used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading A justification for the present inquiry may be found, then, in the historical, biographical and literary interest with which it abounds, and in the multiplicity of aspects under which the topic is capable of being contemplated.
aboundsverbUS /əˈbaʊndz/
third-person singular of “abound” — be abundant or plentiful; exist in large quantities
From this reading A justification for the present inquiry may be found, then, in the historical, biographical and literary interest with which it abounds, and in the multiplicity of aspects under which the topic is capable of being contemplated.
a record or narrative description of past events
From this reading Of these, the Apologue and the Riddle are the most ancient--the latter being entitled to priority, if we take into account its positive origin in the Hebrew Scriptures themselves, although the jocular or comic development is so much more recent.
in spite of the fact that
From this reading Of these, the Apologue and the Riddle are the most ancient--the latter being entitled to priority, if we take into account its positive origin in the Hebrew Scriptures themselves, although the jocular or comic development is so much more recent.
the form of “a” used before a word that begins with a vowel sound
From this reading JUSTIFICATION FOR THE PRESENT UNDERTAKING--LITERARY INTEREST OF THE SUBJECT--THE VARIOUS CLASSES OF JEST--THE SERIOUS ANECDOTE THE ORIGINAL TYPE AND THE JEST AN EVOLUTION--GREEK AND ROMAN EXAMPLES--THE “DEIPNOSOPHISTÆ” OF ATHENÆUS.
Belonging to the very distant past and no longer in existence or deeply revered.
From this reading Of these, the Apologue and the Riddle are the most ancient--the latter being entitled to priority, if we take into account its positive origin in the Hebrew Scriptures themselves, although the jocular or comic development is so much more recent.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading JUSTIFICATION FOR THE PRESENT UNDERTAKING--LITERARY INTEREST OF THE SUBJECT--THE VARIOUS CLASSES OF JEST--THE SERIOUS ANECDOTE THE ORIGINAL TYPE AND THE JEST AN EVOLUTION--GREEK AND ROMAN EXAMPLES--THE “DEIPNOSOPHISTÆ” OF ATHENÆUS.
ANECDOTEnounUS /ˈænəkdoʊt/
short account of an incident (especially a biographical one)
From this reading JUSTIFICATION FOR THE PRESENT UNDERTAKING--LITERARY INTEREST OF THE SUBJECT--THE VARIOUS CLASSES OF JEST--THE SERIOUS ANECDOTE THE ORIGINAL TYPE AND THE JEST AN EVOLUTION--GREEK AND ROMAN EXAMPLES--THE “DEIPNOSOPHISTÆ” OF ATHENÆUS.
Apologuenoun
a short moral story (often with animal characters)
From this reading It is couched in a wide variety of shapes--namely, the Riddle, the Epigram, the Apologue or Tale, the Repartee, the Quibble, and the Pun.
areauxiliary verbUS /ɑːr/
the form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun
From this reading Of these, the Apologue and the Riddle are the most ancient--the latter being entitled to priority, if we take into account its positive origin in the Hebrew Scriptures themselves, although the jocular or comic development is so much more recent.
aspectsnounUS /ˈæspekts/
plural of “aspect” — a distinct feature or element in a problem
From this reading A justification for the present inquiry may be found, then, in the historical, biographical and literary interest with which it abounds, and in the multiplicity of aspects under which the topic is capable of being contemplated.
ATHENÆUS
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading JUSTIFICATION FOR THE PRESENT UNDERTAKING--LITERARY INTEREST OF THE SUBJECT--THE VARIOUS CLASSES OF JEST--THE SERIOUS ANECDOTE THE ORIGINAL TYPE AND THE JEST AN EVOLUTION--GREEK AND ROMAN EXAMPLES--THE “DEIPNOSOPHISTÆ” OF ATHENÆUS.
used with a past participle to form the passive, or with -ing for continuous tenses
From this reading A justification for the present inquiry may be found, then, in the historical, biographical and literary interest with which it abounds, and in the multiplicity of aspects under which the topic is capable of being contemplated.
beingauxiliary verbUS /ˈbiːɪŋ/
the -ing form of “be”
From this reading A justification for the present inquiry may be found, then, in the historical, biographical and literary interest with which it abounds, and in the multiplicity of aspects under which the topic is capable of being contemplated.
biographicaladjectiveUS /ˌbaɪəˈɡræfɪkəl/
of or relating to or being biography
From this reading A justification for the present inquiry may be found, then, in the historical, biographical and literary interest with which it abounds, and in the multiplicity of aspects under which the topic is capable of being contemplated.
plural of “branch” — a division of some larger or more complex organization
From this reading The Jest resembles a tree of many branches.
(usually followed by “of”) having capacity or ability
From this reading A justification for the present inquiry may be found, then, in the historical, biographical and literary interest with which it abounds, and in the multiplicity of aspects under which the topic is capable of being contemplated.
CLASSESnounUS /ˈklæsəz/
plural of “class” — a collection of things sharing a common attribute
From this reading JUSTIFICATION FOR THE PRESENT UNDERTAKING--LITERARY INTEREST OF THE SUBJECT--THE VARIOUS CLASSES OF JEST--THE SERIOUS ANECDOTE THE ORIGINAL TYPE AND THE JEST AN EVOLUTION--GREEK AND ROMAN EXAMPLES--THE “DEIPNOSOPHISTÆ” OF ATHENÆUS.
comicadjectiveUS /ˈkɑːmɪk/
arousing or provoking laughter
From this reading Of these, the Apologue and the Riddle are the most ancient--the latter being entitled to priority, if we take into account its positive origin in the Hebrew Scriptures themselves, although the jocular or comic development is so much more recent.
contemplatedverbUS /ˈkɑːntəmpleɪtɪd/
past form of “contemplate” — look at thoughtfully; observe deep in thought
From this reading A justification for the present inquiry may be found, then, in the historical, biographical and literary interest with which it abounds, and in the multiplicity of aspects under which the topic is capable of being contemplated.
couchedverbUS /kaʊtʃt/
past form of “couch” — formulate in a particular style or language
From this reading It is couched in a wide variety of shapes--namely, the Riddle, the Epigram, the Apologue or Tale, the Repartee, the Quibble, and the Pun.
DEIPNOSOPHISTÆ
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading JUSTIFICATION FOR THE PRESENT UNDERTAKING--LITERARY INTEREST OF THE SUBJECT--THE VARIOUS CLASSES OF JEST--THE SERIOUS ANECDOTE THE ORIGINAL TYPE AND THE JEST AN EVOLUTION--GREEK AND ROMAN EXAMPLES--THE “DEIPNOSOPHISTÆ” OF ATHENÆUS.
developmentnounUS /dɪˈveləpmənt/
act of improving by expanding or enlarging or refining
From this reading Of these, the Apologue and the Riddle are the most ancient--the latter being entitled to priority, if we take into account its positive origin in the Hebrew Scriptures themselves, although the jocular or comic development is so much more recent.
entitledadjectiveUS /enˈtaɪtəld/
qualified for by right according to law
From this reading Of these, the Apologue and the Riddle are the most ancient--the latter being entitled to priority, if we take into account its positive origin in the Hebrew Scriptures themselves, although the jocular or comic development is so much more recent.
EpigramnounUS /ˈepəɡræm/
a witty saying
From this reading It is couched in a wide variety of shapes--namely, the Riddle, the Epigram, the Apologue or Tale, the Repartee, the Quibble, and the Pun.
EVOLUTIONnounUS /ˌevəˈluːʃən/
a process in which something passes by degrees to a different stage (especially a more advanced or mature stage)
From this reading JUSTIFICATION FOR THE PRESENT UNDERTAKING--LITERARY INTEREST OF THE SUBJECT--THE VARIOUS CLASSES OF JEST--THE SERIOUS ANECDOTE THE ORIGINAL TYPE AND THE JEST AN EVOLUTION--GREEK AND ROMAN EXAMPLES--THE “DEIPNOSOPHISTÆ” OF ATHENÆUS.
EXAMPLESnounUS /ɪɡˈzæmpəlz/
plural of “example” — an item of information that is typical of a class or group
From this reading JUSTIFICATION FOR THE PRESENT UNDERTAKING--LITERARY INTEREST OF THE SUBJECT--THE VARIOUS CLASSES OF JEST--THE SERIOUS ANECDOTE THE ORIGINAL TYPE AND THE JEST AN EVOLUTION--GREEK AND ROMAN EXAMPLES--THE “DEIPNOSOPHISTÆ” OF ATHENÆUS.
intended to be given to, or used by, somebody
From this reading JUSTIFICATION FOR THE PRESENT UNDERTAKING--LITERARY INTEREST OF THE SUBJECT--THE VARIOUS CLASSES OF JEST--THE SERIOUS ANECDOTE THE ORIGINAL TYPE AND THE JEST AN EVOLUTION--GREEK AND ROMAN EXAMPLES--THE “DEIPNOSOPHISTÆ” OF ATHENÆUS.
set up or found
From this reading A justification for the present inquiry may be found, then, in the historical, biographical and literary interest with which it abounds, and in the multiplicity of aspects under which the topic is capable of being contemplated.
the Hellenic branch of the Indo-European family of languages
From this reading JUSTIFICATION FOR THE PRESENT UNDERTAKING--LITERARY INTEREST OF THE SUBJECT--THE VARIOUS CLASSES OF JEST--THE SERIOUS ANECDOTE THE ORIGINAL TYPE AND THE JEST AN EVOLUTION--GREEK AND ROMAN EXAMPLES--THE “DEIPNOSOPHISTÆ” OF ATHENÆUS.
HebrewnounUS /ˈhiːbruː/
the ancient Canaanitic language of the Hebrews that has been revived as the official language of Israel
From this reading Of these, the Apologue and the Riddle are the most ancient--the latter being entitled to priority, if we take into account its positive origin in the Hebrew Scriptures themselves, although the jocular or comic development is so much more recent.
historicaladjectiveUS /hɪˈstɔːrɪkəl/
of or relating to the study of history
From this reading A justification for the present inquiry may be found, then, in the historical, biographical and literary interest with which it abounds, and in the multiplicity of aspects under which the topic is capable of being contemplated.
on condition that; in the event that
From this reading Of these, the Apologue and the Riddle are the most ancient--the latter being entitled to priority, if we take into account its positive origin in the Hebrew Scriptures themselves, although the jocular or comic development is so much more recent.
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading A justification for the present inquiry may be found, then, in the historical, biographical and literary interest with which it abounds, and in the multiplicity of aspects under which the topic is capable of being contemplated.
inquirynounUS /ˌɪnˈkwaɪriː/
a search for knowledge
From this reading A justification for the present inquiry may be found, then, in the historical, biographical and literary interest with which it abounds, and in the multiplicity of aspects under which the topic is capable of being contemplated.
a sense of concern with and curiosity about someone or something
From this reading JUSTIFICATION FOR THE PRESENT UNDERTAKING--LITERARY INTEREST OF THE SUBJECT--THE VARIOUS CLASSES OF JEST--THE SERIOUS ANECDOTE THE ORIGINAL TYPE AND THE JEST AN EVOLUTION--GREEK AND ROMAN EXAMPLES--THE “DEIPNOSOPHISTÆ” OF ATHENÆUS.
intoprepositionUS /ˈɪntuː/
moving to the inside of something
From this reading Of these, the Apologue and the Riddle are the most ancient--the latter being entitled to priority, if we take into account its positive origin in the Hebrew Scriptures themselves, although the jocular or comic development is so much more recent.
the form of “be” used with he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading A justification for the present inquiry may be found, then, in the historical, biographical and literary interest with which it abounds, and in the multiplicity of aspects under which the topic is capable of being contemplated.
a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned
From this reading A justification for the present inquiry may be found, then, in the historical, biographical and literary interest with which it abounds, and in the multiplicity of aspects under which the topic is capable of being contemplated.
belonging to the thing or animal already mentioned
From this reading Of these, the Apologue and the Riddle are the most ancient--the latter being entitled to priority, if we take into account its positive origin in the Hebrew Scriptures themselves, although the jocular or comic development is so much more recent.
a humorous anecdote or remark intended to provoke laughter
From this reading JUSTIFICATION FOR THE PRESENT UNDERTAKING--LITERARY INTEREST OF THE SUBJECT--THE VARIOUS CLASSES OF JEST--THE SERIOUS ANECDOTE THE ORIGINAL TYPE AND THE JEST AN EVOLUTION--GREEK AND ROMAN EXAMPLES--THE “DEIPNOSOPHISTÆ” OF ATHENÆUS.
jocularadjectiveUS /ˈdʒɑːkjələr/
characterized by jokes and good humor
From this reading Of these, the Apologue and the Riddle are the most ancient--the latter being entitled to priority, if we take into account its positive origin in the Hebrew Scriptures themselves, although the jocular or comic development is so much more recent.
JUSTIFICATIONnounUS /ˌdʒʌstəfəˈkeɪʃən/
something (such as a fact or circumstance) that shows an action to be reasonable or necessary
From this reading JUSTIFICATION FOR THE PRESENT UNDERTAKING--LITERARY INTEREST OF THE SUBJECT--THE VARIOUS CLASSES OF JEST--THE SERIOUS ANECDOTE THE ORIGINAL TYPE AND THE JEST AN EVOLUTION--GREEK AND ROMAN EXAMPLES--THE “DEIPNOSOPHISTÆ” OF ATHENÆUS.
referring to the second of two things or persons mentioned (or the last one or ones of several)
From this reading Of these, the Apologue and the Riddle are the most ancient--the latter being entitled to priority, if we take into account its positive origin in the Hebrew Scriptures themselves, although the jocular or comic development is so much more recent.
of or relating to or characteristic of literature
From this reading JUSTIFICATION FOR THE PRESENT UNDERTAKING--LITERARY INTEREST OF THE SUBJECT--THE VARIOUS CLASSES OF JEST--THE SERIOUS ANECDOTE THE ORIGINAL TYPE AND THE JEST AN EVOLUTION--GREEK AND ROMAN EXAMPLES--THE “DEIPNOSOPHISTÆ” OF ATHENÆUS.
a quantifier that can be used with count nouns and is often preceded by “as” or “too” or “so” or “that”; amounting to a large but indefinite number
From this reading The Jest resembles a tree of many branches.
used to say something is possible, or to give permission
From this reading A justification for the present inquiry may be found, then, in the historical, biographical and literary interest with which it abounds, and in the multiplicity of aspects under which the topic is capable of being contemplated.
(comparative of “much” used with mass nouns) a quantifier meaning greater in size or amount or extent or degree
From this reading Of these, the Apologue and the Riddle are the most ancient--the latter being entitled to priority, if we take into account its positive origin in the Hebrew Scriptures themselves, although the jocular or comic development is so much more recent.
used to form the superlative
From this reading Of these, the Apologue and the Riddle are the most ancient--the latter being entitled to priority, if we take into account its positive origin in the Hebrew Scriptures themselves, although the jocular or comic development is so much more recent.
to a great degree or extent
From this reading Of these, the Apologue and the Riddle are the most ancient--the latter being entitled to priority, if we take into account its positive origin in the Hebrew Scriptures themselves, although the jocular or comic development is so much more recent.
multiplicitynounUS /ˌmʌltəˈplɪsɪti/
the property of being multiple
From this reading A justification for the present inquiry may be found, then, in the historical, biographical and literary interest with which it abounds, and in the multiplicity of aspects under which the topic is capable of being contemplated.
namelyadverbUS /ˈneɪmli/
as follows
From this reading It is couched in a wide variety of shapes--namely, the Riddle, the Epigram, the Apologue or Tale, the Repartee, the Quibble, and the Pun.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading JUSTIFICATION FOR THE PRESENT UNDERTAKING--LITERARY INTEREST OF THE SUBJECT--THE VARIOUS CLASSES OF JEST--THE SERIOUS ANECDOTE THE ORIGINAL TYPE AND THE JEST AN EVOLUTION--GREEK AND ROMAN EXAMPLES--THE “DEIPNOSOPHISTÆ” OF ATHENÆUS.
used to join alternatives or possibilities
From this reading It is couched in a wide variety of shapes--namely, the Riddle, the Epigram, the Apologue or Tale, the Repartee, the Quibble, and the Pun.
originnounUS /ˈɔːrədʒən/
the place where something begins, where it springs into being
From this reading Of these, the Apologue and the Riddle are the most ancient--the latter being entitled to priority, if we take into account its positive origin in the Hebrew Scriptures themselves, although the jocular or comic development is so much more recent.
preceding all others in time or being as first made or performed
From this reading JUSTIFICATION FOR THE PRESENT UNDERTAKING--LITERARY INTEREST OF THE SUBJECT--THE VARIOUS CLASSES OF JEST--THE SERIOUS ANECDOTE THE ORIGINAL TYPE AND THE JEST AN EVOLUTION--GREEK AND ROMAN EXAMPLES--THE “DEIPNOSOPHISTÆ” OF ATHENÆUS.
positiveadjectiveUS /ˈpɑːzətɪv/
characterized by or displaying affirmation or acceptance or certainty etc.
From this reading Of these, the Apologue and the Riddle are the most ancient--the latter being entitled to priority, if we take into account its positive origin in the Hebrew Scriptures themselves, although the jocular or comic development is so much more recent.
give an exhibition of to an interested audience
From this reading JUSTIFICATION FOR THE PRESENT UNDERTAKING--LITERARY INTEREST OF THE SUBJECT--THE VARIOUS CLASSES OF JEST--THE SERIOUS ANECDOTE THE ORIGINAL TYPE AND THE JEST AN EVOLUTION--GREEK AND ROMAN EXAMPLES--THE “DEIPNOSOPHISTÆ” OF ATHENÆUS.
prioritynounUS /praɪˈɔːrəti/
status established in order of importance or urgency
From this reading Of these, the Apologue and the Riddle are the most ancient--the latter being entitled to priority, if we take into account its positive origin in the Hebrew Scriptures themselves, although the jocular or comic development is so much more recent.
PunnounUS /pʌn/
a humorous play on words
From this reading It is couched in a wide variety of shapes--namely, the Riddle, the Epigram, the Apologue or Tale, the Repartee, the Quibble, and the Pun.
QuibbleverbUS /ˈkwɪbəl/
evade the truth of a point or question by raising irrelevant objections
From this reading It is couched in a wide variety of shapes--namely, the Riddle, the Epigram, the Apologue or Tale, the Repartee, the Quibble, and the Pun.
recentadjectiveUS /ˈriːsənt/
new
From this reading Of these, the Apologue and the Riddle are the most ancient--the latter being entitled to priority, if we take into account its positive origin in the Hebrew Scriptures themselves, although the jocular or comic development is so much more recent.
ReparteenounUS /ˌrepərˈtiː/
adroitness and cleverness in reply
From this reading It is couched in a wide variety of shapes--namely, the Riddle, the Epigram, the Apologue or Tale, the Repartee, the Quibble, and the Pun.
resemblesverbUS /rɪˈzembəlz/
third-person singular of “resemble” — appear like; be similar or bear a likeness to
From this reading The Jest resembles a tree of many branches.
RiddleverbUS /ˈrɪdəl/
pierce with many holes
From this reading It is couched in a wide variety of shapes--namely, the Riddle, the Epigram, the Apologue or Tale, the Repartee, the Quibble, and the Pun.
ROMANadjectiveUS /ˈroʊmən/
relating to or characteristic of people of Rome
From this reading JUSTIFICATION FOR THE PRESENT UNDERTAKING--LITERARY INTEREST OF THE SUBJECT--THE VARIOUS CLASSES OF JEST--THE SERIOUS ANECDOTE THE ORIGINAL TYPE AND THE JEST AN EVOLUTION--GREEK AND ROMAN EXAMPLES--THE “DEIPNOSOPHISTÆ” OF ATHENÆUS.
ScripturesnounUS /ˈskrɪptʃərz/
plural of “scripture” — the sacred writings of the Christian religions
From this reading Of these, the Apologue and the Riddle are the most ancient--the latter being entitled to priority, if we take into account its positive origin in the Hebrew Scriptures themselves, although the jocular or comic development is so much more recent.
concerned with work or important matters rather than play or trivialities
From this reading JUSTIFICATION FOR THE PRESENT UNDERTAKING--LITERARY INTEREST OF THE SUBJECT--THE VARIOUS CLASSES OF JEST--THE SERIOUS ANECDOTE THE ORIGINAL TYPE AND THE JEST AN EVOLUTION--GREEK AND ROMAN EXAMPLES--THE “DEIPNOSOPHISTÆ” OF ATHENÆUS.
shapesnounUS /ʃeɪps/
plural of “shape” — any spatial attributes (especially as defined by outline)
From this reading It is couched in a wide variety of shapes--namely, the Riddle, the Epigram, the Apologue or Tale, the Repartee, the Quibble, and the Pun.
for that reason; with the result that
From this reading Of these, the Apologue and the Riddle are the most ancient--the latter being entitled to priority, if we take into account its positive origin in the Hebrew Scriptures themselves, although the jocular or comic development is so much more recent.
the subject matter of a conversation or discussion
From this reading JUSTIFICATION FOR THE PRESENT UNDERTAKING--LITERARY INTEREST OF THE SUBJECT--THE VARIOUS CLASSES OF JEST--THE SERIOUS ANECDOTE THE ORIGINAL TYPE AND THE JEST AN EVOLUTION--GREEK AND ROMAN EXAMPLES--THE “DEIPNOSOPHISTÆ” OF ATHENÆUS.
carry out
From this reading Of these, the Apologue and the Riddle are the most ancient--the latter being entitled to priority, if we take into account its positive origin in the Hebrew Scriptures themselves, although the jocular or comic development is so much more recent.
a message that tells the particulars of an act or occurrence or course of events; presented in writing or drama or cinema or as a radio or television program
From this reading It is couched in a wide variety of shapes--namely, the Riddle, the Epigram, the Apologue or Tale, the Repartee, the Quibble, and the Pun.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading JUSTIFICATION FOR THE PRESENT UNDERTAKING--LITERARY INTEREST OF THE SUBJECT--THE VARIOUS CLASSES OF JEST--THE SERIOUS ANECDOTE THE ORIGINAL TYPE AND THE JEST AN EVOLUTION--GREEK AND ROMAN EXAMPLES--THE “DEIPNOSOPHISTÆ” OF ATHENÆUS.
used when the people doing the action are also its object
From this reading Of these, the Apologue and the Riddle are the most ancient--the latter being entitled to priority, if we take into account its positive origin in the Hebrew Scriptures themselves, although the jocular or comic development is so much more recent.
subsequently or soon afterward (often used as sentence connectors)
From this reading A justification for the present inquiry may be found, then, in the historical, biographical and literary interest with which it abounds, and in the multiplicity of aspects under which the topic is capable of being contemplated.
the plural of “this”: the people or things near, or just mentioned
From this reading Of these, the Apologue and the Riddle are the most ancient--the latter being entitled to priority, if we take into account its positive origin in the Hebrew Scriptures themselves, although the jocular or comic development is so much more recent.
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading Of these, the Apologue and the Riddle are the most ancient--the latter being entitled to priority, if we take into account its positive origin in the Hebrew Scriptures themselves, although the jocular or comic development is so much more recent.
topicnounUS /ˈtɑːpɪk/
the subject matter of a conversation or discussion
From this reading A justification for the present inquiry may be found, then, in the historical, biographical and literary interest with which it abounds, and in the multiplicity of aspects under which the topic is capable of being contemplated.
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 Jest resembles a tree of many branches.
a subdivision of a particular kind of thing
From this reading JUSTIFICATION FOR THE PRESENT UNDERTAKING--LITERARY INTEREST OF THE SUBJECT--THE VARIOUS CLASSES OF JEST--THE SERIOUS ANECDOTE THE ORIGINAL TYPE AND THE JEST AN EVOLUTION--GREEK AND ROMAN EXAMPLES--THE “DEIPNOSOPHISTÆ” OF ATHENÆUS.
underprepositionUS /ˈʌndər/
below or beneath something; less than
From this reading A justification for the present inquiry may be found, then, in the historical, biographical and literary interest with which it abounds, and in the multiplicity of aspects under which the topic is capable of being contemplated.
UNDERTAKINGnounUS /ˈʌndərteɪkɪŋ/
any piece of work that is undertaken or attempted
From this reading JUSTIFICATION FOR THE PRESENT UNDERTAKING--LITERARY INTEREST OF THE SUBJECT--THE VARIOUS CLASSES OF JEST--THE SERIOUS ANECDOTE THE ORIGINAL TYPE AND THE JEST AN EVOLUTION--GREEK AND ROMAN EXAMPLES--THE “DEIPNOSOPHISTÆ” OF ATHENÆUS.
varietynounUS /vərˈaɪəti/
a collection containing a variety of sorts of things
From this reading It is couched in a wide variety of shapes--namely, the Riddle, the Epigram, the Apologue or Tale, the Repartee, the Quibble, and the Pun.
of many different kinds purposefully arranged but lacking any uniformity
From this reading JUSTIFICATION FOR THE PRESENT UNDERTAKING--LITERARY INTEREST OF THE SUBJECT--THE VARIOUS CLASSES OF JEST--THE SERIOUS ANECDOTE THE ORIGINAL TYPE AND THE JEST AN EVOLUTION--GREEK AND ROMAN EXAMPLES--THE “DEIPNOSOPHISTÆ” OF ATHENÆUS.
the speaker together with one or more other people
From this reading Of these, the Apologue and the Riddle are the most ancient--the latter being entitled to priority, if we take into account its positive origin in the Hebrew Scriptures themselves, although the jocular or comic development is so much more recent.
used to introduce a clause giving more about a thing just mentioned
From this reading A justification for the present inquiry may be found, then, in the historical, biographical and literary interest with which it abounds, and in the multiplicity of aspects under which the topic is capable of being contemplated.
having great (or a certain) extent from one side to the other
From this reading It is couched in a wide variety of shapes--namely, the Riddle, the Epigram, the Apologue or Tale, the Repartee, the Quibble, and the Pun.
in the company of; together with
From this reading A justification for the present inquiry may be found, then, in the historical, biographical and literary interest with which it abounds, and in the multiplicity of aspects under which the topic is capable of being contemplated.
