Chapter XIII · The Course of True Love

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

From this reading Even in small towns events follow each other so rapidly that one subject of gossip soon pushes another into the background, and in Scourby Mary Wythburn would have been forgotten, except by a few of her own personal friends, but for the fact that her name had been coupled with that of Dr. Stapleton in a suspicious report which did him great damage in the opinion of his fellow-townsmen.

a proposal for an appropriate course of action

From this reading Twice a week his consulting-room was almost like a small “Pool of Bethesda,” for the number of halt and maimed who came to it for advice and medicine.

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

From this reading Twice a week his consulting-room was almost like a small “Pool of Bethesda,” for the number of halt and maimed who came to it for advice and medicine.

in addition

From this reading He was especially good to the poor, and for several years attended them free of charge at their own homes, and he also held at his house a medical mission.

at all times; all the time and on every occasion

From this reading He always made them pay for these by their attendance at a ten minutes’ talk which preceded the regular business on which they came.

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

From this reading Even in small towns events follow each other so rapidly that one subject of gossip soon pushes another into the background, and in Scourby Mary Wythburn would have been forgotten, except by a few of her own personal friends, but for the fact that her name had been coupled with that of Dr. Stapleton in a suspicious report which did him great damage in the opinion of his fellow-townsmen.

one more of the same kind, or a different one

From this reading Even in small towns events follow each other so rapidly that one subject of gossip soon pushes another into the background, and in Scourby Mary Wythburn would have been forgotten, except by a few of her own personal friends, but for the fact that her name had been coupled with that of Dr. Stapleton in a suspicious report which did him great damage in the opinion of his fellow-townsmen.

in or near a particular place or position

From this reading He was especially good to the poor, and for several years attended them free of charge at their own homes, and he also held at his house a medical mission.

the act of being present (at a meeting or event etc.)

From this reading He always made them pay for these by their attendance at a ten minutes’ talk which preceded the regular business on which they came.

playing or singing with instrumental or vocal accompaniment

From this reading He was especially good to the poor, and for several years attended them free of charge at their own homes, and he also held at his house a medical mission.

a person's social heritage: previous experience or training

From this reading Even in small towns events follow each other so rapidly that one subject of gossip soon pushes another into the background, and in Scourby Mary Wythburn would have been forgotten, except by a few of her own personal friends, but for the fact that her name had been coupled with that of Dr. Stapleton in a suspicious report which did him great damage in the opinion of his fellow-townsmen.

the past participle of “be”

From this reading Even in small towns events follow each other so rapidly that one subject of gossip soon pushes another into the background, and in Scourby Mary Wythburn would have been forgotten, except by a few of her own personal friends, but for the fact that her name had been coupled with that of Dr. Stapleton in a suspicious report which did him great damage in the opinion of his fellow-townsmen.

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

From this reading Twice a week his consulting-room was almost like a small “Pool of Bethesda,” for the number of halt and maimed who came to it for advice and medicine.

a commercial or industrial enterprise and the people who constitute it

From this reading He always made them pay for these by their attendance at a ten minutes’ talk which preceded the regular business on which they came.

used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before

From this reading Even in small towns events follow each other so rapidly that one subject of gossip soon pushes another into the background, and in Scourby Mary Wythburn would have been forgotten, except by a few of her own personal friends, but for the fact that her name had been coupled with that of Dr. Stapleton in a suspicious report which did him great damage in the opinion of his fellow-townsmen.

showing who or what does the action

From this reading Even in small towns events follow each other so rapidly that one subject of gossip soon pushes another into the background, and in Scourby Mary Wythburn would have been forgotten, except by a few of her own personal friends, but for the fact that her name had been coupled with that of Dr. Stapleton in a suspicious report which did him great damage in the opinion of his fellow-townsmen.

inflected form of “come” — move toward, travel toward something or somebody or approach something or somebody

From this reading Twice a week his consulting-room was almost like a small “Pool of Bethesda,” for the number of halt and maimed who came to it for advice and medicine.

to make a rush at or sudden attack upon, as in battle

From this reading He was especially good to the poor, and for several years attended them free of charge at their own homes, and he also held at his house a medical mission.

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

From this reading Twice a week his consulting-room was almost like a small “Pool of Bethesda,” for the number of halt and maimed who came to it for advice and medicine.

joined together especially in a pair or pairs

From this reading Even in small towns events follow each other so rapidly that one subject of gossip soon pushes another into the background, and in Scourby Mary Wythburn would have been forgotten, except by a few of her own personal friends, but for the fact that her name had been coupled with that of Dr. Stapleton in a suspicious report which did him great damage in the opinion of his fellow-townsmen.

the occurrence of a change for the worse

From this reading Even in small towns events follow each other so rapidly that one subject of gossip soon pushes another into the background, and in Scourby Mary Wythburn would have been forgotten, except by a few of her own personal friends, but for the fact that her name had been coupled with that of Dr. Stapleton in a suspicious report which did him great damage in the opinion of his fellow-townsmen.

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

From this reading Even in small towns events follow each other so rapidly that one subject of gossip soon pushes another into the background, and in Scourby Mary Wythburn would have been forgotten, except by a few of her own personal friends, but for the fact that her name had been coupled with that of Dr. Stapleton in a suspicious report which did him great damage in the opinion of his fellow-townsmen.

a licensed medical practitioner

From this reading The doctor was a young medical man who was rapidly making his way in the town, and had many friends.

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

From this reading Even in small towns events follow each other so rapidly that one subject of gossip soon pushes another into the background, and in Scourby Mary Wythburn would have been forgotten, except by a few of her own personal friends, but for the fact that her name had been coupled with that of Dr. Stapleton in a suspicious report which did him great damage in the opinion of his fellow-townsmen.

every one of two or more people or things, taken separately

From this reading Even in small towns events follow each other so rapidly that one subject of gossip soon pushes another into the background, and in Scourby Mary Wythburn would have been forgotten, except by a few of her own personal friends, but for the fact that her name had been coupled with that of Dr. Stapleton in a suspicious report which did him great damage in the opinion of his fellow-townsmen.

to a distinctly greater extent or degree than is common

From this reading He was especially good to the poor, and for several years attended them free of charge at their own homes, and he also held at his house a medical mission.

divisible by two

From this reading Even in small towns events follow each other so rapidly that one subject of gossip soon pushes another into the background, and in Scourby Mary Wythburn would have been forgotten, except by a few of her own personal friends, but for the fact that her name had been coupled with that of Dr. Stapleton in a suspicious report which did him great damage in the opinion of his fellow-townsmen.

plural of “event” — something that happens at a given place and time

From this reading Even in small towns events follow each other so rapidly that one subject of gossip soon pushes another into the background, and in Scourby Mary Wythburn would have been forgotten, except by a few of her own personal friends, but for the fact that her name had been coupled with that of Dr. Stapleton in a suspicious report which did him great damage in the opinion of his fellow-townsmen.

apart from; not including

From this reading Even in small towns events follow each other so rapidly that one subject of gossip soon pushes another into the background, and in Scourby Mary Wythburn would have been forgotten, except by a few of her own personal friends, but for the fact that her name had been coupled with that of Dr. Stapleton in a suspicious report which did him great damage in the opinion of his fellow-townsmen.

a piece of information about circumstances that exist or events that have occurred

From this reading Even in small towns events follow each other so rapidly that one subject of gossip soon pushes another into the background, and in Scourby Mary Wythburn would have been forgotten, except by a few of her own personal friends, but for the fact that her name had been coupled with that of Dr. Stapleton in a suspicious report which did him great damage in the opinion of his fellow-townsmen.

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

From this reading Even in small towns events follow each other so rapidly that one subject of gossip soon pushes another into the background, and in Scourby Mary Wythburn would have been forgotten, except by a few of her own personal friends, but for the fact that her name had been coupled with that of Dr. Stapleton in a suspicious report which did him great damage in the opinion of his fellow-townsmen.

a quantifier that can be used with count nouns and is often preceded by “a”; a small but indefinite number

From this reading Even in small towns events follow each other so rapidly that one subject of gossip soon pushes another into the background, and in Scourby Mary Wythburn would have been forgotten, except by a few of her own personal friends, but for the fact that her name had been coupled with that of Dr. Stapleton in a suspicious report which did him great damage in the opinion of his fellow-townsmen.

to travel behind, go after, come after

From this reading Even in small towns events follow each other so rapidly that one subject of gossip soon pushes another into the background, and in Scourby Mary Wythburn would have been forgotten, except by a few of her own personal friends, but for the fact that her name had been coupled with that of Dr. Stapleton in a suspicious report which did him great damage in the opinion of his fellow-townsmen.

intended to be given to, or used by, somebody

From this reading Even in small towns events follow each other so rapidly that one subject of gossip soon pushes another into the background, and in Scourby Mary Wythburn would have been forgotten, except by a few of her own personal friends, but for the fact that her name had been coupled with that of Dr. Stapleton in a suspicious report which did him great damage in the opinion of his fellow-townsmen.

Not remembered; lapsed from memory.

From this reading Even in small towns events follow each other so rapidly that one subject of gossip soon pushes another into the background, and in Scourby Mary Wythburn would have been forgotten, except by a few of her own personal friends, but for the fact that her name had been coupled with that of Dr. Stapleton in a suspicious report which did him great damage in the opinion of his fellow-townsmen.

grant freedom to; free from confinement

From this reading He was especially good to the poor, and for several years attended them free of charge at their own homes, and he also held at his house a medical mission.

plural of “friend” — a person you know well and regard with affection and trust

From this reading Even in small towns events follow each other so rapidly that one subject of gossip soon pushes another into the background, and in Scourby Mary Wythburn would have been forgotten, except by a few of her own personal friends, but for the fact that her name had been coupled with that of Dr. Stapleton in a suspicious report which did him great damage in the opinion of his fellow-townsmen.

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

From this reading He was especially good to the poor, and for several years attended them free of charge at their own homes, and he also held at his house a medical mission.

light informal conversation for social occasions

From this reading Even in small towns events follow each other so rapidly that one subject of gossip soon pushes another into the background, and in Scourby Mary Wythburn would have been forgotten, except by a few of her own personal friends, but for the fact that her name had been coupled with that of Dr. Stapleton in a suspicious report which did him great damage in the opinion of his fellow-townsmen.

relatively large in size or number or extent; larger than others of its kind

From this reading Even in small towns events follow each other so rapidly that one subject of gossip soon pushes another into the background, and in Scourby Mary Wythburn would have been forgotten, except by a few of her own personal friends, but for the fact that her name had been coupled with that of Dr. Stapleton in a suspicious report which did him great damage in the opinion of his fellow-townsmen.

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

From this reading Even in small towns events follow each other so rapidly that one subject of gossip soon pushes another into the background, and in Scourby Mary Wythburn would have been forgotten, except by a few of her own personal friends, but for the fact that her name had been coupled with that of Dr. Stapleton in a suspicious report which did him great damage in the opinion of his fellow-townsmen.

cause to stop

From this reading Twice a week his consulting-room was almost like a small “Pool of Bethesda,” for the number of halt and maimed who came to it for advice and medicine.

used with a past participle to form the perfect tenses

From this reading Even in small towns events follow each other so rapidly that one subject of gossip soon pushes another into the background, and in Scourby Mary Wythburn would have been forgotten, except by a few of her own personal friends, but for the fact that her name had been coupled with that of Dr. Stapleton in a suspicious report which did him great damage in the opinion of his fellow-townsmen.

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

From this reading He was especially good to the poor, and for several years attended them free of charge at their own homes, and he also held at his house a medical mission.

occupied or in the control of; often used in combination

From this reading He was especially good to the poor, and for several years attended them free of charge at their own homes, and he also held at his house a medical mission.

belonging to a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned

From this reading Even in small towns events follow each other so rapidly that one subject of gossip soon pushes another into the background, and in Scourby Mary Wythburn would have been forgotten, except by a few of her own personal friends, but for the fact that her name had been coupled with that of Dr. Stapleton in a suspicious report which did him great damage in the opinion of his fellow-townsmen.

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

From this reading Even in small towns events follow each other so rapidly that one subject of gossip soon pushes another into the background, and in Scourby Mary Wythburn would have been forgotten, except by a few of her own personal friends, but for the fact that her name had been coupled with that of Dr. Stapleton in a suspicious report which did him great damage in the opinion of his fellow-townsmen.

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

From this reading Even in small towns events follow each other so rapidly that one subject of gossip soon pushes another into the background, and in Scourby Mary Wythburn would have been forgotten, except by a few of her own personal friends, but for the fact that her name had been coupled with that of Dr. Stapleton in a suspicious report which did him great damage in the opinion of his fellow-townsmen.

plural of “home” — where you live at a particular time

From this reading He was especially good to the poor, and for several years attended them free of charge at their own homes, and he also held at his house a medical mission.

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

From this reading He was especially good to the poor, and for several years attended them free of charge at their own homes, and he also held at his house a medical mission.

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

From this reading Even in small towns events follow each other so rapidly that one subject of gossip soon pushes another into the background, and in Scourby Mary Wythburn would have been forgotten, except by a few of her own personal friends, but for the fact that her name had been coupled with that of Dr. Stapleton in a suspicious report which did him great damage in the opinion of his fellow-townsmen.

moving to the inside of something

From this reading Even in small towns events follow each other so rapidly that one subject of gossip soon pushes another into the background, and in Scourby Mary Wythburn would have been forgotten, except by a few of her own personal friends, but for the fact that her name had been coupled with that of Dr. Stapleton in a suspicious report which did him great damage in the opinion of his fellow-townsmen.

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading Twice a week his consulting-room was almost like a small “Pool of Bethesda,” for the number of halt and maimed who came to it for advice and medicine.

prefer or wish to do something

From this reading Twice a week his consulting-room was almost like a small “Pool of Bethesda,” for the number of halt and maimed who came to it for advice and medicine.

produced by a manufacturing process

From this reading He always made them pay for these by their attendance at a ten minutes’ talk which preceded the regular business on which they came.

people who are wounded

From this reading Twice a week his consulting-room was almost like a small “Pool of Bethesda,” for the number of halt and maimed who came to it for advice and medicine.

the act that results in something coming to be

From this reading The doctor was a young medical man who was rapidly making his way in the town, and had many friends.

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

From this reading The doctor was a young medical man who was rapidly making his way in the town, and had many friends.

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 The doctor was a young medical man who was rapidly making his way in the town, and had many friends.

the mother of Jesus; Christians refer to her as the Virgin Mary; she is especially honored by Roman Catholics

From this reading Even in small towns events follow each other so rapidly that one subject of gossip soon pushes another into the background, and in Scourby Mary Wythburn would have been forgotten, except by a few of her own personal friends, but for the fact that her name had been coupled with that of Dr. Stapleton in a suspicious report which did him great damage in the opinion of his fellow-townsmen.

relating to the study or practice of medicine

From this reading The doctor was a young medical man who was rapidly making his way in the town, and had many friends.

the branches of medical science that deal with nonsurgical techniques

From this reading Twice a week his consulting-room was almost like a small “Pool of Bethesda,” for the number of halt and maimed who came to it for advice and medicine.

a written account of what transpired at a meeting

From this reading He always made them pay for these by their attendance at a ten minutes’ talk which preceded the regular business on which they came.

an organization of missionaries in a foreign land sent to carry on religious work

From this reading He was especially good to the poor, and for several years attended them free of charge at their own homes, and he also held at his house a medical mission.

assign a specified (usually proper) proper name to

From this reading Even in small towns events follow each other so rapidly that one subject of gossip soon pushes another into the background, and in Scourby Mary Wythburn would have been forgotten, except by a few of her own personal friends, but for the fact that her name had been coupled with that of Dr. Stapleton in a suspicious report which did him great damage in the opinion of his fellow-townsmen.

the property possessed by a sum or total or indefinite quantity of units or individuals

From this reading Twice a week his consulting-room was almost like a small “Pool of Bethesda,” for the number of halt and maimed who came to it for advice and medicine.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading Even in small towns events follow each other so rapidly that one subject of gossip soon pushes another into the background, and in Scourby Mary Wythburn would have been forgotten, except by a few of her own personal friends, but for the fact that her name had been coupled with that of Dr. Stapleton in a suspicious report which did him great damage in the opinion of his fellow-townsmen.

touching and supported by a surface

From this reading He always made them pay for these by their attendance at a ten minutes’ talk which preceded the regular business on which they came.

used to mean any person in general, including the speaker

From this reading Even in small towns events follow each other so rapidly that one subject of gossip soon pushes another into the background, and in Scourby Mary Wythburn would have been forgotten, except by a few of her own personal friends, but for the fact that her name had been coupled with that of Dr. Stapleton in a suspicious report which did him great damage in the opinion of his fellow-townsmen.

a personal belief or judgment that is not founded on proof or certainty

From this reading Even in small towns events follow each other so rapidly that one subject of gossip soon pushes another into the background, and in Scourby Mary Wythburn would have been forgotten, except by a few of her own personal friends, but for the fact that her name had been coupled with that of Dr. Stapleton in a suspicious report which did him great damage in the opinion of his fellow-townsmen.

not the same one or ones already mentioned or implied

From this reading Even in small towns events follow each other so rapidly that one subject of gossip soon pushes another into the background, and in Scourby Mary Wythburn would have been forgotten, except by a few of her own personal friends, but for the fact that her name had been coupled with that of Dr. Stapleton in a suspicious report which did him great damage in the opinion of his fellow-townsmen.

have ownership or possession of

From this reading Even in small towns events follow each other so rapidly that one subject of gossip soon pushes another into the background, and in Scourby Mary Wythburn would have been forgotten, except by a few of her own personal friends, but for the fact that her name had been coupled with that of Dr. Stapleton in a suspicious report which did him great damage in the opinion of his fellow-townsmen.

give money, usually in exchange for goods or services

From this reading He always made them pay for these by their attendance at a ten minutes’ talk which preceded the regular business on which they came.

concerning or affecting a particular person or his or her private life and personality

From this reading Even in small towns events follow each other so rapidly that one subject of gossip soon pushes another into the background, and in Scourby Mary Wythburn would have been forgotten, except by a few of her own personal friends, but for the fact that her name had been coupled with that of Dr. Stapleton in a suspicious report which did him great damage in the opinion of his fellow-townsmen.

an excavation that is (usually) filled with water

From this reading Twice a week his consulting-room was almost like a small “Pool of Bethesda,” for the number of halt and maimed who came to it for advice and medicine.

deserving or inciting pity

From this reading He was especially good to the poor, and for several years attended them free of charge at their own homes, and he also held at his house a medical mission.

past form of “precede” — be earlier in time; go back further

From this reading He always made them pay for these by their attendance at a ten minutes’ talk which preceded the regular business on which they came.

plural of “push” — the act of applying force in order to move something away

From this reading Even in small towns events follow each other so rapidly that one subject of gossip soon pushes another into the background, and in Scourby Mary Wythburn would have been forgotten, except by a few of her own personal friends, but for the fact that her name had been coupled with that of Dr. Stapleton in a suspicious report which did him great damage in the opinion of his fellow-townsmen.

with speed

From this reading Even in small towns events follow each other so rapidly that one subject of gossip soon pushes another into the background, and in Scourby Mary Wythburn would have been forgotten, except by a few of her own personal friends, but for the fact that her name had been coupled with that of Dr. Stapleton in a suspicious report which did him great damage in the opinion of his fellow-townsmen.

in accordance with fixed order or procedure or principle

From this reading He always made them pay for these by their attendance at a ten minutes’ talk which preceded the regular business on which they came.

to give an account or representation of in words

From this reading Even in small towns events follow each other so rapidly that one subject of gossip soon pushes another into the background, and in Scourby Mary Wythburn would have been forgotten, except by a few of her own personal friends, but for the fact that her name had been coupled with that of Dr. Stapleton in a suspicious report which did him great damage in the opinion of his fellow-townsmen.

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

From this reading Even in small towns events follow each other so rapidly that one subject of gossip soon pushes another into the background, and in Scourby Mary Wythburn would have been forgotten, except by a few of her own personal friends, but for the fact that her name had been coupled with that of Dr. Stapleton in a suspicious report which did him great damage in the opinion of his fellow-townsmen.

(used with count nouns) of an indefinite number more than 2 or 3 but not many

From this reading He was especially good to the poor, and for several years attended them free of charge at their own homes, and he also held at his house a medical mission.

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

From this reading Even in small towns events follow each other so rapidly that one subject of gossip soon pushes another into the background, and in Scourby Mary Wythburn would have been forgotten, except by a few of her own personal friends, but for the fact that her name had been coupled with that of Dr. Stapleton in a suspicious report which did him great damage in the opinion of his fellow-townsmen.

for that reason; with the result that

From this reading Even in small towns events follow each other so rapidly that one subject of gossip soon pushes another into the background, and in Scourby Mary Wythburn would have been forgotten, except by a few of her own personal friends, but for the fact that her name had been coupled with that of Dr. Stapleton in a suspicious report which did him great damage in the opinion of his fellow-townsmen.

in the near future

From this reading Even in small towns events follow each other so rapidly that one subject of gossip soon pushes another into the background, and in Scourby Mary Wythburn would have been forgotten, except by a few of her own personal friends, but for the fact that her name had been coupled with that of Dr. Stapleton in a suspicious report which did him great damage in the opinion of his fellow-townsmen.

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

From this reading Even in small towns events follow each other so rapidly that one subject of gossip soon pushes another into the background, and in Scourby Mary Wythburn would have been forgotten, except by a few of her own personal friends, but for the fact that her name had been coupled with that of Dr. Stapleton in a suspicious report which did him great damage in the opinion of his fellow-townsmen.

the subject matter of a conversation or discussion

From this reading Even in small towns events follow each other so rapidly that one subject of gossip soon pushes another into the background, and in Scourby Mary Wythburn would have been forgotten, except by a few of her own personal friends, but for the fact that her name had been coupled with that of Dr. Stapleton in a suspicious report which did him great damage in the opinion of his fellow-townsmen.

openly distrustful and unwilling to confide

From this reading Even in small towns events follow each other so rapidly that one subject of gossip soon pushes another into the background, and in Scourby Mary Wythburn would have been forgotten, except by a few of her own personal friends, but for the fact that her name had been coupled with that of Dr. Stapleton in a suspicious report which did him great damage in the opinion of his fellow-townsmen.

exchange thoughts; talk with

From this reading He always made them pay for these by their attendance at a ten minutes’ talk which preceded the regular business on which they came.

the cardinal number that is the sum of nine and one; the base of the decimal system

From this reading He always made them pay for these by their attendance at a ten minutes’ talk which preceded the regular business on which they came.

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading Even in small towns events follow each other so rapidly that one subject of gossip soon pushes another into the background, and in Scourby Mary Wythburn would have been forgotten, except by a few of her own personal friends, but for the fact that her name had been coupled with that of Dr. Stapleton in a suspicious report which did him great damage in the opinion of his fellow-townsmen.

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

From this reading Even in small towns events follow each other so rapidly that one subject of gossip soon pushes another into the background, and in Scourby Mary Wythburn would have been forgotten, except by a few of her own personal friends, but for the fact that her name had been coupled with that of Dr. Stapleton in a suspicious report which did him great damage in the opinion of his fellow-townsmen.

belonging to the people or things already mentioned

From this reading He was especially good to the poor, and for several years attended them free of charge at their own homes, and he also held at his house a medical mission.

the people or things already mentioned, as the object

From this reading He was especially good to the poor, and for several years attended them free of charge at their own homes, and he also held at his house a medical mission.

the plural of “this”: the people or things near, or just mentioned

From this reading He always made them pay for these by their attendance at a ten minutes’ talk which preceded the regular business on which they came.

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

From this reading He always made them pay for these by their attendance at a ten minutes’ talk which preceded the regular business on which they came.

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

From this reading He was especially good to the poor, and for several years attended them free of charge at their own homes, and he also held at his house a medical mission.

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

From this reading The doctor was a young medical man who was rapidly making his way in the town, and had many friends.

plural of “town” — an urban area with a fixed boundary that is smaller than a city

From this reading Even in small towns events follow each other so rapidly that one subject of gossip soon pushes another into the background, and in Scourby Mary Wythburn would have been forgotten, except by a few of her own personal friends, but for the fact that her name had been coupled with that of Dr. Stapleton in a suspicious report which did him great damage in the opinion of his fellow-townsmen.

two times

From this reading Twice a week his consulting-room was almost like a small “Pool of Bethesda,” for the number of halt and maimed who came to it for advice and medicine.

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

From this reading The doctor was a young medical man who was rapidly making his way in the town, and had many friends.

how something is done or how it happens

From this reading The doctor was a young medical man who was rapidly making his way in the town, and had many friends.

any period of seven consecutive days

From this reading Twice a week his consulting-room was almost like a small “Pool of Bethesda,” for the number of halt and maimed who came to it for advice and medicine.

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

From this reading Even in small towns events follow each other so rapidly that one subject of gossip soon pushes another into the background, and in Scourby Mary Wythburn would have been forgotten, except by a few of her own personal friends, but for the fact that her name had been coupled with that of Dr. Stapleton in a suspicious report which did him great damage in the opinion of his fellow-townsmen.

which person or people

From this reading The doctor was a young medical man who was rapidly making his way in the town, and had many friends.

in the company of; together with

From this reading Even in small towns events follow each other so rapidly that one subject of gossip soon pushes another into the background, and in Scourby Mary Wythburn would have been forgotten, except by a few of her own personal friends, but for the fact that her name had been coupled with that of Dr. Stapleton in a suspicious report which did him great damage in the opinion of his fellow-townsmen.

used for something imagined, polite, or habitual in the past

From this reading Even in small towns events follow each other so rapidly that one subject of gossip soon pushes another into the background, and in Scourby Mary Wythburn would have been forgotten, except by a few of her own personal friends, but for the fact that her name had been coupled with that of Dr. Stapleton in a suspicious report which did him great damage in the opinion of his fellow-townsmen.

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

From this reading Even in small towns events follow each other so rapidly that one subject of gossip soon pushes another into the background, and in Scourby Mary Wythburn would have been forgotten, except by a few of her own personal friends, but for the fact that her name had been coupled with that of Dr. Stapleton in a suspicious report which did him great damage in the opinion of his fellow-townsmen.

a late time of life

From this reading He was especially good to the poor, and for several years attended them free of charge at their own homes, and he also held at his house a medical mission.

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

From this reading The doctor was a young medical man who was rapidly making his way in the town, and had many friends.