used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading As children we regarded Uncle Joseph in the light of a patriarch, although I now know that his years, at the time of which I write, had scarce reached the limit of a half century.
touching and pressing; in opposition to
From this reading He occupied the second seat in the men’s gallery--and it was with him that the Elder shook hands in sign that Friends should separate, when it seemed likely that the spirit would move no others to utter gentle words of blessing or stern warning against the wiles of the tempter.
in spite of the fact that
From this reading As children we regarded Uncle Joseph in the light of a patriarch, although I now know that his years, at the time of which I write, had scarce reached the limit of a half century.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading One of the prominent figures in our meeting house for many years was that of Uncle Joseph--for thus was he known by the young and old who frequented our religious gatherings.
at the same time that; because; in the way that
From this reading As children we regarded Uncle Joseph in the light of a patriarch, although I now know that his years, at the time of which I write, had scarce reached the limit of a half century.
in or near a particular place or position
From this reading As children we regarded Uncle Joseph in the light of a patriarch, although I now know that his years, at the time of which I write, had scarce reached the limit of a half century.
beamingadjectiveUS /ˈbiːmɪŋ/
cheerful and bright
From this reading He was a comely man, straight and tall, his smooth-shaven face beaming with good nature, and his soft blue eye lighted with sympathy, but he was not intellectual.
blessingnounUS /ˈblesɪŋ/
the formal act of approving
From this reading He occupied the second seat in the men’s gallery--and it was with him that the Elder shook hands in sign that Friends should separate, when it seemed likely that the spirit would move no others to utter gentle words of blessing or stern warning against the wiles of the tempter.
of the color intermediate between green and violet; having a color similar to that of a clear unclouded sky
From this reading He was a comely man, straight and tall, his smooth-shaven face beaming with good nature, and his soft blue eye lighted with sympathy, but he was not intellectual.
used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before
From this reading He was a comely man, straight and tall, his smooth-shaven face beaming with good nature, and his soft blue eye lighted with sympathy, but he was not intellectual.
showing who or what does the action
From this reading One of the prominent figures in our meeting house for many years was that of Uncle Joseph--for thus was he known by the young and old who frequented our religious gatherings.
a period of 100 years
From this reading As children we regarded Uncle Joseph in the light of a patriarch, although I now know that his years, at the time of which I write, had scarce reached the limit of a half century.
plural of “child” — a young person of either sex
From this reading As children we regarded Uncle Joseph in the light of a patriarch, although I now know that his years, at the time of which I write, had scarce reached the limit of a half century.
comelyadjectiveUS /ˈkʌmli/
according with custom or propriety
From this reading He was a comely man, straight and tall, his smooth-shaven face beaming with good nature, and his soft blue eye lighted with sympathy, but he was not intellectual.
a person who is older than you are
From this reading He occupied the second seat in the men’s gallery--and it was with him that the Elder shook hands in sign that Friends should separate, when it seemed likely that the spirit would move no others to utter gentle words of blessing or stern warning against the wiles of the tempter.
the organ of sight
From this reading He was a comely man, straight and tall, his smooth-shaven face beaming with good nature, and his soft blue eye lighted with sympathy, but he was not intellectual.
the front of the human head from the forehead to the chin and ear to ear
From this reading He was a comely man, straight and tall, his smooth-shaven face beaming with good nature, and his soft blue eye lighted with sympathy, but he was not intellectual.
plural of “figure” — a diagram or picture illustrating textual material
From this reading One of the prominent figures in our meeting house for many years was that of Uncle Joseph--for thus was he known by the young and old who frequented our religious gatherings.
intended to be given to, or used by, somebody
From this reading One of the prominent figures in our meeting house for many years was that of Uncle Joseph--for thus was he known by the young and old who frequented our religious gatherings.
frequentedverbUS /ˈfriːkwəntɪd/
past form of “frequent” — do one's shopping at; do business with; be a customer or client of
From this reading One of the prominent figures in our meeting house for many years was that of Uncle Joseph--for thus was he known by the young and old who frequented our religious gatherings.
plural of “friend” — a person you know well and regard with affection and trust
From this reading He occupied the second seat in the men’s gallery--and it was with him that the Elder shook hands in sign that Friends should separate, when it seemed likely that the spirit would move no others to utter gentle words of blessing or stern warning against the wiles of the tempter.
gallerynounUS /ˈɡæləri/
spectators at a golf or tennis match
From this reading He occupied the second seat in the men’s gallery--and it was with him that the Elder shook hands in sign that Friends should separate, when it seemed likely that the spirit would move no others to utter gentle words of blessing or stern warning against the wiles of the tempter.
gatheringsnounUS /ˈɡæðərɪŋz/
plural of “gathering” — a group of persons together in one place
From this reading One of the prominent figures in our meeting house for many years was that of Uncle Joseph--for thus was he known by the young and old who frequented our religious gatherings.
soft and mild; not harsh or stern or severe
From this reading He occupied the second seat in the men’s gallery--and it was with him that the Elder shook hands in sign that Friends should separate, when it seemed likely that the spirit would move no others to utter gentle words of blessing or stern warning against the wiles of the tempter.
having desirable or positive qualities especially those suitable for a thing specified
From this reading He was a comely man, straight and tall, his smooth-shaven face beaming with good nature, and his soft blue eye lighted with sympathy, but he was not intellectual.
hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/
the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect
From this reading As children we regarded Uncle Joseph in the light of a patriarch, although I now know that his years, at the time of which I write, had scarce reached the limit of a half century.
consisting of one of two equivalent parts in value or quantity
From this reading As children we regarded Uncle Joseph in the light of a patriarch, although I now know that his years, at the time of which I write, had scarce reached the limit of a half century.
(with “in”) guardianship over; in divorce cases it is the right to house and care for and discipline a child
From this reading He occupied the second seat in the men’s gallery--and it was with him that the Elder shook hands in sign that Friends should separate, when it seemed likely that the spirit would move no others to utter gentle words of blessing or stern warning against the wiles of the tempter.
a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading One of the prominent figures in our meeting house for many years was that of Uncle Joseph--for thus was he known by the young and old who frequented our religious gatherings.
the male already mentioned, as the object of a verb or preposition
From this reading He occupied the second seat in the men’s gallery--and it was with him that the Elder shook hands in sign that Friends should separate, when it seemed likely that the spirit would move no others to utter gentle words of blessing or stern warning against the wiles of the tempter.
belonging to a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned
From this reading As children we regarded Uncle Joseph in the light of a patriarch, although I now know that his years, at the time of which I write, had scarce reached the limit of a half century.
a dwelling that serves as living quarters for one or more families
From this reading One of the prominent figures in our meeting house for many years was that of Uncle Joseph--for thus was he known by the young and old who frequented our religious gatherings.
the person speaking or writing, as the subject of the verb
From this reading As children we regarded Uncle Joseph in the light of a patriarch, although I now know that his years, at the time of which I write, had scarce reached the limit of a half century.
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading One of the prominent figures in our meeting house for many years was that of Uncle Joseph--for thus was he known by the young and old who frequented our religious gatherings.
intellectualadjectiveUS /ˌɪntəˈlektʃuːəl/
of or associated with or requiring the use of the mind
From this reading He was a comely man, straight and tall, his smooth-shaven face beaming with good nature, and his soft blue eye lighted with sympathy, but he was not intellectual.
a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned
From this reading He occupied the second seat in the men’s gallery--and it was with him that the Elder shook hands in sign that Friends should separate, when it seemed likely that the spirit would move no others to utter gentle words of blessing or stern warning against the wiles of the tempter.
leader of the Nez Perce in their retreat from United States troops (1840-1904)
From this reading UNCLE JOSEPH.
be cognizant or aware of a fact or a specific piece of information; possess knowledge or information about
From this reading As children we regarded Uncle Joseph in the light of a patriarch, although I now know that his years, at the time of which I write, had scarce reached the limit of a half century.
apprehended with certainty
From this reading One of the prominent figures in our meeting house for many years was that of Uncle Joseph--for thus was he known by the young and old who frequented our religious gatherings.
of comparatively little physical weight or density
From this reading As children we regarded Uncle Joseph in the light of a patriarch, although I now know that his years, at the time of which I write, had scarce reached the limit of a half century.
set afire or burning
From this reading He was a comely man, straight and tall, his smooth-shaven face beaming with good nature, and his soft blue eye lighted with sympathy, but he was not intellectual.
has a good chance of being the case or of coming about
From this reading He occupied the second seat in the men’s gallery--and it was with him that the Elder shook hands in sign that Friends should separate, when it seemed likely that the spirit would move no others to utter gentle words of blessing or stern warning against the wiles of the tempter.
limitnounUS /ˈlɪmət/
the greatest possible degree of something
From this reading As children we regarded Uncle Joseph in the light of a patriarch, although I now know that his years, at the time of which I write, had scarce reached the limit of a half century.
an adult person who is male (as opposed to a woman)
From this reading He was a comely man, straight and tall, his smooth-shaven face beaming with good nature, and his soft blue eye lighted with sympathy, but he was not intellectual.
a quantifier that can be used with count nouns and is often preceded by “as” or “too” or “so” or “that”; amounting to a large but indefinite number
From this reading One of the prominent figures in our meeting house for many years was that of Uncle Joseph--for thus was he known by the young and old who frequented our religious gatherings.
a formally arranged gathering
From this reading One of the prominent figures in our meeting house for many years was that of Uncle Joseph--for thus was he known by the young and old who frequented our religious gatherings.
men'snounUS /menz/
a public toilet for men
From this reading He occupied the second seat in the men’s gallery--and it was with him that the Elder shook hands in sign that Friends should separate, when it seemed likely that the spirit would move no others to utter gentle words of blessing or stern warning against the wiles of the tempter.
change location; move, travel, or proceed, also metaphorically
From this reading He occupied the second seat in the men’s gallery--and it was with him that the Elder shook hands in sign that Friends should separate, when it seemed likely that the spirit would move no others to utter gentle words of blessing or stern warning against the wiles of the tempter.
the essential qualities or characteristics by which something is recognized
From this reading He was a comely man, straight and tall, his smooth-shaven face beaming with good nature, and his soft blue eye lighted with sympathy, but he was not intellectual.
not any; not one
From this reading He occupied the second seat in the men’s gallery--and it was with him that the Elder shook hands in sign that Friends should separate, when it seemed likely that the spirit would move no others to utter gentle words of blessing or stern warning against the wiles of the tempter.
used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative
From this reading He was a comely man, straight and tall, his smooth-shaven face beaming with good nature, and his soft blue eye lighted with sympathy, but he was not intellectual.
in the historical present; at this point in the narration of a series of past events
From this reading As children we regarded Uncle Joseph in the light of a patriarch, although I now know that his years, at the time of which I write, had scarce reached the limit of a half century.
held or filled or in use
From this reading He occupied the second seat in the men’s gallery--and it was with him that the Elder shook hands in sign that Friends should separate, when it seemed likely that the spirit would move no others to utter gentle words of blessing or stern warning against the wiles of the tempter.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading One of the prominent figures in our meeting house for many years was that of Uncle Joseph--for thus was he known by the young and old who frequented our religious gatherings.
(used especially of persons) having lived for a relatively long time or attained a specific age
From this reading One of the prominent figures in our meeting house for many years was that of Uncle Joseph--for thus was he known by the young and old who frequented our religious gatherings.
used to mean any person in general, including the speaker
From this reading One of the prominent figures in our meeting house for many years was that of Uncle Joseph--for thus was he known by the young and old who frequented our religious gatherings.
used to join alternatives or possibilities
From this reading He occupied the second seat in the men’s gallery--and it was with him that the Elder shook hands in sign that Friends should separate, when it seemed likely that the spirit would move no others to utter gentle words of blessing or stern warning against the wiles of the tempter.
others
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading He occupied the second seat in the men’s gallery--and it was with him that the Elder shook hands in sign that Friends should separate, when it seemed likely that the spirit would move no others to utter gentle words of blessing or stern warning against the wiles of the tempter.
belonging to the speaker and others
From this reading One of the prominent figures in our meeting house for many years was that of Uncle Joseph--for thus was he known by the young and old who frequented our religious gatherings.
patriarchnounUS /ˈpeɪtriɑːrk/
title for the heads of the Eastern Orthodox Churches (in Istanbul and Alexandria and Moscow and Jerusalem)
From this reading As children we regarded Uncle Joseph in the light of a patriarch, although I now know that his years, at the time of which I write, had scarce reached the limit of a half century.
prominentadjectiveUS /ˈprɑːmənənt/
having a quality that thrusts itself into attention
From this reading One of the prominent figures in our meeting house for many years was that of Uncle Joseph--for thus was he known by the young and old who frequented our religious gatherings.
past form of “reach” — reach a destination, either real or abstract
From this reading As children we regarded Uncle Joseph in the light of a patriarch, although I now know that his years, at the time of which I write, had scarce reached the limit of a half century.
past form of “regard” — deem to be
From this reading As children we regarded Uncle Joseph in the light of a patriarch, although I now know that his years, at the time of which I write, had scarce reached the limit of a half century.
concerned with sacred matters or religion or the church
From this reading One of the prominent figures in our meeting house for many years was that of Uncle Joseph--for thus was he known by the young and old who frequented our religious gatherings.
only a very short time before
From this reading As children we regarded Uncle Joseph in the light of a patriarch, although I now know that his years, at the time of which I write, had scarce reached the limit of a half century.
a space reserved for sitting (as in a theater or on a train or airplane)
From this reading He occupied the second seat in the men’s gallery--and it was with him that the Elder shook hands in sign that Friends should separate, when it seemed likely that the spirit would move no others to utter gentle words of blessing or stern warning against the wiles of the tempter.
1/60 of a minute; the basic unit of time adopted under the Systeme International d'Unites
From this reading He occupied the second seat in the men’s gallery--and it was with him that the Elder shook hands in sign that Friends should separate, when it seemed likely that the spirit would move no others to utter gentle words of blessing or stern warning against the wiles of the tempter.
past form of “seem” — give a certain impression or have a certain outward aspect
From this reading He occupied the second seat in the men’s gallery--and it was with him that the Elder shook hands in sign that Friends should separate, when it seemed likely that the spirit would move no others to utter gentle words of blessing or stern warning against the wiles of the tempter.
act as a barrier between; stand between
From this reading He occupied the second seat in the men’s gallery--and it was with him that the Elder shook hands in sign that Friends should separate, when it seemed likely that the spirit would move no others to utter gentle words of blessing or stern warning against the wiles of the tempter.
a disassembled barrel; the parts packed for storage or shipment
From this reading He occupied the second seat in the men’s gallery--and it was with him that the Elder shook hands in sign that Friends should separate, when it seemed likely that the spirit would move no others to utter gentle words of blessing or stern warning against the wiles of the tempter.
used to say what is right, expected, or advisable
From this reading He occupied the second seat in the men’s gallery--and it was with him that the Elder shook hands in sign that Friends should separate, when it seemed likely that the spirit would move no others to utter gentle words of blessing or stern warning against the wiles of the tempter.
a perceptible indication of something not immediately apparent (as a visible clue that something has happened)
From this reading He occupied the second seat in the men’s gallery--and it was with him that the Elder shook hands in sign that Friends should separate, when it seemed likely that the spirit would move no others to utter gentle words of blessing or stern warning against the wiles of the tempter.
smooth-shavenadjectiveUS /ˌsmuːθˈʃeɪvən/
closely shaved recently
From this reading He was a comely man, straight and tall, his smooth-shaven face beaming with good nature, and his soft blue eye lighted with sympathy, but he was not intellectual.
yielding readily to pressure or weight
From this reading He was a comely man, straight and tall, his smooth-shaven face beaming with good nature, and his soft blue eye lighted with sympathy, but he was not intellectual.
the vital principle or animating force within living things
From this reading He occupied the second seat in the men’s gallery--and it was with him that the Elder shook hands in sign that Friends should separate, when it seemed likely that the spirit would move no others to utter gentle words of blessing or stern warning against the wiles of the tempter.
sternadjectiveUS /stɜːrn/
of a stern or strict bearing or demeanor; forbidding in aspect
From this reading He occupied the second seat in the men’s gallery--and it was with him that the Elder shook hands in sign that Friends should separate, when it seemed likely that the spirit would move no others to utter gentle words of blessing or stern warning against the wiles of the tempter.
successive (without a break)
From this reading He was a comely man, straight and tall, his smooth-shaven face beaming with good nature, and his soft blue eye lighted with sympathy, but he was not intellectual.
an inclination to support or be loyal to or to agree with an opinion
From this reading He was a comely man, straight and tall, his smooth-shaven face beaming with good nature, and his soft blue eye lighted with sympathy, but he was not intellectual.
great in vertical dimension; high in stature
From this reading He was a comely man, straight and tall, his smooth-shaven face beaming with good nature, and his soft blue eye lighted with sympathy, but he was not intellectual.
tempternoun
a person who tempts others
From this reading He occupied the second seat in the men’s gallery--and it was with him that the Elder shook hands in sign that Friends should separate, when it seemed likely that the spirit would move no others to utter gentle words of blessing or stern warning against the wiles of the tempter.
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading One of the prominent figures in our meeting house for many years was that of Uncle Joseph--for thus was he known by the young and old who frequented our religious gatherings.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading One of the prominent figures in our meeting house for many years was that of Uncle Joseph--for thus was he known by the young and old who frequented our religious gatherings.
(used to introduce a logical conclusion) from that fact or reason or as a result
From this reading One of the prominent figures in our meeting house for many years was that of Uncle Joseph--for thus was he known by the young and old who frequented our religious gatherings.
an instance or single occasion for some event
From this reading As children we regarded Uncle Joseph in the light of a patriarch, although I now know that his years, at the time of which I write, had scarce reached the limit of a half century.
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading He occupied the second seat in the men’s gallery--and it was with him that the Elder shook hands in sign that Friends should separate, when it seemed likely that the spirit would move no others to utter gentle words of blessing or stern warning against the wiles of the tempter.
the brother of your father or mother; the husband of your aunt
From this reading UNCLE JOSEPH.
articulate; either verbally or with a cry, shout, or noise
From this reading He occupied the second seat in the men’s gallery--and it was with him that the Elder shook hands in sign that Friends should separate, when it seemed likely that the spirit would move no others to utter gentle words of blessing or stern warning against the wiles of the tempter.
a message informing of danger
From this reading He occupied the second seat in the men’s gallery--and it was with him that the Elder shook hands in sign that Friends should separate, when it seemed likely that the spirit would move no others to utter gentle words of blessing or stern warning against the wiles of the tempter.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading One of the prominent figures in our meeting house for many years was that of Uncle Joseph--for thus was he known by the young and old who frequented our religious gatherings.
the speaker together with one or more other people
From this reading As children we regarded Uncle Joseph in the light of a patriarch, although I now know that his years, at the time of which I write, had scarce reached the limit of a half century.
at the time that
From this reading He occupied the second seat in the men’s gallery--and it was with him that the Elder shook hands in sign that Friends should separate, when it seemed likely that the spirit would move no others to utter gentle words of blessing or stern warning against the wiles of the tempter.
used to introduce a clause giving more about a thing just mentioned
From this reading As children we regarded Uncle Joseph in the light of a patriarch, although I now know that his years, at the time of which I write, had scarce reached the limit of a half century.
which person or people
From this reading One of the prominent figures in our meeting house for many years was that of Uncle Joseph--for thus was he known by the young and old who frequented our religious gatherings.
wilesnounUS /waɪlz/
plural of “wile” — the use of tricks to deceive someone (usually to extract money from them)
From this reading He occupied the second seat in the men’s gallery--and it was with him that the Elder shook hands in sign that Friends should separate, when it seemed likely that the spirit would move no others to utter gentle words of blessing or stern warning against the wiles of the tempter.
in the company of; together with
From this reading He occupied the second seat in the men’s gallery--and it was with him that the Elder shook hands in sign that Friends should separate, when it seemed likely that the spirit would move no others to utter gentle words of blessing or stern warning against the wiles of the tempter.
the words that are spoken
From this reading He occupied the second seat in the men’s gallery--and it was with him that the Elder shook hands in sign that Friends should separate, when it seemed likely that the spirit would move no others to utter gentle words of blessing or stern warning against the wiles of the tempter.
used for something imagined, polite, or habitual in the past
From this reading He occupied the second seat in the men’s gallery--and it was with him that the Elder shook hands in sign that Friends should separate, when it seemed likely that the spirit would move no others to utter gentle words of blessing or stern warning against the wiles of the tempter.
produce a literary work
From this reading As children we regarded Uncle Joseph in the light of a patriarch, although I now know that his years, at the time of which I write, had scarce reached the limit of a half century.
a late time of life
From this reading One of the prominent figures in our meeting house for many years was that of Uncle Joseph--for thus was he known by the young and old who frequented our religious gatherings.
(used of living things especially persons) in an early period of life or development or growth
From this reading One of the prominent figures in our meeting house for many years was that of Uncle Joseph--for thus was he known by the young and old who frequented our religious gatherings.
