Chapter VI · Chapter 6

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

From this reading “O certainly,” said Lovel; “I cannot think of relinquishing a plan so hopeful.”

past form of “achieve” — to gain with effort

From this reading “It is indeed,” said the Antiquary, looking gravely upward,--for, though shrewd and acute enough in estimating the variety of plans formed by others, he had a very natural, though rather disproportioned good opinion of the importance of those which originated with himself--“it is indeed one of those undertakings which, if achieved with spirit equal to that which dictates its conception, may redeem from the charge of frivolity the literature of the present generation.”

having or experiencing a rapid onset and short but severe course

From this reading “It is indeed,” said the Antiquary, looking gravely upward,--for, though shrewd and acute enough in estimating the variety of plans formed by others, he had a very natural, though rather disproportioned good opinion of the importance of those which originated with himself--“it is indeed one of those undertakings which, if achieved with spirit equal to that which dictates its conception, may redeem from the charge of frivolity the literature of the present generation.”

later than; following

From this reading “You are concerned in this matter, Mr. Oldbuck,” said Lovel, after glancing over the billet, and handing it to the Antiquary as he spoke.

the form of “a” used before a word that begins with a vowel sound

From this reading The servant waited, Mrs. Hadoway said, for an answer.

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

From this reading “It is indeed,” said the Antiquary, looking gravely upward,--for, though shrewd and acute enough in estimating the variety of plans formed by others, he had a very natural, though rather disproportioned good opinion of the importance of those which originated with himself--“it is indeed one of those undertakings which, if achieved with spirit equal to that which dictates its conception, may redeem from the charge of frivolity the literature of the present generation.”

react verbally

From this reading The servant waited, Mrs. Hadoway said, for an answer.

an expert or collector of antiquities

From this reading “It is indeed,” said the Antiquary, looking gravely upward,--for, though shrewd and acute enough in estimating the variety of plans formed by others, he had a very natural, though rather disproportioned good opinion of the importance of those which originated with himself--“it is indeed one of those undertakings which, if achieved with spirit equal to that which dictates its conception, may redeem from the charge of frivolity the literature of the present generation.”

the form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun

From this reading “You are concerned in this matter, Mr. Oldbuck,” said Lovel, after glancing over the billet, and handing it to the Antiquary as he spoke.

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

From this reading “You are concerned in this matter, Mr. Oldbuck,” said Lovel, after glancing over the billet, and handing it to the Antiquary as he spoke.

in or near a particular place or position

From this reading Here he was interrupted by a knock at the room door, which introduced a letter for Mr. Lovel.

a short personal letter

From this reading “You are concerned in this matter, Mr. Oldbuck,” said Lovel, after glancing over the billet, and handing it to the Antiquary as he spoke.

showing who or what does the action

From this reading “It is indeed,” said the Antiquary, looking gravely upward,--for, though shrewd and acute enough in estimating the variety of plans formed by others, he had a very natural, though rather disproportioned good opinion of the importance of those which originated with himself--“it is indeed one of those undertakings which, if achieved with spirit equal to that which dictates its conception, may redeem from the charge of frivolity the literature of the present generation.”

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

From this reading “O certainly,” said Lovel; “I cannot think of relinquishing a plan so hopeful.”

definitely or positively (“sure” is sometimes used informally for “surely”)

From this reading “O certainly,” said Lovel; “I cannot think of relinquishing a plan so hopeful.”

to make a rush at or sudden attack upon, as in battle

From this reading “It is indeed,” said the Antiquary, looking gravely upward,--for, though shrewd and acute enough in estimating the variety of plans formed by others, he had a very natural, though rather disproportioned good opinion of the importance of those which originated with himself--“it is indeed one of those undertakings which, if achieved with spirit equal to that which dictates its conception, may redeem from the charge of frivolity the literature of the present generation.”

an abstract or general idea inferred or derived from specific instances

From this reading “It is indeed,” said the Antiquary, looking gravely upward,--for, though shrewd and acute enough in estimating the variety of plans formed by others, he had a very natural, though rather disproportioned good opinion of the importance of those which originated with himself--“it is indeed one of those undertakings which, if achieved with spirit equal to that which dictates its conception, may redeem from the charge of frivolity the literature of the present generation.”

feeling or showing worry or solicitude

From this reading “You are concerned in this matter, Mr. Oldbuck,” said Lovel, after glancing over the billet, and handing it to the Antiquary as he spoke.

plural of “dictate” — an authoritative rule

From this reading “It is indeed,” said the Antiquary, looking gravely upward,--for, though shrewd and acute enough in estimating the variety of plans formed by others, he had a very natural, though rather disproportioned good opinion of the importance of those which originated with himself--“it is indeed one of those undertakings which, if achieved with spirit equal to that which dictates its conception, may redeem from the charge of frivolity the literature of the present generation.”

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

From this reading “It is indeed,” said the Antiquary, looking gravely upward,--for, though shrewd and acute enough in estimating the variety of plans formed by others, he had a very natural, though rather disproportioned good opinion of the importance of those which originated with himself--“it is indeed one of those undertakings which, if achieved with spirit equal to that which dictates its conception, may redeem from the charge of frivolity the literature of the present generation.”

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

From this reading Here he was interrupted by a knock at the room door, which introduced a letter for Mr. Lovel.

an adequate quantity; a quantity that is large enough to achieve a purpose

From this reading “It is indeed,” said the Antiquary, looking gravely upward,--for, though shrewd and acute enough in estimating the variety of plans formed by others, he had a very natural, though rather disproportioned good opinion of the importance of those which originated with himself--“it is indeed one of those undertakings which, if achieved with spirit equal to that which dictates its conception, may redeem from the charge of frivolity the literature of the present generation.”

be identical or equivalent to

From this reading “It is indeed,” said the Antiquary, looking gravely upward,--for, though shrewd and acute enough in estimating the variety of plans formed by others, he had a very natural, though rather disproportioned good opinion of the importance of those which originated with himself--“it is indeed one of those undertakings which, if achieved with spirit equal to that which dictates its conception, may redeem from the charge of frivolity the literature of the present generation.”

-ing form of “estimate” — judge tentatively or form an estimate of (quantities or time)

From this reading “It is indeed,” said the Antiquary, looking gravely upward,--for, though shrewd and acute enough in estimating the variety of plans formed by others, he had a very natural, though rather disproportioned good opinion of the importance of those which originated with himself--“it is indeed one of those undertakings which, if achieved with spirit equal to that which dictates its conception, may redeem from the charge of frivolity the literature of the present generation.”

intended to be given to, or used by, somebody

From this reading “It is indeed,” said the Antiquary, looking gravely upward,--for, though shrewd and acute enough in estimating the variety of plans formed by others, he had a very natural, though rather disproportioned good opinion of the importance of those which originated with himself--“it is indeed one of those undertakings which, if achieved with spirit equal to that which dictates its conception, may redeem from the charge of frivolity the literature of the present generation.”

having or given a form or shape

From this reading “It is indeed,” said the Antiquary, looking gravely upward,--for, though shrewd and acute enough in estimating the variety of plans formed by others, he had a very natural, though rather disproportioned good opinion of the importance of those which originated with himself--“it is indeed one of those undertakings which, if achieved with spirit equal to that which dictates its conception, may redeem from the charge of frivolity the literature of the present generation.”

the trait of being frivolous; not serious or sensible

From this reading “It is indeed,” said the Antiquary, looking gravely upward,--for, though shrewd and acute enough in estimating the variety of plans formed by others, he had a very natural, though rather disproportioned good opinion of the importance of those which originated with himself--“it is indeed one of those undertakings which, if achieved with spirit equal to that which dictates its conception, may redeem from the charge of frivolity the literature of the present generation.”

showing where something starts, or who sent it

From this reading “It is indeed,” said the Antiquary, looking gravely upward,--for, though shrewd and acute enough in estimating the variety of plans formed by others, he had a very natural, though rather disproportioned good opinion of the importance of those which originated with himself--“it is indeed one of those undertakings which, if achieved with spirit equal to that which dictates its conception, may redeem from the charge of frivolity the literature of the present generation.”

all the people living at the same time or of approximately the same age

From this reading “It is indeed,” said the Antiquary, looking gravely upward,--for, though shrewd and acute enough in estimating the variety of plans formed by others, he had a very natural, though rather disproportioned good opinion of the importance of those which originated with himself--“it is indeed one of those undertakings which, if achieved with spirit equal to that which dictates its conception, may redeem from the charge of frivolity the literature of the present generation.”

-ing form of “glance” — throw a glance at; take a brief look at

From this reading “You are concerned in this matter, Mr. Oldbuck,” said Lovel, after glancing over the billet, and handing it to the Antiquary as he spoke.

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

From this reading “It is indeed,” said the Antiquary, looking gravely upward,--for, though shrewd and acute enough in estimating the variety of plans formed by others, he had a very natural, though rather disproportioned good opinion of the importance of those which originated with himself--“it is indeed one of those undertakings which, if achieved with spirit equal to that which dictates its conception, may redeem from the charge of frivolity the literature of the present generation.”

in a grave and sober manner

From this reading “It is indeed,” said the Antiquary, looking gravely upward,--for, though shrewd and acute enough in estimating the variety of plans formed by others, he had a very natural, though rather disproportioned good opinion of the importance of those which originated with himself--“it is indeed one of those undertakings which, if achieved with spirit equal to that which dictates its conception, may redeem from the charge of frivolity the literature of the present generation.”

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

From this reading “It is indeed,” said the Antiquary, looking gravely upward,--for, though shrewd and acute enough in estimating the variety of plans formed by others, he had a very natural, though rather disproportioned good opinion of the importance of those which originated with himself--“it is indeed one of those undertakings which, if achieved with spirit equal to that which dictates its conception, may redeem from the charge of frivolity the literature of the present generation.”

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

From this reading The servant waited, Mrs. Hadoway said, for an answer.

-ing form of “hand” — place into the hands or custody of

From this reading “You are concerned in this matter, Mr. Oldbuck,” said Lovel, after glancing over the billet, and handing it to the Antiquary as he spoke.

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

From this reading “It is indeed,” said the Antiquary, looking gravely upward,--for, though shrewd and acute enough in estimating the variety of plans formed by others, he had a very natural, though rather disproportioned good opinion of the importance of those which originated with himself--“it is indeed one of those undertakings which, if achieved with spirit equal to that which dictates its conception, may redeem from the charge of frivolity the literature of the present generation.”

in or at this place; where the speaker or writer is

From this reading Here he was interrupted by a knock at the room door, which introduced a letter for Mr. Lovel.

used when the man or boy doing the action is also its object

From this reading “It is indeed,” said the Antiquary, looking gravely upward,--for, though shrewd and acute enough in estimating the variety of plans formed by others, he had a very natural, though rather disproportioned good opinion of the importance of those which originated with himself--“it is indeed one of those undertakings which, if achieved with spirit equal to that which dictates its conception, may redeem from the charge of frivolity the literature of the present generation.”

having or manifesting hope

From this reading “O certainly,” said Lovel; “I cannot think of relinquishing a plan so hopeful.”

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

From this reading “O certainly,” said Lovel; “I cannot think of relinquishing a plan so hopeful.”

on condition that; in the event that

From this reading “It is indeed,” said the Antiquary, looking gravely upward,--for, though shrewd and acute enough in estimating the variety of plans formed by others, he had a very natural, though rather disproportioned good opinion of the importance of those which originated with himself--“it is indeed one of those undertakings which, if achieved with spirit equal to that which dictates its conception, may redeem from the charge of frivolity the literature of the present generation.”

the quality of being important and worthy of note

From this reading “It is indeed,” said the Antiquary, looking gravely upward,--for, though shrewd and acute enough in estimating the variety of plans formed by others, he had a very natural, though rather disproportioned good opinion of the importance of those which originated with himself--“it is indeed one of those undertakings which, if achieved with spirit equal to that which dictates its conception, may redeem from the charge of frivolity the literature of the present generation.”

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

From this reading “It is indeed,” said the Antiquary, looking gravely upward,--for, though shrewd and acute enough in estimating the variety of plans formed by others, he had a very natural, though rather disproportioned good opinion of the importance of those which originated with himself--“it is indeed one of those undertakings which, if achieved with spirit equal to that which dictates its conception, may redeem from the charge of frivolity the literature of the present generation.”

in truth (often tends to intensify)

From this reading “It is indeed,” said the Antiquary, looking gravely upward,--for, though shrewd and acute enough in estimating the variety of plans formed by others, he had a very natural, though rather disproportioned good opinion of the importance of those which originated with himself--“it is indeed one of those undertakings which, if achieved with spirit equal to that which dictates its conception, may redeem from the charge of frivolity the literature of the present generation.”

discontinued temporarily

From this reading Here he was interrupted by a knock at the room door, which introduced a letter for Mr. Lovel.

past form of “introduce” — cause to come to know personally

From this reading Here he was interrupted by a knock at the room door, which introduced a letter for Mr. Lovel.

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

From this reading “It is indeed,” said the Antiquary, looking gravely upward,--for, though shrewd and acute enough in estimating the variety of plans formed by others, he had a very natural, though rather disproportioned good opinion of the importance of those which originated with himself--“it is indeed one of those undertakings which, if achieved with spirit equal to that which dictates its conception, may redeem from the charge of frivolity the literature of the present generation.”

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading “It is indeed,” said the Antiquary, looking gravely upward,--for, though shrewd and acute enough in estimating the variety of plans formed by others, he had a very natural, though rather disproportioned good opinion of the importance of those which originated with himself--“it is indeed one of those undertakings which, if achieved with spirit equal to that which dictates its conception, may redeem from the charge of frivolity the literature of the present generation.”

belonging to the thing or animal already mentioned

From this reading “It is indeed,” said the Antiquary, looking gravely upward,--for, though shrewd and acute enough in estimating the variety of plans formed by others, he had a very natural, though rather disproportioned good opinion of the importance of those which originated with himself--“it is indeed one of those undertakings which, if achieved with spirit equal to that which dictates its conception, may redeem from the charge of frivolity the literature of the present generation.”

deliver a sharp blow or push

From this reading Here he was interrupted by a knock at the room door, which introduced a letter for Mr. Lovel.

a written message addressed to a person or organization

From this reading Here he was interrupted by a knock at the room door, which introduced a letter for Mr. Lovel.

creative writing of recognized artistic value

From this reading “It is indeed,” said the Antiquary, looking gravely upward,--for, though shrewd and acute enough in estimating the variety of plans formed by others, he had a very natural, though rather disproportioned good opinion of the importance of those which originated with himself--“it is indeed one of those undertakings which, if achieved with spirit equal to that which dictates its conception, may redeem from the charge of frivolity the literature of the present generation.”

the act of directing the eyes toward something and perceiving it visually

From this reading “It is indeed,” said the Antiquary, looking gravely upward,--for, though shrewd and acute enough in estimating the variety of plans formed by others, he had a very natural, though rather disproportioned good opinion of the importance of those which originated with himself--“it is indeed one of those undertakings which, if achieved with spirit equal to that which dictates its conception, may redeem from the charge of frivolity the literature of the present generation.”

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

From this reading “O certainly,” said Lovel; “I cannot think of relinquishing a plan so hopeful.”

a vaguely specified concern

From this reading “You are concerned in this matter, Mr. Oldbuck,” said Lovel, after glancing over the billet, and handing it to the Antiquary as he spoke.

used to say something is possible, or to give permission

From this reading “It is indeed,” said the Antiquary, looking gravely upward,--for, though shrewd and acute enough in estimating the variety of plans formed by others, he had a very natural, though rather disproportioned good opinion of the importance of those which originated with himself--“it is indeed one of those undertakings which, if achieved with spirit equal to that which dictates its conception, may redeem from the charge of frivolity the literature of the present generation.”

a form of address for a man

From this reading Here he was interrupted by a knock at the room door, which introduced a letter for Mr. Lovel.

a form of address for a married woman

From this reading The servant waited, Mrs. Hadoway said, for an answer.

in accordance with nature; relating to or concerning nature

From this reading “It is indeed,” said the Antiquary, looking gravely upward,--for, though shrewd and acute enough in estimating the variety of plans formed by others, he had a very natural, though rather disproportioned good opinion of the importance of those which originated with himself--“it is indeed one of those undertakings which, if achieved with spirit equal to that which dictates its conception, may redeem from the charge of frivolity the literature of the present generation.”

a nonmetallic bivalent element that is normally a colorless odorless tasteless nonflammable diatomic gas; constitutes 21 percent of the atmosphere by volume; the most abundant element in the earth's crust

From this reading “O certainly,” said Lovel; “I cannot think of relinquishing a plan so hopeful.”

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading “O certainly,” said Lovel; “I cannot think of relinquishing a plan so hopeful.”

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

From this reading “You are concerned in this matter, Mr. Oldbuck,” said Lovel, after glancing over the billet, and handing it to the Antiquary as he spoke.

used to mean any person in general, including the speaker

From this reading “It is indeed,” said the Antiquary, looking gravely upward,--for, though shrewd and acute enough in estimating the variety of plans formed by others, he had a very natural, though rather disproportioned good opinion of the importance of those which originated with himself--“it is indeed one of those undertakings which, if achieved with spirit equal to that which dictates its conception, may redeem from the charge of frivolity the literature of the present generation.”

a personal belief or judgment that is not founded on proof or certainty

From this reading “It is indeed,” said the Antiquary, looking gravely upward,--for, though shrewd and acute enough in estimating the variety of plans formed by others, he had a very natural, though rather disproportioned good opinion of the importance of those which originated with himself--“it is indeed one of those undertakings which, if achieved with spirit equal to that which dictates its conception, may redeem from the charge of frivolity the literature of the present generation.”

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

From this reading “It is indeed,” said the Antiquary, looking gravely upward,--for, though shrewd and acute enough in estimating the variety of plans formed by others, he had a very natural, though rather disproportioned good opinion of the importance of those which originated with himself--“it is indeed one of those undertakings which, if achieved with spirit equal to that which dictates its conception, may redeem from the charge of frivolity the literature of the present generation.”

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

From this reading “It is indeed,” said the Antiquary, looking gravely upward,--for, though shrewd and acute enough in estimating the variety of plans formed by others, he had a very natural, though rather disproportioned good opinion of the importance of those which originated with himself--“it is indeed one of those undertakings which, if achieved with spirit equal to that which dictates its conception, may redeem from the charge of frivolity the literature of the present generation.”

above and across; more than

From this reading “You are concerned in this matter, Mr. Oldbuck,” said Lovel, after glancing over the billet, and handing it to the Antiquary as he spoke.

have the will and intention to carry out some action

From this reading “O certainly,” said Lovel; “I cannot think of relinquishing a plan so hopeful.”

plural of “plan” — a series of steps to be carried out or goals to be accomplished

From this reading “It is indeed,” said the Antiquary, looking gravely upward,--for, though shrewd and acute enough in estimating the variety of plans formed by others, he had a very natural, though rather disproportioned good opinion of the importance of those which originated with himself--“it is indeed one of those undertakings which, if achieved with spirit equal to that which dictates its conception, may redeem from the charge of frivolity the literature of the present generation.”

give an exhibition of to an interested audience

From this reading “It is indeed,” said the Antiquary, looking gravely upward,--for, though shrewd and acute enough in estimating the variety of plans formed by others, he had a very natural, though rather disproportioned good opinion of the importance of those which originated with himself--“it is indeed one of those undertakings which, if achieved with spirit equal to that which dictates its conception, may redeem from the charge of frivolity the literature of the present generation.”

on the contrary

From this reading “It is indeed,” said the Antiquary, looking gravely upward,--for, though shrewd and acute enough in estimating the variety of plans formed by others, he had a very natural, though rather disproportioned good opinion of the importance of those which originated with himself--“it is indeed one of those undertakings which, if achieved with spirit equal to that which dictates its conception, may redeem from the charge of frivolity the literature of the present generation.”

save from sins

From this reading “It is indeed,” said the Antiquary, looking gravely upward,--for, though shrewd and acute enough in estimating the variety of plans formed by others, he had a very natural, though rather disproportioned good opinion of the importance of those which originated with himself--“it is indeed one of those undertakings which, if achieved with spirit equal to that which dictates its conception, may redeem from the charge of frivolity the literature of the present generation.”

a verbal act of renouncing a claim or right or position etc.

From this reading “O certainly,” said Lovel; “I cannot think of relinquishing a plan so hopeful.”

an area within a building enclosed by walls and floor and ceiling

From this reading Here he was interrupted by a knock at the room door, which introduced a letter for Mr. Lovel.

being the one previously mentioned or spoken of

From this reading “O certainly,” said Lovel; “I cannot think of relinquishing a plan so hopeful.”

a person working in the service of another (especially in the household)

From this reading The servant waited, Mrs. Hadoway said, for an answer.

marked by practical hardheaded intelligence

From this reading “It is indeed,” said the Antiquary, looking gravely upward,--for, though shrewd and acute enough in estimating the variety of plans formed by others, he had a very natural, though rather disproportioned good opinion of the importance of those which originated with himself--“it is indeed one of those undertakings which, if achieved with spirit equal to that which dictates its conception, may redeem from the charge of frivolity the literature of the present generation.”

for that reason; with the result that

From this reading “O certainly,” said Lovel; “I cannot think of relinquishing a plan so hopeful.”

the vital principle or animating force within living things

From this reading “It is indeed,” said the Antiquary, looking gravely upward,--for, though shrewd and acute enough in estimating the variety of plans formed by others, he had a very natural, though rather disproportioned good opinion of the importance of those which originated with himself--“it is indeed one of those undertakings which, if achieved with spirit equal to that which dictates its conception, may redeem from the charge of frivolity the literature of the present generation.”

support consisting of a radial member of a wheel joining the hub to the rim

From this reading “You are concerned in this matter, Mr. Oldbuck,” said Lovel, after glancing over the billet, and handing it to the Antiquary as he spoke.

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading “It is indeed,” said the Antiquary, looking gravely upward,--for, though shrewd and acute enough in estimating the variety of plans formed by others, he had a very natural, though rather disproportioned good opinion of the importance of those which originated with himself--“it is indeed one of those undertakings which, if achieved with spirit equal to that which dictates its conception, may redeem from the charge of frivolity the literature of the present generation.”

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

From this reading “It is indeed,” said the Antiquary, looking gravely upward,--for, though shrewd and acute enough in estimating the variety of plans formed by others, he had a very natural, though rather disproportioned good opinion of the importance of those which originated with himself--“it is indeed one of those undertakings which, if achieved with spirit equal to that which dictates its conception, may redeem from the charge of frivolity the literature of the present generation.”

judge or regard; look upon; judge

From this reading “O certainly,” said Lovel; “I cannot think of relinquishing a plan so hopeful.”

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

From this reading “You are concerned in this matter, Mr. Oldbuck,” said Lovel, after glancing over the billet, and handing it to the Antiquary as he spoke.

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

From this reading “It is indeed,” said the Antiquary, looking gravely upward,--for, though shrewd and acute enough in estimating the variety of plans formed by others, he had a very natural, though rather disproportioned good opinion of the importance of those which originated with himself--“it is indeed one of those undertakings which, if achieved with spirit equal to that which dictates its conception, may redeem from the charge of frivolity the literature of the present generation.”

in spite of the fact that

From this reading “It is indeed,” said the Antiquary, looking gravely upward,--for, though shrewd and acute enough in estimating the variety of plans formed by others, he had a very natural, though rather disproportioned good opinion of the importance of those which originated with himself--“it is indeed one of those undertakings which, if achieved with spirit equal to that which dictates its conception, may redeem from the charge of frivolity the literature of the present generation.”

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

From this reading “It is indeed,” said the Antiquary, looking gravely upward,--for, though shrewd and acute enough in estimating the variety of plans formed by others, he had a very natural, though rather disproportioned good opinion of the importance of those which originated with himself--“it is indeed one of those undertakings which, if achieved with spirit equal to that which dictates its conception, may redeem from the charge of frivolity the literature of the present generation.”

plural of “undertaking” — any piece of work that is undertaken or attempted

From this reading “It is indeed,” said the Antiquary, looking gravely upward,--for, though shrewd and acute enough in estimating the variety of plans formed by others, he had a very natural, though rather disproportioned good opinion of the importance of those which originated with himself--“it is indeed one of those undertakings which, if achieved with spirit equal to that which dictates its conception, may redeem from the charge of frivolity the literature of the present generation.”

directed up

From this reading “It is indeed,” said the Antiquary, looking gravely upward,--for, though shrewd and acute enough in estimating the variety of plans formed by others, he had a very natural, though rather disproportioned good opinion of the importance of those which originated with himself--“it is indeed one of those undertakings which, if achieved with spirit equal to that which dictates its conception, may redeem from the charge of frivolity the literature of the present generation.”

a collection containing a variety of sorts of things

From this reading “It is indeed,” said the Antiquary, looking gravely upward,--for, though shrewd and acute enough in estimating the variety of plans formed by others, he had a very natural, though rather disproportioned good opinion of the importance of those which originated with himself--“it is indeed one of those undertakings which, if achieved with spirit equal to that which dictates its conception, may redeem from the charge of frivolity the literature of the present generation.”

precisely as stated

From this reading “It is indeed,” said the Antiquary, looking gravely upward,--for, though shrewd and acute enough in estimating the variety of plans formed by others, he had a very natural, though rather disproportioned good opinion of the importance of those which originated with himself--“it is indeed one of those undertakings which, if achieved with spirit equal to that which dictates its conception, may redeem from the charge of frivolity the literature of the present generation.”

past form of “wait” — stay in one place and anticipate or expect something

From this reading The servant waited, Mrs. Hadoway said, for an answer.

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

From this reading Here he was interrupted by a knock at the room door, which introduced a letter for Mr. Lovel.

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

From this reading “It is indeed,” said the Antiquary, looking gravely upward,--for, though shrewd and acute enough in estimating the variety of plans formed by others, he had a very natural, though rather disproportioned good opinion of the importance of those which originated with himself--“it is indeed one of those undertakings which, if achieved with spirit equal to that which dictates its conception, may redeem from the charge of frivolity the literature of the present generation.”

in the company of; together with

From this reading “It is indeed,” said the Antiquary, looking gravely upward,--for, though shrewd and acute enough in estimating the variety of plans formed by others, he had a very natural, though rather disproportioned good opinion of the importance of those which originated with himself--“it is indeed one of those undertakings which, if achieved with spirit equal to that which dictates its conception, may redeem from the charge of frivolity the literature of the present generation.”

the person or people being spoken to

From this reading “You are concerned in this matter, Mr. Oldbuck,” said Lovel, after glancing over the billet, and handing it to the Antiquary as he spoke.