Chapter XXIX

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

From this reading “It seems a long time, Jack,” she said.

a record or narrative description of past events

From this reading Jack gave what he considered to be an adequate account to Priscilla of his interview with Mr. Liscomb.

having the requisite qualities or resources to meet a task

From this reading Jack gave what he considered to be an adequate account to Priscilla of his interview with Mr. Liscomb.

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

From this reading Jack gave what he considered to be an adequate account to Priscilla of his interview with Mr. Liscomb.

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

From this reading But he thought it well to prepare her for the inevitable law’s delay; and he was gratified at the sensible way she received the information that three months would probably elapse before the case could come on for hearing.

in or near a particular place or position

From this reading He did not, however, think it necessary to tell her what that gentleman had said respecting the wisdom of their separating until the case or cases should be heard, nor did he do more than hint at the difficulties, which Mr. Liscomb had rather more than hinted at, in the way of proving the profligacy of Marcus Blaydon.

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

From this reading Jack gave what he considered to be an adequate account to Priscilla of his interview with Mr. Liscomb.

earlier than; in front of

From this reading But he thought it well to prepare her for the inevitable law’s delay; and he was gratified at the sensible way she received the information that three months would probably elapse before the case could come on for hearing.

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

From this reading He did not, however, think it necessary to tell her what that gentleman had said respecting the wisdom of their separating until the case or cases should be heard, nor did he do more than hint at the difficulties, which Mr. Liscomb had rather more than hinted at, in the way of proving the profligacy of Marcus Blaydon.

used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before

From this reading But he thought it well to prepare her for the inevitable law’s delay; and he was gratified at the sensible way she received the information that three months would probably elapse before the case could come on for hearing.

an occurrence of something

From this reading He did not, however, think it necessary to tell her what that gentleman had said respecting the wisdom of their separating until the case or cases should be heard, nor did he do more than hint at the difficulties, which Mr. Liscomb had rather more than hinted at, in the way of proving the profligacy of Marcus Blaydon.

plural of “case” — an occurrence of something

From this reading He did not, however, think it necessary to tell her what that gentleman had said respecting the wisdom of their separating until the case or cases should be heard, nor did he do more than hint at the difficulties, which Mr. Liscomb had rather more than hinted at, in the way of proving the profligacy of Marcus Blaydon.

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

From this reading But he thought it well to prepare her for the inevitable law’s delay; and he was gratified at the sensible way she received the information that three months would probably elapse before the case could come on for hearing.

carefully weighed

From this reading Jack gave what he considered to be an adequate account to Priscilla of his interview with Mr. Liscomb.

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

From this reading But he thought it well to prepare her for the inevitable law’s delay; and he was gratified at the sensible way she received the information that three months would probably elapse before the case could come on for hearing.

cause to be slowed down or delayed

From this reading But he thought it well to prepare her for the inevitable law’s delay; and he was gratified at the sensible way she received the information that three months would probably elapse before the case could come on for hearing.

the past form of “do”, used in questions and negatives

From this reading He did not, however, think it necessary to tell her what that gentleman had said respecting the wisdom of their separating until the case or cases should be heard, nor did he do more than hint at the difficulties, which Mr. Liscomb had rather more than hinted at, in the way of proving the profligacy of Marcus Blaydon.

plural of “difficulty” — an effort that is inconvenient

From this reading He did not, however, think it necessary to tell her what that gentleman had said respecting the wisdom of their separating until the case or cases should be heard, nor did he do more than hint at the difficulties, which Mr. Liscomb had rather more than hinted at, in the way of proving the profligacy of Marcus Blaydon.

used to form questions and negatives, and to give emphasis

From this reading He did not, however, think it necessary to tell her what that gentleman had said respecting the wisdom of their separating until the case or cases should be heard, nor did he do more than hint at the difficulties, which Mr. Liscomb had rather more than hinted at, in the way of proving the profligacy of Marcus Blaydon.

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

From this reading “But I don’t think that it would be possible for us to have everything ready to go before the judge much sooner.

pass by

From this reading But he thought it well to prepare her for the inevitable law’s delay; and he was gratified at the sensible way she received the information that three months would probably elapse before the case could come on for hearing.

all things; all of a situation

From this reading “But I don’t think that it would be possible for us to have everything ready to go before the judge much sooner.

intended to be given to, or used by, somebody

From this reading But he thought it well to prepare her for the inevitable law’s delay; and he was gratified at the sensible way she received the information that three months would probably elapse before the case could come on for hearing.

inflected form of “give” — cause to have, in the abstract sense or physical sense

From this reading Jack gave what he considered to be an adequate account to Priscilla of his interview with Mr. Liscomb.

a man of refinement

From this reading He did not, however, think it necessary to tell her what that gentleman had said respecting the wisdom of their separating until the case or cases should be heard, nor did he do more than hint at the difficulties, which Mr. Liscomb had rather more than hinted at, in the way of proving the profligacy of Marcus Blaydon.

change location; move, travel, or proceed, also metaphorically

From this reading “But I don’t think that it would be possible for us to have everything ready to go before the judge much sooner.

having received what was desired

From this reading But he thought it well to prepare her for the inevitable law’s delay; and he was gratified at the sensible way she received the information that three months would probably elapse before the case could come on for hearing.

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

From this reading He did not, however, think it necessary to tell her what that gentleman had said respecting the wisdom of their separating until the case or cases should be heard, nor did he do more than hint at the difficulties, which Mr. Liscomb had rather more than hinted at, in the way of proving the profligacy of Marcus Blaydon.

used with a past participle to form the perfect tenses

From this reading “But I don’t think that it would be possible for us to have everything ready to go before the judge much sooner.

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

From this reading Jack gave what he considered to be an adequate account to Priscilla of his interview with Mr. Liscomb.

detected or perceived by the sense of hearing

From this reading He did not, however, think it necessary to tell her what that gentleman had said respecting the wisdom of their separating until the case or cases should be heard, nor did he do more than hint at the difficulties, which Mr. Liscomb had rather more than hinted at, in the way of proving the profligacy of Marcus Blaydon.

(law) a proceeding (usually by a court) where evidence is taken for the purpose of determining an issue of fact and reaching a decision based on that evidence

From this reading But he thought it well to prepare her for the inevitable law’s delay; and he was gratified at the sensible way she received the information that three months would probably elapse before the case could come on for hearing.

belonging to a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned

From this reading He did not, however, think it necessary to tell her what that gentleman had said respecting the wisdom of their separating until the case or cases should be heard, nor did he do more than hint at the difficulties, which Mr. Liscomb had rather more than hinted at, in the way of proving the profligacy of Marcus Blaydon.

an indirect suggestion

From this reading He did not, however, think it necessary to tell her what that gentleman had said respecting the wisdom of their separating until the case or cases should be heard, nor did he do more than hint at the difficulties, which Mr. Liscomb had rather more than hinted at, in the way of proving the profligacy of Marcus Blaydon.

past form of “hint” — drop a hint; intimate by a hint

From this reading He did not, however, think it necessary to tell her what that gentleman had said respecting the wisdom of their separating until the case or cases should be heard, nor did he do more than hint at the difficulties, which Mr. Liscomb had rather more than hinted at, in the way of proving the profligacy of Marcus Blaydon.

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

From this reading Jack gave what he considered to be an adequate account to Priscilla of his interview with Mr. Liscomb.

used to add a contrasting statement

From this reading He did not, however, think it necessary to tell her what that gentleman had said respecting the wisdom of their separating until the case or cases should be heard, nor did he do more than hint at the difficulties, which Mr. Liscomb had rather more than hinted at, in the way of proving the profligacy of Marcus Blaydon.

the person speaking or writing, as the subject of the verb

From this reading “But I don’t think that it would be possible for us to have everything ready to go before the judge much sooner.

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

From this reading He did not, however, think it necessary to tell her what that gentleman had said respecting the wisdom of their separating until the case or cases should be heard, nor did he do more than hint at the difficulties, which Mr. Liscomb had rather more than hinted at, in the way of proving the profligacy of Marcus Blaydon.

incapable of being avoided or prevented

From this reading But he thought it well to prepare her for the inevitable law’s delay; and he was gratified at the sensible way she received the information that three months would probably elapse before the case could come on for hearing.

a message received and understood

From this reading But he thought it well to prepare her for the inevitable law’s delay; and he was gratified at the sensible way she received the information that three months would probably elapse before the case could come on for hearing.

conduct an interview in television, newspaper, and radio reporting

From this reading Jack gave what he considered to be an adequate account to Priscilla of his interview with Mr. Liscomb.

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading He did not, however, think it necessary to tell her what that gentleman had said respecting the wisdom of their separating until the case or cases should be heard, nor did he do more than hint at the difficulties, which Mr. Liscomb had rather more than hinted at, in the way of proving the profligacy of Marcus Blaydon.

a small worthless amount

From this reading Jack gave what he considered to be an adequate account to Priscilla of his interview with Mr. Liscomb.

determine the result of (a competition)

From this reading “But I don’t think that it would be possible for us to have everything ready to go before the judge much sooner.

possessive form of “law” — the collection of rules imposed by authority

From this reading But he thought it well to prepare her for the inevitable law’s delay; and he was gratified at the sensible way she received the information that three months would probably elapse before the case could come on for hearing.

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

From this reading Jack gave what he considered to be an adequate account to Priscilla of his interview with Mr. Liscomb.

primarily temporal sense; being or indicating a relatively great or greater than average duration or passage of time or a duration as specified

From this reading “It seems a long time, Jack,” she said.

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

From this reading He did not, however, think it necessary to tell her what that gentleman had said respecting the wisdom of their separating until the case or cases should be heard, nor did he do more than hint at the difficulties, which Mr. Liscomb had rather more than hinted at, in the way of proving the profligacy of Marcus Blaydon.

plural of “month” — one of the twelve divisions of the calendar year

From this reading But he thought it well to prepare her for the inevitable law’s delay; and he was gratified at the sensible way she received the information that three months would probably elapse before the case could come on for hearing.

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

From this reading He did not, however, think it necessary to tell her what that gentleman had said respecting the wisdom of their separating until the case or cases should be heard, nor did he do more than hint at the difficulties, which Mr. Liscomb had rather more than hinted at, in the way of proving the profligacy of Marcus Blaydon.

a form of address for a man

From this reading Jack gave what he considered to be an adequate account to Priscilla of his interview with Mr. Liscomb.

to a great degree or extent

From this reading “But I don’t think that it would be possible for us to have everything ready to go before the judge much sooner.

absolutely essential

From this reading He did not, however, think it necessary to tell her what that gentleman had said respecting the wisdom of their separating until the case or cases should be heard, nor did he do more than hint at the difficulties, which Mr. Liscomb had rather more than hinted at, in the way of proving the profligacy of Marcus Blaydon.

and not; used after a negative to add a second negative

From this reading He did not, however, think it necessary to tell her what that gentleman had said respecting the wisdom of their separating until the case or cases should be heard, nor did he do more than hint at the difficulties, which Mr. Liscomb had rather more than hinted at, in the way of proving the profligacy of Marcus Blaydon.

used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative

From this reading He did not, however, think it necessary to tell her what that gentleman had said respecting the wisdom of their separating until the case or cases should be heard, nor did he do more than hint at the difficulties, which Mr. Liscomb had rather more than hinted at, in the way of proving the profligacy of Marcus Blaydon.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading Jack gave what he considered to be an adequate account to Priscilla of his interview with Mr. Liscomb.

touching and supported by a surface

From this reading But he thought it well to prepare her for the inevitable law’s delay; and he was gratified at the sensible way she received the information that three months would probably elapse before the case could come on for hearing.

used to join alternatives or possibilities

From this reading He did not, however, think it necessary to tell her what that gentleman had said respecting the wisdom of their separating until the case or cases should be heard, nor did he do more than hint at the difficulties, which Mr. Liscomb had rather more than hinted at, in the way of proving the profligacy of Marcus Blaydon.

capable of happening or existing

From this reading “But I don’t think that it would be possible for us to have everything ready to go before the judge much sooner.

make ready or suitable or equip in advance for a particular purpose or for some use, event, etc

From this reading But he thought it well to prepare her for the inevitable law’s delay; and he was gratified at the sensible way she received the information that three months would probably elapse before the case could come on for hearing.

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

From this reading Jack gave what he considered to be an adequate account to Priscilla of his interview with Mr. Liscomb.

with considerable certainty; without much doubt

From this reading But he thought it well to prepare her for the inevitable law’s delay; and he was gratified at the sensible way she received the information that three months would probably elapse before the case could come on for hearing.

the trait of spending extravagantly

From this reading He did not, however, think it necessary to tell her what that gentleman had said respecting the wisdom of their separating until the case or cases should be heard, nor did he do more than hint at the difficulties, which Mr. Liscomb had rather more than hinted at, in the way of proving the profligacy of Marcus Blaydon.

-ing form of “prove” — be shown or be found to be

From this reading He did not, however, think it necessary to tell her what that gentleman had said respecting the wisdom of their separating until the case or cases should be heard, nor did he do more than hint at the difficulties, which Mr. Liscomb had rather more than hinted at, in the way of proving the profligacy of Marcus Blaydon.

on the contrary

From this reading He did not, however, think it necessary to tell her what that gentleman had said respecting the wisdom of their separating until the case or cases should be heard, nor did he do more than hint at the difficulties, which Mr. Liscomb had rather more than hinted at, in the way of proving the profligacy of Marcus Blaydon.

completely prepared or in condition for immediate action or use or progress

From this reading “But I don’t think that it would be possible for us to have everything ready to go before the judge much sooner.

conforming to the established language usage of educated native speakers

From this reading But he thought it well to prepare her for the inevitable law’s delay; and he was gratified at the sensible way she received the information that three months would probably elapse before the case could come on for hearing.

-ing form of “respect” — regard highly; think much of

From this reading He did not, however, think it necessary to tell her what that gentleman had said respecting the wisdom of their separating until the case or cases should be heard, nor did he do more than hint at the difficulties, which Mr. Liscomb had rather more than hinted at, in the way of proving the profligacy of Marcus Blaydon.

being the one previously mentioned or spoken of

From this reading He did not, however, think it necessary to tell her what that gentleman had said respecting the wisdom of their separating until the case or cases should be heard, nor did he do more than hint at the difficulties, which Mr. Liscomb had rather more than hinted at, in the way of proving the profligacy of Marcus Blaydon.

third-person singular of “seem” — give a certain impression or have a certain outward aspect

From this reading “It seems a long time, Jack,” she said.

showing reason or sound judgment

From this reading But he thought it well to prepare her for the inevitable law’s delay; and he was gratified at the sensible way she received the information that three months would probably elapse before the case could come on for hearing.

-ing form of “separate” — act as a barrier between; stand between

From this reading He did not, however, think it necessary to tell her what that gentleman had said respecting the wisdom of their separating until the case or cases should be heard, nor did he do more than hint at the difficulties, which Mr. Liscomb had rather more than hinted at, in the way of proving the profligacy of Marcus Blaydon.

a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned, as the subject

From this reading But he thought it well to prepare her for the inevitable law’s delay; and he was gratified at the sensible way she received the information that three months would probably elapse before the case could come on for hearing.

used to say what is right, expected, or advisable

From this reading He did not, however, think it necessary to tell her what that gentleman had said respecting the wisdom of their separating until the case or cases should be heard, nor did he do more than hint at the difficulties, which Mr. Liscomb had rather more than hinted at, in the way of proving the profligacy of Marcus Blaydon.

comparatives of “soon” or “early”

From this reading “But I don’t think that it would be possible for us to have everything ready to go before the judge much sooner.

express in words

From this reading He did not, however, think it necessary to tell her what that gentleman had said respecting the wisdom of their separating until the case or cases should be heard, nor did he do more than hint at the difficulties, which Mr. Liscomb had rather more than hinted at, in the way of proving the profligacy of Marcus Blaydon.

used to introduce the second part of a comparison

From this reading He did not, however, think it necessary to tell her what that gentleman had said respecting the wisdom of their separating until the case or cases should be heard, nor did he do more than hint at the difficulties, which Mr. Liscomb had rather more than hinted at, in the way of proving the profligacy of Marcus Blaydon.

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading He did not, however, think it necessary to tell her what that gentleman had said respecting the wisdom of their separating until the case or cases should be heard, nor did he do more than hint at the difficulties, which Mr. Liscomb had rather more than hinted at, in the way of proving the profligacy of Marcus Blaydon.

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

From this reading He did not, however, think it necessary to tell her what that gentleman had said respecting the wisdom of their separating until the case or cases should be heard, nor did he do more than hint at the difficulties, which Mr. Liscomb had rather more than hinted at, in the way of proving the profligacy of Marcus Blaydon.

belonging to the people or things already mentioned

From this reading He did not, however, think it necessary to tell her what that gentleman had said respecting the wisdom of their separating until the case or cases should be heard, nor did he do more than hint at the difficulties, which Mr. Liscomb had rather more than hinted at, in the way of proving the profligacy of Marcus Blaydon.

judge or regard; look upon; judge

From this reading He did not, however, think it necessary to tell her what that gentleman had said respecting the wisdom of their separating until the case or cases should be heard, nor did he do more than hint at the difficulties, which Mr. Liscomb had rather more than hinted at, in the way of proving the profligacy of Marcus Blaydon.

the content of cognition; the main thing you are thinking about

From this reading But he thought it well to prepare her for the inevitable law’s delay; and he was gratified at the sensible way she received the information that three months would probably elapse before the case could come on for hearing.

the cardinal number that is the sum of one and one and one

From this reading But he thought it well to prepare her for the inevitable law’s delay; and he was gratified at the sensible way she received the information that three months would probably elapse before the case could come on for hearing.

an instance or single occasion for some event

From this reading “It seems a long time, Jack,” she said.

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

From this reading Jack gave what he considered to be an adequate account to Priscilla of his interview with Mr. Liscomb.

up to a particular time

From this reading He did not, however, think it necessary to tell her what that gentleman had said respecting the wisdom of their separating until the case or cases should be heard, nor did he do more than hint at the difficulties, which Mr. Liscomb had rather more than hinted at, in the way of proving the profligacy of Marcus Blaydon.

the speaker and others, as the object of a verb or preposition

From this reading “But I don’t think that it would be possible for us to have everything ready to go before the judge much sooner.

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

From this reading But he thought it well to prepare her for the inevitable law’s delay; and he was gratified at the sensible way she received the information that three months would probably elapse before the case could come on for hearing.

how something is done or how it happens

From this reading He did not, however, think it necessary to tell her what that gentleman had said respecting the wisdom of their separating until the case or cases should be heard, nor did he do more than hint at the difficulties, which Mr. Liscomb had rather more than hinted at, in the way of proving the profligacy of Marcus Blaydon.

(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 But he thought it well to prepare her for the inevitable law’s delay; and he was gratified at the sensible way she received the information that three months would probably elapse before the case could come on for hearing.

used to ask for information about something

From this reading Jack gave what he considered to be an adequate account to Priscilla of his interview with Mr. Liscomb.

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

From this reading He did not, however, think it necessary to tell her what that gentleman had said respecting the wisdom of their separating until the case or cases should be heard, nor did he do more than hint at the difficulties, which Mr. Liscomb had rather more than hinted at, in the way of proving the profligacy of Marcus Blaydon.

accumulated knowledge or erudition or enlightenment

From this reading He did not, however, think it necessary to tell her what that gentleman had said respecting the wisdom of their separating until the case or cases should be heard, nor did he do more than hint at the difficulties, which Mr. Liscomb had rather more than hinted at, in the way of proving the profligacy of Marcus Blaydon.

in the company of; together with

From this reading Jack gave what he considered to be an adequate account to Priscilla of his interview with Mr. Liscomb.

used for something imagined, polite, or habitual in the past

From this reading But he thought it well to prepare her for the inevitable law’s delay; and he was gratified at the sensible way she received the information that three months would probably elapse before the case could come on for hearing.