used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading "And if perchance a momentary sigh, For such a lot reflection may supply, He follows not the feeling to its source."
accountableadjectiveUS /əˈkaʊntəbəl/
liable to account for one's actions
From this reading But, alas! if, for a moment, the chord of compassion was touched, the feeling was transient, the impulse too weak to prompt to action; and, so far from being strengthened by the night's reflections, they, on the contrary, did but lead to lament his own folly, in making himself liable to the loss he would probably sustain by the high price he had given; as it was a condition of his engagement with the Company, that he was to be individually accountable for all losses incurred by the purchase of unprofitable slaves.
something done (usually as opposed to something said)
From this reading But, alas! if, for a moment, the chord of compassion was touched, the feeling was transient, the impulse too weak to prompt to action; and, so far from being strengthened by the night's reflections, they, on the contrary, did but lead to lament his own folly, in making himself liable to the loss he would probably sustain by the high price he had given; as it was a condition of his engagement with the Company, that he was to be individually accountable for all losses incurred by the purchase of unprofitable slaves.
adaptedadjectiveUS /əˈdæptɪd/
changed in order to improve or made more fit for a particular purpose
From this reading Barton (adapted.)
anew
From this reading "If ever thou hast felt another's pain, If ever when he sigh'd hast sigh'd again; If ever on thine eyelid stood the tear, That pity hath engender'd--drop one here: This man was happy."
alasexclamationUS /əˈlæs/
used to show sadness, pity, or regret
From this reading But, alas! if, for a moment, the chord of compassion was touched, the feeling was transient, the impulse too weak to prompt to action; and, so far from being strengthened by the night's reflections, they, on the contrary, did but lead to lament his own folly, in making himself liable to the loss he would probably sustain by the high price he had given; as it was a condition of his engagement with the Company, that he was to be individually accountable for all losses incurred by the purchase of unprofitable slaves.
(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 But, alas! if, for a moment, the chord of compassion was touched, the feeling was transient, the impulse too weak to prompt to action; and, so far from being strengthened by the night's reflections, they, on the contrary, did but lead to lament his own folly, in making himself liable to the loss he would probably sustain by the high price he had given; as it was a condition of his engagement with the Company, that he was to be individually accountable for all losses incurred by the purchase of unprofitable slaves.
ameliorateverbUS /əˈmiːljəreɪt/
to make better
From this reading It will naturally be supposed, from the eagerness of Irving to make good the purchase of Imihie and her poor boy, that his heart was deeply interested by their situation, and that he had it certainly in his power to ameliorate it.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading "And if perchance a momentary sigh, For such a lot reflection may supply, He follows not the feeling to its source."
another's
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading "If ever thou hast felt another's pain, If ever when he sigh'd hast sigh'd again; If ever on thine eyelid stood the tear, That pity hath engender'd--drop one here: This man was happy."
at the same time that; because; in the way that
From this reading But, alas! if, for a moment, the chord of compassion was touched, the feeling was transient, the impulse too weak to prompt to action; and, so far from being strengthened by the night's reflections, they, on the contrary, did but lead to lament his own folly, in making himself liable to the loss he would probably sustain by the high price he had given; as it was a condition of his engagement with the Company, that he was to be individually accountable for all losses incurred by the purchase of unprofitable slaves.
Barton
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Barton (adapted.)
used with a past participle to form the passive, or with -ing for continuous tenses
From this reading It will naturally be supposed, from the eagerness of Irving to make good the purchase of Imihie and her poor boy, that his heart was deeply interested by their situation, and that he had it certainly in his power to ameliorate it.
beingauxiliary verbUS /ˈbiːɪŋ/
the -ing form of “be”
From this reading But, alas! if, for a moment, the chord of compassion was touched, the feeling was transient, the impulse too weak to prompt to action; and, so far from being strengthened by the night's reflections, they, on the contrary, did but lead to lament his own folly, in making himself liable to the loss he would probably sustain by the high price he had given; as it was a condition of his engagement with the Company, that he was to be individually accountable for all losses incurred by the purchase of unprofitable slaves.
a youthful male person
From this reading It will naturally be supposed, from the eagerness of Irving to make good the purchase of Imihie and her poor boy, that his heart was deeply interested by their situation, and that he had it certainly in his power to ameliorate it.
used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before
From this reading But, alas! if, for a moment, the chord of compassion was touched, the feeling was transient, the impulse too weak to prompt to action; and, so far from being strengthened by the night's reflections, they, on the contrary, did but lead to lament his own folly, in making himself liable to the loss he would probably sustain by the high price he had given; as it was a condition of his engagement with the Company, that he was to be individually accountable for all losses incurred by the purchase of unprofitable slaves.
showing who or what does the action
From this reading It will naturally be supposed, from the eagerness of Irving to make good the purchase of Imihie and her poor boy, that his heart was deeply interested by their situation, and that he had it certainly in his power to ameliorate it.
definitely or positively (“sure” is sometimes used informally for “surely”)
From this reading It will naturally be supposed, from the eagerness of Irving to make good the purchase of Imihie and her poor boy, that his heart was deeply interested by their situation, and that he had it certainly in his power to ameliorate it.
chordnounUS /kɔːrd/
a straight line connecting two points on a curve
From this reading But, alas! if, for a moment, the chord of compassion was touched, the feeling was transient, the impulse too weak to prompt to action; and, so far from being strengthened by the night's reflections, they, on the contrary, did but lead to lament his own folly, in making himself liable to the loss he would probably sustain by the high price he had given; as it was a condition of his engagement with the Company, that he was to be individually accountable for all losses incurred by the purchase of unprofitable slaves.
an institution created to conduct business
From this reading But, alas! if, for a moment, the chord of compassion was touched, the feeling was transient, the impulse too weak to prompt to action; and, so far from being strengthened by the night's reflections, they, on the contrary, did but lead to lament his own folly, in making himself liable to the loss he would probably sustain by the high price he had given; as it was a condition of his engagement with the Company, that he was to be individually accountable for all losses incurred by the purchase of unprofitable slaves.
compassionnounUS /kəmˈpæʃən/
a deep awareness of and sympathy for another's suffering
From this reading But, alas! if, for a moment, the chord of compassion was touched, the feeling was transient, the impulse too weak to prompt to action; and, so far from being strengthened by the night's reflections, they, on the contrary, did but lead to lament his own folly, in making himself liable to the loss he would probably sustain by the high price he had given; as it was a condition of his engagement with the Company, that he was to be individually accountable for all losses incurred by the purchase of unprofitable slaves.
a state at a particular time
From this reading But, alas! if, for a moment, the chord of compassion was touched, the feeling was transient, the impulse too weak to prompt to action; and, so far from being strengthened by the night's reflections, they, on the contrary, did but lead to lament his own folly, in making himself liable to the loss he would probably sustain by the high price he had given; as it was a condition of his engagement with the Company, that he was to be individually accountable for all losses incurred by the purchase of unprofitable slaves.
very opposed in nature or character or purpose
From this reading But, alas! if, for a moment, the chord of compassion was touched, the feeling was transient, the impulse too weak to prompt to action; and, so far from being strengthened by the night's reflections, they, on the contrary, did but lead to lament his own folly, in making himself liable to the loss he would probably sustain by the high price he had given; as it was a condition of his engagement with the Company, that he was to be individually accountable for all losses incurred by the purchase of unprofitable slaves.
to a great depth psychologically or emotionally
From this reading It will naturally be supposed, from the eagerness of Irving to make good the purchase of Imihie and her poor boy, that his heart was deeply interested by their situation, and that he had it certainly in his power to ameliorate it.
didauxiliary verbUS /dɪd/
the past form of “do”, used in questions and negatives
From this reading But, alas! if, for a moment, the chord of compassion was touched, the feeling was transient, the impulse too weak to prompt to action; and, so far from being strengthened by the night's reflections, they, on the contrary, did but lead to lament his own folly, in making himself liable to the loss he would probably sustain by the high price he had given; as it was a condition of his engagement with the Company, that he was to be individually accountable for all losses incurred by the purchase of unprofitable slaves.
let fall to the ground
From this reading "If ever thou hast felt another's pain, If ever when he sigh'd hast sigh'd again; If ever on thine eyelid stood the tear, That pity hath engender'd--drop one here: This man was happy."
eagernessnounUS /ˈiːɡərnəs/
a positive feeling of wanting to push ahead with something
From this reading It will naturally be supposed, from the eagerness of Irving to make good the purchase of Imihie and her poor boy, that his heart was deeply interested by their situation, and that he had it certainly in his power to ameliorate it.
a hostile meeting of opposing military forces in the course of a war
From this reading But, alas! if, for a moment, the chord of compassion was touched, the feeling was transient, the impulse too weak to prompt to action; and, so far from being strengthened by the night's reflections, they, on the contrary, did but lead to lament his own folly, in making himself liable to the loss he would probably sustain by the high price he had given; as it was a condition of his engagement with the Company, that he was to be individually accountable for all losses incurred by the purchase of unprofitable slaves.
engender'd
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading "If ever thou hast felt another's pain, If ever when he sigh'd hast sigh'd again; If ever on thine eyelid stood the tear, That pity hath engender'd--drop one here: This man was happy."
at any time
From this reading "If ever thou hast felt another's pain, If ever when he sigh'd hast sigh'd again; If ever on thine eyelid stood the tear, That pity hath engender'd--drop one here: This man was happy."
eyelidnounUS /ˈaɪlɪd/
either of two folds of skin that can be moved to cover or open the eye
From this reading "If ever thou hast felt another's pain, If ever when he sigh'd hast sigh'd again; If ever on thine eyelid stood the tear, That pity hath engender'd--drop one here: This man was happy."
to a considerable degree; very much
From this reading But, alas! if, for a moment, the chord of compassion was touched, the feeling was transient, the impulse too weak to prompt to action; and, so far from being strengthened by the night's reflections, they, on the contrary, did but lead to lament his own folly, in making himself liable to the loss he would probably sustain by the high price he had given; as it was a condition of his engagement with the Company, that he was to be individually accountable for all losses incurred by the purchase of unprofitable slaves.
the experiencing of affective and emotional states
From this reading "And if perchance a momentary sigh, For such a lot reflection may supply, He follows not the feeling to its source."
mat together and make felt-like
From this reading "If ever thou hast felt another's pain, If ever when he sigh'd hast sigh'd again; If ever on thine eyelid stood the tear, That pity hath engender'd--drop one here: This man was happy."
third-person singular of “follow” — to travel behind, go after, come after
From this reading "And if perchance a momentary sigh, For such a lot reflection may supply, He follows not the feeling to its source."
the trait of acting stupidly or rashly
From this reading But, alas! if, for a moment, the chord of compassion was touched, the feeling was transient, the impulse too weak to prompt to action; and, so far from being strengthened by the night's reflections, they, on the contrary, did but lead to lament his own folly, in making himself liable to the loss he would probably sustain by the high price he had given; as it was a condition of his engagement with the Company, that he was to be individually accountable for all losses incurred by the purchase of unprofitable slaves.
intended to be given to, or used by, somebody
From this reading "And if perchance a momentary sigh, For such a lot reflection may supply, He follows not the feeling to its source."
showing where something starts, or who sent it
From this reading It will naturally be supposed, from the eagerness of Irving to make good the purchase of Imihie and her poor boy, that his heart was deeply interested by their situation, and that he had it certainly in his power to ameliorate it.
givenadjectiveUS /ˈɡɪvən/
acknowledged as a supposition
From this reading But, alas! if, for a moment, the chord of compassion was touched, the feeling was transient, the impulse too weak to prompt to action; and, so far from being strengthened by the night's reflections, they, on the contrary, did but lead to lament his own folly, in making himself liable to the loss he would probably sustain by the high price he had given; as it was a condition of his engagement with the Company, that he was to be individually accountable for all losses incurred by the purchase of unprofitable slaves.
having desirable or positive qualities especially those suitable for a thing specified
From this reading It will naturally be supposed, from the eagerness of Irving to make good the purchase of Imihie and her poor boy, that his heart was deeply interested by their situation, and that he had it certainly in his power to ameliorate it.
hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/
the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect
From this reading It will naturally be supposed, from the eagerness of Irving to make good the purchase of Imihie and her poor boy, that his heart was deeply interested by their situation, and that he had it certainly in his power to ameliorate it.
enjoying or showing or marked by joy or pleasure
From this reading "If ever thou hast felt another's pain, If ever when he sigh'd hast sigh'd again; If ever on thine eyelid stood the tear, That pity hath engender'd--drop one here: This man was happy."
hastauxiliary verbUS /hæst/
an old form of “have”, used with “thou”
From this reading "If ever thou hast felt another's pain, If ever when he sigh'd hast sigh'd again; If ever on thine eyelid stood the tear, That pity hath engender'd--drop one here: This man was happy."
hathauxiliary verbUS /hæθ/
an old form of “has”
From this reading "If ever thou hast felt another's pain, If ever when he sigh'd hast sigh'd again; If ever on thine eyelid stood the tear, That pity hath engender'd--drop one here: This man was happy."
a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading "And if perchance a momentary sigh, For such a lot reflection may supply, He follows not the feeling to its source."
the locus of feelings and intuitions
From this reading It will naturally be supposed, from the eagerness of Irving to make good the purchase of Imihie and her poor boy, that his heart was deeply interested by their situation, and that he had it certainly in his power to ameliorate it.
belonging to a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned
From this reading It will naturally be supposed, from the eagerness of Irving to make good the purchase of Imihie and her poor boy, that his heart was deeply interested by their situation, and that he had it certainly in his power to ameliorate it.
in or at this place; where the speaker or writer is
From this reading "If ever thou hast felt another's pain, If ever when he sigh'd hast sigh'd again; If ever on thine eyelid stood the tear, That pity hath engender'd--drop one here: This man was happy."
greater than normal in degree or intensity or amount
From this reading But, alas! if, for a moment, the chord of compassion was touched, the feeling was transient, the impulse too weak to prompt to action; and, so far from being strengthened by the night's reflections, they, on the contrary, did but lead to lament his own folly, in making himself liable to the loss he would probably sustain by the high price he had given; as it was a condition of his engagement with the Company, that he was to be individually accountable for all losses incurred by the purchase of unprofitable slaves.
used when the man or boy doing the action is also its object
From this reading But, alas! if, for a moment, the chord of compassion was touched, the feeling was transient, the impulse too weak to prompt to action; and, so far from being strengthened by the night's reflections, they, on the contrary, did but lead to lament his own folly, in making himself liable to the loss he would probably sustain by the high price he had given; as it was a condition of his engagement with the Company, that he was to be individually accountable for all losses incurred by the purchase of unprofitable slaves.
belonging to a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned
From this reading It will naturally be supposed, from the eagerness of Irving to make good the purchase of Imihie and her poor boy, that his heart was deeply interested by their situation, and that he had it certainly in his power to ameliorate it.
on condition that; in the event that
From this reading "And if perchance a momentary sigh, For such a lot reflection may supply, He follows not the feeling to its source."
Imihie
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading It will naturally be supposed, from the eagerness of Irving to make good the purchase of Imihie and her poor boy, that his heart was deeply interested by their situation, and that he had it certainly in his power to ameliorate it.
an instinctive motive
From this reading But, alas! if, for a moment, the chord of compassion was touched, the feeling was transient, the impulse too weak to prompt to action; and, so far from being strengthened by the night's reflections, they, on the contrary, did but lead to lament his own folly, in making himself liable to the loss he would probably sustain by the high price he had given; as it was a condition of his engagement with the Company, that he was to be individually accountable for all losses incurred by the purchase of unprofitable slaves.
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading It will naturally be supposed, from the eagerness of Irving to make good the purchase of Imihie and her poor boy, that his heart was deeply interested by their situation, and that he had it certainly in his power to ameliorate it.
incurredverbUS /ˌɪnˈkɜːrd/
inflected form of “incur” — make oneself subject to; bring upon oneself; become liable to
From this reading But, alas! if, for a moment, the chord of compassion was touched, the feeling was transient, the impulse too weak to prompt to action; and, so far from being strengthened by the night's reflections, they, on the contrary, did but lead to lament his own folly, in making himself liable to the loss he would probably sustain by the high price he had given; as it was a condition of his engagement with the Company, that he was to be individually accountable for all losses incurred by the purchase of unprofitable slaves.
individuallyadverbUS /ˌɪndɪˈvɪdʒuːəli/
apart from others
From this reading But, alas! if, for a moment, the chord of compassion was touched, the feeling was transient, the impulse too weak to prompt to action; and, so far from being strengthened by the night's reflections, they, on the contrary, did but lead to lament his own folly, in making himself liable to the loss he would probably sustain by the high price he had given; as it was a condition of his engagement with the Company, that he was to be individually accountable for all losses incurred by the purchase of unprofitable slaves.
having or showing interest; especially curiosity or fascination or concern
From this reading It will naturally be supposed, from the eagerness of Irving to make good the purchase of Imihie and her poor boy, that his heart was deeply interested by their situation, and that he had it certainly in his power to ameliorate it.
IrvingnounUS /ˈɜːrvɪŋ/
United States writer remembered for his stories (1783-1859)
From this reading It will naturally be supposed, from the eagerness of Irving to make good the purchase of Imihie and her poor boy, that his heart was deeply interested by their situation, and that he had it certainly in his power to ameliorate it.
a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned
From this reading It will naturally be supposed, from the eagerness of Irving to make good the purchase of Imihie and her poor boy, that his heart was deeply interested by their situation, and that he had it certainly in his power to ameliorate it.
belonging to the thing or animal already mentioned
From this reading "And if perchance a momentary sigh, For such a lot reflection may supply, He follows not the feeling to its source."
lamentverbUS /ləˈment/
express grief verbally
From this reading But, alas! if, for a moment, the chord of compassion was touched, the feeling was transient, the impulse too weak to prompt to action; and, so far from being strengthened by the night's reflections, they, on the contrary, did but lead to lament his own folly, in making himself liable to the loss he would probably sustain by the high price he had given; as it was a condition of his engagement with the Company, that he was to be individually accountable for all losses incurred by the purchase of unprofitable slaves.
take somebody somewhere
From this reading But, alas! if, for a moment, the chord of compassion was touched, the feeling was transient, the impulse too weak to prompt to action; and, so far from being strengthened by the night's reflections, they, on the contrary, did but lead to lament his own folly, in making himself liable to the loss he would probably sustain by the high price he had given; as it was a condition of his engagement with the Company, that he was to be individually accountable for all losses incurred by the purchase of unprofitable slaves.
liableadjectiveUS /ˈlaɪəbəl/
at risk of or subject to experiencing something usually unpleasant
From this reading But, alas! if, for a moment, the chord of compassion was touched, the feeling was transient, the impulse too weak to prompt to action; and, so far from being strengthened by the night's reflections, they, on the contrary, did but lead to lament his own folly, in making himself liable to the loss he would probably sustain by the high price he had given; as it was a condition of his engagement with the Company, that he was to be individually accountable for all losses incurred by the purchase of unprofitable slaves.
something that is lost
From this reading But, alas! if, for a moment, the chord of compassion was touched, the feeling was transient, the impulse too weak to prompt to action; and, so far from being strengthened by the night's reflections, they, on the contrary, did but lead to lament his own folly, in making himself liable to the loss he would probably sustain by the high price he had given; as it was a condition of his engagement with the Company, that he was to be individually accountable for all losses incurred by the purchase of unprofitable slaves.
lossesnounUS /ˈlɔːsəz/
something lost (especially money lost at gambling)
From this reading But, alas! if, for a moment, the chord of compassion was touched, the feeling was transient, the impulse too weak to prompt to action; and, so far from being strengthened by the night's reflections, they, on the contrary, did but lead to lament his own folly, in making himself liable to the loss he would probably sustain by the high price he had given; as it was a condition of his engagement with the Company, that he was to be individually accountable for all losses incurred by the purchase of unprofitable slaves.
(often followed by “of”) a large number or amount or extent
From this reading "And if perchance a momentary sigh, For such a lot reflection may supply, He follows not the feeling to its source."
engage in
From this reading It will naturally be supposed, from the eagerness of Irving to make good the purchase of Imihie and her poor boy, that his heart was deeply interested by their situation, and that he had it certainly in his power to ameliorate it.
the act that results in something coming to be
From this reading But, alas! if, for a moment, the chord of compassion was touched, the feeling was transient, the impulse too weak to prompt to action; and, so far from being strengthened by the night's reflections, they, on the contrary, did but lead to lament his own folly, in making himself liable to the loss he would probably sustain by the high price he had given; as it was a condition of his engagement with the Company, that he was to be individually accountable for all losses incurred by the purchase of unprofitable slaves.
an adult person who is male (as opposed to a woman)
From this reading "If ever thou hast felt another's pain, If ever when he sigh'd hast sigh'd again; If ever on thine eyelid stood the tear, That pity hath engender'd--drop one here: This man was happy."
used to say something is possible, or to give permission
From this reading "And if perchance a momentary sigh, For such a lot reflection may supply, He follows not the feeling to its source."
a particular point in time
From this reading But, alas! if, for a moment, the chord of compassion was touched, the feeling was transient, the impulse too weak to prompt to action; and, so far from being strengthened by the night's reflections, they, on the contrary, did but lead to lament his own folly, in making himself liable to the loss he would probably sustain by the high price he had given; as it was a condition of his engagement with the Company, that he was to be individually accountable for all losses incurred by the purchase of unprofitable slaves.
momentaryadjectiveUS /ˈmoʊmənteri/
lasting for a markedly brief time
From this reading "And if perchance a momentary sigh, For such a lot reflection may supply, He follows not the feeling to its source."
as might be expected
From this reading It will naturally be supposed, from the eagerness of Irving to make good the purchase of Imihie and her poor boy, that his heart was deeply interested by their situation, and that he had it certainly in his power to ameliorate it.
night'snounUS /naɪts/
possessive form of “night” — the time after sunset and before sunrise while it is dark outside
From this reading But, alas! if, for a moment, the chord of compassion was touched, the feeling was transient, the impulse too weak to prompt to action; and, so far from being strengthened by the night's reflections, they, on the contrary, did but lead to lament his own folly, in making himself liable to the loss he would probably sustain by the high price he had given; as it was a condition of his engagement with the Company, that he was to be individually accountable for all losses incurred by the purchase of unprofitable slaves.
used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative
From this reading "And if perchance a momentary sigh, For such a lot reflection may supply, He follows not the feeling to its source."
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading It will naturally be supposed, from the eagerness of Irving to make good the purchase of Imihie and her poor boy, that his heart was deeply interested by their situation, and that he had it certainly in his power to ameliorate it.
touching and supported by a surface
From this reading "If ever thou hast felt another's pain, If ever when he sigh'd hast sigh'd again; If ever on thine eyelid stood the tear, That pity hath engender'd--drop one here: This man was happy."
used to mean any person in general, including the speaker
From this reading "If ever thou hast felt another's pain, If ever when he sigh'd hast sigh'd again; If ever on thine eyelid stood the tear, That pity hath engender'd--drop one here: This man was happy."
have ownership or possession of
From this reading But, alas! if, for a moment, the chord of compassion was touched, the feeling was transient, the impulse too weak to prompt to action; and, so far from being strengthened by the night's reflections, they, on the contrary, did but lead to lament his own folly, in making himself liable to the loss he would probably sustain by the high price he had given; as it was a condition of his engagement with the Company, that he was to be individually accountable for all losses incurred by the purchase of unprofitable slaves.
a symptom of some physical hurt or disorder
From this reading "If ever thou hast felt another's pain, If ever when he sigh'd hast sigh'd again; If ever on thine eyelid stood the tear, That pity hath engender'd--drop one here: This man was happy."
perchanceadverbUS /pərˈtʃæns/
through chance
From this reading "And if perchance a momentary sigh, For such a lot reflection may supply, He follows not the feeling to its source."
a feeling of sympathy and sorrow for the misfortunes of others
From this reading "If ever thou hast felt another's pain, If ever when he sigh'd hast sigh'd again; If ever on thine eyelid stood the tear, That pity hath engender'd--drop one here: This man was happy."
deserving or inciting pity
From this reading It will naturally be supposed, from the eagerness of Irving to make good the purchase of Imihie and her poor boy, that his heart was deeply interested by their situation, and that he had it certainly in his power to ameliorate it.
possession of controlling influence
From this reading It will naturally be supposed, from the eagerness of Irving to make good the purchase of Imihie and her poor boy, that his heart was deeply interested by their situation, and that he had it certainly in his power to ameliorate it.
the property of having material worth (often indicated by the amount of money something would bring if sold)
From this reading But, alas! if, for a moment, the chord of compassion was touched, the feeling was transient, the impulse too weak to prompt to action; and, so far from being strengthened by the night's reflections, they, on the contrary, did but lead to lament his own folly, in making himself liable to the loss he would probably sustain by the high price he had given; as it was a condition of his engagement with the Company, that he was to be individually accountable for all losses incurred by the purchase of unprofitable slaves.
with considerable certainty; without much doubt
From this reading But, alas! if, for a moment, the chord of compassion was touched, the feeling was transient, the impulse too weak to prompt to action; and, so far from being strengthened by the night's reflections, they, on the contrary, did but lead to lament his own folly, in making himself liable to the loss he would probably sustain by the high price he had given; as it was a condition of his engagement with the Company, that he was to be individually accountable for all losses incurred by the purchase of unprofitable slaves.
promptverbUS /prɑːmpt/
give an incentive for action
From this reading But, alas! if, for a moment, the chord of compassion was touched, the feeling was transient, the impulse too weak to prompt to action; and, so far from being strengthened by the night's reflections, they, on the contrary, did but lead to lament his own folly, in making himself liable to the loss he would probably sustain by the high price he had given; as it was a condition of his engagement with the Company, that he was to be individually accountable for all losses incurred by the purchase of unprofitable slaves.
purchasenounUS /ˈpɜːrtʃəs/
the acquisition of something for payment
From this reading It will naturally be supposed, from the eagerness of Irving to make good the purchase of Imihie and her poor boy, that his heart was deeply interested by their situation, and that he had it certainly in his power to ameliorate it.
a calm, lengthy, intent consideration
From this reading "And if perchance a momentary sigh, For such a lot reflection may supply, He follows not the feeling to its source."
reflectionsnounUS /rɪˈflekʃənz/
plural of “reflection” — a calm, lengthy, intent consideration
From this reading But, alas! if, for a moment, the chord of compassion was touched, the feeling was transient, the impulse too weak to prompt to action; and, so far from being strengthened by the night's reflections, they, on the contrary, did but lead to lament his own folly, in making himself liable to the loss he would probably sustain by the high price he had given; as it was a condition of his engagement with the Company, that he was to be individually accountable for all losses incurred by the purchase of unprofitable slaves.
heave or utter a sigh; breathe deeply and heavily
From this reading "And if perchance a momentary sigh, For such a lot reflection may supply, He follows not the feeling to its source."
sigh'd
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading "If ever thou hast felt another's pain, If ever when he sigh'd hast sigh'd again; If ever on thine eyelid stood the tear, That pity hath engender'd--drop one here: This man was happy."
the general state of things; the combination of circumstances at a given time
From this reading It will naturally be supposed, from the eagerness of Irving to make good the purchase of Imihie and her poor boy, that his heart was deeply interested by their situation, and that he had it certainly in his power to ameliorate it.
plural of “slave” — a person who is owned by someone
From this reading But, alas! if, for a moment, the chord of compassion was touched, the feeling was transient, the impulse too weak to prompt to action; and, so far from being strengthened by the night's reflections, they, on the contrary, did but lead to lament his own folly, in making himself liable to the loss he would probably sustain by the high price he had given; as it was a condition of his engagement with the Company, that he was to be individually accountable for all losses incurred by the purchase of unprofitable slaves.
for that reason; with the result that
From this reading But, alas! if, for a moment, the chord of compassion was touched, the feeling was transient, the impulse too weak to prompt to action; and, so far from being strengthened by the night's reflections, they, on the contrary, did but lead to lament his own folly, in making himself liable to the loss he would probably sustain by the high price he had given; as it was a condition of his engagement with the Company, that he was to be individually accountable for all losses incurred by the purchase of unprofitable slaves.
the place where something begins, where it springs into being
From this reading "And if perchance a momentary sigh, For such a lot reflection may supply, He follows not the feeling to its source."
Maintained an upright posture.
From this reading "If ever thou hast felt another's pain, If ever when he sigh'd hast sigh'd again; If ever on thine eyelid stood the tear, That pity hath engender'd--drop one here: This man was happy."
strengthenedadjectiveUS /ˈstreŋθənd/
given added strength or support
From this reading But, alas! if, for a moment, the chord of compassion was touched, the feeling was transient, the impulse too weak to prompt to action; and, so far from being strengthened by the night's reflections, they, on the contrary, did but lead to lament his own folly, in making himself liable to the loss he would probably sustain by the high price he had given; as it was a condition of his engagement with the Company, that he was to be individually accountable for all losses incurred by the purchase of unprofitable slaves.
of the kind already mentioned
From this reading "And if perchance a momentary sigh, For such a lot reflection may supply, He follows not the feeling to its source."
give something useful or necessary to
From this reading "And if perchance a momentary sigh, For such a lot reflection may supply, He follows not the feeling to its source."
required or under orders
From this reading It will naturally be supposed, from the eagerness of Irving to make good the purchase of Imihie and her poor boy, that his heart was deeply interested by their situation, and that he had it certainly in his power to ameliorate it.
sustainverbUS /səˈsteɪn/
lengthen or extend in duration or space
From this reading But, alas! if, for a moment, the chord of compassion was touched, the feeling was transient, the impulse too weak to prompt to action; and, so far from being strengthened by the night's reflections, they, on the contrary, did but lead to lament his own folly, in making himself liable to the loss he would probably sustain by the high price he had given; as it was a condition of his engagement with the Company, that he was to be individually accountable for all losses incurred by the purchase of unprofitable slaves.
separate or cause to separate abruptly
From this reading "If ever thou hast felt another's pain, If ever when he sigh'd hast sigh'd again; If ever on thine eyelid stood the tear, That pity hath engender'd--drop one here: This man was happy."
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading "If ever thou hast felt another's pain, If ever when he sigh'd hast sigh'd again; If ever on thine eyelid stood the tear, That pity hath engender'd--drop one here: This man was happy."
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading "And if perchance a momentary sigh, For such a lot reflection may supply, He follows not the feeling to its source."
belonging to the people or things already mentioned
From this reading It will naturally be supposed, from the eagerness of Irving to make good the purchase of Imihie and her poor boy, that his heart was deeply interested by their situation, and that he had it certainly in his power to ameliorate it.
the people, animals, or things already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading But, alas! if, for a moment, the chord of compassion was touched, the feeling was transient, the impulse too weak to prompt to action; and, so far from being strengthened by the night's reflections, they, on the contrary, did but lead to lament his own folly, in making himself liable to the loss he would probably sustain by the high price he had given; as it was a condition of his engagement with the Company, that he was to be individually accountable for all losses incurred by the purchase of unprofitable slaves.
an old word for “yours”
From this reading "If ever thou hast felt another's pain, If ever when he sigh'd hast sigh'd again; If ever on thine eyelid stood the tear, That pity hath engender'd--drop one here: This man was happy."
used for a person or thing that is near, or that has just been mentioned
From this reading "If ever thou hast felt another's pain, If ever when he sigh'd hast sigh'd again; If ever on thine eyelid stood the tear, That pity hath engender'd--drop one here: This man was happy."
an old word for “you”, as the subject, speaking to one person
From this reading "If ever thou hast felt another's pain, If ever when he sigh'd hast sigh'd again; If ever on thine eyelid stood the tear, That pity hath engender'd--drop one here: This man was happy."
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading "And if perchance a momentary sigh, For such a lot reflection may supply, He follows not the feeling to its source."
to a degree exceeding normal or proper limits
From this reading But, alas! if, for a moment, the chord of compassion was touched, the feeling was transient, the impulse too weak to prompt to action; and, so far from being strengthened by the night's reflections, they, on the contrary, did but lead to lament his own folly, in making himself liable to the loss he would probably sustain by the high price he had given; as it was a condition of his engagement with the Company, that he was to be individually accountable for all losses incurred by the purchase of unprofitable slaves.
having come into contact
From this reading But, alas! if, for a moment, the chord of compassion was touched, the feeling was transient, the impulse too weak to prompt to action; and, so far from being strengthened by the night's reflections, they, on the contrary, did but lead to lament his own folly, in making himself liable to the loss he would probably sustain by the high price he had given; as it was a condition of his engagement with the Company, that he was to be individually accountable for all losses incurred by the purchase of unprofitable slaves.
transientnounUS /ˈtrænʒənt/
one who stays for only a short time
From this reading But, alas! if, for a moment, the chord of compassion was touched, the feeling was transient, the impulse too weak to prompt to action; and, so far from being strengthened by the night's reflections, they, on the contrary, did but lead to lament his own folly, in making himself liable to the loss he would probably sustain by the high price he had given; as it was a condition of his engagement with the Company, that he was to be individually accountable for all losses incurred by the purchase of unprofitable slaves.
unprofitableadjectiveUS /ənˈprɑːfɪtəbəl/
producing little or no profit or gain
From this reading But, alas! if, for a moment, the chord of compassion was touched, the feeling was transient, the impulse too weak to prompt to action; and, so far from being strengthened by the night's reflections, they, on the contrary, did but lead to lament his own folly, in making himself liable to the loss he would probably sustain by the high price he had given; as it was a condition of his engagement with the Company, that he was to be individually accountable for all losses incurred by the purchase of unprofitable slaves.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading "If ever thou hast felt another's pain, If ever when he sigh'd hast sigh'd again; If ever on thine eyelid stood the tear, That pity hath engender'd--drop one here: This man was happy."
wanting in physical strength
From this reading But, alas! if, for a moment, the chord of compassion was touched, the feeling was transient, the impulse too weak to prompt to action; and, so far from being strengthened by the night's reflections, they, on the contrary, did but lead to lament his own folly, in making himself liable to the loss he would probably sustain by the high price he had given; as it was a condition of his engagement with the Company, that he was to be individually accountable for all losses incurred by the purchase of unprofitable slaves.
at the time that
From this reading "If ever thou hast felt another's pain, If ever when he sigh'd hast sigh'd again; If ever on thine eyelid stood the tear, That pity hath engender'd--drop one here: This man was happy."
used to talk about the future, or about willingness
From this reading It will naturally be supposed, from the eagerness of Irving to make good the purchase of Imihie and her poor boy, that his heart was deeply interested by their situation, and that he had it certainly in his power to ameliorate it.
in the company of; together with
From this reading But, alas! if, for a moment, the chord of compassion was touched, the feeling was transient, the impulse too weak to prompt to action; and, so far from being strengthened by the night's reflections, they, on the contrary, did but lead to lament his own folly, in making himself liable to the loss he would probably sustain by the high price he had given; as it was a condition of his engagement with the Company, that he was to be individually accountable for all losses incurred by the purchase of unprofitable slaves.
used for something imagined, polite, or habitual in the past
From this reading But, alas! if, for a moment, the chord of compassion was touched, the feeling was transient, the impulse too weak to prompt to action; and, so far from being strengthened by the night's reflections, they, on the contrary, did but lead to lament his own folly, in making himself liable to the loss he would probably sustain by the high price he had given; as it was a condition of his engagement with the Company, that he was to be individually accountable for all losses incurred by the purchase of unprofitable slaves.
