Chapter VIII

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

From this reading Ovington had not failed to let his correspondents know that the lad was no common mercantile person, but came of a county family and had connections; and Arthur had been fêted by the bank’s agents and made much of by their friends.

plural of “ability” — the quality of being able to perform; a quality that permits or facilitates achievement or accomplishment

From this reading His abilities had been recognized in more than one counting-house, and in the general elation and success, civilities and hospitality had been showered upon him.

plural of “agent” — an active and efficient cause; capable of producing a certain effect

From this reading Ovington had not failed to let his correspondents know that the lad was no common mercantile person, but came of a county family and had connections; and Arthur had been fêted by the bank’s agents and made much of by their friends.

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

From this reading It was in the third week of April that Arthur returned to Aldersbury.

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

From this reading Mothers and daughters had exerted themselves to please the nephew—it was whispered the heir—of the Aldshire magnate; and what Arthur’s letters of credit had not gained for him, his handsome face and good breeding had won.

(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 The negotiation which Ovington had entrusted to him had gone well, as all things went well at this time.

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

From this reading Ovington had not failed to let his correspondents know that the lad was no common mercantile person, but came of a county family and had connections; and Arthur had been fêted by the bank’s agents and made much of by their friends.

the month following March and preceding May

From this reading It was in the third week of April that Arthur returned to Aldersbury.

elected vice president and became 21st President of the United States when Garfield was assassinated (1830-1886)

From this reading It was in the third week of April that Arthur returned to Aldersbury.

possessive form of “arthur” — elected vice president and became 21st President of the United States when Garfield was assassinated (1830-1886)

From this reading Mothers and daughters had exerted themselves to please the nephew—it was whispered the heir—of the Aldshire magnate; and what Arthur’s letters of credit had not gained for him, his handsome face and good breeding had won.

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

From this reading The negotiation which Ovington had entrusted to him had gone well, as all things went well at this time.

in or near a particular place or position

From this reading The negotiation which Ovington had entrusted to him had gone well, as all things went well at this time.

possessive form of “bank” — sloping land (especially the slope beside a body of water)

From this reading Ovington had not failed to let his correspondents know that the lad was no common mercantile person, but came of a county family and had connections; and Arthur had been fêted by the bank’s agents and made much of by their friends.

the past participle of “be”

From this reading Ovington had not failed to let his correspondents know that the lad was no common mercantile person, but came of a county family and had connections; and Arthur had been fêted by the bank’s agents and made much of by their friends.

elegance by virtue of fineness of manner and expression

From this reading Mothers and daughters had exerted themselves to please the nephew—it was whispered the heir—of the Aldshire magnate; and what Arthur’s letters of credit had not gained for him, his handsome face and good breeding had won.

used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before

From this reading Ovington had not failed to let his correspondents know that the lad was no common mercantile person, but came of a county family and had connections; and Arthur had been fêted by the bank’s agents and made much of by their friends.

showing who or what does the action

From this reading Ovington had not failed to let his correspondents know that the lad was no common mercantile person, but came of a county family and had connections; and Arthur had been fêted by the bank’s agents and made much of by their friends.

inflected form of “come” — move toward, travel toward something or somebody or approach something or somebody

From this reading Ovington had not failed to let his correspondents know that the lad was no common mercantile person, but came of a county family and had connections; and Arthur had been fêted by the bank’s agents and made much of by their friends.

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

From this reading His abilities had been recognized in more than one counting-house, and in the general elation and success, civilities and hospitality had been showered upon him.

belonging to or participated in by a community as a whole; public

From this reading Ovington had not failed to let his correspondents know that the lad was no common mercantile person, but came of a county family and had connections; and Arthur had been fêted by the bank’s agents and made much of by their friends.

plural of “connection” — a relation between things or events (as in the case of one causing the other or sharing features with it)

From this reading Ovington had not failed to let his correspondents know that the lad was no common mercantile person, but came of a county family and had connections; and Arthur had been fêted by the bank’s agents and made much of by their friends.

plural of “correspondent” — someone who communicates by means of letters

From this reading Ovington had not failed to let his correspondents know that the lad was no common mercantile person, but came of a county family and had connections; and Arthur had been fêted by the bank’s agents and made much of by their friends.

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

From this reading His abilities had been recognized in more than one counting-house, and in the general elation and success, civilities and hospitality had been showered upon him.

(United Kingdom) a region created by territorial division for the purpose of local government

From this reading Ovington had not failed to let his correspondents know that the lad was no common mercantile person, but came of a county family and had connections; and Arthur had been fêted by the bank’s agents and made much of by their friends.

approval

From this reading Mothers and daughters had exerted themselves to please the nephew—it was whispered the heir—of the Aldshire magnate; and what Arthur’s letters of credit had not gained for him, his handsome face and good breeding had won.

plural of “daughter” — a female human offspring

From this reading Mothers and daughters had exerted themselves to please the nephew—it was whispered the heir—of the Aldshire magnate; and what Arthur’s letters of credit had not gained for him, his handsome face and good breeding had won.

an exhilarating psychological state of pride and optimism; an absence of depression

From this reading His abilities had been recognized in more than one counting-house, and in the general elation and success, civilities and hospitality had been showered upon him.

past form of “entrust” — confer a trust upon

From this reading The negotiation which Ovington had entrusted to him had gone well, as all things went well at this time.

past form of “exert” — put to use

From this reading Mothers and daughters had exerted themselves to please the nephew—it was whispered the heir—of the Aldshire magnate; and what Arthur’s letters of credit had not gained for him, his handsome face and good breeding had won.

the front of the human head from the forehead to the chin and ear to ear

From this reading Mothers and daughters had exerted themselves to please the nephew—it was whispered the heir—of the Aldshire magnate; and what Arthur’s letters of credit had not gained for him, his handsome face and good breeding had won.

past form of “fail” — fail to do something; leave something undone

From this reading Ovington had not failed to let his correspondents know that the lad was no common mercantile person, but came of a county family and had connections; and Arthur had been fêted by the bank’s agents and made much of by their friends.

a social unit living together

From this reading Ovington had not failed to let his correspondents know that the lad was no common mercantile person, but came of a county family and had connections; and Arthur had been fêted by the bank’s agents and made much of by their friends.

intended to be given to, or used by, somebody

From this reading Mothers and daughters had exerted themselves to please the nephew—it was whispered the heir—of the Aldshire magnate; and what Arthur’s letters of credit had not gained for him, his handsome face and good breeding had won.

plural of “friend” — a person you know well and regard with affection and trust

From this reading Ovington had not failed to let his correspondents know that the lad was no common mercantile person, but came of a county family and had connections; and Arthur had been fêted by the bank’s agents and made much of by their friends.

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

From this reading Ovington had not failed to let his correspondents know that the lad was no common mercantile person, but came of a county family and had connections; and Arthur had been fêted by the bank’s agents and made much of by their friends.

past form of “gain” — obtain

From this reading Mothers and daughters had exerted themselves to please the nephew—it was whispered the heir—of the Aldshire magnate; and what Arthur’s letters of credit had not gained for him, his handsome face and good breeding had won.

applying to all or most members of a category or group

From this reading His abilities had been recognized in more than one counting-house, and in the general elation and success, civilities and hospitality had been showered upon him.

destroyed or killed

From this reading The negotiation which Ovington had entrusted to him had gone well, as all things went well at this time.

having desirable or positive qualities especially those suitable for a thing specified

From this reading Mothers and daughters had exerted themselves to please the nephew—it was whispered the heir—of the Aldshire magnate; and what Arthur’s letters of credit had not gained for him, his handsome face and good breeding had won.

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

From this reading Ovington had not failed to let his correspondents know that the lad was no common mercantile person, but came of a county family and had connections; and Arthur had been fêted by the bank’s agents and made much of by their friends.

pleasing in appearance especially by reason of conformity to ideals of form and proportion

From this reading Mothers and daughters had exerted themselves to please the nephew—it was whispered the heir—of the Aldshire magnate; and what Arthur’s letters of credit had not gained for him, his handsome face and good breeding had won.

A person legally or magically entitled to the property or rank of another on that person's death.

From this reading Mothers and daughters had exerted themselves to please the nephew—it was whispered the heir—of the Aldshire magnate; and what Arthur’s letters of credit had not gained for him, his handsome face and good breeding had won.

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

From this reading The negotiation which Ovington had entrusted to him had gone well, as all things went well at this time.

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

From this reading Ovington had not failed to let his correspondents know that the lad was no common mercantile person, but came of a county family and had connections; and Arthur had been fêted by the bank’s agents and made much of by their friends.

kindness in welcoming guests or strangers

From this reading His abilities had been recognized in more than one counting-house, and in the general elation and success, civilities and hospitality had been showered upon him.

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

From this reading It was in the third week of April that Arthur returned to Aldersbury.

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading It was in the third week of April that Arthur returned to Aldersbury.

be cognizant or aware of a fact or a specific piece of information; possess knowledge or information about

From this reading Ovington had not failed to let his correspondents know that the lad was no common mercantile person, but came of a county family and had connections; and Arthur had been fêted by the bank’s agents and made much of by their friends.

a boy or man

From this reading Ovington had not failed to let his correspondents know that the lad was no common mercantile person, but came of a county family and had connections; and Arthur had been fêted by the bank’s agents and made much of by their friends.

used to make a suggestion or a command including the speaker

From this reading Ovington had not failed to let his correspondents know that the lad was no common mercantile person, but came of a county family and had connections; and Arthur had been fêted by the bank’s agents and made much of by their friends.

the literary culture

From this reading Mothers and daughters had exerted themselves to please the nephew—it was whispered the heir—of the Aldshire magnate; and what Arthur’s letters of credit had not gained for him, his handsome face and good breeding had won.

produced by a manufacturing process

From this reading Ovington had not failed to let his correspondents know that the lad was no common mercantile person, but came of a county family and had connections; and Arthur had been fêted by the bank’s agents and made much of by their friends.

a very wealthy or powerful businessman

From this reading Mothers and daughters had exerted themselves to please the nephew—it was whispered the heir—of the Aldshire magnate; and what Arthur’s letters of credit had not gained for him, his handsome face and good breeding had won.

of or relating to the economic system of mercantilism

From this reading Ovington had not failed to let his correspondents know that the lad was no common mercantile person, but came of a county family and had connections; and Arthur had been fêted by the bank’s agents and made much of by their friends.

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

From this reading His abilities had been recognized in more than one counting-house, and in the general elation and success, civilities and hospitality had been showered upon him.

plural of “mother” — a woman who has given birth to a child (also used as a term of address to your mother)

From this reading Mothers and daughters had exerted themselves to please the nephew—it was whispered the heir—of the Aldshire magnate; and what Arthur’s letters of credit had not gained for him, his handsome face and good breeding had won.

to a great degree or extent

From this reading Ovington had not failed to let his correspondents know that the lad was no common mercantile person, but came of a county family and had connections; and Arthur had been fêted by the bank’s agents and made much of by their friends.

a discussion intended to produce an agreement

From this reading The negotiation which Ovington had entrusted to him had gone well, as all things went well at this time.

a son of your brother or sister

From this reading Mothers and daughters had exerted themselves to please the nephew—it was whispered the heir—of the Aldshire magnate; and what Arthur’s letters of credit had not gained for him, his handsome face and good breeding had won.

not any; not one

From this reading Ovington had not failed to let his correspondents know that the lad was no common mercantile person, but came of a county family and had connections; and Arthur had been fêted by the bank’s agents and made much of by their friends.

used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative

From this reading Ovington had not failed to let his correspondents know that the lad was no common mercantile person, but came of a county family and had connections; and Arthur had been fêted by the bank’s agents and made much of by their friends.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading It was in the third week of April that Arthur returned to Aldersbury.

used to mean any person in general, including the speaker

From this reading His abilities had been recognized in more than one counting-house, and in the general elation and success, civilities and hospitality had been showered upon him.

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

From this reading Ovington had not failed to let his correspondents know that the lad was no common mercantile person, but came of a county family and had connections; and Arthur had been fêted by the bank’s agents and made much of by their friends.

a human being

From this reading Ovington had not failed to let his correspondents know that the lad was no common mercantile person, but came of a county family and had connections; and Arthur had been fêted by the bank’s agents and made much of by their friends.

give pleasure to or be pleasing to

From this reading Mothers and daughters had exerted themselves to please the nephew—it was whispered the heir—of the Aldshire magnate; and what Arthur’s letters of credit had not gained for him, his handsome face and good breeding had won.

generally approved or compelling recognition

From this reading His abilities had been recognized in more than one counting-house, and in the general elation and success, civilities and hospitality had been showered upon him.

past form of “return” — go or come back to place, condition, or activity where one has been before

From this reading It was in the third week of April that Arthur returned to Aldersbury.

past form of “shower” — expend profusely; also used with abstract nouns

From this reading His abilities had been recognized in more than one counting-house, and in the general elation and success, civilities and hospitality had been showered upon him.

an event that accomplishes its intended purpose

From this reading His abilities had been recognized in more than one counting-house, and in the general elation and success, civilities and hospitality had been showered upon him.

used to introduce the second part of a comparison

From this reading His abilities had been recognized in more than one counting-house, and in the general elation and success, civilities and hospitality had been showered upon him.

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading It was in the third week of April that Arthur returned to Aldersbury.

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

From this reading It was in the third week of April that Arthur returned to Aldersbury.

belonging to the people or things already mentioned

From this reading Ovington had not failed to let his correspondents know that the lad was no common mercantile person, but came of a county family and had connections; and Arthur had been fêted by the bank’s agents and made much of by their friends.

used when the people doing the action are also its object

From this reading Mothers and daughters had exerted themselves to please the nephew—it was whispered the heir—of the Aldshire magnate; and what Arthur’s letters of credit had not gained for him, his handsome face and good breeding had won.

any movable possession (especially articles of clothing)

From this reading The negotiation which Ovington had entrusted to him had gone well, as all things went well at this time.

one of three equal parts of a divisible whole

From this reading It was in the third week of April that Arthur returned to Aldersbury.

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

From this reading The negotiation which Ovington had entrusted to him had gone well, as all things went well at this time.

an instance or single occasion for some event

From this reading The negotiation which Ovington had entrusted to him had gone well, as all things went well at this time.

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

From this reading It was in the third week of April that Arthur returned to Aldersbury.

a formal word for “on”

From this reading His abilities had been recognized in more than one counting-house, and in the general elation and success, civilities and hospitality had been showered upon him.

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

From this reading It was in the third week of April that Arthur returned to Aldersbury.

any period of seven consecutive days

From this reading It was in the third week of April that Arthur returned to Aldersbury.

(often used as a combining form) in a good or proper or satisfactory manner or to a high standard (“good” is a nonstandard dialectal variant for “well”)

From this reading The negotiation which Ovington had entrusted to him had gone well, as all things went well at this time.

inflected form of “go” — change location; move, travel, or proceed, also metaphorically

From this reading The negotiation which Ovington had entrusted to him had gone well, as all things went well at this time.

used to ask for information about something

From this reading Mothers and daughters had exerted themselves to please the nephew—it was whispered the heir—of the Aldshire magnate; and what Arthur’s letters of credit had not gained for him, his handsome face and good breeding had won.

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

From this reading The negotiation which Ovington had entrusted to him had gone well, as all things went well at this time.

spoken in soft hushed tones without vibrations of the vocal cords

From this reading Mothers and daughters had exerted themselves to please the nephew—it was whispered the heir—of the Aldshire magnate; and what Arthur’s letters of credit had not gained for him, his handsome face and good breeding had won.

the basic unit of money in South Korea

From this reading Mothers and daughters had exerted themselves to please the nephew—it was whispered the heir—of the Aldshire magnate; and what Arthur’s letters of credit had not gained for him, his handsome face and good breeding had won.