Chapter I · Chapter 1

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

From this reading So it is worth while to tell the reason why people at Lisconnel sometimes respond with irony to a question: "What have I got?

how long something has existed

From this reading The saying is of respectable antiquity, for it originated while Bessy Joyce, who died a year or so back, at "a great ould age entirely," was still but a slip of a girl.

(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 Sure, all that Jerry Dunne had in his basket."

past form of “allow” — make it possible through a specific action or lack of action for something to happen

From this reading When she did so she was generally thinking of the fine little farm in the county Clare, which they had not long since exchanged for the poor tiny holding away in the heart of the black bog; and of how, among the green fields, and thriving beasts, and other good things of Clonmena, she had allowed her content to be marred by such a detail as her Bessy's refusal to favour the suit of Jerry Dunne.

surrounded by; in the middle of a group

From this reading When she did so she was generally thinking of the fine little farm in the county Clare, which they had not long since exchanged for the poor tiny holding away in the heart of the black bog; and of how, among the green fields, and thriving beasts, and other good things of Clonmena, she had allowed her content to be marred by such a detail as her Bessy's refusal to favour the suit of Jerry Dunne.

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

From this reading When she did so she was generally thinking of the fine little farm in the county Clare, which they had not long since exchanged for the poor tiny holding away in the heart of the black bog; and of how, among the green fields, and thriving beasts, and other good things of Clonmena, she had allowed her content to be marred by such a detail as her Bessy's refusal to favour the suit of Jerry Dunne.

plural of “antecedent” — someone from whom you are descended (but usually more remote than a grandparent)

From this reading In those days her mother used often to say regretfully that she didn't know when she was well off, like Rody O'Rourke's pigs, quoting a proverb of obscurer antecedents.

the historic period preceding the Middle Ages in Europe

From this reading The saying is of respectable antiquity, for it originated while Bessy Joyce, who died a year or so back, at "a great ould age entirely," was still but a slip of a girl.

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

From this reading When she did so she was generally thinking of the fine little farm in the county Clare, which they had not long since exchanged for the poor tiny holding away in the heart of the black bog; and of how, among the green fields, and thriving beasts, and other good things of Clonmena, she had allowed her content to be marred by such a detail as her Bessy's refusal to favour the suit of Jerry Dunne.

in or near a particular place or position

From this reading So it is worth while to tell the reason why people at Lisconnel sometimes respond with irony to a question: "What have I got?

from a particular thing or place or position (“forth” is obsolete)

From this reading When she did so she was generally thinking of the fine little farm in the county Clare, which they had not long since exchanged for the poor tiny holding away in the heart of the black bog; and of how, among the green fields, and thriving beasts, and other good things of Clonmena, she had allowed her content to be marred by such a detail as her Bessy's refusal to favour the suit of Jerry Dunne.

in or to or toward a former location

From this reading The saying is of respectable antiquity, for it originated while Bessy Joyce, who died a year or so back, at "a great ould age entirely," was still but a slip of a girl.

a container that is usually woven and has handles

From this reading Sure, all that Jerry Dunne had in his basket."

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

From this reading When she did so she was generally thinking of the fine little farm in the county Clare, which they had not long since exchanged for the poor tiny holding away in the heart of the black bog; and of how, among the green fields, and thriving beasts, and other good things of Clonmena, she had allowed her content to be marred by such a detail as her Bessy's refusal to favour the suit of Jerry Dunne.

plural of “beast” — a living organism characterized by voluntary movement

From this reading When she did so she was generally thinking of the fine little farm in the county Clare, which they had not long since exchanged for the poor tiny holding away in the heart of the black bog; and of how, among the green fields, and thriving beasts, and other good things of Clonmena, she had allowed her content to be marred by such a detail as her Bessy's refusal to favour the suit of Jerry Dunne.

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

From this reading The saying is of respectable antiquity, for it originated while Bessy Joyce, who died a year or so back, at "a great ould age entirely," was still but a slip of a girl.

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

From this reading When she did so she was generally thinking of the fine little farm in the county Clare, which they had not long since exchanged for the poor tiny holding away in the heart of the black bog; and of how, among the green fields, and thriving beasts, and other good things of Clonmena, she had allowed her content to be marred by such a detail as her Bessy's refusal to favour the suit of Jerry Dunne.

being of the achromatic color of maximum darkness; having little or no hue owing to absorption of almost all incident light

From this reading When she did so she was generally thinking of the fine little farm in the county Clare, which they had not long since exchanged for the poor tiny holding away in the heart of the black bog; and of how, among the green fields, and thriving beasts, and other good things of Clonmena, she had allowed her content to be marred by such a detail as her Bessy's refusal to favour the suit of Jerry Dunne.

cause to slow down or get stuck

From this reading When she did so she was generally thinking of the fine little farm in the county Clare, which they had not long since exchanged for the poor tiny holding away in the heart of the black bog; and of how, among the green fields, and thriving beasts, and other good things of Clonmena, she had allowed her content to be marred by such a detail as her Bessy's refusal to favour the suit of Jerry Dunne.

used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before

From this reading The saying is of respectable antiquity, for it originated while Bessy Joyce, who died a year or so back, at "a great ould age entirely," was still but a slip of a girl.

showing who or what does the action

From this reading When she did so she was generally thinking of the fine little farm in the county Clare, which they had not long since exchanged for the poor tiny holding away in the heart of the black bog; and of how, among the green fields, and thriving beasts, and other good things of Clonmena, she had allowed her content to be marred by such a detail as her Bessy's refusal to favour the suit of Jerry Dunne.

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

From this reading When she did so she was generally thinking of the fine little farm in the county Clare, which they had not long since exchanged for the poor tiny holding away in the heart of the black bog; and of how, among the green fields, and thriving beasts, and other good things of Clonmena, she had allowed her content to be marred by such a detail as her Bessy's refusal to favour the suit of Jerry Dunne.

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

From this reading When she did so she was generally thinking of the fine little farm in the county Clare, which they had not long since exchanged for the poor tiny holding away in the heart of the black bog; and of how, among the green fields, and thriving beasts, and other good things of Clonmena, she had allowed her content to be marred by such a detail as her Bessy's refusal to favour the suit of Jerry Dunne.

(usually plural) everything that is included in a collection and that is held or included in something

From this reading When she did so she was generally thinking of the fine little farm in the county Clare, which they had not long since exchanged for the poor tiny holding away in the heart of the black bog; and of how, among the green fields, and thriving beasts, and other good things of Clonmena, she had allowed her content to be marred by such a detail as her Bessy's refusal to favour the suit of Jerry Dunne.

(United Kingdom) a region created by territorial division for the purpose of local government

From this reading When she did so she was generally thinking of the fine little farm in the county Clare, which they had not long since exchanged for the poor tiny holding away in the heart of the black bog; and of how, among the green fields, and thriving beasts, and other good things of Clonmena, she had allowed her content to be marred by such a detail as her Bessy's refusal to favour the suit of Jerry Dunne.

the time during which someone's life continues

From this reading In those days her mother used often to say regretfully that she didn't know when she was well off, like Rody O'Rourke's pigs, quoting a proverb of obscurer antecedents.

an isolated fact that is considered separately from the whole

From this reading When she did so she was generally thinking of the fine little farm in the county Clare, which they had not long since exchanged for the poor tiny holding away in the heart of the black bog; and of how, among the green fields, and thriving beasts, and other good things of Clonmena, she had allowed her content to be marred by such a detail as her Bessy's refusal to favour the suit of Jerry Dunne.

the past form of “do”, used in questions and negatives

From this reading When she did so she was generally thinking of the fine little farm in the county Clare, which they had not long since exchanged for the poor tiny holding away in the heart of the black bog; and of how, among the green fields, and thriving beasts, and other good things of Clonmena, she had allowed her content to be marred by such a detail as her Bessy's refusal to favour the suit of Jerry Dunne.

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

From this reading In those days her mother used often to say regretfully that she didn't know when she was well off, like Rody O'Rourke's pigs, quoting a proverb of obscurer antecedents.

past form of “die” — pass from physical life and lose all bodily attributes and functions necessary to sustain life

From this reading The saying is of respectable antiquity, for it originated while Bessy Joyce, who died a year or so back, at "a great ould age entirely," was still but a slip of a girl.

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

From this reading Sure, all that Jerry Dunne had in his basket."

to a complete degree or to the full or entire extent (“whole” is often used informally for “wholly”)

From this reading The saying is of respectable antiquity, for it originated while Bessy Joyce, who died a year or so back, at "a great ould age entirely," was still but a slip of a girl.

changed for (replaced by) something different

From this reading When she did so she was generally thinking of the fine little farm in the county Clare, which they had not long since exchanged for the poor tiny holding away in the heart of the black bog; and of how, among the green fields, and thriving beasts, and other good things of Clonmena, she had allowed her content to be marred by such a detail as her Bessy's refusal to favour the suit of Jerry Dunne.

be a farmer; work as a farmer

From this reading When she did so she was generally thinking of the fine little farm in the county Clare, which they had not long since exchanged for the poor tiny holding away in the heart of the black bog; and of how, among the green fields, and thriving beasts, and other good things of Clonmena, she had allowed her content to be marred by such a detail as her Bessy's refusal to favour the suit of Jerry Dunne.

a feeling of favorable regard

From this reading When she did so she was generally thinking of the fine little farm in the county Clare, which they had not long since exchanged for the poor tiny holding away in the heart of the black bog; and of how, among the green fields, and thriving beasts, and other good things of Clonmena, she had allowed her content to be marred by such a detail as her Bessy's refusal to favour the suit of Jerry Dunne.

United States comedian and film actor (1880-1946)

From this reading When she did so she was generally thinking of the fine little farm in the county Clare, which they had not long since exchanged for the poor tiny holding away in the heart of the black bog; and of how, among the green fields, and thriving beasts, and other good things of Clonmena, she had allowed her content to be marred by such a detail as her Bessy's refusal to favour the suit of Jerry Dunne.

being satisfactory or in satisfactory condition

From this reading When she did so she was generally thinking of the fine little farm in the county Clare, which they had not long since exchanged for the poor tiny holding away in the heart of the black bog; and of how, among the green fields, and thriving beasts, and other good things of Clonmena, she had allowed her content to be marred by such a detail as her Bessy's refusal to favour the suit of Jerry Dunne.

intended to be given to, or used by, somebody

From this reading The saying is of respectable antiquity, for it originated while Bessy Joyce, who died a year or so back, at "a great ould age entirely," was still but a slip of a girl.

usually; as a rule

From this reading When she did so she was generally thinking of the fine little farm in the county Clare, which they had not long since exchanged for the poor tiny holding away in the heart of the black bog; and of how, among the green fields, and thriving beasts, and other good things of Clonmena, she had allowed her content to be marred by such a detail as her Bessy's refusal to favour the suit of Jerry Dunne.

a young female

From this reading The saying is of respectable antiquity, for it originated while Bessy Joyce, who died a year or so back, at "a great ould age entirely," was still but a slip of a girl.

having desirable or positive qualities especially those suitable for a thing specified

From this reading When she did so she was generally thinking of the fine little farm in the county Clare, which they had not long since exchanged for the poor tiny holding away in the heart of the black bog; and of how, among the green fields, and thriving beasts, and other good things of Clonmena, she had allowed her content to be marred by such a detail as her Bessy's refusal to favour the suit of Jerry Dunne.

inflected form of “get” — come into the possession of something concrete or abstract

From this reading So it is worth while to tell the reason why people at Lisconnel sometimes respond with irony to a question: "What have I got?

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

From this reading The saying is of respectable antiquity, for it originated while Bessy Joyce, who died a year or so back, at "a great ould age entirely," was still but a slip of a girl.

green color or pigment; resembling the color of growing grass

From this reading When she did so she was generally thinking of the fine little farm in the county Clare, which they had not long since exchanged for the poor tiny holding away in the heart of the black bog; and of how, among the green fields, and thriving beasts, and other good things of Clonmena, she had allowed her content to be marred by such a detail as her Bessy's refusal to favour the suit of Jerry Dunne.

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

From this reading Sure, all that Jerry Dunne had in his basket."

used with a past participle to form the perfect tenses

From this reading So it is worth while to tell the reason why people at Lisconnel sometimes respond with irony to a question: "What have I got?

the locus of feelings and intuitions

From this reading When she did so she was generally thinking of the fine little farm in the county Clare, which they had not long since exchanged for the poor tiny holding away in the heart of the black bog; and of how, among the green fields, and thriving beasts, and other good things of Clonmena, she had allowed her content to be marred by such a detail as her Bessy's refusal to favour the suit of Jerry Dunne.

belonging to a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned

From this reading In those days her mother used often to say regretfully that she didn't know when she was well off, like Rody O'Rourke's pigs, quoting a proverb of obscurer antecedents.

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

From this reading Sure, all that Jerry Dunne had in his basket."

the act of retaining something

From this reading When she did so she was generally thinking of the fine little farm in the county Clare, which they had not long since exchanged for the poor tiny holding away in the heart of the black bog; and of how, among the green fields, and thriving beasts, and other good things of Clonmena, she had allowed her content to be marred by such a detail as her Bessy's refusal to favour the suit of Jerry Dunne.

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

From this reading When she did so she was generally thinking of the fine little farm in the county Clare, which they had not long since exchanged for the poor tiny holding away in the heart of the black bog; and of how, among the green fields, and thriving beasts, and other good things of Clonmena, she had allowed her content to be marred by such a detail as her Bessy's refusal to favour the suit of Jerry Dunne.

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

From this reading So it is worth while to tell the reason why people at Lisconnel sometimes respond with irony to a question: "What have I got?

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

From this reading Sure, all that Jerry Dunne had in his basket."

witty language used to convey insults or scorn

From this reading So it is worth while to tell the reason why people at Lisconnel sometimes respond with irony to a question: "What have I got?

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

From this reading So it is worth while to tell the reason why people at Lisconnel sometimes respond with irony to a question: "What have I got?

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading So it is worth while to tell the reason why people at Lisconnel sometimes respond with irony to a question: "What have I got?

offensive term for a person of German descent

From this reading Sure, all that Jerry Dunne had in his basket."

influential Irish writer noted for his many innovations (such as stream of consciousness writing) (1882-1941)

From this reading The saying is of respectable antiquity, for it originated while Bessy Joyce, who died a year or so back, at "a great ould age entirely," was still but a slip of a girl.

be cognizant or aware of a fact or a specific piece of information; possess knowledge or information about

From this reading In those days her mother used often to say regretfully that she didn't know when she was well off, like Rody O'Rourke's pigs, quoting a proverb of obscurer antecedents.

prefer or wish to do something

From this reading In those days her mother used often to say regretfully that she didn't know when she was well off, like Rody O'Rourke's pigs, quoting a proverb of obscurer antecedents.

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

From this reading So it is worth while to tell the reason why people at Lisconnel sometimes respond with irony to a question: "What have I got?

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

From this reading When she did so she was generally thinking of the fine little farm in the county Clare, which they had not long since exchanged for the poor tiny holding away in the heart of the black bog; and of how, among the green fields, and thriving beasts, and other good things of Clonmena, she had allowed her content to be marred by such a detail as her Bessy's refusal to favour the suit of Jerry Dunne.

primarily temporal sense; being or indicating a relatively great or greater than average duration or passage of time or a duration as specified

From this reading When she did so she was generally thinking of the fine little farm in the county Clare, which they had not long since exchanged for the poor tiny holding away in the heart of the black bog; and of how, among the green fields, and thriving beasts, and other good things of Clonmena, she had allowed her content to be marred by such a detail as her Bessy's refusal to favour the suit of Jerry Dunne.

blemished by injury or rough wear

From this reading When she did so she was generally thinking of the fine little farm in the county Clare, which they had not long since exchanged for the poor tiny holding away in the heart of the black bog; and of how, among the green fields, and thriving beasts, and other good things of Clonmena, she had allowed her content to be marred by such a detail as her Bessy's refusal to favour the suit of Jerry Dunne.

a woman who has given birth to a child (also used as a term of address to your mother)

From this reading In those days her mother used often to say regretfully that she didn't know when she was well off, like Rody O'Rourke's pigs, quoting a proverb of obscurer antecedents.

used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative

From this reading When she did so she was generally thinking of the fine little farm in the county Clare, which they had not long since exchanged for the poor tiny holding away in the heart of the black bog; and of how, among the green fields, and thriving beasts, and other good things of Clonmena, she had allowed her content to be marred by such a detail as her Bessy's refusal to favour the suit of Jerry Dunne.

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

From this reading In those days her mother used often to say regretfully that she didn't know when she was well off, like Rody O'Rourke's pigs, quoting a proverb of obscurer antecedents.

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

From this reading In those days her mother used often to say regretfully that she didn't know when she was well off, like Rody O'Rourke's pigs, quoting a proverb of obscurer antecedents.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading The saying is of respectable antiquity, for it originated while Bessy Joyce, who died a year or so back, at "a great ould age entirely," was still but a slip of a girl.

from a particular thing or place or position (“forth” is obsolete)

From this reading In those days her mother used often to say regretfully that she didn't know when she was well off, like Rody O'Rourke's pigs, quoting a proverb of obscurer antecedents.

many times at short intervals

From this reading In those days her mother used often to say regretfully that she didn't know when she was well off, like Rody O'Rourke's pigs, quoting a proverb of obscurer antecedents.

used to join alternatives or possibilities

From this reading The saying is of respectable antiquity, for it originated while Bessy Joyce, who died a year or so back, at "a great ould age entirely," was still but a slip of a girl.

past form of “originate” — come into existence; take on form or shape

From this reading The saying is of respectable antiquity, for it originated while Bessy Joyce, who died a year or so back, at "a great ould age entirely," was still but a slip of a girl.

not the same one or ones already mentioned or implied

From this reading When she did so she was generally thinking of the fine little farm in the county Clare, which they had not long since exchanged for the poor tiny holding away in the heart of the black bog; and of how, among the green fields, and thriving beasts, and other good things of Clonmena, she had allowed her content to be marred by such a detail as her Bessy's refusal to favour the suit of Jerry Dunne.

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

From this reading The saying is of respectable antiquity, for it originated while Bessy Joyce, who died a year or so back, at "a great ould age entirely," was still but a slip of a girl.

(plural) any group of human beings (men or women or children) collectively

From this reading So it is worth while to tell the reason why people at Lisconnel sometimes respond with irony to a question: "What have I got?

plural of “pig” — domestic swine

From this reading In those days her mother used often to say regretfully that she didn't know when she was well off, like Rody O'Rourke's pigs, quoting a proverb of obscurer antecedents.

deserving or inciting pity

From this reading When she did so she was generally thinking of the fine little farm in the county Clare, which they had not long since exchanged for the poor tiny holding away in the heart of the black bog; and of how, among the green fields, and thriving beasts, and other good things of Clonmena, she had allowed her content to be marred by such a detail as her Bessy's refusal to favour the suit of Jerry Dunne.

a condensed but memorable saying embodying some important fact of experience that is taken as true by many people

From this reading In those days her mother used often to say regretfully that she didn't know when she was well off, like Rody O'Rourke's pigs, quoting a proverb of obscurer antecedents.

challenge the accuracy, probity, or propriety of

From this reading So it is worth while to tell the reason why people at Lisconnel sometimes respond with irony to a question: "What have I got?

-ing form of “quote” — repeat a passage from

From this reading In those days her mother used often to say regretfully that she didn't know when she was well off, like Rody O'Rourke's pigs, quoting a proverb of obscurer antecedents.

a rational motive for a belief or action

From this reading So it is worth while to tell the reason why people at Lisconnel sometimes respond with irony to a question: "What have I got?

the act of refusing

From this reading When she did so she was generally thinking of the fine little farm in the county Clare, which they had not long since exchanged for the poor tiny holding away in the heart of the black bog; and of how, among the green fields, and thriving beasts, and other good things of Clonmena, she had allowed her content to be marred by such a detail as her Bessy's refusal to favour the suit of Jerry Dunne.

with regret (used in polite formulas)

From this reading In those days her mother used often to say regretfully that she didn't know when she was well off, like Rody O'Rourke's pigs, quoting a proverb of obscurer antecedents.

characterized by socially or conventionally acceptable morals

From this reading The saying is of respectable antiquity, for it originated while Bessy Joyce, who died a year or so back, at "a great ould age entirely," was still but a slip of a girl.

show a response or a reaction to something

From this reading So it is worth while to tell the reason why people at Lisconnel sometimes respond with irony to a question: "What have I got?

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

From this reading In those days her mother used often to say regretfully that she didn't know when she was well off, like Rody O'Rourke's pigs, quoting a proverb of obscurer antecedents.

express in words

From this reading In those days her mother used often to say regretfully that she didn't know when she was well off, like Rody O'Rourke's pigs, quoting a proverb of obscurer antecedents.

a word or phrase that particular people use in particular situations

From this reading The saying is of respectable antiquity, for it originated while Bessy Joyce, who died a year or so back, at "a great ould age entirely," was still but a slip of a girl.

a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned, as the subject

From this reading In those days her mother used often to say regretfully that she didn't know when she was well off, like Rody O'Rourke's pigs, quoting a proverb of obscurer antecedents.

from a time in the past until now

From this reading When she did so she was generally thinking of the fine little farm in the county Clare, which they had not long since exchanged for the poor tiny holding away in the heart of the black bog; and of how, among the green fields, and thriving beasts, and other good things of Clonmena, she had allowed her content to be marred by such a detail as her Bessy's refusal to favour the suit of Jerry Dunne.

move stealthily

From this reading The saying is of respectable antiquity, for it originated while Bessy Joyce, who died a year or so back, at "a great ould age entirely," was still but a slip of a girl.

for that reason; with the result that

From this reading So it is worth while to tell the reason why people at Lisconnel sometimes respond with irony to a question: "What have I got?

on certain occasions or in certain cases but not always

From this reading So it is worth while to tell the reason why people at Lisconnel sometimes respond with irony to a question: "What have I got?

not in physical motion

From this reading The saying is of respectable antiquity, for it originated while Bessy Joyce, who died a year or so back, at "a great ould age entirely," was still but a slip of a girl.

of the kind already mentioned

From this reading When she did so she was generally thinking of the fine little farm in the county Clare, which they had not long since exchanged for the poor tiny holding away in the heart of the black bog; and of how, among the green fields, and thriving beasts, and other good things of Clonmena, she had allowed her content to be marred by such a detail as her Bessy's refusal to favour the suit of Jerry Dunne.

be agreeable or acceptable to

From this reading When she did so she was generally thinking of the fine little farm in the county Clare, which they had not long since exchanged for the poor tiny holding away in the heart of the black bog; and of how, among the green fields, and thriving beasts, and other good things of Clonmena, she had allowed her content to be marred by such a detail as her Bessy's refusal to favour the suit of Jerry Dunne.

having or feeling no doubt or uncertainty; confident and assured

From this reading Sure, all that Jerry Dunne had in his basket."

express in words

From this reading So it is worth while to tell the reason why people at Lisconnel sometimes respond with irony to a question: "What have I got?

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading Sure, all that Jerry Dunne had in his basket."

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

From this reading So it is worth while to tell the reason why people at Lisconnel sometimes respond with irony to a question: "What have I got?

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

From this reading When she did so she was generally thinking of the fine little farm in the county Clare, which they had not long since exchanged for the poor tiny holding away in the heart of the black bog; and of how, among the green fields, and thriving beasts, and other good things of Clonmena, she had allowed her content to be marred by such a detail as her Bessy's refusal to favour the suit of Jerry Dunne.

any movable possession (especially articles of clothing)

From this reading When she did so she was generally thinking of the fine little farm in the county Clare, which they had not long since exchanged for the poor tiny holding away in the heart of the black bog; and of how, among the green fields, and thriving beasts, and other good things of Clonmena, she had allowed her content to be marred by such a detail as her Bessy's refusal to favour the suit of Jerry Dunne.

the process of using your mind to consider something carefully

From this reading When she did so she was generally thinking of the fine little farm in the county Clare, which they had not long since exchanged for the poor tiny holding away in the heart of the black bog; and of how, among the green fields, and thriving beasts, and other good things of Clonmena, she had allowed her content to be marred by such a detail as her Bessy's refusal to favour the suit of Jerry Dunne.

the plural of “that”: the people or things further away, or already known

From this reading In those days her mother used often to say regretfully that she didn't know when she was well off, like Rody O'Rourke's pigs, quoting a proverb of obscurer antecedents.

very lively and profitable

From this reading When she did so she was generally thinking of the fine little farm in the county Clare, which they had not long since exchanged for the poor tiny holding away in the heart of the black bog; and of how, among the green fields, and thriving beasts, and other good things of Clonmena, she had allowed her content to be marred by such a detail as her Bessy's refusal to favour the suit of Jerry Dunne.

very small

From this reading When she did so she was generally thinking of the fine little farm in the county Clare, which they had not long since exchanged for the poor tiny holding away in the heart of the black bog; and of how, among the green fields, and thriving beasts, and other good things of Clonmena, she had allowed her content to be marred by such a detail as her Bessy's refusal to favour the suit of Jerry Dunne.

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

From this reading So it is worth while to tell the reason why people at Lisconnel sometimes respond with irony to a question: "What have I got?

employed in accomplishing something

From this reading In those days her mother used often to say regretfully that she didn't know when she was well off, like Rody O'Rourke's pigs, quoting a proverb of obscurer antecedents.

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

From this reading The saying is of respectable antiquity, for it originated while Bessy Joyce, who died a year or so back, at "a great ould age entirely," was still but a slip of a girl.

(often used as a combining form) in a good or proper or satisfactory manner or to a high standard (“good” is a nonstandard dialectal variant for “well”)

From this reading In those days her mother used often to say regretfully that she didn't know when she was well off, like Rody O'Rourke's pigs, quoting a proverb of obscurer antecedents.

used to ask for information about something

From this reading So it is worth while to tell the reason why people at Lisconnel sometimes respond with irony to a question: "What have I got?

at the time that

From this reading In those days her mother used often to say regretfully that she didn't know when she was well off, like Rody O'Rourke's pigs, quoting a proverb of obscurer antecedents.

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

From this reading When she did so she was generally thinking of the fine little farm in the county Clare, which they had not long since exchanged for the poor tiny holding away in the heart of the black bog; and of how, among the green fields, and thriving beasts, and other good things of Clonmena, she had allowed her content to be marred by such a detail as her Bessy's refusal to favour the suit of Jerry Dunne.

during the time that

From this reading So it is worth while to tell the reason why people at Lisconnel sometimes respond with irony to a question: "What have I got?

which person or people

From this reading The saying is of respectable antiquity, for it originated while Bessy Joyce, who died a year or so back, at "a great ould age entirely," was still but a slip of a girl.

the cause or intention underlying an action or situation, especially in the phrase “the whys and wherefores”

From this reading So it is worth while to tell the reason why people at Lisconnel sometimes respond with irony to a question: "What have I got?

in the company of; together with

From this reading So it is worth while to tell the reason why people at Lisconnel sometimes respond with irony to a question: "What have I got?

an indefinite quantity of something having a specified value

From this reading So it is worth while to tell the reason why people at Lisconnel sometimes respond with irony to a question: "What have I got?

a period of time containing 365 (or 366) days

From this reading The saying is of respectable antiquity, for it originated while Bessy Joyce, who died a year or so back, at "a great ould age entirely," was still but a slip of a girl.