Chapter VIII

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

From this reading It was made into a parcel, duly packed and tied up; not in a delicate wrapper, or with pretty ribbons, as perhaps the affectionate regard of Agnes might have suggested, but in the commonest and most matter-of-fact parcel imaginable.

(usually followed by “to”) having the necessary means or skill or know-how or authority to do something

From this reading He was only a boy--that was not to be disputed; and Mrs Atheling did not think him at all remarkable for his “manners,” and Papa doubted whether he was able to manage a matter of business.

having or displaying warmth or affection

From this reading It was made into a parcel, duly packed and tied up; not in a delicate wrapper, or with pretty ribbons, as perhaps the affectionate regard of Agnes might have suggested, but in the commonest and most matter-of-fact parcel imaginable.

later than; following

From this reading But by that time it began to be debated whether Charlie, after all, was a sufficiently dignified messenger.

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

From this reading It was made into a parcel, duly packed and tied up; not in a delicate wrapper, or with pretty ribbons, as perhaps the affectionate regard of Agnes might have suggested, but in the commonest and most matter-of-fact parcel imaginable.

(quantifier) used with either mass or count nouns to indicate the whole number or amount of or every one of a class

From this reading But by that time it began to be debated whether Charlie, after all, was a sufficiently dignified messenger.

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

From this reading It was made into a parcel, duly packed and tied up; not in a delicate wrapper, or with pretty ribbons, as perhaps the affectionate regard of Agnes might have suggested, but in the commonest and most matter-of-fact parcel imaginable.

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

From this reading It was made into a parcel, duly packed and tied up; not in a delicate wrapper, or with pretty ribbons, as perhaps the affectionate regard of Agnes might have suggested, but in the commonest and most matter-of-fact parcel imaginable.

in or near a particular place or position

From this reading He was only a boy--that was not to be disputed; and Mrs Atheling did not think him at all remarkable for his “manners,” and Papa doubted whether he was able to manage a matter of business.

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

From this reading He was only a boy--that was not to be disputed; and Mrs Atheling did not think him at all remarkable for his “manners,” and Papa doubted whether he was able to manage a matter of business.

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

From this reading But by that time it began to be debated whether Charlie, after all, was a sufficiently dignified messenger.

inflected form of “begin” — take the first step or steps in carrying out an action

From this reading But by that time it began to be debated whether Charlie, after all, was a sufficiently dignified messenger.

a youthful male person

From this reading He was only a boy--that was not to be disputed; and Mrs Atheling did not think him at all remarkable for his “manners,” and Papa doubted whether he was able to manage a matter of business.

a commercial or industrial enterprise and the people who constitute it

From this reading He was only a boy--that was not to be disputed; and Mrs Atheling did not think him at all remarkable for his “manners,” and Papa doubted whether he was able to manage a matter of business.

used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before

From this reading It was made into a parcel, duly packed and tied up; not in a delicate wrapper, or with pretty ribbons, as perhaps the affectionate regard of Agnes might have suggested, but in the commonest and most matter-of-fact parcel imaginable.

showing who or what does the action

From this reading But by that time it began to be debated whether Charlie, after all, was a sufficiently dignified messenger.

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

From this reading But, then, who could go?--not the girls certainly, and not their mother, who was somewhat timid out of her own house.

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

From this reading But by that time it began to be debated whether Charlie, after all, was a sufficiently dignified messenger.

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

From this reading CHARLIE’S ENTERPRISE.

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

From this reading It was made into a parcel, duly packed and tied up; not in a delicate wrapper, or with pretty ribbons, as perhaps the affectionate regard of Agnes might have suggested, but in the commonest and most matter-of-fact parcel imaginable.

the past of “can”; used for possibility or polite requests

From this reading But, then, who could go?--not the girls certainly, and not their mother, who was somewhat timid out of her own house.

past form of “debate” — argue with one another

From this reading But by that time it began to be debated whether Charlie, after all, was a sufficiently dignified messenger.

exquisitely fine and subtle and pleasing; susceptible to injury

From this reading It was made into a parcel, duly packed and tied up; not in a delicate wrapper, or with pretty ribbons, as perhaps the affectionate regard of Agnes might have suggested, but in the commonest and most matter-of-fact parcel imaginable.

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

From this reading He was only a boy--that was not to be disputed; and Mrs Atheling did not think him at all remarkable for his “manners,” and Papa doubted whether he was able to manage a matter of business.

having or expressing dignity; especially formality or stateliness in bearing or appearance

From this reading But by that time it began to be debated whether Charlie, after all, was a sufficiently dignified messenger.

subject to disagreement and debate

From this reading He was only a boy--that was not to be disputed; and Mrs Atheling did not think him at all remarkable for his “manners,” and Papa doubted whether he was able to manage a matter of business.

past form of “doubt” — consider unlikely or have doubts about

From this reading He was only a boy--that was not to be disputed; and Mrs Atheling did not think him at all remarkable for his “manners,” and Papa doubted whether he was able to manage a matter of business.

in accordance with what is appropriate or suitable for the circumstances

From this reading It was made into a parcel, duly packed and tied up; not in a delicate wrapper, or with pretty ribbons, as perhaps the affectionate regard of Agnes might have suggested, but in the commonest and most matter-of-fact parcel imaginable.

a purposeful or industrious undertaking (especially one that requires effort or boldness)

From this reading CHARLIE’S ENTERPRISE.

intended to be given to, or used by, somebody

From this reading He was only a boy--that was not to be disputed; and Mrs Atheling did not think him at all remarkable for his “manners,” and Papa doubted whether he was able to manage a matter of business.

plural of “girl” — a young female

From this reading But, then, who could go?--not the girls certainly, and not their mother, who was somewhat timid out of her own house.

change location; move, travel, or proceed, also metaphorically

From this reading But, then, who could go?--not the girls certainly, and not their mother, who was somewhat timid out of her own house.

used with a past participle to form the perfect tenses

From this reading It was made into a parcel, duly packed and tied up; not in a delicate wrapper, or with pretty ribbons, as perhaps the affectionate regard of Agnes might have suggested, but in the commonest and most matter-of-fact parcel imaginable.

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

From this reading He was only a boy--that was not to be disputed; and Mrs Atheling did not think him at all remarkable for his “manners,” and Papa doubted whether he was able to manage a matter of business.

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

From this reading But, then, who could go?--not the girls certainly, and not their mother, who was somewhat timid out of her own house.

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

From this reading He was only a boy--that was not to be disputed; and Mrs Atheling did not think him at all remarkable for his “manners,” and Papa doubted whether he was able to manage a matter of business.

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

From this reading He was only a boy--that was not to be disputed; and Mrs Atheling did not think him at all remarkable for his “manners,” and Papa doubted whether he was able to manage a matter of business.

a dwelling that serves as living quarters for one or more families

From this reading But, then, who could go?--not the girls certainly, and not their mother, who was somewhat timid out of her own house.

capable of being imagined

From this reading It was made into a parcel, duly packed and tied up; not in a delicate wrapper, or with pretty ribbons, as perhaps the affectionate regard of Agnes might have suggested, but in the commonest and most matter-of-fact parcel imaginable.

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

From this reading It was made into a parcel, duly packed and tied up; not in a delicate wrapper, or with pretty ribbons, as perhaps the affectionate regard of Agnes might have suggested, but in the commonest and most matter-of-fact parcel imaginable.

moving to the inside of something

From this reading It was made into a parcel, duly packed and tied up; not in a delicate wrapper, or with pretty ribbons, as perhaps the affectionate regard of Agnes might have suggested, but in the commonest and most matter-of-fact parcel imaginable.

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading It was made into a parcel, duly packed and tied up; not in a delicate wrapper, or with pretty ribbons, as perhaps the affectionate regard of Agnes might have suggested, but in the commonest and most matter-of-fact parcel imaginable.

produced by a manufacturing process

From this reading It was made into a parcel, duly packed and tied up; not in a delicate wrapper, or with pretty ribbons, as perhaps the affectionate regard of Agnes might have suggested, but in the commonest and most matter-of-fact parcel imaginable.

be successful; achieve a goal

From this reading He was only a boy--that was not to be disputed; and Mrs Atheling did not think him at all remarkable for his “manners,” and Papa doubted whether he was able to manage a matter of business.

social deportment

From this reading He was only a boy--that was not to be disputed; and Mrs Atheling did not think him at all remarkable for his “manners,” and Papa doubted whether he was able to manage a matter of business.

a vaguely specified concern

From this reading He was only a boy--that was not to be disputed; and Mrs Atheling did not think him at all remarkable for his “manners,” and Papa doubted whether he was able to manage a matter of business.

not fanciful or imaginative

From this reading It was made into a parcel, duly packed and tied up; not in a delicate wrapper, or with pretty ribbons, as perhaps the affectionate regard of Agnes might have suggested, but in the commonest and most matter-of-fact parcel imaginable.

a person who carries a message

From this reading But by that time it began to be debated whether Charlie, after all, was a sufficiently dignified messenger.

used to say something is possible but not certain

From this reading It was made into a parcel, duly packed and tied up; not in a delicate wrapper, or with pretty ribbons, as perhaps the affectionate regard of Agnes might have suggested, but in the commonest and most matter-of-fact parcel imaginable.

used to form the superlative

From this reading It was made into a parcel, duly packed and tied up; not in a delicate wrapper, or with pretty ribbons, as perhaps the affectionate regard of Agnes might have suggested, but in the commonest and most matter-of-fact parcel imaginable.

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

From this reading But, then, who could go?--not the girls certainly, and not their mother, who was somewhat timid out of her own house.

a form of address for a married woman

From this reading He was only a boy--that was not to be disputed; and Mrs Atheling did not think him at all remarkable for his “manners,” and Papa doubted whether he was able to manage a matter of business.

used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative

From this reading It was made into a parcel, duly packed and tied up; not in a delicate wrapper, or with pretty ribbons, as perhaps the affectionate regard of Agnes might have suggested, but in the commonest and most matter-of-fact parcel imaginable.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading It was made into a parcel, duly packed and tied up; not in a delicate wrapper, or with pretty ribbons, as perhaps the affectionate regard of Agnes might have suggested, but in the commonest and most matter-of-fact parcel imaginable.

and nothing more

From this reading He was only a boy--that was not to be disputed; and Mrs Atheling did not think him at all remarkable for his “manners,” and Papa doubted whether he was able to manage a matter of business.

used to join alternatives or possibilities

From this reading It was made into a parcel, duly packed and tied up; not in a delicate wrapper, or with pretty ribbons, as perhaps the affectionate regard of Agnes might have suggested, but in the commonest and most matter-of-fact parcel imaginable.

not allowed to continue to bat or run

From this reading But, then, who could go?--not the girls certainly, and not their mother, who was somewhat timid out of her own house.

have ownership or possession of

From this reading But, then, who could go?--not the girls certainly, and not their mother, who was somewhat timid out of her own house.

extremely crowed or filled to capacity

From this reading It was made into a parcel, duly packed and tied up; not in a delicate wrapper, or with pretty ribbons, as perhaps the affectionate regard of Agnes might have suggested, but in the commonest and most matter-of-fact parcel imaginable.

an informal term for a father; probably derived from baby talk

From this reading He was only a boy--that was not to be disputed; and Mrs Atheling did not think him at all remarkable for his “manners,” and Papa doubted whether he was able to manage a matter of business.

a wrapped container

From this reading It was made into a parcel, duly packed and tied up; not in a delicate wrapper, or with pretty ribbons, as perhaps the affectionate regard of Agnes might have suggested, but in the commonest and most matter-of-fact parcel imaginable.

by chance

From this reading It was made into a parcel, duly packed and tied up; not in a delicate wrapper, or with pretty ribbons, as perhaps the affectionate regard of Agnes might have suggested, but in the commonest and most matter-of-fact parcel imaginable.

pleasing by delicacy or grace; not imposing

From this reading It was made into a parcel, duly packed and tied up; not in a delicate wrapper, or with pretty ribbons, as perhaps the affectionate regard of Agnes might have suggested, but in the commonest and most matter-of-fact parcel imaginable.

(usually preceded by “in”) a detail or point

From this reading It was made into a parcel, duly packed and tied up; not in a delicate wrapper, or with pretty ribbons, as perhaps the affectionate regard of Agnes might have suggested, but in the commonest and most matter-of-fact parcel imaginable.

unusual or striking

From this reading He was only a boy--that was not to be disputed; and Mrs Atheling did not think him at all remarkable for his “manners,” and Papa doubted whether he was able to manage a matter of business.

plural of “ribbon” — any long object resembling a thin line

From this reading It was made into a parcel, duly packed and tied up; not in a delicate wrapper, or with pretty ribbons, as perhaps the affectionate regard of Agnes might have suggested, but in the commonest and most matter-of-fact parcel imaginable.

to a small degree or extent

From this reading But, then, who could go?--not the girls certainly, and not their mother, who was somewhat timid out of her own house.

to a sufficient degree

From this reading But by that time it began to be debated whether Charlie, after all, was a sufficiently dignified messenger.

past form of “suggest” — make a proposal, declare a plan for something

From this reading It was made into a parcel, duly packed and tied up; not in a delicate wrapper, or with pretty ribbons, as perhaps the affectionate regard of Agnes might have suggested, but in the commonest and most matter-of-fact parcel imaginable.

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading But by that time it began to be debated whether Charlie, after all, was a sufficiently dignified messenger.

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

From this reading It was made into a parcel, duly packed and tied up; not in a delicate wrapper, or with pretty ribbons, as perhaps the affectionate regard of Agnes might have suggested, but in the commonest and most matter-of-fact parcel imaginable.

belonging to the people or things already mentioned

From this reading But, then, who could go?--not the girls certainly, and not their mother, who was somewhat timid out of her own house.

subsequently or soon afterward (often used as sentence connectors)

From this reading But, then, who could go?--not the girls certainly, and not their mother, who was somewhat timid out of her own house.

judge or regard; look upon; judge

From this reading He was only a boy--that was not to be disputed; and Mrs Atheling did not think him at all remarkable for his “manners,” and Papa doubted whether he was able to manage a matter of business.

bound or secured closely

From this reading It was made into a parcel, duly packed and tied up; not in a delicate wrapper, or with pretty ribbons, as perhaps the affectionate regard of Agnes might have suggested, but in the commonest and most matter-of-fact parcel imaginable.

an instance or single occasion for some event

From this reading But by that time it began to be debated whether Charlie, after all, was a sufficiently dignified messenger.

showing fear and lack of confidence

From this reading But, then, who could go?--not the girls certainly, and not their mother, who was somewhat timid out of her own house.

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

From this reading But by that time it began to be debated whether Charlie, after all, was a sufficiently dignified messenger.

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

From this reading It was made into a parcel, duly packed and tied up; not in a delicate wrapper, or with pretty ribbons, as perhaps the affectionate regard of Agnes might have suggested, but in the commonest and most matter-of-fact parcel imaginable.

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

From this reading It was made into a parcel, duly packed and tied up; not in a delicate wrapper, or with pretty ribbons, as perhaps the affectionate regard of Agnes might have suggested, but in the commonest and most matter-of-fact parcel imaginable.

used to introduce two or more possibilities

From this reading But by that time it began to be debated whether Charlie, after all, was a sufficiently dignified messenger.

which person or people

From this reading But, then, who could go?--not the girls certainly, and not their mother, who was somewhat timid out of her own house.

in the company of; together with

From this reading It was made into a parcel, duly packed and tied up; not in a delicate wrapper, or with pretty ribbons, as perhaps the affectionate regard of Agnes might have suggested, but in the commonest and most matter-of-fact parcel imaginable.

a loose dressing gown for women

From this reading It was made into a parcel, duly packed and tied up; not in a delicate wrapper, or with pretty ribbons, as perhaps the affectionate regard of Agnes might have suggested, but in the commonest and most matter-of-fact parcel imaginable.