Chapter XX

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

From this reading His own knowledge of my lord’s partial boon-companionship with the Prime Minister at Putney, and the notoriety of a particular kind that attached to the chevalier’s name, coupled with the more or less perilous gossip he had heard abroad, had winged the shaft that had--something to his surprise--struck so near home.

termination of pregnancy

From this reading Now (having proved to his satisfaction his own percipience), in the conviction that the artifice of this _intrigante_ was destined to procure of itself nothing but a political abortion, he rested tranquilly, and devoted his spare--which was all but his meal--time to trying to play the harp.

on the subject of; concerning

From this reading During the short course of his restoration to vigour, Mr Murk, indulging that power of self-abstraction that was constitutionally at his command, gave himself no further concern about his uncle’s affairs, paramorous or political.

to or in a foreign country

From this reading His own knowledge of my lord’s partial boon-companionship with the Prime Minister at Putney, and the notoriety of a particular kind that attached to the chevalier’s name, coupled with the more or less perilous gossip he had heard abroad, had winged the shaft that had--something to his surprise--struck so near home.

the action of accomplishing something

From this reading His resolving of the Chevalier d’Eon’s little riddle of intrigue was, perhaps, an achievement less remarkable than it appeared to be.

matters of personal concern

From this reading During the short course of his restoration to vigour, Mr Murk, indulging that power of self-abstraction that was constitutionally at his command, gave himself no further concern about his uncle’s affairs, paramorous or political.

(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 Now (having proved to his satisfaction his own percipience), in the conviction that the artifice of this _intrigante_ was destined to procure of itself nothing but a political abortion, he rested tranquilly, and devoted his spare--which was all but his meal--time to trying to play the harp.

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

From this reading His resolving of the Chevalier d’Eon’s little riddle of intrigue was, perhaps, an achievement less remarkable than it appeared to be.

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

From this reading His own knowledge of my lord’s partial boon-companionship with the Prime Minister at Putney, and the notoriety of a particular kind that attached to the chevalier’s name, coupled with the more or less perilous gossip he had heard abroad, had winged the shaft that had--something to his surprise--struck so near home.

past form of “appear” — give a certain impression or have a certain outward aspect

From this reading His resolving of the Chevalier d’Eon’s little riddle of intrigue was, perhaps, an achievement less remarkable than it appeared to be.

a deceptive maneuver (especially to avoid capture)

From this reading Now (having proved to his satisfaction his own percipience), in the conviction that the artifice of this _intrigante_ was destined to procure of itself nothing but a political abortion, he rested tranquilly, and devoted his spare--which was all but his meal--time to trying to play the harp.

in or near a particular place or position

From this reading During the short course of his restoration to vigour, Mr Murk, indulging that power of self-abstraction that was constitutionally at his command, gave himself no further concern about his uncle’s affairs, paramorous or political.

being joined in close association

From this reading His own knowledge of my lord’s partial boon-companionship with the Prime Minister at Putney, and the notoriety of a particular kind that attached to the chevalier’s name, coupled with the more or less perilous gossip he had heard abroad, had winged the shaft that had--something to his surprise--struck so near home.

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

From this reading His resolving of the Chevalier d’Eon’s little riddle of intrigue was, perhaps, an achievement less remarkable than it appeared to be.

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

From this reading His own knowledge of my lord’s partial boon-companionship with the Prime Minister at Putney, and the notoriety of a particular kind that attached to the chevalier’s name, coupled with the more or less perilous gossip he had heard abroad, had winged the shaft that had--something to his surprise--struck so near home.

used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before

From this reading Now (having proved to his satisfaction his own percipience), in the conviction that the artifice of this _intrigante_ was destined to procure of itself nothing but a political abortion, he rested tranquilly, and devoted his spare--which was all but his meal--time to trying to play the harp.

French actor and cabaret singer (1888-1972)

From this reading His resolving of the Chevalier d’Eon’s little riddle of intrigue was, perhaps, an achievement less remarkable than it appeared to be.

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

From this reading His own knowledge of my lord’s partial boon-companionship with the Prime Minister at Putney, and the notoriety of a particular kind that attached to the chevalier’s name, coupled with the more or less perilous gossip he had heard abroad, had winged the shaft that had--something to his surprise--struck so near home.

an authoritative direction or instruction to do something

From this reading During the short course of his restoration to vigour, Mr Murk, indulging that power of self-abstraction that was constitutionally at his command, gave himself no further concern about his uncle’s affairs, paramorous or political.

something that interests you because it is important or affects you

From this reading During the short course of his restoration to vigour, Mr Murk, indulging that power of self-abstraction that was constitutionally at his command, gave himself no further concern about his uncle’s affairs, paramorous or political.

according to the constitution

From this reading During the short course of his restoration to vigour, Mr Murk, indulging that power of self-abstraction that was constitutionally at his command, gave himself no further concern about his uncle’s affairs, paramorous or political.

an unshakable belief in something without need for proof or evidence

From this reading Now (having proved to his satisfaction his own percipience), in the conviction that the artifice of this _intrigante_ was destined to procure of itself nothing but a political abortion, he rested tranquilly, and devoted his spare--which was all but his meal--time to trying to play the harp.

joined together especially in a pair or pairs

From this reading His own knowledge of my lord’s partial boon-companionship with the Prime Minister at Putney, and the notoriety of a particular kind that attached to the chevalier’s name, coupled with the more or less perilous gossip he had heard abroad, had winged the shaft that had--something to his surprise--struck so near home.

education imparted in a series of lessons or meetings

From this reading During the short course of his restoration to vigour, Mr Murk, indulging that power of self-abstraction that was constitutionally at his command, gave himself no further concern about his uncle’s affairs, paramorous or political.

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

From this reading His resolving of the Chevalier d’Eon’s little riddle of intrigue was, perhaps, an achievement less remarkable than it appeared to be.

headed or intending to head in a certain direction; often used as a combining form as in “college-bound students”

From this reading Now (having proved to his satisfaction his own percipience), in the conviction that the artifice of this _intrigante_ was destined to procure of itself nothing but a political abortion, he rested tranquilly, and devoted his spare--which was all but his meal--time to trying to play the harp.

zealous in devotion or affection

From this reading Now (having proved to his satisfaction his own percipience), in the conviction that the artifice of this _intrigante_ was destined to procure of itself nothing but a political abortion, he rested tranquilly, and devoted his spare--which was all but his meal--time to trying to play the harp.

all through a period, or at some point within it

From this reading During the short course of his restoration to vigour, Mr Murk, indulging that power of self-abstraction that was constitutionally at his command, gave himself no further concern about his uncle’s affairs, paramorous or political.

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

From this reading This was a mournful misapplication of energy.

to or at a greater extent or degree or a more advanced stage (“further” is used more often than “farther” in this abstract sense)

From this reading During the short course of his restoration to vigour, Mr Murk, indulging that power of self-abstraction that was constitutionally at his command, gave himself no further concern about his uncle’s affairs, paramorous or political.

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

From this reading During the short course of his restoration to vigour, Mr Murk, indulging that power of self-abstraction that was constitutionally at his command, gave himself no further concern about his uncle’s affairs, paramorous or political.

light informal conversation for social occasions

From this reading His own knowledge of my lord’s partial boon-companionship with the Prime Minister at Putney, and the notoriety of a particular kind that attached to the chevalier’s name, coupled with the more or less perilous gossip he had heard abroad, had winged the shaft that had--something to his surprise--struck so near home.

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

From this reading His own knowledge of my lord’s partial boon-companionship with the Prime Minister at Putney, and the notoriety of a particular kind that attached to the chevalier’s name, coupled with the more or less perilous gossip he had heard abroad, had winged the shaft that had--something to his surprise--struck so near home.

a chordophone that has a triangular frame consisting of a sounding board and a pillar and a curved neck; the strings stretched between the neck and the soundbox are plucked with the fingers

From this reading Now (having proved to his satisfaction his own percipience), in the conviction that the artifice of this _intrigante_ was destined to procure of itself nothing but a political abortion, he rested tranquilly, and devoted his spare--which was all but his meal--time to trying to play the harp.

the -ing form of “have”

From this reading Now (having proved to his satisfaction his own percipience), in the conviction that the artifice of this _intrigante_ was destined to procure of itself nothing but a political abortion, he rested tranquilly, and devoted his spare--which was all but his meal--time to trying to play the harp.

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

From this reading His own knowledge of my lord’s partial boon-companionship with the Prime Minister at Putney, and the notoriety of a particular kind that attached to the chevalier’s name, coupled with the more or less perilous gossip he had heard abroad, had winged the shaft that had--something to his surprise--struck so near home.

detected or perceived by the sense of hearing

From this reading His own knowledge of my lord’s partial boon-companionship with the Prime Minister at Putney, and the notoriety of a particular kind that attached to the chevalier’s name, coupled with the more or less perilous gossip he had heard abroad, had winged the shaft that had--something to his surprise--struck so near home.

used when the man or boy doing the action is also its object

From this reading During the short course of his restoration to vigour, Mr Murk, indulging that power of self-abstraction that was constitutionally at his command, gave himself no further concern about his uncle’s affairs, paramorous or political.

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

From this reading During the short course of his restoration to vigour, Mr Murk, indulging that power of self-abstraction that was constitutionally at his command, gave himself no further concern about his uncle’s affairs, paramorous or political.

where you live at a particular time

From this reading His own knowledge of my lord’s partial boon-companionship with the Prime Minister at Putney, and the notoriety of a particular kind that attached to the chevalier’s name, coupled with the more or less perilous gossip he had heard abroad, had winged the shaft that had--something to his surprise--struck so near home.

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

From this reading Now (having proved to his satisfaction his own percipience), in the conviction that the artifice of this _intrigante_ was destined to procure of itself nothing but a political abortion, he rested tranquilly, and devoted his spare--which was all but his meal--time to trying to play the harp.

the act of indulging or gratifying a desire

From this reading During the short course of his restoration to vigour, Mr Murk, indulging that power of self-abstraction that was constitutionally at his command, gave himself no further concern about his uncle’s affairs, paramorous or political.

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

From this reading Now (having proved to his satisfaction his own percipience), in the conviction that the artifice of this _intrigante_ was destined to procure of itself nothing but a political abortion, he rested tranquilly, and devoted his spare--which was all but his meal--time to trying to play the harp.

a crafty and involved plot to achieve your (usually sinister) ends

From this reading His resolving of the Chevalier d’Eon’s little riddle of intrigue was, perhaps, an achievement less remarkable than it appeared to be.

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading His resolving of the Chevalier d’Eon’s little riddle of intrigue was, perhaps, an achievement less remarkable than it appeared to be.

used when the thing doing the action is also its object

From this reading Now (having proved to his satisfaction his own percipience), in the conviction that the artifice of this _intrigante_ was destined to procure of itself nothing but a political abortion, he rested tranquilly, and devoted his spare--which was all but his meal--time to trying to play the harp.

having or showing a tender and considerate and helpful nature; used especially of persons and their behavior

From this reading His own knowledge of my lord’s partial boon-companionship with the Prime Minister at Putney, and the notoriety of a particular kind that attached to the chevalier’s name, coupled with the more or less perilous gossip he had heard abroad, had winged the shaft that had--something to his surprise--struck so near home.

the psychological result of perception and learning and reasoning

From this reading His own knowledge of my lord’s partial boon-companionship with the Prime Minister at Putney, and the notoriety of a particular kind that attached to the chevalier’s name, coupled with the more or less perilous gossip he had heard abroad, had winged the shaft that had--something to his surprise--struck so near home.

used to form the comparative of some adjectives and adverbs

From this reading His resolving of the Chevalier d’Eon’s little riddle of intrigue was, perhaps, an achievement less remarkable than it appeared to be.

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

From this reading His resolving of the Chevalier d’Eon’s little riddle of intrigue was, perhaps, an achievement less remarkable than it appeared to be.

possessive form of “lord” — terms referring to the Judeo-Christian God

From this reading His own knowledge of my lord’s partial boon-companionship with the Prime Minister at Putney, and the notoriety of a particular kind that attached to the chevalier’s name, coupled with the more or less perilous gossip he had heard abroad, had winged the shaft that had--something to his surprise--struck so near home.

the food served and eaten at one time

From this reading Now (having proved to his satisfaction his own percipience), in the conviction that the artifice of this _intrigante_ was destined to procure of itself nothing but a political abortion, he rested tranquilly, and devoted his spare--which was all but his meal--time to trying to play the harp.

a person authorized to conduct religious worship

From this reading His own knowledge of my lord’s partial boon-companionship with the Prime Minister at Putney, and the notoriety of a particular kind that attached to the chevalier’s name, coupled with the more or less perilous gossip he had heard abroad, had winged the shaft that had--something to his surprise--struck so near home.

wrong use or application

From this reading This was a mournful misapplication of energy.

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

From this reading His own knowledge of my lord’s partial boon-companionship with the Prime Minister at Putney, and the notoriety of a particular kind that attached to the chevalier’s name, coupled with the more or less perilous gossip he had heard abroad, had winged the shaft that had--something to his surprise--struck so near home.

expressing sorrow

From this reading This was a mournful misapplication of energy.

a form of address for a man

From this reading During the short course of his restoration to vigour, Mr Murk, indulging that power of self-abstraction that was constitutionally at his command, gave himself no further concern about his uncle’s affairs, paramorous or political.

an atmosphere in which visibility is reduced because of a cloud of some substance

From this reading During the short course of his restoration to vigour, Mr Murk, indulging that power of self-abstraction that was constitutionally at his command, gave himself no further concern about his uncle’s affairs, paramorous or political.

belonging to the person speaking

From this reading His own knowledge of my lord’s partial boon-companionship with the Prime Minister at Putney, and the notoriety of a particular kind that attached to the chevalier’s name, coupled with the more or less perilous gossip he had heard abroad, had winged the shaft that had--something to his surprise--struck so near home.

assign a specified (usually proper) proper name to

From this reading His own knowledge of my lord’s partial boon-companionship with the Prime Minister at Putney, and the notoriety of a particular kind that attached to the chevalier’s name, coupled with the more or less perilous gossip he had heard abroad, had winged the shaft that had--something to his surprise--struck so near home.

near in time or place or relationship

From this reading His own knowledge of my lord’s partial boon-companionship with the Prime Minister at Putney, and the notoriety of a particular kind that attached to the chevalier’s name, coupled with the more or less perilous gossip he had heard abroad, had winged the shaft that had--something to his surprise--struck so near home.

not any; not one

From this reading During the short course of his restoration to vigour, Mr Murk, indulging that power of self-abstraction that was constitutionally at his command, gave himself no further concern about his uncle’s affairs, paramorous or political.

not one thing; not anything

From this reading Now (having proved to his satisfaction his own percipience), in the conviction that the artifice of this _intrigante_ was destined to procure of itself nothing but a political abortion, he rested tranquilly, and devoted his spare--which was all but his meal--time to trying to play the harp.

the state of being known for some unfavorable act or quality

From this reading His own knowledge of my lord’s partial boon-companionship with the Prime Minister at Putney, and the notoriety of a particular kind that attached to the chevalier’s name, coupled with the more or less perilous gossip he had heard abroad, had winged the shaft that had--something to his surprise--struck so near home.

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

From this reading Now (having proved to his satisfaction his own percipience), in the conviction that the artifice of this _intrigante_ was destined to procure of itself nothing but a political abortion, he rested tranquilly, and devoted his spare--which was all but his meal--time to trying to play the harp.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading During the short course of his restoration to vigour, Mr Murk, indulging that power of self-abstraction that was constitutionally at his command, gave himself no further concern about his uncle’s affairs, paramorous or political.

used to join alternatives or possibilities

From this reading During the short course of his restoration to vigour, Mr Murk, indulging that power of self-abstraction that was constitutionally at his command, gave himself no further concern about his uncle’s affairs, paramorous or political.

have ownership or possession of

From this reading His own knowledge of my lord’s partial boon-companionship with the Prime Minister at Putney, and the notoriety of a particular kind that attached to the chevalier’s name, coupled with the more or less perilous gossip he had heard abroad, had winged the shaft that had--something to his surprise--struck so near home.

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

From this reading During the short course of his restoration to vigour, Mr Murk, indulging that power of self-abstraction that was constitutionally at his command, gave himself no further concern about his uncle’s affairs, paramorous or political.

being or affecting only a part; not total

From this reading His own knowledge of my lord’s partial boon-companionship with the Prime Minister at Putney, and the notoriety of a particular kind that attached to the chevalier’s name, coupled with the more or less perilous gossip he had heard abroad, had winged the shaft that had--something to his surprise--struck so near home.

unique or specific to a person or thing or category

From this reading His own knowledge of my lord’s partial boon-companionship with the Prime Minister at Putney, and the notoriety of a particular kind that attached to the chevalier’s name, coupled with the more or less perilous gossip he had heard abroad, had winged the shaft that had--something to his surprise--struck so near home.

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

From this reading Now (having proved to his satisfaction his own percipience), in the conviction that the artifice of this _intrigante_ was destined to procure of itself nothing but a political abortion, he rested tranquilly, and devoted his spare--which was all but his meal--time to trying to play the harp.

by chance

From this reading His resolving of the Chevalier d’Eon’s little riddle of intrigue was, perhaps, an achievement less remarkable than it appeared to be.

fraught with danger

From this reading His own knowledge of my lord’s partial boon-companionship with the Prime Minister at Putney, and the notoriety of a particular kind that attached to the chevalier’s name, coupled with the more or less perilous gossip he had heard abroad, had winged the shaft that had--something to his surprise--struck so near home.

participate in games or sport

From this reading Now (having proved to his satisfaction his own percipience), in the conviction that the artifice of this _intrigante_ was destined to procure of itself nothing but a political abortion, he rested tranquilly, and devoted his spare--which was all but his meal--time to trying to play the harp.

involving or characteristic of politics or parties or politicians

From this reading During the short course of his restoration to vigour, Mr Murk, indulging that power of self-abstraction that was constitutionally at his command, gave himself no further concern about his uncle’s affairs, paramorous or political.

possession of controlling influence

From this reading During the short course of his restoration to vigour, Mr Murk, indulging that power of self-abstraction that was constitutionally at his command, gave himself no further concern about his uncle’s affairs, paramorous or political.

first in rank or degree

From this reading His own knowledge of my lord’s partial boon-companionship with the Prime Minister at Putney, and the notoriety of a particular kind that attached to the chevalier’s name, coupled with the more or less perilous gossip he had heard abroad, had winged the shaft that had--something to his surprise--struck so near home.

get by special effort

From this reading Now (having proved to his satisfaction his own percipience), in the conviction that the artifice of this _intrigante_ was destined to procure of itself nothing but a political abortion, he rested tranquilly, and devoted his spare--which was all but his meal--time to trying to play the harp.

established beyond doubt

From this reading Now (having proved to his satisfaction his own percipience), in the conviction that the artifice of this _intrigante_ was destined to procure of itself nothing but a political abortion, he rested tranquilly, and devoted his spare--which was all but his meal--time to trying to play the harp.

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

From this reading His own knowledge of my lord’s partial boon-companionship with the Prime Minister at Putney, and the notoriety of a particular kind that attached to the chevalier’s name, coupled with the more or less perilous gossip he had heard abroad, had winged the shaft that had--something to his surprise--struck so near home.

unusual or striking

From this reading His resolving of the Chevalier d’Eon’s little riddle of intrigue was, perhaps, an achievement less remarkable than it appeared to be.

analysis into clear-cut components

From this reading His resolving of the Chevalier d’Eon’s little riddle of intrigue was, perhaps, an achievement less remarkable than it appeared to be.

not tired; refreshed as by sleeping or relaxing

From this reading Now (having proved to his satisfaction his own percipience), in the conviction that the artifice of this _intrigante_ was destined to procure of itself nothing but a political abortion, he rested tranquilly, and devoted his spare--which was all but his meal--time to trying to play the harp.

the reign of Charles II in England; 1660-1685

From this reading During the short course of his restoration to vigour, Mr Murk, indulging that power of self-abstraction that was constitutionally at his command, gave himself no further concern about his uncle’s affairs, paramorous or political.

pierce with many holes

From this reading His resolving of the Chevalier d’Eon’s little riddle of intrigue was, perhaps, an achievement less remarkable than it appeared to be.

the contentment one feels when one has fulfilled a desire, need, or expectation

From this reading Now (having proved to his satisfaction his own percipience), in the conviction that the artifice of this _intrigante_ was destined to procure of itself nothing but a political abortion, he rested tranquilly, and devoted his spare--which was all but his meal--time to trying to play the harp.

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

From this reading During the short course of his restoration to vigour, Mr Murk, indulging that power of self-abstraction that was constitutionally at his command, gave himself no further concern about his uncle’s affairs, paramorous or political.

a line that forms the length of an arrow pointer

From this reading His own knowledge of my lord’s partial boon-companionship with the Prime Minister at Putney, and the notoriety of a particular kind that attached to the chevalier’s name, coupled with the more or less perilous gossip he had heard abroad, had winged the shaft that had--something to his surprise--struck so near home.

primarily temporal sense; indicating or being or seeming to be limited in duration

From this reading During the short course of his restoration to vigour, Mr Murk, indulging that power of self-abstraction that was constitutionally at his command, gave himself no further concern about his uncle’s affairs, paramorous or political.

for that reason; with the result that

From this reading His own knowledge of my lord’s partial boon-companionship with the Prime Minister at Putney, and the notoriety of a particular kind that attached to the chevalier’s name, coupled with the more or less perilous gossip he had heard abroad, had winged the shaft that had--something to his surprise--struck so near home.

a thing, without saying which

From this reading His own knowledge of my lord’s partial boon-companionship with the Prime Minister at Putney, and the notoriety of a particular kind that attached to the chevalier’s name, coupled with the more or less perilous gossip he had heard abroad, had winged the shaft that had--something to his surprise--struck so near home.

refrain from harming

From this reading Now (having proved to his satisfaction his own percipience), in the conviction that the artifice of this _intrigante_ was destined to procure of itself nothing but a political abortion, he rested tranquilly, and devoted his spare--which was all but his meal--time to trying to play the harp.

(used in combination) affected by something overwhelming

From this reading His own knowledge of my lord’s partial boon-companionship with the Prime Minister at Putney, and the notoriety of a particular kind that attached to the chevalier’s name, coupled with the more or less perilous gossip he had heard abroad, had winged the shaft that had--something to his surprise--struck so near home.

the astonishment you feel when something totally unexpected happens to you

From this reading His own knowledge of my lord’s partial boon-companionship with the Prime Minister at Putney, and the notoriety of a particular kind that attached to the chevalier’s name, coupled with the more or less perilous gossip he had heard abroad, had winged the shaft that had--something to his surprise--struck so near home.

used to introduce the second part of a comparison

From this reading His resolving of the Chevalier d’Eon’s little riddle of intrigue was, perhaps, an achievement less remarkable than it appeared to be.

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading During the short course of his restoration to vigour, Mr Murk, indulging that power of self-abstraction that was constitutionally at his command, gave himself no further concern about his uncle’s affairs, paramorous or political.

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

From this reading During the short course of his restoration to vigour, Mr Murk, indulging that power of self-abstraction that was constitutionally at his command, gave himself no further concern about his uncle’s affairs, paramorous or political.

used for a person or thing that is near, or that has just been mentioned

From this reading Now (having proved to his satisfaction his own percipience), in the conviction that the artifice of this _intrigante_ was destined to procure of itself nothing but a political abortion, he rested tranquilly, and devoted his spare--which was all but his meal--time to trying to play the harp.

an instance or single occasion for some event

From this reading Now (having proved to his satisfaction his own percipience), in the conviction that the artifice of this _intrigante_ was destined to procure of itself nothing but a political abortion, he rested tranquilly, and devoted his spare--which was all but his meal--time to trying to play the harp.

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

From this reading During the short course of his restoration to vigour, Mr Murk, indulging that power of self-abstraction that was constitutionally at his command, gave himself no further concern about his uncle’s affairs, paramorous or political.

without emotional agitation

From this reading Now (having proved to his satisfaction his own percipience), in the conviction that the artifice of this _intrigante_ was destined to procure of itself nothing but a political abortion, he rested tranquilly, and devoted his spare--which was all but his meal--time to trying to play the harp.

hard to endure

From this reading Now (having proved to his satisfaction his own percipience), in the conviction that the artifice of this _intrigante_ was destined to procure of itself nothing but a political abortion, he rested tranquilly, and devoted his spare--which was all but his meal--time to trying to play the harp.

possessive form of “uncle” — the brother of your father or mother; the husband of your aunt

From this reading During the short course of his restoration to vigour, Mr Murk, indulging that power of self-abstraction that was constitutionally at his command, gave himself no further concern about his uncle’s affairs, paramorous or political.

forceful exertion

From this reading During the short course of his restoration to vigour, Mr Murk, indulging that power of self-abstraction that was constitutionally at his command, gave himself no further concern about his uncle’s affairs, paramorous or political.

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

From this reading During the short course of his restoration to vigour, Mr Murk, indulging that power of self-abstraction that was constitutionally at his command, gave himself no further concern about his uncle’s affairs, paramorous or political.

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

From this reading Now (having proved to his satisfaction his own percipience), in the conviction that the artifice of this _intrigante_ was destined to procure of itself nothing but a political abortion, he rested tranquilly, and devoted his spare--which was all but his meal--time to trying to play the harp.

having wings or as if having wings of a specified kind

From this reading His own knowledge of my lord’s partial boon-companionship with the Prime Minister at Putney, and the notoriety of a particular kind that attached to the chevalier’s name, coupled with the more or less perilous gossip he had heard abroad, had winged the shaft that had--something to his surprise--struck so near home.

in the company of; together with

From this reading His own knowledge of my lord’s partial boon-companionship with the Prime Minister at Putney, and the notoriety of a particular kind that attached to the chevalier’s name, coupled with the more or less perilous gossip he had heard abroad, had winged the shaft that had--something to his surprise--struck so near home.