Chapter IV · Chapter 4

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

From this reading Mr. Neefit was a breeches-maker in Conduit Street, of such repute that no hunting man could be said to go decently into the hunting field unless decorated by a garment made in Mr. Neefit's establishment.

(usually followed by “to”) having the necessary means or skill or know-how or authority to do something

From this reading When his trade was becoming prosperous he had thought of degenerating into a tailor, adding largely to his premises, and of compensating his pride by the prospects of great increase to his fortune; but an angel of glory had whispered to him to let well alone, and he was still able to boast that all his measurements had been confined to the legs of sportsmen.

past form of “add” — make an addition (to); join or combine or unite with others; increase the quality, quantity, size or scope of

From this reading His manipulation of leather was something marvellous; and in latter years he had added to his original art,--an art which had at first been perfect rather than comprehensive,--an exquisite skill in cords, buckskins, and such like materials.

-ing form of “add” — make an addition (to); join or combine or unite with others; increase the quality, quantity, size or scope of

From this reading When his trade was becoming prosperous he had thought of degenerating into a tailor, adding largely to his premises, and of compensating his pride by the prospects of great increase to his fortune; but an angel of glory had whispered to him to let well alone, and he was still able to boast that all his measurements had been confined to the legs of sportsmen.

(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 When his trade was becoming prosperous he had thought of degenerating into a tailor, adding largely to his premises, and of compensating his pride by the prospects of great increase to his fortune; but an angel of glory had whispered to him to let well alone, and he was still able to boast that all his measurements had been confined to the legs of sportsmen.

Having no one else present.

From this reading When his trade was becoming prosperous he had thought of degenerating into a tailor, adding largely to his premises, and of compensating his pride by the prospects of great increase to his fortune; but an angel of glory had whispered to him to let well alone, and he was still able to boast that all his measurements had been confined to the legs of sportsmen.

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

From this reading His manipulation of leather was something marvellous; and in latter years he had added to his original art,--an art which had at first been perfect rather than comprehensive,--an exquisite skill in cords, buckskins, and such like materials.

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

From this reading NEEFIT AND HIS FAMILY.

spiritual being attendant upon God

From this reading When his trade was becoming prosperous he had thought of degenerating into a tailor, adding largely to his premises, and of compensating his pride by the prospects of great increase to his fortune; but an angel of glory had whispered to him to let well alone, and he was still able to boast that all his measurements had been confined to the legs of sportsmen.

an old form of “are”, used with “thou”

From this reading His manipulation of leather was something marvellous; and in latter years he had added to his original art,--an art which had at first been perfect rather than comprehensive,--an exquisite skill in cords, buckskins, and such like materials.

in or near a particular place or position

From this reading His manipulation of leather was something marvellous; and in latter years he had added to his original art,--an art which had at first been perfect rather than comprehensive,--an exquisite skill in cords, buckskins, and such like materials.

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

From this reading Mr. Neefit was a breeches-maker in Conduit Street, of such repute that no hunting man could be said to go decently into the hunting field unless decorated by a garment made in Mr. Neefit's establishment.

according with custom or propriety

From this reading When his trade was becoming prosperous he had thought of degenerating into a tailor, adding largely to his premises, and of compensating his pride by the prospects of great increase to his fortune; but an angel of glory had whispered to him to let well alone, and he was still able to boast that all his measurements had been confined to the legs of sportsmen.

the past participle of “be”

From this reading His manipulation of leather was something marvellous; and in latter years he had added to his original art,--an art which had at first been perfect rather than comprehensive,--an exquisite skill in cords, buckskins, and such like materials.

show off

From this reading When his trade was becoming prosperous he had thought of degenerating into a tailor, adding largely to his premises, and of compensating his pride by the prospects of great increase to his fortune; but an angel of glory had whispered to him to let well alone, and he was still able to boast that all his measurements had been confined to the legs of sportsmen.

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

From this reading Mr. Neefit was a breeches-maker in Conduit Street, of such repute that no hunting man could be said to go decently into the hunting field unless decorated by a garment made in Mr. Neefit's establishment.

(used in the plural) breeches made of buckskin

From this reading His manipulation of leather was something marvellous; and in latter years he had added to his original art,--an art which had at first been perfect rather than comprehensive,--an exquisite skill in cords, buckskins, and such like materials.

used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before

From this reading When his trade was becoming prosperous he had thought of degenerating into a tailor, adding largely to his premises, and of compensating his pride by the prospects of great increase to his fortune; but an angel of glory had whispered to him to let well alone, and he was still able to boast that all his measurements had been confined to the legs of sportsmen.

showing who or what does the action

From this reading Mr. Neefit was a breeches-maker in Conduit Street, of such repute that no hunting man could be said to go decently into the hunting field unless decorated by a garment made in Mr. Neefit's establishment.

-ing form of “compensate” — adjust for

From this reading When his trade was becoming prosperous he had thought of degenerating into a tailor, adding largely to his premises, and of compensating his pride by the prospects of great increase to his fortune; but an angel of glory had whispered to him to let well alone, and he was still able to boast that all his measurements had been confined to the legs of sportsmen.

including all or everything

From this reading His manipulation of leather was something marvellous; and in latter years he had added to his original art,--an art which had at first been perfect rather than comprehensive,--an exquisite skill in cords, buckskins, and such like materials.

a passage (a pipe or tunnel) through which water or electric wires can pass

From this reading Mr. Neefit was a breeches-maker in Conduit Street, of such repute that no hunting man could be said to go decently into the hunting field unless decorated by a garment made in Mr. Neefit's establishment.

not invading healthy tissue

From this reading When his trade was becoming prosperous he had thought of degenerating into a tailor, adding largely to his premises, and of compensating his pride by the prospects of great increase to his fortune; but an angel of glory had whispered to him to let well alone, and he was still able to boast that all his measurements had been confined to the legs of sportsmen.

cotton trousers made of corduroy cloth

From this reading His manipulation of leather was something marvellous; and in latter years he had added to his original art,--an art which had at first been perfect rather than comprehensive,--an exquisite skill in cords, buckskins, and such like materials.

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

From this reading Mr. Neefit was a breeches-maker in Conduit Street, of such repute that no hunting man could be said to go decently into the hunting field unless decorated by a garment made in Mr. Neefit's establishment.

in a decent manner

From this reading Mr. Neefit was a breeches-maker in Conduit Street, of such repute that no hunting man could be said to go decently into the hunting field unless decorated by a garment made in Mr. Neefit's establishment.

provided with something intended to increase its beauty or distinction

From this reading Mr. Neefit was a breeches-maker in Conduit Street, of such repute that no hunting man could be said to go decently into the hunting field unless decorated by a garment made in Mr. Neefit's establishment.

-ing form of “degenerate” — grow worse

From this reading When his trade was becoming prosperous he had thought of degenerating into a tailor, adding largely to his premises, and of compensating his pride by the prospects of great increase to his fortune; but an angel of glory had whispered to him to let well alone, and he was still able to boast that all his measurements had been confined to the legs of sportsmen.

the act of forming or establishing something

From this reading Mr. Neefit was a breeches-maker in Conduit Street, of such repute that no hunting man could be said to go decently into the hunting field unless decorated by a garment made in Mr. Neefit's establishment.

intense or sharp

From this reading His manipulation of leather was something marvellous; and in latter years he had added to his original art,--an art which had at first been perfect rather than comprehensive,--an exquisite skill in cords, buckskins, and such like materials.

a social unit living together

From this reading NEEFIT AND HIS FAMILY.

a piece of land cleared of trees and usually enclosed

From this reading Mr. Neefit was a breeches-maker in Conduit Street, of such repute that no hunting man could be said to go decently into the hunting field unless decorated by a garment made in Mr. Neefit's establishment.

preceding all others in time or space or degree

From this reading His manipulation of leather was something marvellous; and in latter years he had added to his original art,--an art which had at first been perfect rather than comprehensive,--an exquisite skill in cords, buckskins, and such like materials.

an unknown and unpredictable phenomenon that causes an event to result one way rather than another

From this reading When his trade was becoming prosperous he had thought of degenerating into a tailor, adding largely to his premises, and of compensating his pride by the prospects of great increase to his fortune; but an angel of glory had whispered to him to let well alone, and he was still able to boast that all his measurements had been confined to the legs of sportsmen.

an article of clothing

From this reading Mr. Neefit was a breeches-maker in Conduit Street, of such repute that no hunting man could be said to go decently into the hunting field unless decorated by a garment made in Mr. Neefit's establishment.

a state of high honor

From this reading When his trade was becoming prosperous he had thought of degenerating into a tailor, adding largely to his premises, and of compensating his pride by the prospects of great increase to his fortune; but an angel of glory had whispered to him to let well alone, and he was still able to boast that all his measurements had been confined to the legs of sportsmen.

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

From this reading Mr. Neefit was a breeches-maker in Conduit Street, of such repute that no hunting man could be said to go decently into the hunting field unless decorated by a garment made in Mr. Neefit's establishment.

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

From this reading When his trade was becoming prosperous he had thought of degenerating into a tailor, adding largely to his premises, and of compensating his pride by the prospects of great increase to his fortune; but an angel of glory had whispered to him to let well alone, and he was still able to boast that all his measurements had been confined to the legs of sportsmen.

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

From this reading His manipulation of leather was something marvellous; and in latter years he had added to his original art,--an art which had at first been perfect rather than comprehensive,--an exquisite skill in cords, buckskins, and such like materials.

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

From this reading His manipulation of leather was something marvellous; and in latter years he had added to his original art,--an art which had at first been perfect rather than comprehensive,--an exquisite skill in cords, buckskins, and such like materials.

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

From this reading When his trade was becoming prosperous he had thought of degenerating into a tailor, adding largely to his premises, and of compensating his pride by the prospects of great increase to his fortune; but an angel of glory had whispered to him to let well alone, and he was still able to boast that all his measurements had been confined to the legs of sportsmen.

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

From this reading NEEFIT AND HIS FAMILY.

the pursuit and killing or capture of wild animals regarded as a sport

From this reading Mr. Neefit was a breeches-maker in Conduit Street, of such repute that no hunting man could be said to go decently into the hunting field unless decorated by a garment made in Mr. Neefit's establishment.

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

From this reading Mr. Neefit was a breeches-maker in Conduit Street, of such repute that no hunting man could be said to go decently into the hunting field unless decorated by a garment made in Mr. Neefit's establishment.

a quantity that is added

From this reading When his trade was becoming prosperous he had thought of degenerating into a tailor, adding largely to his premises, and of compensating his pride by the prospects of great increase to his fortune; but an angel of glory had whispered to him to let well alone, and he was still able to boast that all his measurements had been confined to the legs of sportsmen.

moving to the inside of something

From this reading Mr. Neefit was a breeches-maker in Conduit Street, of such repute that no hunting man could be said to go decently into the hunting field unless decorated by a garment made in Mr. Neefit's establishment.

in large part; mainly or chiefly

From this reading When his trade was becoming prosperous he had thought of degenerating into a tailor, adding largely to his premises, and of compensating his pride by the prospects of great increase to his fortune; but an angel of glory had whispered to him to let well alone, and he was still able to boast that all his measurements had been confined to the legs of sportsmen.

referring to the second of two things or persons mentioned (or the last one or ones of several)

From this reading His manipulation of leather was something marvellous; and in latter years he had added to his original art,--an art which had at first been perfect rather than comprehensive,--an exquisite skill in cords, buckskins, and such like materials.

an animal skin made smooth and flexible by removing the hair and then tanning

From this reading His manipulation of leather was something marvellous; and in latter years he had added to his original art,--an art which had at first been perfect rather than comprehensive,--an exquisite skill in cords, buckskins, and such like materials.

staying power

From this reading When his trade was becoming prosperous he had thought of degenerating into a tailor, adding largely to his premises, and of compensating his pride by the prospects of great increase to his fortune; but an angel of glory had whispered to him to let well alone, and he was still able to boast that all his measurements had been confined to the legs of sportsmen.

used to make a suggestion or a command including the speaker

From this reading When his trade was becoming prosperous he had thought of degenerating into a tailor, adding largely to his premises, and of compensating his pride by the prospects of great increase to his fortune; but an angel of glory had whispered to him to let well alone, and he was still able to boast that all his measurements had been confined to the legs of sportsmen.

prefer or wish to do something

From this reading His manipulation of leather was something marvellous; and in latter years he had added to his original art,--an art which had at first been perfect rather than comprehensive,--an exquisite skill in cords, buckskins, and such like materials.

produced by a manufacturing process

From this reading Mr. Neefit was a breeches-maker in Conduit Street, of such repute that no hunting man could be said to go decently into the hunting field unless decorated by a garment made in Mr. Neefit's establishment.

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

From this reading Mr. Neefit was a breeches-maker in Conduit Street, of such repute that no hunting man could be said to go decently into the hunting field unless decorated by a garment made in Mr. Neefit's establishment.

exerting shrewd or devious influence especially for one's own advantage

From this reading His manipulation of leather was something marvellous; and in latter years he had added to his original art,--an art which had at first been perfect rather than comprehensive,--an exquisite skill in cords, buckskins, and such like materials.

extraordinarily good or great; used especially as intensifiers

From this reading His manipulation of leather was something marvellous; and in latter years he had added to his original art,--an art which had at first been perfect rather than comprehensive,--an exquisite skill in cords, buckskins, and such like materials.

plural of “material” — the tangible substance that goes into the makeup of a physical object

From this reading His manipulation of leather was something marvellous; and in latter years he had added to his original art,--an art which had at first been perfect rather than comprehensive,--an exquisite skill in cords, buckskins, and such like materials.

plural of “measurement” — the act or process of assigning numbers to phenomena according to a rule

From this reading When his trade was becoming prosperous he had thought of degenerating into a tailor, adding largely to his premises, and of compensating his pride by the prospects of great increase to his fortune; but an angel of glory had whispered to him to let well alone, and he was still able to boast that all his measurements had been confined to the legs of sportsmen.

a form of address for a man

From this reading MR.

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

From this reading NEEFIT AND HIS FAMILY.

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

From this reading Mr. Neefit was a breeches-maker in Conduit Street, of such repute that no hunting man could be said to go decently into the hunting field unless decorated by a garment made in Mr. Neefit's establishment.

not any; not one

From this reading Mr. Neefit was a breeches-maker in Conduit Street, of such repute that no hunting man could be said to go decently into the hunting field unless decorated by a garment made in Mr. Neefit's establishment.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading Mr. Neefit was a breeches-maker in Conduit Street, of such repute that no hunting man could be said to go decently into the hunting field unless decorated by a garment made in Mr. Neefit's establishment.

preceding all others in time or being as first made or performed

From this reading His manipulation of leather was something marvellous; and in latter years he had added to his original art,--an art which had at first been perfect rather than comprehensive,--an exquisite skill in cords, buckskins, and such like materials.

being complete of its kind and without defect or blemish

From this reading His manipulation of leather was something marvellous; and in latter years he had added to his original art,--an art which had at first been perfect rather than comprehensive,--an exquisite skill in cords, buckskins, and such like materials.

land and the buildings on it

From this reading When his trade was becoming prosperous he had thought of degenerating into a tailor, adding largely to his premises, and of compensating his pride by the prospects of great increase to his fortune; but an angel of glory had whispered to him to let well alone, and he was still able to boast that all his measurements had been confined to the legs of sportsmen.

a feeling of self-respect and personal worth

From this reading When his trade was becoming prosperous he had thought of degenerating into a tailor, adding largely to his premises, and of compensating his pride by the prospects of great increase to his fortune; but an angel of glory had whispered to him to let well alone, and he was still able to boast that all his measurements had been confined to the legs of sportsmen.

plural of “prospect” — the possibility of future success

From this reading When his trade was becoming prosperous he had thought of degenerating into a tailor, adding largely to his premises, and of compensating his pride by the prospects of great increase to his fortune; but an angel of glory had whispered to him to let well alone, and he was still able to boast that all his measurements had been confined to the legs of sportsmen.

in fortunate circumstances financially; moderately rich

From this reading When his trade was becoming prosperous he had thought of degenerating into a tailor, adding largely to his premises, and of compensating his pride by the prospects of great increase to his fortune; but an angel of glory had whispered to him to let well alone, and he was still able to boast that all his measurements had been confined to the legs of sportsmen.

on the contrary

From this reading His manipulation of leather was something marvellous; and in latter years he had added to his original art,--an art which had at first been perfect rather than comprehensive,--an exquisite skill in cords, buckskins, and such like materials.

the state of being held in high esteem and honor

From this reading Mr. Neefit was a breeches-maker in Conduit Street, of such repute that no hunting man could be said to go decently into the hunting field unless decorated by a garment made in Mr. Neefit's establishment.

being the one previously mentioned or spoken of

From this reading Mr. Neefit was a breeches-maker in Conduit Street, of such repute that no hunting man could be said to go decently into the hunting field unless decorated by a garment made in Mr. Neefit's establishment.

an ability that has been acquired by training

From this reading His manipulation of leather was something marvellous; and in latter years he had added to his original art,--an art which had at first been perfect rather than comprehensive,--an exquisite skill in cords, buckskins, and such like materials.

a thing, without saying which

From this reading His manipulation of leather was something marvellous; and in latter years he had added to his original art,--an art which had at first been perfect rather than comprehensive,--an exquisite skill in cords, buckskins, and such like materials.

plural of “sportsman” — someone who engages in sports

From this reading When his trade was becoming prosperous he had thought of degenerating into a tailor, adding largely to his premises, and of compensating his pride by the prospects of great increase to his fortune; but an angel of glory had whispered to him to let well alone, and he was still able to boast that all his measurements had been confined to the legs of sportsmen.

not in physical motion

From this reading When his trade was becoming prosperous he had thought of degenerating into a tailor, adding largely to his premises, and of compensating his pride by the prospects of great increase to his fortune; but an angel of glory had whispered to him to let well alone, and he was still able to boast that all his measurements had been confined to the legs of sportsmen.

a thoroughfare (usually including sidewalks) that is lined with buildings

From this reading Mr. Neefit was a breeches-maker in Conduit Street, of such repute that no hunting man could be said to go decently into the hunting field unless decorated by a garment made in Mr. Neefit's establishment.

of the kind already mentioned

From this reading Mr. Neefit was a breeches-maker in Conduit Street, of such repute that no hunting man could be said to go decently into the hunting field unless decorated by a garment made in Mr. Neefit's establishment.

adjust to a specific need or market

From this reading When his trade was becoming prosperous he had thought of degenerating into a tailor, adding largely to his premises, and of compensating his pride by the prospects of great increase to his fortune; but an angel of glory had whispered to him to let well alone, and he was still able to boast that all his measurements had been confined to the legs of sportsmen.

used to introduce the second part of a comparison

From this reading His manipulation of leather was something marvellous; and in latter years he had added to his original art,--an art which had at first been perfect rather than comprehensive,--an exquisite skill in cords, buckskins, and such like materials.

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading Mr. Neefit was a breeches-maker in Conduit Street, of such repute that no hunting man could be said to go decently into the hunting field unless decorated by a garment made in Mr. Neefit's establishment.

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

From this reading Mr. Neefit was a breeches-maker in Conduit Street, of such repute that no hunting man could be said to go decently into the hunting field unless decorated by a garment made in Mr. Neefit's establishment.

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

From this reading When his trade was becoming prosperous he had thought of degenerating into a tailor, adding largely to his premises, and of compensating his pride by the prospects of great increase to his fortune; but an angel of glory had whispered to him to let well alone, and he was still able to boast that all his measurements had been confined to the legs of sportsmen.

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

From this reading Mr. Neefit was a breeches-maker in Conduit Street, of such repute that no hunting man could be said to go decently into the hunting field unless decorated by a garment made in Mr. Neefit's establishment.

the commercial exchange (buying and selling on domestic or international markets) of goods and services

From this reading When his trade was becoming prosperous he had thought of degenerating into a tailor, adding largely to his premises, and of compensating his pride by the prospects of great increase to his fortune; but an angel of glory had whispered to him to let well alone, and he was still able to boast that all his measurements had been confined to the legs of sportsmen.

except if; if not

From this reading Mr. Neefit was a breeches-maker in Conduit Street, of such repute that no hunting man could be said to go decently into the hunting field unless decorated by a garment made in Mr. Neefit's establishment.

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

From this reading Mr. Neefit was a breeches-maker in Conduit Street, of such repute that no hunting man could be said to go decently into the hunting field unless decorated by a garment made in Mr. Neefit's establishment.

(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 When his trade was becoming prosperous he had thought of degenerating into a tailor, adding largely to his premises, and of compensating his pride by the prospects of great increase to his fortune; but an angel of glory had whispered to him to let well alone, and he was still able to boast that all his measurements had been confined to the legs of sportsmen.

at the time that

From this reading When his trade was becoming prosperous he had thought of degenerating into a tailor, adding largely to his premises, and of compensating his pride by the prospects of great increase to his fortune; but an angel of glory had whispered to him to let well alone, and he was still able to boast that all his measurements had been confined to the legs of sportsmen.

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

From this reading His manipulation of leather was something marvellous; and in latter years he had added to his original art,--an art which had at first been perfect rather than comprehensive,--an exquisite skill in cords, buckskins, and such like materials.

spoken in soft hushed tones without vibrations of the vocal cords

From this reading When his trade was becoming prosperous he had thought of degenerating into a tailor, adding largely to his premises, and of compensating his pride by the prospects of great increase to his fortune; but an angel of glory had whispered to him to let well alone, and he was still able to boast that all his measurements had been confined to the legs of sportsmen.

a late time of life

From this reading His manipulation of leather was something marvellous; and in latter years he had added to his original art,--an art which had at first been perfect rather than comprehensive,--an exquisite skill in cords, buckskins, and such like materials.