used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading A week later Elsmere was startled to find himself detained, after his story-telling, by a trio of workmen, asking on behalf of some thirty or forty members of the North R---- Club that he would give them a course of lectures on the New Testament.
generally approved or compelling recognition
From this reading Elsmere shrewdly suspected that the last two looked forward to any teaching he might give mostly as a new and favorable exercising ground for their own wits but he took the risk, gladly accepted the invitation, and fixed Sunday afternoons for a weekly New Testament lecture.
afterprepositionUS /ˈæftər/
later than; following
From this reading A week later Elsmere was startled to find himself detained, after his story-telling, by a trio of workmen, asking on behalf of some thirty or forty members of the North R---- Club that he would give them a course of lectures on the New Testament.
afternoonsnounUS /ˌæftərˈnuːnz/
plural of “afternoon” — the part of the day between noon and evening
From this reading Elsmere shrewdly suspected that the last two looked forward to any teaching he might give mostly as a new and favorable exercising ground for their own wits but he took the risk, gladly accepted the invitation, and fixed Sunday afternoons for a weekly New Testament lecture.
the form of “a” used before a word that begins with a vowel sound
From this reading One of them was the gas-fitter Charles Richards; another was the watchmaker Lestrange, who had originally challenged Robert to deliver himself; and the third was a tough old Scotchman of sixty with a philosophical turn, under whose spoutings of Hume and Locke, of Reid and Dugald Stewart, delivered in the shrillest of cracked voices, the Club had writhed many an impatient half-hour on debating nights.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading One of them was the gas-fitter Charles Richards; another was the watchmaker Lestrange, who had originally challenged Robert to deliver himself; and the third was a tough old Scotchman of sixty with a philosophical turn, under whose spoutings of Hume and Locke, of Reid and Dugald Stewart, delivered in the shrillest of cracked voices, the Club had writhed many an impatient half-hour on debating nights.
one more of the same kind, or a different one
From this reading One of them was the gas-fitter Charles Richards; another was the watchmaker Lestrange, who had originally challenged Robert to deliver himself; and the third was a tough old Scotchman of sixty with a philosophical turn, under whose spoutings of Hume and Locke, of Reid and Dugald Stewart, delivered in the shrillest of cracked voices, the Club had writhed many an impatient half-hour on debating nights.
one or some or every or all without specification
From this reading Elsmere shrewdly suspected that the last two looked forward to any teaching he might give mostly as a new and favorable exercising ground for their own wits but he took the risk, gladly accepted the invitation, and fixed Sunday afternoons for a weekly New Testament lecture.
outward or visible aspect of a person or thing
From this reading He had an unexpected artistic gift, a kind of ‘sport’ as compared with the rest of his character, which made him a valued designer in the pottery works; but his real interests were speculative and argumentative, concerned with ‘common nawtions of the praimary elements of reason,’ and the appearance of Robert in the district seemed to offer him at last a foeman worthy of his steel.
argumentativeadjectiveUS /ˌɑːrɡjəˈmentətɪv/
given to or characterized by argument
From this reading He had an unexpected artistic gift, a kind of ‘sport’ as compared with the rest of his character, which made him a valued designer in the pottery works; but his real interests were speculative and argumentative, concerned with ‘common nawtions of the praimary elements of reason,’ and the appearance of Robert in the district seemed to offer him at last a foeman worthy of his steel.
artisticadjectiveUS /ɑːrˈtɪstɪk/
relating to or characteristic of art or artists
From this reading He had an unexpected artistic gift, a kind of ‘sport’ as compared with the rest of his character, which made him a valued designer in the pottery works; but his real interests were speculative and argumentative, concerned with ‘common nawtions of the praimary elements of reason,’ and the appearance of Robert in the district seemed to offer him at last a foeman worthy of his steel.
at the same time that; because; in the way that
From this reading He had an unexpected artistic gift, a kind of ‘sport’ as compared with the rest of his character, which made him a valued designer in the pottery works; but his real interests were speculative and argumentative, concerned with ‘common nawtions of the praimary elements of reason,’ and the appearance of Robert in the district seemed to offer him at last a foeman worthy of his steel.
the verbal act of requesting
From this reading A week later Elsmere was startled to find himself detained, after his story-telling, by a trio of workmen, asking on behalf of some thirty or forty members of the North R---- Club that he would give them a course of lectures on the New Testament.
in or near a particular place or position
From this reading He had an unexpected artistic gift, a kind of ‘sport’ as compared with the rest of his character, which made him a valued designer in the pottery works; but his real interests were speculative and argumentative, concerned with ‘common nawtions of the praimary elements of reason,’ and the appearance of Robert in the district seemed to offer him at last a foeman worthy of his steel.
behalfnounUS /bɪˈhæf/
as the agent of or on someone's part (usually expressed as “on behalf of” rather than “in behalf of”)
From this reading A week later Elsmere was startled to find himself detained, after his story-telling, by a trio of workmen, asking on behalf of some thirty or forty members of the North R---- Club that he would give them a course of lectures on the New Testament.
used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before
From this reading He had an unexpected artistic gift, a kind of ‘sport’ as compared with the rest of his character, which made him a valued designer in the pottery works; but his real interests were speculative and argumentative, concerned with ‘common nawtions of the praimary elements of reason,’ and the appearance of Robert in the district seemed to offer him at last a foeman worthy of his steel.
showing who or what does the action
From this reading A week later Elsmere was startled to find himself detained, after his story-telling, by a trio of workmen, asking on behalf of some thirty or forty members of the North R---- Club that he would give them a course of lectures on the New Testament.
the work of providing treatment for or attending to someone or something
From this reading His first lecture, which he prepared with great care, was delivered to thirty-seven men a fortnight later.
challengedverbUS /ˈtʃæləndʒd/
past form of “challenge” — take exception to
From this reading One of them was the gas-fitter Charles Richards; another was the watchmaker Lestrange, who had originally challenged Robert to deliver himself; and the third was a tough old Scotchman of sixty with a philosophical turn, under whose spoutings of Hume and Locke, of Reid and Dugald Stewart, delivered in the shrillest of cracked voices, the Club had writhed many an impatient half-hour on debating nights.
an imaginary person represented in a work of fiction (play or film or story)
From this reading He had an unexpected artistic gift, a kind of ‘sport’ as compared with the rest of his character, which made him a valued designer in the pottery works; but his real interests were speculative and argumentative, concerned with ‘common nawtions of the praimary elements of reason,’ and the appearance of Robert in the district seemed to offer him at last a foeman worthy of his steel.
King of France from 1560 to 1574 whose reign was dominated by his mother Catherine de Medicis (1550-1574)
From this reading One of them was the gas-fitter Charles Richards; another was the watchmaker Lestrange, who had originally challenged Robert to deliver himself; and the third was a tough old Scotchman of sixty with a philosophical turn, under whose spoutings of Hume and Locke, of Reid and Dugald Stewart, delivered in the shrillest of cracked voices, the Club had writhed many an impatient half-hour on debating nights.
a team of professional baseball players who play and travel together
From this reading A week later Elsmere was startled to find himself detained, after his story-telling, by a trio of workmen, asking on behalf of some thirty or forty members of the North R---- Club that he would give them a course of lectures on the New Testament.
belonging to or participated in by a community as a whole; public
From this reading He had an unexpected artistic gift, a kind of ‘sport’ as compared with the rest of his character, which made him a valued designer in the pottery works; but his real interests were speculative and argumentative, concerned with ‘common nawtions of the praimary elements of reason,’ and the appearance of Robert in the district seemed to offer him at last a foeman worthy of his steel.
past form of “compare” — examine and note the similarities or differences of
From this reading He had an unexpected artistic gift, a kind of ‘sport’ as compared with the rest of his character, which made him a valued designer in the pottery works; but his real interests were speculative and argumentative, concerned with ‘common nawtions of the praimary elements of reason,’ and the appearance of Robert in the district seemed to offer him at last a foeman worthy of his steel.
feeling or showing worry or solicitude
From this reading He had an unexpected artistic gift, a kind of ‘sport’ as compared with the rest of his character, which made him a valued designer in the pottery works; but his real interests were speculative and argumentative, concerned with ‘common nawtions of the praimary elements of reason,’ and the appearance of Robert in the district seemed to offer him at last a foeman worthy of his steel.
education imparted in a series of lessons or meetings
From this reading A week later Elsmere was startled to find himself detained, after his story-telling, by a trio of workmen, asking on behalf of some thirty or forty members of the North R---- Club that he would give them a course of lectures on the New Testament.
crackedadjectiveUS /krækt/
used of skin roughened as a result of cold or exposure
From this reading One of them was the gas-fitter Charles Richards; another was the watchmaker Lestrange, who had originally challenged Robert to deliver himself; and the third was a tough old Scotchman of sixty with a philosophical turn, under whose spoutings of Hume and Locke, of Reid and Dugald Stewart, delivered in the shrillest of cracked voices, the Club had writhed many an impatient half-hour on debating nights.
debatingverbUS /dəˈbeɪtɪŋ/
-ing form of “debate” — argue with one another
From this reading One of them was the gas-fitter Charles Richards; another was the watchmaker Lestrange, who had originally challenged Robert to deliver himself; and the third was a tough old Scotchman of sixty with a philosophical turn, under whose spoutings of Hume and Locke, of Reid and Dugald Stewart, delivered in the shrillest of cracked voices, the Club had writhed many an impatient half-hour on debating nights.
deliververbUS /dɪˈlɪvər/
deliver (a speech, oration, or idea)
From this reading One of them was the gas-fitter Charles Richards; another was the watchmaker Lestrange, who had originally challenged Robert to deliver himself; and the third was a tough old Scotchman of sixty with a philosophical turn, under whose spoutings of Hume and Locke, of Reid and Dugald Stewart, delivered in the shrillest of cracked voices, the Club had writhed many an impatient half-hour on debating nights.
past form of “deliver” — deliver (a speech, oration, or idea)
From this reading One of them was the gas-fitter Charles Richards; another was the watchmaker Lestrange, who had originally challenged Robert to deliver himself; and the third was a tough old Scotchman of sixty with a philosophical turn, under whose spoutings of Hume and Locke, of Reid and Dugald Stewart, delivered in the shrillest of cracked voices, the Club had writhed many an impatient half-hour on debating nights.
designernounUS /dɪˈzaɪnər/
a person who specializes in interior design
From this reading He had an unexpected artistic gift, a kind of ‘sport’ as compared with the rest of his character, which made him a valued designer in the pottery works; but his real interests were speculative and argumentative, concerned with ‘common nawtions of the praimary elements of reason,’ and the appearance of Robert in the district seemed to offer him at last a foeman worthy of his steel.
detainedverbUS /dɪˈteɪnd/
past form of “detain” — deprive of freedom; take into confinement
From this reading A week later Elsmere was startled to find himself detained, after his story-telling, by a trio of workmen, asking on behalf of some thirty or forty members of the North R---- Club that he would give them a course of lectures on the New Testament.
districtnounUS /ˈdɪstrɪkt/
a region marked off for administrative or other purposes
From this reading He had an unexpected artistic gift, a kind of ‘sport’ as compared with the rest of his character, which made him a valued designer in the pottery works; but his real interests were speculative and argumentative, concerned with ‘common nawtions of the praimary elements of reason,’ and the appearance of Robert in the district seemed to offer him at last a foeman worthy of his steel.
Dugald
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading One of them was the gas-fitter Charles Richards; another was the watchmaker Lestrange, who had originally challenged Robert to deliver himself; and the third was a tough old Scotchman of sixty with a philosophical turn, under whose spoutings of Hume and Locke, of Reid and Dugald Stewart, delivered in the shrillest of cracked voices, the Club had writhed many an impatient half-hour on debating nights.
elementsnounUS /ˈeləmənts/
violent or severe weather (viewed as caused by the action of the four elements)
From this reading He had an unexpected artistic gift, a kind of ‘sport’ as compared with the rest of his character, which made him a valued designer in the pottery works; but his real interests were speculative and argumentative, concerned with ‘common nawtions of the praimary elements of reason,’ and the appearance of Robert in the district seemed to offer him at last a foeman worthy of his steel.
Elsmere
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading A week later Elsmere was startled to find himself detained, after his story-telling, by a trio of workmen, asking on behalf of some thirty or forty members of the North R---- Club that he would give them a course of lectures on the New Testament.
exercisingnounUS /ˈeksərsaɪzɪŋ/
the activity of exerting your muscles in various ways to keep fit
From this reading Elsmere shrewdly suspected that the last two looked forward to any teaching he might give mostly as a new and favorable exercising ground for their own wits but he took the risk, gladly accepted the invitation, and fixed Sunday afternoons for a weekly New Testament lecture.
favorableadjectiveUS /ˈfeɪvərəbəl/
encouraging or approving or pleasing
From this reading Elsmere shrewdly suspected that the last two looked forward to any teaching he might give mostly as a new and favorable exercising ground for their own wits but he took the risk, gladly accepted the invitation, and fixed Sunday afternoons for a weekly New Testament lecture.
come upon, as if by accident; meet with
From this reading A week later Elsmere was startled to find himself detained, after his story-telling, by a trio of workmen, asking on behalf of some thirty or forty members of the North R---- Club that he would give them a course of lectures on the New Testament.
firstadjectiveUS /fɜːrst/
preceding all others in time or space or degree
From this reading His first lecture, which he prepared with great care, was delivered to thirty-seven men a fortnight later.
(of a number) having a fixed and unchanging value
From this reading Elsmere shrewdly suspected that the last two looked forward to any teaching he might give mostly as a new and favorable exercising ground for their own wits but he took the risk, gladly accepted the invitation, and fixed Sunday afternoons for a weekly New Testament lecture.
foemannoun
an armed adversary (especially a member of an opposing military force)
From this reading He had an unexpected artistic gift, a kind of ‘sport’ as compared with the rest of his character, which made him a valued designer in the pottery works; but his real interests were speculative and argumentative, concerned with ‘common nawtions of the praimary elements of reason,’ and the appearance of Robert in the district seemed to offer him at last a foeman worthy of his steel.
intended to be given to, or used by, somebody
From this reading Elsmere shrewdly suspected that the last two looked forward to any teaching he might give mostly as a new and favorable exercising ground for their own wits but he took the risk, gladly accepted the invitation, and fixed Sunday afternoons for a weekly New Testament lecture.
fortnightnounUS /ˈfɔːrtnaɪt/
a period of fourteen consecutive days
From this reading His first lecture, which he prepared with great care, was delivered to thirty-seven men a fortnight later.
fortyadjectiveUS /ˈfɔːrti/
being ten more than thirty
From this reading A week later Elsmere was startled to find himself detained, after his story-telling, by a trio of workmen, asking on behalf of some thirty or forty members of the North R---- Club that he would give them a course of lectures on the New Testament.
at or to or toward the front
From this reading Elsmere shrewdly suspected that the last two looked forward to any teaching he might give mostly as a new and favorable exercising ground for their own wits but he took the risk, gladly accepted the invitation, and fixed Sunday afternoons for a weekly New Testament lecture.
gas-fitter
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading One of them was the gas-fitter Charles Richards; another was the watchmaker Lestrange, who had originally challenged Robert to deliver himself; and the third was a tough old Scotchman of sixty with a philosophical turn, under whose spoutings of Hume and Locke, of Reid and Dugald Stewart, delivered in the shrillest of cracked voices, the Club had writhed many an impatient half-hour on debating nights.
something acquired without compensation
From this reading He had an unexpected artistic gift, a kind of ‘sport’ as compared with the rest of his character, which made him a valued designer in the pottery works; but his real interests were speculative and argumentative, concerned with ‘common nawtions of the praimary elements of reason,’ and the appearance of Robert in the district seemed to offer him at last a foeman worthy of his steel.
cause to have, in the abstract sense or physical sense
From this reading A week later Elsmere was startled to find himself detained, after his story-telling, by a trio of workmen, asking on behalf of some thirty or forty members of the North R---- Club that he would give them a course of lectures on the New Testament.
gladlyadverbUS /ˈɡlædli/
in a willing manner
From this reading Elsmere shrewdly suspected that the last two looked forward to any teaching he might give mostly as a new and favorable exercising ground for their own wits but he took the risk, gladly accepted the invitation, and fixed Sunday afternoons for a weekly New Testament lecture.
relatively large in size or number or extent; larger than others of its kind
From this reading His first lecture, which he prepared with great care, was delivered to thirty-seven men a fortnight later.
the solid part of the earth's surface
From this reading Elsmere shrewdly suspected that the last two looked forward to any teaching he might give mostly as a new and favorable exercising ground for their own wits but he took the risk, gladly accepted the invitation, and fixed Sunday afternoons for a weekly New Testament lecture.
hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/
the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect
From this reading One of them was the gas-fitter Charles Richards; another was the watchmaker Lestrange, who had originally challenged Robert to deliver himself; and the third was a tough old Scotchman of sixty with a philosophical turn, under whose spoutings of Hume and Locke, of Reid and Dugald Stewart, delivered in the shrillest of cracked voices, the Club had writhed many an impatient half-hour on debating nights.
half-hournounUS /ˈhæfaʊər/
a half of an hour
From this reading One of them was the gas-fitter Charles Richards; another was the watchmaker Lestrange, who had originally challenged Robert to deliver himself; and the third was a tough old Scotchman of sixty with a philosophical turn, under whose spoutings of Hume and Locke, of Reid and Dugald Stewart, delivered in the shrillest of cracked voices, the Club had writhed many an impatient half-hour on debating nights.
a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading A week later Elsmere was startled to find himself detained, after his story-telling, by a trio of workmen, asking on behalf of some thirty or forty members of the North R---- Club that he would give them a course of lectures on the New Testament.
the male already mentioned, as the object of a verb or preposition
From this reading He had an unexpected artistic gift, a kind of ‘sport’ as compared with the rest of his character, which made him a valued designer in the pottery works; but his real interests were speculative and argumentative, concerned with ‘common nawtions of the praimary elements of reason,’ and the appearance of Robert in the district seemed to offer him at last a foeman worthy of his steel.
used when the man or boy doing the action is also its object
From this reading A week later Elsmere was startled to find himself detained, after his story-telling, by a trio of workmen, asking on behalf of some thirty or forty members of the North R---- Club that he would give them a course of lectures on the New Testament.
belonging to a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned
From this reading A week later Elsmere was startled to find himself detained, after his story-telling, by a trio of workmen, asking on behalf of some thirty or forty members of the North R---- Club that he would give them a course of lectures on the New Testament.
HumenounUS /hjuːm/
Scottish philosopher skeptical philosophy restricted human knowledge to that which can be perceived by the senses (1711-1776)
From this reading One of them was the gas-fitter Charles Richards; another was the watchmaker Lestrange, who had originally challenged Robert to deliver himself; and the third was a tough old Scotchman of sixty with a philosophical turn, under whose spoutings of Hume and Locke, of Reid and Dugald Stewart, delivered in the shrillest of cracked voices, the Club had writhed many an impatient half-hour on debating nights.
restless or short-tempered under delay or opposition
From this reading One of them was the gas-fitter Charles Richards; another was the watchmaker Lestrange, who had originally challenged Robert to deliver himself; and the third was a tough old Scotchman of sixty with a philosophical turn, under whose spoutings of Hume and Locke, of Reid and Dugald Stewart, delivered in the shrillest of cracked voices, the Club had writhed many an impatient half-hour on debating nights.
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading One of them was the gas-fitter Charles Richards; another was the watchmaker Lestrange, who had originally challenged Robert to deliver himself; and the third was a tough old Scotchman of sixty with a philosophical turn, under whose spoutings of Hume and Locke, of Reid and Dugald Stewart, delivered in the shrillest of cracked voices, the Club had writhed many an impatient half-hour on debating nights.
plural of “interest” — a sense of concern with and curiosity about someone or something
From this reading He had an unexpected artistic gift, a kind of ‘sport’ as compared with the rest of his character, which made him a valued designer in the pottery works; but his real interests were speculative and argumentative, concerned with ‘common nawtions of the praimary elements of reason,’ and the appearance of Robert in the district seemed to offer him at last a foeman worthy of his steel.
a request (spoken or written) to participate or be present or take part in something
From this reading Elsmere shrewdly suspected that the last two looked forward to any teaching he might give mostly as a new and favorable exercising ground for their own wits but he took the risk, gladly accepted the invitation, and fixed Sunday afternoons for a weekly New Testament lecture.
having or showing a tender and considerate and helpful nature; used especially of persons and their behavior
From this reading He had an unexpected artistic gift, a kind of ‘sport’ as compared with the rest of his character, which made him a valued designer in the pottery works; but his real interests were speculative and argumentative, concerned with ‘common nawtions of the praimary elements of reason,’ and the appearance of Robert in the district seemed to offer him at last a foeman worthy of his steel.
immediately past
From this reading He had an unexpected artistic gift, a kind of ‘sport’ as compared with the rest of his character, which made him a valued designer in the pottery works; but his real interests were speculative and argumentative, concerned with ‘common nawtions of the praimary elements of reason,’ and the appearance of Robert in the district seemed to offer him at last a foeman worthy of his steel.
happening at a time subsequent to a reference time
From this reading A week later Elsmere was startled to find himself detained, after his story-telling, by a trio of workmen, asking on behalf of some thirty or forty members of the North R---- Club that he would give them a course of lectures on the New Testament.
lectureverbUS /ˈlektʃər/
deliver a lecture or talk
From this reading Elsmere shrewdly suspected that the last two looked forward to any teaching he might give mostly as a new and favorable exercising ground for their own wits but he took the risk, gladly accepted the invitation, and fixed Sunday afternoons for a weekly New Testament lecture.
lecturesnounUS /ˈlektʃərz/
plural of “lecture” — a speech that is open to the public
From this reading A week later Elsmere was startled to find himself detained, after his story-telling, by a trio of workmen, asking on behalf of some thirty or forty members of the North R---- Club that he would give them a course of lectures on the New Testament.
Lestrange
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading One of them was the gas-fitter Charles Richards; another was the watchmaker Lestrange, who had originally challenged Robert to deliver himself; and the third was a tough old Scotchman of sixty with a philosophical turn, under whose spoutings of Hume and Locke, of Reid and Dugald Stewart, delivered in the shrillest of cracked voices, the Club had writhed many an impatient half-hour on debating nights.
LockenounUS /lɑːk/
English empiricist philosopher who believed that all knowledge is derived from sensory experience (1632-1704)
From this reading One of them was the gas-fitter Charles Richards; another was the watchmaker Lestrange, who had originally challenged Robert to deliver himself; and the third was a tough old Scotchman of sixty with a philosophical turn, under whose spoutings of Hume and Locke, of Reid and Dugald Stewart, delivered in the shrillest of cracked voices, the Club had writhed many an impatient half-hour on debating nights.
past form of “look” — perceive with attention; direct one's gaze towards
From this reading Elsmere shrewdly suspected that the last two looked forward to any teaching he might give mostly as a new and favorable exercising ground for their own wits but he took the risk, gladly accepted the invitation, and fixed Sunday afternoons for a weekly New Testament lecture.
produced by a manufacturing process
From this reading He had an unexpected artistic gift, a kind of ‘sport’ as compared with the rest of his character, which made him a valued designer in the pottery works; but his real interests were speculative and argumentative, concerned with ‘common nawtions of the praimary elements of reason,’ and the appearance of Robert in the district seemed to offer him at last a foeman worthy of his steel.
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 them was the gas-fitter Charles Richards; another was the watchmaker Lestrange, who had originally challenged Robert to deliver himself; and the third was a tough old Scotchman of sixty with a philosophical turn, under whose spoutings of Hume and Locke, of Reid and Dugald Stewart, delivered in the shrillest of cracked voices, the Club had writhed many an impatient half-hour on debating nights.
plural of “member” — one of the persons who compose a social group (especially individuals who have joined and participate in a group organization)
From this reading A week later Elsmere was startled to find himself detained, after his story-telling, by a trio of workmen, asking on behalf of some thirty or forty members of the North R---- Club that he would give them a course of lectures on the New Testament.
the force of workers available
From this reading His first lecture, which he prepared with great care, was delivered to thirty-seven men a fortnight later.
used to say something is possible but not certain
From this reading Elsmere shrewdly suspected that the last two looked forward to any teaching he might give mostly as a new and favorable exercising ground for their own wits but he took the risk, gladly accepted the invitation, and fixed Sunday afternoons for a weekly New Testament lecture.
mostlyadverbUS /ˈmoʊstli/
in large part; mainly or chiefly
From this reading Elsmere shrewdly suspected that the last two looked forward to any teaching he might give mostly as a new and favorable exercising ground for their own wits but he took the risk, gladly accepted the invitation, and fixed Sunday afternoons for a weekly New Testament lecture.
nawtions
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading He had an unexpected artistic gift, a kind of ‘sport’ as compared with the rest of his character, which made him a valued designer in the pottery works; but his real interests were speculative and argumentative, concerned with ‘common nawtions of the praimary elements of reason,’ and the appearance of Robert in the district seemed to offer him at last a foeman worthy of his steel.
not of long duration; having just (or relatively recently) come into being or been made or acquired or discovered
From this reading A week later Elsmere was startled to find himself detained, after his story-telling, by a trio of workmen, asking on behalf of some thirty or forty members of the North R---- Club that he would give them a course of lectures on the New Testament.
Periods of darkness between sunset and sunrise.
From this reading One of them was the gas-fitter Charles Richards; another was the watchmaker Lestrange, who had originally challenged Robert to deliver himself; and the third was a tough old Scotchman of sixty with a philosophical turn, under whose spoutings of Hume and Locke, of Reid and Dugald Stewart, delivered in the shrillest of cracked voices, the Club had writhed many an impatient half-hour on debating nights.
the region of the United States lying to the north of the Mason-Dixon line
From this reading A week later Elsmere was startled to find himself detained, after his story-telling, by a trio of workmen, asking on behalf of some thirty or forty members of the North R---- Club that he would give them a course of lectures on the New Testament.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading A week later Elsmere was startled to find himself detained, after his story-telling, by a trio of workmen, asking on behalf of some thirty or forty members of the North R---- Club that he would give them a course of lectures on the New Testament.
make available or accessible, provide or furnish
From this reading He had an unexpected artistic gift, a kind of ‘sport’ as compared with the rest of his character, which made him a valued designer in the pottery works; but his real interests were speculative and argumentative, concerned with ‘common nawtions of the praimary elements of reason,’ and the appearance of Robert in the district seemed to offer him at last a foeman worthy of his steel.
(used especially of persons) having lived for a relatively long time or attained a specific age
From this reading One of them was the gas-fitter Charles Richards; another was the watchmaker Lestrange, who had originally challenged Robert to deliver himself; and the third was a tough old Scotchman of sixty with a philosophical turn, under whose spoutings of Hume and Locke, of Reid and Dugald Stewart, delivered in the shrillest of cracked voices, the Club had writhed many an impatient half-hour on debating nights.
touching and supported by a surface
From this reading A week later Elsmere was startled to find himself detained, after his story-telling, by a trio of workmen, asking on behalf of some thirty or forty members of the North R---- Club that he would give them a course of lectures on the New Testament.
used to mean any person in general, including the speaker
From this reading One of them was the gas-fitter Charles Richards; another was the watchmaker Lestrange, who had originally challenged Robert to deliver himself; and the third was a tough old Scotchman of sixty with a philosophical turn, under whose spoutings of Hume and Locke, of Reid and Dugald Stewart, delivered in the shrillest of cracked voices, the Club had writhed many an impatient half-hour on debating nights.
used to join alternatives or possibilities
From this reading A week later Elsmere was startled to find himself detained, after his story-telling, by a trio of workmen, asking on behalf of some thirty or forty members of the North R---- Club that he would give them a course of lectures on the New Testament.
originallyadverbUS /ərˈɪdʒənəli/
in an original manner
From this reading One of them was the gas-fitter Charles Richards; another was the watchmaker Lestrange, who had originally challenged Robert to deliver himself; and the third was a tough old Scotchman of sixty with a philosophical turn, under whose spoutings of Hume and Locke, of Reid and Dugald Stewart, delivered in the shrillest of cracked voices, the Club had writhed many an impatient half-hour on debating nights.
have ownership or possession of
From this reading Elsmere shrewdly suspected that the last two looked forward to any teaching he might give mostly as a new and favorable exercising ground for their own wits but he took the risk, gladly accepted the invitation, and fixed Sunday afternoons for a weekly New Testament lecture.
philosophicaladjectiveUS /ˌfɪləˈsɑːfɪkəl/
of or relating to philosophy or philosophers
From this reading One of them was the gas-fitter Charles Richards; another was the watchmaker Lestrange, who had originally challenged Robert to deliver himself; and the third was a tough old Scotchman of sixty with a philosophical turn, under whose spoutings of Hume and Locke, of Reid and Dugald Stewart, delivered in the shrillest of cracked voices, the Club had writhed many an impatient half-hour on debating nights.
potterynounUS /ˈpɑːtəri/
ceramic ware made from clay and baked in a kiln
From this reading He had an unexpected artistic gift, a kind of ‘sport’ as compared with the rest of his character, which made him a valued designer in the pottery works; but his real interests were speculative and argumentative, concerned with ‘common nawtions of the praimary elements of reason,’ and the appearance of Robert in the district seemed to offer him at last a foeman worthy of his steel.
praimary
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading He had an unexpected artistic gift, a kind of ‘sport’ as compared with the rest of his character, which made him a valued designer in the pottery works; but his real interests were speculative and argumentative, concerned with ‘common nawtions of the praimary elements of reason,’ and the appearance of Robert in the district seemed to offer him at last a foeman worthy of his steel.
made ready or fit or suitable beforehand
From this reading His first lecture, which he prepared with great care, was delivered to thirty-seven men a fortnight later.
RnounUS /ɑːr/
a unit of radiation exposure; the dose of ionizing radiation that will produce 1 electrostatic unit of electricity in 1 cc of dry air
From this reading A week later Elsmere was startled to find himself detained, after his story-telling, by a trio of workmen, asking on behalf of some thirty or forty members of the North R---- Club that he would give them a course of lectures on the New Testament.
being or occurring in fact or actuality; having verified existence; not illusory
From this reading He had an unexpected artistic gift, a kind of ‘sport’ as compared with the rest of his character, which made him a valued designer in the pottery works; but his real interests were speculative and argumentative, concerned with ‘common nawtions of the praimary elements of reason,’ and the appearance of Robert in the district seemed to offer him at last a foeman worthy of his steel.
a rational motive for a belief or action
From this reading He had an unexpected artistic gift, a kind of ‘sport’ as compared with the rest of his character, which made him a valued designer in the pottery works; but his real interests were speculative and argumentative, concerned with ‘common nawtions of the praimary elements of reason,’ and the appearance of Robert in the district seemed to offer him at last a foeman worthy of his steel.
ReidnounUS /riːd/
Scottish philosopher of common sense who opposed the ideas of David Hume (1710-1796)
From this reading One of them was the gas-fitter Charles Richards; another was the watchmaker Lestrange, who had originally challenged Robert to deliver himself; and the third was a tough old Scotchman of sixty with a philosophical turn, under whose spoutings of Hume and Locke, of Reid and Dugald Stewart, delivered in the shrillest of cracked voices, the Club had writhed many an impatient half-hour on debating nights.
not move; be in a resting position
From this reading He had an unexpected artistic gift, a kind of ‘sport’ as compared with the rest of his character, which made him a valued designer in the pottery works; but his real interests were speculative and argumentative, concerned with ‘common nawtions of the praimary elements of reason,’ and the appearance of Robert in the district seemed to offer him at last a foeman worthy of his steel.
RichardsnounUS /ˈrɪtʃərdz/
English literary critic who collaborated with C. K. Ogden and contributed to the development of Basic English (1893-1979)
From this reading One of them was the gas-fitter Charles Richards; another was the watchmaker Lestrange, who had originally challenged Robert to deliver himself; and the third was a tough old Scotchman of sixty with a philosophical turn, under whose spoutings of Hume and Locke, of Reid and Dugald Stewart, delivered in the shrillest of cracked voices, the Club had writhed many an impatient half-hour on debating nights.
a source of danger; a possibility of incurring loss or misfortune
From this reading Elsmere shrewdly suspected that the last two looked forward to any teaching he might give mostly as a new and favorable exercising ground for their own wits but he took the risk, gladly accepted the invitation, and fixed Sunday afternoons for a weekly New Testament lecture.
United States parliamentary authority and author (in 1876) of Robert's Rules of Order (1837-1923)
From this reading One of them was the gas-fitter Charles Richards; another was the watchmaker Lestrange, who had originally challenged Robert to deliver himself; and the third was a tough old Scotchman of sixty with a philosophical turn, under whose spoutings of Hume and Locke, of Reid and Dugald Stewart, delivered in the shrillest of cracked voices, the Club had writhed many an impatient half-hour on debating nights.
Scotchmannoun
a native or inhabitant of Scotland
From this reading One of them was the gas-fitter Charles Richards; another was the watchmaker Lestrange, who had originally challenged Robert to deliver himself; and the third was a tough old Scotchman of sixty with a philosophical turn, under whose spoutings of Hume and Locke, of Reid and Dugald Stewart, delivered in the shrillest of cracked voices, the Club had writhed many an impatient half-hour on debating nights.
past form of “seem” — give a certain impression or have a certain outward aspect
From this reading He had an unexpected artistic gift, a kind of ‘sport’ as compared with the rest of his character, which made him a valued designer in the pottery works; but his real interests were speculative and argumentative, concerned with ‘common nawtions of the praimary elements of reason,’ and the appearance of Robert in the district seemed to offer him at last a foeman worthy of his steel.
shrewdlyadverbUS /ˈʃruːdli/
in a shrewd manner
From this reading Elsmere shrewdly suspected that the last two looked forward to any teaching he might give mostly as a new and favorable exercising ground for their own wits but he took the risk, gladly accepted the invitation, and fixed Sunday afternoons for a weekly New Testament lecture.
shrillest
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading One of them was the gas-fitter Charles Richards; another was the watchmaker Lestrange, who had originally challenged Robert to deliver himself; and the third was a tough old Scotchman of sixty with a philosophical turn, under whose spoutings of Hume and Locke, of Reid and Dugald Stewart, delivered in the shrillest of cracked voices, the Club had writhed many an impatient half-hour on debating nights.
sixtyadjectiveUS /ˈsɪksti/
being ten more than fifty
From this reading One of them was the gas-fitter Charles Richards; another was the watchmaker Lestrange, who had originally challenged Robert to deliver himself; and the third was a tough old Scotchman of sixty with a philosophical turn, under whose spoutings of Hume and Locke, of Reid and Dugald Stewart, delivered in the shrillest of cracked voices, the Club had writhed many an impatient half-hour on debating nights.
(quantifier) used with either mass nouns or plural count nouns to indicate an unspecified number or quantity
From this reading A week later Elsmere was startled to find himself detained, after his story-telling, by a trio of workmen, asking on behalf of some thirty or forty members of the North R---- Club that he would give them a course of lectures on the New Testament.
speculativeadjectiveUS /ˈspekjələtɪv/
not financially safe or secure
From this reading He had an unexpected artistic gift, a kind of ‘sport’ as compared with the rest of his character, which made him a valued designer in the pottery works; but his real interests were speculative and argumentative, concerned with ‘common nawtions of the praimary elements of reason,’ and the appearance of Robert in the district seemed to offer him at last a foeman worthy of his steel.
sportnounUS /spɔːrt/
an active diversion requiring physical exertion and competition
From this reading He had an unexpected artistic gift, a kind of ‘sport’ as compared with the rest of his character, which made him a valued designer in the pottery works; but his real interests were speculative and argumentative, concerned with ‘common nawtions of the praimary elements of reason,’ and the appearance of Robert in the district seemed to offer him at last a foeman worthy of his steel.
spoutings
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading One of them was the gas-fitter Charles Richards; another was the watchmaker Lestrange, who had originally challenged Robert to deliver himself; and the third was a tough old Scotchman of sixty with a philosophical turn, under whose spoutings of Hume and Locke, of Reid and Dugald Stewart, delivered in the shrillest of cracked voices, the Club had writhed many an impatient half-hour on debating nights.
excited by sudden surprise or alarm and making a quick involuntary movement
From this reading A week later Elsmere was startled to find himself detained, after his story-telling, by a trio of workmen, asking on behalf of some thirty or forty members of the North R---- Club that he would give them a course of lectures on the New Testament.
an alloy of iron with small amounts of carbon; widely used in construction; mechanical properties can be varied over a wide range
From this reading He had an unexpected artistic gift, a kind of ‘sport’ as compared with the rest of his character, which made him a valued designer in the pottery works; but his real interests were speculative and argumentative, concerned with ‘common nawtions of the praimary elements of reason,’ and the appearance of Robert in the district seemed to offer him at last a foeman worthy of his steel.
StewartnounUS /ˈstuːərt/
United States film actor who portrayed incorruptible but modest heros (1908-1997)
From this reading One of them was the gas-fitter Charles Richards; another was the watchmaker Lestrange, who had originally challenged Robert to deliver himself; and the third was a tough old Scotchman of sixty with a philosophical turn, under whose spoutings of Hume and Locke, of Reid and Dugald Stewart, delivered in the shrillest of cracked voices, the Club had writhed many an impatient half-hour on debating nights.
story-telling
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading A week later Elsmere was startled to find himself detained, after his story-telling, by a trio of workmen, asking on behalf of some thirty or forty members of the North R---- Club that he would give them a course of lectures on the New Testament.
first day of the week; observed as a day of rest and worship by most Christians
From this reading Elsmere shrewdly suspected that the last two looked forward to any teaching he might give mostly as a new and favorable exercising ground for their own wits but he took the risk, gladly accepted the invitation, and fixed Sunday afternoons for a weekly New Testament lecture.
believed likely
From this reading Elsmere shrewdly suspected that the last two looked forward to any teaching he might give mostly as a new and favorable exercising ground for their own wits but he took the risk, gladly accepted the invitation, and fixed Sunday afternoons for a weekly New Testament lecture.
teachingnounUS /ˈtiːtʃɪŋ/
the profession of a teacher
From this reading Elsmere shrewdly suspected that the last two looked forward to any teaching he might give mostly as a new and favorable exercising ground for their own wits but he took the risk, gladly accepted the invitation, and fixed Sunday afternoons for a weekly New Testament lecture.
TestamentnounUS /ˈtestəmənt/
a profession of belief
From this reading A week later Elsmere was startled to find himself detained, after his story-telling, by a trio of workmen, asking on behalf of some thirty or forty members of the North R---- Club that he would give them a course of lectures on the New Testament.
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading A week later Elsmere was startled to find himself detained, after his story-telling, by a trio of workmen, asking on behalf of some thirty or forty members of the North R---- Club that he would give them a course of lectures on the New Testament.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading A week later Elsmere was startled to find himself detained, after his story-telling, by a trio of workmen, asking on behalf of some thirty or forty members of the North R---- Club that he would give them a course of lectures on the New Testament.
belonging to the people or things already mentioned
From this reading Elsmere shrewdly suspected that the last two looked forward to any teaching he might give mostly as a new and favorable exercising ground for their own wits but he took the risk, gladly accepted the invitation, and fixed Sunday afternoons for a weekly New Testament lecture.
the people or things already mentioned, as the object
From this reading A week later Elsmere was startled to find himself detained, after his story-telling, by a trio of workmen, asking on behalf of some thirty or forty members of the North R---- Club that he would give them a course of lectures on the New Testament.
one of three equal parts of a divisible whole
From this reading One of them was the gas-fitter Charles Richards; another was the watchmaker Lestrange, who had originally challenged Robert to deliver himself; and the third was a tough old Scotchman of sixty with a philosophical turn, under whose spoutings of Hume and Locke, of Reid and Dugald Stewart, delivered in the shrillest of cracked voices, the Club had writhed many an impatient half-hour on debating nights.
the cardinal number that is the product of ten and three
From this reading A week later Elsmere was startled to find himself detained, after his story-telling, by a trio of workmen, asking on behalf of some thirty or forty members of the North R---- Club that he would give them a course of lectures on the New Testament.
thirty-sevenadjective
being seven more than thirty
From this reading His first lecture, which he prepared with great care, was delivered to thirty-seven men a fortnight later.
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading A week later Elsmere was startled to find himself detained, after his story-telling, by a trio of workmen, asking on behalf of some thirty or forty members of the North R---- Club that he would give them a course of lectures on the New Testament.
inflected form of “take” — carry out
From this reading Elsmere shrewdly suspected that the last two looked forward to any teaching he might give mostly as a new and favorable exercising ground for their own wits but he took the risk, gladly accepted the invitation, and fixed Sunday afternoons for a weekly New Testament lecture.
toughadjectiveUS /tʌf/
not given to gentleness or sentimentality
From this reading One of them was the gas-fitter Charles Richards; another was the watchmaker Lestrange, who had originally challenged Robert to deliver himself; and the third was a tough old Scotchman of sixty with a philosophical turn, under whose spoutings of Hume and Locke, of Reid and Dugald Stewart, delivered in the shrillest of cracked voices, the Club had writhed many an impatient half-hour on debating nights.
trionounUS /ˈtriːoʊ/
the cardinal number that is the sum of one and one and one
From this reading A week later Elsmere was startled to find himself detained, after his story-telling, by a trio of workmen, asking on behalf of some thirty or forty members of the North R---- Club that he would give them a course of lectures on the New Testament.
change orientation or direction, also in the abstract sense
From this reading One of them was the gas-fitter Charles Richards; another was the watchmaker Lestrange, who had originally challenged Robert to deliver himself; and the third was a tough old Scotchman of sixty with a philosophical turn, under whose spoutings of Hume and Locke, of Reid and Dugald Stewart, delivered in the shrillest of cracked voices, the Club had writhed many an impatient half-hour on debating nights.
the cardinal number that is the sum of one and one or a numeral representing this number
From this reading Elsmere shrewdly suspected that the last two looked forward to any teaching he might give mostly as a new and favorable exercising ground for their own wits but he took the risk, gladly accepted the invitation, and fixed Sunday afternoons for a weekly New Testament lecture.
underprepositionUS /ˈʌndər/
below or beneath something; less than
From this reading One of them was the gas-fitter Charles Richards; another was the watchmaker Lestrange, who had originally challenged Robert to deliver himself; and the third was a tough old Scotchman of sixty with a philosophical turn, under whose spoutings of Hume and Locke, of Reid and Dugald Stewart, delivered in the shrillest of cracked voices, the Club had writhed many an impatient half-hour on debating nights.
not expected or anticipated
From this reading He had an unexpected artistic gift, a kind of ‘sport’ as compared with the rest of his character, which made him a valued designer in the pottery works; but his real interests were speculative and argumentative, concerned with ‘common nawtions of the praimary elements of reason,’ and the appearance of Robert in the district seemed to offer him at last a foeman worthy of his steel.
valuedadjectiveUS /ˈvæljuːd/
(usually used in combination) having value of a specified kind
From this reading He had an unexpected artistic gift, a kind of ‘sport’ as compared with the rest of his character, which made him a valued designer in the pottery works; but his real interests were speculative and argumentative, concerned with ‘common nawtions of the praimary elements of reason,’ and the appearance of Robert in the district seemed to offer him at last a foeman worthy of his steel.
plural of “voice” — the distinctive quality or pitch or condition of a person's speech
From this reading One of them was the gas-fitter Charles Richards; another was the watchmaker Lestrange, who had originally challenged Robert to deliver himself; and the third was a tough old Scotchman of sixty with a philosophical turn, under whose spoutings of Hume and Locke, of Reid and Dugald Stewart, delivered in the shrillest of cracked voices, the Club had writhed many an impatient half-hour on debating nights.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading A week later Elsmere was startled to find himself detained, after his story-telling, by a trio of workmen, asking on behalf of some thirty or forty members of the North R---- Club that he would give them a course of lectures on the New Testament.
watchmakernoun
someone who makes or repairs watches
From this reading One of them was the gas-fitter Charles Richards; another was the watchmaker Lestrange, who had originally challenged Robert to deliver himself; and the third was a tough old Scotchman of sixty with a philosophical turn, under whose spoutings of Hume and Locke, of Reid and Dugald Stewart, delivered in the shrillest of cracked voices, the Club had writhed many an impatient half-hour on debating nights.
any period of seven consecutive days
From this reading A week later Elsmere was startled to find himself detained, after his story-telling, by a trio of workmen, asking on behalf of some thirty or forty members of the North R---- Club that he would give them a course of lectures on the New Testament.
weeklynounUS /ˈwiːkli/
a periodical that is published every week (or 52 issues per year)
From this reading Elsmere shrewdly suspected that the last two looked forward to any teaching he might give mostly as a new and favorable exercising ground for their own wits but he took the risk, gladly accepted the invitation, and fixed Sunday afternoons for a weekly New Testament lecture.
wereauxiliary verbUS /wɜːr/
the past form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun
From this reading He had an unexpected artistic gift, a kind of ‘sport’ as compared with the rest of his character, which made him a valued designer in the pottery works; but his real interests were speculative and argumentative, concerned with ‘common nawtions of the praimary elements of reason,’ and the appearance of Robert in the district seemed to offer him at last a foeman worthy of his steel.
used to introduce a clause giving more about a thing just mentioned
From this reading He had an unexpected artistic gift, a kind of ‘sport’ as compared with the rest of his character, which made him a valued designer in the pottery works; but his real interests were speculative and argumentative, concerned with ‘common nawtions of the praimary elements of reason,’ and the appearance of Robert in the district seemed to offer him at last a foeman worthy of his steel.
which person or people
From this reading One of them was the gas-fitter Charles Richards; another was the watchmaker Lestrange, who had originally challenged Robert to deliver himself; and the third was a tough old Scotchman of sixty with a philosophical turn, under whose spoutings of Hume and Locke, of Reid and Dugald Stewart, delivered in the shrillest of cracked voices, the Club had writhed many an impatient half-hour on debating nights.
belonging to which person
From this reading One of them was the gas-fitter Charles Richards; another was the watchmaker Lestrange, who had originally challenged Robert to deliver himself; and the third was a tough old Scotchman of sixty with a philosophical turn, under whose spoutings of Hume and Locke, of Reid and Dugald Stewart, delivered in the shrillest of cracked voices, the Club had writhed many an impatient half-hour on debating nights.
in the company of; together with
From this reading One of them was the gas-fitter Charles Richards; another was the watchmaker Lestrange, who had originally challenged Robert to deliver himself; and the third was a tough old Scotchman of sixty with a philosophical turn, under whose spoutings of Hume and Locke, of Reid and Dugald Stewart, delivered in the shrillest of cracked voices, the Club had writhed many an impatient half-hour on debating nights.
witsnounUS /wɪts/
the basic human power of intelligent thought and perception
From this reading Elsmere shrewdly suspected that the last two looked forward to any teaching he might give mostly as a new and favorable exercising ground for their own wits but he took the risk, gladly accepted the invitation, and fixed Sunday afternoons for a weekly New Testament lecture.
workmennounUS /ˈwɜːrkmɪn/
plural of “workman” — an employee who performs manual or industrial labor
From this reading A week later Elsmere was startled to find himself detained, after his story-telling, by a trio of workmen, asking on behalf of some thirty or forty members of the North R---- Club that he would give them a course of lectures on the New Testament.
buildings for carrying on industrial labor
From this reading He had an unexpected artistic gift, a kind of ‘sport’ as compared with the rest of his character, which made him a valued designer in the pottery works; but his real interests were speculative and argumentative, concerned with ‘common nawtions of the praimary elements of reason,’ and the appearance of Robert in the district seemed to offer him at last a foeman worthy of his steel.
Having or showing the qualities or abilities that merit recognition in character or magic.
From this reading He had an unexpected artistic gift, a kind of ‘sport’ as compared with the rest of his character, which made him a valued designer in the pottery works; but his real interests were speculative and argumentative, concerned with ‘common nawtions of the praimary elements of reason,’ and the appearance of Robert in the district seemed to offer him at last a foeman worthy of his steel.
used for something imagined, polite, or habitual in the past
From this reading A week later Elsmere was startled to find himself detained, after his story-telling, by a trio of workmen, asking on behalf of some thirty or forty members of the North R---- Club that he would give them a course of lectures on the New Testament.
writhedadjectiveUS /rɪθd/
twisted (especially as in pain or struggle)
From this reading One of them was the gas-fitter Charles Richards; another was the watchmaker Lestrange, who had originally challenged Robert to deliver himself; and the third was a tough old Scotchman of sixty with a philosophical turn, under whose spoutings of Hume and Locke, of Reid and Dugald Stewart, delivered in the shrillest of cracked voices, the Club had writhed many an impatient half-hour on debating nights.
