Chapter XXVII

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

From this reading Supposing a man to be engaged--as he often must be even now, when the general boast of all things is, that they have done themselves by machinery--in the useful and interesting work of sinking a well, by his own stroke and scoop; and supposing that, when he is up to his hips, and has not got a dry thread upon him, but reeks and drips, like a sprawling jelly-fish--at such a time there should drop upon him half a teaspoonful of water from the bucket he has been sending up--surely one might expect that man to accept with a smile that little dribble, even if he perceives it.

consider or hold as true

From this reading Supposing a man to be engaged--as he often must be even now, when the general boast of all things is, that they have done themselves by machinery--in the useful and interesting work of sinking a well, by his own stroke and scoop; and supposing that, when he is up to his hips, and has not got a dry thread upon him, but reeks and drips, like a sprawling jelly-fish--at such a time there should drop upon him half a teaspoonful of water from the bucket he has been sending up--surely one might expect that man to accept with a smile that little dribble, even if he perceives it.

later than; following

From this reading Such is the case; and no ratepayer who has had to delve for his own water (after being robbed by sewage-works) will fail to perceive the force of it.

used to show sadness, pity, or regret

From this reading Alas, he does nothing of the kind!

(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 Supposing a man to be engaged--as he often must be even now, when the general boast of all things is, that they have done themselves by machinery--in the useful and interesting work of sinking a well, by his own stroke and scoop; and supposing that, when he is up to his hips, and has not got a dry thread upon him, but reeks and drips, like a sprawling jelly-fish--at such a time there should drop upon him half a teaspoonful of water from the bucket he has been sending up--surely one might expect that man to accept with a smile that little dribble, even if he perceives it.

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

From this reading Supposing a man to be engaged--as he often must be even now, when the general boast of all things is, that they have done themselves by machinery--in the useful and interesting work of sinking a well, by his own stroke and scoop; and supposing that, when he is up to his hips, and has not got a dry thread upon him, but reeks and drips, like a sprawling jelly-fish--at such a time there should drop upon him half a teaspoonful of water from the bucket he has been sending up--surely one might expect that man to accept with a smile that little dribble, even if he perceives it.

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

From this reading Supposing a man to be engaged--as he often must be even now, when the general boast of all things is, that they have done themselves by machinery--in the useful and interesting work of sinking a well, by his own stroke and scoop; and supposing that, when he is up to his hips, and has not got a dry thread upon him, but reeks and drips, like a sprawling jelly-fish--at such a time there should drop upon him half a teaspoonful of water from the bucket he has been sending up--surely one might expect that man to accept with a smile that little dribble, even if he perceives it.

third-person singular of “ascend” — travel up

From this reading He swears, and jumps, as if he were in a shower-bath of vitriol, then he shouts for the ladder, drags his drenched legs up, and ascends for the purpose of thrashing his mate, who has dared to let a drop slip down on him.

in or near a particular place or position

From this reading Supposing a man to be engaged--as he often must be even now, when the general boast of all things is, that they have done themselves by machinery--in the useful and interesting work of sinking a well, by his own stroke and scoop; and supposing that, when he is up to his hips, and has not got a dry thread upon him, but reeks and drips, like a sprawling jelly-fish--at such a time there should drop upon him half a teaspoonful of water from the bucket he has been sending up--surely one might expect that man to accept with a smile that little dribble, even if he perceives it.

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

From this reading Supposing a man to be engaged--as he often must be even now, when the general boast of all things is, that they have done themselves by machinery--in the useful and interesting work of sinking a well, by his own stroke and scoop; and supposing that, when he is up to his hips, and has not got a dry thread upon him, but reeks and drips, like a sprawling jelly-fish--at such a time there should drop upon him half a teaspoonful of water from the bucket he has been sending up--surely one might expect that man to accept with a smile that little dribble, even if he perceives it.

the past participle of “be”

From this reading Supposing a man to be engaged--as he often must be even now, when the general boast of all things is, that they have done themselves by machinery--in the useful and interesting work of sinking a well, by his own stroke and scoop; and supposing that, when he is up to his hips, and has not got a dry thread upon him, but reeks and drips, like a sprawling jelly-fish--at such a time there should drop upon him half a teaspoonful of water from the bucket he has been sending up--surely one might expect that man to accept with a smile that little dribble, even if he perceives it.

the -ing form of “be”

From this reading Such is the case; and no ratepayer who has had to delve for his own water (after being robbed by sewage-works) will fail to perceive the force of it.

show off

From this reading Supposing a man to be engaged--as he often must be even now, when the general boast of all things is, that they have done themselves by machinery--in the useful and interesting work of sinking a well, by his own stroke and scoop; and supposing that, when he is up to his hips, and has not got a dry thread upon him, but reeks and drips, like a sprawling jelly-fish--at such a time there should drop upon him half a teaspoonful of water from the bucket he has been sending up--surely one might expect that man to accept with a smile that little dribble, even if he perceives it.

a roughly cylindrical vessel that is open at the top

From this reading Supposing a man to be engaged--as he often must be even now, when the general boast of all things is, that they have done themselves by machinery--in the useful and interesting work of sinking a well, by his own stroke and scoop; and supposing that, when he is up to his hips, and has not got a dry thread upon him, but reeks and drips, like a sprawling jelly-fish--at such a time there should drop upon him half a teaspoonful of water from the bucket he has been sending up--surely one might expect that man to accept with a smile that little dribble, even if he perceives it.

used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before

From this reading Supposing a man to be engaged--as he often must be even now, when the general boast of all things is, that they have done themselves by machinery--in the useful and interesting work of sinking a well, by his own stroke and scoop; and supposing that, when he is up to his hips, and has not got a dry thread upon him, but reeks and drips, like a sprawling jelly-fish--at such a time there should drop upon him half a teaspoonful of water from the bucket he has been sending up--surely one might expect that man to accept with a smile that little dribble, even if he perceives it.

showing who or what does the action

From this reading Supposing a man to be engaged--as he often must be even now, when the general boast of all things is, that they have done themselves by machinery--in the useful and interesting work of sinking a well, by his own stroke and scoop; and supposing that, when he is up to his hips, and has not got a dry thread upon him, but reeks and drips, like a sprawling jelly-fish--at such a time there should drop upon him half a teaspoonful of water from the bucket he has been sending up--surely one might expect that man to accept with a smile that little dribble, even if he perceives it.

an occurrence of something

From this reading Such is the case; and no ratepayer who has had to delve for his own water (after being robbed by sewage-works) will fail to perceive the force of it.

past form of “dare” — take upon oneself; act presumptuously, without permission

From this reading He swears, and jumps, as if he were in a shower-bath of vitriol, then he shouts for the ladder, drags his drenched legs up, and ascends for the purpose of thrashing his mate, who has dared to let a drop slip down on him.

turn up, loosen, or remove earth

From this reading Such is the case; and no ratepayer who has had to delve for his own water (after being robbed by sewage-works) will fail to perceive the force of it.

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

From this reading Alas, he does nothing of the kind!

having finished or arrived at completion

From this reading Supposing a man to be engaged--as he often must be even now, when the general boast of all things is, that they have done themselves by machinery--in the useful and interesting work of sinking a well, by his own stroke and scoop; and supposing that, when he is up to his hips, and has not got a dry thread upon him, but reeks and drips, like a sprawling jelly-fish--at such a time there should drop upon him half a teaspoonful of water from the bucket he has been sending up--surely one might expect that man to accept with a smile that little dribble, even if he perceives it.

being or moving lower in position or less in some value

From this reading He swears, and jumps, as if he were in a shower-bath of vitriol, then he shouts for the ladder, drags his drenched legs up, and ascends for the purpose of thrashing his mate, who has dared to let a drop slip down on him.

plural of “drag” — the phenomenon of resistance to motion through a fluid

From this reading He swears, and jumps, as if he were in a shower-bath of vitriol, then he shouts for the ladder, drags his drenched legs up, and ascends for the purpose of thrashing his mate, who has dared to let a drop slip down on him.

abundantly covered or supplied with; often used in combination

From this reading He swears, and jumps, as if he were in a shower-bath of vitriol, then he shouts for the ladder, drags his drenched legs up, and ascends for the purpose of thrashing his mate, who has dared to let a drop slip down on him.

run or flow slowly, as in drops or in an unsteady stream

From this reading Supposing a man to be engaged--as he often must be even now, when the general boast of all things is, that they have done themselves by machinery--in the useful and interesting work of sinking a well, by his own stroke and scoop; and supposing that, when he is up to his hips, and has not got a dry thread upon him, but reeks and drips, like a sprawling jelly-fish--at such a time there should drop upon him half a teaspoonful of water from the bucket he has been sending up--surely one might expect that man to accept with a smile that little dribble, even if he perceives it.

plural of “drip” — flowing in drops; the formation and falling of drops of liquid

From this reading Supposing a man to be engaged--as he often must be even now, when the general boast of all things is, that they have done themselves by machinery--in the useful and interesting work of sinking a well, by his own stroke and scoop; and supposing that, when he is up to his hips, and has not got a dry thread upon him, but reeks and drips, like a sprawling jelly-fish--at such a time there should drop upon him half a teaspoonful of water from the bucket he has been sending up--surely one might expect that man to accept with a smile that little dribble, even if he perceives it.

let fall to the ground

From this reading Supposing a man to be engaged--as he often must be even now, when the general boast of all things is, that they have done themselves by machinery--in the useful and interesting work of sinking a well, by his own stroke and scoop; and supposing that, when he is up to his hips, and has not got a dry thread upon him, but reeks and drips, like a sprawling jelly-fish--at such a time there should drop upon him half a teaspoonful of water from the bucket he has been sending up--surely one might expect that man to accept with a smile that little dribble, even if he perceives it.

free from liquid or moisture; lacking natural or normal moisture or depleted of water; or no longer wet

From this reading Supposing a man to be engaged--as he often must be even now, when the general boast of all things is, that they have done themselves by machinery--in the useful and interesting work of sinking a well, by his own stroke and scoop; and supposing that, when he is up to his hips, and has not got a dry thread upon him, but reeks and drips, like a sprawling jelly-fish--at such a time there should drop upon him half a teaspoonful of water from the bucket he has been sending up--surely one might expect that man to accept with a smile that little dribble, even if he perceives it.

having ones attention or mind or energy engaged

From this reading Supposing a man to be engaged--as he often must be even now, when the general boast of all things is, that they have done themselves by machinery--in the useful and interesting work of sinking a well, by his own stroke and scoop; and supposing that, when he is up to his hips, and has not got a dry thread upon him, but reeks and drips, like a sprawling jelly-fish--at such a time there should drop upon him half a teaspoonful of water from the bucket he has been sending up--surely one might expect that man to accept with a smile that little dribble, even if he perceives it.

divisible by two

From this reading Supposing a man to be engaged--as he often must be even now, when the general boast of all things is, that they have done themselves by machinery--in the useful and interesting work of sinking a well, by his own stroke and scoop; and supposing that, when he is up to his hips, and has not got a dry thread upon him, but reeks and drips, like a sprawling jelly-fish--at such a time there should drop upon him half a teaspoonful of water from the bucket he has been sending up--surely one might expect that man to accept with a smile that little dribble, even if he perceives it.

regard something as probable or likely

From this reading Supposing a man to be engaged--as he often must be even now, when the general boast of all things is, that they have done themselves by machinery--in the useful and interesting work of sinking a well, by his own stroke and scoop; and supposing that, when he is up to his hips, and has not got a dry thread upon him, but reeks and drips, like a sprawling jelly-fish--at such a time there should drop upon him half a teaspoonful of water from the bucket he has been sending up--surely one might expect that man to accept with a smile that little dribble, even if he perceives it.

fail to do something; leave something undone

From this reading Such is the case; and no ratepayer who has had to delve for his own water (after being robbed by sewage-works) will fail to perceive the force of it.

intended to be given to, or used by, somebody

From this reading He swears, and jumps, as if he were in a shower-bath of vitriol, then he shouts for the ladder, drags his drenched legs up, and ascends for the purpose of thrashing his mate, who has dared to let a drop slip down on him.

a powerful effect or influence

From this reading Such is the case; and no ratepayer who has had to delve for his own water (after being robbed by sewage-works) will fail to perceive the force of it.

(used as intensives reflecting the speaker's attitude) it is sincerely the case that

From this reading FRANKLY SPEAKING.

showing where something starts, or who sent it

From this reading Supposing a man to be engaged--as he often must be even now, when the general boast of all things is, that they have done themselves by machinery--in the useful and interesting work of sinking a well, by his own stroke and scoop; and supposing that, when he is up to his hips, and has not got a dry thread upon him, but reeks and drips, like a sprawling jelly-fish--at such a time there should drop upon him half a teaspoonful of water from the bucket he has been sending up--surely one might expect that man to accept with a smile that little dribble, even if he perceives it.

applying to all or most members of a category or group

From this reading Supposing a man to be engaged--as he often must be even now, when the general boast of all things is, that they have done themselves by machinery--in the useful and interesting work of sinking a well, by his own stroke and scoop; and supposing that, when he is up to his hips, and has not got a dry thread upon him, but reeks and drips, like a sprawling jelly-fish--at such a time there should drop upon him half a teaspoonful of water from the bucket he has been sending up--surely one might expect that man to accept with a smile that little dribble, even if he perceives it.

inflected form of “get” — come into the possession of something concrete or abstract

From this reading Supposing a man to be engaged--as he often must be even now, when the general boast of all things is, that they have done themselves by machinery--in the useful and interesting work of sinking a well, by his own stroke and scoop; and supposing that, when he is up to his hips, and has not got a dry thread upon him, but reeks and drips, like a sprawling jelly-fish--at such a time there should drop upon him half a teaspoonful of water from the bucket he has been sending up--surely one might expect that man to accept with a smile that little dribble, even if he perceives it.

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

From this reading Such is the case; and no ratepayer who has had to delve for his own water (after being robbed by sewage-works) will fail to perceive the force of it.

consisting of one of two equivalent parts in value or quantity

From this reading Supposing a man to be engaged--as he often must be even now, when the general boast of all things is, that they have done themselves by machinery--in the useful and interesting work of sinking a well, by his own stroke and scoop; and supposing that, when he is up to his hips, and has not got a dry thread upon him, but reeks and drips, like a sprawling jelly-fish--at such a time there should drop upon him half a teaspoonful of water from the bucket he has been sending up--surely one might expect that man to accept with a smile that little dribble, even if he perceives it.

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

From this reading Supposing a man to be engaged--as he often must be even now, when the general boast of all things is, that they have done themselves by machinery--in the useful and interesting work of sinking a well, by his own stroke and scoop; and supposing that, when he is up to his hips, and has not got a dry thread upon him, but reeks and drips, like a sprawling jelly-fish--at such a time there should drop upon him half a teaspoonful of water from the bucket he has been sending up--surely one might expect that man to accept with a smile that little dribble, even if he perceives it.

used with a past participle to form the perfect tenses

From this reading Supposing a man to be engaged--as he often must be even now, when the general boast of all things is, that they have done themselves by machinery--in the useful and interesting work of sinking a well, by his own stroke and scoop; and supposing that, when he is up to his hips, and has not got a dry thread upon him, but reeks and drips, like a sprawling jelly-fish--at such a time there should drop upon him half a teaspoonful of water from the bucket he has been sending up--surely one might expect that man to accept with a smile that little dribble, even if he perceives it.

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

From this reading Supposing a man to be engaged--as he often must be even now, when the general boast of all things is, that they have done themselves by machinery--in the useful and interesting work of sinking a well, by his own stroke and scoop; and supposing that, when he is up to his hips, and has not got a dry thread upon him, but reeks and drips, like a sprawling jelly-fish--at such a time there should drop upon him half a teaspoonful of water from the bucket he has been sending up--surely one might expect that man to accept with a smile that little dribble, even if he perceives it.

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

From this reading Supposing a man to be engaged--as he often must be even now, when the general boast of all things is, that they have done themselves by machinery--in the useful and interesting work of sinking a well, by his own stroke and scoop; and supposing that, when he is up to his hips, and has not got a dry thread upon him, but reeks and drips, like a sprawling jelly-fish--at such a time there should drop upon him half a teaspoonful of water from the bucket he has been sending up--surely one might expect that man to accept with a smile that little dribble, even if he perceives it.

plural of “hip” — either side of the body below the waist and above the thigh

From this reading Supposing a man to be engaged--as he often must be even now, when the general boast of all things is, that they have done themselves by machinery--in the useful and interesting work of sinking a well, by his own stroke and scoop; and supposing that, when he is up to his hips, and has not got a dry thread upon him, but reeks and drips, like a sprawling jelly-fish--at such a time there should drop upon him half a teaspoonful of water from the bucket he has been sending up--surely one might expect that man to accept with a smile that little dribble, even if he perceives it.

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

From this reading Supposing a man to be engaged--as he often must be even now, when the general boast of all things is, that they have done themselves by machinery--in the useful and interesting work of sinking a well, by his own stroke and scoop; and supposing that, when he is up to his hips, and has not got a dry thread upon him, but reeks and drips, like a sprawling jelly-fish--at such a time there should drop upon him half a teaspoonful of water from the bucket he has been sending up--surely one might expect that man to accept with a smile that little dribble, even if he perceives it.

on condition that; in the event that

From this reading Supposing a man to be engaged--as he often must be even now, when the general boast of all things is, that they have done themselves by machinery--in the useful and interesting work of sinking a well, by his own stroke and scoop; and supposing that, when he is up to his hips, and has not got a dry thread upon him, but reeks and drips, like a sprawling jelly-fish--at such a time there should drop upon him half a teaspoonful of water from the bucket he has been sending up--surely one might expect that man to accept with a smile that little dribble, even if he perceives it.

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

From this reading Supposing a man to be engaged--as he often must be even now, when the general boast of all things is, that they have done themselves by machinery--in the useful and interesting work of sinking a well, by his own stroke and scoop; and supposing that, when he is up to his hips, and has not got a dry thread upon him, but reeks and drips, like a sprawling jelly-fish--at such a time there should drop upon him half a teaspoonful of water from the bucket he has been sending up--surely one might expect that man to accept with a smile that little dribble, even if he perceives it.

arousing or holding the attention

From this reading Supposing a man to be engaged--as he often must be even now, when the general boast of all things is, that they have done themselves by machinery--in the useful and interesting work of sinking a well, by his own stroke and scoop; and supposing that, when he is up to his hips, and has not got a dry thread upon him, but reeks and drips, like a sprawling jelly-fish--at such a time there should drop upon him half a teaspoonful of water from the bucket he has been sending up--surely one might expect that man to accept with a smile that little dribble, even if he perceives it.

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

From this reading Supposing a man to be engaged--as he often must be even now, when the general boast of all things is, that they have done themselves by machinery--in the useful and interesting work of sinking a well, by his own stroke and scoop; and supposing that, when he is up to his hips, and has not got a dry thread upon him, but reeks and drips, like a sprawling jelly-fish--at such a time there should drop upon him half a teaspoonful of water from the bucket he has been sending up--surely one might expect that man to accept with a smile that little dribble, even if he perceives it.

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading Supposing a man to be engaged--as he often must be even now, when the general boast of all things is, that they have done themselves by machinery--in the useful and interesting work of sinking a well, by his own stroke and scoop; and supposing that, when he is up to his hips, and has not got a dry thread upon him, but reeks and drips, like a sprawling jelly-fish--at such a time there should drop upon him half a teaspoonful of water from the bucket he has been sending up--surely one might expect that man to accept with a smile that little dribble, even if he perceives it.

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

From this reading Supposing a man to be engaged--as he often must be even now, when the general boast of all things is, that they have done themselves by machinery--in the useful and interesting work of sinking a well, by his own stroke and scoop; and supposing that, when he is up to his hips, and has not got a dry thread upon him, but reeks and drips, like a sprawling jelly-fish--at such a time there should drop upon him half a teaspoonful of water from the bucket he has been sending up--surely one might expect that man to accept with a smile that little dribble, even if he perceives it.

plural of “jump” — a sudden and decisive increase

From this reading He swears, and jumps, as if he were in a shower-bath of vitriol, then he shouts for the ladder, drags his drenched legs up, and ascends for the purpose of thrashing his mate, who has dared to let a drop slip down on him.

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

From this reading Alas, he does nothing of the kind!

steps consisting of two parallel members connected by rungs; for climbing up or down

From this reading He swears, and jumps, as if he were in a shower-bath of vitriol, then he shouts for the ladder, drags his drenched legs up, and ascends for the purpose of thrashing his mate, who has dared to let a drop slip down on him.

staying power

From this reading He swears, and jumps, as if he were in a shower-bath of vitriol, then he shouts for the ladder, drags his drenched legs up, and ascends for the purpose of thrashing his mate, who has dared to let a drop slip down on him.

used to make a suggestion or a command including the speaker

From this reading He swears, and jumps, as if he were in a shower-bath of vitriol, then he shouts for the ladder, drags his drenched legs up, and ascends for the purpose of thrashing his mate, who has dared to let a drop slip down on him.

prefer or wish to do something

From this reading Supposing a man to be engaged--as he often must be even now, when the general boast of all things is, that they have done themselves by machinery--in the useful and interesting work of sinking a well, by his own stroke and scoop; and supposing that, when he is up to his hips, and has not got a dry thread upon him, but reeks and drips, like a sprawling jelly-fish--at such a time there should drop upon him half a teaspoonful of water from the bucket he has been sending up--surely one might expect that man to accept with a smile that little dribble, even if he perceives it.

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

From this reading Supposing a man to be engaged--as he often must be even now, when the general boast of all things is, that they have done themselves by machinery--in the useful and interesting work of sinking a well, by his own stroke and scoop; and supposing that, when he is up to his hips, and has not got a dry thread upon him, but reeks and drips, like a sprawling jelly-fish--at such a time there should drop upon him half a teaspoonful of water from the bucket he has been sending up--surely one might expect that man to accept with a smile that little dribble, even if he perceives it.

machines or machine systems collectively

From this reading Supposing a man to be engaged--as he often must be even now, when the general boast of all things is, that they have done themselves by machinery--in the useful and interesting work of sinking a well, by his own stroke and scoop; and supposing that, when he is up to his hips, and has not got a dry thread upon him, but reeks and drips, like a sprawling jelly-fish--at such a time there should drop upon him half a teaspoonful of water from the bucket he has been sending up--surely one might expect that man to accept with a smile that little dribble, even if he perceives it.

an adult person who is male (as opposed to a woman)

From this reading Supposing a man to be engaged--as he often must be even now, when the general boast of all things is, that they have done themselves by machinery--in the useful and interesting work of sinking a well, by his own stroke and scoop; and supposing that, when he is up to his hips, and has not got a dry thread upon him, but reeks and drips, like a sprawling jelly-fish--at such a time there should drop upon him half a teaspoonful of water from the bucket he has been sending up--surely one might expect that man to accept with a smile that little dribble, even if he perceives it.

the officer below the master on a commercial ship

From this reading He swears, and jumps, as if he were in a shower-bath of vitriol, then he shouts for the ladder, drags his drenched legs up, and ascends for the purpose of thrashing his mate, who has dared to let a drop slip down on him.

used to say something is possible but not certain

From this reading Supposing a man to be engaged--as he often must be even now, when the general boast of all things is, that they have done themselves by machinery--in the useful and interesting work of sinking a well, by his own stroke and scoop; and supposing that, when he is up to his hips, and has not got a dry thread upon him, but reeks and drips, like a sprawling jelly-fish--at such a time there should drop upon him half a teaspoonful of water from the bucket he has been sending up--surely one might expect that man to accept with a smile that little dribble, even if he perceives it.

used to say something is necessary, or almost certainly true

From this reading Supposing a man to be engaged--as he often must be even now, when the general boast of all things is, that they have done themselves by machinery--in the useful and interesting work of sinking a well, by his own stroke and scoop; and supposing that, when he is up to his hips, and has not got a dry thread upon him, but reeks and drips, like a sprawling jelly-fish--at such a time there should drop upon him half a teaspoonful of water from the bucket he has been sending up--surely one might expect that man to accept with a smile that little dribble, even if he perceives it.

not any; not one

From this reading Such is the case; and no ratepayer who has had to delve for his own water (after being robbed by sewage-works) will fail to perceive the force of it.

used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative

From this reading Supposing a man to be engaged--as he often must be even now, when the general boast of all things is, that they have done themselves by machinery--in the useful and interesting work of sinking a well, by his own stroke and scoop; and supposing that, when he is up to his hips, and has not got a dry thread upon him, but reeks and drips, like a sprawling jelly-fish--at such a time there should drop upon him half a teaspoonful of water from the bucket he has been sending up--surely one might expect that man to accept with a smile that little dribble, even if he perceives it.

not one thing; not anything

From this reading Alas, he does nothing of the kind!

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

From this reading Supposing a man to be engaged--as he often must be even now, when the general boast of all things is, that they have done themselves by machinery--in the useful and interesting work of sinking a well, by his own stroke and scoop; and supposing that, when he is up to his hips, and has not got a dry thread upon him, but reeks and drips, like a sprawling jelly-fish--at such a time there should drop upon him half a teaspoonful of water from the bucket he has been sending up--surely one might expect that man to accept with a smile that little dribble, even if he perceives it.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading Supposing a man to be engaged--as he often must be even now, when the general boast of all things is, that they have done themselves by machinery--in the useful and interesting work of sinking a well, by his own stroke and scoop; and supposing that, when he is up to his hips, and has not got a dry thread upon him, but reeks and drips, like a sprawling jelly-fish--at such a time there should drop upon him half a teaspoonful of water from the bucket he has been sending up--surely one might expect that man to accept with a smile that little dribble, even if he perceives it.

many times at short intervals

From this reading Supposing a man to be engaged--as he often must be even now, when the general boast of all things is, that they have done themselves by machinery--in the useful and interesting work of sinking a well, by his own stroke and scoop; and supposing that, when he is up to his hips, and has not got a dry thread upon him, but reeks and drips, like a sprawling jelly-fish--at such a time there should drop upon him half a teaspoonful of water from the bucket he has been sending up--surely one might expect that man to accept with a smile that little dribble, even if he perceives it.

touching and supported by a surface

From this reading He swears, and jumps, as if he were in a shower-bath of vitriol, then he shouts for the ladder, drags his drenched legs up, and ascends for the purpose of thrashing his mate, who has dared to let a drop slip down on him.

used to mean any person in general, including the speaker

From this reading Supposing a man to be engaged--as he often must be even now, when the general boast of all things is, that they have done themselves by machinery--in the useful and interesting work of sinking a well, by his own stroke and scoop; and supposing that, when he is up to his hips, and has not got a dry thread upon him, but reeks and drips, like a sprawling jelly-fish--at such a time there should drop upon him half a teaspoonful of water from the bucket he has been sending up--surely one might expect that man to accept with a smile that little dribble, even if he perceives it.

have ownership or possession of

From this reading Supposing a man to be engaged--as he often must be even now, when the general boast of all things is, that they have done themselves by machinery--in the useful and interesting work of sinking a well, by his own stroke and scoop; and supposing that, when he is up to his hips, and has not got a dry thread upon him, but reeks and drips, like a sprawling jelly-fish--at such a time there should drop upon him half a teaspoonful of water from the bucket he has been sending up--surely one might expect that man to accept with a smile that little dribble, even if he perceives it.

to become aware of through the senses

From this reading Such is the case; and no ratepayer who has had to delve for his own water (after being robbed by sewage-works) will fail to perceive the force of it.

third-person singular of “perceive” — to become aware of through the senses

From this reading Supposing a man to be engaged--as he often must be even now, when the general boast of all things is, that they have done themselves by machinery--in the useful and interesting work of sinking a well, by his own stroke and scoop; and supposing that, when he is up to his hips, and has not got a dry thread upon him, but reeks and drips, like a sprawling jelly-fish--at such a time there should drop upon him half a teaspoonful of water from the bucket he has been sending up--surely one might expect that man to accept with a smile that little dribble, even if he perceives it.

an anticipated outcome that is intended or that guides your planned actions

From this reading He swears, and jumps, as if he were in a shower-bath of vitriol, then he shouts for the ladder, drags his drenched legs up, and ascends for the purpose of thrashing his mate, who has dared to let a drop slip down on him.

a person who pays local rates (especially a householder)

From this reading Such is the case; and no ratepayer who has had to delve for his own water (after being robbed by sewage-works) will fail to perceive the force of it.

plural of “reek” — a distinctive odor that is offensively unpleasant

From this reading Supposing a man to be engaged--as he often must be even now, when the general boast of all things is, that they have done themselves by machinery--in the useful and interesting work of sinking a well, by his own stroke and scoop; and supposing that, when he is up to his hips, and has not got a dry thread upon him, but reeks and drips, like a sprawling jelly-fish--at such a time there should drop upon him half a teaspoonful of water from the bucket he has been sending up--surely one might expect that man to accept with a smile that little dribble, even if he perceives it.

inflected form of “rob” — take something away by force or without the consent of the owner

From this reading Such is the case; and no ratepayer who has had to delve for his own water (after being robbed by sewage-works) will fail to perceive the force of it.

the quantity a scoop will hold

From this reading Supposing a man to be engaged--as he often must be even now, when the general boast of all things is, that they have done themselves by machinery--in the useful and interesting work of sinking a well, by his own stroke and scoop; and supposing that, when he is up to his hips, and has not got a dry thread upon him, but reeks and drips, like a sprawling jelly-fish--at such a time there should drop upon him half a teaspoonful of water from the bucket he has been sending up--surely one might expect that man to accept with a smile that little dribble, even if he perceives it.

the act of causing something to go (especially messages)

From this reading Supposing a man to be engaged--as he often must be even now, when the general boast of all things is, that they have done themselves by machinery--in the useful and interesting work of sinking a well, by his own stroke and scoop; and supposing that, when he is up to his hips, and has not got a dry thread upon him, but reeks and drips, like a sprawling jelly-fish--at such a time there should drop upon him half a teaspoonful of water from the bucket he has been sending up--surely one might expect that man to accept with a smile that little dribble, even if he perceives it.

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

From this reading Such is the case; and no ratepayer who has had to delve for his own water (after being robbed by sewage-works) will fail to perceive the force of it.

used to say what is right, expected, or advisable

From this reading Supposing a man to be engaged--as he often must be even now, when the general boast of all things is, that they have done themselves by machinery--in the useful and interesting work of sinking a well, by his own stroke and scoop; and supposing that, when he is up to his hips, and has not got a dry thread upon him, but reeks and drips, like a sprawling jelly-fish--at such a time there should drop upon him half a teaspoonful of water from the bucket he has been sending up--surely one might expect that man to accept with a smile that little dribble, even if he perceives it.

plural of “shout” — a loud utterance; often in protest or opposition

From this reading He swears, and jumps, as if he were in a shower-bath of vitriol, then he shouts for the ladder, drags his drenched legs up, and ascends for the purpose of thrashing his mate, who has dared to let a drop slip down on him.

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

From this reading He swears, and jumps, as if he were in a shower-bath of vitriol, then he shouts for the ladder, drags his drenched legs up, and ascends for the purpose of thrashing his mate, who has dared to let a drop slip down on him.

a descent as through liquid (especially through water)

From this reading Supposing a man to be engaged--as he often must be even now, when the general boast of all things is, that they have done themselves by machinery--in the useful and interesting work of sinking a well, by his own stroke and scoop; and supposing that, when he is up to his hips, and has not got a dry thread upon him, but reeks and drips, like a sprawling jelly-fish--at such a time there should drop upon him half a teaspoonful of water from the bucket he has been sending up--surely one might expect that man to accept with a smile that little dribble, even if he perceives it.

move stealthily

From this reading He swears, and jumps, as if he were in a shower-bath of vitriol, then he shouts for the ladder, drags his drenched legs up, and ascends for the purpose of thrashing his mate, who has dared to let a drop slip down on him.

change one's facial expression by spreading the lips, often to signal pleasure

From this reading Supposing a man to be engaged--as he often must be even now, when the general boast of all things is, that they have done themselves by machinery--in the useful and interesting work of sinking a well, by his own stroke and scoop; and supposing that, when he is up to his hips, and has not got a dry thread upon him, but reeks and drips, like a sprawling jelly-fish--at such a time there should drop upon him half a teaspoonful of water from the bucket he has been sending up--surely one might expect that man to accept with a smile that little dribble, even if he perceives it.

the utterance of intelligible speech

From this reading FRANKLY SPEAKING.

an ungainly posture with arms and legs spread about

From this reading Supposing a man to be engaged--as he often must be even now, when the general boast of all things is, that they have done themselves by machinery--in the useful and interesting work of sinking a well, by his own stroke and scoop; and supposing that, when he is up to his hips, and has not got a dry thread upon him, but reeks and drips, like a sprawling jelly-fish--at such a time there should drop upon him half a teaspoonful of water from the bucket he has been sending up--surely one might expect that man to accept with a smile that little dribble, even if he perceives it.

(sports) the act of swinging or striking at a ball with a club or racket or bat or cue or hand

From this reading Supposing a man to be engaged--as he often must be even now, when the general boast of all things is, that they have done themselves by machinery--in the useful and interesting work of sinking a well, by his own stroke and scoop; and supposing that, when he is up to his hips, and has not got a dry thread upon him, but reeks and drips, like a sprawling jelly-fish--at such a time there should drop upon him half a teaspoonful of water from the bucket he has been sending up--surely one might expect that man to accept with a smile that little dribble, even if he perceives it.

of the kind already mentioned

From this reading Supposing a man to be engaged--as he often must be even now, when the general boast of all things is, that they have done themselves by machinery--in the useful and interesting work of sinking a well, by his own stroke and scoop; and supposing that, when he is up to his hips, and has not got a dry thread upon him, but reeks and drips, like a sprawling jelly-fish--at such a time there should drop upon him half a teaspoonful of water from the bucket he has been sending up--surely one might expect that man to accept with a smile that little dribble, even if he perceives it.

-ing form of “suppose” — express a supposition

From this reading Supposing a man to be engaged--as he often must be even now, when the general boast of all things is, that they have done themselves by machinery--in the useful and interesting work of sinking a well, by his own stroke and scoop; and supposing that, when he is up to his hips, and has not got a dry thread upon him, but reeks and drips, like a sprawling jelly-fish--at such a time there should drop upon him half a teaspoonful of water from the bucket he has been sending up--surely one might expect that man to accept with a smile that little dribble, even if he perceives it.

definitely or positively (“sure” is sometimes used informally for “surely”)

From this reading Supposing a man to be engaged--as he often must be even now, when the general boast of all things is, that they have done themselves by machinery--in the useful and interesting work of sinking a well, by his own stroke and scoop; and supposing that, when he is up to his hips, and has not got a dry thread upon him, but reeks and drips, like a sprawling jelly-fish--at such a time there should drop upon him half a teaspoonful of water from the bucket he has been sending up--surely one might expect that man to accept with a smile that little dribble, even if he perceives it.

third-person singular of “swear” — utter obscenities or profanities

From this reading He swears, and jumps, as if he were in a shower-bath of vitriol, then he shouts for the ladder, drags his drenched legs up, and ascends for the purpose of thrashing his mate, who has dared to let a drop slip down on him.

as much as a teaspoon will hold

From this reading Supposing a man to be engaged--as he often must be even now, when the general boast of all things is, that they have done themselves by machinery--in the useful and interesting work of sinking a well, by his own stroke and scoop; and supposing that, when he is up to his hips, and has not got a dry thread upon him, but reeks and drips, like a sprawling jelly-fish--at such a time there should drop upon him half a teaspoonful of water from the bucket he has been sending up--surely one might expect that man to accept with a smile that little dribble, even if he perceives it.

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading Supposing a man to be engaged--as he often must be even now, when the general boast of all things is, that they have done themselves by machinery--in the useful and interesting work of sinking a well, by his own stroke and scoop; and supposing that, when he is up to his hips, and has not got a dry thread upon him, but reeks and drips, like a sprawling jelly-fish--at such a time there should drop upon him half a teaspoonful of water from the bucket he has been sending up--surely one might expect that man to accept with a smile that little dribble, even if he perceives it.

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

From this reading Supposing a man to be engaged--as he often must be even now, when the general boast of all things is, that they have done themselves by machinery--in the useful and interesting work of sinking a well, by his own stroke and scoop; and supposing that, when he is up to his hips, and has not got a dry thread upon him, but reeks and drips, like a sprawling jelly-fish--at such a time there should drop upon him half a teaspoonful of water from the bucket he has been sending up--surely one might expect that man to accept with a smile that little dribble, even if he perceives it.

used when the people doing the action are also its object

From this reading Supposing a man to be engaged--as he often must be even now, when the general boast of all things is, that they have done themselves by machinery--in the useful and interesting work of sinking a well, by his own stroke and scoop; and supposing that, when he is up to his hips, and has not got a dry thread upon him, but reeks and drips, like a sprawling jelly-fish--at such a time there should drop upon him half a teaspoonful of water from the bucket he has been sending up--surely one might expect that man to accept with a smile that little dribble, even if he perceives it.

subsequently or soon afterward (often used as sentence connectors)

From this reading He swears, and jumps, as if he were in a shower-bath of vitriol, then he shouts for the ladder, drags his drenched legs up, and ascends for the purpose of thrashing his mate, who has dared to let a drop slip down on him.

in or at that place or location

From this reading Supposing a man to be engaged--as he often must be even now, when the general boast of all things is, that they have done themselves by machinery--in the useful and interesting work of sinking a well, by his own stroke and scoop; and supposing that, when he is up to his hips, and has not got a dry thread upon him, but reeks and drips, like a sprawling jelly-fish--at such a time there should drop upon him half a teaspoonful of water from the bucket he has been sending up--surely one might expect that man to accept with a smile that little dribble, even if he perceives it.

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

From this reading Supposing a man to be engaged--as he often must be even now, when the general boast of all things is, that they have done themselves by machinery--in the useful and interesting work of sinking a well, by his own stroke and scoop; and supposing that, when he is up to his hips, and has not got a dry thread upon him, but reeks and drips, like a sprawling jelly-fish--at such a time there should drop upon him half a teaspoonful of water from the bucket he has been sending up--surely one might expect that man to accept with a smile that little dribble, even if he perceives it.

any movable possession (especially articles of clothing)

From this reading Supposing a man to be engaged--as he often must be even now, when the general boast of all things is, that they have done themselves by machinery--in the useful and interesting work of sinking a well, by his own stroke and scoop; and supposing that, when he is up to his hips, and has not got a dry thread upon him, but reeks and drips, like a sprawling jelly-fish--at such a time there should drop upon him half a teaspoonful of water from the bucket he has been sending up--surely one might expect that man to accept with a smile that little dribble, even if he perceives it.

a sound defeat

From this reading He swears, and jumps, as if he were in a shower-bath of vitriol, then he shouts for the ladder, drags his drenched legs up, and ascends for the purpose of thrashing his mate, who has dared to let a drop slip down on him.

to move or cause to move in a sinuous, spiral, or circular course

From this reading Supposing a man to be engaged--as he often must be even now, when the general boast of all things is, that they have done themselves by machinery--in the useful and interesting work of sinking a well, by his own stroke and scoop; and supposing that, when he is up to his hips, and has not got a dry thread upon him, but reeks and drips, like a sprawling jelly-fish--at such a time there should drop upon him half a teaspoonful of water from the bucket he has been sending up--surely one might expect that man to accept with a smile that little dribble, even if he perceives it.

an instance or single occasion for some event

From this reading Supposing a man to be engaged--as he often must be even now, when the general boast of all things is, that they have done themselves by machinery--in the useful and interesting work of sinking a well, by his own stroke and scoop; and supposing that, when he is up to his hips, and has not got a dry thread upon him, but reeks and drips, like a sprawling jelly-fish--at such a time there should drop upon him half a teaspoonful of water from the bucket he has been sending up--surely one might expect that man to accept with a smile that little dribble, even if he perceives it.

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

From this reading Supposing a man to be engaged--as he often must be even now, when the general boast of all things is, that they have done themselves by machinery--in the useful and interesting work of sinking a well, by his own stroke and scoop; and supposing that, when he is up to his hips, and has not got a dry thread upon him, but reeks and drips, like a sprawling jelly-fish--at such a time there should drop upon him half a teaspoonful of water from the bucket he has been sending up--surely one might expect that man to accept with a smile that little dribble, even if he perceives it.

being or moving higher in position or greater in some value; being above a former position or level

From this reading Supposing a man to be engaged--as he often must be even now, when the general boast of all things is, that they have done themselves by machinery--in the useful and interesting work of sinking a well, by his own stroke and scoop; and supposing that, when he is up to his hips, and has not got a dry thread upon him, but reeks and drips, like a sprawling jelly-fish--at such a time there should drop upon him half a teaspoonful of water from the bucket he has been sending up--surely one might expect that man to accept with a smile that little dribble, even if he perceives it.

a formal word for “on”

From this reading Supposing a man to be engaged--as he often must be even now, when the general boast of all things is, that they have done themselves by machinery--in the useful and interesting work of sinking a well, by his own stroke and scoop; and supposing that, when he is up to his hips, and has not got a dry thread upon him, but reeks and drips, like a sprawling jelly-fish--at such a time there should drop upon him half a teaspoonful of water from the bucket he has been sending up--surely one might expect that man to accept with a smile that little dribble, even if he perceives it.

being of use or service

From this reading Supposing a man to be engaged--as he often must be even now, when the general boast of all things is, that they have done themselves by machinery--in the useful and interesting work of sinking a well, by his own stroke and scoop; and supposing that, when he is up to his hips, and has not got a dry thread upon him, but reeks and drips, like a sprawling jelly-fish--at such a time there should drop upon him half a teaspoonful of water from the bucket he has been sending up--surely one might expect that man to accept with a smile that little dribble, even if he perceives it.

(H2SO4) a highly corrosive acid made from sulfur dioxide; widely used in the chemical industry

From this reading He swears, and jumps, as if he were in a shower-bath of vitriol, then he shouts for the ladder, drags his drenched legs up, and ascends for the purpose of thrashing his mate, who has dared to let a drop slip down on him.

binary compound that occurs at room temperature as a clear colorless odorless tasteless liquid; freezes into ice below 0 degrees centigrade and boils above 100 degrees centigrade; widely used as a solvent

From this reading Supposing a man to be engaged--as he often must be even now, when the general boast of all things is, that they have done themselves by machinery--in the useful and interesting work of sinking a well, by his own stroke and scoop; and supposing that, when he is up to his hips, and has not got a dry thread upon him, but reeks and drips, like a sprawling jelly-fish--at such a time there should drop upon him half a teaspoonful of water from the bucket he has been sending up--surely one might expect that man to accept with a smile that little dribble, even if he perceives it.

(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 Supposing a man to be engaged--as he often must be even now, when the general boast of all things is, that they have done themselves by machinery--in the useful and interesting work of sinking a well, by his own stroke and scoop; and supposing that, when he is up to his hips, and has not got a dry thread upon him, but reeks and drips, like a sprawling jelly-fish--at such a time there should drop upon him half a teaspoonful of water from the bucket he has been sending up--surely one might expect that man to accept with a smile that little dribble, even if he perceives it.

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

From this reading He swears, and jumps, as if he were in a shower-bath of vitriol, then he shouts for the ladder, drags his drenched legs up, and ascends for the purpose of thrashing his mate, who has dared to let a drop slip down on him.

at the time that

From this reading Supposing a man to be engaged--as he often must be even now, when the general boast of all things is, that they have done themselves by machinery--in the useful and interesting work of sinking a well, by his own stroke and scoop; and supposing that, when he is up to his hips, and has not got a dry thread upon him, but reeks and drips, like a sprawling jelly-fish--at such a time there should drop upon him half a teaspoonful of water from the bucket he has been sending up--surely one might expect that man to accept with a smile that little dribble, even if he perceives it.

which person or people

From this reading He swears, and jumps, as if he were in a shower-bath of vitriol, then he shouts for the ladder, drags his drenched legs up, and ascends for the purpose of thrashing his mate, who has dared to let a drop slip down on him.

used to talk about the future, or about willingness

From this reading Such is the case; and no ratepayer who has had to delve for his own water (after being robbed by sewage-works) will fail to perceive the force of it.

in the company of; together with

From this reading Supposing a man to be engaged--as he often must be even now, when the general boast of all things is, that they have done themselves by machinery--in the useful and interesting work of sinking a well, by his own stroke and scoop; and supposing that, when he is up to his hips, and has not got a dry thread upon him, but reeks and drips, like a sprawling jelly-fish--at such a time there should drop upon him half a teaspoonful of water from the bucket he has been sending up--surely one might expect that man to accept with a smile that little dribble, even if he perceives it.

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

From this reading Supposing a man to be engaged--as he often must be even now, when the general boast of all things is, that they have done themselves by machinery--in the useful and interesting work of sinking a well, by his own stroke and scoop; and supposing that, when he is up to his hips, and has not got a dry thread upon him, but reeks and drips, like a sprawling jelly-fish--at such a time there should drop upon him half a teaspoonful of water from the bucket he has been sending up--surely one might expect that man to accept with a smile that little dribble, even if he perceives it.