used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading To rout politicians and extirpate heresy, to pull down a minister and become the buttress of the church, to reform the state and establish the hierarchy, was indeed a glorious office!
aloneadjectiveUS /əˈloʊn/
Having no one else present.
From this reading _Beatific visions: Irons enough in the fire: Egotism and oratory: Hints on elocution_ This sudden elevation to fame and fortune, for I had not the smallest doubt that so it was, this double-election of me, who alone perhaps had the power to execute such mighty tasks, was more than even I, sanguine as my expectations had been, could have hoped!
the form of “a” used before a word that begins with a vowel sound
From this reading But which should I choose; to be the pillar of the state, or the head of the hierarchy? a prime minister, or an archbishop?
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading _Beatific visions: Irons enough in the fire: Egotism and oratory: Hints on elocution_ This sudden elevation to fame and fortune, for I had not the smallest doubt that so it was, this double-election of me, who alone perhaps had the power to execute such mighty tasks, was more than even I, sanguine as my expectations had been, could have hoped!
archbishopnounUS /ˈɑːrtʃˈbɪʃəp/
a bishop of highest rank
From this reading But which should I choose; to be the pillar of the state, or the head of the hierarchy? a prime minister, or an archbishop?
at the same time that; because; in the way that
From this reading _Beatific visions: Irons enough in the fire: Egotism and oratory: Hints on elocution_ This sudden elevation to fame and fortune, for I had not the smallest doubt that so it was, this double-election of me, who alone perhaps had the power to execute such mighty tasks, was more than even I, sanguine as my expectations had been, could have hoped!
used with a past participle to form the passive, or with -ing for continuous tenses
From this reading But which should I choose; to be the pillar of the state, or the head of the hierarchy? a prime minister, or an archbishop?
Beatificadjective
experiencing or bestowing celestial joy
From this reading _Beatific visions: Irons enough in the fire: Egotism and oratory: Hints on elocution_ This sudden elevation to fame and fortune, for I had not the smallest doubt that so it was, this double-election of me, who alone perhaps had the power to execute such mighty tasks, was more than even I, sanguine as my expectations had been, could have hoped!
enter or assume a certain state or condition
From this reading To rout politicians and extirpate heresy, to pull down a minister and become the buttress of the church, to reform the state and establish the hierarchy, was indeed a glorious office!
beenauxiliary verbUS /bɪn/
the past participle of “be”
From this reading _Beatific visions: Irons enough in the fire: Egotism and oratory: Hints on elocution_ This sudden elevation to fame and fortune, for I had not the smallest doubt that so it was, this double-election of me, who alone perhaps had the power to execute such mighty tasks, was more than even I, sanguine as my expectations had been, could have hoped!
the two together, not just one
From this reading The question was embarrassing, and it was not quite pleasant that I could not be both.
used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before
From this reading Honour and power were suspended over my head: I had but to cut the thread and they would drop and crown me.
buttressverbUS /ˈbʌtrəs/
reinforce with a buttress
From this reading To rout politicians and extirpate heresy, to pull down a minister and become the buttress of the church, to reform the state and establish the hierarchy, was indeed a glorious office!
pick out, select, or choose from a number of alternatives
From this reading But which should I choose; to be the pillar of the state, or the head of the hierarchy? a prime minister, or an archbishop?
one of the groups of Christians who have their own beliefs and forms of worship
From this reading To rout politicians and extirpate heresy, to pull down a minister and become the buttress of the church, to reform the state and establish the hierarchy, was indeed a glorious office!
the past of “can”; used for possibility or polite requests
From this reading _Beatific visions: Irons enough in the fire: Egotism and oratory: Hints on elocution_ This sudden elevation to fame and fortune, for I had not the smallest doubt that so it was, this double-election of me, who alone perhaps had the power to execute such mighty tasks, was more than even I, sanguine as my expectations had been, could have hoped!
the Crown (or the reigning monarch) as the symbol of the power and authority of a monarchy
From this reading Honour and power were suspended over my head: I had but to cut the thread and they would drop and crown me.
separate with or as if with an instrument
From this reading Honour and power were suspended over my head: I had but to cut the thread and they would drop and crown me.
double-election
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading _Beatific visions: Irons enough in the fire: Egotism and oratory: Hints on elocution_ This sudden elevation to fame and fortune, for I had not the smallest doubt that so it was, this double-election of me, who alone perhaps had the power to execute such mighty tasks, was more than even I, sanguine as my expectations had been, could have hoped!
the state of being unsure of something
From this reading _Beatific visions: Irons enough in the fire: Egotism and oratory: Hints on elocution_ This sudden elevation to fame and fortune, for I had not the smallest doubt that so it was, this double-election of me, who alone perhaps had the power to execute such mighty tasks, was more than even I, sanguine as my expectations had been, could have hoped!
being or moving lower in position or less in some value
From this reading To rout politicians and extirpate heresy, to pull down a minister and become the buttress of the church, to reform the state and establish the hierarchy, was indeed a glorious office!
let fall to the ground
From this reading Honour and power were suspended over my head: I had but to cut the thread and they would drop and crown me.
EgotismnounUS /ˈiːɡətɪzəm/
an exaggerated opinion of your own importance
From this reading _Beatific visions: Irons enough in the fire: Egotism and oratory: Hints on elocution_ This sudden elevation to fame and fortune, for I had not the smallest doubt that so it was, this double-election of me, who alone perhaps had the power to execute such mighty tasks, was more than even I, sanguine as my expectations had been, could have hoped!
elevationnounUS /ˌeləˈveɪʃən/
the event of something being raised upward
From this reading _Beatific visions: Irons enough in the fire: Egotism and oratory: Hints on elocution_ This sudden elevation to fame and fortune, for I had not the smallest doubt that so it was, this double-election of me, who alone perhaps had the power to execute such mighty tasks, was more than even I, sanguine as my expectations had been, could have hoped!
elocutionnounUS /ˌeləˈkjuːʃən/
an expert manner of speaking involving control of voice and gesture
From this reading _Beatific visions: Irons enough in the fire: Egotism and oratory: Hints on elocution_ This sudden elevation to fame and fortune, for I had not the smallest doubt that so it was, this double-election of me, who alone perhaps had the power to execute such mighty tasks, was more than even I, sanguine as my expectations had been, could have hoped!
embarrassingadjectiveUS /ɪmˈberəsɪŋ/
hard to deal with; especially causing pain or embarrassment
From this reading The question was embarrassing, and it was not quite pleasant that I could not be both.
an adequate quantity; a quantity that is large enough to achieve a purpose
From this reading _Beatific visions: Irons enough in the fire: Egotism and oratory: Hints on elocution_ This sudden elevation to fame and fortune, for I had not the smallest doubt that so it was, this double-election of me, who alone perhaps had the power to execute such mighty tasks, was more than even I, sanguine as my expectations had been, could have hoped!
establishverbUS /ɪˈstæblɪʃ/
set up or found
From this reading To rout politicians and extirpate heresy, to pull down a minister and become the buttress of the church, to reform the state and establish the hierarchy, was indeed a glorious office!
divisible by two
From this reading _Beatific visions: Irons enough in the fire: Egotism and oratory: Hints on elocution_ This sudden elevation to fame and fortune, for I had not the smallest doubt that so it was, this double-election of me, who alone perhaps had the power to execute such mighty tasks, was more than even I, sanguine as my expectations had been, could have hoped!
executeverbUS /ˈeksəkjuːt/
kill as a means of socially sanctioned punishment
From this reading _Beatific visions: Irons enough in the fire: Egotism and oratory: Hints on elocution_ This sudden elevation to fame and fortune, for I had not the smallest doubt that so it was, this double-election of me, who alone perhaps had the power to execute such mighty tasks, was more than even I, sanguine as my expectations had been, could have hoped!
expectationsnounUS /ˌekspekˈteɪʃənz/
plural of “expectation” — belief about (or mental picture of) the future
From this reading _Beatific visions: Irons enough in the fire: Egotism and oratory: Hints on elocution_ This sudden elevation to fame and fortune, for I had not the smallest doubt that so it was, this double-election of me, who alone perhaps had the power to execute such mighty tasks, was more than even I, sanguine as my expectations had been, could have hoped!
extirpateverbUS /ˈekstərpeɪt/
destroy completely, as if down to the roots
From this reading To rout politicians and extirpate heresy, to pull down a minister and become the buttress of the church, to reform the state and establish the hierarchy, was indeed a glorious office!
the state or quality of being widely honored and acclaimed
From this reading _Beatific visions: Irons enough in the fire: Egotism and oratory: Hints on elocution_ This sudden elevation to fame and fortune, for I had not the smallest doubt that so it was, this double-election of me, who alone perhaps had the power to execute such mighty tasks, was more than even I, sanguine as my expectations had been, could have hoped!
start firing a weapon
From this reading _Beatific visions: Irons enough in the fire: Egotism and oratory: Hints on elocution_ This sudden elevation to fame and fortune, for I had not the smallest doubt that so it was, this double-election of me, who alone perhaps had the power to execute such mighty tasks, was more than even I, sanguine as my expectations had been, could have hoped!
intended to be given to, or used by, somebody
From this reading _Beatific visions: Irons enough in the fire: Egotism and oratory: Hints on elocution_ This sudden elevation to fame and fortune, for I had not the smallest doubt that so it was, this double-election of me, who alone perhaps had the power to execute such mighty tasks, was more than even I, sanguine as my expectations had been, could have hoped!
an unknown and unpredictable phenomenon that causes an event to result one way rather than another
From this reading _Beatific visions: Irons enough in the fire: Egotism and oratory: Hints on elocution_ This sudden elevation to fame and fortune, for I had not the smallest doubt that so it was, this double-election of me, who alone perhaps had the power to execute such mighty tasks, was more than even I, sanguine as my expectations had been, could have hoped!
having or deserving or conferring glory
From this reading To rout politicians and extirpate heresy, to pull down a minister and become the buttress of the church, to reform the state and establish the hierarchy, was indeed a glorious office!
hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/
the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect
From this reading _Beatific visions: Irons enough in the fire: Egotism and oratory: Hints on elocution_ This sudden elevation to fame and fortune, for I had not the smallest doubt that so it was, this double-election of me, who alone perhaps had the power to execute such mighty tasks, was more than even I, sanguine as my expectations had been, could have hoped!
haveauxiliary verbUS /hæv/
used with a past participle to form the perfect tenses
From this reading _Beatific visions: Irons enough in the fire: Egotism and oratory: Hints on elocution_ This sudden elevation to fame and fortune, for I had not the smallest doubt that so it was, this double-election of me, who alone perhaps had the power to execute such mighty tasks, was more than even I, sanguine as my expectations had been, could have hoped!
the upper part of the human body or the front part of the body in animals; contains the face and brains
From this reading Honour and power were suspended over my head: I had but to cut the thread and they would drop and crown me.
heresynounUS /ˈherəsi/
any opinions or doctrines at variance with the official or orthodox position
From this reading To rout politicians and extirpate heresy, to pull down a minister and become the buttress of the church, to reform the state and establish the hierarchy, was indeed a glorious office!
hierarchynounUS /ˈhaɪərɑːrki/
a series of ordered groupings of people or things within a system
From this reading To rout politicians and extirpate heresy, to pull down a minister and become the buttress of the church, to reform the state and establish the hierarchy, was indeed a glorious office!
HintsnounUS /hɪnts/
plural of “hint” — an indirect suggestion
From this reading _Beatific visions: Irons enough in the fire: Egotism and oratory: Hints on elocution_ This sudden elevation to fame and fortune, for I had not the smallest doubt that so it was, this double-election of me, who alone perhaps had the power to execute such mighty tasks, was more than even I, sanguine as my expectations had been, could have hoped!
the state of being honored
From this reading Honour and power were suspended over my head: I had but to cut the thread and they would drop and crown me.
past form of “hope” — expect and wish
From this reading _Beatific visions: Irons enough in the fire: Egotism and oratory: Hints on elocution_ This sudden elevation to fame and fortune, for I had not the smallest doubt that so it was, this double-election of me, who alone perhaps had the power to execute such mighty tasks, was more than even I, sanguine as my expectations had been, could have hoped!
the person speaking or writing, as the subject of the verb
From this reading _Beatific visions: Irons enough in the fire: Egotism and oratory: Hints on elocution_ This sudden elevation to fame and fortune, for I had not the smallest doubt that so it was, this double-election of me, who alone perhaps had the power to execute such mighty tasks, was more than even I, sanguine as my expectations had been, could have hoped!
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading _Beatific visions: Irons enough in the fire: Egotism and oratory: Hints on elocution_ This sudden elevation to fame and fortune, for I had not the smallest doubt that so it was, this double-election of me, who alone perhaps had the power to execute such mighty tasks, was more than even I, sanguine as my expectations had been, could have hoped!
in truth (often tends to intensify)
From this reading To rout politicians and extirpate heresy, to pull down a minister and become the buttress of the church, to reform the state and establish the hierarchy, was indeed a glorious office!
IronsnounUS /ˈaɪərnz/
metal shackles; for hands or legs
From this reading _Beatific visions: Irons enough in the fire: Egotism and oratory: Hints on elocution_ This sudden elevation to fame and fortune, for I had not the smallest doubt that so it was, this double-election of me, who alone perhaps had the power to execute such mighty tasks, was more than even I, sanguine as my expectations had been, could have hoped!
a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned
From this reading _Beatific visions: Irons enough in the fire: Egotism and oratory: Hints on elocution_ This sudden elevation to fame and fortune, for I had not the smallest doubt that so it was, this double-election of me, who alone perhaps had the power to execute such mighty tasks, was more than even I, sanguine as my expectations had been, could have hoped!
the person speaking, as the object of a verb or preposition
From this reading _Beatific visions: Irons enough in the fire: Egotism and oratory: Hints on elocution_ This sudden elevation to fame and fortune, for I had not the smallest doubt that so it was, this double-election of me, who alone perhaps had the power to execute such mighty tasks, was more than even I, sanguine as my expectations had been, could have hoped!
having or showing great strength or force or intensity
From this reading _Beatific visions: Irons enough in the fire: Egotism and oratory: Hints on elocution_ This sudden elevation to fame and fortune, for I had not the smallest doubt that so it was, this double-election of me, who alone perhaps had the power to execute such mighty tasks, was more than even I, sanguine as my expectations had been, could have hoped!
a person authorized to conduct religious worship
From this reading To rout politicians and extirpate heresy, to pull down a minister and become the buttress of the church, to reform the state and establish the hierarchy, was indeed a glorious office!
(comparative of “much” used with mass nouns) a quantifier meaning greater in size or amount or extent or degree
From this reading _Beatific visions: Irons enough in the fire: Egotism and oratory: Hints on elocution_ This sudden elevation to fame and fortune, for I had not the smallest doubt that so it was, this double-election of me, who alone perhaps had the power to execute such mighty tasks, was more than even I, sanguine as my expectations had been, could have hoped!
belonging to the person speaking
From this reading _Beatific visions: Irons enough in the fire: Egotism and oratory: Hints on elocution_ This sudden elevation to fame and fortune, for I had not the smallest doubt that so it was, this double-election of me, who alone perhaps had the power to execute such mighty tasks, was more than even I, sanguine as my expectations had been, could have hoped!
used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative
From this reading _Beatific visions: Irons enough in the fire: Egotism and oratory: Hints on elocution_ This sudden elevation to fame and fortune, for I had not the smallest doubt that so it was, this double-election of me, who alone perhaps had the power to execute such mighty tasks, was more than even I, sanguine as my expectations had been, could have hoped!
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading _Beatific visions: Irons enough in the fire: Egotism and oratory: Hints on elocution_ This sudden elevation to fame and fortune, for I had not the smallest doubt that so it was, this double-election of me, who alone perhaps had the power to execute such mighty tasks, was more than even I, sanguine as my expectations had been, could have hoped!
place of business where professional or clerical duties are performed
From this reading To rout politicians and extirpate heresy, to pull down a minister and become the buttress of the church, to reform the state and establish the hierarchy, was indeed a glorious office!
touching and supported by a surface
From this reading _Beatific visions: Irons enough in the fire: Egotism and oratory: Hints on elocution_ This sudden elevation to fame and fortune, for I had not the smallest doubt that so it was, this double-election of me, who alone perhaps had the power to execute such mighty tasks, was more than even I, sanguine as my expectations had been, could have hoped!
used to join alternatives or possibilities
From this reading But which should I choose; to be the pillar of the state, or the head of the hierarchy? a prime minister, or an archbishop?
oratorynounUS /ˈɔːrətɔːri/
addressing an audience formally (usually a long and rhetorical address and often pompous)
From this reading _Beatific visions: Irons enough in the fire: Egotism and oratory: Hints on elocution_ This sudden elevation to fame and fortune, for I had not the smallest doubt that so it was, this double-election of me, who alone perhaps had the power to execute such mighty tasks, was more than even I, sanguine as my expectations had been, could have hoped!
overprepositionUS /ˈoʊvər/
above and across; more than
From this reading Honour and power were suspended over my head: I had but to cut the thread and they would drop and crown me.
by chance
From this reading _Beatific visions: Irons enough in the fire: Egotism and oratory: Hints on elocution_ This sudden elevation to fame and fortune, for I had not the smallest doubt that so it was, this double-election of me, who alone perhaps had the power to execute such mighty tasks, was more than even I, sanguine as my expectations had been, could have hoped!
pillarnounUS /ˈpɪlər/
a fundamental principle or practice
From this reading But which should I choose; to be the pillar of the state, or the head of the hierarchy? a prime minister, or an archbishop?
affording pleasure; being in harmony with your taste or likings
From this reading The question was embarrassing, and it was not quite pleasant that I could not be both.
politiciansnounUS /ˌpɑːləˈtɪʃənz/
plural of “politician” — a leader engaged in civil administration
From this reading To rout politicians and extirpate heresy, to pull down a minister and become the buttress of the church, to reform the state and establish the hierarchy, was indeed a glorious office!
possession of controlling influence
From this reading _Beatific visions: Irons enough in the fire: Egotism and oratory: Hints on elocution_ This sudden elevation to fame and fortune, for I had not the smallest doubt that so it was, this double-election of me, who alone perhaps had the power to execute such mighty tasks, was more than even I, sanguine as my expectations had been, could have hoped!
primeadjectiveUS /praɪm/
first in rank or degree
From this reading But which should I choose; to be the pillar of the state, or the head of the hierarchy? a prime minister, or an archbishop?
cause to move by pulling
From this reading To rout politicians and extirpate heresy, to pull down a minister and become the buttress of the church, to reform the state and establish the hierarchy, was indeed a glorious office!
challenge the accuracy, probity, or propriety of
From this reading The question was embarrassing, and it was not quite pleasant that I could not be both.
to a degree (not used with a negative)
From this reading The question was embarrassing, and it was not quite pleasant that I could not be both.
reformnounUS /rəˈfɔːrm/
a change for the better as a result of correcting abuses
From this reading To rout politicians and extirpate heresy, to pull down a minister and become the buttress of the church, to reform the state and establish the hierarchy, was indeed a glorious office!
routverbUS /raʊt/
cause to flee
From this reading To rout politicians and extirpate heresy, to pull down a minister and become the buttress of the church, to reform the state and establish the hierarchy, was indeed a glorious office!
sanguineadjectiveUS /ˈsæŋɡwɪn/
confidently optimistic and cheerful
From this reading _Beatific visions: Irons enough in the fire: Egotism and oratory: Hints on elocution_ This sudden elevation to fame and fortune, for I had not the smallest doubt that so it was, this double-election of me, who alone perhaps had the power to execute such mighty tasks, was more than even I, sanguine as my expectations had been, could have hoped!
used to say what is right, expected, or advisable
From this reading But which should I choose; to be the pillar of the state, or the head of the hierarchy? a prime minister, or an archbishop?
smallestadjectiveUS /ˈsmɔːləst/
superlative of “small” — limited or below average in number or quantity or magnitude or extent
From this reading _Beatific visions: Irons enough in the fire: Egotism and oratory: Hints on elocution_ This sudden elevation to fame and fortune, for I had not the smallest doubt that so it was, this double-election of me, who alone perhaps had the power to execute such mighty tasks, was more than even I, sanguine as my expectations had been, could have hoped!
for that reason; with the result that
From this reading _Beatific visions: Irons enough in the fire: Egotism and oratory: Hints on elocution_ This sudden elevation to fame and fortune, for I had not the smallest doubt that so it was, this double-election of me, who alone perhaps had the power to execute such mighty tasks, was more than even I, sanguine as my expectations had been, could have hoped!
the territory occupied by one of the constituent administrative districts of a nation
From this reading To rout politicians and extirpate heresy, to pull down a minister and become the buttress of the church, to reform the state and establish the hierarchy, was indeed a glorious office!
of the kind already mentioned
From this reading _Beatific visions: Irons enough in the fire: Egotism and oratory: Hints on elocution_ This sudden elevation to fame and fortune, for I had not the smallest doubt that so it was, this double-election of me, who alone perhaps had the power to execute such mighty tasks, was more than even I, sanguine as my expectations had been, could have hoped!
happening without warning or in a short space of time
From this reading _Beatific visions: Irons enough in the fire: Egotism and oratory: Hints on elocution_ This sudden elevation to fame and fortune, for I had not the smallest doubt that so it was, this double-election of me, who alone perhaps had the power to execute such mighty tasks, was more than even I, sanguine as my expectations had been, could have hoped!
suspendedadjectiveUS /səˈspendɪd/
(of undissolved particles in a fluid) supported or kept from sinking or falling by buoyancy and without apparent attachment
From this reading Honour and power were suspended over my head: I had but to cut the thread and they would drop and crown me.
tasksnounUS /tæsks/
plural of “task” — any piece of work that is undertaken or attempted
From this reading _Beatific visions: Irons enough in the fire: Egotism and oratory: Hints on elocution_ This sudden elevation to fame and fortune, for I had not the smallest doubt that so it was, this double-election of me, who alone perhaps had the power to execute such mighty tasks, was more than even I, sanguine as my expectations had been, could have hoped!
used to introduce the second part of a comparison
From this reading _Beatific visions: Irons enough in the fire: Egotism and oratory: Hints on elocution_ This sudden elevation to fame and fortune, for I had not the smallest doubt that so it was, this double-election of me, who alone perhaps had the power to execute such mighty tasks, was more than even I, sanguine as my expectations had been, could have hoped!
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading _Beatific visions: Irons enough in the fire: Egotism and oratory: Hints on elocution_ This sudden elevation to fame and fortune, for I had not the smallest doubt that so it was, this double-election of me, who alone perhaps had the power to execute such mighty tasks, was more than even I, sanguine as my expectations had been, could have hoped!
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading _Beatific visions: Irons enough in the fire: Egotism and oratory: Hints on elocution_ This sudden elevation to fame and fortune, for I had not the smallest doubt that so it was, this double-election of me, who alone perhaps had the power to execute such mighty tasks, was more than even I, sanguine as my expectations had been, could have hoped!
the people, animals, or things already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading Honour and power were suspended over my head: I had but to cut the thread and they would drop and crown me.
used for a person or thing that is near, or that has just been mentioned
From this reading _Beatific visions: Irons enough in the fire: Egotism and oratory: Hints on elocution_ This sudden elevation to fame and fortune, for I had not the smallest doubt that so it was, this double-election of me, who alone perhaps had the power to execute such mighty tasks, was more than even I, sanguine as my expectations had been, could have hoped!
threadverbUS /θred/
to move or cause to move in a sinuous, spiral, or circular course
From this reading Honour and power were suspended over my head: I had but to cut the thread and they would drop and crown me.
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading _Beatific visions: Irons enough in the fire: Egotism and oratory: Hints on elocution_ This sudden elevation to fame and fortune, for I had not the smallest doubt that so it was, this double-election of me, who alone perhaps had the power to execute such mighty tasks, was more than even I, sanguine as my expectations had been, could have hoped!
visionsnounUS /ˈvɪʒənz/
plural of “vision” — a vivid mental image
From this reading _Beatific visions: Irons enough in the fire: Egotism and oratory: Hints on elocution_ This sudden elevation to fame and fortune, for I had not the smallest doubt that so it was, this double-election of me, who alone perhaps had the power to execute such mighty tasks, was more than even I, sanguine as my expectations had been, could have hoped!
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading _Beatific visions: Irons enough in the fire: Egotism and oratory: Hints on elocution_ This sudden elevation to fame and fortune, for I had not the smallest doubt that so it was, this double-election of me, who alone perhaps had the power to execute such mighty tasks, was more than even I, sanguine as my expectations had been, could have hoped!
wereauxiliary verbUS /wɜːr/
the past form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun
From this reading Honour and power were suspended over my head: I had but to cut the thread and they would drop and crown me.
used to introduce a clause giving more about a thing just mentioned
From this reading But which should I choose; to be the pillar of the state, or the head of the hierarchy? a prime minister, or an archbishop?
which person or people
From this reading _Beatific visions: Irons enough in the fire: Egotism and oratory: Hints on elocution_ This sudden elevation to fame and fortune, for I had not the smallest doubt that so it was, this double-election of me, who alone perhaps had the power to execute such mighty tasks, was more than even I, sanguine as my expectations had been, could have hoped!
used for something imagined, polite, or habitual in the past
From this reading Honour and power were suspended over my head: I had but to cut the thread and they would drop and crown me.
