Chapter XXIII · Chapter 23

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

From this reading Of the dinner to which we now sat down, I am not going to be a severe critic.

on the subject of; concerning

From this reading The honest fellow's hands, I remarked, were very large and black; and a fine odour of the stable was wafted about the room as he moved to and fro in his ministration.

the form of “be” used with “I”

From this reading Of the dinner to which we now sat down, I am not going to be a severe critic.

pale medium-dry sherry from Spain

From this reading Nor was it particularly good of its kind; however, Mrs. Major Ponto did not evidently know the difference, for she called the liquor Amontillado during the whole of the repast, and drank but half a glass of it, leaving the rest for the Major and his guest.

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

From this reading The mahogany I hold to be inviolable; but this I will say, that I prefer sherry to marsala when I can get it, and the latter was the wine of which I have no doubt I heard the 'cloop' just before dinner.

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

From this reading The honest fellow's hands, I remarked, were very large and black; and a fine odour of the stable was wafted about the room as he moved to and fro in his ministration.

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

From this reading Of the dinner to which we now sat down, I am not going to be a severe critic.

earlier than; in front of

From this reading The mahogany I hold to be inviolable; but this I will say, that I prefer sherry to marsala when I can get it, and the latter was the wine of which I have no doubt I heard the 'cloop' just before dinner.

being of the achromatic color of maximum darkness; having little or no hue owing to absorption of almost all incident light

From this reading The honest fellow's hands, I remarked, were very large and black; and a fine odour of the stable was wafted about the room as he moved to and fro in his ministration.

used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before

From this reading The mahogany I hold to be inviolable; but this I will say, that I prefer sherry to marsala when I can get it, and the latter was the wine of which I have no doubt I heard the 'cloop' just before dinner.

plural of “button” — a round fastener sewn to shirts and coats etc to fit through buttonholes

From this reading Stripes was in the livery of the Ponto family--a thought shabby, but gorgeous in the extreme--lots of magnificent worsted lace, and livery buttons of a very notable size.

past form of “call” — assign a specified (usually proper) proper name to

From this reading Nor was it particularly good of its kind; however, Mrs. Major Ponto did not evidently know the difference, for she called the liquor Amontillado during the whole of the repast, and drank but half a glass of it, leaving the rest for the Major and his guest.

to be able to, or to be allowed to

From this reading The mahogany I hold to be inviolable; but this I will say, that I prefer sherry to marsala when I can get it, and the latter was the wine of which I have no doubt I heard the 'cloop' just before dinner.

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

From this reading The mahogany I hold to be inviolable; but this I will say, that I prefer sherry to marsala when I can get it, and the latter was the wine of which I have no doubt I heard the 'cloop' just before dinner.

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

From this reading Of the dinner to which we now sat down, I am not going to be a severe critic.

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

From this reading Nor was it particularly good of its kind; however, Mrs. Major Ponto did not evidently know the difference, for she called the liquor Amontillado during the whole of the repast, and drank but half a glass of it, leaving the rest for the Major and his guest.

the quality of being unlike or dissimilar

From this reading Nor was it particularly good of its kind; however, Mrs. Major Ponto did not evidently know the difference, for she called the liquor Amontillado during the whole of the repast, and drank but half a glass of it, leaving the rest for the Major and his guest.

the main meal of the day served in the evening or at midday

From this reading Of the dinner to which we now sat down, I am not going to be a severe critic.

the state of being unsure of something

From this reading The mahogany I hold to be inviolable; but this I will say, that I prefer sherry to marsala when I can get it, and the latter was the wine of which I have no doubt I heard the 'cloop' just before dinner.

being or moving lower in position or less in some value

From this reading Of the dinner to which we now sat down, I am not going to be a severe critic.

inflected form of “drink” — take in liquids

From this reading Nor was it particularly good of its kind; however, Mrs. Major Ponto did not evidently know the difference, for she called the liquor Amontillado during the whole of the repast, and drank but half a glass of it, leaving the rest for the Major and his guest.

all through a period, or at some point within it

From this reading Nor was it particularly good of its kind; however, Mrs. Major Ponto did not evidently know the difference, for she called the liquor Amontillado during the whole of the repast, and drank but half a glass of it, leaving the rest for the Major and his guest.

unmistakably (“plain” is often used informally for “plainly”)

From this reading Nor was it particularly good of its kind; however, Mrs. Major Ponto did not evidently know the difference, for she called the liquor Amontillado during the whole of the repast, and drank but half a glass of it, leaving the rest for the Major and his guest.

of the greatest possible degree or extent or intensity

From this reading Stripes was in the livery of the Ponto family--a thought shabby, but gorgeous in the extreme--lots of magnificent worsted lace, and livery buttons of a very notable size.

a social unit living together

From this reading Stripes was in the livery of the Ponto family--a thought shabby, but gorgeous in the extreme--lots of magnificent worsted lace, and livery buttons of a very notable size.

possessive form of “fellow” — a boy or man

From this reading The honest fellow's hands, I remarked, were very large and black; and a fine odour of the stable was wafted about the room as he moved to and fro in his ministration.

being satisfactory or in satisfactory condition

From this reading The honest fellow's hands, I remarked, were very large and black; and a fine odour of the stable was wafted about the room as he moved to and fro in his ministration.

intended to be given to, or used by, somebody

From this reading Nor was it particularly good of its kind; however, Mrs. Major Ponto did not evidently know the difference, for she called the liquor Amontillado during the whole of the repast, and drank but half a glass of it, leaving the rest for the Major and his guest.

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

From this reading The honest fellow's hands, I remarked, were very large and black; and a fine odour of the stable was wafted about the room as he moved to and fro in his ministration.

come into the possession of something concrete or abstract

From this reading The mahogany I hold to be inviolable; but this I will say, that I prefer sherry to marsala when I can get it, and the latter was the wine of which I have no doubt I heard the 'cloop' just before dinner.

a brittle transparent solid with irregular atomic structure

From this reading Nor was it particularly good of its kind; however, Mrs. Major Ponto did not evidently know the difference, for she called the liquor Amontillado during the whole of the repast, and drank but half a glass of it, leaving the rest for the Major and his guest.

the act of departing

From this reading Of the dinner to which we now sat down, I am not going to be a severe critic.

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

From this reading Nor was it particularly good of its kind; however, Mrs. Major Ponto did not evidently know the difference, for she called the liquor Amontillado during the whole of the repast, and drank but half a glass of it, leaving the rest for the Major and his guest.

dazzlingly beautiful

From this reading Stripes was in the livery of the Ponto family--a thought shabby, but gorgeous in the extreme--lots of magnificent worsted lace, and livery buttons of a very notable size.

a visitor to whom hospitality is extended

From this reading Nor was it particularly good of its kind; however, Mrs. Major Ponto did not evidently know the difference, for she called the liquor Amontillado during the whole of the repast, and drank but half a glass of it, leaving the rest for the Major and his guest.

consisting of one of two equivalent parts in value or quantity

From this reading Nor was it particularly good of its kind; however, Mrs. Major Ponto did not evidently know the difference, for she called the liquor Amontillado during the whole of the repast, and drank but half a glass of it, leaving the rest for the Major and his guest.

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

From this reading The honest fellow's hands, I remarked, were very large and black; and a fine odour of the stable was wafted about the room as he moved to and fro in his ministration.

used with a past participle to form the perfect tenses

From this reading The mahogany I hold to be inviolable; but this I will say, that I prefer sherry to marsala when I can get it, and the latter was the wine of which I have no doubt I heard the 'cloop' just before dinner.

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

From this reading The honest fellow's hands, I remarked, were very large and black; and a fine odour of the stable was wafted about the room as he moved to and fro in his ministration.

detected or perceived by the sense of hearing

From this reading The mahogany I hold to be inviolable; but this I will say, that I prefer sherry to marsala when I can get it, and the latter was the wine of which I have no doubt I heard the 'cloop' just before dinner.

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

From this reading Nor was it particularly good of its kind; however, Mrs. Major Ponto did not evidently know the difference, for she called the liquor Amontillado during the whole of the repast, and drank but half a glass of it, leaving the rest for the Major and his guest.

cause to continue in a certain state, position, or activity; e.g., “keep clean”

From this reading The mahogany I hold to be inviolable; but this I will say, that I prefer sherry to marsala when I can get it, and the latter was the wine of which I have no doubt I heard the 'cloop' just before dinner.

not disposed to cheat or defraud; not deceptive or fraudulent

From this reading The honest fellow's hands, I remarked, were very large and black; and a fine odour of the stable was wafted about the room as he moved to and fro in his ministration.

used to add a contrasting statement

From this reading Nor was it particularly good of its kind; however, Mrs. Major Ponto did not evidently know the difference, for she called the liquor Amontillado during the whole of the repast, and drank but half a glass of it, leaving the rest for the Major and his guest.

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

From this reading Of the dinner to which we now sat down, I am not going to be a severe critic.

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

From this reading Stripes was in the livery of the Ponto family--a thought shabby, but gorgeous in the extreme--lots of magnificent worsted lace, and livery buttons of a very notable size.

incapable of being transgressed or dishonored

From this reading The mahogany I hold to be inviolable; but this I will say, that I prefer sherry to marsala when I can get it, and the latter was the wine of which I have no doubt I heard the 'cloop' just before dinner.

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading The mahogany I hold to be inviolable; but this I will say, that I prefer sherry to marsala when I can get it, and the latter was the wine of which I have no doubt I heard the 'cloop' just before dinner.

belonging to the thing or animal already mentioned

From this reading Nor was it particularly good of its kind; however, Mrs. Major Ponto did not evidently know the difference, for she called the liquor Amontillado during the whole of the repast, and drank but half a glass of it, leaving the rest for the Major and his guest.

and nothing more

From this reading The mahogany I hold to be inviolable; but this I will say, that I prefer sherry to marsala when I can get it, and the latter was the wine of which I have no doubt I heard the 'cloop' just before dinner.

having or showing a tender and considerate and helpful nature; used especially of persons and their behavior

From this reading Nor was it particularly good of its kind; however, Mrs. Major Ponto did not evidently know the difference, for she called the liquor Amontillado during the whole of the repast, and drank but half a glass of it, leaving the rest for the Major and his guest.

be cognizant or aware of a fact or a specific piece of information; possess knowledge or information about

From this reading Nor was it particularly good of its kind; however, Mrs. Major Ponto did not evidently know the difference, for she called the liquor Amontillado during the whole of the repast, and drank but half a glass of it, leaving the rest for the Major and his guest.

spin, wind, or twist together

From this reading Stripes was in the livery of the Ponto family--a thought shabby, but gorgeous in the extreme--lots of magnificent worsted lace, and livery buttons of a very notable size.

above average in size or number or quantity or magnitude or extent

From this reading The honest fellow's hands, I remarked, were very large and black; and a fine odour of the stable was wafted about the room as he moved to and fro in his ministration.

referring to the second of two things or persons mentioned (or the last one or ones of several)

From this reading The mahogany I hold to be inviolable; but this I will say, that I prefer sherry to marsala when I can get it, and the latter was the wine of which I have no doubt I heard the 'cloop' just before dinner.

the act of departing

From this reading Nor was it particularly good of its kind; however, Mrs. Major Ponto did not evidently know the difference, for she called the liquor Amontillado during the whole of the repast, and drank but half a glass of it, leaving the rest for the Major and his guest.

an alcoholic beverage that is distilled rather than fermented

From this reading Nor was it particularly good of its kind; however, Mrs. Major Ponto did not evidently know the difference, for she called the liquor Amontillado during the whole of the repast, and drank but half a glass of it, leaving the rest for the Major and his guest.

uniform worn by some menservants and chauffeurs

From this reading Stripes was in the livery of the Ponto family--a thought shabby, but gorgeous in the extreme--lots of magnificent worsted lace, and livery buttons of a very notable size.

a large number or amount

From this reading Stripes was in the livery of the Ponto family--a thought shabby, but gorgeous in the extreme--lots of magnificent worsted lace, and livery buttons of a very notable size.

characterized by grandeur

From this reading Stripes was in the livery of the Ponto family--a thought shabby, but gorgeous in the extreme--lots of magnificent worsted lace, and livery buttons of a very notable size.

wood of any of various mahogany trees; much used for cabinetwork and furniture

From this reading The mahogany I hold to be inviolable; but this I will say, that I prefer sherry to marsala when I can get it, and the latter was the wine of which I have no doubt I heard the 'cloop' just before dinner.

of greater importance or stature or rank

From this reading Nor was it particularly good of its kind; however, Mrs. Major Ponto did not evidently know the difference, for she called the liquor Amontillado during the whole of the repast, and drank but half a glass of it, leaving the rest for the Major and his guest.

dark sweet or semisweet dessert wine from Sicily

From this reading The mahogany I hold to be inviolable; but this I will say, that I prefer sherry to marsala when I can get it, and the latter was the wine of which I have no doubt I heard the 'cloop' just before dinner.

assistance in time of difficulty

From this reading The honest fellow's hands, I remarked, were very large and black; and a fine odour of the stable was wafted about the room as he moved to and fro in his ministration.

being excited or provoked to the expression of an emotion

From this reading The honest fellow's hands, I remarked, were very large and black; and a fine odour of the stable was wafted about the room as he moved to and fro in his ministration.

a form of address for a married woman

From this reading Nor was it particularly good of its kind; however, Mrs. Major Ponto did not evidently know the difference, for she called the liquor Amontillado during the whole of the repast, and drank but half a glass of it, leaving the rest for the Major and his guest.

not any; not one

From this reading The mahogany I hold to be inviolable; but this I will say, that I prefer sherry to marsala when I can get it, and the latter was the wine of which I have no doubt I heard the 'cloop' just before dinner.

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

From this reading Nor was it particularly good of its kind; however, Mrs. Major Ponto did not evidently know the difference, for she called the liquor Amontillado during the whole of the repast, and drank but half a glass of it, leaving the rest for the Major and his guest.

used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative

From this reading Of the dinner to which we now sat down, I am not going to be a severe critic.

widely known and esteemed

From this reading Stripes was in the livery of the Ponto family--a thought shabby, but gorgeous in the extreme--lots of magnificent worsted lace, and livery buttons of a very notable size.

in the historical present; at this point in the narration of a series of past events

From this reading Of the dinner to which we now sat down, I am not going to be a severe critic.

the sensation that results when olfactory receptors in the nose are stimulated by particular chemicals in gaseous form

From this reading The honest fellow's hands, I remarked, were very large and black; and a fine odour of the stable was wafted about the room as he moved to and fro in his ministration.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading Of the dinner to which we now sat down, I am not going to be a severe critic.

to a distinctly greater extent or degree than is common

From this reading Nor was it particularly good of its kind; however, Mrs. Major Ponto did not evidently know the difference, for she called the liquor Amontillado during the whole of the repast, and drank but half a glass of it, leaving the rest for the Major and his guest.

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

From this reading Nor was it particularly good of its kind; however, Mrs. Major Ponto did not evidently know the difference, for she called the liquor Amontillado during the whole of the repast, and drank but half a glass of it, leaving the rest for the Major and his guest.

like better; value more highly

From this reading The mahogany I hold to be inviolable; but this I will say, that I prefer sherry to marsala when I can get it, and the latter was the wine of which I have no doubt I heard the 'cloop' just before dinner.

past form of “remark” — make mention of

From this reading The honest fellow's hands, I remarked, were very large and black; and a fine odour of the stable was wafted about the room as he moved to and fro in his ministration.

the food served and eaten at one time

From this reading Nor was it particularly good of its kind; however, Mrs. Major Ponto did not evidently know the difference, for she called the liquor Amontillado during the whole of the repast, and drank but half a glass of it, leaving the rest for the Major and his guest.

not move; be in a resting position

From this reading Nor was it particularly good of its kind; however, Mrs. Major Ponto did not evidently know the difference, for she called the liquor Amontillado during the whole of the repast, and drank but half a glass of it, leaving the rest for the Major and his guest.

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

From this reading The honest fellow's hands, I remarked, were very large and black; and a fine odour of the stable was wafted about the room as he moved to and fro in his ministration.

the seventh and last day of the week; observed as the Sabbath by Jews and some Christians

From this reading Of the dinner to which we now sat down, I am not going to be a severe critic.

express in words

From this reading The mahogany I hold to be inviolable; but this I will say, that I prefer sherry to marsala when I can get it, and the latter was the wine of which I have no doubt I heard the 'cloop' just before dinner.

intensely or extremely bad or unpleasant in degree or quality

From this reading Of the dinner to which we now sat down, I am not going to be a severe critic.

showing signs of wear and tear

From this reading Stripes was in the livery of the Ponto family--a thought shabby, but gorgeous in the extreme--lots of magnificent worsted lace, and livery buttons of a very notable size.

a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned, as the subject

From this reading Nor was it particularly good of its kind; however, Mrs. Major Ponto did not evidently know the difference, for she called the liquor Amontillado during the whole of the repast, and drank but half a glass of it, leaving the rest for the Major and his guest.

dry to sweet amber wine from the Jerez region of southern Spain or similar wines produced elsewhere; usually drunk as an aperitif

From this reading The mahogany I hold to be inviolable; but this I will say, that I prefer sherry to marsala when I can get it, and the latter was the wine of which I have no doubt I heard the 'cloop' just before dinner.

the physical magnitude of something (how big it is)

From this reading Stripes was in the livery of the Ponto family--a thought shabby, but gorgeous in the extreme--lots of magnificent worsted lace, and livery buttons of a very notable size.

resistant to change of position or condition

From this reading The honest fellow's hands, I remarked, were very large and black; and a fine odour of the stable was wafted about the room as he moved to and fro in his ministration.

V-shaped sleeve badge indicating military rank and service

From this reading Stripes was in the livery of the Ponto family--a thought shabby, but gorgeous in the extreme--lots of magnificent worsted lace, and livery buttons of a very notable size.

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading The mahogany I hold to be inviolable; but this I will say, that I prefer sherry to marsala when I can get it, and the latter was the wine of which I have no doubt I heard the 'cloop' just before dinner.

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

From this reading Of the dinner to which we now sat down, I am not going to be a severe critic.

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

From this reading The mahogany I hold to be inviolable; but this I will say, that I prefer sherry to marsala when I can get it, and the latter was the wine of which I have no doubt I heard the 'cloop' just before dinner.

the content of cognition; the main thing you are thinking about

From this reading Stripes was in the livery of the Ponto family--a thought shabby, but gorgeous in the extreme--lots of magnificent worsted lace, and livery buttons of a very notable size.

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

From this reading Of the dinner to which we now sat down, I am not going to be a severe critic.

precisely as stated

From this reading Stripes was in the livery of the Ponto family--a thought shabby, but gorgeous in the extreme--lots of magnificent worsted lace, and livery buttons of a very notable size.

past form of “waft” — be driven or carried along, as by the air

From this reading The honest fellow's hands, I remarked, were very large and black; and a fine odour of the stable was wafted about the room as he moved to and fro in his ministration.

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

From this reading The mahogany I hold to be inviolable; but this I will say, that I prefer sherry to marsala when I can get it, and the latter was the wine of which I have no doubt I heard the 'cloop' just before dinner.

the speaker together with one or more other people

From this reading Of the dinner to which we now sat down, I am not going to be a severe critic.

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

From this reading The honest fellow's hands, I remarked, were very large and black; and a fine odour of the stable was wafted about the room as he moved to and fro in his ministration.

at the time that

From this reading The mahogany I hold to be inviolable; but this I will say, that I prefer sherry to marsala when I can get it, and the latter was the wine of which I have no doubt I heard the 'cloop' just before dinner.

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

From this reading Of the dinner to which we now sat down, I am not going to be a severe critic.

including all components without exception; being one unit or constituting the full amount or extent or duration; complete

From this reading Nor was it particularly good of its kind; however, Mrs. Major Ponto did not evidently know the difference, for she called the liquor Amontillado during the whole of the repast, and drank but half a glass of it, leaving the rest for the Major and his guest.

used to talk about the future, or about willingness

From this reading The mahogany I hold to be inviolable; but this I will say, that I prefer sherry to marsala when I can get it, and the latter was the wine of which I have no doubt I heard the 'cloop' just before dinner.

fermented juice (of grapes especially)

From this reading The mahogany I hold to be inviolable; but this I will say, that I prefer sherry to marsala when I can get it, and the latter was the wine of which I have no doubt I heard the 'cloop' just before dinner.

a woolen fabric with a hard textured surface and no nap; woven of worsted yarns "he wore a worsted suit"

From this reading Stripes was in the livery of the Ponto family--a thought shabby, but gorgeous in the extreme--lots of magnificent worsted lace, and livery buttons of a very notable size.