Chapter XII

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

From this reading First of all, he ran as far as the Altar, then up the curtains, then on the super-altar, and vainly tried to climb the tall candlesticks, thinking if he could only reach the candles, he should make a grand supper; but in that respect, he was not so fortunate as his brother, for though he kept trying again and again, the shining brass afforded no hold for his claws.

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

From this reading First of all, he ran as far as the Altar, then up the curtains, then on the super-altar, and vainly tried to climb the tall candlesticks, thinking if he could only reach the candles, he should make a grand supper; but in that respect, he was not so fortunate as his brother, for though he kept trying again and again, the shining brass afforded no hold for his claws.

later than; following

From this reading After that, he crept behind the Dossal and forgot his woes in sleep.

anew

From this reading HAVING followed the career of one Church Mouse to its sad end, let us go into the Church again, and see what our other little friend Pop is doing.

(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 First of all, he ran as far as the Altar, then up the curtains, then on the super-altar, and vainly tried to climb the tall candlesticks, thinking if he could only reach the candles, he should make a grand supper; but in that respect, he was not so fortunate as his brother, for though he kept trying again and again, the shining brass afforded no hold for his claws.

the table in Christian churches where communion is given

From this reading First of all, he ran as far as the Altar, then up the curtains, then on the super-altar, and vainly tried to climb the tall candlesticks, thinking if he could only reach the candles, he should make a grand supper; but in that respect, he was not so fortunate as his brother, for though he kept trying again and again, the shining brass afforded no hold for his claws.

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

From this reading HAVING followed the career of one Church Mouse to its sad end, let us go into the Church again, and see what our other little friend Pop is doing.

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

From this reading First of all, he ran as far as the Altar, then up the curtains, then on the super-altar, and vainly tried to climb the tall candlesticks, thinking if he could only reach the candles, he should make a grand supper; but in that respect, he was not so fortunate as his brother, for though he kept trying again and again, the shining brass afforded no hold for his claws.

(military) an offensive against an enemy (using weapons)

From this reading By this time, he was very hungry and faint, so in despair, he began to attack the flowers in the vases, making a "great" litter, but a "very poor" supper.

inflected form of “begin” — take the first step or steps in carrying out an action

From this reading By this time, he was very hungry and faint, so in despair, he began to attack the flowers in the vases, making a "great" litter, but a "very poor" supper.

at or toward the back of something

From this reading After that, he crept behind the Dossal and forgot his woes in sleep.

an alloy of copper and zinc

From this reading First of all, he ran as far as the Altar, then up the curtains, then on the super-altar, and vainly tried to climb the tall candlesticks, thinking if he could only reach the candles, he should make a grand supper; but in that respect, he was not so fortunate as his brother, for though he kept trying again and again, the shining brass afforded no hold for his claws.

a male with the same parents as someone else

From this reading I think we left him hunting for provender, having parted from his brother in the nave.

used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before

From this reading First of all, he ran as far as the Altar, then up the curtains, then on the super-altar, and vainly tried to climb the tall candlesticks, thinking if he could only reach the candles, he should make a grand supper; but in that respect, he was not so fortunate as his brother, for though he kept trying again and again, the shining brass afforded no hold for his claws.

showing who or what does the action

From this reading By this time, he was very hungry and faint, so in despair, he began to attack the flowers in the vases, making a "great" litter, but a "very poor" supper.

plural of “candle” — stick of wax with a wick in the middle

From this reading First of all, he ran as far as the Altar, then up the curtains, then on the super-altar, and vainly tried to climb the tall candlesticks, thinking if he could only reach the candles, he should make a grand supper; but in that respect, he was not so fortunate as his brother, for though he kept trying again and again, the shining brass afforded no hold for his claws.

plural of “candlestick” — a holder with sockets for candles

From this reading First of all, he ran as far as the Altar, then up the curtains, then on the super-altar, and vainly tried to climb the tall candlesticks, thinking if he could only reach the candles, he should make a grand supper; but in that respect, he was not so fortunate as his brother, for though he kept trying again and again, the shining brass afforded no hold for his claws.

the particular occupation for which you are trained

From this reading HAVING followed the career of one Church Mouse to its sad end, let us go into the Church again, and see what our other little friend Pop is doing.

one of the groups of Christians who have their own beliefs and forms of worship

From this reading HAVING followed the career of one Church Mouse to its sad end, let us go into the Church again, and see what our other little friend Pop is doing.

plural of “claw” — sharp curved horny process on the toe of a bird or some mammals or reptiles

From this reading First of all, he ran as far as the Altar, then up the curtains, then on the super-altar, and vainly tried to climb the tall candlesticks, thinking if he could only reach the candles, he should make a grand supper; but in that respect, he was not so fortunate as his brother, for though he kept trying again and again, the shining brass afforded no hold for his claws.

go upward with gradual or continuous progress

From this reading First of all, he ran as far as the Altar, then up the curtains, then on the super-altar, and vainly tried to climb the tall candlesticks, thinking if he could only reach the candles, he should make a grand supper; but in that respect, he was not so fortunate as his brother, for though he kept trying again and again, the shining brass afforded no hold for his claws.

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

From this reading First of all, he ran as far as the Altar, then up the curtains, then on the super-altar, and vainly tried to climb the tall candlesticks, thinking if he could only reach the candles, he should make a grand supper; but in that respect, he was not so fortunate as his brother, for though he kept trying again and again, the shining brass afforded no hold for his claws.

inflected form of “creep” — move slowly; in the case of people or animals with the body near the ground

From this reading After that, he crept behind the Dossal and forgot his woes in sleep.

plural of “curtain” — hanging cloth used as a blind (especially for a window)

From this reading First of all, he ran as far as the Altar, then up the curtains, then on the super-altar, and vainly tried to climb the tall candlesticks, thinking if he could only reach the candles, he should make a grand supper; but in that respect, he was not so fortunate as his brother, for though he kept trying again and again, the shining brass afforded no hold for his claws.

a state in which all hope is lost or absent

From this reading By this time, he was very hungry and faint, so in despair, he began to attack the flowers in the vases, making a "great" litter, but a "very poor" supper.

-ing form of “do” — engage in

From this reading HAVING followed the career of one Church Mouse to its sad end, let us go into the Church again, and see what our other little friend Pop is doing.

an ornamental hanging of rich fabric hung behind the altar of a church or at the sides of a chancel

From this reading After that, he crept behind the Dossal and forgot his woes in sleep.

either extremity of something that has length

From this reading HAVING followed the career of one Church Mouse to its sad end, let us go into the Church again, and see what our other little friend Pop is doing.

deficient in magnitude; barely perceptible; lacking clarity or brightness or loudness etc

From this reading By this time, he was very hungry and faint, so in despair, he began to attack the flowers in the vases, making a "great" litter, but a "very poor" supper.

to a considerable degree; very much

From this reading First of all, he ran as far as the Altar, then up the curtains, then on the super-altar, and vainly tried to climb the tall candlesticks, thinking if he could only reach the candles, he should make a grand supper; but in that respect, he was not so fortunate as his brother, for though he kept trying again and again, the shining brass afforded no hold for his claws.

preceding all others in time or space or degree

From this reading First of all, he ran as far as the Altar, then up the curtains, then on the super-altar, and vainly tried to climb the tall candlesticks, thinking if he could only reach the candles, he should make a grand supper; but in that respect, he was not so fortunate as his brother, for though he kept trying again and again, the shining brass afforded no hold for his claws.

plural of “flower” — a plant cultivated for its blooms or blossoms

From this reading By this time, he was very hungry and faint, so in despair, he began to attack the flowers in the vases, making a "great" litter, but a "very poor" supper.

past form of “follow” — to travel behind, go after, come after

From this reading HAVING followed the career of one Church Mouse to its sad end, let us go into the Church again, and see what our other little friend Pop is doing.

intended to be given to, or used by, somebody

From this reading I think we left him hunting for provender, having parted from his brother in the nave.

inflected form of “forget” — dismiss from the mind; stop remembering

From this reading After that, he crept behind the Dossal and forgot his woes in sleep.

having unexpected good fortune

From this reading First of all, he ran as far as the Altar, then up the curtains, then on the super-altar, and vainly tried to climb the tall candlesticks, thinking if he could only reach the candles, he should make a grand supper; but in that respect, he was not so fortunate as his brother, for though he kept trying again and again, the shining brass afforded no hold for his claws.

a person you know well and regard with affection and trust

From this reading HAVING followed the career of one Church Mouse to its sad end, let us go into the Church again, and see what our other little friend Pop is doing.

showing where something starts, or who sent it

From this reading I think we left him hunting for provender, having parted from his brother in the nave.

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

From this reading HAVING followed the career of one Church Mouse to its sad end, let us go into the Church again, and see what our other little friend Pop is doing.

of behavior that is impressive and ambitious in scale or scope

From this reading First of all, he ran as far as the Altar, then up the curtains, then on the super-altar, and vainly tried to climb the tall candlesticks, thinking if he could only reach the candles, he should make a grand supper; but in that respect, he was not so fortunate as his brother, for though he kept trying again and again, the shining brass afforded no hold for his claws.

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

From this reading By this time, he was very hungry and faint, so in despair, he began to attack the flowers in the vases, making a "great" litter, but a "very poor" supper.

the -ing form of “have”

From this reading HAVING followed the career of one Church Mouse to its sad end, let us go into the Church again, and see what our other little friend Pop is doing.

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

From this reading First of all, he ran as far as the Altar, then up the curtains, then on the super-altar, and vainly tried to climb the tall candlesticks, thinking if he could only reach the candles, he should make a grand supper; but in that respect, he was not so fortunate as his brother, for though he kept trying again and again, the shining brass afforded no hold for his claws.

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

From this reading I think we left him hunting for provender, having parted from his brother in the nave.

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

From this reading I think we left him hunting for provender, having parted from his brother in the nave.

cause to continue in a certain state, position, or activity; e.g., “keep clean”

From this reading First of all, he ran as far as the Altar, then up the curtains, then on the super-altar, and vainly tried to climb the tall candlesticks, thinking if he could only reach the candles, he should make a grand supper; but in that respect, he was not so fortunate as his brother, for though he kept trying again and again, the shining brass afforded no hold for his claws.

feeling hunger; feeling a need or desire to eat food

From this reading By this time, he was very hungry and faint, so in despair, he began to attack the flowers in the vases, making a "great" litter, but a "very poor" supper.

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

From this reading I think we left him hunting for provender, having parted from his brother in the nave.

the person speaking or writing, as the subject of the verb

From this reading I think we left him hunting for provender, having parted from his brother in the nave.

on condition that; in the event that

From this reading First of all, he ran as far as the Altar, then up the curtains, then on the super-altar, and vainly tried to climb the tall candlesticks, thinking if he could only reach the candles, he should make a grand supper; but in that respect, he was not so fortunate as his brother, for though he kept trying again and again, the shining brass afforded no hold for his claws.

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

From this reading I think we left him hunting for provender, having parted from his brother in the nave.

moving to the inside of something

From this reading HAVING followed the career of one Church Mouse to its sad end, let us go into the Church again, and see what our other little friend Pop is doing.

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

From this reading HAVING followed the career of one Church Mouse to its sad end, let us go into the Church again, and see what our other little friend Pop is doing.

belonging to the thing or animal already mentioned

From this reading HAVING followed the career of one Church Mouse to its sad end, let us go into the Church again, and see what our other little friend Pop is doing.

(especially of promises or contracts) not violated or disregarded

From this reading First of all, he ran as far as the Altar, then up the curtains, then on the super-altar, and vainly tried to climb the tall candlesticks, thinking if he could only reach the candles, he should make a grand supper; but in that respect, he was not so fortunate as his brother, for though he kept trying again and again, the shining brass afforded no hold for his claws.

location near or direction toward the left side; i.e. the side to the north when a person or object faces east

From this reading I think we left him hunting for provender, having parted from his brother in the nave.

used to make a suggestion or a command including the speaker

From this reading HAVING followed the career of one Church Mouse to its sad end, let us go into the Church again, and see what our other little friend Pop is doing.

the offspring at one birth of a multiparous mammal

From this reading By this time, he was very hungry and faint, so in despair, he began to attack the flowers in the vases, making a "great" litter, but a "very poor" supper.

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

From this reading HAVING followed the career of one Church Mouse to its sad end, let us go into the Church again, and see what our other little friend Pop is doing.

engage in

From this reading First of all, he ran as far as the Altar, then up the curtains, then on the super-altar, and vainly tried to climb the tall candlesticks, thinking if he could only reach the candles, he should make a grand supper; but in that respect, he was not so fortunate as his brother, for though he kept trying again and again, the shining brass afforded no hold for his claws.

the act that results in something coming to be

From this reading By this time, he was very hungry and faint, so in despair, he began to attack the flowers in the vases, making a "great" litter, but a "very poor" supper.

any of numerous small rodents typically resembling diminutive rats having pointed snouts and small ears on elongated bodies with slender usually hairless tails

From this reading HAVING followed the career of one Church Mouse to its sad end, let us go into the Church again, and see what our other little friend Pop is doing.

the central area of a church

From this reading I think we left him hunting for provender, having parted from his brother in the nave.

not any; not one

From this reading First of all, he ran as far as the Altar, then up the curtains, then on the super-altar, and vainly tried to climb the tall candlesticks, thinking if he could only reach the candles, he should make a grand supper; but in that respect, he was not so fortunate as his brother, for though he kept trying again and again, the shining brass afforded no hold for his claws.

used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative

From this reading First of all, he ran as far as the Altar, then up the curtains, then on the super-altar, and vainly tried to climb the tall candlesticks, thinking if he could only reach the candles, he should make a grand supper; but in that respect, he was not so fortunate as his brother, for though he kept trying again and again, the shining brass afforded no hold for his claws.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading HAVING followed the career of one Church Mouse to its sad end, let us go into the Church again, and see what our other little friend Pop is doing.

touching and supported by a surface

From this reading First of all, he ran as far as the Altar, then up the curtains, then on the super-altar, and vainly tried to climb the tall candlesticks, thinking if he could only reach the candles, he should make a grand supper; but in that respect, he was not so fortunate as his brother, for though he kept trying again and again, the shining brass afforded no hold for his claws.

used to mean any person in general, including the speaker

From this reading HAVING followed the career of one Church Mouse to its sad end, let us go into the Church again, and see what our other little friend Pop is doing.

and nothing more

From this reading First of all, he ran as far as the Altar, then up the curtains, then on the super-altar, and vainly tried to climb the tall candlesticks, thinking if he could only reach the candles, he should make a grand supper; but in that respect, he was not so fortunate as his brother, for though he kept trying again and again, the shining brass afforded no hold for his claws.

not the same one or ones already mentioned or implied

From this reading HAVING followed the career of one Church Mouse to its sad end, let us go into the Church again, and see what our other little friend Pop is doing.

belonging to the speaker and others

From this reading HAVING followed the career of one Church Mouse to its sad end, let us go into the Church again, and see what our other little friend Pop is doing.

having a margin incised almost to the base so as to create distinct divisions or lobes

From this reading I think we left him hunting for provender, having parted from his brother in the nave.

deserving or inciting pity

From this reading By this time, he was very hungry and faint, so in despair, he began to attack the flowers in the vases, making a "great" litter, but a "very poor" supper.

bulge outward

From this reading HAVING followed the career of one Church Mouse to its sad end, let us go into the Church again, and see what our other little friend Pop is doing.

food for domestic livestock

From this reading I think we left him hunting for provender, having parted from his brother in the nave.

inflected form of “run” — move fast by using one's feet, with one foot off the ground at any given time

From this reading First of all, he ran as far as the Altar, then up the curtains, then on the super-altar, and vainly tried to climb the tall candlesticks, thinking if he could only reach the candles, he should make a grand supper; but in that respect, he was not so fortunate as his brother, for though he kept trying again and again, the shining brass afforded no hold for his claws.

reach a destination, either real or abstract

From this reading First of all, he ran as far as the Altar, then up the curtains, then on the super-altar, and vainly tried to climb the tall candlesticks, thinking if he could only reach the candles, he should make a grand supper; but in that respect, he was not so fortunate as his brother, for though he kept trying again and again, the shining brass afforded no hold for his claws.

(usually preceded by “in”) a detail or point

From this reading First of all, he ran as far as the Altar, then up the curtains, then on the super-altar, and vainly tried to climb the tall candlesticks, thinking if he could only reach the candles, he should make a grand supper; but in that respect, he was not so fortunate as his brother, for though he kept trying again and again, the shining brass afforded no hold for his claws.

experiencing or showing sorrow or unhappiness

From this reading HAVING followed the career of one Church Mouse to its sad end, let us go into the Church again, and see what our other little friend Pop is doing.

perceive by sight or have the power to perceive by sight

From this reading HAVING followed the career of one Church Mouse to its sad end, let us go into the Church again, and see what our other little friend Pop is doing.

marked by exceptional merit

From this reading First of all, he ran as far as the Altar, then up the curtains, then on the super-altar, and vainly tried to climb the tall candlesticks, thinking if he could only reach the candles, he should make a grand supper; but in that respect, he was not so fortunate as his brother, for though he kept trying again and again, the shining brass afforded no hold for his claws.

used to say what is right, expected, or advisable

From this reading First of all, he ran as far as the Altar, then up the curtains, then on the super-altar, and vainly tried to climb the tall candlesticks, thinking if he could only reach the candles, he should make a grand supper; but in that respect, he was not so fortunate as his brother, for though he kept trying again and again, the shining brass afforded no hold for his claws.

a natural and periodic state of rest during which consciousness of the world is suspended

From this reading After that, he crept behind the Dossal and forgot his woes in sleep.

for that reason; with the result that

From this reading First of all, he ran as far as the Altar, then up the curtains, then on the super-altar, and vainly tried to climb the tall candlesticks, thinking if he could only reach the candles, he should make a grand supper; but in that respect, he was not so fortunate as his brother, for though he kept trying again and again, the shining brass afforded no hold for his claws.

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

From this reading First of all, he ran as far as the Altar, then up the curtains, then on the super-altar, and vainly tried to climb the tall candlesticks, thinking if he could only reach the candles, he should make a grand supper; but in that respect, he was not so fortunate as his brother, for though he kept trying again and again, the shining brass afforded no hold for his claws.

a light evening meal; served in early evening if dinner is at midday or served late in the evening at bedtime

From this reading First of all, he ran as far as the Altar, then up the curtains, then on the super-altar, and vainly tried to climb the tall candlesticks, thinking if he could only reach the candles, he should make a grand supper; but in that respect, he was not so fortunate as his brother, for though he kept trying again and again, the shining brass afforded no hold for his claws.

great in vertical dimension; high in stature

From this reading First of all, he ran as far as the Altar, then up the curtains, then on the super-altar, and vainly tried to climb the tall candlesticks, thinking if he could only reach the candles, he should make a grand supper; but in that respect, he was not so fortunate as his brother, for though he kept trying again and again, the shining brass afforded no hold for his claws.

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading First of all, he ran as far as the Altar, then up the curtains, then on the super-altar, and vainly tried to climb the tall candlesticks, thinking if he could only reach the candles, he should make a grand supper; but in that respect, he was not so fortunate as his brother, for though he kept trying again and again, the shining brass afforded no hold for his claws.

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

From this reading HAVING followed the career of one Church Mouse to its sad end, let us go into the Church again, and see what our other little friend Pop is doing.

subsequently or soon afterward (often used as sentence connectors)

From this reading First of all, he ran as far as the Altar, then up the curtains, then on the super-altar, and vainly tried to climb the tall candlesticks, thinking if he could only reach the candles, he should make a grand supper; but in that respect, he was not so fortunate as his brother, for though he kept trying again and again, the shining brass afforded no hold for his claws.

judge or regard; look upon; judge

From this reading I think we left him hunting for provender, having parted from his brother in the nave.

the process of using your mind to consider something carefully

From this reading First of all, he ran as far as the Altar, then up the curtains, then on the super-altar, and vainly tried to climb the tall candlesticks, thinking if he could only reach the candles, he should make a grand supper; but in that respect, he was not so fortunate as his brother, for though he kept trying again and again, the shining brass afforded no hold for his claws.

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

From this reading By this time, he was very hungry and faint, so in despair, he began to attack the flowers in the vases, making a "great" litter, but a "very poor" supper.

in spite of the fact that

From this reading First of all, he ran as far as the Altar, then up the curtains, then on the super-altar, and vainly tried to climb the tall candlesticks, thinking if he could only reach the candles, he should make a grand supper; but in that respect, he was not so fortunate as his brother, for though he kept trying again and again, the shining brass afforded no hold for his claws.

an instance or single occasion for some event

From this reading By this time, he was very hungry and faint, so in despair, he began to attack the flowers in the vases, making a "great" litter, but a "very poor" supper.

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

From this reading HAVING followed the career of one Church Mouse to its sad end, let us go into the Church again, and see what our other little friend Pop is doing.

tested and proved useful or correct

From this reading First of all, he ran as far as the Altar, then up the curtains, then on the super-altar, and vainly tried to climb the tall candlesticks, thinking if he could only reach the candles, he should make a grand supper; but in that respect, he was not so fortunate as his brother, for though he kept trying again and again, the shining brass afforded no hold for his claws.

hard to endure

From this reading First of all, he ran as far as the Altar, then up the curtains, then on the super-altar, and vainly tried to climb the tall candlesticks, thinking if he could only reach the candles, he should make a grand supper; but in that respect, he was not so fortunate as his brother, for though he kept trying again and again, the shining brass afforded no hold for his claws.

being or moving higher in position or greater in some value; being above a former position or level

From this reading First of all, he ran as far as the Altar, then up the curtains, then on the super-altar, and vainly tried to climb the tall candlesticks, thinking if he could only reach the candles, he should make a grand supper; but in that respect, he was not so fortunate as his brother, for though he kept trying again and again, the shining brass afforded no hold for his claws.

the speaker and others, as the object of a verb or preposition

From this reading HAVING followed the career of one Church Mouse to its sad end, let us go into the Church again, and see what our other little friend Pop is doing.

to no avail

From this reading First of all, he ran as far as the Altar, then up the curtains, then on the super-altar, and vainly tried to climb the tall candlesticks, thinking if he could only reach the candles, he should make a grand supper; but in that respect, he was not so fortunate as his brother, for though he kept trying again and again, the shining brass afforded no hold for his claws.

plural of “vas” — a tube in which a body fluid circulates

From this reading By this time, he was very hungry and faint, so in despair, he began to attack the flowers in the vases, making a "great" litter, but a "very poor" supper.

precisely as stated

From this reading By this time, he was very hungry and faint, so in despair, he began to attack the flowers in the vases, making a "great" litter, but a "very poor" supper.

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

From this reading First of all, he ran as far as the Altar, then up the curtains, then on the super-altar, and vainly tried to climb the tall candlesticks, thinking if he could only reach the candles, he should make a grand supper; but in that respect, he was not so fortunate as his brother, for though he kept trying again and again, the shining brass afforded no hold for his claws.

the speaker together with one or more other people

From this reading I think we left him hunting for provender, having parted from his brother in the nave.

used to ask for information about something

From this reading HAVING followed the career of one Church Mouse to its sad end, let us go into the Church again, and see what our other little friend Pop is doing.

plural of “woe” — misery resulting from affliction

From this reading After that, he crept behind the Dossal and forgot his woes in sleep.