adeterminerUS /ə/
used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading Even a sensible, well-balanced young man--and our Jack, to the Scribe's great regret, is none of these--would have done this with his skin still smarting from an older man's verbal scorching--especially a man like his uncle, provided, of course, he had a friend like Peter within reach.
advicenounUS /ædˈvaɪs/
a proposal for an appropriate course of action
From this reading That Jack hardly closed his eyes that night, and that the first thing he did after opening them the next morning was to fly to Peter for comfort and advice, goes without saying.
afterprepositionUS /ˈæftər/
later than; following
From this reading That Jack hardly closed his eyes that night, and that the first thing he did after opening them the next morning was to fly to Peter for comfort and advice, goes without saying.
alladjectiveUS /ɔːl/
(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 And yet he asks in all humility--is the play not enough?--or must he lift the back-drop and bring into view the net-work of pulleys and lines, the tanks of moonlight gas and fake properties of papier-mache that produce the illusion?
andeterminerUS /æn/
the form of “a” used before a word that begins with a vowel sound
From this reading Even a sensible, well-balanced young man--and our Jack, to the Scribe's great regret, is none of these--would have done this with his skin still smarting from an older man's verbal scorching--especially a man like his uncle, provided, of course, he had a friend like Peter within reach.
andconjunctionUS /ənd/
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading That Jack hardly closed his eyes that night, and that the first thing he did after opening them the next morning was to fly to Peter for comfort and advice, goes without saying.
aroundprepositionUS /ərˈaʊnd/
surrounding, or on every side of, something
From this reading As to the correctness of the details of this verbal scorching, so minutely described in the preceding chapter, should the reader ask how it is possible for the Scribe to set down in exact order the goings-on around a dinner-table to which he was not invited, as well as the particulars of a family row where only two persons participated--neither of whom was himself--and this, too, in the dead of night, with the outside doors locked and the shades and curtains drawn--he must plead guilty without leaving the prisoner's dock.
asconjunctionUS /æz/
at the same time that; because; in the way that
From this reading How much more reasonable, therefore, to conclude that a man so quixotic as our young hero would seek similar relief.
askverbUS /æsk/
make a request or demand for something to somebody
From this reading As to the correctness of the details of this verbal scorching, so minutely described in the preceding chapter, should the reader ask how it is possible for the Scribe to set down in exact order the goings-on around a dinner-table to which he was not invited, as well as the particulars of a family row where only two persons participated--neither of whom was himself--and this, too, in the dead of night, with the outside doors locked and the shades and curtains drawn--he must plead guilty without leaving the prisoner's dock.
asksverbUS /æsks/
third-person singular of “ask” — make a request or demand for something to somebody
From this reading And yet he asks in all humility--is the play not enough?--or must he lift the back-drop and bring into view the net-work of pulleys and lines, the tanks of moonlight gas and fake properties of papier-mache that produce the illusion?
back-drop
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading And yet he asks in all humility--is the play not enough?--or must he lift the back-drop and bring into view the net-work of pulleys and lines, the tanks of moonlight gas and fake properties of papier-mache that produce the illusion?
bringverbUS /brɪŋ/
take something or somebody with oneself somewhere
From this reading And yet he asks in all humility--is the play not enough?--or must he lift the back-drop and bring into view the net-work of pulleys and lines, the tanks of moonlight gas and fake properties of papier-mache that produce the illusion?
chapternounUS /ˈtʃæptər/
a subdivision of a written work; usually numbered and titled
From this reading As to the correctness of the details of this verbal scorching, so minutely described in the preceding chapter, should the reader ask how it is possible for the Scribe to set down in exact order the goings-on around a dinner-table to which he was not invited, as well as the particulars of a family row where only two persons participated--neither of whom was himself--and this, too, in the dead of night, with the outside doors locked and the shades and curtains drawn--he must plead guilty without leaving the prisoner's dock.
closedadjectiveUS /kloʊzd/
not open or affording passage or access
From this reading That Jack hardly closed his eyes that night, and that the first thing he did after opening them the next morning was to fly to Peter for comfort and advice, goes without saying.
comfortnounUS /ˈkʌmfərt/
a state of being relaxed and feeling no pain
From this reading That Jack hardly closed his eyes that night, and that the first thing he did after opening them the next morning was to fly to Peter for comfort and advice, goes without saying.
concludeverbUS /kənˈkluːd/
decide by reasoning; draw or come to a conclusion
From this reading How much more reasonable, therefore, to conclude that a man so quixotic as our young hero would seek similar relief.
correctnessnounUS /kərˈektnəs/
conformity to fact or truth
From this reading As to the correctness of the details of this verbal scorching, so minutely described in the preceding chapter, should the reader ask how it is possible for the Scribe to set down in exact order the goings-on around a dinner-table to which he was not invited, as well as the particulars of a family row where only two persons participated--neither of whom was himself--and this, too, in the dead of night, with the outside doors locked and the shades and curtains drawn--he must plead guilty without leaving the prisoner's dock.
coursenounUS /kɔːrs/
education imparted in a series of lessons or meetings
From this reading Even a sensible, well-balanced young man--and our Jack, to the Scribe's great regret, is none of these--would have done this with his skin still smarting from an older man's verbal scorching--especially a man like his uncle, provided, of course, he had a friend like Peter within reach.
curtainsnounUS /ˈkɜːrtənz/
plural of “curtain” — hanging cloth used as a blind (especially for a window)
From this reading As to the correctness of the details of this verbal scorching, so minutely described in the preceding chapter, should the reader ask how it is possible for the Scribe to set down in exact order the goings-on around a dinner-table to which he was not invited, as well as the particulars of a family row where only two persons participated--neither of whom was himself--and this, too, in the dead of night, with the outside doors locked and the shades and curtains drawn--he must plead guilty without leaving the prisoner's dock.
deadadjectiveUS /ded/
no longer having or seeming to have or expecting to have life
From this reading As to the correctness of the details of this verbal scorching, so minutely described in the preceding chapter, should the reader ask how it is possible for the Scribe to set down in exact order the goings-on around a dinner-table to which he was not invited, as well as the particulars of a family row where only two persons participated--neither of whom was himself--and this, too, in the dead of night, with the outside doors locked and the shades and curtains drawn--he must plead guilty without leaving the prisoner's dock.
describedadjectiveUS /dɪˈskraɪbd/
represented in words especially with sharpness and detail
From this reading As to the correctness of the details of this verbal scorching, so minutely described in the preceding chapter, should the reader ask how it is possible for the Scribe to set down in exact order the goings-on around a dinner-table to which he was not invited, as well as the particulars of a family row where only two persons participated--neither of whom was himself--and this, too, in the dead of night, with the outside doors locked and the shades and curtains drawn--he must plead guilty without leaving the prisoner's dock.
detailsnounUS /dɪˈteɪlz/
true confidential information
From this reading As to the correctness of the details of this verbal scorching, so minutely described in the preceding chapter, should the reader ask how it is possible for the Scribe to set down in exact order the goings-on around a dinner-table to which he was not invited, as well as the particulars of a family row where only two persons participated--neither of whom was himself--and this, too, in the dead of night, with the outside doors locked and the shades and curtains drawn--he must plead guilty without leaving the prisoner's dock.
didauxiliary verbUS /dɪd/
the past form of “do”, used in questions and negatives
From this reading That Jack hardly closed his eyes that night, and that the first thing he did after opening them the next morning was to fly to Peter for comfort and advice, goes without saying.
dinner-table
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading As to the correctness of the details of this verbal scorching, so minutely described in the preceding chapter, should the reader ask how it is possible for the Scribe to set down in exact order the goings-on around a dinner-table to which he was not invited, as well as the particulars of a family row where only two persons participated--neither of whom was himself--and this, too, in the dead of night, with the outside doors locked and the shades and curtains drawn--he must plead guilty without leaving the prisoner's dock.
docknounUS /dɑːk/
an enclosure in a court of law where the defendant sits during the trial
From this reading As to the correctness of the details of this verbal scorching, so minutely described in the preceding chapter, should the reader ask how it is possible for the Scribe to set down in exact order the goings-on around a dinner-table to which he was not invited, as well as the particulars of a family row where only two persons participated--neither of whom was himself--and this, too, in the dead of night, with the outside doors locked and the shades and curtains drawn--he must plead guilty without leaving the prisoner's dock.
doneadjectiveUS /dʌn/
having finished or arrived at completion
From this reading Even a sensible, well-balanced young man--and our Jack, to the Scribe's great regret, is none of these--would have done this with his skin still smarting from an older man's verbal scorching--especially a man like his uncle, provided, of course, he had a friend like Peter within reach.
doorsnounUS /dɔːrz/
plural of “door” — a swinging or sliding barrier that will close the entrance to a room or building or vehicle
From this reading As to the correctness of the details of this verbal scorching, so minutely described in the preceding chapter, should the reader ask how it is possible for the Scribe to set down in exact order the goings-on around a dinner-table to which he was not invited, as well as the particulars of a family row where only two persons participated--neither of whom was himself--and this, too, in the dead of night, with the outside doors locked and the shades and curtains drawn--he must plead guilty without leaving the prisoner's dock.
downadjectiveUS /daʊn/
being or moving lower in position or less in some value
From this reading As to the correctness of the details of this verbal scorching, so minutely described in the preceding chapter, should the reader ask how it is possible for the Scribe to set down in exact order the goings-on around a dinner-table to which he was not invited, as well as the particulars of a family row where only two persons participated--neither of whom was himself--and this, too, in the dead of night, with the outside doors locked and the shades and curtains drawn--he must plead guilty without leaving the prisoner's dock.
drawnadjectiveUS /drɔːn/
showing the wearing effects of overwork or care or suffering
From this reading As to the correctness of the details of this verbal scorching, so minutely described in the preceding chapter, should the reader ask how it is possible for the Scribe to set down in exact order the goings-on around a dinner-table to which he was not invited, as well as the particulars of a family row where only two persons participated--neither of whom was himself--and this, too, in the dead of night, with the outside doors locked and the shades and curtains drawn--he must plead guilty without leaving the prisoner's dock.
enoughnounUS /ɪˈnʌf/
an adequate quantity; a quantity that is large enough to achieve a purpose
From this reading And yet he asks in all humility--is the play not enough?--or must he lift the back-drop and bring into view the net-work of pulleys and lines, the tanks of moonlight gas and fake properties of papier-mache that produce the illusion?
especiallyadverbUS /əˈspeʃli/
to a distinctly greater extent or degree than is common
From this reading Even a sensible, well-balanced young man--and our Jack, to the Scribe's great regret, is none of these--would have done this with his skin still smarting from an older man's verbal scorching--especially a man like his uncle, provided, of course, he had a friend like Peter within reach.
EvenadjectiveUS /ˈiːvɪn/
divisible by two
From this reading Even a sensible, well-balanced young man--and our Jack, to the Scribe's great regret, is none of these--would have done this with his skin still smarting from an older man's verbal scorching--especially a man like his uncle, provided, of course, he had a friend like Peter within reach.
exactadjectiveUS /ɪɡˈzækt/
Strictly particular and correct.
From this reading As to the correctness of the details of this verbal scorching, so minutely described in the preceding chapter, should the reader ask how it is possible for the Scribe to set down in exact order the goings-on around a dinner-table to which he was not invited, as well as the particulars of a family row where only two persons participated--neither of whom was himself--and this, too, in the dead of night, with the outside doors locked and the shades and curtains drawn--he must plead guilty without leaving the prisoner's dock.
eyesnounUS /aɪz/
opinion or judgment
From this reading That Jack hardly closed his eyes that night, and that the first thing he did after opening them the next morning was to fly to Peter for comfort and advice, goes without saying.
fakenounUS /feɪk/
something that is a counterfeit; not what it seems to be
From this reading And yet he asks in all humility--is the play not enough?--or must he lift the back-drop and bring into view the net-work of pulleys and lines, the tanks of moonlight gas and fake properties of papier-mache that produce the illusion?
familynounUS /ˈfæməli/
a social unit living together
From this reading As to the correctness of the details of this verbal scorching, so minutely described in the preceding chapter, should the reader ask how it is possible for the Scribe to set down in exact order the goings-on around a dinner-table to which he was not invited, as well as the particulars of a family row where only two persons participated--neither of whom was himself--and this, too, in the dead of night, with the outside doors locked and the shades and curtains drawn--he must plead guilty without leaving the prisoner's dock.
firstadjectiveUS /fɜːrst/
preceding all others in time or space or degree
From this reading That Jack hardly closed his eyes that night, and that the first thing he did after opening them the next morning was to fly to Peter for comfort and advice, goes without saying.
flyverbUS /flaɪ/
travel through the air; be airborne
From this reading That Jack hardly closed his eyes that night, and that the first thing he did after opening them the next morning was to fly to Peter for comfort and advice, goes without saying.
forprepositionUS /fɔːr/
intended to be given to, or used by, somebody
From this reading That Jack hardly closed his eyes that night, and that the first thing he did after opening them the next morning was to fly to Peter for comfort and advice, goes without saying.
friendnounUS /frend/
a person you know well and regard with affection and trust
From this reading Even a sensible, well-balanced young man--and our Jack, to the Scribe's great regret, is none of these--would have done this with his skin still smarting from an older man's verbal scorching--especially a man like his uncle, provided, of course, he had a friend like Peter within reach.
fromprepositionUS /frʌm/
showing where something starts, or who sent it
From this reading Even a sensible, well-balanced young man--and our Jack, to the Scribe's great regret, is none of these--would have done this with his skin still smarting from an older man's verbal scorching--especially a man like his uncle, provided, of course, he had a friend like Peter within reach.
gasnounUS /ɡæs/
the state of matter distinguished from the solid and liquid states by: relatively low density and viscosity
From this reading And yet he asks in all humility--is the play not enough?--or must he lift the back-drop and bring into view the net-work of pulleys and lines, the tanks of moonlight gas and fake properties of papier-mache that produce the illusion?
goesnounUS /ɡoʊz/
plural of “go” — a time period for working (after which you will be relieved by someone else)
From this reading That Jack hardly closed his eyes that night, and that the first thing he did after opening them the next morning was to fly to Peter for comfort and advice, goes without saying.
goings-on
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading As to the correctness of the details of this verbal scorching, so minutely described in the preceding chapter, should the reader ask how it is possible for the Scribe to set down in exact order the goings-on around a dinner-table to which he was not invited, as well as the particulars of a family row where only two persons participated--neither of whom was himself--and this, too, in the dead of night, with the outside doors locked and the shades and curtains drawn--he must plead guilty without leaving the prisoner's dock.
greatadjectiveUS /ɡreɪt/
relatively large in size or number or extent; larger than others of its kind
From this reading Even a sensible, well-balanced young man--and our Jack, to the Scribe's great regret, is none of these--would have done this with his skin still smarting from an older man's verbal scorching--especially a man like his uncle, provided, of course, he had a friend like Peter within reach.
guiltyadjectiveUS /ˈɡɪlti/
responsible for or chargeable with a reprehensible act
From this reading As to the correctness of the details of this verbal scorching, so minutely described in the preceding chapter, should the reader ask how it is possible for the Scribe to set down in exact order the goings-on around a dinner-table to which he was not invited, as well as the particulars of a family row where only two persons participated--neither of whom was himself--and this, too, in the dead of night, with the outside doors locked and the shades and curtains drawn--he must plead guilty without leaving the prisoner's dock.
hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/
the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect
From this reading Even a sensible, well-balanced young man--and our Jack, to the Scribe's great regret, is none of these--would have done this with his skin still smarting from an older man's verbal scorching--especially a man like his uncle, provided, of course, he had a friend like Peter within reach.
hardlyadverbUS /ˈhɑːrdli/
only a very short time before
From this reading That Jack hardly closed his eyes that night, and that the first thing he did after opening them the next morning was to fly to Peter for comfort and advice, goes without saying.
haveauxiliary verbUS /hæv/
used with a past participle to form the perfect tenses
From this reading Even a sensible, well-balanced young man--and our Jack, to the Scribe's great regret, is none of these--would have done this with his skin still smarting from an older man's verbal scorching--especially a man like his uncle, provided, of course, he had a friend like Peter within reach.
hepronounUS /hiː/
a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading That Jack hardly closed his eyes that night, and that the first thing he did after opening them the next morning was to fly to Peter for comfort and advice, goes without saying.
heronounUS /ˈhɪroʊ/
a man distinguished by exceptional courage and nobility and strength
From this reading How much more reasonable, therefore, to conclude that a man so quixotic as our young hero would seek similar relief.
himselfpronounUS /hɪmˈself/
used when the man or boy doing the action is also its object
From this reading As to the correctness of the details of this verbal scorching, so minutely described in the preceding chapter, should the reader ask how it is possible for the Scribe to set down in exact order the goings-on around a dinner-table to which he was not invited, as well as the particulars of a family row where only two persons participated--neither of whom was himself--and this, too, in the dead of night, with the outside doors locked and the shades and curtains drawn--he must plead guilty without leaving the prisoner's dock.
hisdeterminerUS /hɪz/
belonging to a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned
From this reading That Jack hardly closed his eyes that night, and that the first thing he did after opening them the next morning was to fly to Peter for comfort and advice, goes without saying.
How
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading How much more reasonable, therefore, to conclude that a man so quixotic as our young hero would seek similar relief.
humilitynounUS /hjuːˈmɪlɪti/
a disposition to be humble; a lack of false pride
From this reading And yet he asks in all humility--is the play not enough?--or must he lift the back-drop and bring into view the net-work of pulleys and lines, the tanks of moonlight gas and fake properties of papier-mache that produce the illusion?
illusionnounUS /ˌɪˈluːʒən/
an erroneous mental representation
From this reading And yet he asks in all humility--is the play not enough?--or must he lift the back-drop and bring into view the net-work of pulleys and lines, the tanks of moonlight gas and fake properties of papier-mache that produce the illusion?
inprepositionUS /ɪn/
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading As to the correctness of the details of this verbal scorching, so minutely described in the preceding chapter, should the reader ask how it is possible for the Scribe to set down in exact order the goings-on around a dinner-table to which he was not invited, as well as the particulars of a family row where only two persons participated--neither of whom was himself--and this, too, in the dead of night, with the outside doors locked and the shades and curtains drawn--he must plead guilty without leaving the prisoner's dock.
intoprepositionUS /ˈɪntuː/
moving to the inside of something
From this reading And yet he asks in all humility--is the play not enough?--or must he lift the back-drop and bring into view the net-work of pulleys and lines, the tanks of moonlight gas and fake properties of papier-mache that produce the illusion?
invitedverbUS /ˌɪnˈvaɪtəd/
past form of “invite” — increase the likelihood of
From this reading As to the correctness of the details of this verbal scorching, so minutely described in the preceding chapter, should the reader ask how it is possible for the Scribe to set down in exact order the goings-on around a dinner-table to which he was not invited, as well as the particulars of a family row where only two persons participated--neither of whom was himself--and this, too, in the dead of night, with the outside doors locked and the shades and curtains drawn--he must plead guilty without leaving the prisoner's dock.
isauxiliary verbUS /ɪz/
the form of “be” used with he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading Even a sensible, well-balanced young man--and our Jack, to the Scribe's great regret, is none of these--would have done this with his skin still smarting from an older man's verbal scorching--especially a man like his uncle, provided, of course, he had a friend like Peter within reach.
itpronounUS /ɪt/
a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned
From this reading As to the correctness of the details of this verbal scorching, so minutely described in the preceding chapter, should the reader ask how it is possible for the Scribe to set down in exact order the goings-on around a dinner-table to which he was not invited, as well as the particulars of a family row where only two persons participated--neither of whom was himself--and this, too, in the dead of night, with the outside doors locked and the shades and curtains drawn--he must plead guilty without leaving the prisoner's dock.
JacknounUS /dʒæk/
a small worthless amount
From this reading That Jack hardly closed his eyes that night, and that the first thing he did after opening them the next morning was to fly to Peter for comfort and advice, goes without saying.
leavingnounUS /ˈliːvɪŋ/
the act of departing
From this reading As to the correctness of the details of this verbal scorching, so minutely described in the preceding chapter, should the reader ask how it is possible for the Scribe to set down in exact order the goings-on around a dinner-table to which he was not invited, as well as the particulars of a family row where only two persons participated--neither of whom was himself--and this, too, in the dead of night, with the outside doors locked and the shades and curtains drawn--he must plead guilty without leaving the prisoner's dock.
liftverbUS /lɪft/
raise from a lower to a higher position
From this reading And yet he asks in all humility--is the play not enough?--or must he lift the back-drop and bring into view the net-work of pulleys and lines, the tanks of moonlight gas and fake properties of papier-mache that produce the illusion?
likeverbUS /laɪk/
prefer or wish to do something
From this reading Even a sensible, well-balanced young man--and our Jack, to the Scribe's great regret, is none of these--would have done this with his skin still smarting from an older man's verbal scorching--especially a man like his uncle, provided, of course, he had a friend like Peter within reach.
linesnounUS /laɪnz/
plural of “line” — a formation of people or things one beside another
From this reading And yet he asks in all humility--is the play not enough?--or must he lift the back-drop and bring into view the net-work of pulleys and lines, the tanks of moonlight gas and fake properties of papier-mache that produce the illusion?
lockedverbUS /lɑːkt/
past form of “lock” — fasten with a lock
From this reading As to the correctness of the details of this verbal scorching, so minutely described in the preceding chapter, should the reader ask how it is possible for the Scribe to set down in exact order the goings-on around a dinner-table to which he was not invited, as well as the particulars of a family row where only two persons participated--neither of whom was himself--and this, too, in the dead of night, with the outside doors locked and the shades and curtains drawn--he must plead guilty without leaving the prisoner's dock.
mannounUS /mæn/
an adult person who is male (as opposed to a woman)
From this reading Even a sensible, well-balanced young man--and our Jack, to the Scribe's great regret, is none of these--would have done this with his skin still smarting from an older man's verbal scorching--especially a man like his uncle, provided, of course, he had a friend like Peter within reach.
man'snounUS /mænz/
possessive form of “man” — an adult person who is male (as opposed to a woman)
From this reading Even a sensible, well-balanced young man--and our Jack, to the Scribe's great regret, is none of these--would have done this with his skin still smarting from an older man's verbal scorching--especially a man like his uncle, provided, of course, he had a friend like Peter within reach.
minutelyadverbUS /ˈmɪnətli/
in minute detail
From this reading As to the correctness of the details of this verbal scorching, so minutely described in the preceding chapter, should the reader ask how it is possible for the Scribe to set down in exact order the goings-on around a dinner-table to which he was not invited, as well as the particulars of a family row where only two persons participated--neither of whom was himself--and this, too, in the dead of night, with the outside doors locked and the shades and curtains drawn--he must plead guilty without leaving the prisoner's dock.
moonlightnounUS /ˈmuːnlaɪt/
the light of the Moon
From this reading And yet he asks in all humility--is the play not enough?--or must he lift the back-drop and bring into view the net-work of pulleys and lines, the tanks of moonlight gas and fake properties of papier-mache that produce the illusion?
moreadjectiveUS /mɔːr/
(comparative of “much” used with mass nouns) a quantifier meaning greater in size or amount or extent or degree
From this reading How much more reasonable, therefore, to conclude that a man so quixotic as our young hero would seek similar relief.
morningnounUS /ˈmɔːrnɪŋ/
the time period between dawn and noon
From this reading That Jack hardly closed his eyes that night, and that the first thing he did after opening them the next morning was to fly to Peter for comfort and advice, goes without saying.
muchadverbUS /mʌtʃ/
to a great degree or extent
From this reading How much more reasonable, therefore, to conclude that a man so quixotic as our young hero would seek similar relief.
mustmodal verbUS /mʌst/
used to say something is necessary, or almost certainly true
From this reading As to the correctness of the details of this verbal scorching, so minutely described in the preceding chapter, should the reader ask how it is possible for the Scribe to set down in exact order the goings-on around a dinner-table to which he was not invited, as well as the particulars of a family row where only two persons participated--neither of whom was himself--and this, too, in the dead of night, with the outside doors locked and the shades and curtains drawn--he must plead guilty without leaving the prisoner's dock.
neitherdeterminerUS /ˈniːðər/
not one and not the other of two
From this reading As to the correctness of the details of this verbal scorching, so minutely described in the preceding chapter, should the reader ask how it is possible for the Scribe to set down in exact order the goings-on around a dinner-table to which he was not invited, as well as the particulars of a family row where only two persons participated--neither of whom was himself--and this, too, in the dead of night, with the outside doors locked and the shades and curtains drawn--he must plead guilty without leaving the prisoner's dock.
net-work
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading And yet he asks in all humility--is the play not enough?--or must he lift the back-drop and bring into view the net-work of pulleys and lines, the tanks of moonlight gas and fake properties of papier-mache that produce the illusion?
nextadjectiveUS /nekst/
immediately following in time or order
From this reading That Jack hardly closed his eyes that night, and that the first thing he did after opening them the next morning was to fly to Peter for comfort and advice, goes without saying.
nightnounUS /naɪt/
the time after sunset and before sunrise while it is dark outside
From this reading That Jack hardly closed his eyes that night, and that the first thing he did after opening them the next morning was to fly to Peter for comfort and advice, goes without saying.
nonepronounUS /nʌn/
not one, and not any
From this reading Even a sensible, well-balanced young man--and our Jack, to the Scribe's great regret, is none of these--would have done this with his skin still smarting from an older man's verbal scorching--especially a man like his uncle, provided, of course, he had a friend like Peter within reach.
notadverbUS /nɑːt/
used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative
From this reading As to the correctness of the details of this verbal scorching, so minutely described in the preceding chapter, should the reader ask how it is possible for the Scribe to set down in exact order the goings-on around a dinner-table to which he was not invited, as well as the particulars of a family row where only two persons participated--neither of whom was himself--and this, too, in the dead of night, with the outside doors locked and the shades and curtains drawn--he must plead guilty without leaving the prisoner's dock.
ofprepositionUS /ʌv/
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading Even a sensible, well-balanced young man--and our Jack, to the Scribe's great regret, is none of these--would have done this with his skin still smarting from an older man's verbal scorching--especially a man like his uncle, provided, of course, he had a friend like Peter within reach.
olderadjectiveUS /ˈoʊldər/
advanced in years; (“aged” is pronounced as two syllables)
From this reading Even a sensible, well-balanced young man--and our Jack, to the Scribe's great regret, is none of these--would have done this with his skin still smarting from an older man's verbal scorching--especially a man like his uncle, provided, of course, he had a friend like Peter within reach.
onlyadverbUS /ˈoʊnli/
and nothing more
From this reading As to the correctness of the details of this verbal scorching, so minutely described in the preceding chapter, should the reader ask how it is possible for the Scribe to set down in exact order the goings-on around a dinner-table to which he was not invited, as well as the particulars of a family row where only two persons participated--neither of whom was himself--and this, too, in the dead of night, with the outside doors locked and the shades and curtains drawn--he must plead guilty without leaving the prisoner's dock.
openingnounUS /ˈoʊpənɪŋ/
an open or empty space in or between things
From this reading That Jack hardly closed his eyes that night, and that the first thing he did after opening them the next morning was to fly to Peter for comfort and advice, goes without saying.
orconjunctionUS /ɔːr/
used to join alternatives or possibilities
From this reading And yet he asks in all humility--is the play not enough?--or must he lift the back-drop and bring into view the net-work of pulleys and lines, the tanks of moonlight gas and fake properties of papier-mache that produce the illusion?
ordernounUS /ˈɔːrdər/
(often plural) a command given by a superior (e.g., a military or law enforcement officer) that must be obeyed
From this reading As to the correctness of the details of this verbal scorching, so minutely described in the preceding chapter, should the reader ask how it is possible for the Scribe to set down in exact order the goings-on around a dinner-table to which he was not invited, as well as the particulars of a family row where only two persons participated--neither of whom was himself--and this, too, in the dead of night, with the outside doors locked and the shades and curtains drawn--he must plead guilty without leaving the prisoner's dock.
ourdeterminerUS /ˈaʊər/
belonging to the speaker and others
From this reading Even a sensible, well-balanced young man--and our Jack, to the Scribe's great regret, is none of these--would have done this with his skin still smarting from an older man's verbal scorching--especially a man like his uncle, provided, of course, he had a friend like Peter within reach.
outsideadjectiveUS /ˈaʊtˈsaɪd/
relating to or being on or near the outer side or limit
From this reading As to the correctness of the details of this verbal scorching, so minutely described in the preceding chapter, should the reader ask how it is possible for the Scribe to set down in exact order the goings-on around a dinner-table to which he was not invited, as well as the particulars of a family row where only two persons participated--neither of whom was himself--and this, too, in the dead of night, with the outside doors locked and the shades and curtains drawn--he must plead guilty without leaving the prisoner's dock.
papier-machenounUS /ˈpeɪpərməˈʃeɪ/
a substance made from paper pulp that can be molded when wet and painted when dry
From this reading And yet he asks in all humility--is the play not enough?--or must he lift the back-drop and bring into view the net-work of pulleys and lines, the tanks of moonlight gas and fake properties of papier-mache that produce the illusion?
participatedverbUS /pɑːrˈtɪsəpeɪtɪd/
past form of “participate” — share in something
From this reading As to the correctness of the details of this verbal scorching, so minutely described in the preceding chapter, should the reader ask how it is possible for the Scribe to set down in exact order the goings-on around a dinner-table to which he was not invited, as well as the particulars of a family row where only two persons participated--neither of whom was himself--and this, too, in the dead of night, with the outside doors locked and the shades and curtains drawn--he must plead guilty without leaving the prisoner's dock.
particularsnounUS /pərˈtɪkjələrz/
plural of “particular” — a fact about some part (as opposed to general)
From this reading As to the correctness of the details of this verbal scorching, so minutely described in the preceding chapter, should the reader ask how it is possible for the Scribe to set down in exact order the goings-on around a dinner-table to which he was not invited, as well as the particulars of a family row where only two persons participated--neither of whom was himself--and this, too, in the dead of night, with the outside doors locked and the shades and curtains drawn--he must plead guilty without leaving the prisoner's dock.
personsnounUS /ˈpɜːrsənz/
plural of “person” — a human being
From this reading As to the correctness of the details of this verbal scorching, so minutely described in the preceding chapter, should the reader ask how it is possible for the Scribe to set down in exact order the goings-on around a dinner-table to which he was not invited, as well as the particulars of a family row where only two persons participated--neither of whom was himself--and this, too, in the dead of night, with the outside doors locked and the shades and curtains drawn--he must plead guilty without leaving the prisoner's dock.
PeternounUS /ˈpiːtər/
disciple of Jesus and leader of the Apostles; regarded by Catholics as the vicar of Christ on earth and first Pope
From this reading That Jack hardly closed his eyes that night, and that the first thing he did after opening them the next morning was to fly to Peter for comfort and advice, goes without saying.
playverbUS /pleɪ/
participate in games or sport
From this reading And yet he asks in all humility--is the play not enough?--or must he lift the back-drop and bring into view the net-work of pulleys and lines, the tanks of moonlight gas and fake properties of papier-mache that produce the illusion?
pleadverbUS /pliːd/
appeal or request earnestly
From this reading As to the correctness of the details of this verbal scorching, so minutely described in the preceding chapter, should the reader ask how it is possible for the Scribe to set down in exact order the goings-on around a dinner-table to which he was not invited, as well as the particulars of a family row where only two persons participated--neither of whom was himself--and this, too, in the dead of night, with the outside doors locked and the shades and curtains drawn--he must plead guilty without leaving the prisoner's dock.
possibleadjectiveUS /ˈpɑːsəbəl/
capable of happening or existing
From this reading As to the correctness of the details of this verbal scorching, so minutely described in the preceding chapter, should the reader ask how it is possible for the Scribe to set down in exact order the goings-on around a dinner-table to which he was not invited, as well as the particulars of a family row where only two persons participated--neither of whom was himself--and this, too, in the dead of night, with the outside doors locked and the shades and curtains drawn--he must plead guilty without leaving the prisoner's dock.
precedingadjectiveUS /priˈsiːdɪŋ/
existing or coming before
From this reading As to the correctness of the details of this verbal scorching, so minutely described in the preceding chapter, should the reader ask how it is possible for the Scribe to set down in exact order the goings-on around a dinner-table to which he was not invited, as well as the particulars of a family row where only two persons participated--neither of whom was himself--and this, too, in the dead of night, with the outside doors locked and the shades and curtains drawn--he must plead guilty without leaving the prisoner's dock.
prisoner'snounUS /ˈprɪzənərz/
possessive form of “prisoner” — a person who is confined; especially a prisoner of war
From this reading As to the correctness of the details of this verbal scorching, so minutely described in the preceding chapter, should the reader ask how it is possible for the Scribe to set down in exact order the goings-on around a dinner-table to which he was not invited, as well as the particulars of a family row where only two persons participated--neither of whom was himself--and this, too, in the dead of night, with the outside doors locked and the shades and curtains drawn--he must plead guilty without leaving the prisoner's dock.
produceverbUS /prəˈduːs/
bring forth or yield
From this reading And yet he asks in all humility--is the play not enough?--or must he lift the back-drop and bring into view the net-work of pulleys and lines, the tanks of moonlight gas and fake properties of papier-mache that produce the illusion?
propertiesnounUS /ˈprɑːpərtiz/
plural of “property” — something owned; any tangible or intangible possession that is owned by someone
From this reading And yet he asks in all humility--is the play not enough?--or must he lift the back-drop and bring into view the net-work of pulleys and lines, the tanks of moonlight gas and fake properties of papier-mache that produce the illusion?
providedverbUS /prəˈvaɪdɪd/
past form of “provide” — give something useful or necessary to
From this reading Even a sensible, well-balanced young man--and our Jack, to the Scribe's great regret, is none of these--would have done this with his skin still smarting from an older man's verbal scorching--especially a man like his uncle, provided, of course, he had a friend like Peter within reach.
pulleysnounUS /ˈpʊliz/
plural of “pulley” — a simple machine consisting of a wheel with a groove in which a rope can run to change the direction or point of application of a force applied to the rope
From this reading And yet he asks in all humility--is the play not enough?--or must he lift the back-drop and bring into view the net-work of pulleys and lines, the tanks of moonlight gas and fake properties of papier-mache that produce the illusion?
quixoticadjectiveUS /kwɪkˈsɑːtɪk/
not sensible about practical matters; idealistic and unrealistic
From this reading How much more reasonable, therefore, to conclude that a man so quixotic as our young hero would seek similar relief.
reachverbUS /riːtʃ/
reach a destination, either real or abstract
From this reading Even a sensible, well-balanced young man--and our Jack, to the Scribe's great regret, is none of these--would have done this with his skin still smarting from an older man's verbal scorching--especially a man like his uncle, provided, of course, he had a friend like Peter within reach.
readernounUS /ˈriːdər/
a person who enjoys reading
From this reading As to the correctness of the details of this verbal scorching, so minutely described in the preceding chapter, should the reader ask how it is possible for the Scribe to set down in exact order the goings-on around a dinner-table to which he was not invited, as well as the particulars of a family row where only two persons participated--neither of whom was himself--and this, too, in the dead of night, with the outside doors locked and the shades and curtains drawn--he must plead guilty without leaving the prisoner's dock.
reasonableadjectiveUS /ˈriːzənəbəl/
showing reason or sound judgment
From this reading How much more reasonable, therefore, to conclude that a man so quixotic as our young hero would seek similar relief.
regretverbUS /rəˈɡret/
feel remorse for; feel sorry for; be contrite about
From this reading Even a sensible, well-balanced young man--and our Jack, to the Scribe's great regret, is none of these--would have done this with his skin still smarting from an older man's verbal scorching--especially a man like his uncle, provided, of course, he had a friend like Peter within reach.
reliefnounUS /rɪˈliːf/
the feeling that comes when something burdensome is removed or reduced
From this reading How much more reasonable, therefore, to conclude that a man so quixotic as our young hero would seek similar relief.
rownounUS /roʊ/
an arrangement of objects or people side by side in a line
From this reading As to the correctness of the details of this verbal scorching, so minutely described in the preceding chapter, should the reader ask how it is possible for the Scribe to set down in exact order the goings-on around a dinner-table to which he was not invited, as well as the particulars of a family row where only two persons participated--neither of whom was himself--and this, too, in the dead of night, with the outside doors locked and the shades and curtains drawn--he must plead guilty without leaving the prisoner's dock.
sayingnounUS /ˈseɪɪŋ/
a word or phrase that particular people use in particular situations
From this reading That Jack hardly closed his eyes that night, and that the first thing he did after opening them the next morning was to fly to Peter for comfort and advice, goes without saying.
scorchingadjectiveUS /ˈskɔːrtʃɪŋ/
hot and dry enough to burn or parch a surface
From this reading Even a sensible, well-balanced young man--and our Jack, to the Scribe's great regret, is none of these--would have done this with his skin still smarting from an older man's verbal scorching--especially a man like his uncle, provided, of course, he had a friend like Peter within reach.
ScribeverbUS /skraɪb/
score a line on with a pointed instrument, as in metalworking
From this reading As to the correctness of the details of this verbal scorching, so minutely described in the preceding chapter, should the reader ask how it is possible for the Scribe to set down in exact order the goings-on around a dinner-table to which he was not invited, as well as the particulars of a family row where only two persons participated--neither of whom was himself--and this, too, in the dead of night, with the outside doors locked and the shades and curtains drawn--he must plead guilty without leaving the prisoner's dock.
Scribe's
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Even a sensible, well-balanced young man--and our Jack, to the Scribe's great regret, is none of these--would have done this with his skin still smarting from an older man's verbal scorching--especially a man like his uncle, provided, of course, he had a friend like Peter within reach.
seekverbUS /siːk/
try to get or reach
From this reading How much more reasonable, therefore, to conclude that a man so quixotic as our young hero would seek similar relief.
sensibleadjectiveUS /ˈsensəbəl/
showing reason or sound judgment
From this reading Even a sensible, well-balanced young man--and our Jack, to the Scribe's great regret, is none of these--would have done this with his skin still smarting from an older man's verbal scorching--especially a man like his uncle, provided, of course, he had a friend like Peter within reach.
setverbUS /set/
put into a certain place or abstract location
From this reading As to the correctness of the details of this verbal scorching, so minutely described in the preceding chapter, should the reader ask how it is possible for the Scribe to set down in exact order the goings-on around a dinner-table to which he was not invited, as well as the particulars of a family row where only two persons participated--neither of whom was himself--and this, too, in the dead of night, with the outside doors locked and the shades and curtains drawn--he must plead guilty without leaving the prisoner's dock.
shadesnounUS /ʃeɪdz/
(plural) something that reminds you of someone or something
From this reading As to the correctness of the details of this verbal scorching, so minutely described in the preceding chapter, should the reader ask how it is possible for the Scribe to set down in exact order the goings-on around a dinner-table to which he was not invited, as well as the particulars of a family row where only two persons participated--neither of whom was himself--and this, too, in the dead of night, with the outside doors locked and the shades and curtains drawn--he must plead guilty without leaving the prisoner's dock.
shouldmodal verbUS /ʃʊd/
used to say what is right, expected, or advisable
From this reading As to the correctness of the details of this verbal scorching, so minutely described in the preceding chapter, should the reader ask how it is possible for the Scribe to set down in exact order the goings-on around a dinner-table to which he was not invited, as well as the particulars of a family row where only two persons participated--neither of whom was himself--and this, too, in the dead of night, with the outside doors locked and the shades and curtains drawn--he must plead guilty without leaving the prisoner's dock.
similaradjectiveUS /ˈsɪmələr/
marked by correspondence or resemblance
From this reading How much more reasonable, therefore, to conclude that a man so quixotic as our young hero would seek similar relief.
skinnounUS /skɪn/
a natural protective body covering and site of the sense of touch
From this reading Even a sensible, well-balanced young man--and our Jack, to the Scribe's great regret, is none of these--would have done this with his skin still smarting from an older man's verbal scorching--especially a man like his uncle, provided, of course, he had a friend like Peter within reach.
smartingnounUS /ˈsmɑːrtɪŋ/
a kind of pain such as that caused by a wound or a burn or a sore
From this reading Even a sensible, well-balanced young man--and our Jack, to the Scribe's great regret, is none of these--would have done this with his skin still smarting from an older man's verbal scorching--especially a man like his uncle, provided, of course, he had a friend like Peter within reach.
soconjunctionUS /soʊ/
for that reason; with the result that
From this reading How much more reasonable, therefore, to conclude that a man so quixotic as our young hero would seek similar relief.
stilladjectiveUS /stɪl/
not in physical motion
From this reading Even a sensible, well-balanced young man--and our Jack, to the Scribe's great regret, is none of these--would have done this with his skin still smarting from an older man's verbal scorching--especially a man like his uncle, provided, of course, he had a friend like Peter within reach.
tanksnounUS /tæŋks/
plural of “tank” — an enclosed armored military vehicle; has a cannon and moves on caterpillar treads
From this reading And yet he asks in all humility--is the play not enough?--or must he lift the back-drop and bring into view the net-work of pulleys and lines, the tanks of moonlight gas and fake properties of papier-mache that produce the illusion?
ThatconjunctionUS /ðæt/
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading That Jack hardly closed his eyes that night, and that the first thing he did after opening them the next morning was to fly to Peter for comfort and advice, goes without saying.
thedeterminerUS /ðə/
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading That Jack hardly closed his eyes that night, and that the first thing he did after opening them the next morning was to fly to Peter for comfort and advice, goes without saying.
thempronounUS /ðem/
the people or things already mentioned, as the object
From this reading That Jack hardly closed his eyes that night, and that the first thing he did after opening them the next morning was to fly to Peter for comfort and advice, goes without saying.
thereforeadverbUS /ˈðerfɔːr/
for that reason; as a result
From this reading How much more reasonable, therefore, to conclude that a man so quixotic as our young hero would seek similar relief.
thesedeterminerUS /ðiːz/
the plural of “this”: the people or things near, or just mentioned
From this reading Even a sensible, well-balanced young man--and our Jack, to the Scribe's great regret, is none of these--would have done this with his skin still smarting from an older man's verbal scorching--especially a man like his uncle, provided, of course, he had a friend like Peter within reach.
thingnounUS /θɪŋ/
a special situation
From this reading That Jack hardly closed his eyes that night, and that the first thing he did after opening them the next morning was to fly to Peter for comfort and advice, goes without saying.
thisdeterminerUS /ðɪs/
used for a person or thing that is near, or that has just been mentioned
From this reading Even a sensible, well-balanced young man--and our Jack, to the Scribe's great regret, is none of these--would have done this with his skin still smarting from an older man's verbal scorching--especially a man like his uncle, provided, of course, he had a friend like Peter within reach.
toparticleUS /tuː/
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading That Jack hardly closed his eyes that night, and that the first thing he did after opening them the next morning was to fly to Peter for comfort and advice, goes without saying.
tooadverbUS /tuː/
to a degree exceeding normal or proper limits
From this reading As to the correctness of the details of this verbal scorching, so minutely described in the preceding chapter, should the reader ask how it is possible for the Scribe to set down in exact order the goings-on around a dinner-table to which he was not invited, as well as the particulars of a family row where only two persons participated--neither of whom was himself--and this, too, in the dead of night, with the outside doors locked and the shades and curtains drawn--he must plead guilty without leaving the prisoner's dock.
twonounUS /tuː/
the cardinal number that is the sum of one and one or a numeral representing this number
From this reading As to the correctness of the details of this verbal scorching, so minutely described in the preceding chapter, should the reader ask how it is possible for the Scribe to set down in exact order the goings-on around a dinner-table to which he was not invited, as well as the particulars of a family row where only two persons participated--neither of whom was himself--and this, too, in the dead of night, with the outside doors locked and the shades and curtains drawn--he must plead guilty without leaving the prisoner's dock.
unclenounUS /ˈʌŋkəl/
the brother of your father or mother; the husband of your aunt
From this reading Even a sensible, well-balanced young man--and our Jack, to the Scribe's great regret, is none of these--would have done this with his skin still smarting from an older man's verbal scorching--especially a man like his uncle, provided, of course, he had a friend like Peter within reach.
verbaladjectiveUS /ˈvɜːrbəl/
communicated in the form of words
From this reading Even a sensible, well-balanced young man--and our Jack, to the Scribe's great regret, is none of these--would have done this with his skin still smarting from an older man's verbal scorching--especially a man like his uncle, provided, of course, he had a friend like Peter within reach.
viewnounUS /vjuː/
a way of regarding situations or topics etc.
From this reading And yet he asks in all humility--is the play not enough?--or must he lift the back-drop and bring into view the net-work of pulleys and lines, the tanks of moonlight gas and fake properties of papier-mache that produce the illusion?
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading That Jack hardly closed his eyes that night, and that the first thing he did after opening them the next morning was to fly to Peter for comfort and advice, goes without saying.
welladverbUS /wel/
(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 As to the correctness of the details of this verbal scorching, so minutely described in the preceding chapter, should the reader ask how it is possible for the Scribe to set down in exact order the goings-on around a dinner-table to which he was not invited, as well as the particulars of a family row where only two persons participated--neither of whom was himself--and this, too, in the dead of night, with the outside doors locked and the shades and curtains drawn--he must plead guilty without leaving the prisoner's dock.
well-balancedadjective
in an optimal state of balance or equilibrium
From this reading Even a sensible, well-balanced young man--and our Jack, to the Scribe's great regret, is none of these--would have done this with his skin still smarting from an older man's verbal scorching--especially a man like his uncle, provided, of course, he had a friend like Peter within reach.
whereconjunctionUS /wer/
in or at the place that
From this reading As to the correctness of the details of this verbal scorching, so minutely described in the preceding chapter, should the reader ask how it is possible for the Scribe to set down in exact order the goings-on around a dinner-table to which he was not invited, as well as the particulars of a family row where only two persons participated--neither of whom was himself--and this, too, in the dead of night, with the outside doors locked and the shades and curtains drawn--he must plead guilty without leaving the prisoner's dock.
whichpronounUS /wɪtʃ/
used to introduce a clause giving more about a thing just mentioned
From this reading As to the correctness of the details of this verbal scorching, so minutely described in the preceding chapter, should the reader ask how it is possible for the Scribe to set down in exact order the goings-on around a dinner-table to which he was not invited, as well as the particulars of a family row where only two persons participated--neither of whom was himself--and this, too, in the dead of night, with the outside doors locked and the shades and curtains drawn--he must plead guilty without leaving the prisoner's dock.
whompronounUS /huːm/
the form of “who” used as the object of a verb or preposition
From this reading As to the correctness of the details of this verbal scorching, so minutely described in the preceding chapter, should the reader ask how it is possible for the Scribe to set down in exact order the goings-on around a dinner-table to which he was not invited, as well as the particulars of a family row where only two persons participated--neither of whom was himself--and this, too, in the dead of night, with the outside doors locked and the shades and curtains drawn--he must plead guilty without leaving the prisoner's dock.
withprepositionUS /wɪð/
in the company of; together with
From this reading Even a sensible, well-balanced young man--and our Jack, to the Scribe's great regret, is none of these--would have done this with his skin still smarting from an older man's verbal scorching--especially a man like his uncle, provided, of course, he had a friend like Peter within reach.
withinprepositionUS /wɪˈðɪn/
inside; before a period of time has passed
From this reading Even a sensible, well-balanced young man--and our Jack, to the Scribe's great regret, is none of these--would have done this with his skin still smarting from an older man's verbal scorching--especially a man like his uncle, provided, of course, he had a friend like Peter within reach.
withoutprepositionUS /wɪˈθaʊt/
not having, not using, or not accompanied by
From this reading That Jack hardly closed his eyes that night, and that the first thing he did after opening them the next morning was to fly to Peter for comfort and advice, goes without saying.
wouldmodal verbUS /wʊd/
used for something imagined, polite, or habitual in the past
From this reading Even a sensible, well-balanced young man--and our Jack, to the Scribe's great regret, is none of these--would have done this with his skin still smarting from an older man's verbal scorching--especially a man like his uncle, provided, of course, he had a friend like Peter within reach.
yetconjunctionUS /jet/
but in spite of that
From this reading And yet he asks in all humility--is the play not enough?--or must he lift the back-drop and bring into view the net-work of pulleys and lines, the tanks of moonlight gas and fake properties of papier-mache that produce the illusion?
youngadjectiveUS /jʌŋ/
(used of living things especially persons) in an early period of life or development or growth
From this reading Even a sensible, well-balanced young man--and our Jack, to the Scribe's great regret, is none of these--would have done this with his skin still smarting from an older man's verbal scorching--especially a man like his uncle, provided, of course, he had a friend like Peter within reach.
