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Our Mutual Friend
Our Mutual Friend

Chapter III

Cover illustration for Our Mutual Friend
Context Illustration Reading 1/122 · 5 lines
English subtitles · tap any word to listen 1 / 5
THE R. WILFER FAMILY Reginald Wilfer is a name with rather a grand sound, suggesting on first acquaintance brasses in country churches, scrolls in stained-glass windows, and generally the De Wilfers who came over with the Conqueror.
For, it is a remarkable fact in genealogy that no De Any ones ever came over with Anybody else.
But, the Reginald Wilfer family were of such commonplace extraction and pursuits that their forefathers had for generations modestly subsisted on the Docks, the Excise Office, and the Custom House, and the existing R. Wilfer was a poor clerk.
So poor a clerk, through having a limited salary and an unlimited family, that he had never yet attained the modest object of his ambition: which was, to wear a complete new suit of clothes, hat and boots included, at one time.
His black hat was brown before he could afford a coat, his pantaloons were white at the seams and knees before he could buy a pair of boots, his boots had worn out before he could treat himself to new pantaloons, and, by the time he worked round to the hat again, that shining modern article roofed-in an ancient ruin of various periods.
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AI-generated narration by OpenAI · Slow US English
LEARNER DICTIONARY
Archivist
/ˈɑːrkɪvɪst/
Editorial verification pending

A keeper or guardian of historical records and memories.

Our Mutual Friend

Chapter III

Reading 1/122 · 5 reading units · Lines 1–5

Line 1
THE R. WILFER FAMILY Reginald Wilfer is a name with rather a grand sound, suggesting on first acquaintance brasses in country churches, scrolls in stained-glass windows, and generally the De Wilfers who came over with the Conqueror.
Line 2
For, it is a remarkable fact in genealogy that no De Any ones ever came over with Anybody else.
Line 3
But, the Reginald Wilfer family were of such commonplace extraction and pursuits that their forefathers had for generations modestly subsisted on the Docks, the Excise Office, and the Custom House, and the existing R. Wilfer was a poor clerk.
Line 4
So poor a clerk, through having a limited salary and an unlimited family, that he had never yet attained the modest object of his ambition: which was, to wear a complete new suit of clothes, hat and boots included, at one time.
Line 5
His black hat was brown before he could afford a coat, his pantaloons were white at the seams and knees before he could buy a pair of boots, his boots had worn out before he could treat himself to new pantaloons, and, by the time he worked round to the hat again, that shining modern article roofed-in an ancient ruin of various periods.

Learner Dictionary

Oxford-style entry order: headword, part of speech, US IPA, concise definition, contextual example, audio, and collocations from this reading.

Again noun US /again/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading “His black hat was brown before he could afford a coat, his pantaloons were white at the seams and knees before he could buy a pair of boots, his boots had worn out before he could treat himself to new pantaloons, and, by the time he worked round to the hat again, that shining modern article roofed-in an ancient ruin of various periods.”

Ancient adjective US /ˈeɪn.ʃənt/

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

From this reading “His black hat was brown before he could afford a coat, his pantaloons were white at the seams and knees before he could buy a pair of boots, his boots had worn out before he could treat himself to new pantaloons, and, by the time he worked round to the hat again, that shining modern article roofed-in an ancient ruin of various periods.”

Anybody pronoun US /ˈenibədi/

any person at all

From this reading “For, it is a remarkable fact in genealogy that no De Any ones ever came over with Anybody else.”

Before preposition US /bɪˈfɔːr/

earlier than; in front of

From this reading “His black hat was brown before he could afford a coat, his pantaloons were white at the seams and knees before he could buy a pair of boots, his boots had worn out before he could treat himself to new pantaloons, and, by the time he worked round to the hat again, that shining modern article roofed-in an ancient ruin of various periods.”

Complete noun US /complete/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading “So poor a clerk, through having a limited salary and an unlimited family, that he had never yet attained the modest object of his ambition: which was, to wear a complete new suit of clothes, hat and boots included, at one time.”

Could modal verb US /kʊd/

the past of “can”; used for possibility or polite requests

From this reading “His black hat was brown before he could afford a coat, his pantaloons were white at the seams and knees before he could buy a pair of boots, his boots had worn out before he could treat himself to new pantaloons, and, by the time he worked round to the hat again, that shining modern article roofed-in an ancient ruin of various periods.”

Ever noun US /ever/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading “For, it is a remarkable fact in genealogy that no De Any ones ever came over with Anybody else.”

First noun US /first/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading “THE R. WILFER FAMILY Reginald Wilfer is a name with rather a grand sound, suggesting on first acquaintance brasses in country churches, scrolls in stained-glass windows, and generally the De Wilfers who came over with the Conqueror.”

Having auxiliary verb US /ˈhævɪŋ/

the -ing form of “have”

From this reading “So poor a clerk, through having a limited salary and an unlimited family, that he had never yet attained the modest object of his ambition: which was, to wear a complete new suit of clothes, hat and boots included, at one time.”

Himself pronoun US /hɪmˈself/

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

From this reading “His black hat was brown before he could afford a coat, his pantaloons were white at the seams and knees before he could buy a pair of boots, his boots had worn out before he could treat himself to new pantaloons, and, by the time he worked round to the hat again, that shining modern article roofed-in an ancient ruin of various periods.”

Name noun US /name/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading “THE R. WILFER FAMILY Reginald Wilfer is a name with rather a grand sound, suggesting on first acquaintance brasses in country churches, scrolls in stained-glass windows, and generally the De Wilfers who came over with the Conqueror.”

Never noun US /never/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading “So poor a clerk, through having a limited salary and an unlimited family, that he had never yet attained the modest object of his ambition: which was, to wear a complete new suit of clothes, hat and boots included, at one time.”

One pronoun US /wʌn/

used to mean any person in general, including the speaker

From this reading “So poor a clerk, through having a limited salary and an unlimited family, that he had never yet attained the modest object of his ambition: which was, to wear a complete new suit of clothes, hat and boots included, at one time.”

Over preposition US /ˈoʊvər/

above and across; more than

From this reading “THE R. WILFER FAMILY Reginald Wilfer is a name with rather a grand sound, suggesting on first acquaintance brasses in country churches, scrolls in stained-glass windows, and generally the De Wilfers who came over with the Conqueror.”

Poor noun US /poor/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading “But, the Reginald Wilfer family were of such commonplace extraction and pursuits that their forefathers had for generations modestly subsisted on the Docks, the Excise Office, and the Custom House, and the existing R. Wilfer was a poor clerk.”

Remarkable noun US /ˈremarkable/

a story-specific word describing an important person, object, action, or idea in this passage

From this reading “For, it is a remarkable fact in genealogy that no De Any ones ever came over with Anybody else.”

Through noun US /ˈthrough/

a story-specific word describing an important person, object, action, or idea in this passage

From this reading “So poor a clerk, through having a limited salary and an unlimited family, that he had never yet attained the modest object of his ambition: which was, to wear a complete new suit of clothes, hat and boots included, at one time.”

Time noun US /time/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading “So poor a clerk, through having a limited salary and an unlimited family, that he had never yet attained the modest object of his ambition: which was, to wear a complete new suit of clothes, hat and boots included, at one time.”

Worn verb US /wɔːrn/

Damaged or thinned by continuous use.

From this reading “His black hat was brown before he could afford a coat, his pantaloons were white at the seams and knees before he could buy a pair of boots, his boots had worn out before he could treat himself to new pantaloons, and, by the time he worked round to the hat again, that shining modern article roofed-in an ancient ruin of various periods.”

Yet conjunction US /jet/

but in spite of that

From this reading “So poor a clerk, through having a limited salary and an unlimited family, that he had never yet attained the modest object of his ambition: which was, to wear a complete new suit of clothes, hat and boots included, at one time.”

All words in this reading · 121

Every word is available to listen to. Dictionary details are shown only when verified; these are not licensed Oxford entries.

adeterminerUS /ə/

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

From this reading THE R. WILFER FAMILY Reginald Wilfer is a name with rather a grand sound, suggesting on first acquaintance brasses in country churches, scrolls in stained-glass windows, and generally the De Wilfers who came over with the Conqueror.

acquaintance

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

From this reading THE R. WILFER FAMILY Reginald Wilfer is a name with rather a grand sound, suggesting on first acquaintance brasses in country churches, scrolls in stained-glass windows, and generally the De Wilfers who came over with the Conqueror.

afford

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

From this reading His black hat was brown before he could afford a coat, his pantaloons were white at the seams and knees before he could buy a pair of boots, his boots had worn out before he could treat himself to new pantaloons, and, by the time he worked round to the hat again, that shining modern article roofed-in an ancient ruin of various periods.

againnounUS /again/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading His black hat was brown before he could afford a coat, his pantaloons were white at the seams and knees before he could buy a pair of boots, his boots had worn out before he could treat himself to new pantaloons, and, by the time he worked round to the hat again, that shining modern article roofed-in an ancient ruin of various periods.

ambition

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

From this reading So poor a clerk, through having a limited salary and an unlimited family, that he had never yet attained the modest object of his ambition: which was, to wear a complete new suit of clothes, hat and boots included, at one time.

andeterminerUS /æn/

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

From this reading So poor a clerk, through having a limited salary and an unlimited family, that he had never yet attained the modest object of his ambition: which was, to wear a complete new suit of clothes, hat and boots included, at one time.

ancientadjectiveUS /ˈeɪn.ʃənt/

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

From this reading His black hat was brown before he could afford a coat, his pantaloons were white at the seams and knees before he could buy a pair of boots, his boots had worn out before he could treat himself to new pantaloons, and, by the time he worked round to the hat again, that shining modern article roofed-in an ancient ruin of various periods.

andconjunctionUS /ənd/

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

From this reading THE R. WILFER FAMILY Reginald Wilfer is a name with rather a grand sound, suggesting on first acquaintance brasses in country churches, scrolls in stained-glass windows, and generally the De Wilfers who came over with the Conqueror.

Any

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

From this reading For, it is a remarkable fact in genealogy that no De Any ones ever came over with Anybody else.

AnybodypronounUS /ˈenibədi/

any person at all

From this reading For, it is a remarkable fact in genealogy that no De Any ones ever came over with Anybody else.

article

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

From this reading His black hat was brown before he could afford a coat, his pantaloons were white at the seams and knees before he could buy a pair of boots, his boots had worn out before he could treat himself to new pantaloons, and, by the time he worked round to the hat again, that shining modern article roofed-in an ancient ruin of various periods.

atprepositionUS /æt/

in or near a particular place or position

From this reading So poor a clerk, through having a limited salary and an unlimited family, that he had never yet attained the modest object of his ambition: which was, to wear a complete new suit of clothes, hat and boots included, at one time.

attained

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

From this reading So poor a clerk, through having a limited salary and an unlimited family, that he had never yet attained the modest object of his ambition: which was, to wear a complete new suit of clothes, hat and boots included, at one time.

beforeprepositionUS /bɪˈfɔːr/

earlier than; in front of

From this reading His black hat was brown before he could afford a coat, his pantaloons were white at the seams and knees before he could buy a pair of boots, his boots had worn out before he could treat himself to new pantaloons, and, by the time he worked round to the hat again, that shining modern article roofed-in an ancient ruin of various periods.

black

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

From this reading His black hat was brown before he could afford a coat, his pantaloons were white at the seams and knees before he could buy a pair of boots, his boots had worn out before he could treat himself to new pantaloons, and, by the time he worked round to the hat again, that shining modern article roofed-in an ancient ruin of various periods.

boots

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

From this reading So poor a clerk, through having a limited salary and an unlimited family, that he had never yet attained the modest object of his ambition: which was, to wear a complete new suit of clothes, hat and boots included, at one time.

brasses

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

From this reading THE R. WILFER FAMILY Reginald Wilfer is a name with rather a grand sound, suggesting on first acquaintance brasses in country churches, scrolls in stained-glass windows, and generally the De Wilfers who came over with the Conqueror.

brown

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

From this reading His black hat was brown before he could afford a coat, his pantaloons were white at the seams and knees before he could buy a pair of boots, his boots had worn out before he could treat himself to new pantaloons, and, by the time he worked round to the hat again, that shining modern article roofed-in an ancient ruin of various periods.

ButconjunctionUS /bʌt/

used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before

From this reading But, the Reginald Wilfer family were of such commonplace extraction and pursuits that their forefathers had for generations modestly subsisted on the Docks, the Excise Office, and the Custom House, and the existing R. Wilfer was a poor clerk.

buy

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

From this reading His black hat was brown before he could afford a coat, his pantaloons were white at the seams and knees before he could buy a pair of boots, his boots had worn out before he could treat himself to new pantaloons, and, by the time he worked round to the hat again, that shining modern article roofed-in an ancient ruin of various periods.

byprepositionUS /baɪ/

showing who or what does the action

From this reading His black hat was brown before he could afford a coat, his pantaloons were white at the seams and knees before he could buy a pair of boots, his boots had worn out before he could treat himself to new pantaloons, and, by the time he worked round to the hat again, that shining modern article roofed-in an ancient ruin of various periods.

came

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

From this reading THE R. WILFER FAMILY Reginald Wilfer is a name with rather a grand sound, suggesting on first acquaintance brasses in country churches, scrolls in stained-glass windows, and generally the De Wilfers who came over with the Conqueror.

churches

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

From this reading THE R. WILFER FAMILY Reginald Wilfer is a name with rather a grand sound, suggesting on first acquaintance brasses in country churches, scrolls in stained-glass windows, and generally the De Wilfers who came over with the Conqueror.

clerk

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

From this reading But, the Reginald Wilfer family were of such commonplace extraction and pursuits that their forefathers had for generations modestly subsisted on the Docks, the Excise Office, and the Custom House, and the existing R. Wilfer was a poor clerk.

clothes

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

From this reading So poor a clerk, through having a limited salary and an unlimited family, that he had never yet attained the modest object of his ambition: which was, to wear a complete new suit of clothes, hat and boots included, at one time.

coat

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

From this reading His black hat was brown before he could afford a coat, his pantaloons were white at the seams and knees before he could buy a pair of boots, his boots had worn out before he could treat himself to new pantaloons, and, by the time he worked round to the hat again, that shining modern article roofed-in an ancient ruin of various periods.

commonplace

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

From this reading But, the Reginald Wilfer family were of such commonplace extraction and pursuits that their forefathers had for generations modestly subsisted on the Docks, the Excise Office, and the Custom House, and the existing R. Wilfer was a poor clerk.

completenounUS /complete/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading So poor a clerk, through having a limited salary and an unlimited family, that he had never yet attained the modest object of his ambition: which was, to wear a complete new suit of clothes, hat and boots included, at one time.

Conqueror

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

From this reading THE R. WILFER FAMILY Reginald Wilfer is a name with rather a grand sound, suggesting on first acquaintance brasses in country churches, scrolls in stained-glass windows, and generally the De Wilfers who came over with the Conqueror.

couldmodal verbUS /kʊd/

the past of “can”; used for possibility or polite requests

From this reading His black hat was brown before he could afford a coat, his pantaloons were white at the seams and knees before he could buy a pair of boots, his boots had worn out before he could treat himself to new pantaloons, and, by the time he worked round to the hat again, that shining modern article roofed-in an ancient ruin of various periods.

country

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

From this reading THE R. WILFER FAMILY Reginald Wilfer is a name with rather a grand sound, suggesting on first acquaintance brasses in country churches, scrolls in stained-glass windows, and generally the De Wilfers who came over with the Conqueror.

Custom

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

From this reading But, the Reginald Wilfer family were of such commonplace extraction and pursuits that their forefathers had for generations modestly subsisted on the Docks, the Excise Office, and the Custom House, and the existing R. Wilfer was a poor clerk.

De

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

From this reading THE R. WILFER FAMILY Reginald Wilfer is a name with rather a grand sound, suggesting on first acquaintance brasses in country churches, scrolls in stained-glass windows, and generally the De Wilfers who came over with the Conqueror.

Docks

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

From this reading But, the Reginald Wilfer family were of such commonplace extraction and pursuits that their forefathers had for generations modestly subsisted on the Docks, the Excise Office, and the Custom House, and the existing R. Wilfer was a poor clerk.

else

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

From this reading For, it is a remarkable fact in genealogy that no De Any ones ever came over with Anybody else.

evernounUS /ever/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading For, it is a remarkable fact in genealogy that no De Any ones ever came over with Anybody else.

Excise

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

From this reading But, the Reginald Wilfer family were of such commonplace extraction and pursuits that their forefathers had for generations modestly subsisted on the Docks, the Excise Office, and the Custom House, and the existing R. Wilfer was a poor clerk.

existing

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

From this reading But, the Reginald Wilfer family were of such commonplace extraction and pursuits that their forefathers had for generations modestly subsisted on the Docks, the Excise Office, and the Custom House, and the existing R. Wilfer was a poor clerk.

extraction

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

From this reading But, the Reginald Wilfer family were of such commonplace extraction and pursuits that their forefathers had for generations modestly subsisted on the Docks, the Excise Office, and the Custom House, and the existing R. Wilfer was a poor clerk.

fact

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

From this reading For, it is a remarkable fact in genealogy that no De Any ones ever came over with Anybody else.

FAMILY

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

From this reading THE R. WILFER FAMILY Reginald Wilfer is a name with rather a grand sound, suggesting on first acquaintance brasses in country churches, scrolls in stained-glass windows, and generally the De Wilfers who came over with the Conqueror.

firstnounUS /first/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading THE R. WILFER FAMILY Reginald Wilfer is a name with rather a grand sound, suggesting on first acquaintance brasses in country churches, scrolls in stained-glass windows, and generally the De Wilfers who came over with the Conqueror.

ForprepositionUS /fɔːr/

intended to be given to, or used by, somebody

From this reading For, it is a remarkable fact in genealogy that no De Any ones ever came over with Anybody else.

forefathers

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

From this reading But, the Reginald Wilfer family were of such commonplace extraction and pursuits that their forefathers had for generations modestly subsisted on the Docks, the Excise Office, and the Custom House, and the existing R. Wilfer was a poor clerk.

genealogy

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

From this reading For, it is a remarkable fact in genealogy that no De Any ones ever came over with Anybody else.

generally

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

From this reading THE R. WILFER FAMILY Reginald Wilfer is a name with rather a grand sound, suggesting on first acquaintance brasses in country churches, scrolls in stained-glass windows, and generally the De Wilfers who came over with the Conqueror.

generations

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

From this reading But, the Reginald Wilfer family were of such commonplace extraction and pursuits that their forefathers had for generations modestly subsisted on the Docks, the Excise Office, and the Custom House, and the existing R. Wilfer was a poor clerk.

grand

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

From this reading THE R. WILFER FAMILY Reginald Wilfer is a name with rather a grand sound, suggesting on first acquaintance brasses in country churches, scrolls in stained-glass windows, and generally the De Wilfers who came over with the Conqueror.

hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/

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

From this reading But, the Reginald Wilfer family were of such commonplace extraction and pursuits that their forefathers had for generations modestly subsisted on the Docks, the Excise Office, and the Custom House, and the existing R. Wilfer was a poor clerk.

hat

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

From this reading So poor a clerk, through having a limited salary and an unlimited family, that he had never yet attained the modest object of his ambition: which was, to wear a complete new suit of clothes, hat and boots included, at one time.

havingauxiliary verbUS /ˈhævɪŋ/

the -ing form of “have”

From this reading So poor a clerk, through having a limited salary and an unlimited family, that he had never yet attained the modest object of his ambition: which was, to wear a complete new suit of clothes, hat and boots included, at one time.

hepronounUS /hiː/

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

From this reading So poor a clerk, through having a limited salary and an unlimited family, that he had never yet attained the modest object of his ambition: which was, to wear a complete new suit of clothes, hat and boots included, at one time.

himselfpronounUS /hɪmˈself/

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

From this reading His black hat was brown before he could afford a coat, his pantaloons were white at the seams and knees before he could buy a pair of boots, his boots had worn out before he could treat himself to new pantaloons, and, by the time he worked round to the hat again, that shining modern article roofed-in an ancient ruin of various periods.

hisdeterminerUS /hɪz/

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

From this reading So poor a clerk, through having a limited salary and an unlimited family, that he had never yet attained the modest object of his ambition: which was, to wear a complete new suit of clothes, hat and boots included, at one time.

House

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

From this reading But, the Reginald Wilfer family were of such commonplace extraction and pursuits that their forefathers had for generations modestly subsisted on the Docks, the Excise Office, and the Custom House, and the existing R. Wilfer was a poor clerk.

inprepositionUS /ɪn/

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

From this reading THE R. WILFER FAMILY Reginald Wilfer is a name with rather a grand sound, suggesting on first acquaintance brasses in country churches, scrolls in stained-glass windows, and generally the De Wilfers who came over with the Conqueror.

included

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

From this reading So poor a clerk, through having a limited salary and an unlimited family, that he had never yet attained the modest object of his ambition: which was, to wear a complete new suit of clothes, hat and boots included, at one time.

isauxiliary verbUS /ɪz/

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

From this reading THE R. WILFER FAMILY Reginald Wilfer is a name with rather a grand sound, suggesting on first acquaintance brasses in country churches, scrolls in stained-glass windows, and generally the De Wilfers who came over with the Conqueror.

itpronounUS /ɪt/

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading For, it is a remarkable fact in genealogy that no De Any ones ever came over with Anybody else.

knees

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

From this reading His black hat was brown before he could afford a coat, his pantaloons were white at the seams and knees before he could buy a pair of boots, his boots had worn out before he could treat himself to new pantaloons, and, by the time he worked round to the hat again, that shining modern article roofed-in an ancient ruin of various periods.

limited

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

From this reading So poor a clerk, through having a limited salary and an unlimited family, that he had never yet attained the modest object of his ambition: which was, to wear a complete new suit of clothes, hat and boots included, at one time.

modern

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

From this reading His black hat was brown before he could afford a coat, his pantaloons were white at the seams and knees before he could buy a pair of boots, his boots had worn out before he could treat himself to new pantaloons, and, by the time he worked round to the hat again, that shining modern article roofed-in an ancient ruin of various periods.

modest

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

From this reading So poor a clerk, through having a limited salary and an unlimited family, that he had never yet attained the modest object of his ambition: which was, to wear a complete new suit of clothes, hat and boots included, at one time.

modestly

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

From this reading But, the Reginald Wilfer family were of such commonplace extraction and pursuits that their forefathers had for generations modestly subsisted on the Docks, the Excise Office, and the Custom House, and the existing R. Wilfer was a poor clerk.

namenounUS /name/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading THE R. WILFER FAMILY Reginald Wilfer is a name with rather a grand sound, suggesting on first acquaintance brasses in country churches, scrolls in stained-glass windows, and generally the De Wilfers who came over with the Conqueror.

nevernounUS /never/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading So poor a clerk, through having a limited salary and an unlimited family, that he had never yet attained the modest object of his ambition: which was, to wear a complete new suit of clothes, hat and boots included, at one time.

new

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

From this reading So poor a clerk, through having a limited salary and an unlimited family, that he had never yet attained the modest object of his ambition: which was, to wear a complete new suit of clothes, hat and boots included, at one time.

nodeterminerUS /noʊ/

not any; not one

From this reading For, it is a remarkable fact in genealogy that no De Any ones ever came over with Anybody else.

object

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

From this reading So poor a clerk, through having a limited salary and an unlimited family, that he had never yet attained the modest object of his ambition: which was, to wear a complete new suit of clothes, hat and boots included, at one time.

ofprepositionUS /ʌv/

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading But, the Reginald Wilfer family were of such commonplace extraction and pursuits that their forefathers had for generations modestly subsisted on the Docks, the Excise Office, and the Custom House, and the existing R. Wilfer was a poor clerk.

Office

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

From this reading But, the Reginald Wilfer family were of such commonplace extraction and pursuits that their forefathers had for generations modestly subsisted on the Docks, the Excise Office, and the Custom House, and the existing R. Wilfer was a poor clerk.

onprepositionUS /ɑːn/

touching and supported by a surface

From this reading THE R. WILFER FAMILY Reginald Wilfer is a name with rather a grand sound, suggesting on first acquaintance brasses in country churches, scrolls in stained-glass windows, and generally the De Wilfers who came over with the Conqueror.

onepronounUS /wʌn/

used to mean any person in general, including the speaker

From this reading So poor a clerk, through having a limited salary and an unlimited family, that he had never yet attained the modest object of his ambition: which was, to wear a complete new suit of clothes, hat and boots included, at one time.

ones

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From this reading For, it is a remarkable fact in genealogy that no De Any ones ever came over with Anybody else.

out

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

From this reading His black hat was brown before he could afford a coat, his pantaloons were white at the seams and knees before he could buy a pair of boots, his boots had worn out before he could treat himself to new pantaloons, and, by the time he worked round to the hat again, that shining modern article roofed-in an ancient ruin of various periods.

overprepositionUS /ˈoʊvər/

above and across; more than

From this reading THE R. WILFER FAMILY Reginald Wilfer is a name with rather a grand sound, suggesting on first acquaintance brasses in country churches, scrolls in stained-glass windows, and generally the De Wilfers who came over with the Conqueror.

pair

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

From this reading His black hat was brown before he could afford a coat, his pantaloons were white at the seams and knees before he could buy a pair of boots, his boots had worn out before he could treat himself to new pantaloons, and, by the time he worked round to the hat again, that shining modern article roofed-in an ancient ruin of various periods.

pantaloons

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

From this reading His black hat was brown before he could afford a coat, his pantaloons were white at the seams and knees before he could buy a pair of boots, his boots had worn out before he could treat himself to new pantaloons, and, by the time he worked round to the hat again, that shining modern article roofed-in an ancient ruin of various periods.

periods

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

From this reading His black hat was brown before he could afford a coat, his pantaloons were white at the seams and knees before he could buy a pair of boots, his boots had worn out before he could treat himself to new pantaloons, and, by the time he worked round to the hat again, that shining modern article roofed-in an ancient ruin of various periods.

poornounUS /poor/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading But, the Reginald Wilfer family were of such commonplace extraction and pursuits that their forefathers had for generations modestly subsisted on the Docks, the Excise Office, and the Custom House, and the existing R. Wilfer was a poor clerk.

pursuits

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From this reading But, the Reginald Wilfer family were of such commonplace extraction and pursuits that their forefathers had for generations modestly subsisted on the Docks, the Excise Office, and the Custom House, and the existing R. Wilfer was a poor clerk.

R

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

From this reading THE R. WILFER FAMILY Reginald Wilfer is a name with rather a grand sound, suggesting on first acquaintance brasses in country churches, scrolls in stained-glass windows, and generally the De Wilfers who came over with the Conqueror.

rather

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

From this reading THE R. WILFER FAMILY Reginald Wilfer is a name with rather a grand sound, suggesting on first acquaintance brasses in country churches, scrolls in stained-glass windows, and generally the De Wilfers who came over with the Conqueror.

Reginald

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

From this reading THE R. WILFER FAMILY Reginald Wilfer is a name with rather a grand sound, suggesting on first acquaintance brasses in country churches, scrolls in stained-glass windows, and generally the De Wilfers who came over with the Conqueror.

remarkablenounUS /ˈremarkable/

a story-specific word describing an important person, object, action, or idea in this passage

From this reading For, it is a remarkable fact in genealogy that no De Any ones ever came over with Anybody else.

roofed-in

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From this reading His black hat was brown before he could afford a coat, his pantaloons were white at the seams and knees before he could buy a pair of boots, his boots had worn out before he could treat himself to new pantaloons, and, by the time he worked round to the hat again, that shining modern article roofed-in an ancient ruin of various periods.

round

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

From this reading His black hat was brown before he could afford a coat, his pantaloons were white at the seams and knees before he could buy a pair of boots, his boots had worn out before he could treat himself to new pantaloons, and, by the time he worked round to the hat again, that shining modern article roofed-in an ancient ruin of various periods.

ruin

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

From this reading His black hat was brown before he could afford a coat, his pantaloons were white at the seams and knees before he could buy a pair of boots, his boots had worn out before he could treat himself to new pantaloons, and, by the time he worked round to the hat again, that shining modern article roofed-in an ancient ruin of various periods.

salary

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From this reading So poor a clerk, through having a limited salary and an unlimited family, that he had never yet attained the modest object of his ambition: which was, to wear a complete new suit of clothes, hat and boots included, at one time.

scrolls

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

From this reading THE R. WILFER FAMILY Reginald Wilfer is a name with rather a grand sound, suggesting on first acquaintance brasses in country churches, scrolls in stained-glass windows, and generally the De Wilfers who came over with the Conqueror.

seams

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

From this reading His black hat was brown before he could afford a coat, his pantaloons were white at the seams and knees before he could buy a pair of boots, his boots had worn out before he could treat himself to new pantaloons, and, by the time he worked round to the hat again, that shining modern article roofed-in an ancient ruin of various periods.

shining

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

From this reading His black hat was brown before he could afford a coat, his pantaloons were white at the seams and knees before he could buy a pair of boots, his boots had worn out before he could treat himself to new pantaloons, and, by the time he worked round to the hat again, that shining modern article roofed-in an ancient ruin of various periods.

SoconjunctionUS /soʊ/

for that reason; with the result that

From this reading So poor a clerk, through having a limited salary and an unlimited family, that he had never yet attained the modest object of his ambition: which was, to wear a complete new suit of clothes, hat and boots included, at one time.

sound

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

From this reading THE R. WILFER FAMILY Reginald Wilfer is a name with rather a grand sound, suggesting on first acquaintance brasses in country churches, scrolls in stained-glass windows, and generally the De Wilfers who came over with the Conqueror.

stained-glass

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

From this reading THE R. WILFER FAMILY Reginald Wilfer is a name with rather a grand sound, suggesting on first acquaintance brasses in country churches, scrolls in stained-glass windows, and generally the De Wilfers who came over with the Conqueror.

subsisted

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

From this reading But, the Reginald Wilfer family were of such commonplace extraction and pursuits that their forefathers had for generations modestly subsisted on the Docks, the Excise Office, and the Custom House, and the existing R. Wilfer was a poor clerk.

suchdeterminerUS /sʌtʃ/

of the kind already mentioned

From this reading But, the Reginald Wilfer family were of such commonplace extraction and pursuits that their forefathers had for generations modestly subsisted on the Docks, the Excise Office, and the Custom House, and the existing R. Wilfer was a poor clerk.

suggesting

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

From this reading THE R. WILFER FAMILY Reginald Wilfer is a name with rather a grand sound, suggesting on first acquaintance brasses in country churches, scrolls in stained-glass windows, and generally the De Wilfers who came over with the Conqueror.

suit

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

From this reading So poor a clerk, through having a limited salary and an unlimited family, that he had never yet attained the modest object of his ambition: which was, to wear a complete new suit of clothes, hat and boots included, at one time.

thatconjunctionUS /ðæt/

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading For, it is a remarkable fact in genealogy that no De Any ones ever came over with Anybody else.

THEdeterminerUS /ðə/

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

From this reading THE R. WILFER FAMILY Reginald Wilfer is a name with rather a grand sound, suggesting on first acquaintance brasses in country churches, scrolls in stained-glass windows, and generally the De Wilfers who came over with the Conqueror.

theirdeterminerUS /ðer/

belonging to the people or things already mentioned

From this reading But, the Reginald Wilfer family were of such commonplace extraction and pursuits that their forefathers had for generations modestly subsisted on the Docks, the Excise Office, and the Custom House, and the existing R. Wilfer was a poor clerk.

throughnounUS /ˈthrough/

a story-specific word describing an important person, object, action, or idea in this passage

From this reading So poor a clerk, through having a limited salary and an unlimited family, that he had never yet attained the modest object of his ambition: which was, to wear a complete new suit of clothes, hat and boots included, at one time.

timenounUS /time/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading So poor a clerk, through having a limited salary and an unlimited family, that he had never yet attained the modest object of his ambition: which was, to wear a complete new suit of clothes, hat and boots included, at one time.

toparticleUS /tuː/

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

From this reading So poor a clerk, through having a limited salary and an unlimited family, that he had never yet attained the modest object of his ambition: which was, to wear a complete new suit of clothes, hat and boots included, at one time.

treat

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

From this reading His black hat was brown before he could afford a coat, his pantaloons were white at the seams and knees before he could buy a pair of boots, his boots had worn out before he could treat himself to new pantaloons, and, by the time he worked round to the hat again, that shining modern article roofed-in an ancient ruin of various periods.

unlimited

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

From this reading So poor a clerk, through having a limited salary and an unlimited family, that he had never yet attained the modest object of his ambition: which was, to wear a complete new suit of clothes, hat and boots included, at one time.

various

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

From this reading His black hat was brown before he could afford a coat, his pantaloons were white at the seams and knees before he could buy a pair of boots, his boots had worn out before he could treat himself to new pantaloons, and, by the time he worked round to the hat again, that shining modern article roofed-in an ancient ruin of various periods.

wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/

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

From this reading But, the Reginald Wilfer family were of such commonplace extraction and pursuits that their forefathers had for generations modestly subsisted on the Docks, the Excise Office, and the Custom House, and the existing R. Wilfer was a poor clerk.

wear

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

From this reading So poor a clerk, through having a limited salary and an unlimited family, that he had never yet attained the modest object of his ambition: which was, to wear a complete new suit of clothes, hat and boots included, at one time.

wereauxiliary verbUS /wɜːr/

the past form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun

From this reading But, the Reginald Wilfer family were of such commonplace extraction and pursuits that their forefathers had for generations modestly subsisted on the Docks, the Excise Office, and the Custom House, and the existing R. Wilfer was a poor clerk.

whichpronounUS /wɪtʃ/

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

From this reading So poor a clerk, through having a limited salary and an unlimited family, that he had never yet attained the modest object of his ambition: which was, to wear a complete new suit of clothes, hat and boots included, at one time.

white

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

From this reading His black hat was brown before he could afford a coat, his pantaloons were white at the seams and knees before he could buy a pair of boots, his boots had worn out before he could treat himself to new pantaloons, and, by the time he worked round to the hat again, that shining modern article roofed-in an ancient ruin of various periods.

whopronounUS /huː/

which person or people

From this reading THE R. WILFER FAMILY Reginald Wilfer is a name with rather a grand sound, suggesting on first acquaintance brasses in country churches, scrolls in stained-glass windows, and generally the De Wilfers who came over with the Conqueror.

WILFER

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

From this reading THE R. WILFER FAMILY Reginald Wilfer is a name with rather a grand sound, suggesting on first acquaintance brasses in country churches, scrolls in stained-glass windows, and generally the De Wilfers who came over with the Conqueror.

Wilfers

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

From this reading THE R. WILFER FAMILY Reginald Wilfer is a name with rather a grand sound, suggesting on first acquaintance brasses in country churches, scrolls in stained-glass windows, and generally the De Wilfers who came over with the Conqueror.

windows

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

From this reading THE R. WILFER FAMILY Reginald Wilfer is a name with rather a grand sound, suggesting on first acquaintance brasses in country churches, scrolls in stained-glass windows, and generally the De Wilfers who came over with the Conqueror.

withprepositionUS /wɪð/

in the company of; together with

From this reading THE R. WILFER FAMILY Reginald Wilfer is a name with rather a grand sound, suggesting on first acquaintance brasses in country churches, scrolls in stained-glass windows, and generally the De Wilfers who came over with the Conqueror.

worked

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

From this reading His black hat was brown before he could afford a coat, his pantaloons were white at the seams and knees before he could buy a pair of boots, his boots had worn out before he could treat himself to new pantaloons, and, by the time he worked round to the hat again, that shining modern article roofed-in an ancient ruin of various periods.

wornverbUS /wɔːrn/

Damaged or thinned by continuous use.

From this reading His black hat was brown before he could afford a coat, his pantaloons were white at the seams and knees before he could buy a pair of boots, his boots had worn out before he could treat himself to new pantaloons, and, by the time he worked round to the hat again, that shining modern article roofed-in an ancient ruin of various periods.

yetconjunctionUS /jet/

but in spite of that

From this reading So poor a clerk, through having a limited salary and an unlimited family, that he had never yet attained the modest object of his ambition: which was, to wear a complete new suit of clothes, hat and boots included, at one time.