Chapter I · Chapter 1

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

From this reading His plea, sound in its fundamental championing of the best that has been on our stage, might well be heeded at this time (1920).

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

From this reading And being such a lover of old English Comedy accounts for some of the spirit of "Love in '76."

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

From this reading Steeped in such belief, it is small wonder that two of Bunce's plays had characteristics in them to suit a member of the Wallack family.

plural of “absolute” — something that is conceived or that exists independently and not in relation to other things; something that does not depend on anything else and is beyond human control; something that is not relative

From this reading The _Sir Peter Teazles_ and _Sir Anthony Absolutes_ of the old comedy require indispensably the resources of the old art, and no thin, water-gruel realism, so-called, can personate them.

plural of “account” — a record or narrative description of past events

From this reading And being such a lover of old English Comedy accounts for some of the spirit of "Love in '76."

plural of “actor” — a theatrical performer

From this reading In avoiding the declamatory Kembletonianism of the old school, our actors are right enough; but they cannot safely disregard the skill which sharpens and chisels, as it were, the sentences; nor forego the care, study, precision and stern adherence to rules of art, that marked the old stage."

faithful support for a cause or political party or religion

From this reading In avoiding the declamatory Kembletonianism of the old school, our actors are right enough; but they cannot safely disregard the skill which sharpens and chisels, as it were, the sentences; nor forego the care, study, precision and stern adherence to rules of art, that marked the old stage."

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

From this reading The _Sir Peter Teazles_ and _Sir Anthony Absolutes_ of the old comedy require indispensably the resources of the old art, and no thin, water-gruel realism, so-called, can personate them.

Roman general under Julius Caesar in the Gallic wars; repudiated his wife for the Egyptian queen Cleopatra; they were defeated by Octavian at Actium (83-30 BC)

From this reading The _Sir Peter Teazles_ and _Sir Anthony Absolutes_ of the old comedy require indispensably the resources of the old art, and no thin, water-gruel realism, so-called, can personate them.

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

From this reading In avoiding the declamatory Kembletonianism of the old school, our actors are right enough; but they cannot safely disregard the skill which sharpens and chisels, as it were, the sentences; nor forego the care, study, precision and stern adherence to rules of art, that marked the old stage."

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

From this reading The _Sir Peter Teazles_ and _Sir Anthony Absolutes_ of the old comedy require indispensably the resources of the old art, and no thin, water-gruel realism, so-called, can personate them.

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

From this reading In avoiding the declamatory Kembletonianism of the old school, our actors are right enough; but they cannot safely disregard the skill which sharpens and chisels, as it were, the sentences; nor forego the care, study, precision and stern adherence to rules of art, that marked the old stage."

in or near a particular place or position

From this reading His plea, sound in its fundamental championing of the best that has been on our stage, might well be heeded at this time (1920).

-ing form of “avoid” — stay clear from; keep away from; keep out of the way of someone or something

From this reading In avoiding the declamatory Kembletonianism of the old school, our actors are right enough; but they cannot safely disregard the skill which sharpens and chisels, as it were, the sentences; nor forego the care, study, precision and stern adherence to rules of art, that marked the old stage."

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

From this reading His plea, sound in its fundamental championing of the best that has been on our stage, might well be heeded at this time (1920).

the past participle of “be”

From this reading His plea, sound in its fundamental championing of the best that has been on our stage, might well be heeded at this time (1920).

the -ing form of “be”

From this reading And being such a lover of old English Comedy accounts for some of the spirit of "Love in '76."

any cognitive content held as true

From this reading Steeped in such belief, it is small wonder that two of Bunce's plays had characteristics in them to suit a member of the Wallack family.

the supreme effort one can make

From this reading His plea, sound in its fundamental championing of the best that has been on our stage, might well be heeded at this time (1920).

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

From this reading Steeped in such belief, it is small wonder that two of Bunce's plays had characteristics in them to suit a member of the Wallack family.

used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before

From this reading In avoiding the declamatory Kembletonianism of the old school, our actors are right enough; but they cannot safely disregard the skill which sharpens and chisels, as it were, the sentences; nor forego the care, study, precision and stern adherence to rules of art, that marked the old stage."

to be able to, or to be allowed to

From this reading The _Sir Peter Teazles_ and _Sir Anthony Absolutes_ of the old comedy require indispensably the resources of the old art, and no thin, water-gruel realism, so-called, can personate them.

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

From this reading In avoiding the declamatory Kembletonianism of the old school, our actors are right enough; but they cannot safely disregard the skill which sharpens and chisels, as it were, the sentences; nor forego the care, study, precision and stern adherence to rules of art, that marked the old stage."

the work of providing treatment for or attending to someone or something

From this reading In avoiding the declamatory Kembletonianism of the old school, our actors are right enough; but they cannot safely disregard the skill which sharpens and chisels, as it were, the sentences; nor forego the care, study, precision and stern adherence to rules of art, that marked the old stage."

-ing form of “champion” — protect or fight for as a champion

From this reading His plea, sound in its fundamental championing of the best that has been on our stage, might well be heeded at this time (1920).

plural of “characteristic” — a prominent attribute or aspect of something

From this reading Steeped in such belief, it is small wonder that two of Bunce's plays had characteristics in them to suit a member of the Wallack family.

plural of “chisel” — an edge tool with a flat steel blade with a cutting edge

From this reading In avoiding the declamatory Kembletonianism of the old school, our actors are right enough; but they cannot safely disregard the skill which sharpens and chisels, as it were, the sentences; nor forego the care, study, precision and stern adherence to rules of art, that marked the old stage."

light and humorous drama with a happy ending

From this reading The _Sir Peter Teazles_ and _Sir Anthony Absolutes_ of the old comedy require indispensably the resources of the old art, and no thin, water-gruel realism, so-called, can personate them.

ostentatiously lofty in style

From this reading In avoiding the declamatory Kembletonianism of the old school, our actors are right enough; but they cannot safely disregard the skill which sharpens and chisels, as it were, the sentences; nor forego the care, study, precision and stern adherence to rules of art, that marked the old stage."

refuse to acknowledge

From this reading In avoiding the declamatory Kembletonianism of the old school, our actors are right enough; but they cannot safely disregard the skill which sharpens and chisels, as it were, the sentences; nor forego the care, study, precision and stern adherence to rules of art, that marked the old stage."

an Indo-European language belonging to the West Germanic branch; the official language of Britain and the United States and most of the commonwealth countries

From this reading And being such a lover of old English Comedy accounts for some of the spirit of "Love in '76."

an adequate quantity; a quantity that is large enough to achieve a purpose

From this reading In avoiding the declamatory Kembletonianism of the old school, our actors are right enough; but they cannot safely disregard the skill which sharpens and chisels, as it were, the sentences; nor forego the care, study, precision and stern adherence to rules of art, that marked the old stage."

a social unit living together

From this reading Steeped in such belief, it is small wonder that two of Bunce's plays had characteristics in them to suit a member of the Wallack family.

intended to be given to, or used by, somebody

From this reading And being such a lover of old English Comedy accounts for some of the spirit of "Love in '76."

be earlier in time; go back further

From this reading In avoiding the declamatory Kembletonianism of the old school, our actors are right enough; but they cannot safely disregard the skill which sharpens and chisels, as it were, the sentences; nor forego the care, study, precision and stern adherence to rules of art, that marked the old stage."

serving as an essential component

From this reading His plea, sound in its fundamental championing of the best that has been on our stage, might well be heeded at this time (1920).

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

From this reading Steeped in such belief, it is small wonder that two of Bunce's plays had characteristics in them to suit a member of the Wallack family.

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

From this reading His plea, sound in its fundamental championing of the best that has been on our stage, might well be heeded at this time (1920).

past form of “heed” — pay close attention to; give heed to

From this reading His plea, sound in its fundamental championing of the best that has been on our stage, might well be heeded at this time (1920).

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

From this reading His plea, sound in its fundamental championing of the best that has been on our stage, might well be heeded at this time (1920).

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

From this reading In avoiding the declamatory Kembletonianism of the old school, our actors are right enough; but they cannot safely disregard the skill which sharpens and chisels, as it were, the sentences; nor forego the care, study, precision and stern adherence to rules of art, that marked the old stage."

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

From this reading The _Sir Peter Teazles_ and _Sir Anthony Absolutes_ of the old comedy require indispensably the resources of the old art, and no thin, water-gruel realism, so-called, can personate them.

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

From this reading Steeped in such belief, it is small wonder that two of Bunce's plays had characteristics in them to suit a member of the Wallack family.

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading In avoiding the declamatory Kembletonianism of the old school, our actors are right enough; but they cannot safely disregard the skill which sharpens and chisels, as it were, the sentences; nor forego the care, study, precision and stern adherence to rules of art, that marked the old stage."

belonging to the thing or animal already mentioned

From this reading His plea, sound in its fundamental championing of the best that has been on our stage, might well be heeded at this time (1920).

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

From this reading In avoiding the declamatory Kembletonianism of the old school, our actors are right enough; but they cannot safely disregard the skill which sharpens and chisels, as it were, the sentences; nor forego the care, study, precision and stern adherence to rules of art, that marked the old stage."

a strong positive emotion of regard and affection

From this reading And being such a lover of old English Comedy accounts for some of the spirit of "Love in '76."

a person who loves someone or is loved by someone

From this reading And being such a lover of old English Comedy accounts for some of the spirit of "Love in '76."

strongly marked; easily noticeable

From this reading In avoiding the declamatory Kembletonianism of the old school, our actors are right enough; but they cannot safely disregard the skill which sharpens and chisels, as it were, the sentences; nor forego the care, study, precision and stern adherence to rules of art, that marked the old stage."

one of the persons who compose a social group (especially individuals who have joined and participate in a group organization)

From this reading Steeped in such belief, it is small wonder that two of Bunce's plays had characteristics in them to suit a member of the Wallack family.

used to say something is possible but not certain

From this reading His plea, sound in its fundamental championing of the best that has been on our stage, might well be heeded at this time (1920).

not any; not one

From this reading The _Sir Peter Teazles_ and _Sir Anthony Absolutes_ of the old comedy require indispensably the resources of the old art, and no thin, water-gruel realism, so-called, can personate them.

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

From this reading In avoiding the declamatory Kembletonianism of the old school, our actors are right enough; but they cannot safely disregard the skill which sharpens and chisels, as it were, the sentences; nor forego the care, study, precision and stern adherence to rules of art, that marked the old stage."

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading The _Sir Peter Teazles_ and _Sir Anthony Absolutes_ of the old comedy require indispensably the resources of the old art, and no thin, water-gruel realism, so-called, can personate them.

(used especially of persons) having lived for a relatively long time or attained a specific age

From this reading The _Sir Peter Teazles_ and _Sir Anthony Absolutes_ of the old comedy require indispensably the resources of the old art, and no thin, water-gruel realism, so-called, can personate them.

touching and supported by a surface

From this reading His plea, sound in its fundamental championing of the best that has been on our stage, might well be heeded at this time (1920).

belonging to the speaker and others

From this reading In avoiding the declamatory Kembletonianism of the old school, our actors are right enough; but they cannot safely disregard the skill which sharpens and chisels, as it were, the sentences; nor forego the care, study, precision and stern adherence to rules of art, that marked the old stage."

pretend to be someone you are not; sometimes with fraudulent intentions

From this reading The _Sir Peter Teazles_ and _Sir Anthony Absolutes_ of the old comedy require indispensably the resources of the old art, and no thin, water-gruel realism, so-called, can personate them.

disciple of Jesus and leader of the Apostles; regarded by Catholics as the vicar of Christ on earth and first Pope

From this reading The _Sir Peter Teazles_ and _Sir Anthony Absolutes_ of the old comedy require indispensably the resources of the old art, and no thin, water-gruel realism, so-called, can personate them.

plural of “play” — a dramatic work intended for performance by actors on a stage

From this reading Steeped in such belief, it is small wonder that two of Bunce's plays had characteristics in them to suit a member of the Wallack family.

a humble request for help from someone in authority

From this reading His plea, sound in its fundamental championing of the best that has been on our stage, might well be heeded at this time (1920).

the quality of being reproducible in amount or performance

From this reading In avoiding the declamatory Kembletonianism of the old school, our actors are right enough; but they cannot safely disregard the skill which sharpens and chisels, as it were, the sentences; nor forego the care, study, precision and stern adherence to rules of art, that marked the old stage."

the attribute of accepting the facts of life and favoring practicality and literal truth

From this reading The _Sir Peter Teazles_ and _Sir Anthony Absolutes_ of the old comedy require indispensably the resources of the old art, and no thin, water-gruel realism, so-called, can personate them.

require as useful, just, or proper

From this reading The _Sir Peter Teazles_ and _Sir Anthony Absolutes_ of the old comedy require indispensably the resources of the old art, and no thin, water-gruel realism, so-called, can personate them.

plural of “resource” — available source of wealth; a new or reserve supply that can be drawn upon when needed

From this reading The _Sir Peter Teazles_ and _Sir Anthony Absolutes_ of the old comedy require indispensably the resources of the old art, and no thin, water-gruel realism, so-called, can personate them.

precisely, exactly

From this reading In avoiding the declamatory Kembletonianism of the old school, our actors are right enough; but they cannot safely disregard the skill which sharpens and chisels, as it were, the sentences; nor forego the care, study, precision and stern adherence to rules of art, that marked the old stage."

plural of “rule” — a principle or condition that customarily governs behavior

From this reading In avoiding the declamatory Kembletonianism of the old school, our actors are right enough; but they cannot safely disregard the skill which sharpens and chisels, as it were, the sentences; nor forego the care, study, precision and stern adherence to rules of art, that marked the old stage."

with safety; in a safe manner

From this reading In avoiding the declamatory Kembletonianism of the old school, our actors are right enough; but they cannot safely disregard the skill which sharpens and chisels, as it were, the sentences; nor forego the care, study, precision and stern adherence to rules of art, that marked the old stage."

an educational institution

From this reading In avoiding the declamatory Kembletonianism of the old school, our actors are right enough; but they cannot safely disregard the skill which sharpens and chisels, as it were, the sentences; nor forego the care, study, precision and stern adherence to rules of art, that marked the old stage."

plural of “sentence” — a string of words satisfying the grammatical rules of a language

From this reading In avoiding the declamatory Kembletonianism of the old school, our actors are right enough; but they cannot safely disregard the skill which sharpens and chisels, as it were, the sentences; nor forego the care, study, precision and stern adherence to rules of art, that marked the old stage."

third-person singular of “sharpen” — make sharp or sharper

From this reading In avoiding the declamatory Kembletonianism of the old school, our actors are right enough; but they cannot safely disregard the skill which sharpens and chisels, as it were, the sentences; nor forego the care, study, precision and stern adherence to rules of art, that marked the old stage."

term of address for a man

From this reading The _Sir Peter Teazles_ and _Sir Anthony Absolutes_ of the old comedy require indispensably the resources of the old art, and no thin, water-gruel realism, so-called, can personate them.

an ability that has been acquired by training

From this reading In avoiding the declamatory Kembletonianism of the old school, our actors are right enough; but they cannot safely disregard the skill which sharpens and chisels, as it were, the sentences; nor forego the care, study, precision and stern adherence to rules of art, that marked the old stage."

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

From this reading Steeped in such belief, it is small wonder that two of Bunce's plays had characteristics in them to suit a member of the Wallack family.

doubtful or suspect

From this reading The _Sir Peter Teazles_ and _Sir Anthony Absolutes_ of the old comedy require indispensably the resources of the old art, and no thin, water-gruel realism, so-called, can personate them.

(quantifier) used with either mass nouns or plural count nouns to indicate an unspecified number or quantity

From this reading And being such a lover of old English Comedy accounts for some of the spirit of "Love in '76."

the particular auditory effect produced by a given cause

From this reading His plea, sound in its fundamental championing of the best that has been on our stage, might well be heeded at this time (1920).

the vital principle or animating force within living things

From this reading And being such a lover of old English Comedy accounts for some of the spirit of "Love in '76."

any distinct time period in a sequence of events

From this reading In avoiding the declamatory Kembletonianism of the old school, our actors are right enough; but they cannot safely disregard the skill which sharpens and chisels, as it were, the sentences; nor forego the care, study, precision and stern adherence to rules of art, that marked the old stage."

past form of “steep” — devote (oneself) fully to

From this reading Steeped in such belief, it is small wonder that two of Bunce's plays had characteristics in them to suit a member of the Wallack family.

of a stern or strict bearing or demeanor; forbidding in aspect

From this reading In avoiding the declamatory Kembletonianism of the old school, our actors are right enough; but they cannot safely disregard the skill which sharpens and chisels, as it were, the sentences; nor forego the care, study, precision and stern adherence to rules of art, that marked the old stage."

a detailed critical inspection

From this reading In avoiding the declamatory Kembletonianism of the old school, our actors are right enough; but they cannot safely disregard the skill which sharpens and chisels, as it were, the sentences; nor forego the care, study, precision and stern adherence to rules of art, that marked the old stage."

of the kind already mentioned

From this reading Steeped in such belief, it is small wonder that two of Bunce's plays had characteristics in them to suit a member of the Wallack family.

be agreeable or acceptable to

From this reading Steeped in such belief, it is small wonder that two of Bunce's plays had characteristics in them to suit a member of the Wallack family.

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

From this reading The _Sir Peter Teazles_ and _Sir Anthony Absolutes_ of the old comedy require indispensably the resources of the old art, and no thin, water-gruel realism, so-called, can personate them.

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading In avoiding the declamatory Kembletonianism of the old school, our actors are right enough; but they cannot safely disregard the skill which sharpens and chisels, as it were, the sentences; nor forego the care, study, precision and stern adherence to rules of art, that marked the old stage."

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

From this reading The _Sir Peter Teazles_ and _Sir Anthony Absolutes_ of the old comedy require indispensably the resources of the old art, and no thin, water-gruel realism, so-called, can personate them.

the people or things already mentioned, as the object

From this reading The _Sir Peter Teazles_ and _Sir Anthony Absolutes_ of the old comedy require indispensably the resources of the old art, and no thin, water-gruel realism, so-called, can personate them.

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

From this reading In avoiding the declamatory Kembletonianism of the old school, our actors are right enough; but they cannot safely disregard the skill which sharpens and chisels, as it were, the sentences; nor forego the care, study, precision and stern adherence to rules of art, that marked the old stage."

Having little thickness or extent.

From this reading The _Sir Peter Teazles_ and _Sir Anthony Absolutes_ of the old comedy require indispensably the resources of the old art, and no thin, water-gruel realism, so-called, can personate them.

used for a person or thing that is near, or that has just been mentioned

From this reading His plea, sound in its fundamental championing of the best that has been on our stage, might well be heeded at this time (1920).

an instance or single occasion for some event

From this reading His plea, sound in its fundamental championing of the best that has been on our stage, might well be heeded at this time (1920).

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

From this reading In avoiding the declamatory Kembletonianism of the old school, our actors are right enough; but they cannot safely disregard the skill which sharpens and chisels, as it were, the sentences; nor forego the care, study, precision and stern adherence to rules of art, that marked the old stage."

the cardinal number that is the sum of one and one or a numeral representing this number

From this reading Steeped in such belief, it is small wonder that two of Bunce's plays had characteristics in them to suit a member of the Wallack family.

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

From this reading Steeped in such belief, it is small wonder that two of Bunce's plays had characteristics in them to suit a member of the Wallack family.

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

From this reading The _Sir Peter Teazles_ and _Sir Anthony Absolutes_ of the old comedy require indispensably the resources of the old art, and no thin, water-gruel realism, so-called, can personate them.

(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 His plea, sound in its fundamental championing of the best that has been on our stage, might well be heeded at this time (1920).

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

From this reading In avoiding the declamatory Kembletonianism of the old school, our actors are right enough; but they cannot safely disregard the skill which sharpens and chisels, as it were, the sentences; nor forego the care, study, precision and stern adherence to rules of art, that marked the old stage."

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

From this reading In avoiding the declamatory Kembletonianism of the old school, our actors are right enough; but they cannot safely disregard the skill which sharpens and chisels, as it were, the sentences; nor forego the care, study, precision and stern adherence to rules of art, that marked the old stage."

the feeling aroused by something strange and surprising

From this reading Steeped in such belief, it is small wonder that two of Bunce's plays had characteristics in them to suit a member of the Wallack family.