Chapter I · Chapter 1

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

From this reading Seated at his ease in the warm tap-room of the Cauliflower, the stranger had been eating and drinking for some time, apparently unconscious of the presence of the withered ancient who, huddled up in that corner of the settle which was nearer to the fire, fidgeted restlessly with an empty mug and blew with pathetic insistence through a churchwarden pipe which had long been cold.

on the subject of; concerning

From this reading "Bad time o' the year for going about," said the latter, "though I s'pose if you can eat and drink as much as you want it don't matter.

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

From this reading Seated at his ease in the warm tap-room of the Cauliflower, the stranger had been eating and drinking for some time, apparently unconscious of the presence of the withered ancient who, huddled up in that corner of the settle which was nearer to the fire, fidgeted restlessly with an empty mug and blew with pathetic insistence through a churchwarden pipe which had long been cold.

Belonging to the very distant past and no longer in existence or deeply revered.

From this reading Seated at his ease in the warm tap-room of the Cauliflower, the stranger had been eating and drinking for some time, apparently unconscious of the presence of the withered ancient who, huddled up in that corner of the settle which was nearer to the fire, fidgeted restlessly with an empty mug and blew with pathetic insistence through a churchwarden pipe which had long been cold.

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

From this reading Seated at his ease in the warm tap-room of the Cauliflower, the stranger had been eating and drinking for some time, apparently unconscious of the presence of the withered ancient who, huddled up in that corner of the settle which was nearer to the fire, fidgeted restlessly with an empty mug and blew with pathetic insistence through a churchwarden pipe which had long been cold.

from appearances alone

From this reading Seated at his ease in the warm tap-room of the Cauliflower, the stranger had been eating and drinking for some time, apparently unconscious of the presence of the withered ancient who, huddled up in that corner of the settle which was nearer to the fire, fidgeted restlessly with an empty mug and blew with pathetic insistence through a churchwarden pipe which had long been cold.

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

From this reading "Bad time o' the year for going about," said the latter, "though I s'pose if you can eat and drink as much as you want it don't matter.

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

From this reading The other thanked him, and then, leaning back in his corner of the settle, watched the smoke of his pipe through half-closed eyes, and assented drowsily to the old man's remarks upon the weather.

in or near a particular place or position

From this reading Seated at his ease in the warm tap-room of the Cauliflower, the stranger had been eating and drinking for some time, apparently unconscious of the presence of the withered ancient who, huddled up in that corner of the settle which was nearer to the fire, fidgeted restlessly with an empty mug and blew with pathetic insistence through a churchwarden pipe which had long been cold.

in or to or toward a former location

From this reading The other thanked him, and then, leaning back in his corner of the settle, watched the smoke of his pipe through half-closed eyes, and assented drowsily to the old man's remarks upon the weather.

having undesirable or negative qualities

From this reading "Bad time o' the year for going about," said the latter, "though I s'pose if you can eat and drink as much as you want it don't matter.

the past participle of “be”

From this reading Seated at his ease in the warm tap-room of the Cauliflower, the stranger had been eating and drinking for some time, apparently unconscious of the presence of the withered ancient who, huddled up in that corner of the settle which was nearer to the fire, fidgeted restlessly with an empty mug and blew with pathetic insistence through a churchwarden pipe which had long been cold.

earlier than; in front of

From this reading The stranger finished his meal with a sigh of content and then, rising from his chair, crossed over to the settle and, placing his mug on the time-worn table before him, began to fill his pipe.

inflected form of “begin” — take the first step or steps in carrying out an action

From this reading The stranger finished his meal with a sigh of content and then, rising from his chair, crossed over to the settle and, placing his mug on the time-worn table before him, began to fill his pipe.

a strong flame that burns brightly

From this reading The old man took a spill from the table and, holding it with trembling fingers to the blaze, gave him a light.

inflected form of “blow” — exhale hard

From this reading Seated at his ease in the warm tap-room of the Cauliflower, the stranger had been eating and drinking for some time, apparently unconscious of the presence of the withered ancient who, huddled up in that corner of the settle which was nearer to the fire, fidgeted restlessly with an empty mug and blew with pathetic insistence through a churchwarden pipe which had long been cold.

to be able to, or to be allowed to

From this reading "Bad time o' the year for going about," said the latter, "though I s'pose if you can eat and drink as much as you want it don't matter.

a plant having a large edible head of crowded white flower buds

From this reading Seated at his ease in the warm tap-room of the Cauliflower, the stranger had been eating and drinking for some time, apparently unconscious of the presence of the withered ancient who, huddled up in that corner of the settle which was nearer to the fire, fidgeted restlessly with an empty mug and blew with pathetic insistence through a churchwarden pipe which had long been cold.

a seat for one person, with a support for the back

From this reading The stranger finished his meal with a sigh of content and then, rising from his chair, crossed over to the settle and, placing his mug on the time-worn table before him, began to fill his pipe.

an officer in the Episcopal church who helps a parish priest with secular matters

From this reading Seated at his ease in the warm tap-room of the Cauliflower, the stranger had been eating and drinking for some time, apparently unconscious of the presence of the withered ancient who, huddled up in that corner of the settle which was nearer to the fire, fidgeted restlessly with an empty mug and blew with pathetic insistence through a churchwarden pipe which had long been cold.

having a low or inadequate temperature or feeling a sensation of coldness or having been made cold by e.g. ice or refrigeration

From this reading Seated at his ease in the warm tap-room of the Cauliflower, the stranger had been eating and drinking for some time, apparently unconscious of the presence of the withered ancient who, huddled up in that corner of the settle which was nearer to the fire, fidgeted restlessly with an empty mug and blew with pathetic insistence through a churchwarden pipe which had long been cold.

(usually plural) everything that is included in a collection and that is held or included in something

From this reading The stranger finished his meal with a sigh of content and then, rising from his chair, crossed over to the settle and, placing his mug on the time-worn table before him, began to fill his pipe.

a place off to the side of an area

From this reading Seated at his ease in the warm tap-room of the Cauliflower, the stranger had been eating and drinking for some time, apparently unconscious of the presence of the withered ancient who, huddled up in that corner of the settle which was nearer to the fire, fidgeted restlessly with an empty mug and blew with pathetic insistence through a churchwarden pipe which had long been cold.

placed crosswise

From this reading The stranger finished his meal with a sigh of content and then, rising from his chair, crossed over to the settle and, placing his mug on the time-worn table before him, began to fill his pipe.

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

From this reading "Bad time o' the year for going about," said the latter, "though I s'pose if you can eat and drink as much as you want it don't matter.

take in liquids

From this reading "Bad time o' the year for going about," said the latter, "though I s'pose if you can eat and drink as much as you want it don't matter.

the act of consuming liquids

From this reading Seated at his ease in the warm tap-room of the Cauliflower, the stranger had been eating and drinking for some time, apparently unconscious of the presence of the withered ancient who, huddled up in that corner of the settle which was nearer to the fire, fidgeted restlessly with an empty mug and blew with pathetic insistence through a churchwarden pipe which had long been cold.

in a drowsy manner

From this reading The other thanked him, and then, leaning back in his corner of the settle, watched the smoke of his pipe through half-closed eyes, and assented drowsily to the old man's remarks upon the weather.

move gently or carefully

From this reading Seated at his ease in the warm tap-room of the Cauliflower, the stranger had been eating and drinking for some time, apparently unconscious of the presence of the withered ancient who, huddled up in that corner of the settle which was nearer to the fire, fidgeted restlessly with an empty mug and blew with pathetic insistence through a churchwarden pipe which had long been cold.

take in solid food

From this reading "Bad time o' the year for going about," said the latter, "though I s'pose if you can eat and drink as much as you want it don't matter.

the act of consuming food

From this reading Seated at his ease in the warm tap-room of the Cauliflower, the stranger had been eating and drinking for some time, apparently unconscious of the presence of the withered ancient who, huddled up in that corner of the settle which was nearer to the fire, fidgeted restlessly with an empty mug and blew with pathetic insistence through a churchwarden pipe which had long been cold.

make void or empty of contents

From this reading Seated at his ease in the warm tap-room of the Cauliflower, the stranger had been eating and drinking for some time, apparently unconscious of the presence of the withered ancient who, huddled up in that corner of the settle which was nearer to the fire, fidgeted restlessly with an empty mug and blew with pathetic insistence through a churchwarden pipe which had long been cold.

opinion or judgment

From this reading The other thanked him, and then, leaning back in his corner of the settle, watched the smoke of his pipe through half-closed eyes, and assented drowsily to the old man's remarks upon the weather.

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

From this reading Seated at his ease in the warm tap-room of the Cauliflower, the stranger had been eating and drinking for some time, apparently unconscious of the presence of the withered ancient who, huddled up in that corner of the settle which was nearer to the fire, fidgeted restlessly with an empty mug and blew with pathetic insistence through a churchwarden pipe which had long been cold.

make full, also in a metaphorical sense

From this reading The stranger finished his meal with a sigh of content and then, rising from his chair, crossed over to the settle and, placing his mug on the time-worn table before him, began to fill his pipe.

plural of “finger” — any of the terminal members of the hand (sometimes excepting the thumb)

From this reading The old man took a spill from the table and, holding it with trembling fingers to the blaze, gave him a light.

(of materials or goods) brought to the desired final state

From this reading The stranger finished his meal with a sigh of content and then, rising from his chair, crossed over to the settle and, placing his mug on the time-worn table before him, began to fill his pipe.

start firing a weapon

From this reading Seated at his ease in the warm tap-room of the Cauliflower, the stranger had been eating and drinking for some time, apparently unconscious of the presence of the withered ancient who, huddled up in that corner of the settle which was nearer to the fire, fidgeted restlessly with an empty mug and blew with pathetic insistence through a churchwarden pipe which had long been cold.

intended to be given to, or used by, somebody

From this reading Seated at his ease in the warm tap-room of the Cauliflower, the stranger had been eating and drinking for some time, apparently unconscious of the presence of the withered ancient who, huddled up in that corner of the settle which was nearer to the fire, fidgeted restlessly with an empty mug and blew with pathetic insistence through a churchwarden pipe which had long been cold.

showing where something starts, or who sent it

From this reading The stranger finished his meal with a sigh of content and then, rising from his chair, crossed over to the settle and, placing his mug on the time-worn table before him, began to fill his pipe.

inflected form of “give” — cause to have, in the abstract sense or physical sense

From this reading The old man took a spill from the table and, holding it with trembling fingers to the blaze, gave him a light.

the act of departing

From this reading "Bad time o' the year for going about," said the latter, "though I s'pose if you can eat and drink as much as you want it don't matter.

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

From this reading Seated at his ease in the warm tap-room of the Cauliflower, the stranger had been eating and drinking for some time, apparently unconscious of the presence of the withered ancient who, huddled up in that corner of the settle which was nearer to the fire, fidgeted restlessly with an empty mug and blew with pathetic insistence through a churchwarden pipe which had long been cold.

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

From this reading The other thanked him, and then, leaning back in his corner of the settle, watched the smoke of his pipe through half-closed eyes, and assented drowsily to the old man's remarks upon the weather.

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

From this reading The stranger finished his meal with a sigh of content and then, rising from his chair, crossed over to the settle and, placing his mug on the time-worn table before him, began to fill his pipe.

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

From this reading Seated at his ease in the warm tap-room of the Cauliflower, the stranger had been eating and drinking for some time, apparently unconscious of the presence of the withered ancient who, huddled up in that corner of the settle which was nearer to the fire, fidgeted restlessly with an empty mug and blew with pathetic insistence through a churchwarden pipe which had long been cold.

the act of retaining something

From this reading The old man took a spill from the table and, holding it with trembling fingers to the blaze, gave him a light.

crowded or massed together

From this reading Seated at his ease in the warm tap-room of the Cauliflower, the stranger had been eating and drinking for some time, apparently unconscious of the presence of the withered ancient who, huddled up in that corner of the settle which was nearer to the fire, fidgeted restlessly with an empty mug and blew with pathetic insistence through a churchwarden pipe which had long been cold.

the person speaking or writing, as the subject of the verb

From this reading "Bad time o' the year for going about," said the latter, "though I s'pose if you can eat and drink as much as you want it don't matter.

on condition that; in the event that

From this reading "Bad time o' the year for going about," said the latter, "though I s'pose if you can eat and drink as much as you want it don't matter.

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

From this reading Seated at his ease in the warm tap-room of the Cauliflower, the stranger had been eating and drinking for some time, apparently unconscious of the presence of the withered ancient who, huddled up in that corner of the settle which was nearer to the fire, fidgeted restlessly with an empty mug and blew with pathetic insistence through a churchwarden pipe which had long been cold.

continual and persistent demands

From this reading Seated at his ease in the warm tap-room of the Cauliflower, the stranger had been eating and drinking for some time, apparently unconscious of the presence of the withered ancient who, huddled up in that corner of the settle which was nearer to the fire, fidgeted restlessly with an empty mug and blew with pathetic insistence through a churchwarden pipe which had long been cold.

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading The old man took a spill from the table and, holding it with trembling fingers to the blaze, gave him a light.

referring to the second of two things or persons mentioned (or the last one or ones of several)

From this reading "Bad time o' the year for going about," said the latter, "though I s'pose if you can eat and drink as much as you want it don't matter.

departing or being caused to depart from the true vertical or horizontal

From this reading The other thanked him, and then, leaning back in his corner of the settle, watched the smoke of his pipe through half-closed eyes, and assented drowsily to the old man's remarks upon the weather.

of comparatively little physical weight or density

From this reading The old man took a spill from the table and, holding it with trembling fingers to the blaze, gave him a light.

primarily temporal sense; being or indicating a relatively great or greater than average duration or passage of time or a duration as specified

From this reading Seated at his ease in the warm tap-room of the Cauliflower, the stranger had been eating and drinking for some time, apparently unconscious of the presence of the withered ancient who, huddled up in that corner of the settle which was nearer to the fire, fidgeted restlessly with an empty mug and blew with pathetic insistence through a churchwarden pipe which had long been cold.

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

From this reading The old man took a spill from the table and, holding it with trembling fingers to the blaze, gave him a light.

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

From this reading The other thanked him, and then, leaning back in his corner of the settle, watched the smoke of his pipe through half-closed eyes, and assented drowsily to the old man's remarks upon the weather.

a vaguely specified concern

From this reading "Bad time o' the year for going about," said the latter, "though I s'pose if you can eat and drink as much as you want it don't matter.

the food served and eaten at one time

From this reading The stranger finished his meal with a sigh of content and then, rising from his chair, crossed over to the settle and, placing his mug on the time-worn table before him, began to fill his pipe.

to a great degree or extent

From this reading "Bad time o' the year for going about," said the latter, "though I s'pose if you can eat and drink as much as you want it don't matter.

the quantity that can be held in a mug

From this reading Seated at his ease in the warm tap-room of the Cauliflower, the stranger had been eating and drinking for some time, apparently unconscious of the presence of the withered ancient who, huddled up in that corner of the settle which was nearer to the fire, fidgeted restlessly with an empty mug and blew with pathetic insistence through a churchwarden pipe which had long been cold.

(comparative of “near” or “close”) within a shorter distance

From this reading Seated at his ease in the warm tap-room of the Cauliflower, the stranger had been eating and drinking for some time, apparently unconscious of the presence of the withered ancient who, huddled up in that corner of the settle which was nearer to the fire, fidgeted restlessly with an empty mug and blew with pathetic insistence through a churchwarden pipe which had long been cold.

a nonmetallic bivalent element that is normally a colorless odorless tasteless nonflammable diatomic gas; constitutes 21 percent of the atmosphere by volume; the most abundant element in the earth's crust

From this reading "Bad time o' the year for going about," said the latter, "though I s'pose if you can eat and drink as much as you want it don't matter.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading Seated at his ease in the warm tap-room of the Cauliflower, the stranger had been eating and drinking for some time, apparently unconscious of the presence of the withered ancient who, huddled up in that corner of the settle which was nearer to the fire, fidgeted restlessly with an empty mug and blew with pathetic insistence through a churchwarden pipe which had long been cold.

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

From this reading The old man took a spill from the table and, holding it with trembling fingers to the blaze, gave him a light.

touching and supported by a surface

From this reading The stranger finished his meal with a sigh of content and then, rising from his chair, crossed over to the settle and, placing his mug on the time-worn table before him, began to fill his pipe.

not the same one or ones already mentioned or implied

From this reading The other thanked him, and then, leaning back in his corner of the settle, watched the smoke of his pipe through half-closed eyes, and assented drowsily to the old man's remarks upon the weather.

above and across; more than

From this reading The stranger finished his meal with a sigh of content and then, rising from his chair, crossed over to the settle and, placing his mug on the time-worn table before him, began to fill his pipe.

deserving or inciting pity

From this reading Seated at his ease in the warm tap-room of the Cauliflower, the stranger had been eating and drinking for some time, apparently unconscious of the presence of the withered ancient who, huddled up in that corner of the settle which was nearer to the fire, fidgeted restlessly with an empty mug and blew with pathetic insistence through a churchwarden pipe which had long been cold.

a tube with a small bowl at one end; used for smoking tobacco

From this reading Seated at his ease in the warm tap-room of the Cauliflower, the stranger had been eating and drinking for some time, apparently unconscious of the presence of the withered ancient who, huddled up in that corner of the settle which was nearer to the fire, fidgeted restlessly with an empty mug and blew with pathetic insistence through a churchwarden pipe which had long been cold.

-ing form of “place” — put into a certain place or abstract location

From this reading The stranger finished his meal with a sigh of content and then, rising from his chair, crossed over to the settle and, placing his mug on the time-worn table before him, began to fill his pipe.

the state of being present; current existence

From this reading Seated at his ease in the warm tap-room of the Cauliflower, the stranger had been eating and drinking for some time, apparently unconscious of the presence of the withered ancient who, huddled up in that corner of the settle which was nearer to the fire, fidgeted restlessly with an empty mug and blew with pathetic insistence through a churchwarden pipe which had long been cold.

plural of “remark” — a statement that expresses a personal opinion or belief or adds information

From this reading The other thanked him, and then, leaning back in his corner of the settle, watched the smoke of his pipe through half-closed eyes, and assented drowsily to the old man's remarks upon the weather.

in a restless manner

From this reading Seated at his ease in the warm tap-room of the Cauliflower, the stranger had been eating and drinking for some time, apparently unconscious of the presence of the withered ancient who, huddled up in that corner of the settle which was nearer to the fire, fidgeted restlessly with an empty mug and blew with pathetic insistence through a churchwarden pipe which had long been cold.

advancing or becoming higher or greater in degree or value or status

From this reading The stranger finished his meal with a sigh of content and then, rising from his chair, crossed over to the settle and, placing his mug on the time-worn table before him, began to fill his pipe.

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

From this reading "Bad time o' the year for going about," said the latter, "though I s'pose if you can eat and drink as much as you want it don't matter.

being the one previously mentioned or spoken of

From this reading "Bad time o' the year for going about," said the latter, "though I s'pose if you can eat and drink as much as you want it don't matter.

(of persons) having the torso erect and legs bent with the body supported on the buttocks

From this reading Seated at his ease in the warm tap-room of the Cauliflower, the stranger had been eating and drinking for some time, apparently unconscious of the presence of the withered ancient who, huddled up in that corner of the settle which was nearer to the fire, fidgeted restlessly with an empty mug and blew with pathetic insistence through a churchwarden pipe which had long been cold.

settle into a position, usually on a surface or ground

From this reading Seated at his ease in the warm tap-room of the Cauliflower, the stranger had been eating and drinking for some time, apparently unconscious of the presence of the withered ancient who, huddled up in that corner of the settle which was nearer to the fire, fidgeted restlessly with an empty mug and blew with pathetic insistence through a churchwarden pipe which had long been cold.

heave or utter a sigh; breathe deeply and heavily

From this reading The stranger finished his meal with a sigh of content and then, rising from his chair, crossed over to the settle and, placing his mug on the time-worn table before him, began to fill his pipe.

a cloud of fine particles suspended in a gas

From this reading The other thanked him, and then, leaning back in his corner of the settle, watched the smoke of his pipe through half-closed eyes, and assented drowsily to the old man's remarks upon the weather.

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

From this reading Seated at his ease in the warm tap-room of the Cauliflower, the stranger had been eating and drinking for some time, apparently unconscious of the presence of the withered ancient who, huddled up in that corner of the settle which was nearer to the fire, fidgeted restlessly with an empty mug and blew with pathetic insistence through a churchwarden pipe which had long been cold.

cause or allow (a liquid substance) to run or flow from a container

From this reading The old man took a spill from the table and, holding it with trembling fingers to the blaze, gave him a light.

anyone who does not belong in the environment in which they are found

From this reading Seated at his ease in the warm tap-room of the Cauliflower, the stranger had been eating and drinking for some time, apparently unconscious of the presence of the withered ancient who, huddled up in that corner of the settle which was nearer to the fire, fidgeted restlessly with an empty mug and blew with pathetic insistence through a churchwarden pipe which had long been cold.

a set of data arranged in rows and columns

From this reading The stranger finished his meal with a sigh of content and then, rising from his chair, crossed over to the settle and, placing his mug on the time-worn table before him, began to fill his pipe.

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

From this reading Seated at his ease in the warm tap-room of the Cauliflower, the stranger had been eating and drinking for some time, apparently unconscious of the presence of the withered ancient who, huddled up in that corner of the settle which was nearer to the fire, fidgeted restlessly with an empty mug and blew with pathetic insistence through a churchwarden pipe which had long been cold.

past form of “thank” — express gratitude or show appreciation to

From this reading The other thanked him, and then, leaning back in his corner of the settle, watched the smoke of his pipe through half-closed eyes, and assented drowsily to the old man's remarks upon the weather.

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading Seated at his ease in the warm tap-room of the Cauliflower, the stranger had been eating and drinking for some time, apparently unconscious of the presence of the withered ancient who, huddled up in that corner of the settle which was nearer to the fire, fidgeted restlessly with an empty mug and blew with pathetic insistence through a churchwarden pipe which had long been cold.

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

From this reading Seated at his ease in the warm tap-room of the Cauliflower, the stranger had been eating and drinking for some time, apparently unconscious of the presence of the withered ancient who, huddled up in that corner of the settle which was nearer to the fire, fidgeted restlessly with an empty mug and blew with pathetic insistence through a churchwarden pipe which had long been cold.

subsequently or soon afterward (often used as sentence connectors)

From this reading The stranger finished his meal with a sigh of content and then, rising from his chair, crossed over to the settle and, placing his mug on the time-worn table before him, began to fill his pipe.

in spite of the fact that

From this reading "Bad time o' the year for going about," said the latter, "though I s'pose if you can eat and drink as much as you want it don't matter.

from one end or side of something to the other

From this reading Seated at his ease in the warm tap-room of the Cauliflower, the stranger had been eating and drinking for some time, apparently unconscious of the presence of the withered ancient who, huddled up in that corner of the settle which was nearer to the fire, fidgeted restlessly with an empty mug and blew with pathetic insistence through a churchwarden pipe which had long been cold.

an instance or single occasion for some event

From this reading Seated at his ease in the warm tap-room of the Cauliflower, the stranger had been eating and drinking for some time, apparently unconscious of the presence of the withered ancient who, huddled up in that corner of the settle which was nearer to the fire, fidgeted restlessly with an empty mug and blew with pathetic insistence through a churchwarden pipe which had long been cold.

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

From this reading The stranger finished his meal with a sigh of content and then, rising from his chair, crossed over to the settle and, placing his mug on the time-worn table before him, began to fill his pipe.

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

From this reading Seated at his ease in the warm tap-room of the Cauliflower, the stranger had been eating and drinking for some time, apparently unconscious of the presence of the withered ancient who, huddled up in that corner of the settle which was nearer to the fire, fidgeted restlessly with an empty mug and blew with pathetic insistence through a churchwarden pipe which had long been cold.

inflected form of “take” — carry out

From this reading The old man took a spill from the table and, holding it with trembling fingers to the blaze, gave him a light.

a shaky motion

From this reading The old man took a spill from the table and, holding it with trembling fingers to the blaze, gave him a light.

not conscious; lacking awareness and the capacity for sensory perception as if asleep or dead

From this reading Seated at his ease in the warm tap-room of the Cauliflower, the stranger had been eating and drinking for some time, apparently unconscious of the presence of the withered ancient who, huddled up in that corner of the settle which was nearer to the fire, fidgeted restlessly with an empty mug and blew with pathetic insistence through a churchwarden pipe which had long been cold.

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

From this reading Seated at his ease in the warm tap-room of the Cauliflower, the stranger had been eating and drinking for some time, apparently unconscious of the presence of the withered ancient who, huddled up in that corner of the settle which was nearer to the fire, fidgeted restlessly with an empty mug and blew with pathetic insistence through a churchwarden pipe which had long been cold.

a formal word for “on”

From this reading The other thanked him, and then, leaning back in his corner of the settle, watched the smoke of his pipe through half-closed eyes, and assented drowsily to the old man's remarks upon the weather.

feel or have a desire for; want strongly

From this reading "Bad time o' the year for going about," said the latter, "though I s'pose if you can eat and drink as much as you want it don't matter.

having or producing a comfortable and agreeable degree of heat or imparting or maintaining heat

From this reading Seated at his ease in the warm tap-room of the Cauliflower, the stranger had been eating and drinking for some time, apparently unconscious of the presence of the withered ancient who, huddled up in that corner of the settle which was nearer to the fire, fidgeted restlessly with an empty mug and blew with pathetic insistence through a churchwarden pipe which had long been cold.

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

From this reading Seated at his ease in the warm tap-room of the Cauliflower, the stranger had been eating and drinking for some time, apparently unconscious of the presence of the withered ancient who, huddled up in that corner of the settle which was nearer to the fire, fidgeted restlessly with an empty mug and blew with pathetic insistence through a churchwarden pipe which had long been cold.

past form of “watch” — look attentively

From this reading The other thanked him, and then, leaning back in his corner of the settle, watched the smoke of his pipe through half-closed eyes, and assented drowsily to the old man's remarks upon the weather.

the atmospheric conditions that comprise the state of the atmosphere in terms of temperature and wind and clouds and precipitation

From this reading The other thanked him, and then, leaning back in his corner of the settle, watched the smoke of his pipe through half-closed eyes, and assented drowsily to the old man's remarks upon the weather.

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

From this reading Seated at his ease in the warm tap-room of the Cauliflower, the stranger had been eating and drinking for some time, apparently unconscious of the presence of the withered ancient who, huddled up in that corner of the settle which was nearer to the fire, fidgeted restlessly with an empty mug and blew with pathetic insistence through a churchwarden pipe which had long been cold.

which person or people

From this reading Seated at his ease in the warm tap-room of the Cauliflower, the stranger had been eating and drinking for some time, apparently unconscious of the presence of the withered ancient who, huddled up in that corner of the settle which was nearer to the fire, fidgeted restlessly with an empty mug and blew with pathetic insistence through a churchwarden pipe which had long been cold.

in the company of; together with

From this reading Seated at his ease in the warm tap-room of the Cauliflower, the stranger had been eating and drinking for some time, apparently unconscious of the presence of the withered ancient who, huddled up in that corner of the settle which was nearer to the fire, fidgeted restlessly with an empty mug and blew with pathetic insistence through a churchwarden pipe which had long been cold.

lean and wrinkled by shrinkage as from age or illness

From this reading Seated at his ease in the warm tap-room of the Cauliflower, the stranger had been eating and drinking for some time, apparently unconscious of the presence of the withered ancient who, huddled up in that corner of the settle which was nearer to the fire, fidgeted restlessly with an empty mug and blew with pathetic insistence through a churchwarden pipe which had long been cold.

a period of time containing 365 (or 366) days

From this reading "Bad time o' the year for going about," said the latter, "though I s'pose if you can eat and drink as much as you want it don't matter.

the person or people being spoken to

From this reading "Bad time o' the year for going about," said the latter, "though I s'pose if you can eat and drink as much as you want it don't matter.