Chapter XVI

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

From this reading THE HERMIT’S HISTORY They came on the third day, by the direction of the peasants, to the hermit’s cell: it was a cavern in the side of a mountain, overshadowed with palm trees; at such a distance from the cataract, that nothing more was heard than a gentle uniform murmur, such as composed the mind to pensive meditation, especially when it was assisted by the wind whistling among the branches.

past form of “afford” — be able to spare or give up

From this reading The first rude essay of nature had been so much improved by human labour, that the cave contained several apartments appropriated to different uses, and often afforded lodging to travellers, whom darkness or tempests happened to overtake.

surrounded by; in the middle of a group

From this reading THE HERMIT’S HISTORY They came on the third day, by the direction of the peasants, to the hermit’s cell: it was a cavern in the side of a mountain, overshadowed with palm trees; at such a distance from the cataract, that nothing more was heard than a gentle uniform murmur, such as composed the mind to pensive meditation, especially when it was assisted by the wind whistling among the branches.

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

From this reading The first rude essay of nature had been so much improved by human labour, that the cave contained several apartments appropriated to different uses, and often afforded lodging to travellers, whom darkness or tempests happened to overtake.

plural of “apartment” — a suite of rooms usually on one floor of an apartment house

From this reading The first rude essay of nature had been so much improved by human labour, that the cave contained several apartments appropriated to different uses, and often afforded lodging to travellers, whom darkness or tempests happened to overtake.

past form of “appropriate” — give or assign a resource to a particular person or cause

From this reading The first rude essay of nature had been so much improved by human labour, that the cave contained several apartments appropriated to different uses, and often afforded lodging to travellers, whom darkness or tempests happened to overtake.

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

From this reading THE HERMIT’S HISTORY They came on the third day, by the direction of the peasants, to the hermit’s cell: it was a cavern in the side of a mountain, overshadowed with palm trees; at such a distance from the cataract, that nothing more was heard than a gentle uniform murmur, such as composed the mind to pensive meditation, especially when it was assisted by the wind whistling among the branches.

having help; often used as a combining form

From this reading THE HERMIT’S HISTORY They came on the third day, by the direction of the peasants, to the hermit’s cell: it was a cavern in the side of a mountain, overshadowed with palm trees; at such a distance from the cataract, that nothing more was heard than a gentle uniform murmur, such as composed the mind to pensive meditation, especially when it was assisted by the wind whistling among the branches.

in or near a particular place or position

From this reading THE HERMIT’S HISTORY They came on the third day, by the direction of the peasants, to the hermit’s cell: it was a cavern in the side of a mountain, overshadowed with palm trees; at such a distance from the cataract, that nothing more was heard than a gentle uniform murmur, such as composed the mind to pensive meditation, especially when it was assisted by the wind whistling among the branches.

the past participle of “be”

From this reading The first rude essay of nature had been so much improved by human labour, that the cave contained several apartments appropriated to different uses, and often afforded lodging to travellers, whom darkness or tempests happened to overtake.

a long seat for more than one person

From this reading The hermit sat on a bench at the door, to enjoy the coolness of the evening.

a written work or composition that has been published (printed on pages bound together)

From this reading On one side lay a book with pens and papers, on the other mechanical instruments of various kinds.

plural of “branch” — a division of some larger or more complex organization

From this reading THE HERMIT’S HISTORY They came on the third day, by the direction of the peasants, to the hermit’s cell: it was a cavern in the side of a mountain, overshadowed with palm trees; at such a distance from the cataract, that nothing more was heard than a gentle uniform murmur, such as composed the mind to pensive meditation, especially when it was assisted by the wind whistling among the branches.

showing who or what does the action

From this reading THE HERMIT’S HISTORY They came on the third day, by the direction of the peasants, to the hermit’s cell: it was a cavern in the side of a mountain, overshadowed with palm trees; at such a distance from the cataract, that nothing more was heard than a gentle uniform murmur, such as composed the mind to pensive meditation, especially when it was assisted by the wind whistling among the branches.

inflected form of “come” — move toward, travel toward something or somebody or approach something or somebody

From this reading THE HERMIT’S HISTORY They came on the third day, by the direction of the peasants, to the hermit’s cell: it was a cavern in the side of a mountain, overshadowed with palm trees; at such a distance from the cataract, that nothing more was heard than a gentle uniform murmur, such as composed the mind to pensive meditation, especially when it was assisted by the wind whistling among the branches.

an eye disease that involves the clouding or opacification of the natural lens of the eye

From this reading THE HERMIT’S HISTORY They came on the third day, by the direction of the peasants, to the hermit’s cell: it was a cavern in the side of a mountain, overshadowed with palm trees; at such a distance from the cataract, that nothing more was heard than a gentle uniform murmur, such as composed the mind to pensive meditation, especially when it was assisted by the wind whistling among the branches.

a geological formation consisting of an underground enclosure with access from the surface of the ground or from the sea

From this reading The first rude essay of nature had been so much improved by human labour, that the cave contained several apartments appropriated to different uses, and often afforded lodging to travellers, whom darkness or tempests happened to overtake.

A large, vast underground cave, often filled with forgotten ancient treasures.

From this reading THE HERMIT’S HISTORY They came on the third day, by the direction of the peasants, to the hermit’s cell: it was a cavern in the side of a mountain, overshadowed with palm trees; at such a distance from the cataract, that nothing more was heard than a gentle uniform murmur, such as composed the mind to pensive meditation, especially when it was assisted by the wind whistling among the branches.

A small stone room in a prison where an inmate is locked behind iron bars.

From this reading THE HERMIT’S HISTORY They came on the third day, by the direction of the peasants, to the hermit’s cell: it was a cavern in the side of a mountain, overshadowed with palm trees; at such a distance from the cataract, that nothing more was heard than a gentle uniform murmur, such as composed the mind to pensive meditation, especially when it was assisted by the wind whistling among the branches.

serenely self-possessed and free from agitation especially in times of stress

From this reading THE HERMIT’S HISTORY They came on the third day, by the direction of the peasants, to the hermit’s cell: it was a cavern in the side of a mountain, overshadowed with palm trees; at such a distance from the cataract, that nothing more was heard than a gentle uniform murmur, such as composed the mind to pensive meditation, especially when it was assisted by the wind whistling among the branches.

gotten under control

From this reading The first rude essay of nature had been so much improved by human labour, that the cave contained several apartments appropriated to different uses, and often afforded lodging to travellers, whom darkness or tempests happened to overtake.

calm and unruffled self-assurance

From this reading The hermit sat on a bench at the door, to enjoy the coolness of the evening.

absence of light or illumination

From this reading The first rude essay of nature had been so much improved by human labour, that the cave contained several apartments appropriated to different uses, and often afforded lodging to travellers, whom darkness or tempests happened to overtake.

time for Earth to make a complete rotation on its axis

From this reading THE HERMIT’S HISTORY They came on the third day, by the direction of the peasants, to the hermit’s cell: it was a cavern in the side of a mountain, overshadowed with palm trees; at such a distance from the cataract, that nothing more was heard than a gentle uniform murmur, such as composed the mind to pensive meditation, especially when it was assisted by the wind whistling among the branches.

unlike in nature or quality or form or degree

From this reading The first rude essay of nature had been so much improved by human labour, that the cave contained several apartments appropriated to different uses, and often afforded lodging to travellers, whom darkness or tempests happened to overtake.

a line leading to a place or point

From this reading THE HERMIT’S HISTORY They came on the third day, by the direction of the peasants, to the hermit’s cell: it was a cavern in the side of a mountain, overshadowed with palm trees; at such a distance from the cataract, that nothing more was heard than a gentle uniform murmur, such as composed the mind to pensive meditation, especially when it was assisted by the wind whistling among the branches.

the property created by the space between two objects or points

From this reading THE HERMIT’S HISTORY They came on the third day, by the direction of the peasants, to the hermit’s cell: it was a cavern in the side of a mountain, overshadowed with palm trees; at such a distance from the cataract, that nothing more was heard than a gentle uniform murmur, such as composed the mind to pensive meditation, especially when it was assisted by the wind whistling among the branches.

a swinging or sliding barrier that will close the entrance to a room or building or vehicle

From this reading The hermit sat on a bench at the door, to enjoy the coolness of the evening.

derive or receive pleasure from; get enjoyment from; take pleasure in

From this reading The hermit sat on a bench at the door, to enjoy the coolness of the evening.

to a distinctly greater extent or degree than is common

From this reading THE HERMIT’S HISTORY They came on the third day, by the direction of the peasants, to the hermit’s cell: it was a cavern in the side of a mountain, overshadowed with palm trees; at such a distance from the cataract, that nothing more was heard than a gentle uniform murmur, such as composed the mind to pensive meditation, especially when it was assisted by the wind whistling among the branches.

an analytic or interpretive literary composition

From this reading The first rude essay of nature had been so much improved by human labour, that the cave contained several apartments appropriated to different uses, and often afforded lodging to travellers, whom darkness or tempests happened to overtake.

the latter part of the day (the period of decreasing daylight from late afternoon until nightfall)

From this reading The hermit sat on a bench at the door, to enjoy the coolness of the evening.

preceding all others in time or space or degree

From this reading The first rude essay of nature had been so much improved by human labour, that the cave contained several apartments appropriated to different uses, and often afforded lodging to travellers, whom darkness or tempests happened to overtake.

showing where something starts, or who sent it

From this reading THE HERMIT’S HISTORY They came on the third day, by the direction of the peasants, to the hermit’s cell: it was a cavern in the side of a mountain, overshadowed with palm trees; at such a distance from the cataract, that nothing more was heard than a gentle uniform murmur, such as composed the mind to pensive meditation, especially when it was assisted by the wind whistling among the branches.

soft and mild; not harsh or stern or severe

From this reading THE HERMIT’S HISTORY They came on the third day, by the direction of the peasants, to the hermit’s cell: it was a cavern in the side of a mountain, overshadowed with palm trees; at such a distance from the cataract, that nothing more was heard than a gentle uniform murmur, such as composed the mind to pensive meditation, especially when it was assisted by the wind whistling among the branches.

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

From this reading The first rude essay of nature had been so much improved by human labour, that the cave contained several apartments appropriated to different uses, and often afforded lodging to travellers, whom darkness or tempests happened to overtake.

past form of “happen” — come to pass

From this reading The first rude essay of nature had been so much improved by human labour, that the cave contained several apartments appropriated to different uses, and often afforded lodging to travellers, whom darkness or tempests happened to overtake.

state of well-being characterized by emotions ranging from contentment to intense joy

From this reading THE HAPPINESS OF SOLITUDE.

detected or perceived by the sense of hearing

From this reading THE HERMIT’S HISTORY They came on the third day, by the direction of the peasants, to the hermit’s cell: it was a cavern in the side of a mountain, overshadowed with palm trees; at such a distance from the cataract, that nothing more was heard than a gentle uniform murmur, such as composed the mind to pensive meditation, especially when it was assisted by the wind whistling among the branches.

one retired from society for religious reasons

From this reading The hermit sat on a bench at the door, to enjoy the coolness of the evening.

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

From this reading THE HERMIT’S HISTORY They came on the third day, by the direction of the peasants, to the hermit’s cell: it was a cavern in the side of a mountain, overshadowed with palm trees; at such a distance from the cataract, that nothing more was heard than a gentle uniform murmur, such as composed the mind to pensive meditation, especially when it was assisted by the wind whistling among the branches.

the aggregate of past events

From this reading THE HERMIT’S HISTORY They came on the third day, by the direction of the peasants, to the hermit’s cell: it was a cavern in the side of a mountain, overshadowed with palm trees; at such a distance from the cataract, that nothing more was heard than a gentle uniform murmur, such as composed the mind to pensive meditation, especially when it was assisted by the wind whistling among the branches.

characteristic of humanity

From this reading The first rude essay of nature had been so much improved by human labour, that the cave contained several apartments appropriated to different uses, and often afforded lodging to travellers, whom darkness or tempests happened to overtake.

made more desirable or valuable or profitable; especially made ready for use or marketing

From this reading The first rude essay of nature had been so much improved by human labour, that the cave contained several apartments appropriated to different uses, and often afforded lodging to travellers, whom darkness or tempests happened to overtake.

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

From this reading THE HERMIT’S HISTORY They came on the third day, by the direction of the peasants, to the hermit’s cell: it was a cavern in the side of a mountain, overshadowed with palm trees; at such a distance from the cataract, that nothing more was heard than a gentle uniform murmur, such as composed the mind to pensive meditation, especially when it was assisted by the wind whistling among the branches.

plural of “instrument” — a device that requires skill for proper use

From this reading On one side lay a book with pens and papers, on the other mechanical instruments of various kinds.

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading THE HERMIT’S HISTORY They came on the third day, by the direction of the peasants, to the hermit’s cell: it was a cavern in the side of a mountain, overshadowed with palm trees; at such a distance from the cataract, that nothing more was heard than a gentle uniform murmur, such as composed the mind to pensive meditation, especially when it was assisted by the wind whistling among the branches.

plural of “kind” — a category of things distinguished by some common characteristic or quality

From this reading On one side lay a book with pens and papers, on the other mechanical instruments of various kinds.

a social class comprising those who do manual labor or work for wages

From this reading The first rude essay of nature had been so much improved by human labour, that the cave contained several apartments appropriated to different uses, and often afforded lodging to travellers, whom darkness or tempests happened to overtake.

put into a certain place or abstract location

From this reading On one side lay a book with pens and papers, on the other mechanical instruments of various kinds.

structures collectively in which people are housed

From this reading The first rude essay of nature had been so much improved by human labour, that the cave contained several apartments appropriated to different uses, and often afforded lodging to travellers, whom darkness or tempests happened to overtake.

using (or as if using) mechanisms or tools or devices

From this reading On one side lay a book with pens and papers, on the other mechanical instruments of various kinds.

continuous and profound contemplation or musing on a subject or series of subjects of a deep or abstruse nature

From this reading THE HERMIT’S HISTORY They came on the third day, by the direction of the peasants, to the hermit’s cell: it was a cavern in the side of a mountain, overshadowed with palm trees; at such a distance from the cataract, that nothing more was heard than a gentle uniform murmur, such as composed the mind to pensive meditation, especially when it was assisted by the wind whistling among the branches.

The element of a person that enables awareness and thought.

From this reading THE HERMIT’S HISTORY They came on the third day, by the direction of the peasants, to the hermit’s cell: it was a cavern in the side of a mountain, overshadowed with palm trees; at such a distance from the cataract, that nothing more was heard than a gentle uniform murmur, such as composed the mind to pensive meditation, especially when it was assisted by the wind whistling among the branches.

(comparative of “much” used with mass nouns) a quantifier meaning greater in size or amount or extent or degree

From this reading THE HERMIT’S HISTORY They came on the third day, by the direction of the peasants, to the hermit’s cell: it was a cavern in the side of a mountain, overshadowed with palm trees; at such a distance from the cataract, that nothing more was heard than a gentle uniform murmur, such as composed the mind to pensive meditation, especially when it was assisted by the wind whistling among the branches.

a land mass that projects well above its surroundings; higher than a hill

From this reading THE HERMIT’S HISTORY They came on the third day, by the direction of the peasants, to the hermit’s cell: it was a cavern in the side of a mountain, overshadowed with palm trees; at such a distance from the cataract, that nothing more was heard than a gentle uniform murmur, such as composed the mind to pensive meditation, especially when it was assisted by the wind whistling among the branches.

to a great degree or extent

From this reading The first rude essay of nature had been so much improved by human labour, that the cave contained several apartments appropriated to different uses, and often afforded lodging to travellers, whom darkness or tempests happened to overtake.

a low continuous indistinct sound; often accompanied by movement of the lips without the production of articulate speech

From this reading THE HERMIT’S HISTORY They came on the third day, by the direction of the peasants, to the hermit’s cell: it was a cavern in the side of a mountain, overshadowed with palm trees; at such a distance from the cataract, that nothing more was heard than a gentle uniform murmur, such as composed the mind to pensive meditation, especially when it was assisted by the wind whistling among the branches.

the essential qualities or characteristics by which something is recognized

From this reading The first rude essay of nature had been so much improved by human labour, that the cave contained several apartments appropriated to different uses, and often afforded lodging to travellers, whom darkness or tempests happened to overtake.

not one thing; not anything

From this reading THE HERMIT’S HISTORY They came on the third day, by the direction of the peasants, to the hermit’s cell: it was a cavern in the side of a mountain, overshadowed with palm trees; at such a distance from the cataract, that nothing more was heard than a gentle uniform murmur, such as composed the mind to pensive meditation, especially when it was assisted by the wind whistling among the branches.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading THE HAPPINESS OF SOLITUDE.

many times at short intervals

From this reading The first rude essay of nature had been so much improved by human labour, that the cave contained several apartments appropriated to different uses, and often afforded lodging to travellers, whom darkness or tempests happened to overtake.

touching and supported by a surface

From this reading THE HERMIT’S HISTORY They came on the third day, by the direction of the peasants, to the hermit’s cell: it was a cavern in the side of a mountain, overshadowed with palm trees; at such a distance from the cataract, that nothing more was heard than a gentle uniform murmur, such as composed the mind to pensive meditation, especially when it was assisted by the wind whistling among the branches.

used to mean any person in general, including the speaker

From this reading On one side lay a book with pens and papers, on the other mechanical instruments of various kinds.

used to join alternatives or possibilities

From this reading The first rude essay of nature had been so much improved by human labour, that the cave contained several apartments appropriated to different uses, and often afforded lodging to travellers, whom darkness or tempests happened to overtake.

not the same one or ones already mentioned or implied

From this reading On one side lay a book with pens and papers, on the other mechanical instruments of various kinds.

past form of “overshadow” — be greater in significance than

From this reading THE HERMIT’S HISTORY They came on the third day, by the direction of the peasants, to the hermit’s cell: it was a cavern in the side of a mountain, overshadowed with palm trees; at such a distance from the cataract, that nothing more was heard than a gentle uniform murmur, such as composed the mind to pensive meditation, especially when it was assisted by the wind whistling among the branches.

catch up with and possibly overtake

From this reading The first rude essay of nature had been so much improved by human labour, that the cave contained several apartments appropriated to different uses, and often afforded lodging to travellers, whom darkness or tempests happened to overtake.

the inner surface of the hand from the wrist to the base of the fingers

From this reading THE HERMIT’S HISTORY They came on the third day, by the direction of the peasants, to the hermit’s cell: it was a cavern in the side of a mountain, overshadowed with palm trees; at such a distance from the cataract, that nothing more was heard than a gentle uniform murmur, such as composed the mind to pensive meditation, especially when it was assisted by the wind whistling among the branches.

writing that provides information (especially information of an official nature)

From this reading On one side lay a book with pens and papers, on the other mechanical instruments of various kinds.

plural of “peasant” — a country person

From this reading THE HERMIT’S HISTORY They came on the third day, by the direction of the peasants, to the hermit’s cell: it was a cavern in the side of a mountain, overshadowed with palm trees; at such a distance from the cataract, that nothing more was heard than a gentle uniform murmur, such as composed the mind to pensive meditation, especially when it was assisted by the wind whistling among the branches.

plural of “pen” — a writing implement with a point from which ink flows

From this reading On one side lay a book with pens and papers, on the other mechanical instruments of various kinds.

deeply or seriously thoughtful

From this reading THE HERMIT’S HISTORY They came on the third day, by the direction of the peasants, to the hermit’s cell: it was a cavern in the side of a mountain, overshadowed with palm trees; at such a distance from the cataract, that nothing more was heard than a gentle uniform murmur, such as composed the mind to pensive meditation, especially when it was assisted by the wind whistling among the branches.

socially incorrect in behavior

From this reading The first rude essay of nature had been so much improved by human labour, that the cave contained several apartments appropriated to different uses, and often afforded lodging to travellers, whom darkness or tempests happened to overtake.

the seventh and last day of the week; observed as the Sabbath by Jews and some Christians

From this reading The hermit sat on a bench at the door, to enjoy the coolness of the evening.

(used with count nouns) of an indefinite number more than 2 or 3 but not many

From this reading The first rude essay of nature had been so much improved by human labour, that the cave contained several apartments appropriated to different uses, and often afforded lodging to travellers, whom darkness or tempests happened to overtake.

a place within a region identified relative to a center or reference location

From this reading THE HERMIT’S HISTORY They came on the third day, by the direction of the peasants, to the hermit’s cell: it was a cavern in the side of a mountain, overshadowed with palm trees; at such a distance from the cataract, that nothing more was heard than a gentle uniform murmur, such as composed the mind to pensive meditation, especially when it was assisted by the wind whistling among the branches.

for that reason; with the result that

From this reading The first rude essay of nature had been so much improved by human labour, that the cave contained several apartments appropriated to different uses, and often afforded lodging to travellers, whom darkness or tempests happened to overtake.

a state of social isolation

From this reading THE HAPPINESS OF SOLITUDE.

of the kind already mentioned

From this reading THE HERMIT’S HISTORY They came on the third day, by the direction of the peasants, to the hermit’s cell: it was a cavern in the side of a mountain, overshadowed with palm trees; at such a distance from the cataract, that nothing more was heard than a gentle uniform murmur, such as composed the mind to pensive meditation, especially when it was assisted by the wind whistling among the branches.

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

From this reading The first rude essay of nature had been so much improved by human labour, that the cave contained several apartments appropriated to different uses, and often afforded lodging to travellers, whom darkness or tempests happened to overtake.

used to introduce the second part of a comparison

From this reading THE HERMIT’S HISTORY They came on the third day, by the direction of the peasants, to the hermit’s cell: it was a cavern in the side of a mountain, overshadowed with palm trees; at such a distance from the cataract, that nothing more was heard than a gentle uniform murmur, such as composed the mind to pensive meditation, especially when it was assisted by the wind whistling among the branches.

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading THE HERMIT’S HISTORY They came on the third day, by the direction of the peasants, to the hermit’s cell: it was a cavern in the side of a mountain, overshadowed with palm trees; at such a distance from the cataract, that nothing more was heard than a gentle uniform murmur, such as composed the mind to pensive meditation, especially when it was assisted by the wind whistling among the branches.

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

From this reading THE HAPPINESS OF SOLITUDE.

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

From this reading THE HERMIT’S HISTORY They came on the third day, by the direction of the peasants, to the hermit’s cell: it was a cavern in the side of a mountain, overshadowed with palm trees; at such a distance from the cataract, that nothing more was heard than a gentle uniform murmur, such as composed the mind to pensive meditation, especially when it was assisted by the wind whistling among the branches.

one of three equal parts of a divisible whole

From this reading THE HERMIT’S HISTORY They came on the third day, by the direction of the peasants, to the hermit’s cell: it was a cavern in the side of a mountain, overshadowed with palm trees; at such a distance from the cataract, that nothing more was heard than a gentle uniform murmur, such as composed the mind to pensive meditation, especially when it was assisted by the wind whistling among the branches.

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

From this reading THE HERMIT’S HISTORY They came on the third day, by the direction of the peasants, to the hermit’s cell: it was a cavern in the side of a mountain, overshadowed with palm trees; at such a distance from the cataract, that nothing more was heard than a gentle uniform murmur, such as composed the mind to pensive meditation, especially when it was assisted by the wind whistling among the branches.

plural of “traveller” — a person who changes location

From this reading The first rude essay of nature had been so much improved by human labour, that the cave contained several apartments appropriated to different uses, and often afforded lodging to travellers, whom darkness or tempests happened to overtake.

plural of “tree” — a tall perennial woody plant having a main trunk and branches forming a distinct elevated crown; includes both gymnosperms and angiosperms

From this reading THE HERMIT’S HISTORY They came on the third day, by the direction of the peasants, to the hermit’s cell: it was a cavern in the side of a mountain, overshadowed with palm trees; at such a distance from the cataract, that nothing more was heard than a gentle uniform murmur, such as composed the mind to pensive meditation, especially when it was assisted by the wind whistling among the branches.

always the same; showing a single form or character in all occurrences

From this reading THE HERMIT’S HISTORY They came on the third day, by the direction of the peasants, to the hermit’s cell: it was a cavern in the side of a mountain, overshadowed with palm trees; at such a distance from the cataract, that nothing more was heard than a gentle uniform murmur, such as composed the mind to pensive meditation, especially when it was assisted by the wind whistling among the branches.

plural of “use” — the act of using

From this reading The first rude essay of nature had been so much improved by human labour, that the cave contained several apartments appropriated to different uses, and often afforded lodging to travellers, whom darkness or tempests happened to overtake.

of many different kinds purposefully arranged but lacking any uniformity

From this reading On one side lay a book with pens and papers, on the other mechanical instruments of various kinds.

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

From this reading THE HERMIT’S HISTORY They came on the third day, by the direction of the peasants, to the hermit’s cell: it was a cavern in the side of a mountain, overshadowed with palm trees; at such a distance from the cataract, that nothing more was heard than a gentle uniform murmur, such as composed the mind to pensive meditation, especially when it was assisted by the wind whistling among the branches.

at the time that

From this reading THE HERMIT’S HISTORY They came on the third day, by the direction of the peasants, to the hermit’s cell: it was a cavern in the side of a mountain, overshadowed with palm trees; at such a distance from the cataract, that nothing more was heard than a gentle uniform murmur, such as composed the mind to pensive meditation, especially when it was assisted by the wind whistling among the branches.

the sound made by something moving rapidly or by steam coming out of a small aperture

From this reading THE HERMIT’S HISTORY They came on the third day, by the direction of the peasants, to the hermit’s cell: it was a cavern in the side of a mountain, overshadowed with palm trees; at such a distance from the cataract, that nothing more was heard than a gentle uniform murmur, such as composed the mind to pensive meditation, especially when it was assisted by the wind whistling among the branches.

the form of “who” used as the object of a verb or preposition

From this reading The first rude essay of nature had been so much improved by human labour, that the cave contained several apartments appropriated to different uses, and often afforded lodging to travellers, whom darkness or tempests happened to overtake.

air moving (sometimes with considerable force) from an area of high pressure to an area of low pressure

From this reading THE HERMIT’S HISTORY They came on the third day, by the direction of the peasants, to the hermit’s cell: it was a cavern in the side of a mountain, overshadowed with palm trees; at such a distance from the cataract, that nothing more was heard than a gentle uniform murmur, such as composed the mind to pensive meditation, especially when it was assisted by the wind whistling among the branches.

in the company of; together with

From this reading THE HERMIT’S HISTORY They came on the third day, by the direction of the peasants, to the hermit’s cell: it was a cavern in the side of a mountain, overshadowed with palm trees; at such a distance from the cataract, that nothing more was heard than a gentle uniform murmur, such as composed the mind to pensive meditation, especially when it was assisted by the wind whistling among the branches.