used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading Amidst this pursuit after fortune and grandeur, his father died, and left but a small pittance for the support of him and his brother Honestus.--This was soon known in the college, where fortune is considered as the first of all things.--Mercurius was now forced, in order to keep up his noble connections, to stoop to many meannesses, such as the thirst of ambition only can persuade the true dignity of a man to submit to; but, when we once quit the path of virtue in pursuit of imaginary pleasure, we must give up every hope of a retreat.
having companions or an escort
From this reading The time arrived in which he was to quit college, and Mercurius accompanied him to London as his companion and friend.
afterprepositionUS /ˈæftər/
later than; following
From this reading Amidst this pursuit after fortune and grandeur, his father died, and left but a small pittance for the support of him and his brother Honestus.--This was soon known in the college, where fortune is considered as the first of all things.--Mercurius was now forced, in order to keep up his noble connections, to stoop to many meannesses, such as the thirst of ambition only can persuade the true dignity of a man to submit to; but, when we once quit the path of virtue in pursuit of imaginary pleasure, we must give up every hope of a retreat.
(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 Amidst this pursuit after fortune and grandeur, his father died, and left but a small pittance for the support of him and his brother Honestus.--This was soon known in the college, where fortune is considered as the first of all things.--Mercurius was now forced, in order to keep up his noble connections, to stoop to many meannesses, such as the thirst of ambition only can persuade the true dignity of a man to submit to; but, when we once quit the path of virtue in pursuit of imaginary pleasure, we must give up every hope of a retreat.
a cherished desire
From this reading Amidst this pursuit after fortune and grandeur, his father died, and left but a small pittance for the support of him and his brother Honestus.--This was soon known in the college, where fortune is considered as the first of all things.--Mercurius was now forced, in order to keep up his noble connections, to stoop to many meannesses, such as the thirst of ambition only can persuade the true dignity of a man to submit to; but, when we once quit the path of virtue in pursuit of imaginary pleasure, we must give up every hope of a retreat.
AmidstprepositionUS /əˈmɪdst/
in the middle of; surrounded by
From this reading Amidst this pursuit after fortune and grandeur, his father died, and left but a small pittance for the support of him and his brother Honestus.--This was soon known in the college, where fortune is considered as the first of all things.--Mercurius was now forced, in order to keep up his noble connections, to stoop to many meannesses, such as the thirst of ambition only can persuade the true dignity of a man to submit to; but, when we once quit the path of virtue in pursuit of imaginary pleasure, we must give up every hope of a retreat.
AmongprepositionUS /əˈmʌŋ/
surrounded by; in the middle of a group
From this reading Among the patrons of Mercurius was a young nobleman of great fortune and connections, such as were more than sufficient to make a coxcomb of the happiest genius.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading Amidst this pursuit after fortune and grandeur, his father died, and left but a small pittance for the support of him and his brother Honestus.--This was soon known in the college, where fortune is considered as the first of all things.--Mercurius was now forced, in order to keep up his noble connections, to stoop to many meannesses, such as the thirst of ambition only can persuade the true dignity of a man to submit to; but, when we once quit the path of virtue in pursuit of imaginary pleasure, we must give up every hope of a retreat.
past form of “arrive” — reach a destination; arrive by movement or progress
From this reading The time arrived in which he was to quit college, and Mercurius accompanied him to London as his companion and friend.
at the same time that; because; in the way that
From this reading Amidst this pursuit after fortune and grandeur, his father died, and left but a small pittance for the support of him and his brother Honestus.--This was soon known in the college, where fortune is considered as the first of all things.--Mercurius was now forced, in order to keep up his noble connections, to stoop to many meannesses, such as the thirst of ambition only can persuade the true dignity of a man to submit to; but, when we once quit the path of virtue in pursuit of imaginary pleasure, we must give up every hope of a retreat.
a male with the same parents as someone else
From this reading Amidst this pursuit after fortune and grandeur, his father died, and left but a small pittance for the support of him and his brother Honestus.--This was soon known in the college, where fortune is considered as the first of all things.--Mercurius was now forced, in order to keep up his noble connections, to stoop to many meannesses, such as the thirst of ambition only can persuade the true dignity of a man to submit to; but, when we once quit the path of virtue in pursuit of imaginary pleasure, we must give up every hope of a retreat.
used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before
From this reading Amidst this pursuit after fortune and grandeur, his father died, and left but a small pittance for the support of him and his brother Honestus.--This was soon known in the college, where fortune is considered as the first of all things.--Mercurius was now forced, in order to keep up his noble connections, to stoop to many meannesses, such as the thirst of ambition only can persuade the true dignity of a man to submit to; but, when we once quit the path of virtue in pursuit of imaginary pleasure, we must give up every hope of a retreat.
buttverbUS /bʌt/
lie adjacent to another or share a boundary
From this reading He was the dupe to his prejudices, the constant butt of his wit, and the contempt of every independent mind.
to be able to, or to be allowed to
From this reading Amidst this pursuit after fortune and grandeur, his father died, and left but a small pittance for the support of him and his brother Honestus.--This was soon known in the college, where fortune is considered as the first of all things.--Mercurius was now forced, in order to keep up his noble connections, to stoop to many meannesses, such as the thirst of ambition only can persuade the true dignity of a man to submit to; but, when we once quit the path of virtue in pursuit of imaginary pleasure, we must give up every hope of a retreat.
the body of faculty and students of a college
From this reading Amidst this pursuit after fortune and grandeur, his father died, and left but a small pittance for the support of him and his brother Honestus.--This was soon known in the college, where fortune is considered as the first of all things.--Mercurius was now forced, in order to keep up his noble connections, to stoop to many meannesses, such as the thirst of ambition only can persuade the true dignity of a man to submit to; but, when we once quit the path of virtue in pursuit of imaginary pleasure, we must give up every hope of a retreat.
a friend who is frequently in the company of another
From this reading The time arrived in which he was to quit college, and Mercurius accompanied him to London as his companion and friend.
connectionsnounUS /kəˈnekʃənz/
plural of “connection” — a relation between things or events (as in the case of one causing the other or sharing features with it)
From this reading Amidst this pursuit after fortune and grandeur, his father died, and left but a small pittance for the support of him and his brother Honestus.--This was soon known in the college, where fortune is considered as the first of all things.--Mercurius was now forced, in order to keep up his noble connections, to stoop to many meannesses, such as the thirst of ambition only can persuade the true dignity of a man to submit to; but, when we once quit the path of virtue in pursuit of imaginary pleasure, we must give up every hope of a retreat.
carefully weighed
From this reading Amidst this pursuit after fortune and grandeur, his father died, and left but a small pittance for the support of him and his brother Honestus.--This was soon known in the college, where fortune is considered as the first of all things.--Mercurius was now forced, in order to keep up his noble connections, to stoop to many meannesses, such as the thirst of ambition only can persuade the true dignity of a man to submit to; but, when we once quit the path of virtue in pursuit of imaginary pleasure, we must give up every hope of a retreat.
unvarying in nature
From this reading He was the constant partner of his nocturnal revels, and little more, in fact, than his footman out of livery.
lack of respect accompanied by a feeling of intense dislike
From this reading He was the dupe to his prejudices, the constant butt of his wit, and the contempt of every independent mind.
coxcombnoun
a conceited dandy who is overly impressed by his own accomplishments
From this reading Among the patrons of Mercurius was a young nobleman of great fortune and connections, such as were more than sufficient to make a coxcomb of the happiest genius.
past form of “die” — pass from physical life and lose all bodily attributes and functions necessary to sustain life
From this reading Amidst this pursuit after fortune and grandeur, his father died, and left but a small pittance for the support of him and his brother Honestus.--This was soon known in the college, where fortune is considered as the first of all things.--Mercurius was now forced, in order to keep up his noble connections, to stoop to many meannesses, such as the thirst of ambition only can persuade the true dignity of a man to submit to; but, when we once quit the path of virtue in pursuit of imaginary pleasure, we must give up every hope of a retreat.
the quality of being worthy of esteem or respect
From this reading Amidst this pursuit after fortune and grandeur, his father died, and left but a small pittance for the support of him and his brother Honestus.--This was soon known in the college, where fortune is considered as the first of all things.--Mercurius was now forced, in order to keep up his noble connections, to stoop to many meannesses, such as the thirst of ambition only can persuade the true dignity of a man to submit to; but, when we once quit the path of virtue in pursuit of imaginary pleasure, we must give up every hope of a retreat.
dupeverbUS /duːp/
fool or hoax
From this reading He was the dupe to his prejudices, the constant butt of his wit, and the contempt of every independent mind.
everydeterminerUS /ˈevəri/
all the members of a group, with none left out
From this reading Amidst this pursuit after fortune and grandeur, his father died, and left but a small pittance for the support of him and his brother Honestus.--This was soon known in the college, where fortune is considered as the first of all things.--Mercurius was now forced, in order to keep up his noble connections, to stoop to many meannesses, such as the thirst of ambition only can persuade the true dignity of a man to submit to; but, when we once quit the path of virtue in pursuit of imaginary pleasure, we must give up every hope of a retreat.
a piece of information about circumstances that exist or events that have occurred
From this reading He was the constant partner of his nocturnal revels, and little more, in fact, than his footman out of livery.
a male parent (also used as a term of address to your father)
From this reading Amidst this pursuit after fortune and grandeur, his father died, and left but a small pittance for the support of him and his brother Honestus.--This was soon known in the college, where fortune is considered as the first of all things.--Mercurius was now forced, in order to keep up his noble connections, to stoop to many meannesses, such as the thirst of ambition only can persuade the true dignity of a man to submit to; but, when we once quit the path of virtue in pursuit of imaginary pleasure, we must give up every hope of a retreat.
firstadjectiveUS /fɜːrst/
preceding all others in time or space or degree
From this reading Amidst this pursuit after fortune and grandeur, his father died, and left but a small pittance for the support of him and his brother Honestus.--This was soon known in the college, where fortune is considered as the first of all things.--Mercurius was now forced, in order to keep up his noble connections, to stoop to many meannesses, such as the thirst of ambition only can persuade the true dignity of a man to submit to; but, when we once quit the path of virtue in pursuit of imaginary pleasure, we must give up every hope of a retreat.
footmannounUS /ˈfʊtmən/
a man employed as a servant in a large establishment (as a palace) to run errands and do chores
From this reading He was the constant partner of his nocturnal revels, and little more, in fact, than his footman out of livery.
intended to be given to, or used by, somebody
From this reading Amidst this pursuit after fortune and grandeur, his father died, and left but a small pittance for the support of him and his brother Honestus.--This was soon known in the college, where fortune is considered as the first of all things.--Mercurius was now forced, in order to keep up his noble connections, to stoop to many meannesses, such as the thirst of ambition only can persuade the true dignity of a man to submit to; but, when we once quit the path of virtue in pursuit of imaginary pleasure, we must give up every hope of a retreat.
produced by or subjected to forcing
From this reading Amidst this pursuit after fortune and grandeur, his father died, and left but a small pittance for the support of him and his brother Honestus.--This was soon known in the college, where fortune is considered as the first of all things.--Mercurius was now forced, in order to keep up his noble connections, to stoop to many meannesses, such as the thirst of ambition only can persuade the true dignity of a man to submit to; but, when we once quit the path of virtue in pursuit of imaginary pleasure, we must give up every hope of a retreat.
an unknown and unpredictable phenomenon that causes an event to result one way rather than another
From this reading Amidst this pursuit after fortune and grandeur, his father died, and left but a small pittance for the support of him and his brother Honestus.--This was soon known in the college, where fortune is considered as the first of all things.--Mercurius was now forced, in order to keep up his noble connections, to stoop to many meannesses, such as the thirst of ambition only can persuade the true dignity of a man to submit to; but, when we once quit the path of virtue in pursuit of imaginary pleasure, we must give up every hope of a retreat.
a person you know well and regard with affection and trust
From this reading The time arrived in which he was to quit college, and Mercurius accompanied him to London as his companion and friend.
someone who has exceptional intellectual ability and originality
From this reading Among the patrons of Mercurius was a young nobleman of great fortune and connections, such as were more than sufficient to make a coxcomb of the happiest genius.
cause to have, in the abstract sense or physical sense
From this reading Amidst this pursuit after fortune and grandeur, his father died, and left but a small pittance for the support of him and his brother Honestus.--This was soon known in the college, where fortune is considered as the first of all things.--Mercurius was now forced, in order to keep up his noble connections, to stoop to many meannesses, such as the thirst of ambition only can persuade the true dignity of a man to submit to; but, when we once quit the path of virtue in pursuit of imaginary pleasure, we must give up every hope of a retreat.
grandeurnounUS /ɡrænˈduːr/
the quality of being magnificent or splendid or grand
From this reading Amidst this pursuit after fortune and grandeur, his father died, and left but a small pittance for the support of him and his brother Honestus.--This was soon known in the college, where fortune is considered as the first of all things.--Mercurius was now forced, in order to keep up his noble connections, to stoop to many meannesses, such as the thirst of ambition only can persuade the true dignity of a man to submit to; but, when we once quit the path of virtue in pursuit of imaginary pleasure, we must give up every hope of a retreat.
relatively large in size or number or extent; larger than others of its kind
From this reading Among the patrons of Mercurius was a young nobleman of great fortune and connections, such as were more than sufficient to make a coxcomb of the happiest genius.
happiestadjectiveUS /ˈhæpiəst/
superlative of “happy” — enjoying or showing or marked by joy or pleasure
From this reading Among the patrons of Mercurius was a young nobleman of great fortune and connections, such as were more than sufficient to make a coxcomb of the happiest genius.
a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading The time arrived in which he was to quit college, and Mercurius accompanied him to London as his companion and friend.
the male already mentioned, as the object of a verb or preposition
From this reading Amidst this pursuit after fortune and grandeur, his father died, and left but a small pittance for the support of him and his brother Honestus.--This was soon known in the college, where fortune is considered as the first of all things.--Mercurius was now forced, in order to keep up his noble connections, to stoop to many meannesses, such as the thirst of ambition only can persuade the true dignity of a man to submit to; but, when we once quit the path of virtue in pursuit of imaginary pleasure, we must give up every hope of a retreat.
belonging to a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned
From this reading Amidst this pursuit after fortune and grandeur, his father died, and left but a small pittance for the support of him and his brother Honestus.--This was soon known in the college, where fortune is considered as the first of all things.--Mercurius was now forced, in order to keep up his noble connections, to stoop to many meannesses, such as the thirst of ambition only can persuade the true dignity of a man to submit to; but, when we once quit the path of virtue in pursuit of imaginary pleasure, we must give up every hope of a retreat.
Honestus
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Amidst this pursuit after fortune and grandeur, his father died, and left but a small pittance for the support of him and his brother Honestus.--This was soon known in the college, where fortune is considered as the first of all things.--Mercurius was now forced, in order to keep up his noble connections, to stoop to many meannesses, such as the thirst of ambition only can persuade the true dignity of a man to submit to; but, when we once quit the path of virtue in pursuit of imaginary pleasure, we must give up every hope of a retreat.
a specific instance of feeling hopeful
From this reading Amidst this pursuit after fortune and grandeur, his father died, and left but a small pittance for the support of him and his brother Honestus.--This was soon known in the college, where fortune is considered as the first of all things.--Mercurius was now forced, in order to keep up his noble connections, to stoop to many meannesses, such as the thirst of ambition only can persuade the true dignity of a man to submit to; but, when we once quit the path of virtue in pursuit of imaginary pleasure, we must give up every hope of a retreat.
imaginaryadjectiveUS /ˌɪˈmædʒəneri/
not based on fact; existing only in the imagination
From this reading Amidst this pursuit after fortune and grandeur, his father died, and left but a small pittance for the support of him and his brother Honestus.--This was soon known in the college, where fortune is considered as the first of all things.--Mercurius was now forced, in order to keep up his noble connections, to stoop to many meannesses, such as the thirst of ambition only can persuade the true dignity of a man to submit to; but, when we once quit the path of virtue in pursuit of imaginary pleasure, we must give up every hope of a retreat.
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading Amidst this pursuit after fortune and grandeur, his father died, and left but a small pittance for the support of him and his brother Honestus.--This was soon known in the college, where fortune is considered as the first of all things.--Mercurius was now forced, in order to keep up his noble connections, to stoop to many meannesses, such as the thirst of ambition only can persuade the true dignity of a man to submit to; but, when we once quit the path of virtue in pursuit of imaginary pleasure, we must give up every hope of a retreat.
independentadjectiveUS /ˌɪndɪˈpendənt/
free from external control and constraint
From this reading He was the dupe to his prejudices, the constant butt of his wit, and the contempt of every independent mind.
the form of “be” used with he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading Amidst this pursuit after fortune and grandeur, his father died, and left but a small pittance for the support of him and his brother Honestus.--This was soon known in the college, where fortune is considered as the first of all things.--Mercurius was now forced, in order to keep up his noble connections, to stoop to many meannesses, such as the thirst of ambition only can persuade the true dignity of a man to submit to; but, when we once quit the path of virtue in pursuit of imaginary pleasure, we must give up every hope of a retreat.
cause to continue in a certain state, position, or activity; e.g., “keep clean”
From this reading Amidst this pursuit after fortune and grandeur, his father died, and left but a small pittance for the support of him and his brother Honestus.--This was soon known in the college, where fortune is considered as the first of all things.--Mercurius was now forced, in order to keep up his noble connections, to stoop to many meannesses, such as the thirst of ambition only can persuade the true dignity of a man to submit to; but, when we once quit the path of virtue in pursuit of imaginary pleasure, we must give up every hope of a retreat.
apprehended with certainty
From this reading Amidst this pursuit after fortune and grandeur, his father died, and left but a small pittance for the support of him and his brother Honestus.--This was soon known in the college, where fortune is considered as the first of all things.--Mercurius was now forced, in order to keep up his noble connections, to stoop to many meannesses, such as the thirst of ambition only can persuade the true dignity of a man to submit to; but, when we once quit the path of virtue in pursuit of imaginary pleasure, we must give up every hope of a retreat.
location near or direction toward the left side; i.e. the side to the north when a person or object faces east
From this reading Amidst this pursuit after fortune and grandeur, his father died, and left but a small pittance for the support of him and his brother Honestus.--This was soon known in the college, where fortune is considered as the first of all things.--Mercurius was now forced, in order to keep up his noble connections, to stoop to many meannesses, such as the thirst of ambition only can persuade the true dignity of a man to submit to; but, when we once quit the path of virtue in pursuit of imaginary pleasure, we must give up every hope of a retreat.
limited or below average in number or quantity or magnitude or extent
From this reading He was the constant partner of his nocturnal revels, and little more, in fact, than his footman out of livery.
liverynounUS /ˈlɪvəri/
uniform worn by some menservants and chauffeurs
From this reading He was the constant partner of his nocturnal revels, and little more, in fact, than his footman out of livery.
the capital and largest city of England; located on the Thames in southeastern England; financial and industrial and cultural center
From this reading The time arrived in which he was to quit college, and Mercurius accompanied him to London as his companion and friend.
engage in
From this reading Among the patrons of Mercurius was a young nobleman of great fortune and connections, such as were more than sufficient to make a coxcomb of the happiest genius.
an adult person who is male (as opposed to a woman)
From this reading Amidst this pursuit after fortune and grandeur, his father died, and left but a small pittance for the support of him and his brother Honestus.--This was soon known in the college, where fortune is considered as the first of all things.--Mercurius was now forced, in order to keep up his noble connections, to stoop to many meannesses, such as the thirst of ambition only can persuade the true dignity of a man to submit to; but, when we once quit the path of virtue in pursuit of imaginary pleasure, we must give up every hope of a retreat.
a quantifier that can be used with count nouns and is often preceded by “as” or “too” or “so” or “that”; amounting to a large but indefinite number
From this reading Amidst this pursuit after fortune and grandeur, his father died, and left but a small pittance for the support of him and his brother Honestus.--This was soon known in the college, where fortune is considered as the first of all things.--Mercurius was now forced, in order to keep up his noble connections, to stoop to many meannesses, such as the thirst of ambition only can persuade the true dignity of a man to submit to; but, when we once quit the path of virtue in pursuit of imaginary pleasure, we must give up every hope of a retreat.
meannesses
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Amidst this pursuit after fortune and grandeur, his father died, and left but a small pittance for the support of him and his brother Honestus.--This was soon known in the college, where fortune is considered as the first of all things.--Mercurius was now forced, in order to keep up his noble connections, to stoop to many meannesses, such as the thirst of ambition only can persuade the true dignity of a man to submit to; but, when we once quit the path of virtue in pursuit of imaginary pleasure, we must give up every hope of a retreat.
Mercurius
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Amidst this pursuit after fortune and grandeur, his father died, and left but a small pittance for the support of him and his brother Honestus.--This was soon known in the college, where fortune is considered as the first of all things.--Mercurius was now forced, in order to keep up his noble connections, to stoop to many meannesses, such as the thirst of ambition only can persuade the true dignity of a man to submit to; but, when we once quit the path of virtue in pursuit of imaginary pleasure, we must give up every hope of a retreat.
The element of a person that enables awareness and thought.
From this reading He was the dupe to his prejudices, the constant butt of his wit, and the contempt of every independent mind.
(comparative of “much” used with mass nouns) a quantifier meaning greater in size or amount or extent or degree
From this reading Among the patrons of Mercurius was a young nobleman of great fortune and connections, such as were more than sufficient to make a coxcomb of the happiest genius.
used to say something is necessary, or almost certainly true
From this reading Amidst this pursuit after fortune and grandeur, his father died, and left but a small pittance for the support of him and his brother Honestus.--This was soon known in the college, where fortune is considered as the first of all things.--Mercurius was now forced, in order to keep up his noble connections, to stoop to many meannesses, such as the thirst of ambition only can persuade the true dignity of a man to submit to; but, when we once quit the path of virtue in pursuit of imaginary pleasure, we must give up every hope of a retreat.
nobleadjectiveUS /ˈnoʊbəl/
impressive in appearance
From this reading Amidst this pursuit after fortune and grandeur, his father died, and left but a small pittance for the support of him and his brother Honestus.--This was soon known in the college, where fortune is considered as the first of all things.--Mercurius was now forced, in order to keep up his noble connections, to stoop to many meannesses, such as the thirst of ambition only can persuade the true dignity of a man to submit to; but, when we once quit the path of virtue in pursuit of imaginary pleasure, we must give up every hope of a retreat.
noblemannounUS /ˈnoʊbəlmən/
a titled peer of the realm
From this reading Among the patrons of Mercurius was a young nobleman of great fortune and connections, such as were more than sufficient to make a coxcomb of the happiest genius.
nocturnaladjectiveUS /nɑːkˈtɜːrnəl/
belonging to or active during the night
From this reading He was the constant partner of his nocturnal revels, and little more, in fact, than his footman out of livery.
in the historical present; at this point in the narration of a series of past events
From this reading Amidst this pursuit after fortune and grandeur, his father died, and left but a small pittance for the support of him and his brother Honestus.--This was soon known in the college, where fortune is considered as the first of all things.--Mercurius was now forced, in order to keep up his noble connections, to stoop to many meannesses, such as the thirst of ambition only can persuade the true dignity of a man to submit to; but, when we once quit the path of virtue in pursuit of imaginary pleasure, we must give up every hope of a retreat.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading Amidst this pursuit after fortune and grandeur, his father died, and left but a small pittance for the support of him and his brother Honestus.--This was soon known in the college, where fortune is considered as the first of all things.--Mercurius was now forced, in order to keep up his noble connections, to stoop to many meannesses, such as the thirst of ambition only can persuade the true dignity of a man to submit to; but, when we once quit the path of virtue in pursuit of imaginary pleasure, we must give up every hope of a retreat.
on one occasion
From this reading Amidst this pursuit after fortune and grandeur, his father died, and left but a small pittance for the support of him and his brother Honestus.--This was soon known in the college, where fortune is considered as the first of all things.--Mercurius was now forced, in order to keep up his noble connections, to stoop to many meannesses, such as the thirst of ambition only can persuade the true dignity of a man to submit to; but, when we once quit the path of virtue in pursuit of imaginary pleasure, we must give up every hope of a retreat.
and nothing more
From this reading Amidst this pursuit after fortune and grandeur, his father died, and left but a small pittance for the support of him and his brother Honestus.--This was soon known in the college, where fortune is considered as the first of all things.--Mercurius was now forced, in order to keep up his noble connections, to stoop to many meannesses, such as the thirst of ambition only can persuade the true dignity of a man to submit to; but, when we once quit the path of virtue in pursuit of imaginary pleasure, we must give up every hope of a retreat.
(often plural) a command given by a superior (e.g., a military or law enforcement officer) that must be obeyed
From this reading Amidst this pursuit after fortune and grandeur, his father died, and left but a small pittance for the support of him and his brother Honestus.--This was soon known in the college, where fortune is considered as the first of all things.--Mercurius was now forced, in order to keep up his noble connections, to stoop to many meannesses, such as the thirst of ambition only can persuade the true dignity of a man to submit to; but, when we once quit the path of virtue in pursuit of imaginary pleasure, we must give up every hope of a retreat.
not allowed to continue to bat or run
From this reading He was the constant partner of his nocturnal revels, and little more, in fact, than his footman out of livery.
partnernounUS /ˈpɑːrtnər/
a person's partner in marriage
From this reading He was the constant partner of his nocturnal revels, and little more, in fact, than his footman out of livery.
a course of conduct
From this reading Amidst this pursuit after fortune and grandeur, his father died, and left but a small pittance for the support of him and his brother Honestus.--This was soon known in the college, where fortune is considered as the first of all things.--Mercurius was now forced, in order to keep up his noble connections, to stoop to many meannesses, such as the thirst of ambition only can persuade the true dignity of a man to submit to; but, when we once quit the path of virtue in pursuit of imaginary pleasure, we must give up every hope of a retreat.
patronsnounUS /ˈpeɪtrənz/
plural of “patron” — a regular customer
From this reading Among the patrons of Mercurius was a young nobleman of great fortune and connections, such as were more than sufficient to make a coxcomb of the happiest genius.
persuadeverbUS /pərˈsweɪd/
win approval or support for
From this reading Amidst this pursuit after fortune and grandeur, his father died, and left but a small pittance for the support of him and his brother Honestus.--This was soon known in the college, where fortune is considered as the first of all things.--Mercurius was now forced, in order to keep up his noble connections, to stoop to many meannesses, such as the thirst of ambition only can persuade the true dignity of a man to submit to; but, when we once quit the path of virtue in pursuit of imaginary pleasure, we must give up every hope of a retreat.
pittancenounUS /ˈpɪtəns/
an inadequate payment
From this reading Amidst this pursuit after fortune and grandeur, his father died, and left but a small pittance for the support of him and his brother Honestus.--This was soon known in the college, where fortune is considered as the first of all things.--Mercurius was now forced, in order to keep up his noble connections, to stoop to many meannesses, such as the thirst of ambition only can persuade the true dignity of a man to submit to; but, when we once quit the path of virtue in pursuit of imaginary pleasure, we must give up every hope of a retreat.
a fundamental feeling that is hard to define but that people desire to experience
From this reading Amidst this pursuit after fortune and grandeur, his father died, and left but a small pittance for the support of him and his brother Honestus.--This was soon known in the college, where fortune is considered as the first of all things.--Mercurius was now forced, in order to keep up his noble connections, to stoop to many meannesses, such as the thirst of ambition only can persuade the true dignity of a man to submit to; but, when we once quit the path of virtue in pursuit of imaginary pleasure, we must give up every hope of a retreat.
prejudicesnounUS /ˈpredʒədɪsɪz/
plural of “prejudice” — a partiality that prevents objective consideration of an issue or situation
From this reading He was the dupe to his prejudices, the constant butt of his wit, and the contempt of every independent mind.
the act of pursuing in an effort to overtake or capture
From this reading Amidst this pursuit after fortune and grandeur, his father died, and left but a small pittance for the support of him and his brother Honestus.--This was soon known in the college, where fortune is considered as the first of all things.--Mercurius was now forced, in order to keep up his noble connections, to stoop to many meannesses, such as the thirst of ambition only can persuade the true dignity of a man to submit to; but, when we once quit the path of virtue in pursuit of imaginary pleasure, we must give up every hope of a retreat.
quitverbUS /kwɪt/
put an end to a state or an activity
From this reading Amidst this pursuit after fortune and grandeur, his father died, and left but a small pittance for the support of him and his brother Honestus.--This was soon known in the college, where fortune is considered as the first of all things.--Mercurius was now forced, in order to keep up his noble connections, to stoop to many meannesses, such as the thirst of ambition only can persuade the true dignity of a man to submit to; but, when we once quit the path of virtue in pursuit of imaginary pleasure, we must give up every hope of a retreat.
(military) withdrawal of troops to a more favorable position to escape the enemy's superior forces or after a defeat
From this reading Amidst this pursuit after fortune and grandeur, his father died, and left but a small pittance for the support of him and his brother Honestus.--This was soon known in the college, where fortune is considered as the first of all things.--Mercurius was now forced, in order to keep up his noble connections, to stoop to many meannesses, such as the thirst of ambition only can persuade the true dignity of a man to submit to; but, when we once quit the path of virtue in pursuit of imaginary pleasure, we must give up every hope of a retreat.
revelsnounUS /ˈrevəlz/
plural of “revel” — unrestrained merrymaking
From this reading He was the constant partner of his nocturnal revels, and little more, in fact, than his footman out of livery.
limited or below average in number or quantity or magnitude or extent
From this reading Amidst this pursuit after fortune and grandeur, his father died, and left but a small pittance for the support of him and his brother Honestus.--This was soon known in the college, where fortune is considered as the first of all things.--Mercurius was now forced, in order to keep up his noble connections, to stoop to many meannesses, such as the thirst of ambition only can persuade the true dignity of a man to submit to; but, when we once quit the path of virtue in pursuit of imaginary pleasure, we must give up every hope of a retreat.
in the near future
From this reading Amidst this pursuit after fortune and grandeur, his father died, and left but a small pittance for the support of him and his brother Honestus.--This was soon known in the college, where fortune is considered as the first of all things.--Mercurius was now forced, in order to keep up his noble connections, to stoop to many meannesses, such as the thirst of ambition only can persuade the true dignity of a man to submit to; but, when we once quit the path of virtue in pursuit of imaginary pleasure, we must give up every hope of a retreat.
stoopverbUS /stuːp/
bend one's back forward from the waist on down
From this reading Amidst this pursuit after fortune and grandeur, his father died, and left but a small pittance for the support of him and his brother Honestus.--This was soon known in the college, where fortune is considered as the first of all things.--Mercurius was now forced, in order to keep up his noble connections, to stoop to many meannesses, such as the thirst of ambition only can persuade the true dignity of a man to submit to; but, when we once quit the path of virtue in pursuit of imaginary pleasure, we must give up every hope of a retreat.
submitverbUS /səbˈmɪt/
refer for judgment or consideration
From this reading Amidst this pursuit after fortune and grandeur, his father died, and left but a small pittance for the support of him and his brother Honestus.--This was soon known in the college, where fortune is considered as the first of all things.--Mercurius was now forced, in order to keep up his noble connections, to stoop to many meannesses, such as the thirst of ambition only can persuade the true dignity of a man to submit to; but, when we once quit the path of virtue in pursuit of imaginary pleasure, we must give up every hope of a retreat.
of the kind already mentioned
From this reading Amidst this pursuit after fortune and grandeur, his father died, and left but a small pittance for the support of him and his brother Honestus.--This was soon known in the college, where fortune is considered as the first of all things.--Mercurius was now forced, in order to keep up his noble connections, to stoop to many meannesses, such as the thirst of ambition only can persuade the true dignity of a man to submit to; but, when we once quit the path of virtue in pursuit of imaginary pleasure, we must give up every hope of a retreat.
of a quantity that can fulfill a need or requirement but without being abundant
From this reading Among the patrons of Mercurius was a young nobleman of great fortune and connections, such as were more than sufficient to make a coxcomb of the happiest genius.
the activity of providing for or maintaining by supplying with money or necessities
From this reading Amidst this pursuit after fortune and grandeur, his father died, and left but a small pittance for the support of him and his brother Honestus.--This was soon known in the college, where fortune is considered as the first of all things.--Mercurius was now forced, in order to keep up his noble connections, to stoop to many meannesses, such as the thirst of ambition only can persuade the true dignity of a man to submit to; but, when we once quit the path of virtue in pursuit of imaginary pleasure, we must give up every hope of a retreat.
used to introduce the second part of a comparison
From this reading Among the patrons of Mercurius was a young nobleman of great fortune and connections, such as were more than sufficient to make a coxcomb of the happiest genius.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading Amidst this pursuit after fortune and grandeur, his father died, and left but a small pittance for the support of him and his brother Honestus.--This was soon known in the college, where fortune is considered as the first of all things.--Mercurius was now forced, in order to keep up his noble connections, to stoop to many meannesses, such as the thirst of ambition only can persuade the true dignity of a man to submit to; but, when we once quit the path of virtue in pursuit of imaginary pleasure, we must give up every hope of a retreat.
any movable possession (especially articles of clothing)
From this reading Amidst this pursuit after fortune and grandeur, his father died, and left but a small pittance for the support of him and his brother Honestus.--This was soon known in the college, where fortune is considered as the first of all things.--Mercurius was now forced, in order to keep up his noble connections, to stoop to many meannesses, such as the thirst of ambition only can persuade the true dignity of a man to submit to; but, when we once quit the path of virtue in pursuit of imaginary pleasure, we must give up every hope of a retreat.
thirstnounUS /θɜːrst/
a physiological need to drink
From this reading Amidst this pursuit after fortune and grandeur, his father died, and left but a small pittance for the support of him and his brother Honestus.--This was soon known in the college, where fortune is considered as the first of all things.--Mercurius was now forced, in order to keep up his noble connections, to stoop to many meannesses, such as the thirst of ambition only can persuade the true dignity of a man to submit to; but, when we once quit the path of virtue in pursuit of imaginary pleasure, we must give up every hope of a retreat.
used for a person or thing that is near, or that has just been mentioned
From this reading Amidst this pursuit after fortune and grandeur, his father died, and left but a small pittance for the support of him and his brother Honestus.--This was soon known in the college, where fortune is considered as the first of all things.--Mercurius was now forced, in order to keep up his noble connections, to stoop to many meannesses, such as the thirst of ambition only can persuade the true dignity of a man to submit to; but, when we once quit the path of virtue in pursuit of imaginary pleasure, we must give up every hope of a retreat.
an instance or single occasion for some event
From this reading The time arrived in which he was to quit college, and Mercurius accompanied him to London as his companion and friend.
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading Amidst this pursuit after fortune and grandeur, his father died, and left but a small pittance for the support of him and his brother Honestus.--This was soon known in the college, where fortune is considered as the first of all things.--Mercurius was now forced, in order to keep up his noble connections, to stoop to many meannesses, such as the thirst of ambition only can persuade the true dignity of a man to submit to; but, when we once quit the path of virtue in pursuit of imaginary pleasure, we must give up every hope of a retreat.
consistent with fact or reality; not false
From this reading Amidst this pursuit after fortune and grandeur, his father died, and left but a small pittance for the support of him and his brother Honestus.--This was soon known in the college, where fortune is considered as the first of all things.--Mercurius was now forced, in order to keep up his noble connections, to stoop to many meannesses, such as the thirst of ambition only can persuade the true dignity of a man to submit to; but, when we once quit the path of virtue in pursuit of imaginary pleasure, we must give up every hope of a retreat.
being or moving higher in position or greater in some value; being above a former position or level
From this reading Amidst this pursuit after fortune and grandeur, his father died, and left but a small pittance for the support of him and his brother Honestus.--This was soon known in the college, where fortune is considered as the first of all things.--Mercurius was now forced, in order to keep up his noble connections, to stoop to many meannesses, such as the thirst of ambition only can persuade the true dignity of a man to submit to; but, when we once quit the path of virtue in pursuit of imaginary pleasure, we must give up every hope of a retreat.
Moral excellence and goodness of character; the highest human attainment in Stoic philosophy.
From this reading Amidst this pursuit after fortune and grandeur, his father died, and left but a small pittance for the support of him and his brother Honestus.--This was soon known in the college, where fortune is considered as the first of all things.--Mercurius was now forced, in order to keep up his noble connections, to stoop to many meannesses, such as the thirst of ambition only can persuade the true dignity of a man to submit to; but, when we once quit the path of virtue in pursuit of imaginary pleasure, we must give up every hope of a retreat.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading Amidst this pursuit after fortune and grandeur, his father died, and left but a small pittance for the support of him and his brother Honestus.--This was soon known in the college, where fortune is considered as the first of all things.--Mercurius was now forced, in order to keep up his noble connections, to stoop to many meannesses, such as the thirst of ambition only can persuade the true dignity of a man to submit to; but, when we once quit the path of virtue in pursuit of imaginary pleasure, we must give up every hope of a retreat.
the speaker together with one or more other people
From this reading Amidst this pursuit after fortune and grandeur, his father died, and left but a small pittance for the support of him and his brother Honestus.--This was soon known in the college, where fortune is considered as the first of all things.--Mercurius was now forced, in order to keep up his noble connections, to stoop to many meannesses, such as the thirst of ambition only can persuade the true dignity of a man to submit to; but, when we once quit the path of virtue in pursuit of imaginary pleasure, we must give up every hope of a retreat.
wereauxiliary verbUS /wɜːr/
the past form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun
From this reading Among the patrons of Mercurius was a young nobleman of great fortune and connections, such as were more than sufficient to make a coxcomb of the happiest genius.
at the time that
From this reading Amidst this pursuit after fortune and grandeur, his father died, and left but a small pittance for the support of him and his brother Honestus.--This was soon known in the college, where fortune is considered as the first of all things.--Mercurius was now forced, in order to keep up his noble connections, to stoop to many meannesses, such as the thirst of ambition only can persuade the true dignity of a man to submit to; but, when we once quit the path of virtue in pursuit of imaginary pleasure, we must give up every hope of a retreat.
in or at the place that
From this reading Amidst this pursuit after fortune and grandeur, his father died, and left but a small pittance for the support of him and his brother Honestus.--This was soon known in the college, where fortune is considered as the first of all things.--Mercurius was now forced, in order to keep up his noble connections, to stoop to many meannesses, such as the thirst of ambition only can persuade the true dignity of a man to submit to; but, when we once quit the path of virtue in pursuit of imaginary pleasure, we must give up every hope of a retreat.
used to introduce a clause giving more about a thing just mentioned
From this reading The time arrived in which he was to quit college, and Mercurius accompanied him to London as his companion and friend.
a message whose ingenuity or verbal skill or incongruity has the power to evoke laughter
From this reading He was the dupe to his prejudices, the constant butt of his wit, and the contempt of every independent mind.
(used of living things especially persons) in an early period of life or development or growth
From this reading Among the patrons of Mercurius was a young nobleman of great fortune and connections, such as were more than sufficient to make a coxcomb of the happiest genius.
