used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading O'Shea's man was not one to put his light under a bushel; so, when he received at the post-office a very portentous-looking letter, heavily sealed, and marked “On Her Majesty's Service,” he duly stopped the two or three English loungers he saw about to show them the document, on pretence of asking if any demand for postage could be made; if it had not been wrongfully detained; if they thought it had been opened and read; and so on,--all these inquiries having for their object to inform the general public that the Member for Inch was in close relation and correspondence with Downing Street.
aboutprepositionUS /əˈbaʊt/
on the subject of; concerning
From this reading O'Shea's man was not one to put his light under a bushel; so, when he received at the post-office a very portentous-looking letter, heavily sealed, and marked “On Her Majesty's Service,” he duly stopped the two or three English loungers he saw about to show them the document, on pretence of asking if any demand for postage could be made; if it had not been wrongfully detained; if they thought it had been opened and read; and so on,--all these inquiries having for their object to inform the general public that the Member for Inch was in close relation and correspondence with Downing Street.
(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 O'Shea's man was not one to put his light under a bushel; so, when he received at the post-office a very portentous-looking letter, heavily sealed, and marked “On Her Majesty's Service,” he duly stopped the two or three English loungers he saw about to show them the document, on pretence of asking if any demand for postage could be made; if it had not been wrongfully detained; if they thought it had been opened and read; and so on,--all these inquiries having for their object to inform the general public that the Member for Inch was in close relation and correspondence with Downing Street.
the form of “a” used before a word that begins with a vowel sound
From this reading In sooth, the letter had as significant an external as any gentleman in pursuit of a place might have desired.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading O'Shea's man was not one to put his light under a bushel; so, when he received at the post-office a very portentous-looking letter, heavily sealed, and marked “On Her Majesty's Service,” he duly stopped the two or three English loungers he saw about to show them the document, on pretence of asking if any demand for postage could be made; if it had not been wrongfully detained; if they thought it had been opened and read; and so on,--all these inquiries having for their object to inform the general public that the Member for Inch was in close relation and correspondence with Downing Street.
one or some or every or all without specification
From this reading O'Shea's man was not one to put his light under a bushel; so, when he received at the post-office a very portentous-looking letter, heavily sealed, and marked “On Her Majesty's Service,” he duly stopped the two or three English loungers he saw about to show them the document, on pretence of asking if any demand for postage could be made; if it had not been wrongfully detained; if they thought it had been opened and read; and so on,--all these inquiries having for their object to inform the general public that the Member for Inch was in close relation and correspondence with Downing Street.
appeasableadjective
capable of being pacified
From this reading It was, in fact, a document that, left negligently in the way, might have made a dun appeasable, and a creditor patient.
at the same time that; because; in the way that
From this reading In sooth, the letter had as significant an external as any gentleman in pursuit of a place might have desired.
the verbal act of requesting
From this reading O'Shea's man was not one to put his light under a bushel; so, when he received at the post-office a very portentous-looking letter, heavily sealed, and marked “On Her Majesty's Service,” he duly stopped the two or three English loungers he saw about to show them the document, on pretence of asking if any demand for postage could be made; if it had not been wrongfully detained; if they thought it had been opened and read; and so on,--all these inquiries having for their object to inform the general public that the Member for Inch was in close relation and correspondence with Downing Street.
in or near a particular place or position
From this reading O'Shea's man was not one to put his light under a bushel; so, when he received at the post-office a very portentous-looking letter, heavily sealed, and marked “On Her Majesty's Service,” he duly stopped the two or three English loungers he saw about to show them the document, on pretence of asking if any demand for postage could be made; if it had not been wrongfully detained; if they thought it had been opened and read; and so on,--all these inquiries having for their object to inform the general public that the Member for Inch was in close relation and correspondence with Downing Street.
authenticitynounUS /ˌɔːθənˈtɪsɪti/
undisputed credibility
From this reading In color, texture, and fashion there was nothing wanting to its authenticity, and it might, without any disparagement to its outside, have named Mr. O'Shea a Governor of the Bahamas, or a Mahogany Commissioner at Ruatan.
BahamasnounUS /bəˈhɑːməz/
island country in the Atlantic to the east of Florida and Cuba; a popular winter resort
From this reading In color, texture, and fashion there was nothing wanting to its authenticity, and it might, without any disparagement to its outside, have named Mr. O'Shea a Governor of the Bahamas, or a Mahogany Commissioner at Ruatan.
used with a past participle to form the passive, or with -ing for continuous tenses
From this reading O'Shea's man was not one to put his light under a bushel; so, when he received at the post-office a very portentous-looking letter, heavily sealed, and marked “On Her Majesty's Service,” he duly stopped the two or three English loungers he saw about to show them the document, on pretence of asking if any demand for postage could be made; if it had not been wrongfully detained; if they thought it had been opened and read; and so on,--all these inquiries having for their object to inform the general public that the Member for Inch was in close relation and correspondence with Downing Street.
beenauxiliary verbUS /bɪn/
the past participle of “be”
From this reading O'Shea's man was not one to put his light under a bushel; so, when he received at the post-office a very portentous-looking letter, heavily sealed, and marked “On Her Majesty's Service,” he duly stopped the two or three English loungers he saw about to show them the document, on pretence of asking if any demand for postage could be made; if it had not been wrongfully detained; if they thought it had been opened and read; and so on,--all these inquiries having for their object to inform the general public that the Member for Inch was in close relation and correspondence with Downing Street.
bushelnounUS /ˈbʊʃəl/
a United States dry measure equal to 4 pecks or 2152.42 cubic inches
From this reading O'Shea's man was not one to put his light under a bushel; so, when he received at the post-office a very portentous-looking letter, heavily sealed, and marked “On Her Majesty's Service,” he duly stopped the two or three English loungers he saw about to show them the document, on pretence of asking if any demand for postage could be made; if it had not been wrongfully detained; if they thought it had been opened and read; and so on,--all these inquiries having for their object to inform the general public that the Member for Inch was in close relation and correspondence with Downing Street.
at or within a short distance in space or time or having elements near each other
From this reading O'Shea's man was not one to put his light under a bushel; so, when he received at the post-office a very portentous-looking letter, heavily sealed, and marked “On Her Majesty's Service,” he duly stopped the two or three English loungers he saw about to show them the document, on pretence of asking if any demand for postage could be made; if it had not been wrongfully detained; if they thought it had been opened and read; and so on,--all these inquiries having for their object to inform the general public that the Member for Inch was in close relation and correspondence with Downing Street.
a visual attribute of things that results from the light they emit or transmit or reflect
From this reading In color, texture, and fashion there was nothing wanting to its authenticity, and it might, without any disparagement to its outside, have named Mr. O'Shea a Governor of the Bahamas, or a Mahogany Commissioner at Ruatan.
CommissionernounUS /kəˈmɪʃənər/
a government administrator
From this reading In color, texture, and fashion there was nothing wanting to its authenticity, and it might, without any disparagement to its outside, have named Mr. O'Shea a Governor of the Bahamas, or a Mahogany Commissioner at Ruatan.
correspondencenounUS /ˌkɔːrəˈspɑːndəns/
communication by the exchange of letters
From this reading O'Shea's man was not one to put his light under a bushel; so, when he received at the post-office a very portentous-looking letter, heavily sealed, and marked “On Her Majesty's Service,” he duly stopped the two or three English loungers he saw about to show them the document, on pretence of asking if any demand for postage could be made; if it had not been wrongfully detained; if they thought it had been opened and read; and so on,--all these inquiries having for their object to inform the general public that the Member for Inch was in close relation and correspondence with Downing Street.
the past of “can”; used for possibility or polite requests
From this reading O'Shea's man was not one to put his light under a bushel; so, when he received at the post-office a very portentous-looking letter, heavily sealed, and marked “On Her Majesty's Service,” he duly stopped the two or three English loungers he saw about to show them the document, on pretence of asking if any demand for postage could be made; if it had not been wrongfully detained; if they thought it had been opened and read; and so on,--all these inquiries having for their object to inform the general public that the Member for Inch was in close relation and correspondence with Downing Street.
creditornounUS /ˈkredətər/
a person to whom money is owed by a debtor; someone to whom an obligation exists
From this reading It was, in fact, a document that, left negligently in the way, might have made a dun appeasable, and a creditor patient.
an urgent or peremptory request
From this reading O'Shea's man was not one to put his light under a bushel; so, when he received at the post-office a very portentous-looking letter, heavily sealed, and marked “On Her Majesty's Service,” he duly stopped the two or three English loungers he saw about to show them the document, on pretence of asking if any demand for postage could be made; if it had not been wrongfully detained; if they thought it had been opened and read; and so on,--all these inquiries having for their object to inform the general public that the Member for Inch was in close relation and correspondence with Downing Street.
wanted intensely
From this reading In sooth, the letter had as significant an external as any gentleman in pursuit of a place might have desired.
detainedverbUS /dɪˈteɪnd/
past form of “detain” — deprive of freedom; take into confinement
From this reading O'Shea's man was not one to put his light under a bushel; so, when he received at the post-office a very portentous-looking letter, heavily sealed, and marked “On Her Majesty's Service,” he duly stopped the two or three English loungers he saw about to show them the document, on pretence of asking if any demand for postage could be made; if it had not been wrongfully detained; if they thought it had been opened and read; and so on,--all these inquiries having for their object to inform the general public that the Member for Inch was in close relation and correspondence with Downing Street.
disparagementnoun
a communication that belittles somebody or something
From this reading In color, texture, and fashion there was nothing wanting to its authenticity, and it might, without any disparagement to its outside, have named Mr. O'Shea a Governor of the Bahamas, or a Mahogany Commissioner at Ruatan.
documentnounUS /ˈdɑːkjəment/
writing that provides information (especially information of an official nature)
From this reading O'Shea's man was not one to put his light under a bushel; so, when he received at the post-office a very portentous-looking letter, heavily sealed, and marked “On Her Majesty's Service,” he duly stopped the two or three English loungers he saw about to show them the document, on pretence of asking if any demand for postage could be made; if it had not been wrongfully detained; if they thought it had been opened and read; and so on,--all these inquiries having for their object to inform the general public that the Member for Inch was in close relation and correspondence with Downing Street.
DowningnounUS /ˈdaʊnɪŋ/
United States landscape architect who designed the grounds of the White House and the Capitol Building (1815-1852)
From this reading O'Shea's man was not one to put his light under a bushel; so, when he received at the post-office a very portentous-looking letter, heavily sealed, and marked “On Her Majesty's Service,” he duly stopped the two or three English loungers he saw about to show them the document, on pretence of asking if any demand for postage could be made; if it had not been wrongfully detained; if they thought it had been opened and read; and so on,--all these inquiries having for their object to inform the general public that the Member for Inch was in close relation and correspondence with Downing Street.
dulyadverbUS /ˈduːli/
in accordance with what is appropriate or suitable for the circumstances
From this reading O'Shea's man was not one to put his light under a bushel; so, when he received at the post-office a very portentous-looking letter, heavily sealed, and marked “On Her Majesty's Service,” he duly stopped the two or three English loungers he saw about to show them the document, on pretence of asking if any demand for postage could be made; if it had not been wrongfully detained; if they thought it had been opened and read; and so on,--all these inquiries having for their object to inform the general public that the Member for Inch was in close relation and correspondence with Downing Street.
dunnounUS /dʌn/
horse of a dull brownish grey color
From this reading It was, in fact, a document that, left negligently in the way, might have made a dun appeasable, and a creditor patient.
an Indo-European language belonging to the West Germanic branch; the official language of Britain and the United States and most of the commonwealth countries
From this reading O'Shea's man was not one to put his light under a bushel; so, when he received at the post-office a very portentous-looking letter, heavily sealed, and marked “On Her Majesty's Service,” he duly stopped the two or three English loungers he saw about to show them the document, on pretence of asking if any demand for postage could be made; if it had not been wrongfully detained; if they thought it had been opened and read; and so on,--all these inquiries having for their object to inform the general public that the Member for Inch was in close relation and correspondence with Downing Street.
externaladjectiveUS /ɪkˈstɜːrnəl/
happening or arising or located outside or beyond some limits or especially surface
From this reading In sooth, the letter had as significant an external as any gentleman in pursuit of a place might have desired.
a piece of information about circumstances that exist or events that have occurred
From this reading It was, in fact, a document that, left negligently in the way, might have made a dun appeasable, and a creditor patient.
how something is done or how it happens
From this reading In color, texture, and fashion there was nothing wanting to its authenticity, and it might, without any disparagement to its outside, have named Mr. O'Shea a Governor of the Bahamas, or a Mahogany Commissioner at Ruatan.
intended to be given to, or used by, somebody
From this reading O'Shea's man was not one to put his light under a bushel; so, when he received at the post-office a very portentous-looking letter, heavily sealed, and marked “On Her Majesty's Service,” he duly stopped the two or three English loungers he saw about to show them the document, on pretence of asking if any demand for postage could be made; if it had not been wrongfully detained; if they thought it had been opened and read; and so on,--all these inquiries having for their object to inform the general public that the Member for Inch was in close relation and correspondence with Downing Street.
applying to all or most members of a category or group
From this reading O'Shea's man was not one to put his light under a bushel; so, when he received at the post-office a very portentous-looking letter, heavily sealed, and marked “On Her Majesty's Service,” he duly stopped the two or three English loungers he saw about to show them the document, on pretence of asking if any demand for postage could be made; if it had not been wrongfully detained; if they thought it had been opened and read; and so on,--all these inquiries having for their object to inform the general public that the Member for Inch was in close relation and correspondence with Downing Street.
a man of refinement
From this reading In sooth, the letter had as significant an external as any gentleman in pursuit of a place might have desired.
the head of a state government
From this reading In color, texture, and fashion there was nothing wanting to its authenticity, and it might, without any disparagement to its outside, have named Mr. O'Shea a Governor of the Bahamas, or a Mahogany Commissioner at Ruatan.
hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/
the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect
From this reading O'Shea's man was not one to put his light under a bushel; so, when he received at the post-office a very portentous-looking letter, heavily sealed, and marked “On Her Majesty's Service,” he duly stopped the two or three English loungers he saw about to show them the document, on pretence of asking if any demand for postage could be made; if it had not been wrongfully detained; if they thought it had been opened and read; and so on,--all these inquiries having for their object to inform the general public that the Member for Inch was in close relation and correspondence with Downing Street.
haveauxiliary verbUS /hæv/
used with a past participle to form the perfect tenses
From this reading In sooth, the letter had as significant an external as any gentleman in pursuit of a place might have desired.
havingauxiliary verbUS /ˈhævɪŋ/
the -ing form of “have”
From this reading O'Shea's man was not one to put his light under a bushel; so, when he received at the post-office a very portentous-looking letter, heavily sealed, and marked “On Her Majesty's Service,” he duly stopped the two or three English loungers he saw about to show them the document, on pretence of asking if any demand for postage could be made; if it had not been wrongfully detained; if they thought it had been opened and read; and so on,--all these inquiries having for their object to inform the general public that the Member for Inch was in close relation and correspondence with Downing Street.
a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading O'Shea's man was not one to put his light under a bushel; so, when he received at the post-office a very portentous-looking letter, heavily sealed, and marked “On Her Majesty's Service,” he duly stopped the two or three English loungers he saw about to show them the document, on pretence of asking if any demand for postage could be made; if it had not been wrongfully detained; if they thought it had been opened and read; and so on,--all these inquiries having for their object to inform the general public that the Member for Inch was in close relation and correspondence with Downing Street.
to a considerable degree
From this reading O'Shea's man was not one to put his light under a bushel; so, when he received at the post-office a very portentous-looking letter, heavily sealed, and marked “On Her Majesty's Service,” he duly stopped the two or three English loungers he saw about to show them the document, on pretence of asking if any demand for postage could be made; if it had not been wrongfully detained; if they thought it had been opened and read; and so on,--all these inquiries having for their object to inform the general public that the Member for Inch was in close relation and correspondence with Downing Street.
belonging to a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned
From this reading O'Shea's man was not one to put his light under a bushel; so, when he received at the post-office a very portentous-looking letter, heavily sealed, and marked “On Her Majesty's Service,” he duly stopped the two or three English loungers he saw about to show them the document, on pretence of asking if any demand for postage could be made; if it had not been wrongfully detained; if they thought it had been opened and read; and so on,--all these inquiries having for their object to inform the general public that the Member for Inch was in close relation and correspondence with Downing Street.
belonging to a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned
From this reading O'Shea's man was not one to put his light under a bushel; so, when he received at the post-office a very portentous-looking letter, heavily sealed, and marked “On Her Majesty's Service,” he duly stopped the two or three English loungers he saw about to show them the document, on pretence of asking if any demand for postage could be made; if it had not been wrongfully detained; if they thought it had been opened and read; and so on,--all these inquiries having for their object to inform the general public that the Member for Inch was in close relation and correspondence with Downing Street.
on condition that; in the event that
From this reading O'Shea's man was not one to put his light under a bushel; so, when he received at the post-office a very portentous-looking letter, heavily sealed, and marked “On Her Majesty's Service,” he duly stopped the two or three English loungers he saw about to show them the document, on pretence of asking if any demand for postage could be made; if it had not been wrongfully detained; if they thought it had been opened and read; and so on,--all these inquiries having for their object to inform the general public that the Member for Inch was in close relation and correspondence with Downing Street.
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading O'Shea's man was not one to put his light under a bushel; so, when he received at the post-office a very portentous-looking letter, heavily sealed, and marked “On Her Majesty's Service,” he duly stopped the two or three English loungers he saw about to show them the document, on pretence of asking if any demand for postage could be made; if it had not been wrongfully detained; if they thought it had been opened and read; and so on,--all these inquiries having for their object to inform the general public that the Member for Inch was in close relation and correspondence with Downing Street.
a unit of length equal to one twelfth of a foot
From this reading O'Shea's man was not one to put his light under a bushel; so, when he received at the post-office a very portentous-looking letter, heavily sealed, and marked “On Her Majesty's Service,” he duly stopped the two or three English loungers he saw about to show them the document, on pretence of asking if any demand for postage could be made; if it had not been wrongfully detained; if they thought it had been opened and read; and so on,--all these inquiries having for their object to inform the general public that the Member for Inch was in close relation and correspondence with Downing Street.
informverbUS /ˌɪnˈfɔːrm/
impart knowledge of some fact, state of affairs, or event to
From this reading O'Shea's man was not one to put his light under a bushel; so, when he received at the post-office a very portentous-looking letter, heavily sealed, and marked “On Her Majesty's Service,” he duly stopped the two or three English loungers he saw about to show them the document, on pretence of asking if any demand for postage could be made; if it had not been wrongfully detained; if they thought it had been opened and read; and so on,--all these inquiries having for their object to inform the general public that the Member for Inch was in close relation and correspondence with Downing Street.
inquiriesnounUS /ˌɪnˈkwaɪəriz/
plural of “inquiry” — a search for knowledge
From this reading O'Shea's man was not one to put his light under a bushel; so, when he received at the post-office a very portentous-looking letter, heavily sealed, and marked “On Her Majesty's Service,” he duly stopped the two or three English loungers he saw about to show them the document, on pretence of asking if any demand for postage could be made; if it had not been wrongfully detained; if they thought it had been opened and read; and so on,--all these inquiries having for their object to inform the general public that the Member for Inch was in close relation and correspondence with Downing Street.
a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned
From this reading O'Shea's man was not one to put his light under a bushel; so, when he received at the post-office a very portentous-looking letter, heavily sealed, and marked “On Her Majesty's Service,” he duly stopped the two or three English loungers he saw about to show them the document, on pretence of asking if any demand for postage could be made; if it had not been wrongfully detained; if they thought it had been opened and read; and so on,--all these inquiries having for their object to inform the general public that the Member for Inch was in close relation and correspondence with Downing Street.
belonging to the thing or animal already mentioned
From this reading In color, texture, and fashion there was nothing wanting to its authenticity, and it might, without any disparagement to its outside, have named Mr. O'Shea a Governor of the Bahamas, or a Mahogany Commissioner at Ruatan.
location near or direction toward the left side; i.e. the side to the north when a person or object faces east
From this reading It was, in fact, a document that, left negligently in the way, might have made a dun appeasable, and a creditor patient.
a written message addressed to a person or organization
From this reading O'Shea's man was not one to put his light under a bushel; so, when he received at the post-office a very portentous-looking letter, heavily sealed, and marked “On Her Majesty's Service,” he duly stopped the two or three English loungers he saw about to show them the document, on pretence of asking if any demand for postage could be made; if it had not been wrongfully detained; if they thought it had been opened and read; and so on,--all these inquiries having for their object to inform the general public that the Member for Inch was in close relation and correspondence with Downing Street.
of comparatively little physical weight or density
From this reading O'Shea's man was not one to put his light under a bushel; so, when he received at the post-office a very portentous-looking letter, heavily sealed, and marked “On Her Majesty's Service,” he duly stopped the two or three English loungers he saw about to show them the document, on pretence of asking if any demand for postage could be made; if it had not been wrongfully detained; if they thought it had been opened and read; and so on,--all these inquiries having for their object to inform the general public that the Member for Inch was in close relation and correspondence with Downing Street.
loungers
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading O'Shea's man was not one to put his light under a bushel; so, when he received at the post-office a very portentous-looking letter, heavily sealed, and marked “On Her Majesty's Service,” he duly stopped the two or three English loungers he saw about to show them the document, on pretence of asking if any demand for postage could be made; if it had not been wrongfully detained; if they thought it had been opened and read; and so on,--all these inquiries having for their object to inform the general public that the Member for Inch was in close relation and correspondence with Downing Street.
produced by a manufacturing process
From this reading O'Shea's man was not one to put his light under a bushel; so, when he received at the post-office a very portentous-looking letter, heavily sealed, and marked “On Her Majesty's Service,” he duly stopped the two or three English loungers he saw about to show them the document, on pretence of asking if any demand for postage could be made; if it had not been wrongfully detained; if they thought it had been opened and read; and so on,--all these inquiries having for their object to inform the general public that the Member for Inch was in close relation and correspondence with Downing Street.
MahoganynounUS /məˈhɑːɡəni/
wood of any of various mahogany trees; much used for cabinetwork and furniture
From this reading In color, texture, and fashion there was nothing wanting to its authenticity, and it might, without any disparagement to its outside, have named Mr. O'Shea a Governor of the Bahamas, or a Mahogany Commissioner at Ruatan.
Majesty'snounUS /ˈmædʒəstiz/
possessive form of “majesty” — impressiveness in scale or proportion
From this reading O'Shea's man was not one to put his light under a bushel; so, when he received at the post-office a very portentous-looking letter, heavily sealed, and marked “On Her Majesty's Service,” he duly stopped the two or three English loungers he saw about to show them the document, on pretence of asking if any demand for postage could be made; if it had not been wrongfully detained; if they thought it had been opened and read; and so on,--all these inquiries having for their object to inform the general public that the Member for Inch was in close relation and correspondence with Downing Street.
an adult person who is male (as opposed to a woman)
From this reading O'Shea's man was not one to put his light under a bushel; so, when he received at the post-office a very portentous-looking letter, heavily sealed, and marked “On Her Majesty's Service,” he duly stopped the two or three English loungers he saw about to show them the document, on pretence of asking if any demand for postage could be made; if it had not been wrongfully detained; if they thought it had been opened and read; and so on,--all these inquiries having for their object to inform the general public that the Member for Inch was in close relation and correspondence with Downing Street.
strongly marked; easily noticeable
From this reading O'Shea's man was not one to put his light under a bushel; so, when he received at the post-office a very portentous-looking letter, heavily sealed, and marked “On Her Majesty's Service,” he duly stopped the two or three English loungers he saw about to show them the document, on pretence of asking if any demand for postage could be made; if it had not been wrongfully detained; if they thought it had been opened and read; and so on,--all these inquiries having for their object to inform the general public that the Member for Inch was in close relation and correspondence with Downing Street.
one of the persons who compose a social group (especially individuals who have joined and participate in a group organization)
From this reading O'Shea's man was not one to put his light under a bushel; so, when he received at the post-office a very portentous-looking letter, heavily sealed, and marked “On Her Majesty's Service,” he duly stopped the two or three English loungers he saw about to show them the document, on pretence of asking if any demand for postage could be made; if it had not been wrongfully detained; if they thought it had been opened and read; and so on,--all these inquiries having for their object to inform the general public that the Member for Inch was in close relation and correspondence with Downing Street.
used to say something is possible but not certain
From this reading In sooth, the letter had as significant an external as any gentleman in pursuit of a place might have desired.
a form of address for a man
From this reading MR.
past form of “name” — assign a specified (usually proper) proper name to
From this reading In color, texture, and fashion there was nothing wanting to its authenticity, and it might, without any disparagement to its outside, have named Mr. O'Shea a Governor of the Bahamas, or a Mahogany Commissioner at Ruatan.
negligentlyadverbUS /ˈneɡlɪdʒəntli/
in a negligent manner
From this reading It was, in fact, a document that, left negligently in the way, might have made a dun appeasable, and a creditor patient.
used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative
From this reading O'Shea's man was not one to put his light under a bushel; so, when he received at the post-office a very portentous-looking letter, heavily sealed, and marked “On Her Majesty's Service,” he duly stopped the two or three English loungers he saw about to show them the document, on pretence of asking if any demand for postage could be made; if it had not been wrongfully detained; if they thought it had been opened and read; and so on,--all these inquiries having for their object to inform the general public that the Member for Inch was in close relation and correspondence with Downing Street.
not one thing; not anything
From this reading In color, texture, and fashion there was nothing wanting to its authenticity, and it might, without any disparagement to its outside, have named Mr. O'Shea a Governor of the Bahamas, or a Mahogany Commissioner at Ruatan.
O'Shea
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading In color, texture, and fashion there was nothing wanting to its authenticity, and it might, without any disparagement to its outside, have named Mr. O'Shea a Governor of the Bahamas, or a Mahogany Commissioner at Ruatan.
O'Shea's
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading O'Shea's man was not one to put his light under a bushel; so, when he received at the post-office a very portentous-looking letter, heavily sealed, and marked “On Her Majesty's Service,” he duly stopped the two or three English loungers he saw about to show them the document, on pretence of asking if any demand for postage could be made; if it had not been wrongfully detained; if they thought it had been opened and read; and so on,--all these inquiries having for their object to inform the general public that the Member for Inch was in close relation and correspondence with Downing Street.
a tangible and visible entity; an entity that can cast a shadow
From this reading O'Shea's man was not one to put his light under a bushel; so, when he received at the post-office a very portentous-looking letter, heavily sealed, and marked “On Her Majesty's Service,” he duly stopped the two or three English loungers he saw about to show them the document, on pretence of asking if any demand for postage could be made; if it had not been wrongfully detained; if they thought it had been opened and read; and so on,--all these inquiries having for their object to inform the general public that the Member for Inch was in close relation and correspondence with Downing Street.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading O'Shea's man was not one to put his light under a bushel; so, when he received at the post-office a very portentous-looking letter, heavily sealed, and marked “On Her Majesty's Service,” he duly stopped the two or three English loungers he saw about to show them the document, on pretence of asking if any demand for postage could be made; if it had not been wrongfully detained; if they thought it had been opened and read; and so on,--all these inquiries having for their object to inform the general public that the Member for Inch was in close relation and correspondence with Downing Street.
touching and supported by a surface
From this reading O'Shea's man was not one to put his light under a bushel; so, when he received at the post-office a very portentous-looking letter, heavily sealed, and marked “On Her Majesty's Service,” he duly stopped the two or three English loungers he saw about to show them the document, on pretence of asking if any demand for postage could be made; if it had not been wrongfully detained; if they thought it had been opened and read; and so on,--all these inquiries having for their object to inform the general public that the Member for Inch was in close relation and correspondence with Downing Street.
used to mean any person in general, including the speaker
From this reading O'Shea's man was not one to put his light under a bushel; so, when he received at the post-office a very portentous-looking letter, heavily sealed, and marked “On Her Majesty's Service,” he duly stopped the two or three English loungers he saw about to show them the document, on pretence of asking if any demand for postage could be made; if it had not been wrongfully detained; if they thought it had been opened and read; and so on,--all these inquiries having for their object to inform the general public that the Member for Inch was in close relation and correspondence with Downing Street.
used of mouth or eyes
From this reading O'Shea's man was not one to put his light under a bushel; so, when he received at the post-office a very portentous-looking letter, heavily sealed, and marked “On Her Majesty's Service,” he duly stopped the two or three English loungers he saw about to show them the document, on pretence of asking if any demand for postage could be made; if it had not been wrongfully detained; if they thought it had been opened and read; and so on,--all these inquiries having for their object to inform the general public that the Member for Inch was in close relation and correspondence with Downing Street.
used to join alternatives or possibilities
From this reading O'Shea's man was not one to put his light under a bushel; so, when he received at the post-office a very portentous-looking letter, heavily sealed, and marked “On Her Majesty's Service,” he duly stopped the two or three English loungers he saw about to show them the document, on pretence of asking if any demand for postage could be made; if it had not been wrongfully detained; if they thought it had been opened and read; and so on,--all these inquiries having for their object to inform the general public that the Member for Inch was in close relation and correspondence with Downing Street.
relating to or being on or near the outer side or limit
From this reading In color, texture, and fashion there was nothing wanting to its authenticity, and it might, without any disparagement to its outside, have named Mr. O'Shea a Governor of the Bahamas, or a Mahogany Commissioner at Ruatan.
a person who requires medical care
From this reading It was, in fact, a document that, left negligently in the way, might have made a dun appeasable, and a creditor patient.
a point located with respect to surface features of some region
From this reading In sooth, the letter had as significant an external as any gentleman in pursuit of a place might have desired.
portentous-looking
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading O'Shea's man was not one to put his light under a bushel; so, when he received at the post-office a very portentous-looking letter, heavily sealed, and marked “On Her Majesty's Service,” he duly stopped the two or three English loungers he saw about to show them the document, on pretence of asking if any demand for postage could be made; if it had not been wrongfully detained; if they thought it had been opened and read; and so on,--all these inquiries having for their object to inform the general public that the Member for Inch was in close relation and correspondence with Downing Street.
post-office
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading O'Shea's man was not one to put his light under a bushel; so, when he received at the post-office a very portentous-looking letter, heavily sealed, and marked “On Her Majesty's Service,” he duly stopped the two or three English loungers he saw about to show them the document, on pretence of asking if any demand for postage could be made; if it had not been wrongfully detained; if they thought it had been opened and read; and so on,--all these inquiries having for their object to inform the general public that the Member for Inch was in close relation and correspondence with Downing Street.
postagenounUS /ˈpoʊstədʒ/
the charge for mailing something
From this reading O'Shea's man was not one to put his light under a bushel; so, when he received at the post-office a very portentous-looking letter, heavily sealed, and marked “On Her Majesty's Service,” he duly stopped the two or three English loungers he saw about to show them the document, on pretence of asking if any demand for postage could be made; if it had not been wrongfully detained; if they thought it had been opened and read; and so on,--all these inquiries having for their object to inform the general public that the Member for Inch was in close relation and correspondence with Downing Street.
pretencenoun
a false or unsupportable quality
From this reading O'Shea's man was not one to put his light under a bushel; so, when he received at the post-office a very portentous-looking letter, heavily sealed, and marked “On Her Majesty's Service,” he duly stopped the two or three English loungers he saw about to show them the document, on pretence of asking if any demand for postage could be made; if it had not been wrongfully detained; if they thought it had been opened and read; and so on,--all these inquiries having for their object to inform the general public that the Member for Inch was in close relation and correspondence with Downing Street.
people in general considered as a whole
From this reading O'Shea's man was not one to put his light under a bushel; so, when he received at the post-office a very portentous-looking letter, heavily sealed, and marked “On Her Majesty's Service,” he duly stopped the two or three English loungers he saw about to show them the document, on pretence of asking if any demand for postage could be made; if it had not been wrongfully detained; if they thought it had been opened and read; and so on,--all these inquiries having for their object to inform the general public that the Member for Inch was in close relation and correspondence with Downing Street.
the act of pursuing in an effort to overtake or capture
From this reading In sooth, the letter had as significant an external as any gentleman in pursuit of a place might have desired.
put into a certain place or abstract location
From this reading O'Shea's man was not one to put his light under a bushel; so, when he received at the post-office a very portentous-looking letter, heavily sealed, and marked “On Her Majesty's Service,” he duly stopped the two or three English loungers he saw about to show them the document, on pretence of asking if any demand for postage could be made; if it had not been wrongfully detained; if they thought it had been opened and read; and so on,--all these inquiries having for their object to inform the general public that the Member for Inch was in close relation and correspondence with Downing Street.
interpret something that is written or printed
From this reading O'Shea's man was not one to put his light under a bushel; so, when he received at the post-office a very portentous-looking letter, heavily sealed, and marked “On Her Majesty's Service,” he duly stopped the two or three English loungers he saw about to show them the document, on pretence of asking if any demand for postage could be made; if it had not been wrongfully detained; if they thought it had been opened and read; and so on,--all these inquiries having for their object to inform the general public that the Member for Inch was in close relation and correspondence with Downing Street.
conforming to the established language usage of educated native speakers
From this reading O'Shea's man was not one to put his light under a bushel; so, when he received at the post-office a very portentous-looking letter, heavily sealed, and marked “On Her Majesty's Service,” he duly stopped the two or three English loungers he saw about to show them the document, on pretence of asking if any demand for postage could be made; if it had not been wrongfully detained; if they thought it had been opened and read; and so on,--all these inquiries having for their object to inform the general public that the Member for Inch was in close relation and correspondence with Downing Street.
an abstraction belonging to or characteristic of two entities or parts together
From this reading O'Shea's man was not one to put his light under a bushel; so, when he received at the post-office a very portentous-looking letter, heavily sealed, and marked “On Her Majesty's Service,” he duly stopped the two or three English loungers he saw about to show them the document, on pretence of asking if any demand for postage could be made; if it had not been wrongfully detained; if they thought it had been opened and read; and so on,--all these inquiries having for their object to inform the general public that the Member for Inch was in close relation and correspondence with Downing Street.
Ruatan
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading In color, texture, and fashion there was nothing wanting to its authenticity, and it might, without any disparagement to its outside, have named Mr. O'Shea a Governor of the Bahamas, or a Mahogany Commissioner at Ruatan.
cut with a saw
From this reading O'Shea's man was not one to put his light under a bushel; so, when he received at the post-office a very portentous-looking letter, heavily sealed, and marked “On Her Majesty's Service,” he duly stopped the two or three English loungers he saw about to show them the document, on pretence of asking if any demand for postage could be made; if it had not been wrongfully detained; if they thought it had been opened and read; and so on,--all these inquiries having for their object to inform the general public that the Member for Inch was in close relation and correspondence with Downing Street.
sealedadjectiveUS /siːld/
established irrevocably
From this reading O'Shea's man was not one to put his light under a bushel; so, when he received at the post-office a very portentous-looking letter, heavily sealed, and marked “On Her Majesty's Service,” he duly stopped the two or three English loungers he saw about to show them the document, on pretence of asking if any demand for postage could be made; if it had not been wrongfully detained; if they thought it had been opened and read; and so on,--all these inquiries having for their object to inform the general public that the Member for Inch was in close relation and correspondence with Downing Street.
work done by one person or group that benefits another
From this reading O'Shea's man was not one to put his light under a bushel; so, when he received at the post-office a very portentous-looking letter, heavily sealed, and marked “On Her Majesty's Service,” he duly stopped the two or three English loungers he saw about to show them the document, on pretence of asking if any demand for postage could be made; if it had not been wrongfully detained; if they thought it had been opened and read; and so on,--all these inquiries having for their object to inform the general public that the Member for Inch was in close relation and correspondence with Downing Street.
give an exhibition of to an interested audience
From this reading O'Shea's man was not one to put his light under a bushel; so, when he received at the post-office a very portentous-looking letter, heavily sealed, and marked “On Her Majesty's Service,” he duly stopped the two or three English loungers he saw about to show them the document, on pretence of asking if any demand for postage could be made; if it had not been wrongfully detained; if they thought it had been opened and read; and so on,--all these inquiries having for their object to inform the general public that the Member for Inch was in close relation and correspondence with Downing Street.
significantadjectiveUS /səɡˈnɪfɪkənt/
important in effect or meaning
From this reading In sooth, the letter had as significant an external as any gentleman in pursuit of a place might have desired.
for that reason; with the result that
From this reading O'Shea's man was not one to put his light under a bushel; so, when he received at the post-office a very portentous-looking letter, heavily sealed, and marked “On Her Majesty's Service,” he duly stopped the two or three English loungers he saw about to show them the document, on pretence of asking if any demand for postage could be made; if it had not been wrongfully detained; if they thought it had been opened and read; and so on,--all these inquiries having for their object to inform the general public that the Member for Inch was in close relation and correspondence with Downing Street.
soothnoun
truth or reality
From this reading In sooth, the letter had as significant an external as any gentleman in pursuit of a place might have desired.
(of a nose) blocked
From this reading O'Shea's man was not one to put his light under a bushel; so, when he received at the post-office a very portentous-looking letter, heavily sealed, and marked “On Her Majesty's Service,” he duly stopped the two or three English loungers he saw about to show them the document, on pretence of asking if any demand for postage could be made; if it had not been wrongfully detained; if they thought it had been opened and read; and so on,--all these inquiries having for their object to inform the general public that the Member for Inch was in close relation and correspondence with Downing Street.
a thoroughfare (usually including sidewalks) that is lined with buildings
From this reading O'Shea's man was not one to put his light under a bushel; so, when he received at the post-office a very portentous-looking letter, heavily sealed, and marked “On Her Majesty's Service,” he duly stopped the two or three English loungers he saw about to show them the document, on pretence of asking if any demand for postage could be made; if it had not been wrongfully detained; if they thought it had been opened and read; and so on,--all these inquiries having for their object to inform the general public that the Member for Inch was in close relation and correspondence with Downing Street.
texturenounUS /ˈtekstʃər/
the feel of a surface or a fabric
From this reading In color, texture, and fashion there was nothing wanting to its authenticity, and it might, without any disparagement to its outside, have named Mr. O'Shea a Governor of the Bahamas, or a Mahogany Commissioner at Ruatan.
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading O'Shea's man was not one to put his light under a bushel; so, when he received at the post-office a very portentous-looking letter, heavily sealed, and marked “On Her Majesty's Service,” he duly stopped the two or three English loungers he saw about to show them the document, on pretence of asking if any demand for postage could be made; if it had not been wrongfully detained; if they thought it had been opened and read; and so on,--all these inquiries having for their object to inform the general public that the Member for Inch was in close relation and correspondence with Downing Street.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading O'Shea's man was not one to put his light under a bushel; so, when he received at the post-office a very portentous-looking letter, heavily sealed, and marked “On Her Majesty's Service,” he duly stopped the two or three English loungers he saw about to show them the document, on pretence of asking if any demand for postage could be made; if it had not been wrongfully detained; if they thought it had been opened and read; and so on,--all these inquiries having for their object to inform the general public that the Member for Inch was in close relation and correspondence with Downing Street.
belonging to the people or things already mentioned
From this reading O'Shea's man was not one to put his light under a bushel; so, when he received at the post-office a very portentous-looking letter, heavily sealed, and marked “On Her Majesty's Service,” he duly stopped the two or three English loungers he saw about to show them the document, on pretence of asking if any demand for postage could be made; if it had not been wrongfully detained; if they thought it had been opened and read; and so on,--all these inquiries having for their object to inform the general public that the Member for Inch was in close relation and correspondence with Downing Street.
the people or things already mentioned, as the object
From this reading O'Shea's man was not one to put his light under a bushel; so, when he received at the post-office a very portentous-looking letter, heavily sealed, and marked “On Her Majesty's Service,” he duly stopped the two or three English loungers he saw about to show them the document, on pretence of asking if any demand for postage could be made; if it had not been wrongfully detained; if they thought it had been opened and read; and so on,--all these inquiries having for their object to inform the general public that the Member for Inch was in close relation and correspondence with Downing Street.
in or at that place or location
From this reading In color, texture, and fashion there was nothing wanting to its authenticity, and it might, without any disparagement to its outside, have named Mr. O'Shea a Governor of the Bahamas, or a Mahogany Commissioner at Ruatan.
the plural of “this”: the people or things near, or just mentioned
From this reading O'Shea's man was not one to put his light under a bushel; so, when he received at the post-office a very portentous-looking letter, heavily sealed, and marked “On Her Majesty's Service,” he duly stopped the two or three English loungers he saw about to show them the document, on pretence of asking if any demand for postage could be made; if it had not been wrongfully detained; if they thought it had been opened and read; and so on,--all these inquiries having for their object to inform the general public that the Member for Inch was in close relation and correspondence with Downing Street.
the people, animals, or things already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading O'Shea's man was not one to put his light under a bushel; so, when he received at the post-office a very portentous-looking letter, heavily sealed, and marked “On Her Majesty's Service,” he duly stopped the two or three English loungers he saw about to show them the document, on pretence of asking if any demand for postage could be made; if it had not been wrongfully detained; if they thought it had been opened and read; and so on,--all these inquiries having for their object to inform the general public that the Member for Inch was in close relation and correspondence with Downing Street.
the content of cognition; the main thing you are thinking about
From this reading O'Shea's man was not one to put his light under a bushel; so, when he received at the post-office a very portentous-looking letter, heavily sealed, and marked “On Her Majesty's Service,” he duly stopped the two or three English loungers he saw about to show them the document, on pretence of asking if any demand for postage could be made; if it had not been wrongfully detained; if they thought it had been opened and read; and so on,--all these inquiries having for their object to inform the general public that the Member for Inch was in close relation and correspondence with Downing Street.
the cardinal number that is the sum of one and one and one
From this reading O'Shea's man was not one to put his light under a bushel; so, when he received at the post-office a very portentous-looking letter, heavily sealed, and marked “On Her Majesty's Service,” he duly stopped the two or three English loungers he saw about to show them the document, on pretence of asking if any demand for postage could be made; if it had not been wrongfully detained; if they thought it had been opened and read; and so on,--all these inquiries having for their object to inform the general public that the Member for Inch was in close relation and correspondence with Downing Street.
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading O'Shea's man was not one to put his light under a bushel; so, when he received at the post-office a very portentous-looking letter, heavily sealed, and marked “On Her Majesty's Service,” he duly stopped the two or three English loungers he saw about to show them the document, on pretence of asking if any demand for postage could be made; if it had not been wrongfully detained; if they thought it had been opened and read; and so on,--all these inquiries having for their object to inform the general public that the Member for Inch was in close relation and correspondence with Downing Street.
the cardinal number that is the sum of one and one or a numeral representing this number
From this reading O'Shea's man was not one to put his light under a bushel; so, when he received at the post-office a very portentous-looking letter, heavily sealed, and marked “On Her Majesty's Service,” he duly stopped the two or three English loungers he saw about to show them the document, on pretence of asking if any demand for postage could be made; if it had not been wrongfully detained; if they thought it had been opened and read; and so on,--all these inquiries having for their object to inform the general public that the Member for Inch was in close relation and correspondence with Downing Street.
underprepositionUS /ˈʌndər/
below or beneath something; less than
From this reading O'Shea's man was not one to put his light under a bushel; so, when he received at the post-office a very portentous-looking letter, heavily sealed, and marked “On Her Majesty's Service,” he duly stopped the two or three English loungers he saw about to show them the document, on pretence of asking if any demand for postage could be made; if it had not been wrongfully detained; if they thought it had been opened and read; and so on,--all these inquiries having for their object to inform the general public that the Member for Inch was in close relation and correspondence with Downing Street.
precisely as stated
From this reading O'Shea's man was not one to put his light under a bushel; so, when he received at the post-office a very portentous-looking letter, heavily sealed, and marked “On Her Majesty's Service,” he duly stopped the two or three English loungers he saw about to show them the document, on pretence of asking if any demand for postage could be made; if it had not been wrongfully detained; if they thought it had been opened and read; and so on,--all these inquiries having for their object to inform the general public that the Member for Inch was in close relation and correspondence with Downing Street.
nonexistent
From this reading In color, texture, and fashion there was nothing wanting to its authenticity, and it might, without any disparagement to its outside, have named Mr. O'Shea a Governor of the Bahamas, or a Mahogany Commissioner at Ruatan.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading O'Shea's man was not one to put his light under a bushel; so, when he received at the post-office a very portentous-looking letter, heavily sealed, and marked “On Her Majesty's Service,” he duly stopped the two or three English loungers he saw about to show them the document, on pretence of asking if any demand for postage could be made; if it had not been wrongfully detained; if they thought it had been opened and read; and so on,--all these inquiries having for their object to inform the general public that the Member for Inch was in close relation and correspondence with Downing Street.
how something is done or how it happens
From this reading It was, in fact, a document that, left negligently in the way, might have made a dun appeasable, and a creditor patient.
at the time that
From this reading O'Shea's man was not one to put his light under a bushel; so, when he received at the post-office a very portentous-looking letter, heavily sealed, and marked “On Her Majesty's Service,” he duly stopped the two or three English loungers he saw about to show them the document, on pretence of asking if any demand for postage could be made; if it had not been wrongfully detained; if they thought it had been opened and read; and so on,--all these inquiries having for their object to inform the general public that the Member for Inch was in close relation and correspondence with Downing Street.
in the company of; together with
From this reading O'Shea's man was not one to put his light under a bushel; so, when he received at the post-office a very portentous-looking letter, heavily sealed, and marked “On Her Majesty's Service,” he duly stopped the two or three English loungers he saw about to show them the document, on pretence of asking if any demand for postage could be made; if it had not been wrongfully detained; if they thought it had been opened and read; and so on,--all these inquiries having for their object to inform the general public that the Member for Inch was in close relation and correspondence with Downing Street.
not having, not using, or not accompanied by
From this reading In color, texture, and fashion there was nothing wanting to its authenticity, and it might, without any disparagement to its outside, have named Mr. O'Shea a Governor of the Bahamas, or a Mahogany Commissioner at Ruatan.
wrongfullyadverbUS /ˈrɔːŋfəli/
in an unjust or unfair manner
From this reading O'Shea's man was not one to put his light under a bushel; so, when he received at the post-office a very portentous-looking letter, heavily sealed, and marked “On Her Majesty's Service,” he duly stopped the two or three English loungers he saw about to show them the document, on pretence of asking if any demand for postage could be made; if it had not been wrongfully detained; if they thought it had been opened and read; and so on,--all these inquiries having for their object to inform the general public that the Member for Inch was in close relation and correspondence with Downing Street.
