Chapter XI

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

From this reading I’ll sing you a fine old song, improved by a modern pate, Of a fine Old English Gentleman, who owns a large estate, But pays the labourers on it at a very shabby rate.

relating to or used in or promoting agriculture or farming

From this reading His hall so brave is hung around with pictures, all in rows, Of oxen that have gained the prize at agricultural shows, And pigs so fat that they can’t see an inch before their nose; For the whole of his attention on his cattle he bestows, Like a fine Old English Gentleman, one of the present time.

(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 His hall so brave is hung around with pictures, all in rows, Of oxen that have gained the prize at agricultural shows, And pigs so fat that they can’t see an inch before their nose; For the whole of his attention on his cattle he bestows, Like a fine Old English Gentleman, one of the present time.

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

From this reading His hall so brave is hung around with pictures, all in rows, Of oxen that have gained the prize at agricultural shows, And pigs so fat that they can’t see an inch before their nose; For the whole of his attention on his cattle he bestows, Like a fine Old English Gentleman, one of the present time.

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

From this reading Some seven shillings each a week for early work and late, Gives this fine Old English Gentleman, one of the present time.

surrounding, or on every side of, something

From this reading His hall so brave is hung around with pictures, all in rows, Of oxen that have gained the prize at agricultural shows, And pigs so fat that they can’t see an inch before their nose; For the whole of his attention on his cattle he bestows, Like a fine Old English Gentleman, one of the present time.

the activity of contributing to the fulfillment of a need or furtherance of an effort or purpose

From this reading In winter’s cold, when poor and old, for some assistance call, And come to beg a trifle at the portals of his hall, He refers them to the workhouse, that stands open wide for all; For this is how the parish great relieve the parish small, Like this fine Old English Gentleman, one of the present time.

in or near a particular place or position

From this reading I’ll sing you a fine old song, improved by a modern pate, Of a fine Old English Gentleman, who owns a large estate, But pays the labourers on it at a very shabby rate.

the process whereby a person concentrates on some features of the environment to the (relative) exclusion of others

From this reading His hall so brave is hung around with pictures, all in rows, Of oxen that have gained the prize at agricultural shows, And pigs so fat that they can’t see an inch before their nose; For the whole of his attention on his cattle he bestows, Like a fine Old English Gentleman, one of the present time.

earlier than; in front of

From this reading His hall so brave is hung around with pictures, all in rows, Of oxen that have gained the prize at agricultural shows, And pigs so fat that they can’t see an inch before their nose; For the whole of his attention on his cattle he bestows, Like a fine Old English Gentleman, one of the present time.

call upon in supplication; entreat

From this reading In winter’s cold, when poor and old, for some assistance call, And come to beg a trifle at the portals of his hall, He refers them to the workhouse, that stands open wide for all; For this is how the parish great relieve the parish small, Like this fine Old English Gentleman, one of the present time.

third-person singular of “bestow” — present

From this reading His hall so brave is hung around with pictures, all in rows, Of oxen that have gained the prize at agricultural shows, And pigs so fat that they can’t see an inch before their nose; For the whole of his attention on his cattle he bestows, Like a fine Old English Gentleman, one of the present time.

possessing or displaying courage; able to face and deal with danger or fear without flinching

From this reading His hall so brave is hung around with pictures, all in rows, Of oxen that have gained the prize at agricultural shows, And pigs so fat that they can’t see an inch before their nose; For the whole of his attention on his cattle he bestows, Like a fine Old English Gentleman, one of the present time.

used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before

From this reading I’ll sing you a fine old song, improved by a modern pate, Of a fine Old English Gentleman, who owns a large estate, But pays the labourers on it at a very shabby rate.

showing who or what does the action

From this reading I’ll sing you a fine old song, improved by a modern pate, Of a fine Old English Gentleman, who owns a large estate, But pays the labourers on it at a very shabby rate.

assign a specified (usually proper) proper name to

From this reading In winter’s cold, when poor and old, for some assistance call, And come to beg a trifle at the portals of his hall, He refers them to the workhouse, that stands open wide for all; For this is how the parish great relieve the parish small, Like this fine Old English Gentleman, one of the present time.

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

From this reading His hall so brave is hung around with pictures, all in rows, Of oxen that have gained the prize at agricultural shows, And pigs so fat that they can’t see an inch before their nose; For the whole of his attention on his cattle he bestows, Like a fine Old English Gentleman, one of the present time.

domesticated bovine animals as a group regardless of sex or age

From this reading His hall so brave is hung around with pictures, all in rows, Of oxen that have gained the prize at agricultural shows, And pigs so fat that they can’t see an inch before their nose; For the whole of his attention on his cattle he bestows, Like a fine Old English Gentleman, one of the present time.

having a low or inadequate temperature or feeling a sensation of coldness or having been made cold by e.g. ice or refrigeration

From this reading In winter’s cold, when poor and old, for some assistance call, And come to beg a trifle at the portals of his hall, He refers them to the workhouse, that stands open wide for all; For this is how the parish great relieve the parish small, Like this fine Old English Gentleman, one of the present time.

move toward, travel toward something or somebody or approach something or somebody

From this reading In winter’s cold, when poor and old, for some assistance call, And come to beg a trifle at the portals of his hall, He refers them to the workhouse, that stands open wide for all; For this is how the parish great relieve the parish small, Like this fine Old English Gentleman, one of the present time.

every one of two or more people or things, taken separately

From this reading Some seven shillings each a week for early work and late, Gives this fine Old English Gentleman, one of the present time.

at or near the beginning of a period of time or course of events or before the usual or expected time

From this reading Some seven shillings each a week for early work and late, Gives this fine Old English Gentleman, one of the present time.

an Indo-European language belonging to the West Germanic branch; the official language of Britain and the United States and most of the commonwealth countries

From this reading ―――― THE FINE OLD ENGLISH GENTLEMAN OF THE PRESENT TIME.

everything you own; all of your assets (whether real property or personal property) and liabilities

From this reading I’ll sing you a fine old song, improved by a modern pate, Of a fine Old English Gentleman, who owns a large estate, But pays the labourers on it at a very shabby rate.

having an (over)abundance of flesh

From this reading His hall so brave is hung around with pictures, all in rows, Of oxen that have gained the prize at agricultural shows, And pigs so fat that they can’t see an inch before their nose; For the whole of his attention on his cattle he bestows, Like a fine Old English Gentleman, one of the present time.

being satisfactory or in satisfactory condition

From this reading ―――― THE FINE OLD ENGLISH GENTLEMAN OF THE PRESENT TIME.

intended to be given to, or used by, somebody

From this reading Some seven shillings each a week for early work and late, Gives this fine Old English Gentleman, one of the present time.

past form of “gain” — obtain

From this reading His hall so brave is hung around with pictures, all in rows, Of oxen that have gained the prize at agricultural shows, And pigs so fat that they can’t see an inch before their nose; For the whole of his attention on his cattle he bestows, Like a fine Old English Gentleman, one of the present time.

a man of refinement

From this reading ―――― THE FINE OLD ENGLISH GENTLEMAN OF THE PRESENT TIME.

plural of “give” — the elasticity of something that can be stretched and returns to its original length

From this reading Some seven shillings each a week for early work and late, Gives this fine Old English Gentleman, one of the present time.

relatively large in size or number or extent; larger than others of its kind

From this reading In winter’s cold, when poor and old, for some assistance call, And come to beg a trifle at the portals of his hall, He refers them to the workhouse, that stands open wide for all; For this is how the parish great relieve the parish small, Like this fine Old English Gentleman, one of the present time.

an interior passage or corridor onto which rooms open

From this reading His hall so brave is hung around with pictures, all in rows, Of oxen that have gained the prize at agricultural shows, And pigs so fat that they can’t see an inch before their nose; For the whole of his attention on his cattle he bestows, Like a fine Old English Gentleman, one of the present time.

used with a past participle to form the perfect tenses

From this reading His hall so brave is hung around with pictures, all in rows, Of oxen that have gained the prize at agricultural shows, And pigs so fat that they can’t see an inch before their nose; For the whole of his attention on his cattle he bestows, Like a fine Old English Gentleman, one of the present time.

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

From this reading His hall so brave is hung around with pictures, all in rows, Of oxen that have gained the prize at agricultural shows, And pigs so fat that they can’t see an inch before their nose; For the whole of his attention on his cattle he bestows, Like a fine Old English Gentleman, one of the present time.

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

From this reading His hall so brave is hung around with pictures, all in rows, Of oxen that have gained the prize at agricultural shows, And pigs so fat that they can’t see an inch before their nose; For the whole of his attention on his cattle he bestows, Like a fine Old English Gentleman, one of the present time.

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

From this reading In winter’s cold, when poor and old, for some assistance call, And come to beg a trifle at the portals of his hall, He refers them to the workhouse, that stands open wide for all; For this is how the parish great relieve the parish small, Like this fine Old English Gentleman, one of the present time.

inflected form of “hang” — be suspended or hanging

From this reading His hall so brave is hung around with pictures, all in rows, Of oxen that have gained the prize at agricultural shows, And pigs so fat that they can’t see an inch before their nose; For the whole of his attention on his cattle he bestows, Like a fine Old English Gentleman, one of the present time.

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

From this reading I’ll sing you a fine old song, improved by a modern pate, Of a fine Old English Gentleman, who owns a large estate, But pays the labourers on it at a very shabby rate.

made more desirable or valuable or profitable; especially made ready for use or marketing

From this reading I’ll sing you a fine old song, improved by a modern pate, Of a fine Old English Gentleman, who owns a large estate, But pays the labourers on it at a very shabby rate.

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

From this reading His hall so brave is hung around with pictures, all in rows, Of oxen that have gained the prize at agricultural shows, And pigs so fat that they can’t see an inch before their nose; For the whole of his attention on his cattle he bestows, Like a fine Old English Gentleman, one of the present time.

a unit of length equal to one twelfth of a foot

From this reading His hall so brave is hung around with pictures, all in rows, Of oxen that have gained the prize at agricultural shows, And pigs so fat that they can’t see an inch before their nose; For the whole of his attention on his cattle he bestows, Like a fine Old English Gentleman, one of the present time.

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

From this reading His hall so brave is hung around with pictures, all in rows, Of oxen that have gained the prize at agricultural shows, And pigs so fat that they can’t see an inch before their nose; For the whole of his attention on his cattle he bestows, Like a fine Old English Gentleman, one of the present time.

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading I’ll sing you a fine old song, improved by a modern pate, Of a fine Old English Gentleman, who owns a large estate, But pays the labourers on it at a very shabby rate.

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

From this reading I’ll sing you a fine old song, improved by a modern pate, Of a fine Old English Gentleman, who owns a large estate, But pays the labourers on it at a very shabby rate.

above average in size or number or quantity or magnitude or extent

From this reading I’ll sing you a fine old song, improved by a modern pate, Of a fine Old English Gentleman, who owns a large estate, But pays the labourers on it at a very shabby rate.

being or occurring at an advanced period of time or after a usual or expected time

From this reading Some seven shillings each a week for early work and late, Gives this fine Old English Gentleman, one of the present time.

prefer or wish to do something

From this reading His hall so brave is hung around with pictures, all in rows, Of oxen that have gained the prize at agricultural shows, And pigs so fat that they can’t see an inch before their nose; For the whole of his attention on his cattle he bestows, Like a fine Old English Gentleman, one of the present time.

belonging to the modern era; since the Middle Ages

From this reading I’ll sing you a fine old song, improved by a modern pate, Of a fine Old English Gentleman, who owns a large estate, But pays the labourers on it at a very shabby rate.

the organ of smell and entrance to the respiratory tract; the prominent part of the face of man or other mammals

From this reading His hall so brave is hung around with pictures, all in rows, Of oxen that have gained the prize at agricultural shows, And pigs so fat that they can’t see an inch before their nose; For the whole of his attention on his cattle he bestows, Like a fine Old English Gentleman, one of the present time.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading ―――― THE FINE OLD ENGLISH GENTLEMAN OF THE PRESENT TIME.

(used especially of persons) having lived for a relatively long time or attained a specific age

From this reading ―――― THE FINE OLD ENGLISH GENTLEMAN OF THE PRESENT TIME.

touching and supported by a surface

From this reading I’ll sing you a fine old song, improved by a modern pate, Of a fine Old English Gentleman, who owns a large estate, But pays the labourers on it at a very shabby rate.

used to mean any person in general, including the speaker

From this reading Some seven shillings each a week for early work and late, Gives this fine Old English Gentleman, one of the present time.

To move from a closed position.

From this reading In winter’s cold, when poor and old, for some assistance call, And come to beg a trifle at the portals of his hall, He refers them to the workhouse, that stands open wide for all; For this is how the parish great relieve the parish small, Like this fine Old English Gentleman, one of the present time.

third-person singular of “own” — have ownership or possession of

From this reading I’ll sing you a fine old song, improved by a modern pate, Of a fine Old English Gentleman, who owns a large estate, But pays the labourers on it at a very shabby rate.

domesticated bovine animals as a group regardless of sex or age

From this reading His hall so brave is hung around with pictures, all in rows, Of oxen that have gained the prize at agricultural shows, And pigs so fat that they can’t see an inch before their nose; For the whole of his attention on his cattle he bestows, Like a fine Old English Gentleman, one of the present time.

a local church community

From this reading In winter’s cold, when poor and old, for some assistance call, And come to beg a trifle at the portals of his hall, He refers them to the workhouse, that stands open wide for all; For this is how the parish great relieve the parish small, Like this fine Old English Gentleman, one of the present time.

liver or meat or fowl finely minced or ground and variously seasoned

From this reading I’ll sing you a fine old song, improved by a modern pate, Of a fine Old English Gentleman, who owns a large estate, But pays the labourers on it at a very shabby rate.

plural of “pay” — something that remunerates

From this reading I’ll sing you a fine old song, improved by a modern pate, Of a fine Old English Gentleman, who owns a large estate, But pays the labourers on it at a very shabby rate.

plural of “picture” — a visual representation (of an object or scene or person or abstraction) produced on a surface

From this reading His hall so brave is hung around with pictures, all in rows, Of oxen that have gained the prize at agricultural shows, And pigs so fat that they can’t see an inch before their nose; For the whole of his attention on his cattle he bestows, Like a fine Old English Gentleman, one of the present time.

plural of “pig” — domestic swine

From this reading His hall so brave is hung around with pictures, all in rows, Of oxen that have gained the prize at agricultural shows, And pigs so fat that they can’t see an inch before their nose; For the whole of his attention on his cattle he bestows, Like a fine Old English Gentleman, one of the present time.

deserving or inciting pity

From this reading In winter’s cold, when poor and old, for some assistance call, And come to beg a trifle at the portals of his hall, He refers them to the workhouse, that stands open wide for all; For this is how the parish great relieve the parish small, Like this fine Old English Gentleman, one of the present time.

plural of “portal” — a grand and imposing entrance (often extended metaphorically)

From this reading In winter’s cold, when poor and old, for some assistance call, And come to beg a trifle at the portals of his hall, He refers them to the workhouse, that stands open wide for all; For this is how the parish great relieve the parish small, Like this fine Old English Gentleman, one of the present time.

give an exhibition of to an interested audience

From this reading ―――― THE FINE OLD ENGLISH GENTLEMAN OF THE PRESENT TIME.

something given for victory or superiority in a contest or competition or for winning a lottery

From this reading His hall so brave is hung around with pictures, all in rows, Of oxen that have gained the prize at agricultural shows, And pigs so fat that they can’t see an inch before their nose; For the whole of his attention on his cattle he bestows, Like a fine Old English Gentleman, one of the present time.

a magnitude or frequency relative to a time unit

From this reading I’ll sing you a fine old song, improved by a modern pate, Of a fine Old English Gentleman, who owns a large estate, But pays the labourers on it at a very shabby rate.

third-person singular of “refer” — make reference to

From this reading In winter’s cold, when poor and old, for some assistance call, And come to beg a trifle at the portals of his hall, He refers them to the workhouse, that stands open wide for all; For this is how the parish great relieve the parish small, Like this fine Old English Gentleman, one of the present time.

provide physical relief, as from pain

From this reading In winter’s cold, when poor and old, for some assistance call, And come to beg a trifle at the portals of his hall, He refers them to the workhouse, that stands open wide for all; For this is how the parish great relieve the parish small, Like this fine Old English Gentleman, one of the present time.

plural of “row” — an arrangement of objects or people side by side in a line

From this reading His hall so brave is hung around with pictures, all in rows, Of oxen that have gained the prize at agricultural shows, And pigs so fat that they can’t see an inch before their nose; For the whole of his attention on his cattle he bestows, Like a fine Old English Gentleman, one of the present time.

perceive by sight or have the power to perceive by sight

From this reading His hall so brave is hung around with pictures, all in rows, Of oxen that have gained the prize at agricultural shows, And pigs so fat that they can’t see an inch before their nose; For the whole of his attention on his cattle he bestows, Like a fine Old English Gentleman, one of the present time.

the cardinal number that is the sum of six and one

From this reading Some seven shillings each a week for early work and late, Gives this fine Old English Gentleman, one of the present time.

showing signs of wear and tear

From this reading I’ll sing you a fine old song, improved by a modern pate, Of a fine Old English Gentleman, who owns a large estate, But pays the labourers on it at a very shabby rate.

plural of “shilling” — the basic unit of money in Uganda; equal to 100 cents

From this reading Some seven shillings each a week for early work and late, Gives this fine Old English Gentleman, one of the present time.

plural of “show” — the act of publicly exhibiting or entertaining

From this reading His hall so brave is hung around with pictures, all in rows, Of oxen that have gained the prize at agricultural shows, And pigs so fat that they can’t see an inch before their nose; For the whole of his attention on his cattle he bestows, Like a fine Old English Gentleman, one of the present time.

deliver by singing

From this reading I’ll sing you a fine old song, improved by a modern pate, Of a fine Old English Gentleman, who owns a large estate, But pays the labourers on it at a very shabby rate.

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

From this reading In winter’s cold, when poor and old, for some assistance call, And come to beg a trifle at the portals of his hall, He refers them to the workhouse, that stands open wide for all; For this is how the parish great relieve the parish small, Like this fine Old English Gentleman, one of the present time.

for that reason; with the result that

From this reading His hall so brave is hung around with pictures, all in rows, Of oxen that have gained the prize at agricultural shows, And pigs so fat that they can’t see an inch before their nose; For the whole of his attention on his cattle he bestows, Like a fine Old English Gentleman, one of the present time.

(quantifier) used with either mass nouns or plural count nouns to indicate an unspecified number or quantity

From this reading Some seven shillings each a week for early work and late, Gives this fine Old English Gentleman, one of the present time.

a short musical composition with words

From this reading I’ll sing you a fine old song, improved by a modern pate, Of a fine Old English Gentleman, who owns a large estate, But pays the labourers on it at a very shabby rate.

plural of “stand” — a support or foundation

From this reading In winter’s cold, when poor and old, for some assistance call, And come to beg a trifle at the portals of his hall, He refers them to the workhouse, that stands open wide for all; For this is how the parish great relieve the parish small, Like this fine Old English Gentleman, one of the present time.

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading His hall so brave is hung around with pictures, all in rows, Of oxen that have gained the prize at agricultural shows, And pigs so fat that they can’t see an inch before their nose; For the whole of his attention on his cattle he bestows, Like a fine Old English Gentleman, one of the present time.

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

From this reading ―――― THE FINE OLD ENGLISH GENTLEMAN OF THE PRESENT TIME.

belonging to the people or things already mentioned

From this reading His hall so brave is hung around with pictures, all in rows, Of oxen that have gained the prize at agricultural shows, And pigs so fat that they can’t see an inch before their nose; For the whole of his attention on his cattle he bestows, Like a fine Old English Gentleman, one of the present time.

the people or things already mentioned, as the object

From this reading In winter’s cold, when poor and old, for some assistance call, And come to beg a trifle at the portals of his hall, He refers them to the workhouse, that stands open wide for all; For this is how the parish great relieve the parish small, Like this fine Old English Gentleman, one of the present time.

the people, animals, or things already mentioned, as the subject

From this reading His hall so brave is hung around with pictures, all in rows, Of oxen that have gained the prize at agricultural shows, And pigs so fat that they can’t see an inch before their nose; For the whole of his attention on his cattle he bestows, Like a fine Old English Gentleman, one of the present time.

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

From this reading Some seven shillings each a week for early work and late, Gives this fine Old English Gentleman, one of the present time.

an instance or single occasion for some event

From this reading ―――― THE FINE OLD ENGLISH GENTLEMAN OF THE PRESENT TIME.

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

From this reading In winter’s cold, when poor and old, for some assistance call, And come to beg a trifle at the portals of his hall, He refers them to the workhouse, that stands open wide for all; For this is how the parish great relieve the parish small, Like this fine Old English Gentleman, one of the present time.

a cold pudding made of layers of sponge cake spread with fruit or jelly; may be decorated with nuts, cream, or chocolate

From this reading In winter’s cold, when poor and old, for some assistance call, And come to beg a trifle at the portals of his hall, He refers them to the workhouse, that stands open wide for all; For this is how the parish great relieve the parish small, Like this fine Old English Gentleman, one of the present time.

precisely as stated

From this reading I’ll sing you a fine old song, improved by a modern pate, Of a fine Old English Gentleman, who owns a large estate, But pays the labourers on it at a very shabby rate.

any period of seven consecutive days

From this reading Some seven shillings each a week for early work and late, Gives this fine Old English Gentleman, one of the present time.

at the time that

From this reading In winter’s cold, when poor and old, for some assistance call, And come to beg a trifle at the portals of his hall, He refers them to the workhouse, that stands open wide for all; For this is how the parish great relieve the parish small, Like this fine Old English Gentleman, one of the present time.

which person or people

From this reading I’ll sing you a fine old song, improved by a modern pate, Of a fine Old English Gentleman, who owns a large estate, But pays the labourers on it at a very shabby rate.

including all components without exception; being one unit or constituting the full amount or extent or duration; complete

From this reading His hall so brave is hung around with pictures, all in rows, Of oxen that have gained the prize at agricultural shows, And pigs so fat that they can’t see an inch before their nose; For the whole of his attention on his cattle he bestows, Like a fine Old English Gentleman, one of the present time.

having great (or a certain) extent from one side to the other

From this reading In winter’s cold, when poor and old, for some assistance call, And come to beg a trifle at the portals of his hall, He refers them to the workhouse, that stands open wide for all; For this is how the parish great relieve the parish small, Like this fine Old English Gentleman, one of the present time.

possessive form of “winter” — the coldest season of the year; in the northern hemisphere it extends from the winter solstice to the vernal equinox

From this reading In winter’s cold, when poor and old, for some assistance call, And come to beg a trifle at the portals of his hall, He refers them to the workhouse, that stands open wide for all; For this is how the parish great relieve the parish small, Like this fine Old English Gentleman, one of the present time.

in the company of; together with

From this reading His hall so brave is hung around with pictures, all in rows, Of oxen that have gained the prize at agricultural shows, And pigs so fat that they can’t see an inch before their nose; For the whole of his attention on his cattle he bestows, Like a fine Old English Gentleman, one of the present time.

exert oneself by doing mental or physical work for a purpose or out of necessity

From this reading Some seven shillings each a week for early work and late, Gives this fine Old English Gentleman, one of the present time.

a poorhouse where able-bodied poor are compelled to labor

From this reading In winter’s cold, when poor and old, for some assistance call, And come to beg a trifle at the portals of his hall, He refers them to the workhouse, that stands open wide for all; For this is how the parish great relieve the parish small, Like this fine Old English Gentleman, one of the present time.

the person or people being spoken to

From this reading I’ll sing you a fine old song, improved by a modern pate, Of a fine Old English Gentleman, who owns a large estate, But pays the labourers on it at a very shabby rate.