used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading I say strange, because, at that period of my life at all events, I was--as true greatness generally is--of a modest and retiring disposition.
aboutprepositionUS /əˈbaʊt/
on the subject of; concerning
From this reading In thinking about it beforehand, I had been very much afraid lest I should be nervous; but strange to say, I never experienced stage-fright at any time.
filled with fear or apprehension
From this reading In thinking about it beforehand, I had been very much afraid lest I should be nervous; but strange to say, I never experienced stage-fright at any time.
ah
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading I am told that in my frock and pinafore days, I used to stand upon the table, and recite poetry, to the intense gratification of my elderly relatives (ah, the old folks knew how to enjoy themselves, when I was a boy!); and an old nurse of mine always insisted that on one occasion I collected half a crown in an omnibus by my spirited rendering of “Baa, baa, black sheep.”
(quantifier) used with either mass or count nouns to indicate the whole number or amount of or every one of a class
From this reading I say strange, because, at that period of my life at all events, I was--as true greatness generally is--of a modest and retiring disposition.
at all times; all the time and on every occasion
From this reading I am told that in my frock and pinafore days, I used to stand upon the table, and recite poetry, to the intense gratification of my elderly relatives (ah, the old folks knew how to enjoy themselves, when I was a boy!); and an old nurse of mine always insisted that on one occasion I collected half a crown in an omnibus by my spirited rendering of “Baa, baa, black sheep.”
the form of “be” used with “I”
From this reading I am told that in my frock and pinafore days, I used to stand upon the table, and recite poetry, to the intense gratification of my elderly relatives (ah, the old folks knew how to enjoy themselves, when I was a boy!); and an old nurse of mine always insisted that on one occasion I collected half a crown in an omnibus by my spirited rendering of “Baa, baa, black sheep.”
the form of “a” used before a word that begins with a vowel sound
From this reading I am told that in my frock and pinafore days, I used to stand upon the table, and recite poetry, to the intense gratification of my elderly relatives (ah, the old folks knew how to enjoy themselves, when I was a boy!); and an old nurse of mine always insisted that on one occasion I collected half a crown in an omnibus by my spirited rendering of “Baa, baa, black sheep.”
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading N Saturday came the opening night, and with it my first appearance before the British public--my “first deboo” as our perruquier called it.
one or some or every or all without specification
From this reading In thinking about it beforehand, I had been very much afraid lest I should be nervous; but strange to say, I never experienced stage-fright at any time.
outward or visible aspect of a person or thing
From this reading N Saturday came the opening night, and with it my first appearance before the British public--my “first deboo” as our perruquier called it.
at the same time that; because; in the way that
From this reading N Saturday came the opening night, and with it my first appearance before the British public--my “first deboo” as our perruquier called it.
in or near a particular place or position
From this reading In thinking about it beforehand, I had been very much afraid lest I should be nervous; but strange to say, I never experienced stage-fright at any time.
BaanounUS /ˌbiːeɪˈeɪ/
the cry made by sheep
From this reading I am told that in my frock and pinafore days, I used to stand upon the table, and recite poetry, to the intense gratification of my elderly relatives (ah, the old folks knew how to enjoy themselves, when I was a boy!); and an old nurse of mine always insisted that on one occasion I collected half a crown in an omnibus by my spirited rendering of “Baa, baa, black sheep.”
used with a past participle to form the passive, or with -ing for continuous tenses
From this reading In thinking about it beforehand, I had been very much afraid lest I should be nervous; but strange to say, I never experienced stage-fright at any time.
for the reason that
From this reading I say strange, because, at that period of my life at all events, I was--as true greatness generally is--of a modest and retiring disposition.
beenauxiliary verbUS /bɪn/
the past participle of “be”
From this reading In thinking about it beforehand, I had been very much afraid lest I should be nervous; but strange to say, I never experienced stage-fright at any time.
earlier than; in front of
From this reading N Saturday came the opening night, and with it my first appearance before the British public--my “first deboo” as our perruquier called it.
beforehandadjectiveUS /bɪˈfɔːrhænd/
being ahead of time or need
From this reading In thinking about it beforehand, I had been very much afraid lest I should be nervous; but strange to say, I never experienced stage-fright at any time.
accept as true; take to be true
From this reading In my very early youth, I believe, I was not so.
being of the achromatic color of maximum darkness; having little or no hue owing to absorption of almost all incident light
From this reading I am told that in my frock and pinafore days, I used to stand upon the table, and recite poetry, to the intense gratification of my elderly relatives (ah, the old folks knew how to enjoy themselves, when I was a boy!); and an old nurse of mine always insisted that on one occasion I collected half a crown in an omnibus by my spirited rendering of “Baa, baa, black sheep.”
a youthful male person
From this reading I am told that in my frock and pinafore days, I used to stand upon the table, and recite poetry, to the intense gratification of my elderly relatives (ah, the old folks knew how to enjoy themselves, when I was a boy!); and an old nurse of mine always insisted that on one occasion I collected half a crown in an omnibus by my spirited rendering of “Baa, baa, black sheep.”
the people of Great Britain
From this reading N Saturday came the opening night, and with it my first appearance before the British public--my “first deboo” as our perruquier called it.
used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before
From this reading In thinking about it beforehand, I had been very much afraid lest I should be nervous; but strange to say, I never experienced stage-fright at any time.
showing who or what does the action
From this reading I am told that in my frock and pinafore days, I used to stand upon the table, and recite poetry, to the intense gratification of my elderly relatives (ah, the old folks knew how to enjoy themselves, when I was a boy!); and an old nurse of mine always insisted that on one occasion I collected half a crown in an omnibus by my spirited rendering of “Baa, baa, black sheep.”
past form of “call” — assign a specified (usually proper) proper name to
From this reading N Saturday came the opening night, and with it my first appearance before the British public--my “first deboo” as our perruquier called it.
inflected form of “come” — move toward, travel toward something or somebody or approach something or somebody
From this reading N Saturday came the opening night, and with it my first appearance before the British public--my “first deboo” as our perruquier called it.
collectedadjectiveUS /kəˈlektəd/
brought together in one place
From this reading I am told that in my frock and pinafore days, I used to stand upon the table, and recite poetry, to the intense gratification of my elderly relatives (ah, the old folks knew how to enjoy themselves, when I was a boy!); and an old nurse of mine always insisted that on one occasion I collected half a crown in an omnibus by my spirited rendering of “Baa, baa, black sheep.”
the Crown (or the reigning monarch) as the symbol of the power and authority of a monarchy
From this reading I am told that in my frock and pinafore days, I used to stand upon the table, and recite poetry, to the intense gratification of my elderly relatives (ah, the old folks knew how to enjoy themselves, when I was a boy!); and an old nurse of mine always insisted that on one occasion I collected half a crown in an omnibus by my spirited rendering of “Baa, baa, black sheep.”
the time during which someone's life continues
From this reading I am told that in my frock and pinafore days, I used to stand upon the table, and recite poetry, to the intense gratification of my elderly relatives (ah, the old folks knew how to enjoy themselves, when I was a boy!); and an old nurse of mine always insisted that on one occasion I collected half a crown in an omnibus by my spirited rendering of “Baa, baa, black sheep.”
deboo
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading N Saturday came the opening night, and with it my first appearance before the British public--my “first deboo” as our perruquier called it.
dispositionnounUS /ˌdɪspəˈzɪʃən/
your usual mood
From this reading I say strange, because, at that period of my life at all events, I was--as true greatness generally is--of a modest and retiring disposition.
earlyadjectiveUS /ˈɜːrli/
at or near the beginning of a period of time or course of events or before the usual or expected time
From this reading In my very early youth, I believe, I was not so.
elderlyadjectiveUS /ˈeldərli/
advanced in years; (“aged” is pronounced as two syllables)
From this reading I am told that in my frock and pinafore days, I used to stand upon the table, and recite poetry, to the intense gratification of my elderly relatives (ah, the old folks knew how to enjoy themselves, when I was a boy!); and an old nurse of mine always insisted that on one occasion I collected half a crown in an omnibus by my spirited rendering of “Baa, baa, black sheep.”
derive or receive pleasure from; get enjoyment from; take pleasure in
From this reading I am told that in my frock and pinafore days, I used to stand upon the table, and recite poetry, to the intense gratification of my elderly relatives (ah, the old folks knew how to enjoy themselves, when I was a boy!); and an old nurse of mine always insisted that on one occasion I collected half a crown in an omnibus by my spirited rendering of “Baa, baa, black sheep.”
plural of “event” — something that happens at a given place and time
From this reading I say strange, because, at that period of my life at all events, I was--as true greatness generally is--of a modest and retiring disposition.
having experience; having knowledge or skill from observation or participation
From this reading In thinking about it beforehand, I had been very much afraid lest I should be nervous; but strange to say, I never experienced stage-fright at any time.
firstadjectiveUS /fɜːrst/
preceding all others in time or space or degree
From this reading N Saturday came the opening night, and with it my first appearance before the British public--my “first deboo” as our perruquier called it.
your parents
From this reading I am told that in my frock and pinafore days, I used to stand upon the table, and recite poetry, to the intense gratification of my elderly relatives (ah, the old folks knew how to enjoy themselves, when I was a boy!); and an old nurse of mine always insisted that on one occasion I collected half a crown in an omnibus by my spirited rendering of “Baa, baa, black sheep.”
frocknounUS /frɑːk/
a long, loose outer garment
From this reading I am told that in my frock and pinafore days, I used to stand upon the table, and recite poetry, to the intense gratification of my elderly relatives (ah, the old folks knew how to enjoy themselves, when I was a boy!); and an old nurse of mine always insisted that on one occasion I collected half a crown in an omnibus by my spirited rendering of “Baa, baa, black sheep.”
usually; as a rule
From this reading I say strange, because, at that period of my life at all events, I was--as true greatness generally is--of a modest and retiring disposition.
gratificationnounUS /ˌɡrætəfəˈkeɪʃən/
state of being gratified or satisfied
From this reading I am told that in my frock and pinafore days, I used to stand upon the table, and recite poetry, to the intense gratification of my elderly relatives (ah, the old folks knew how to enjoy themselves, when I was a boy!); and an old nurse of mine always insisted that on one occasion I collected half a crown in an omnibus by my spirited rendering of “Baa, baa, black sheep.”
greatnessnounUS /ˈɡreɪtnəs/
the property possessed by something or someone of outstanding importance or eminence
From this reading I say strange, because, at that period of my life at all events, I was--as true greatness generally is--of a modest and retiring disposition.
hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/
the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect
From this reading In thinking about it beforehand, I had been very much afraid lest I should be nervous; but strange to say, I never experienced stage-fright at any time.
consisting of one of two equivalent parts in value or quantity
From this reading I am told that in my frock and pinafore days, I used to stand upon the table, and recite poetry, to the intense gratification of my elderly relatives (ah, the old folks knew how to enjoy themselves, when I was a boy!); and an old nurse of mine always insisted that on one occasion I collected half a crown in an omnibus by my spirited rendering of “Baa, baa, black sheep.”
how
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading I am told that in my frock and pinafore days, I used to stand upon the table, and recite poetry, to the intense gratification of my elderly relatives (ah, the old folks knew how to enjoy themselves, when I was a boy!); and an old nurse of mine always insisted that on one occasion I collected half a crown in an omnibus by my spirited rendering of “Baa, baa, black sheep.”
the person speaking or writing, as the subject of the verb
From this reading In thinking about it beforehand, I had been very much afraid lest I should be nervous; but strange to say, I never experienced stage-fright at any time.
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading In thinking about it beforehand, I had been very much afraid lest I should be nervous; but strange to say, I never experienced stage-fright at any time.
past form of “insist” — be emphatic or resolute and refuse to budge
From this reading I am told that in my frock and pinafore days, I used to stand upon the table, and recite poetry, to the intense gratification of my elderly relatives (ah, the old folks knew how to enjoy themselves, when I was a boy!); and an old nurse of mine always insisted that on one occasion I collected half a crown in an omnibus by my spirited rendering of “Baa, baa, black sheep.”
possessing or displaying a distinctive feature to a heightened degree
From this reading I am told that in my frock and pinafore days, I used to stand upon the table, and recite poetry, to the intense gratification of my elderly relatives (ah, the old folks knew how to enjoy themselves, when I was a boy!); and an old nurse of mine always insisted that on one occasion I collected half a crown in an omnibus by my spirited rendering of “Baa, baa, black sheep.”
the form of “be” used with he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading I say strange, because, at that period of my life at all events, I was--as true greatness generally is--of a modest and retiring disposition.
a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned
From this reading N Saturday came the opening night, and with it my first appearance before the British public--my “first deboo” as our perruquier called it.
inflected form of “know” — be cognizant or aware of a fact or a specific piece of information; possess knowledge or information about
From this reading I am told that in my frock and pinafore days, I used to stand upon the table, and recite poetry, to the intense gratification of my elderly relatives (ah, the old folks knew how to enjoy themselves, when I was a boy!); and an old nurse of mine always insisted that on one occasion I collected half a crown in an omnibus by my spirited rendering of “Baa, baa, black sheep.”
in order that something should not happen
From this reading In thinking about it beforehand, I had been very much afraid lest I should be nervous; but strange to say, I never experienced stage-fright at any time.
a characteristic state or mode of living
From this reading I say strange, because, at that period of my life at all events, I was--as true greatness generally is--of a modest and retiring disposition.
the one or ones belonging to the person speaking
From this reading I am told that in my frock and pinafore days, I used to stand upon the table, and recite poetry, to the intense gratification of my elderly relatives (ah, the old folks knew how to enjoy themselves, when I was a boy!); and an old nurse of mine always insisted that on one occasion I collected half a crown in an omnibus by my spirited rendering of “Baa, baa, black sheep.”
modestadjectiveUS /ˈmɑːdəst/
marked by simplicity; having a humble opinion of yourself
From this reading I say strange, because, at that period of my life at all events, I was--as true greatness generally is--of a modest and retiring disposition.
to a great degree or extent
From this reading In thinking about it beforehand, I had been very much afraid lest I should be nervous; but strange to say, I never experienced stage-fright at any time.
belonging to the person speaking
From this reading N Saturday came the opening night, and with it my first appearance before the British public--my “first deboo” as our perruquier called it.
a common nonmetallic element that is normally a colorless odorless tasteless inert diatomic gas; constitutes 78 percent of the atmosphere by volume; a constituent of all living tissues
From this reading N Saturday came the opening night, and with it my first appearance before the British public--my “first deboo” as our perruquier called it.
easily agitated
From this reading In thinking about it beforehand, I had been very much afraid lest I should be nervous; but strange to say, I never experienced stage-fright at any time.
not ever; at no time in the past or future
From this reading In thinking about it beforehand, I had been very much afraid lest I should be nervous; but strange to say, I never experienced stage-fright at any time.
the time after sunset and before sunrise while it is dark outside
From this reading N Saturday came the opening night, and with it my first appearance before the British public--my “first deboo” as our perruquier called it.
used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative
From this reading In my very early youth, I believe, I was not so.
try to cure by special care of treatment, of an illness or injury
From this reading I am told that in my frock and pinafore days, I used to stand upon the table, and recite poetry, to the intense gratification of my elderly relatives (ah, the old folks knew how to enjoy themselves, when I was a boy!); and an old nurse of mine always insisted that on one occasion I collected half a crown in an omnibus by my spirited rendering of “Baa, baa, black sheep.”
an event that occurs at a critical time
From this reading I am told that in my frock and pinafore days, I used to stand upon the table, and recite poetry, to the intense gratification of my elderly relatives (ah, the old folks knew how to enjoy themselves, when I was a boy!); and an old nurse of mine always insisted that on one occasion I collected half a crown in an omnibus by my spirited rendering of “Baa, baa, black sheep.”
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading I say strange, because, at that period of my life at all events, I was--as true greatness generally is--of a modest and retiring disposition.
(used especially of persons) having lived for a relatively long time or attained a specific age
From this reading I am told that in my frock and pinafore days, I used to stand upon the table, and recite poetry, to the intense gratification of my elderly relatives (ah, the old folks knew how to enjoy themselves, when I was a boy!); and an old nurse of mine always insisted that on one occasion I collected half a crown in an omnibus by my spirited rendering of “Baa, baa, black sheep.”
omnibusnounUS /ˈɑːmnəbəs/
an anthology of articles on a related subject or an anthology of the works of a single author
From this reading I am told that in my frock and pinafore days, I used to stand upon the table, and recite poetry, to the intense gratification of my elderly relatives (ah, the old folks knew how to enjoy themselves, when I was a boy!); and an old nurse of mine always insisted that on one occasion I collected half a crown in an omnibus by my spirited rendering of “Baa, baa, black sheep.”
touching and supported by a surface
From this reading I am told that in my frock and pinafore days, I used to stand upon the table, and recite poetry, to the intense gratification of my elderly relatives (ah, the old folks knew how to enjoy themselves, when I was a boy!); and an old nurse of mine always insisted that on one occasion I collected half a crown in an omnibus by my spirited rendering of “Baa, baa, black sheep.”
used to mean any person in general, including the speaker
From this reading I am told that in my frock and pinafore days, I used to stand upon the table, and recite poetry, to the intense gratification of my elderly relatives (ah, the old folks knew how to enjoy themselves, when I was a boy!); and an old nurse of mine always insisted that on one occasion I collected half a crown in an omnibus by my spirited rendering of “Baa, baa, black sheep.”
an open or empty space in or between things
From this reading N Saturday came the opening night, and with it my first appearance before the British public--my “first deboo” as our perruquier called it.
belonging to the speaker and others
From this reading N Saturday came the opening night, and with it my first appearance before the British public--my “first deboo” as our perruquier called it.
an amount of time
From this reading I say strange, because, at that period of my life at all events, I was--as true greatness generally is--of a modest and retiring disposition.
perruquier
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading N Saturday came the opening night, and with it my first appearance before the British public--my “first deboo” as our perruquier called it.
pinaforenoun
a sleeveless dress resembling an apron; worn over other clothing
From this reading I am told that in my frock and pinafore days, I used to stand upon the table, and recite poetry, to the intense gratification of my elderly relatives (ah, the old folks knew how to enjoy themselves, when I was a boy!); and an old nurse of mine always insisted that on one occasion I collected half a crown in an omnibus by my spirited rendering of “Baa, baa, black sheep.”
literature in metrical form
From this reading I am told that in my frock and pinafore days, I used to stand upon the table, and recite poetry, to the intense gratification of my elderly relatives (ah, the old folks knew how to enjoy themselves, when I was a boy!); and an old nurse of mine always insisted that on one occasion I collected half a crown in an omnibus by my spirited rendering of “Baa, baa, black sheep.”
people in general considered as a whole
From this reading N Saturday came the opening night, and with it my first appearance before the British public--my “first deboo” as our perruquier called it.
reciteverbUS /rəˈsaɪt/
recite in elocution
From this reading I am told that in my frock and pinafore days, I used to stand upon the table, and recite poetry, to the intense gratification of my elderly relatives (ah, the old folks knew how to enjoy themselves, when I was a boy!); and an old nurse of mine always insisted that on one occasion I collected half a crown in an omnibus by my spirited rendering of “Baa, baa, black sheep.”
relativesnounUS /ˈrelətɪvz/
plural of “relative” — a person related by blood or marriage
From this reading I am told that in my frock and pinafore days, I used to stand upon the table, and recite poetry, to the intense gratification of my elderly relatives (ah, the old folks knew how to enjoy themselves, when I was a boy!); and an old nurse of mine always insisted that on one occasion I collected half a crown in an omnibus by my spirited rendering of “Baa, baa, black sheep.”
renderingnounUS /ˈrendərɪŋ/
a performance of a musical composition or a dramatic role etc.
From this reading I am told that in my frock and pinafore days, I used to stand upon the table, and recite poetry, to the intense gratification of my elderly relatives (ah, the old folks knew how to enjoy themselves, when I was a boy!); and an old nurse of mine always insisted that on one occasion I collected half a crown in an omnibus by my spirited rendering of “Baa, baa, black sheep.”
retiringadjectiveUS /rɪˈtaɪrɪŋ/
not arrogant or presuming
From this reading I say strange, because, at that period of my life at all events, I was--as true greatness generally is--of a modest and retiring disposition.
the seventh and last day of the week; observed as the Sabbath by Jews and some Christians
From this reading N Saturday came the opening night, and with it my first appearance before the British public--my “first deboo” as our perruquier called it.
express in words
From this reading In thinking about it beforehand, I had been very much afraid lest I should be nervous; but strange to say, I never experienced stage-fright at any time.
woolly usually horned ruminant mammal related to the goat
From this reading I am told that in my frock and pinafore days, I used to stand upon the table, and recite poetry, to the intense gratification of my elderly relatives (ah, the old folks knew how to enjoy themselves, when I was a boy!); and an old nurse of mine always insisted that on one occasion I collected half a crown in an omnibus by my spirited rendering of “Baa, baa, black sheep.”
used to say what is right, expected, or advisable
From this reading In thinking about it beforehand, I had been very much afraid lest I should be nervous; but strange to say, I never experienced stage-fright at any time.
for that reason; with the result that
From this reading In my very early youth, I believe, I was not so.
spiritedadjectiveUS /ˈspɪrɪtɪd/
displaying animation, vigor, or liveliness
From this reading I am told that in my frock and pinafore days, I used to stand upon the table, and recite poetry, to the intense gratification of my elderly relatives (ah, the old folks knew how to enjoy themselves, when I was a boy!); and an old nurse of mine always insisted that on one occasion I collected half a crown in an omnibus by my spirited rendering of “Baa, baa, black sheep.”
stage-fright
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading In thinking about it beforehand, I had been very much afraid lest I should be nervous; but strange to say, I never experienced stage-fright at any time.
be standing; be upright
From this reading I am told that in my frock and pinafore days, I used to stand upon the table, and recite poetry, to the intense gratification of my elderly relatives (ah, the old folks knew how to enjoy themselves, when I was a boy!); and an old nurse of mine always insisted that on one occasion I collected half a crown in an omnibus by my spirited rendering of “Baa, baa, black sheep.”
being definitely out of the ordinary and unexpected; slightly odd or even a bit weird
From this reading In thinking about it beforehand, I had been very much afraid lest I should be nervous; but strange to say, I never experienced stage-fright at any time.
a set of data arranged in rows and columns
From this reading I am told that in my frock and pinafore days, I used to stand upon the table, and recite poetry, to the intense gratification of my elderly relatives (ah, the old folks knew how to enjoy themselves, when I was a boy!); and an old nurse of mine always insisted that on one occasion I collected half a crown in an omnibus by my spirited rendering of “Baa, baa, black sheep.”
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading I say strange, because, at that period of my life at all events, I was--as true greatness generally is--of a modest and retiring disposition.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading N Saturday came the opening night, and with it my first appearance before the British public--my “first deboo” as our perruquier called it.
used when the people doing the action are also its object
From this reading I am told that in my frock and pinafore days, I used to stand upon the table, and recite poetry, to the intense gratification of my elderly relatives (ah, the old folks knew how to enjoy themselves, when I was a boy!); and an old nurse of mine always insisted that on one occasion I collected half a crown in an omnibus by my spirited rendering of “Baa, baa, black sheep.”
the process of using your mind to consider something carefully
From this reading In thinking about it beforehand, I had been very much afraid lest I should be nervous; but strange to say, I never experienced stage-fright at any time.
an instance or single occasion for some event
From this reading In thinking about it beforehand, I had been very much afraid lest I should be nervous; but strange to say, I never experienced stage-fright at any time.
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading In thinking about it beforehand, I had been very much afraid lest I should be nervous; but strange to say, I never experienced stage-fright at any time.
inflected form of “tell” — express in words
From this reading I am told that in my frock and pinafore days, I used to stand upon the table, and recite poetry, to the intense gratification of my elderly relatives (ah, the old folks knew how to enjoy themselves, when I was a boy!); and an old nurse of mine always insisted that on one occasion I collected half a crown in an omnibus by my spirited rendering of “Baa, baa, black sheep.”
consistent with fact or reality; not false
From this reading I say strange, because, at that period of my life at all events, I was--as true greatness generally is--of a modest and retiring disposition.
uponprepositionUS /əˈpɑːn/
a formal word for “on”
From this reading I am told that in my frock and pinafore days, I used to stand upon the table, and recite poetry, to the intense gratification of my elderly relatives (ah, the old folks knew how to enjoy themselves, when I was a boy!); and an old nurse of mine always insisted that on one occasion I collected half a crown in an omnibus by my spirited rendering of “Baa, baa, black sheep.”
employed in accomplishing something
From this reading I am told that in my frock and pinafore days, I used to stand upon the table, and recite poetry, to the intense gratification of my elderly relatives (ah, the old folks knew how to enjoy themselves, when I was a boy!); and an old nurse of mine always insisted that on one occasion I collected half a crown in an omnibus by my spirited rendering of “Baa, baa, black sheep.”
precisely as stated
From this reading In thinking about it beforehand, I had been very much afraid lest I should be nervous; but strange to say, I never experienced stage-fright at any time.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading I say strange, because, at that period of my life at all events, I was--as true greatness generally is--of a modest and retiring disposition.
at the time that
From this reading I am told that in my frock and pinafore days, I used to stand upon the table, and recite poetry, to the intense gratification of my elderly relatives (ah, the old folks knew how to enjoy themselves, when I was a boy!); and an old nurse of mine always insisted that on one occasion I collected half a crown in an omnibus by my spirited rendering of “Baa, baa, black sheep.”
in the company of; together with
From this reading N Saturday came the opening night, and with it my first appearance before the British public--my “first deboo” as our perruquier called it.
a young person (especially a young man or boy)
From this reading In my very early youth, I believe, I was not so.
