that though his wages were to be continued as usual, he was at full liberty to work when it pleased him, and to rest when he chose.

past form of “rejoice” — feel happiness or joy

From this reading The old man used to ride to and from his labour on a meek and mild old donkey, which rejoiced in the name of Balaam, and which was never known to travel at any other pace than a slow jog-trot, or to carry any other rider than his master.

past form of “remember” — recall knowledge from memory; have a recollection

From this reading “Though old, he still retain’d His manly sense and energy of mind, Virtuous and wise he was, but not severe; He still remembered that he once was young; His easy presence checked no decent joy, Him even the dissolute admired; for he A graceful looseness, when he pleased, put on, And, laughing, could instruct.”

not move; be in a resting position

From this reading He had now reached an age at which he was unequal to prolonged and heavy labour, and so he spent his time in cutting and trimming the farmer’s hedges--his thoughtful master giving him to understand that though his wages were to be continued as usual, he was at full liberty to work when it pleased him, and to rest when he chose.

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

From this reading “Though old, he still retain’d His manly sense and energy of mind, Virtuous and wise he was, but not severe; He still remembered that he once was young; His easy presence checked no decent joy, Him even the dissolute admired; for he A graceful looseness, when he pleased, put on, And, laughing, could instruct.”

sit and travel on the back of animal, usually while controlling its motions

From this reading The old man used to ride to and from his labour on a meek and mild old donkey, which rejoiced in the name of Balaam, and which was never known to travel at any other pace than a slow jog-trot, or to carry any other rider than his master.

a traveler who actively rides an animal (as a horse or camel)

From this reading The old man used to ride to and from his labour on a meek and mild old donkey, which rejoiced in the name of Balaam, and which was never known to travel at any other pace than a slow jog-trot, or to carry any other rider than his master.

a general conscious awareness

From this reading “Though old, he still retain’d His manly sense and energy of mind, Virtuous and wise he was, but not severe; He still remembered that he once was young; His easy presence checked no decent joy, Him even the dissolute admired; for he A graceful looseness, when he pleased, put on, And, laughing, could instruct.”

intensely or extremely bad or unpleasant in degree or quality

From this reading “Though old, he still retain’d His manly sense and energy of mind, Virtuous and wise he was, but not severe; He still remembered that he once was young; His easy presence checked no decent joy, Him even the dissolute admired; for he A graceful looseness, when he pleased, put on, And, laughing, could instruct.”

not moving quickly; taking a comparatively long time

From this reading The old man used to ride to and from his labour on a meek and mild old donkey, which rejoiced in the name of Balaam, and which was never known to travel at any other pace than a slow jog-trot, or to carry any other rider than his master.

for that reason; with the result that

From this reading He had now reached an age at which he was unequal to prolonged and heavy labour, and so he spent his time in cutting and trimming the farmer’s hedges--his thoughtful master giving him to understand that though his wages were to be continued as usual, he was at full liberty to work when it pleased him, and to rest when he chose.

depleted of energy, force, or strength

From this reading He had now reached an age at which he was unequal to prolonged and heavy labour, and so he spent his time in cutting and trimming the farmer’s hedges--his thoughtful master giving him to understand that though his wages were to be continued as usual, he was at full liberty to work when it pleased him, and to rest when he chose.

not in physical motion

From this reading “Though old, he still retain’d His manly sense and energy of mind, Virtuous and wise he was, but not severe; He still remembered that he once was young; His easy presence checked no decent joy, Him even the dissolute admired; for he A graceful looseness, when he pleased, put on, And, laughing, could instruct.”

used to introduce the second part of a comparison

From this reading The old man used to ride to and from his labour on a meek and mild old donkey, which rejoiced in the name of Balaam, and which was never known to travel at any other pace than a slow jog-trot, or to carry any other rider than his master.

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading “Though old, he still retain’d His manly sense and energy of mind, Virtuous and wise he was, but not severe; He still remembered that he once was young; His easy presence checked no decent joy, Him even the dissolute admired; for he A graceful looseness, when he pleased, put on, And, laughing, could instruct.”

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

From this reading “Though old, he still retain’d His manly sense and energy of mind, Virtuous and wise he was, but not severe; He still remembered that he once was young; His easy presence checked no decent joy, Him even the dissolute admired; for he A graceful looseness, when he pleased, put on, And, laughing, could instruct.”

in spite of the fact that

From this reading “Though old, he still retain’d His manly sense and energy of mind, Virtuous and wise he was, but not severe; He still remembered that he once was young; His easy presence checked no decent joy, Him even the dissolute admired; for he A graceful looseness, when he pleased, put on, And, laughing, could instruct.”

having intellectual depth

From this reading He had now reached an age at which he was unequal to prolonged and heavy labour, and so he spent his time in cutting and trimming the farmer’s hedges--his thoughtful master giving him to understand that though his wages were to be continued as usual, he was at full liberty to work when it pleased him, and to rest when he chose.

an instance or single occasion for some event

From this reading He had now reached an age at which he was unequal to prolonged and heavy labour, and so he spent his time in cutting and trimming the farmer’s hedges--his thoughtful master giving him to understand that though his wages were to be continued as usual, he was at full liberty to work when it pleased him, and to rest when he chose.

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

From this reading _Armstrong._ The nearest neighbour to Nathan Blyth was an old farm labourer called Adam Olliver, who for forty years and more, as man and boy, had toiled and moiled on Gregory Houston’s farm.

past form of “toil” — work hard

From this reading _Armstrong._ The nearest neighbour to Nathan Blyth was an old farm labourer called Adam Olliver, who for forty years and more, as man and boy, had toiled and moiled on Gregory Houston’s farm.

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

From this reading The old man used to ride to and from his labour on a meek and mild old donkey, which rejoiced in the name of Balaam, and which was never known to travel at any other pace than a slow jog-trot, or to carry any other rider than his master.

the act of adding decoration

From this reading He had now reached an age at which he was unequal to prolonged and heavy labour, and so he spent his time in cutting and trimming the farmer’s hedges--his thoughtful master giving him to understand that though his wages were to be continued as usual, he was at full liberty to work when it pleased him, and to rest when he chose.

know and comprehend the nature or meaning of

From this reading He had now reached an age at which he was unequal to prolonged and heavy labour, and so he spent his time in cutting and trimming the farmer’s hedges--his thoughtful master giving him to understand that though his wages were to be continued as usual, he was at full liberty to work when it pleased him, and to rest when he chose.

poorly balanced or matched in quantity or value or measure

From this reading He had now reached an age at which he was unequal to prolonged and heavy labour, and so he spent his time in cutting and trimming the farmer’s hedges--his thoughtful master giving him to understand that though his wages were to be continued as usual, he was at full liberty to work when it pleased him, and to rest when he chose.

employed in accomplishing something

From this reading The old man used to ride to and from his labour on a meek and mild old donkey, which rejoiced in the name of Balaam, and which was never known to travel at any other pace than a slow jog-trot, or to carry any other rider than his master.

occurring or encountered or experienced or observed frequently or in accordance with regular practice or procedure

From this reading He had now reached an age at which he was unequal to prolonged and heavy labour, and so he spent his time in cutting and trimming the farmer’s hedges--his thoughtful master giving him to understand that though his wages were to be continued as usual, he was at full liberty to work when it pleased him, and to rest when he chose.

morally excellent

From this reading “Though old, he still retain’d His manly sense and energy of mind, Virtuous and wise he was, but not severe; He still remembered that he once was young; His easy presence checked no decent joy, Him even the dissolute admired; for he A graceful looseness, when he pleased, put on, And, laughing, could instruct.”

a recompense for worthy acts or retribution for wrongdoing

From this reading He had now reached an age at which he was unequal to prolonged and heavy labour, and so he spent his time in cutting and trimming the farmer’s hedges--his thoughtful master giving him to understand that though his wages were to be continued as usual, he was at full liberty to work when it pleased him, and to rest when he chose.

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

From this reading “Though old, he still retain’d His manly sense and energy of mind, Virtuous and wise he was, but not severe; He still remembered that he once was young; His easy presence checked no decent joy, Him even the dissolute admired; for he A graceful looseness, when he pleased, put on, And, laughing, could instruct.”

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

From this reading He had now reached an age at which he was unequal to prolonged and heavy labour, and so he spent his time in cutting and trimming the farmer’s hedges--his thoughtful master giving him to understand that though his wages were to be continued as usual, he was at full liberty to work when it pleased him, and to rest when he chose.

at the time that

From this reading “Though old, he still retain’d His manly sense and energy of mind, Virtuous and wise he was, but not severe; He still remembered that he once was young; His easy presence checked no decent joy, Him even the dissolute admired; for he A graceful looseness, when he pleased, put on, And, laughing, could instruct.”

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

From this reading He had now reached an age at which he was unequal to prolonged and heavy labour, and so he spent his time in cutting and trimming the farmer’s hedges--his thoughtful master giving him to understand that though his wages were to be continued as usual, he was at full liberty to work when it pleased him, and to rest when he chose.

which person or people

From this reading _Armstrong._ The nearest neighbour to Nathan Blyth was an old farm labourer called Adam Olliver, who for forty years and more, as man and boy, had toiled and moiled on Gregory Houston’s farm.

having or prompted by wisdom or discernment

From this reading “Though old, he still retain’d His manly sense and energy of mind, Virtuous and wise he was, but not severe; He still remembered that he once was young; His easy presence checked no decent joy, Him even the dissolute admired; for he A graceful looseness, when he pleased, put on, And, laughing, could instruct.”

exert oneself by doing mental or physical work for a purpose or out of necessity

From this reading He had now reached an age at which he was unequal to prolonged and heavy labour, and so he spent his time in cutting and trimming the farmer’s hedges--his thoughtful master giving him to understand that though his wages were to be continued as usual, he was at full liberty to work when it pleased him, and to rest when he chose.

a late time of life

From this reading _Armstrong._ The nearest neighbour to Nathan Blyth was an old farm labourer called Adam Olliver, who for forty years and more, as man and boy, had toiled and moiled on Gregory Houston’s farm.

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

From this reading “Though old, he still retain’d His manly sense and energy of mind, Virtuous and wise he was, but not severe; He still remembered that he once was young; His easy presence checked no decent joy, Him even the dissolute admired; for he A graceful looseness, when he pleased, put on, And, laughing, could instruct.”