Chapter IV · Chapter 4

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

From this reading He had a brief conference with Mirpah while discussing his modest chop and glass of bitter ale; and he found time to read a letter which had arrived for him some days previously from the London diamond merchant whom he had employed to make inquiries as to whether any such gem as the Great Hara had been offered for sale at any of the great European marts during the past twenty years.

later than; following

From this reading Mr. Madgin senior lost no time after his arrival at home before hastening up to Deepley Walls to see Lady Chillington.

a general name for beer made with a top fermenting yeast; in some of the United States an ale is (by law) a brew of more than 4% alcohol by volume

From this reading He had a brief conference with Mirpah while discussing his modest chop and glass of bitter ale; and he found time to read a letter which had arrived for him some days previously from the London diamond merchant whom he had employed to make inquiries as to whether any such gem as the Great Hara had been offered for sale at any of the great European marts during the past twenty years.

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

From this reading The letter was an assurance that no such stone had been in the market, nor was any such known to be in the hands of any private individual.

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

From this reading He had a brief conference with Mirpah while discussing his modest chop and glass of bitter ale; and he found time to read a letter which had arrived for him some days previously from the London diamond merchant whom he had employed to make inquiries as to whether any such gem as the Great Hara had been offered for sale at any of the great European marts during the past twenty years.

one or some or every or all without specification

From this reading He had a brief conference with Mirpah while discussing his modest chop and glass of bitter ale; and he found time to read a letter which had arrived for him some days previously from the London diamond merchant whom he had employed to make inquiries as to whether any such gem as the Great Hara had been offered for sale at any of the great European marts during the past twenty years.

accomplishment of an objective

From this reading Mr. Madgin senior lost no time after his arrival at home before hastening up to Deepley Walls to see Lady Chillington.

past form of “arrive” — reach a destination; arrive by movement or progress

From this reading He had a brief conference with Mirpah while discussing his modest chop and glass of bitter ale; and he found time to read a letter which had arrived for him some days previously from the London diamond merchant whom he had employed to make inquiries as to whether any such gem as the Great Hara had been offered for sale at any of the great European marts during the past twenty years.

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

From this reading He had a brief conference with Mirpah while discussing his modest chop and glass of bitter ale; and he found time to read a letter which had arrived for him some days previously from the London diamond merchant whom he had employed to make inquiries as to whether any such gem as the Great Hara had been offered for sale at any of the great European marts during the past twenty years.

freedom from doubt; belief in yourself and your abilities

From this reading The letter was an assurance that no such stone had been in the market, nor was any such known to be in the hands of any private individual.

in or near a particular place or position

From this reading Mr. Madgin senior lost no time after his arrival at home before hastening up to Deepley Walls to see Lady Chillington.

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

From this reading The letter was an assurance that no such stone had been in the market, nor was any such known to be in the hands of any private individual.

the past participle of “be”

From this reading He had a brief conference with Mirpah while discussing his modest chop and glass of bitter ale; and he found time to read a letter which had arrived for him some days previously from the London diamond merchant whom he had employed to make inquiries as to whether any such gem as the Great Hara had been offered for sale at any of the great European marts during the past twenty years.

earlier than; in front of

From this reading Mr. Madgin senior lost no time after his arrival at home before hastening up to Deepley Walls to see Lady Chillington.

marked by strong resentment or cynicism

From this reading He had a brief conference with Mirpah while discussing his modest chop and glass of bitter ale; and he found time to read a letter which had arrived for him some days previously from the London diamond merchant whom he had employed to make inquiries as to whether any such gem as the Great Hara had been offered for sale at any of the great European marts during the past twenty years.

of short duration or distance

From this reading He had a brief conference with Mirpah while discussing his modest chop and glass of bitter ale; and he found time to read a letter which had arrived for him some days previously from the London diamond merchant whom he had employed to make inquiries as to whether any such gem as the Great Hara had been offered for sale at any of the great European marts during the past twenty years.

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

From this reading Mr. Madgin senior lost no time after his arrival at home before hastening up to Deepley Walls to see Lady Chillington.

cut into pieces

From this reading He had a brief conference with Mirpah while discussing his modest chop and glass of bitter ale; and he found time to read a letter which had arrived for him some days previously from the London diamond merchant whom he had employed to make inquiries as to whether any such gem as the Great Hara had been offered for sale at any of the great European marts during the past twenty years.

a prearranged meeting for consultation or exchange of information or discussion (especially one with a formal agenda)

From this reading He had a brief conference with Mirpah while discussing his modest chop and glass of bitter ale; and he found time to read a letter which had arrived for him some days previously from the London diamond merchant whom he had employed to make inquiries as to whether any such gem as the Great Hara had been offered for sale at any of the great European marts during the past twenty years.

the time during which someone's life continues

From this reading He had a brief conference with Mirpah while discussing his modest chop and glass of bitter ale; and he found time to read a letter which had arrived for him some days previously from the London diamond merchant whom he had employed to make inquiries as to whether any such gem as the Great Hara had been offered for sale at any of the great European marts during the past twenty years.

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

From this reading Mr. Madgin senior lost no time after his arrival at home before hastening up to Deepley Walls to see Lady Chillington.

a transparent piece of diamond that has been cut and polished and is valued as a precious gem

From this reading He had a brief conference with Mirpah while discussing his modest chop and glass of bitter ale; and he found time to read a letter which had arrived for him some days previously from the London diamond merchant whom he had employed to make inquiries as to whether any such gem as the Great Hara had been offered for sale at any of the great European marts during the past twenty years.

-ing form of “discuss” — to consider or examine in speech or writing

From this reading He had a brief conference with Mirpah while discussing his modest chop and glass of bitter ale; and he found time to read a letter which had arrived for him some days previously from the London diamond merchant whom he had employed to make inquiries as to whether any such gem as the Great Hara had been offered for sale at any of the great European marts during the past twenty years.

all through a period, or at some point within it

From this reading He had a brief conference with Mirpah while discussing his modest chop and glass of bitter ale; and he found time to read a letter which had arrived for him some days previously from the London diamond merchant whom he had employed to make inquiries as to whether any such gem as the Great Hara had been offered for sale at any of the great European marts during the past twenty years.

having your services engaged for; or having a job especially one that pays wages or a salary

From this reading He had a brief conference with Mirpah while discussing his modest chop and glass of bitter ale; and he found time to read a letter which had arrived for him some days previously from the London diamond merchant whom he had employed to make inquiries as to whether any such gem as the Great Hara had been offered for sale at any of the great European marts during the past twenty years.

a native or inhabitant of Europe

From this reading He had a brief conference with Mirpah while discussing his modest chop and glass of bitter ale; and he found time to read a letter which had arrived for him some days previously from the London diamond merchant whom he had employed to make inquiries as to whether any such gem as the Great Hara had been offered for sale at any of the great European marts during the past twenty years.

preceding all others in time or space or degree

From this reading MADGIN JUNIOR'S FIRST REPORT.

intended to be given to, or used by, somebody

From this reading He had a brief conference with Mirpah while discussing his modest chop and glass of bitter ale; and he found time to read a letter which had arrived for him some days previously from the London diamond merchant whom he had employed to make inquiries as to whether any such gem as the Great Hara had been offered for sale at any of the great European marts during the past twenty years.

set up or found

From this reading He had a brief conference with Mirpah while discussing his modest chop and glass of bitter ale; and he found time to read a letter which had arrived for him some days previously from the London diamond merchant whom he had employed to make inquiries as to whether any such gem as the Great Hara had been offered for sale at any of the great European marts during the past twenty years.

showing where something starts, or who sent it

From this reading He had a brief conference with Mirpah while discussing his modest chop and glass of bitter ale; and he found time to read a letter which had arrived for him some days previously from the London diamond merchant whom he had employed to make inquiries as to whether any such gem as the Great Hara had been offered for sale at any of the great European marts during the past twenty years.

art highly prized for its beauty or perfection

From this reading He had a brief conference with Mirpah while discussing his modest chop and glass of bitter ale; and he found time to read a letter which had arrived for him some days previously from the London diamond merchant whom he had employed to make inquiries as to whether any such gem as the Great Hara had been offered for sale at any of the great European marts during the past twenty years.

a brittle transparent solid with irregular atomic structure

From this reading He had a brief conference with Mirpah while discussing his modest chop and glass of bitter ale; and he found time to read a letter which had arrived for him some days previously from the London diamond merchant whom he had employed to make inquiries as to whether any such gem as the Great Hara had been offered for sale at any of the great European marts during the past twenty years.

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

From this reading He had a brief conference with Mirpah while discussing his modest chop and glass of bitter ale; and he found time to read a letter which had arrived for him some days previously from the London diamond merchant whom he had employed to make inquiries as to whether any such gem as the Great Hara had been offered for sale at any of the great European marts during the past twenty years.

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

From this reading He had a brief conference with Mirpah while discussing his modest chop and glass of bitter ale; and he found time to read a letter which had arrived for him some days previously from the London diamond merchant whom he had employed to make inquiries as to whether any such gem as the Great Hara had been offered for sale at any of the great European marts during the past twenty years.

(with “in”) guardianship over; in divorce cases it is the right to house and care for and discipline a child

From this reading The letter was an assurance that no such stone had been in the market, nor was any such known to be in the hands of any private individual.

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

From this reading He had a brief conference with Mirpah while discussing his modest chop and glass of bitter ale; and he found time to read a letter which had arrived for him some days previously from the London diamond merchant whom he had employed to make inquiries as to whether any such gem as the Great Hara had been offered for sale at any of the great European marts during the past twenty years.

-ing form of “hasten” — act or move at high speed

From this reading Mr. Madgin senior lost no time after his arrival at home before hastening up to Deepley Walls to see Lady Chillington.

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

From this reading He had a brief conference with Mirpah while discussing his modest chop and glass of bitter ale; and he found time to read a letter which had arrived for him some days previously from the London diamond merchant whom he had employed to make inquiries as to whether any such gem as the Great Hara had been offered for sale at any of the great European marts during the past twenty years.

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

From this reading He had a brief conference with Mirpah while discussing his modest chop and glass of bitter ale; and he found time to read a letter which had arrived for him some days previously from the London diamond merchant whom he had employed to make inquiries as to whether any such gem as the Great Hara had been offered for sale at any of the great European marts during the past twenty years.

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

From this reading Mr. Madgin senior lost no time after his arrival at home before hastening up to Deepley Walls to see Lady Chillington.

where you live at a particular time

From this reading Mr. Madgin senior lost no time after his arrival at home before hastening up to Deepley Walls to see Lady Chillington.

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

From this reading The letter was an assurance that no such stone had been in the market, nor was any such known to be in the hands of any private individual.

being or characteristic of a single thing or person

From this reading The letter was an assurance that no such stone had been in the market, nor was any such known to be in the hands of any private individual.

plural of “inquiry” — a search for knowledge

From this reading He had a brief conference with Mirpah while discussing his modest chop and glass of bitter ale; and he found time to read a letter which had arrived for him some days previously from the London diamond merchant whom he had employed to make inquiries as to whether any such gem as the Great Hara had been offered for sale at any of the great European marts during the past twenty years.

possessive form of “junior” — term of address for a disrespectful and annoying male

From this reading MADGIN JUNIOR'S FIRST REPORT.

apprehended with certainty

From this reading The letter was an assurance that no such stone had been in the market, nor was any such known to be in the hands of any private individual.

a polite name for any woman

From this reading Mr. Madgin senior lost no time after his arrival at home before hastening up to Deepley Walls to see Lady Chillington.

a written message addressed to a person or organization

From this reading He had a brief conference with Mirpah while discussing his modest chop and glass of bitter ale; and he found time to read a letter which had arrived for him some days previously from the London diamond merchant whom he had employed to make inquiries as to whether any such gem as the Great Hara had been offered for sale at any of the great European marts during the past twenty years.

the capital and largest city of England; located on the Thames in southeastern England; financial and industrial and cultural center

From this reading He had a brief conference with Mirpah while discussing his modest chop and glass of bitter ale; and he found time to read a letter which had arrived for him some days previously from the London diamond merchant whom he had employed to make inquiries as to whether any such gem as the Great Hara had been offered for sale at any of the great European marts during the past twenty years.

no longer in your possession or control; unable to be found or recovered

From this reading Mr. Madgin senior lost no time after his arrival at home before hastening up to Deepley Walls to see Lady Chillington.

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

From this reading MADGIN JUNIOR'S FIRST REPORT.

engage in

From this reading He had a brief conference with Mirpah while discussing his modest chop and glass of bitter ale; and he found time to read a letter which had arrived for him some days previously from the London diamond merchant whom he had employed to make inquiries as to whether any such gem as the Great Hara had been offered for sale at any of the great European marts during the past twenty years.

the world of commercial activity where goods and services are bought and sold

From this reading The letter was an assurance that no such stone had been in the market, nor was any such known to be in the hands of any private individual.

plural of “mart” — an area in a town where a public mercantile establishment is set up

From this reading He had a brief conference with Mirpah while discussing his modest chop and glass of bitter ale; and he found time to read a letter which had arrived for him some days previously from the London diamond merchant whom he had employed to make inquiries as to whether any such gem as the Great Hara had been offered for sale at any of the great European marts during the past twenty years.

A person or company involved in wholesale trade, especially with foreign countries.

From this reading He had a brief conference with Mirpah while discussing his modest chop and glass of bitter ale; and he found time to read a letter which had arrived for him some days previously from the London diamond merchant whom he had employed to make inquiries as to whether any such gem as the Great Hara had been offered for sale at any of the great European marts during the past twenty years.

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

From this reading He had a brief conference with Mirpah while discussing his modest chop and glass of bitter ale; and he found time to read a letter which had arrived for him some days previously from the London diamond merchant whom he had employed to make inquiries as to whether any such gem as the Great Hara had been offered for sale at any of the great European marts during the past twenty years.

marked by simplicity; having a humble opinion of yourself

From this reading He had a brief conference with Mirpah while discussing his modest chop and glass of bitter ale; and he found time to read a letter which had arrived for him some days previously from the London diamond merchant whom he had employed to make inquiries as to whether any such gem as the Great Hara had been offered for sale at any of the great European marts during the past twenty years.

a form of address for a man

From this reading Mr. Madgin senior lost no time after his arrival at home before hastening up to Deepley Walls to see Lady Chillington.

not any; not one

From this reading Mr. Madgin senior lost no time after his arrival at home before hastening up to Deepley Walls to see Lady Chillington.

and not; used after a negative to add a second negative

From this reading The letter was an assurance that no such stone had been in the market, nor was any such known to be in the hands of any private individual.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading He had a brief conference with Mirpah while discussing his modest chop and glass of bitter ale; and he found time to read a letter which had arrived for him some days previously from the London diamond merchant whom he had employed to make inquiries as to whether any such gem as the Great Hara had been offered for sale at any of the great European marts during the past twenty years.

past form of “offer” — make available or accessible, provide or furnish

From this reading He had a brief conference with Mirpah while discussing his modest chop and glass of bitter ale; and he found time to read a letter which had arrived for him some days previously from the London diamond merchant whom he had employed to make inquiries as to whether any such gem as the Great Hara had been offered for sale at any of the great European marts during the past twenty years.

the time that has elapsed

From this reading He had a brief conference with Mirpah while discussing his modest chop and glass of bitter ale; and he found time to read a letter which had arrived for him some days previously from the London diamond merchant whom he had employed to make inquiries as to whether any such gem as the Great Hara had been offered for sale at any of the great European marts during the past twenty years.

at an earlier time or formerly

From this reading He had a brief conference with Mirpah while discussing his modest chop and glass of bitter ale; and he found time to read a letter which had arrived for him some days previously from the London diamond merchant whom he had employed to make inquiries as to whether any such gem as the Great Hara had been offered for sale at any of the great European marts during the past twenty years.

confined to particular persons or groups or providing privacy

From this reading The letter was an assurance that no such stone had been in the market, nor was any such known to be in the hands of any private individual.

interpret something that is written or printed

From this reading He had a brief conference with Mirpah while discussing his modest chop and glass of bitter ale; and he found time to read a letter which had arrived for him some days previously from the London diamond merchant whom he had employed to make inquiries as to whether any such gem as the Great Hara had been offered for sale at any of the great European marts during the past twenty years.

to give an account or representation of in words

From this reading MADGIN JUNIOR'S FIRST REPORT.

a particular instance of selling

From this reading He had a brief conference with Mirpah while discussing his modest chop and glass of bitter ale; and he found time to read a letter which had arrived for him some days previously from the London diamond merchant whom he had employed to make inquiries as to whether any such gem as the Great Hara had been offered for sale at any of the great European marts during the past twenty years.

perceive by sight or have the power to perceive by sight

From this reading Mr. Madgin senior lost no time after his arrival at home before hastening up to Deepley Walls to see Lady Chillington.

older; higher in rank; longer in length of tenure or service

From this reading Mr. Madgin senior lost no time after his arrival at home before hastening up to Deepley Walls to see Lady Chillington.

(quantifier) used with either mass nouns or plural count nouns to indicate an unspecified number or quantity

From this reading He had a brief conference with Mirpah while discussing his modest chop and glass of bitter ale; and he found time to read a letter which had arrived for him some days previously from the London diamond merchant whom he had employed to make inquiries as to whether any such gem as the Great Hara had been offered for sale at any of the great European marts during the past twenty years.

a lump or mass of hard consolidated mineral matter

From this reading The letter was an assurance that no such stone had been in the market, nor was any such known to be in the hands of any private individual.

of the kind already mentioned

From this reading He had a brief conference with Mirpah while discussing his modest chop and glass of bitter ale; and he found time to read a letter which had arrived for him some days previously from the London diamond merchant whom he had employed to make inquiries as to whether any such gem as the Great Hara had been offered for sale at any of the great European marts during the past twenty years.

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading The letter was an assurance that no such stone had been in the market, nor was any such known to be in the hands of any private individual.

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

From this reading He had a brief conference with Mirpah while discussing his modest chop and glass of bitter ale; and he found time to read a letter which had arrived for him some days previously from the London diamond merchant whom he had employed to make inquiries as to whether any such gem as the Great Hara had been offered for sale at any of the great European marts during the past twenty years.

an instance or single occasion for some event

From this reading Mr. Madgin senior lost no time after his arrival at home before hastening up to Deepley Walls to see Lady Chillington.

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

From this reading Mr. Madgin senior lost no time after his arrival at home before hastening up to Deepley Walls to see Lady Chillington.

inflected form of “take” — carry out

From this reading Mr. Madgin took the letter with him to Deepley Walls.

the cardinal number that is the sum of nineteen and one

From this reading He had a brief conference with Mirpah while discussing his modest chop and glass of bitter ale; and he found time to read a letter which had arrived for him some days previously from the London diamond merchant whom he had employed to make inquiries as to whether any such gem as the Great Hara had been offered for sale at any of the great European marts during the past twenty years.

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

From this reading Mr. Madgin senior lost no time after his arrival at home before hastening up to Deepley Walls to see Lady Chillington.

plural of “wall” — an architectural partition with a height and length greater than its thickness; used to divide or enclose an area or to support another structure

From this reading Mr. Madgin senior lost no time after his arrival at home before hastening up to Deepley Walls to see Lady Chillington.

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

From this reading The letter was an assurance that no such stone had been in the market, nor was any such known to be in the hands of any private individual.

used to introduce two or more possibilities

From this reading He had a brief conference with Mirpah while discussing his modest chop and glass of bitter ale; and he found time to read a letter which had arrived for him some days previously from the London diamond merchant whom he had employed to make inquiries as to whether any such gem as the Great Hara had been offered for sale at any of the great European marts during the past twenty years.

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

From this reading He had a brief conference with Mirpah while discussing his modest chop and glass of bitter ale; and he found time to read a letter which had arrived for him some days previously from the London diamond merchant whom he had employed to make inquiries as to whether any such gem as the Great Hara had been offered for sale at any of the great European marts during the past twenty years.

during the time that

From this reading He had a brief conference with Mirpah while discussing his modest chop and glass of bitter ale; and he found time to read a letter which had arrived for him some days previously from the London diamond merchant whom he had employed to make inquiries as to whether any such gem as the Great Hara had been offered for sale at any of the great European marts during the past twenty years.

the form of “who” used as the object of a verb or preposition

From this reading He had a brief conference with Mirpah while discussing his modest chop and glass of bitter ale; and he found time to read a letter which had arrived for him some days previously from the London diamond merchant whom he had employed to make inquiries as to whether any such gem as the Great Hara had been offered for sale at any of the great European marts during the past twenty years.

in the company of; together with

From this reading He had a brief conference with Mirpah while discussing his modest chop and glass of bitter ale; and he found time to read a letter which had arrived for him some days previously from the London diamond merchant whom he had employed to make inquiries as to whether any such gem as the Great Hara had been offered for sale at any of the great European marts during the past twenty years.

a late time of life

From this reading He had a brief conference with Mirpah while discussing his modest chop and glass of bitter ale; and he found time to read a letter which had arrived for him some days previously from the London diamond merchant whom he had employed to make inquiries as to whether any such gem as the Great Hara had been offered for sale at any of the great European marts during the past twenty years.