Chapter I · Chapter 1

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

From this reading "Old as the days of Hierokles!" is the exclamation of the "classical" reader on hearing a well-worn jest; while, on the like occasion, that of the "general" reader--a comprehensive term, which, doubtless, signifies one who knows "small Latin and less Greek"--is, that it is "a Joe Miller;" both implying that the critic is too deeply versed in _joke-ology_ to be imposed upon, to have an old jest palmed on him as new, or as one made by a living wit.

on the subject of; concerning

From this reading And when one speaks of a jest as being "a Joe Miller," he should only mean that it is "familiar as household words," not that it is of contemptible antiquity, albeit many of the jokes in "Joe Miller" are, at least, "as old as Hierokles," such, for instance, as that of the man who trained his horse to live on a straw _per diem_, when it suddenly died, or that of him who had a house to sell and carried about a brick as a specimen of it.

although

From this reading And when one speaks of a jest as being "a Joe Miller," he should only mean that it is "familiar as household words," not that it is of contemptible antiquity, albeit many of the jokes in "Joe Miller" are, at least, "as old as Hierokles," such, for instance, as that of the man who trained his horse to live on a straw _per diem_, when it suddenly died, or that of him who had a house to sell and carried about a brick as a specimen of it.

a resident or native of Alexandria (especially Alexandria in Egypt)

From this reading That the so-called jests of Hierokles are _old_ there can be no doubt whatever; that they were collected by the Alexandrian sage of that name is more than doubtful; while it is certain that several of them are much older than the time in which he flourished, namely, the fifth century: it is very possible that some may date even as far back as the days of the ancient Egyptians!

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

From this reading "Old as the days of Hierokles!" is the exclamation of the "classical" reader on hearing a well-worn jest; while, on the like occasion, that of the "general" reader--a comprehensive term, which, doubtless, signifies one who knows "small Latin and less Greek"--is, that it is "a Joe Miller;" both implying that the critic is too deeply versed in _joke-ology_ to be imposed upon, to have an old jest palmed on him as new, or as one made by a living wit.

Belonging to the very distant past and no longer in existence or deeply revered.

From this reading ANCIENT GRECIAN NOODLES.

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

From this reading "Old as the days of Hierokles!" is the exclamation of the "classical" reader on hearing a well-worn jest; while, on the like occasion, that of the "general" reader--a comprehensive term, which, doubtless, signifies one who knows "small Latin and less Greek"--is, that it is "a Joe Miller;" both implying that the critic is too deeply versed in _joke-ology_ to be imposed upon, to have an old jest palmed on him as new, or as one made by a living wit.

the historic period preceding the Middle Ages in Europe

From this reading And when one speaks of a jest as being "a Joe Miller," he should only mean that it is "familiar as household words," not that it is of contemptible antiquity, albeit many of the jokes in "Joe Miller" are, at least, "as old as Hierokles," such, for instance, as that of the man who trained his horse to live on a straw _per diem_, when it suddenly died, or that of him who had a house to sell and carried about a brick as a specimen of it.

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

From this reading That the so-called jests of Hierokles are _old_ there can be no doubt whatever; that they were collected by the Alexandrian sage of that name is more than doubtful; while it is certain that several of them are much older than the time in which he flourished, namely, the fifth century: it is very possible that some may date even as far back as the days of the ancient Egyptians!

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

From this reading "Old as the days of Hierokles!" is the exclamation of the "classical" reader on hearing a well-worn jest; while, on the like occasion, that of the "general" reader--a comprehensive term, which, doubtless, signifies one who knows "small Latin and less Greek"--is, that it is "a Joe Miller;" both implying that the critic is too deeply versed in _joke-ology_ to be imposed upon, to have an old jest palmed on him as new, or as one made by a living wit.

past form of “associate” — make a logical or causal connection

From this reading It is perhaps hardly necessary to say that honest Joseph Miller, the comedian, was not the compiler of the celebrated jest-book with which his name is associated; that it was, in fact, simply a bookseller's trick to entitle a heterogeneous collection of jokes, "quips, and cranks, and quiddities," _Joe Millers Jests; or, The Wit's Vade Mecum_.

in or near a particular place or position

From this reading And when one speaks of a jest as being "a Joe Miller," he should only mean that it is "familiar as household words," not that it is of contemptible antiquity, albeit many of the jokes in "Joe Miller" are, at least, "as old as Hierokles," such, for instance, as that of the man who trained his horse to live on a straw _per diem_, when it suddenly died, or that of him who had a house to sell and carried about a brick as a specimen of it.

in or to or toward a former location

From this reading That the so-called jests of Hierokles are _old_ there can be no doubt whatever; that they were collected by the Alexandrian sage of that name is more than doubtful; while it is certain that several of them are much older than the time in which he flourished, namely, the fifth century: it is very possible that some may date even as far back as the days of the ancient Egyptians!

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

From this reading "Old as the days of Hierokles!" is the exclamation of the "classical" reader on hearing a well-worn jest; while, on the like occasion, that of the "general" reader--a comprehensive term, which, doubtless, signifies one who knows "small Latin and less Greek"--is, that it is "a Joe Miller;" both implying that the critic is too deeply versed in _joke-ology_ to be imposed upon, to have an old jest palmed on him as new, or as one made by a living wit.

the -ing form of “be”

From this reading And when one speaks of a jest as being "a Joe Miller," he should only mean that it is "familiar as household words," not that it is of contemptible antiquity, albeit many of the jokes in "Joe Miller" are, at least, "as old as Hierokles," such, for instance, as that of the man who trained his horse to live on a straw _per diem_, when it suddenly died, or that of him who had a house to sell and carried about a brick as a specimen of it.

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

From this reading It is perhaps hardly necessary to say that honest Joseph Miller, the comedian, was not the compiler of the celebrated jest-book with which his name is associated; that it was, in fact, simply a bookseller's trick to entitle a heterogeneous collection of jokes, "quips, and cranks, and quiddities," _Joe Millers Jests; or, The Wit's Vade Mecum_.

the two together, not just one

From this reading "Old as the days of Hierokles!" is the exclamation of the "classical" reader on hearing a well-worn jest; while, on the like occasion, that of the "general" reader--a comprehensive term, which, doubtless, signifies one who knows "small Latin and less Greek"--is, that it is "a Joe Miller;" both implying that the critic is too deeply versed in _joke-ology_ to be imposed upon, to have an old jest palmed on him as new, or as one made by a living wit.

rectangular block of clay baked by the sun or in a kiln; used as a building or paving material

From this reading And when one speaks of a jest as being "a Joe Miller," he should only mean that it is "familiar as household words," not that it is of contemptible antiquity, albeit many of the jokes in "Joe Miller" are, at least, "as old as Hierokles," such, for instance, as that of the man who trained his horse to live on a straw _per diem_, when it suddenly died, or that of him who had a house to sell and carried about a brick as a specimen of it.

showing who or what does the action

From this reading "Old as the days of Hierokles!" is the exclamation of the "classical" reader on hearing a well-worn jest; while, on the like occasion, that of the "general" reader--a comprehensive term, which, doubtless, signifies one who knows "small Latin and less Greek"--is, that it is "a Joe Miller;" both implying that the critic is too deeply versed in _joke-ology_ to be imposed upon, to have an old jest palmed on him as new, or as one made by a living wit.

to be able to, or to be allowed to

From this reading That the so-called jests of Hierokles are _old_ there can be no doubt whatever; that they were collected by the Alexandrian sage of that name is more than doubtful; while it is certain that several of them are much older than the time in which he flourished, namely, the fifth century: it is very possible that some may date even as far back as the days of the ancient Egyptians!

inflected form of “carry” — move while supporting, either in a vehicle or in one's hands or on one's body

From this reading And when one speaks of a jest as being "a Joe Miller," he should only mean that it is "familiar as household words," not that it is of contemptible antiquity, albeit many of the jokes in "Joe Miller" are, at least, "as old as Hierokles," such, for instance, as that of the man who trained his horse to live on a straw _per diem_, when it suddenly died, or that of him who had a house to sell and carried about a brick as a specimen of it.

widely known and esteemed

From this reading It is perhaps hardly necessary to say that honest Joseph Miller, the comedian, was not the compiler of the celebrated jest-book with which his name is associated; that it was, in fact, simply a bookseller's trick to entitle a heterogeneous collection of jokes, "quips, and cranks, and quiddities," _Joe Millers Jests; or, The Wit's Vade Mecum_.

a period of 100 years

From this reading That the so-called jests of Hierokles are _old_ there can be no doubt whatever; that they were collected by the Alexandrian sage of that name is more than doubtful; while it is certain that several of them are much older than the time in which he flourished, namely, the fifth century: it is very possible that some may date even as far back as the days of the ancient Egyptians!

definite but not specified or identified

From this reading That the so-called jests of Hierokles are _old_ there can be no doubt whatever; that they were collected by the Alexandrian sage of that name is more than doubtful; while it is certain that several of them are much older than the time in which he flourished, namely, the fifth century: it is very possible that some may date even as far back as the days of the ancient Egyptians!

of or relating to the first significant period of a civilization, culture, area of study, etc.

From this reading "Old as the days of Hierokles!" is the exclamation of the "classical" reader on hearing a well-worn jest; while, on the like occasion, that of the "general" reader--a comprehensive term, which, doubtless, signifies one who knows "small Latin and less Greek"--is, that it is "a Joe Miller;" both implying that the critic is too deeply versed in _joke-ology_ to be imposed upon, to have an old jest palmed on him as new, or as one made by a living wit.

brought together in one place

From this reading That the so-called jests of Hierokles are _old_ there can be no doubt whatever; that they were collected by the Alexandrian sage of that name is more than doubtful; while it is certain that several of them are much older than the time in which he flourished, namely, the fifth century: it is very possible that some may date even as far back as the days of the ancient Egyptians!

several things grouped together or considered as a whole

From this reading It is perhaps hardly necessary to say that honest Joseph Miller, the comedian, was not the compiler of the celebrated jest-book with which his name is associated; that it was, in fact, simply a bookseller's trick to entitle a heterogeneous collection of jokes, "quips, and cranks, and quiddities," _Joe Millers Jests; or, The Wit's Vade Mecum_.

a professional performer who tells jokes and performs comical acts

From this reading It is perhaps hardly necessary to say that honest Joseph Miller, the comedian, was not the compiler of the celebrated jest-book with which his name is associated; that it was, in fact, simply a bookseller's trick to entitle a heterogeneous collection of jokes, "quips, and cranks, and quiddities," _Joe Millers Jests; or, The Wit's Vade Mecum_.

a person who compiles information (as for reference purposes)

From this reading It is perhaps hardly necessary to say that honest Joseph Miller, the comedian, was not the compiler of the celebrated jest-book with which his name is associated; that it was, in fact, simply a bookseller's trick to entitle a heterogeneous collection of jokes, "quips, and cranks, and quiddities," _Joe Millers Jests; or, The Wit's Vade Mecum_.

including all or everything

From this reading "Old as the days of Hierokles!" is the exclamation of the "classical" reader on hearing a well-worn jest; while, on the like occasion, that of the "general" reader--a comprehensive term, which, doubtless, signifies one who knows "small Latin and less Greek"--is, that it is "a Joe Miller;" both implying that the critic is too deeply versed in _joke-ology_ to be imposed upon, to have an old jest palmed on him as new, or as one made by a living wit.

deserving of contempt or scorn

From this reading And when one speaks of a jest as being "a Joe Miller," he should only mean that it is "familiar as household words," not that it is of contemptible antiquity, albeit many of the jokes in "Joe Miller" are, at least, "as old as Hierokles," such, for instance, as that of the man who trained his horse to live on a straw _per diem_, when it suddenly died, or that of him who had a house to sell and carried about a brick as a specimen of it.

plural of “crank” — a bad-tempered person

From this reading It is perhaps hardly necessary to say that honest Joseph Miller, the comedian, was not the compiler of the celebrated jest-book with which his name is associated; that it was, in fact, simply a bookseller's trick to entitle a heterogeneous collection of jokes, "quips, and cranks, and quiddities," _Joe Millers Jests; or, The Wit's Vade Mecum_.

a person who is professionally engaged in the analysis and interpretation of works of art

From this reading "Old as the days of Hierokles!" is the exclamation of the "classical" reader on hearing a well-worn jest; while, on the like occasion, that of the "general" reader--a comprehensive term, which, doubtless, signifies one who knows "small Latin and less Greek"--is, that it is "a Joe Miller;" both implying that the critic is too deeply versed in _joke-ology_ to be imposed upon, to have an old jest palmed on him as new, or as one made by a living wit.

the specified day of the month

From this reading That the so-called jests of Hierokles are _old_ there can be no doubt whatever; that they were collected by the Alexandrian sage of that name is more than doubtful; while it is certain that several of them are much older than the time in which he flourished, namely, the fifth century: it is very possible that some may date even as far back as the days of the ancient Egyptians!

the time during which someone's life continues

From this reading "Old as the days of Hierokles!" is the exclamation of the "classical" reader on hearing a well-worn jest; while, on the like occasion, that of the "general" reader--a comprehensive term, which, doubtless, signifies one who knows "small Latin and less Greek"--is, that it is "a Joe Miller;" both implying that the critic is too deeply versed in _joke-ology_ to be imposed upon, to have an old jest palmed on him as new, or as one made by a living wit.

to a great depth psychologically or emotionally

From this reading "Old as the days of Hierokles!" is the exclamation of the "classical" reader on hearing a well-worn jest; while, on the like occasion, that of the "general" reader--a comprehensive term, which, doubtless, signifies one who knows "small Latin and less Greek"--is, that it is "a Joe Miller;" both implying that the critic is too deeply versed in _joke-ology_ to be imposed upon, to have an old jest palmed on him as new, or as one made by a living wit.

past form of “die” — pass from physical life and lose all bodily attributes and functions necessary to sustain life

From this reading And when one speaks of a jest as being "a Joe Miller," he should only mean that it is "familiar as household words," not that it is of contemptible antiquity, albeit many of the jokes in "Joe Miller" are, at least, "as old as Hierokles," such, for instance, as that of the man who trained his horse to live on a straw _per diem_, when it suddenly died, or that of him who had a house to sell and carried about a brick as a specimen of it.

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

From this reading And when one speaks of a jest as being "a Joe Miller," he should only mean that it is "familiar as household words," not that it is of contemptible antiquity, albeit many of the jokes in "Joe Miller" are, at least, "as old as Hierokles," such, for instance, as that of the man who trained his horse to live on a straw _per diem_, when it suddenly died, or that of him who had a house to sell and carried about a brick as a specimen of it.

the state of being unsure of something

From this reading That the so-called jests of Hierokles are _old_ there can be no doubt whatever; that they were collected by the Alexandrian sage of that name is more than doubtful; while it is certain that several of them are much older than the time in which he flourished, namely, the fifth century: it is very possible that some may date even as far back as the days of the ancient Egyptians!

open to doubt or suspicion

From this reading That the so-called jests of Hierokles are _old_ there can be no doubt whatever; that they were collected by the Alexandrian sage of that name is more than doubtful; while it is certain that several of them are much older than the time in which he flourished, namely, the fifth century: it is very possible that some may date even as far back as the days of the ancient Egyptians!

without doubt; certainly

From this reading "Old as the days of Hierokles!" is the exclamation of the "classical" reader on hearing a well-worn jest; while, on the like occasion, that of the "general" reader--a comprehensive term, which, doubtless, signifies one who knows "small Latin and less Greek"--is, that it is "a Joe Miller;" both implying that the critic is too deeply versed in _joke-ology_ to be imposed upon, to have an old jest palmed on him as new, or as one made by a living wit.

plural of “egyptian” — a native or inhabitant of Egypt

From this reading That the so-called jests of Hierokles are _old_ there can be no doubt whatever; that they were collected by the Alexandrian sage of that name is more than doubtful; while it is certain that several of them are much older than the time in which he flourished, namely, the fifth century: it is very possible that some may date even as far back as the days of the ancient Egyptians!

give the right to

From this reading It is perhaps hardly necessary to say that honest Joseph Miller, the comedian, was not the compiler of the celebrated jest-book with which his name is associated; that it was, in fact, simply a bookseller's trick to entitle a heterogeneous collection of jokes, "quips, and cranks, and quiddities," _Joe Millers Jests; or, The Wit's Vade Mecum_.

divisible by two

From this reading That the so-called jests of Hierokles are _old_ there can be no doubt whatever; that they were collected by the Alexandrian sage of that name is more than doubtful; while it is certain that several of them are much older than the time in which he flourished, namely, the fifth century: it is very possible that some may date even as far back as the days of the ancient Egyptians!

an abrupt excited utterance

From this reading "Old as the days of Hierokles!" is the exclamation of the "classical" reader on hearing a well-worn jest; while, on the like occasion, that of the "general" reader--a comprehensive term, which, doubtless, signifies one who knows "small Latin and less Greek"--is, that it is "a Joe Miller;" both implying that the critic is too deeply versed in _joke-ology_ to be imposed upon, to have an old jest palmed on him as new, or as one made by a living wit.

a piece of information about circumstances that exist or events that have occurred

From this reading It is perhaps hardly necessary to say that honest Joseph Miller, the comedian, was not the compiler of the celebrated jest-book with which his name is associated; that it was, in fact, simply a bookseller's trick to entitle a heterogeneous collection of jokes, "quips, and cranks, and quiddities," _Joe Millers Jests; or, The Wit's Vade Mecum_.

well known or easily recognized

From this reading And when one speaks of a jest as being "a Joe Miller," he should only mean that it is "familiar as household words," not that it is of contemptible antiquity, albeit many of the jokes in "Joe Miller" are, at least, "as old as Hierokles," such, for instance, as that of the man who trained his horse to live on a straw _per diem_, when it suddenly died, or that of him who had a house to sell and carried about a brick as a specimen of it.

to a considerable degree; very much

From this reading That the so-called jests of Hierokles are _old_ there can be no doubt whatever; that they were collected by the Alexandrian sage of that name is more than doubtful; while it is certain that several of them are much older than the time in which he flourished, namely, the fifth century: it is very possible that some may date even as far back as the days of the ancient Egyptians!

a quantity of liquor equal to one fifth of a United States gallon

From this reading That the so-called jests of Hierokles are _old_ there can be no doubt whatever; that they were collected by the Alexandrian sage of that name is more than doubtful; while it is certain that several of them are much older than the time in which he flourished, namely, the fifth century: it is very possible that some may date even as far back as the days of the ancient Egyptians!

past form of “flourish” — grow vigorously

From this reading That the so-called jests of Hierokles are _old_ there can be no doubt whatever; that they were collected by the Alexandrian sage of that name is more than doubtful; while it is certain that several of them are much older than the time in which he flourished, namely, the fifth century: it is very possible that some may date even as far back as the days of the ancient Egyptians!

intended to be given to, or used by, somebody

From this reading And when one speaks of a jest as being "a Joe Miller," he should only mean that it is "familiar as household words," not that it is of contemptible antiquity, albeit many of the jokes in "Joe Miller" are, at least, "as old as Hierokles," such, for instance, as that of the man who trained his horse to live on a straw _per diem_, when it suddenly died, or that of him who had a house to sell and carried about a brick as a specimen of it.

applying to all or most members of a category or group

From this reading "Old as the days of Hierokles!" is the exclamation of the "classical" reader on hearing a well-worn jest; while, on the like occasion, that of the "general" reader--a comprehensive term, which, doubtless, signifies one who knows "small Latin and less Greek"--is, that it is "a Joe Miller;" both implying that the critic is too deeply versed in _joke-ology_ to be imposed upon, to have an old jest palmed on him as new, or as one made by a living wit.

of or relating to or characteristic of Greece or the Greeks or the Greek language

From this reading ANCIENT GRECIAN NOODLES.

the Hellenic branch of the Indo-European family of languages

From this reading "Old as the days of Hierokles!" is the exclamation of the "classical" reader on hearing a well-worn jest; while, on the like occasion, that of the "general" reader--a comprehensive term, which, doubtless, signifies one who knows "small Latin and less Greek"--is, that it is "a Joe Miller;" both implying that the critic is too deeply versed in _joke-ology_ to be imposed upon, to have an old jest palmed on him as new, or as one made by a living wit.

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

From this reading And when one speaks of a jest as being "a Joe Miller," he should only mean that it is "familiar as household words," not that it is of contemptible antiquity, albeit many of the jokes in "Joe Miller" are, at least, "as old as Hierokles," such, for instance, as that of the man who trained his horse to live on a straw _per diem_, when it suddenly died, or that of him who had a house to sell and carried about a brick as a specimen of it.

only a very short time before

From this reading It is perhaps hardly necessary to say that honest Joseph Miller, the comedian, was not the compiler of the celebrated jest-book with which his name is associated; that it was, in fact, simply a bookseller's trick to entitle a heterogeneous collection of jokes, "quips, and cranks, and quiddities," _Joe Millers Jests; or, The Wit's Vade Mecum_.

used with a past participle to form the perfect tenses

From this reading "Old as the days of Hierokles!" is the exclamation of the "classical" reader on hearing a well-worn jest; while, on the like occasion, that of the "general" reader--a comprehensive term, which, doubtless, signifies one who knows "small Latin and less Greek"--is, that it is "a Joe Miller;" both implying that the critic is too deeply versed in _joke-ology_ to be imposed upon, to have an old jest palmed on him as new, or as one made by a living wit.

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

From this reading That the so-called jests of Hierokles are _old_ there can be no doubt whatever; that they were collected by the Alexandrian sage of that name is more than doubtful; while it is certain that several of them are much older than the time in which he flourished, namely, the fifth century: it is very possible that some may date even as far back as the days of the ancient Egyptians!

(law) a proceeding (usually by a court) where evidence is taken for the purpose of determining an issue of fact and reaching a decision based on that evidence

From this reading "Old as the days of Hierokles!" is the exclamation of the "classical" reader on hearing a well-worn jest; while, on the like occasion, that of the "general" reader--a comprehensive term, which, doubtless, signifies one who knows "small Latin and less Greek"--is, that it is "a Joe Miller;" both implying that the critic is too deeply versed in _joke-ology_ to be imposed upon, to have an old jest palmed on him as new, or as one made by a living wit.

consisting of elements that are not of the same kind or nature

From this reading It is perhaps hardly necessary to say that honest Joseph Miller, the comedian, was not the compiler of the celebrated jest-book with which his name is associated; that it was, in fact, simply a bookseller's trick to entitle a heterogeneous collection of jokes, "quips, and cranks, and quiddities," _Joe Millers Jests; or, The Wit's Vade Mecum_.

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

From this reading "Old as the days of Hierokles!" is the exclamation of the "classical" reader on hearing a well-worn jest; while, on the like occasion, that of the "general" reader--a comprehensive term, which, doubtless, signifies one who knows "small Latin and less Greek"--is, that it is "a Joe Miller;" both implying that the critic is too deeply versed in _joke-ology_ to be imposed upon, to have an old jest palmed on him as new, or as one made by a living wit.

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

From this reading "Old as the days of Hierokles!" is the exclamation of the "classical" reader on hearing a well-worn jest; while, on the like occasion, that of the "general" reader--a comprehensive term, which, doubtless, signifies one who knows "small Latin and less Greek"--is, that it is "a Joe Miller;" both implying that the critic is too deeply versed in _joke-ology_ to be imposed upon, to have an old jest palmed on him as new, or as one made by a living wit.

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

From this reading It is perhaps hardly necessary to say that honest Joseph Miller, the comedian, was not the compiler of the celebrated jest-book with which his name is associated; that it was, in fact, simply a bookseller's trick to entitle a heterogeneous collection of jokes, "quips, and cranks, and quiddities," _Joe Millers Jests; or, The Wit's Vade Mecum_.

not disposed to cheat or defraud; not deceptive or fraudulent

From this reading It is perhaps hardly necessary to say that honest Joseph Miller, the comedian, was not the compiler of the celebrated jest-book with which his name is associated; that it was, in fact, simply a bookseller's trick to entitle a heterogeneous collection of jokes, "quips, and cranks, and quiddities," _Joe Millers Jests; or, The Wit's Vade Mecum_.

solid-hoofed herbivorous quadruped domesticated since prehistoric times

From this reading And when one speaks of a jest as being "a Joe Miller," he should only mean that it is "familiar as household words," not that it is of contemptible antiquity, albeit many of the jokes in "Joe Miller" are, at least, "as old as Hierokles," such, for instance, as that of the man who trained his horse to live on a straw _per diem_, when it suddenly died, or that of him who had a house to sell and carried about a brick as a specimen of it.

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

From this reading And when one speaks of a jest as being "a Joe Miller," he should only mean that it is "familiar as household words," not that it is of contemptible antiquity, albeit many of the jokes in "Joe Miller" are, at least, "as old as Hierokles," such, for instance, as that of the man who trained his horse to live on a straw _per diem_, when it suddenly died, or that of him who had a house to sell and carried about a brick as a specimen of it.

a social unit living together

From this reading And when one speaks of a jest as being "a Joe Miller," he should only mean that it is "familiar as household words," not that it is of contemptible antiquity, albeit many of the jokes in "Joe Miller" are, at least, "as old as Hierokles," such, for instance, as that of the man who trained his horse to live on a straw _per diem_, when it suddenly died, or that of him who had a house to sell and carried about a brick as a specimen of it.

-ing form of “imply” — express or state indirectly

From this reading "Old as the days of Hierokles!" is the exclamation of the "classical" reader on hearing a well-worn jest; while, on the like occasion, that of the "general" reader--a comprehensive term, which, doubtless, signifies one who knows "small Latin and less Greek"--is, that it is "a Joe Miller;" both implying that the critic is too deeply versed in _joke-ology_ to be imposed upon, to have an old jest palmed on him as new, or as one made by a living wit.

set forth authoritatively as obligatory

From this reading "Old as the days of Hierokles!" is the exclamation of the "classical" reader on hearing a well-worn jest; while, on the like occasion, that of the "general" reader--a comprehensive term, which, doubtless, signifies one who knows "small Latin and less Greek"--is, that it is "a Joe Miller;" both implying that the critic is too deeply versed in _joke-ology_ to be imposed upon, to have an old jest palmed on him as new, or as one made by a living wit.

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

From this reading "Old as the days of Hierokles!" is the exclamation of the "classical" reader on hearing a well-worn jest; while, on the like occasion, that of the "general" reader--a comprehensive term, which, doubtless, signifies one who knows "small Latin and less Greek"--is, that it is "a Joe Miller;" both implying that the critic is too deeply versed in _joke-ology_ to be imposed upon, to have an old jest palmed on him as new, or as one made by a living wit.

an occurrence of something

From this reading And when one speaks of a jest as being "a Joe Miller," he should only mean that it is "familiar as household words," not that it is of contemptible antiquity, albeit many of the jokes in "Joe Miller" are, at least, "as old as Hierokles," such, for instance, as that of the man who trained his horse to live on a straw _per diem_, when it suddenly died, or that of him who had a house to sell and carried about a brick as a specimen of it.

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

From this reading "Old as the days of Hierokles!" is the exclamation of the "classical" reader on hearing a well-worn jest; while, on the like occasion, that of the "general" reader--a comprehensive term, which, doubtless, signifies one who knows "small Latin and less Greek"--is, that it is "a Joe Miller;" both implying that the critic is too deeply versed in _joke-ology_ to be imposed upon, to have an old jest palmed on him as new, or as one made by a living wit.

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading "Old as the days of Hierokles!" is the exclamation of the "classical" reader on hearing a well-worn jest; while, on the like occasion, that of the "general" reader--a comprehensive term, which, doubtless, signifies one who knows "small Latin and less Greek"--is, that it is "a Joe Miller;" both implying that the critic is too deeply versed in _joke-ology_ to be imposed upon, to have an old jest palmed on him as new, or as one made by a living wit.

a humorous anecdote or remark intended to provoke laughter

From this reading "Old as the days of Hierokles!" is the exclamation of the "classical" reader on hearing a well-worn jest; while, on the like occasion, that of the "general" reader--a comprehensive term, which, doubtless, signifies one who knows "small Latin and less Greek"--is, that it is "a Joe Miller;" both implying that the critic is too deeply versed in _joke-ology_ to be imposed upon, to have an old jest palmed on him as new, or as one made by a living wit.

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

From this reading It is perhaps hardly necessary to say that honest Joseph Miller, the comedian, was not the compiler of the celebrated jest-book with which his name is associated; that it was, in fact, simply a bookseller's trick to entitle a heterogeneous collection of jokes, "quips, and cranks, and quiddities," _Joe Millers Jests; or, The Wit's Vade Mecum_.

plural of “jest” — a humorous anecdote or remark intended to provoke laughter

From this reading That the so-called jests of Hierokles are _old_ there can be no doubt whatever; that they were collected by the Alexandrian sage of that name is more than doubtful; while it is certain that several of them are much older than the time in which he flourished, namely, the fifth century: it is very possible that some may date even as far back as the days of the ancient Egyptians!

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

From this reading "Old as the days of Hierokles!" is the exclamation of the "classical" reader on hearing a well-worn jest; while, on the like occasion, that of the "general" reader--a comprehensive term, which, doubtless, signifies one who knows "small Latin and less Greek"--is, that it is "a Joe Miller;" both implying that the critic is too deeply versed in _joke-ology_ to be imposed upon, to have an old jest palmed on him as new, or as one made by a living wit.

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

From this reading "Old as the days of Hierokles!" is the exclamation of the "classical" reader on hearing a well-worn jest; while, on the like occasion, that of the "general" reader--a comprehensive term, which, doubtless, signifies one who knows "small Latin and less Greek"--is, that it is "a Joe Miller;" both implying that the critic is too deeply versed in _joke-ology_ to be imposed upon, to have an old jest palmed on him as new, or as one made by a living wit.

plural of “joke” — a humorous anecdote or remark intended to provoke laughter

From this reading It is perhaps hardly necessary to say that honest Joseph Miller, the comedian, was not the compiler of the celebrated jest-book with which his name is associated; that it was, in fact, simply a bookseller's trick to entitle a heterogeneous collection of jokes, "quips, and cranks, and quiddities," _Joe Millers Jests; or, The Wit's Vade Mecum_.

leader of the Nez Perce in their retreat from United States troops (1840-1904)

From this reading It is perhaps hardly necessary to say that honest Joseph Miller, the comedian, was not the compiler of the celebrated jest-book with which his name is associated; that it was, in fact, simply a bookseller's trick to entitle a heterogeneous collection of jokes, "quips, and cranks, and quiddities," _Joe Millers Jests; or, The Wit's Vade Mecum_.

plural of “know” — the fact of being aware of information that is known to few people

From this reading "Old as the days of Hierokles!" is the exclamation of the "classical" reader on hearing a well-worn jest; while, on the like occasion, that of the "general" reader--a comprehensive term, which, doubtless, signifies one who knows "small Latin and less Greek"--is, that it is "a Joe Miller;" both implying that the critic is too deeply versed in _joke-ology_ to be imposed upon, to have an old jest palmed on him as new, or as one made by a living wit.

of or relating to the ancient Latins or the Latin language

From this reading "Old as the days of Hierokles!" is the exclamation of the "classical" reader on hearing a well-worn jest; while, on the like occasion, that of the "general" reader--a comprehensive term, which, doubtless, signifies one who knows "small Latin and less Greek"--is, that it is "a Joe Miller;" both implying that the critic is too deeply versed in _joke-ology_ to be imposed upon, to have an old jest palmed on him as new, or as one made by a living wit.

the superlative of “little” that can be used with mass nouns and is usually preceded by “the”; a quantifier meaning smallest in amount or extent or degree

From this reading And when one speaks of a jest as being "a Joe Miller," he should only mean that it is "familiar as household words," not that it is of contemptible antiquity, albeit many of the jokes in "Joe Miller" are, at least, "as old as Hierokles," such, for instance, as that of the man who trained his horse to live on a straw _per diem_, when it suddenly died, or that of him who had a house to sell and carried about a brick as a specimen of it.

used to form the comparative of some adjectives and adverbs

From this reading "Old as the days of Hierokles!" is the exclamation of the "classical" reader on hearing a well-worn jest; while, on the like occasion, that of the "general" reader--a comprehensive term, which, doubtless, signifies one who knows "small Latin and less Greek"--is, that it is "a Joe Miller;" both implying that the critic is too deeply versed in _joke-ology_ to be imposed upon, to have an old jest palmed on him as new, or as one made by a living wit.

prefer or wish to do something

From this reading "Old as the days of Hierokles!" is the exclamation of the "classical" reader on hearing a well-worn jest; while, on the like occasion, that of the "general" reader--a comprehensive term, which, doubtless, signifies one who knows "small Latin and less Greek"--is, that it is "a Joe Miller;" both implying that the critic is too deeply versed in _joke-ology_ to be imposed upon, to have an old jest palmed on him as new, or as one made by a living wit.

be an inhabitant of or reside in

From this reading And when one speaks of a jest as being "a Joe Miller," he should only mean that it is "familiar as household words," not that it is of contemptible antiquity, albeit many of the jokes in "Joe Miller" are, at least, "as old as Hierokles," such, for instance, as that of the man who trained his horse to live on a straw _per diem_, when it suddenly died, or that of him who had a house to sell and carried about a brick as a specimen of it.

the experience of being alive; the course of human events and activities

From this reading "Old as the days of Hierokles!" is the exclamation of the "classical" reader on hearing a well-worn jest; while, on the like occasion, that of the "general" reader--a comprehensive term, which, doubtless, signifies one who knows "small Latin and less Greek"--is, that it is "a Joe Miller;" both implying that the critic is too deeply versed in _joke-ology_ to be imposed upon, to have an old jest palmed on him as new, or as one made by a living wit.

produced by a manufacturing process

From this reading "Old as the days of Hierokles!" is the exclamation of the "classical" reader on hearing a well-worn jest; while, on the like occasion, that of the "general" reader--a comprehensive term, which, doubtless, signifies one who knows "small Latin and less Greek"--is, that it is "a Joe Miller;" both implying that the critic is too deeply versed in _joke-ology_ to be imposed upon, to have an old jest palmed on him as new, or as one made by a living wit.

an adult person who is male (as opposed to a woman)

From this reading And when one speaks of a jest as being "a Joe Miller," he should only mean that it is "familiar as household words," not that it is of contemptible antiquity, albeit many of the jokes in "Joe Miller" are, at least, "as old as Hierokles," such, for instance, as that of the man who trained his horse to live on a straw _per diem_, when it suddenly died, or that of him who had a house to sell and carried about a brick as a specimen of it.

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 And when one speaks of a jest as being "a Joe Miller," he should only mean that it is "familiar as household words," not that it is of contemptible antiquity, albeit many of the jokes in "Joe Miller" are, at least, "as old as Hierokles," such, for instance, as that of the man who trained his horse to live on a straw _per diem_, when it suddenly died, or that of him who had a house to sell and carried about a brick as a specimen of it.

used to say something is possible, or to give permission

From this reading That the so-called jests of Hierokles are _old_ there can be no doubt whatever; that they were collected by the Alexandrian sage of that name is more than doubtful; while it is certain that several of them are much older than the time in which he flourished, namely, the fifth century: it is very possible that some may date even as far back as the days of the ancient Egyptians!

mean or intend to express or convey

From this reading And when one speaks of a jest as being "a Joe Miller," he should only mean that it is "familiar as household words," not that it is of contemptible antiquity, albeit many of the jokes in "Joe Miller" are, at least, "as old as Hierokles," such, for instance, as that of the man who trained his horse to live on a straw _per diem_, when it suddenly died, or that of him who had a house to sell and carried about a brick as a specimen of it.

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

From this reading It is perhaps hardly necessary to say that honest Joseph Miller, the comedian, was not the compiler of the celebrated jest-book with which his name is associated; that it was, in fact, simply a bookseller's trick to entitle a heterogeneous collection of jokes, "quips, and cranks, and quiddities," _Joe Millers Jests; or, The Wit's Vade Mecum_.

United States bandleader of a popular big band (1909-1944)

From this reading "Old as the days of Hierokles!" is the exclamation of the "classical" reader on hearing a well-worn jest; while, on the like occasion, that of the "general" reader--a comprehensive term, which, doubtless, signifies one who knows "small Latin and less Greek"--is, that it is "a Joe Miller;" both implying that the critic is too deeply versed in _joke-ology_ to be imposed upon, to have an old jest palmed on him as new, or as one made by a living wit.

plural of “miller” — United States bandleader of a popular big band (1909-1944)

From this reading It is perhaps hardly necessary to say that honest Joseph Miller, the comedian, was not the compiler of the celebrated jest-book with which his name is associated; that it was, in fact, simply a bookseller's trick to entitle a heterogeneous collection of jokes, "quips, and cranks, and quiddities," _Joe Millers Jests; or, The Wit's Vade Mecum_.

(comparative of “much” used with mass nouns) a quantifier meaning greater in size or amount or extent or degree

From this reading That the so-called jests of Hierokles are _old_ there can be no doubt whatever; that they were collected by the Alexandrian sage of that name is more than doubtful; while it is certain that several of them are much older than the time in which he flourished, namely, the fifth century: it is very possible that some may date even as far back as the days of the ancient Egyptians!

to a great degree or extent

From this reading That the so-called jests of Hierokles are _old_ there can be no doubt whatever; that they were collected by the Alexandrian sage of that name is more than doubtful; while it is certain that several of them are much older than the time in which he flourished, namely, the fifth century: it is very possible that some may date even as far back as the days of the ancient Egyptians!

assign a specified (usually proper) proper name to

From this reading That the so-called jests of Hierokles are _old_ there can be no doubt whatever; that they were collected by the Alexandrian sage of that name is more than doubtful; while it is certain that several of them are much older than the time in which he flourished, namely, the fifth century: it is very possible that some may date even as far back as the days of the ancient Egyptians!

as follows

From this reading That the so-called jests of Hierokles are _old_ there can be no doubt whatever; that they were collected by the Alexandrian sage of that name is more than doubtful; while it is certain that several of them are much older than the time in which he flourished, namely, the fifth century: it is very possible that some may date even as far back as the days of the ancient Egyptians!

absolutely essential

From this reading It is perhaps hardly necessary to say that honest Joseph Miller, the comedian, was not the compiler of the celebrated jest-book with which his name is associated; that it was, in fact, simply a bookseller's trick to entitle a heterogeneous collection of jokes, "quips, and cranks, and quiddities," _Joe Millers Jests; or, The Wit's Vade Mecum_.

not of long duration; having just (or relatively recently) come into being or been made or acquired or discovered

From this reading "Old as the days of Hierokles!" is the exclamation of the "classical" reader on hearing a well-worn jest; while, on the like occasion, that of the "general" reader--a comprehensive term, which, doubtless, signifies one who knows "small Latin and less Greek"--is, that it is "a Joe Miller;" both implying that the critic is too deeply versed in _joke-ology_ to be imposed upon, to have an old jest palmed on him as new, or as one made by a living wit.

not any; not one

From this reading That the so-called jests of Hierokles are _old_ there can be no doubt whatever; that they were collected by the Alexandrian sage of that name is more than doubtful; while it is certain that several of them are much older than the time in which he flourished, namely, the fifth century: it is very possible that some may date even as far back as the days of the ancient Egyptians!

plural of “noodle” — a ribbonlike strip of pasta

From this reading ANCIENT GRECIAN NOODLES.

used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative

From this reading It is perhaps hardly necessary to say that honest Joseph Miller, the comedian, was not the compiler of the celebrated jest-book with which his name is associated; that it was, in fact, simply a bookseller's trick to entitle a heterogeneous collection of jokes, "quips, and cranks, and quiddities," _Joe Millers Jests; or, The Wit's Vade Mecum_.

an event that occurs at a critical time

From this reading "Old as the days of Hierokles!" is the exclamation of the "classical" reader on hearing a well-worn jest; while, on the like occasion, that of the "general" reader--a comprehensive term, which, doubtless, signifies one who knows "small Latin and less Greek"--is, that it is "a Joe Miller;" both implying that the critic is too deeply versed in _joke-ology_ to be imposed upon, to have an old jest palmed on him as new, or as one made by a living wit.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading "Old as the days of Hierokles!" is the exclamation of the "classical" reader on hearing a well-worn jest; while, on the like occasion, that of the "general" reader--a comprehensive term, which, doubtless, signifies one who knows "small Latin and less Greek"--is, that it is "a Joe Miller;" both implying that the critic is too deeply versed in _joke-ology_ to be imposed upon, to have an old jest palmed on him as new, or as one made by a living wit.

(used especially of persons) having lived for a relatively long time or attained a specific age

From this reading "Old as the days of Hierokles!" is the exclamation of the "classical" reader on hearing a well-worn jest; while, on the like occasion, that of the "general" reader--a comprehensive term, which, doubtless, signifies one who knows "small Latin and less Greek"--is, that it is "a Joe Miller;" both implying that the critic is too deeply versed in _joke-ology_ to be imposed upon, to have an old jest palmed on him as new, or as one made by a living wit.

advanced in years; (“aged” is pronounced as two syllables)

From this reading That the so-called jests of Hierokles are _old_ there can be no doubt whatever; that they were collected by the Alexandrian sage of that name is more than doubtful; while it is certain that several of them are much older than the time in which he flourished, namely, the fifth century: it is very possible that some may date even as far back as the days of the ancient Egyptians!

touching and supported by a surface

From this reading "Old as the days of Hierokles!" is the exclamation of the "classical" reader on hearing a well-worn jest; while, on the like occasion, that of the "general" reader--a comprehensive term, which, doubtless, signifies one who knows "small Latin and less Greek"--is, that it is "a Joe Miller;" both implying that the critic is too deeply versed in _joke-ology_ to be imposed upon, to have an old jest palmed on him as new, or as one made by a living wit.

used to mean any person in general, including the speaker

From this reading "Old as the days of Hierokles!" is the exclamation of the "classical" reader on hearing a well-worn jest; while, on the like occasion, that of the "general" reader--a comprehensive term, which, doubtless, signifies one who knows "small Latin and less Greek"--is, that it is "a Joe Miller;" both implying that the critic is too deeply versed in _joke-ology_ to be imposed upon, to have an old jest palmed on him as new, or as one made by a living wit.

and nothing more

From this reading And when one speaks of a jest as being "a Joe Miller," he should only mean that it is "familiar as household words," not that it is of contemptible antiquity, albeit many of the jokes in "Joe Miller" are, at least, "as old as Hierokles," such, for instance, as that of the man who trained his horse to live on a straw _per diem_, when it suddenly died, or that of him who had a house to sell and carried about a brick as a specimen of it.

used to join alternatives or possibilities

From this reading "Old as the days of Hierokles!" is the exclamation of the "classical" reader on hearing a well-worn jest; while, on the like occasion, that of the "general" reader--a comprehensive term, which, doubtless, signifies one who knows "small Latin and less Greek"--is, that it is "a Joe Miller;" both implying that the critic is too deeply versed in _joke-ology_ to be imposed upon, to have an old jest palmed on him as new, or as one made by a living wit.

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

From this reading "Old as the days of Hierokles!" is the exclamation of the "classical" reader on hearing a well-worn jest; while, on the like occasion, that of the "general" reader--a comprehensive term, which, doubtless, signifies one who knows "small Latin and less Greek"--is, that it is "a Joe Miller;" both implying that the critic is too deeply versed in _joke-ology_ to be imposed upon, to have an old jest palmed on him as new, or as one made by a living wit.

for each

From this reading And when one speaks of a jest as being "a Joe Miller," he should only mean that it is "familiar as household words," not that it is of contemptible antiquity, albeit many of the jokes in "Joe Miller" are, at least, "as old as Hierokles," such, for instance, as that of the man who trained his horse to live on a straw _per diem_, when it suddenly died, or that of him who had a house to sell and carried about a brick as a specimen of it.

by chance

From this reading It is perhaps hardly necessary to say that honest Joseph Miller, the comedian, was not the compiler of the celebrated jest-book with which his name is associated; that it was, in fact, simply a bookseller's trick to entitle a heterogeneous collection of jokes, "quips, and cranks, and quiddities," _Joe Millers Jests; or, The Wit's Vade Mecum_.

capable of happening or existing

From this reading That the so-called jests of Hierokles are _old_ there can be no doubt whatever; that they were collected by the Alexandrian sage of that name is more than doubtful; while it is certain that several of them are much older than the time in which he flourished, namely, the fifth century: it is very possible that some may date even as far back as the days of the ancient Egyptians!

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

From this reading It is perhaps hardly necessary to say that honest Joseph Miller, the comedian, was not the compiler of the celebrated jest-book with which his name is associated; that it was, in fact, simply a bookseller's trick to entitle a heterogeneous collection of jokes, "quips, and cranks, and quiddities," _Joe Millers Jests; or, The Wit's Vade Mecum_.

plural of “quip” — a witty saying

From this reading It is perhaps hardly necessary to say that honest Joseph Miller, the comedian, was not the compiler of the celebrated jest-book with which his name is associated; that it was, in fact, simply a bookseller's trick to entitle a heterogeneous collection of jokes, "quips, and cranks, and quiddities," _Joe Millers Jests; or, The Wit's Vade Mecum_.

a person who enjoys reading

From this reading "Old as the days of Hierokles!" is the exclamation of the "classical" reader on hearing a well-worn jest; while, on the like occasion, that of the "general" reader--a comprehensive term, which, doubtless, signifies one who knows "small Latin and less Greek"--is, that it is "a Joe Miller;" both implying that the critic is too deeply versed in _joke-ology_ to be imposed upon, to have an old jest palmed on him as new, or as one made by a living wit.

a mentor in spiritual and philosophical topics who is renowned for profound wisdom

From this reading That the so-called jests of Hierokles are _old_ there can be no doubt whatever; that they were collected by the Alexandrian sage of that name is more than doubtful; while it is certain that several of them are much older than the time in which he flourished, namely, the fifth century: it is very possible that some may date even as far back as the days of the ancient Egyptians!

express in words

From this reading It is perhaps hardly necessary to say that honest Joseph Miller, the comedian, was not the compiler of the celebrated jest-book with which his name is associated; that it was, in fact, simply a bookseller's trick to entitle a heterogeneous collection of jokes, "quips, and cranks, and quiddities," _Joe Millers Jests; or, The Wit's Vade Mecum_.

exchange or deliver for money or its equivalent

From this reading And when one speaks of a jest as being "a Joe Miller," he should only mean that it is "familiar as household words," not that it is of contemptible antiquity, albeit many of the jokes in "Joe Miller" are, at least, "as old as Hierokles," such, for instance, as that of the man who trained his horse to live on a straw _per diem_, when it suddenly died, or that of him who had a house to sell and carried about a brick as a specimen of it.

(used with count nouns) of an indefinite number more than 2 or 3 but not many

From this reading That the so-called jests of Hierokles are _old_ there can be no doubt whatever; that they were collected by the Alexandrian sage of that name is more than doubtful; while it is certain that several of them are much older than the time in which he flourished, namely, the fifth century: it is very possible that some may date even as far back as the days of the ancient Egyptians!

used to say what is right, expected, or advisable

From this reading And when one speaks of a jest as being "a Joe Miller," he should only mean that it is "familiar as household words," not that it is of contemptible antiquity, albeit many of the jokes in "Joe Miller" are, at least, "as old as Hierokles," such, for instance, as that of the man who trained his horse to live on a straw _per diem_, when it suddenly died, or that of him who had a house to sell and carried about a brick as a specimen of it.

third-person singular of “signify” — denote or connote

From this reading "Old as the days of Hierokles!" is the exclamation of the "classical" reader on hearing a well-worn jest; while, on the like occasion, that of the "general" reader--a comprehensive term, which, doubtless, signifies one who knows "small Latin and less Greek"--is, that it is "a Joe Miller;" both implying that the critic is too deeply versed in _joke-ology_ to be imposed upon, to have an old jest palmed on him as new, or as one made by a living wit.

and nothing more

From this reading It is perhaps hardly necessary to say that honest Joseph Miller, the comedian, was not the compiler of the celebrated jest-book with which his name is associated; that it was, in fact, simply a bookseller's trick to entitle a heterogeneous collection of jokes, "quips, and cranks, and quiddities," _Joe Millers Jests; or, The Wit's Vade Mecum_.

limited or below average in number or quantity or magnitude or extent

From this reading "Old as the days of Hierokles!" is the exclamation of the "classical" reader on hearing a well-worn jest; while, on the like occasion, that of the "general" reader--a comprehensive term, which, doubtless, signifies one who knows "small Latin and less Greek"--is, that it is "a Joe Miller;" both implying that the critic is too deeply versed in _joke-ology_ to be imposed upon, to have an old jest palmed on him as new, or as one made by a living wit.

doubtful or suspect

From this reading That the so-called jests of Hierokles are _old_ there can be no doubt whatever; that they were collected by the Alexandrian sage of that name is more than doubtful; while it is certain that several of them are much older than the time in which he flourished, namely, the fifth century: it is very possible that some may date even as far back as the days of the ancient Egyptians!

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

From this reading That the so-called jests of Hierokles are _old_ there can be no doubt whatever; that they were collected by the Alexandrian sage of that name is more than doubtful; while it is certain that several of them are much older than the time in which he flourished, namely, the fifth century: it is very possible that some may date even as far back as the days of the ancient Egyptians!

third-person singular of “speak” — express in speech

From this reading And when one speaks of a jest as being "a Joe Miller," he should only mean that it is "familiar as household words," not that it is of contemptible antiquity, albeit many of the jokes in "Joe Miller" are, at least, "as old as Hierokles," such, for instance, as that of the man who trained his horse to live on a straw _per diem_, when it suddenly died, or that of him who had a house to sell and carried about a brick as a specimen of it.

an example regarded as typical of its class

From this reading And when one speaks of a jest as being "a Joe Miller," he should only mean that it is "familiar as household words," not that it is of contemptible antiquity, albeit many of the jokes in "Joe Miller" are, at least, "as old as Hierokles," such, for instance, as that of the man who trained his horse to live on a straw _per diem_, when it suddenly died, or that of him who had a house to sell and carried about a brick as a specimen of it.

plant fiber used e.g. for making baskets and hats or as fodder

From this reading And when one speaks of a jest as being "a Joe Miller," he should only mean that it is "familiar as household words," not that it is of contemptible antiquity, albeit many of the jokes in "Joe Miller" are, at least, "as old as Hierokles," such, for instance, as that of the man who trained his horse to live on a straw _per diem_, when it suddenly died, or that of him who had a house to sell and carried about a brick as a specimen of it.

of the kind already mentioned

From this reading And when one speaks of a jest as being "a Joe Miller," he should only mean that it is "familiar as household words," not that it is of contemptible antiquity, albeit many of the jokes in "Joe Miller" are, at least, "as old as Hierokles," such, for instance, as that of the man who trained his horse to live on a straw _per diem_, when it suddenly died, or that of him who had a house to sell and carried about a brick as a specimen of it.

happening unexpectedly

From this reading And when one speaks of a jest as being "a Joe Miller," he should only mean that it is "familiar as household words," not that it is of contemptible antiquity, albeit many of the jokes in "Joe Miller" are, at least, "as old as Hierokles," such, for instance, as that of the man who trained his horse to live on a straw _per diem_, when it suddenly died, or that of him who had a house to sell and carried about a brick as a specimen of it.

a word or expression used for some particular thing

From this reading "Old as the days of Hierokles!" is the exclamation of the "classical" reader on hearing a well-worn jest; while, on the like occasion, that of the "general" reader--a comprehensive term, which, doubtless, signifies one who knows "small Latin and less Greek"--is, that it is "a Joe Miller;" both implying that the critic is too deeply versed in _joke-ology_ to be imposed upon, to have an old jest palmed on him as new, or as one made by a living wit.

used to introduce the second part of a comparison

From this reading That the so-called jests of Hierokles are _old_ there can be no doubt whatever; that they were collected by the Alexandrian sage of that name is more than doubtful; while it is certain that several of them are much older than the time in which he flourished, namely, the fifth century: it is very possible that some may date even as far back as the days of the ancient Egyptians!

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading "Old as the days of Hierokles!" is the exclamation of the "classical" reader on hearing a well-worn jest; while, on the like occasion, that of the "general" reader--a comprehensive term, which, doubtless, signifies one who knows "small Latin and less Greek"--is, that it is "a Joe Miller;" both implying that the critic is too deeply versed in _joke-ology_ to be imposed upon, to have an old jest palmed on him as new, or as one made by a living wit.

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

From this reading "Old as the days of Hierokles!" is the exclamation of the "classical" reader on hearing a well-worn jest; while, on the like occasion, that of the "general" reader--a comprehensive term, which, doubtless, signifies one who knows "small Latin and less Greek"--is, that it is "a Joe Miller;" both implying that the critic is too deeply versed in _joke-ology_ to be imposed upon, to have an old jest palmed on him as new, or as one made by a living wit.

the people or things already mentioned, as the object

From this reading That the so-called jests of Hierokles are _old_ there can be no doubt whatever; that they were collected by the Alexandrian sage of that name is more than doubtful; while it is certain that several of them are much older than the time in which he flourished, namely, the fifth century: it is very possible that some may date even as far back as the days of the ancient Egyptians!

in or at that place or location

From this reading That the so-called jests of Hierokles are _old_ there can be no doubt whatever; that they were collected by the Alexandrian sage of that name is more than doubtful; while it is certain that several of them are much older than the time in which he flourished, namely, the fifth century: it is very possible that some may date even as far back as the days of the ancient Egyptians!

the people, animals, or things already mentioned, as the subject

From this reading That the so-called jests of Hierokles are _old_ there can be no doubt whatever; that they were collected by the Alexandrian sage of that name is more than doubtful; while it is certain that several of them are much older than the time in which he flourished, namely, the fifth century: it is very possible that some may date even as far back as the days of the ancient Egyptians!

an instance or single occasion for some event

From this reading That the so-called jests of Hierokles are _old_ there can be no doubt whatever; that they were collected by the Alexandrian sage of that name is more than doubtful; while it is certain that several of them are much older than the time in which he flourished, namely, the fifth century: it is very possible that some may date even as far back as the days of the ancient Egyptians!

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

From this reading "Old as the days of Hierokles!" is the exclamation of the "classical" reader on hearing a well-worn jest; while, on the like occasion, that of the "general" reader--a comprehensive term, which, doubtless, signifies one who knows "small Latin and less Greek"--is, that it is "a Joe Miller;" both implying that the critic is too deeply versed in _joke-ology_ to be imposed upon, to have an old jest palmed on him as new, or as one made by a living wit.

to a degree exceeding normal or proper limits

From this reading "Old as the days of Hierokles!" is the exclamation of the "classical" reader on hearing a well-worn jest; while, on the like occasion, that of the "general" reader--a comprehensive term, which, doubtless, signifies one who knows "small Latin and less Greek"--is, that it is "a Joe Miller;" both implying that the critic is too deeply versed in _joke-ology_ to be imposed upon, to have an old jest palmed on him as new, or as one made by a living wit.

shaped or conditioned or disciplined by training; often used as a combining form

From this reading And when one speaks of a jest as being "a Joe Miller," he should only mean that it is "familiar as household words," not that it is of contemptible antiquity, albeit many of the jokes in "Joe Miller" are, at least, "as old as Hierokles," such, for instance, as that of the man who trained his horse to live on a straw _per diem_, when it suddenly died, or that of him who had a house to sell and carried about a brick as a specimen of it.

a cunning or deceitful action or device

From this reading It is perhaps hardly necessary to say that honest Joseph Miller, the comedian, was not the compiler of the celebrated jest-book with which his name is associated; that it was, in fact, simply a bookseller's trick to entitle a heterogeneous collection of jokes, "quips, and cranks, and quiddities," _Joe Millers Jests; or, The Wit's Vade Mecum_.

a formal word for “on”

From this reading "Old as the days of Hierokles!" is the exclamation of the "classical" reader on hearing a well-worn jest; while, on the like occasion, that of the "general" reader--a comprehensive term, which, doubtless, signifies one who knows "small Latin and less Greek"--is, that it is "a Joe Miller;" both implying that the critic is too deeply versed in _joke-ology_ to be imposed upon, to have an old jest palmed on him as new, or as one made by a living wit.

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

From this reading It is perhaps hardly necessary to say that honest Joseph Miller, the comedian, was not the compiler of the celebrated jest-book with which his name is associated; that it was, in fact, simply a bookseller's trick to entitle a heterogeneous collection of jokes, "quips, and cranks, and quiddities," _Joe Millers Jests; or, The Wit's Vade Mecum_.

an injectable form of benzodiazepine (trade name Versed) useful for sedation and for reducing pain during uncomfortable medical procedures

From this reading "Old as the days of Hierokles!" is the exclamation of the "classical" reader on hearing a well-worn jest; while, on the like occasion, that of the "general" reader--a comprehensive term, which, doubtless, signifies one who knows "small Latin and less Greek"--is, that it is "a Joe Miller;" both implying that the critic is too deeply versed in _joke-ology_ to be imposed upon, to have an old jest palmed on him as new, or as one made by a living wit.

precisely as stated

From this reading That the so-called jests of Hierokles are _old_ there can be no doubt whatever; that they were collected by the Alexandrian sage of that name is more than doubtful; while it is certain that several of them are much older than the time in which he flourished, namely, the fifth century: it is very possible that some may date even as far back as the days of the ancient Egyptians!

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

From this reading It is perhaps hardly necessary to say that honest Joseph Miller, the comedian, was not the compiler of the celebrated jest-book with which his name is associated; that it was, in fact, simply a bookseller's trick to entitle a heterogeneous collection of jokes, "quips, and cranks, and quiddities," _Joe Millers Jests; or, The Wit's Vade Mecum_.

showing signs of much wear or use

From this reading "Old as the days of Hierokles!" is the exclamation of the "classical" reader on hearing a well-worn jest; while, on the like occasion, that of the "general" reader--a comprehensive term, which, doubtless, signifies one who knows "small Latin and less Greek"--is, that it is "a Joe Miller;" both implying that the critic is too deeply versed in _joke-ology_ to be imposed upon, to have an old jest palmed on him as new, or as one made by a living wit.

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

From this reading That the so-called jests of Hierokles are _old_ there can be no doubt whatever; that they were collected by the Alexandrian sage of that name is more than doubtful; while it is certain that several of them are much older than the time in which he flourished, namely, the fifth century: it is very possible that some may date even as far back as the days of the ancient Egyptians!

any or all of a kind, it does not matter which

From this reading That the so-called jests of Hierokles are _old_ there can be no doubt whatever; that they were collected by the Alexandrian sage of that name is more than doubtful; while it is certain that several of them are much older than the time in which he flourished, namely, the fifth century: it is very possible that some may date even as far back as the days of the ancient Egyptians!

at the time that

From this reading And when one speaks of a jest as being "a Joe Miller," he should only mean that it is "familiar as household words," not that it is of contemptible antiquity, albeit many of the jokes in "Joe Miller" are, at least, "as old as Hierokles," such, for instance, as that of the man who trained his horse to live on a straw _per diem_, when it suddenly died, or that of him who had a house to sell and carried about a brick as a specimen of it.

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

From this reading "Old as the days of Hierokles!" is the exclamation of the "classical" reader on hearing a well-worn jest; while, on the like occasion, that of the "general" reader--a comprehensive term, which, doubtless, signifies one who knows "small Latin and less Greek"--is, that it is "a Joe Miller;" both implying that the critic is too deeply versed in _joke-ology_ to be imposed upon, to have an old jest palmed on him as new, or as one made by a living wit.

during the time that

From this reading "Old as the days of Hierokles!" is the exclamation of the "classical" reader on hearing a well-worn jest; while, on the like occasion, that of the "general" reader--a comprehensive term, which, doubtless, signifies one who knows "small Latin and less Greek"--is, that it is "a Joe Miller;" both implying that the critic is too deeply versed in _joke-ology_ to be imposed upon, to have an old jest palmed on him as new, or as one made by a living wit.

which person or people

From this reading "Old as the days of Hierokles!" is the exclamation of the "classical" reader on hearing a well-worn jest; while, on the like occasion, that of the "general" reader--a comprehensive term, which, doubtless, signifies one who knows "small Latin and less Greek"--is, that it is "a Joe Miller;" both implying that the critic is too deeply versed in _joke-ology_ to be imposed upon, to have an old jest palmed on him as new, or as one made by a living wit.

a message whose ingenuity or verbal skill or incongruity has the power to evoke laughter

From this reading "Old as the days of Hierokles!" is the exclamation of the "classical" reader on hearing a well-worn jest; while, on the like occasion, that of the "general" reader--a comprehensive term, which, doubtless, signifies one who knows "small Latin and less Greek"--is, that it is "a Joe Miller;" both implying that the critic is too deeply versed in _joke-ology_ to be imposed upon, to have an old jest palmed on him as new, or as one made by a living wit.

possessive form of “wit” — a message whose ingenuity or verbal skill or incongruity has the power to evoke laughter

From this reading It is perhaps hardly necessary to say that honest Joseph Miller, the comedian, was not the compiler of the celebrated jest-book with which his name is associated; that it was, in fact, simply a bookseller's trick to entitle a heterogeneous collection of jokes, "quips, and cranks, and quiddities," _Joe Millers Jests; or, The Wit's Vade Mecum_.

in the company of; together with

From this reading It is perhaps hardly necessary to say that honest Joseph Miller, the comedian, was not the compiler of the celebrated jest-book with which his name is associated; that it was, in fact, simply a bookseller's trick to entitle a heterogeneous collection of jokes, "quips, and cranks, and quiddities," _Joe Millers Jests; or, The Wit's Vade Mecum_.

the words that are spoken

From this reading And when one speaks of a jest as being "a Joe Miller," he should only mean that it is "familiar as household words," not that it is of contemptible antiquity, albeit many of the jokes in "Joe Miller" are, at least, "as old as Hierokles," such, for instance, as that of the man who trained his horse to live on a straw _per diem_, when it suddenly died, or that of him who had a house to sell and carried about a brick as a specimen of it.