Chapter IX · A Yankee Trick

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

From this reading It was to be Fowler’s business to separate Walter from his companions, and, under pretence of telling him something that it was very important he should know, conduct him down a shaded lane a short distance from the house.

not being in a specified place

From this reading The Club, who had gone off somewhere on purpose to be rid of the young Englishman, were absent so long that Fowler began to be very uneasy, fearing that they might stay until so late an hour that it would be impossible for him to carry out his part of the programme.

later than; following

From this reading But they came shortly after dark, to the clerk’s great relief, and after disposing of a hearty supper gathered on the veranda as usual.

following the length of something from one end toward the other

From this reading Bob was to be concealed somewhere along the route, and when they passed his ambush he was to jump out, collar them both (for reasons of his own Fowler wished to have it appear that he was in no way connected with the plot), and march them down to the river-bank, where the boat was waiting for them.

wait in hiding to attack

From this reading Bob was to be concealed somewhere along the route, and when they passed his ambush he was to jump out, collar them both (for reasons of his own Fowler wished to have it appear that he was in no way connected with the plot), and march them down to the river-bank, where the boat was waiting for them.

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

From this reading The Club, who had gone off somewhere on purpose to be rid of the young Englishman, were absent so long that Fowler began to be very uneasy, fearing that they might stay until so late an hour that it would be impossible for him to carry out his part of the programme.

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

From this reading It had been the custom of the Club, during their sojourn under Mr. Wilbur’s roof, to pass the hours that intervened between dark and bedtime on the veranda, singing songs, or listening to the stories of one of the sheep-herders.

give a certain impression or have a certain outward aspect

From this reading Bob was to be concealed somewhere along the route, and when they passed his ambush he was to jump out, collar them both (for reasons of his own Fowler wished to have it appear that he was in no way connected with the plot), and march them down to the river-bank, where the boat was waiting for them.

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

From this reading But they came shortly after dark, to the clerk’s great relief, and after disposing of a hearty supper gathered on the veranda as usual.

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

From this reading It was to be Fowler’s business to separate Walter from his companions, and, under pretence of telling him something that it was very important he should know, conduct him down a shaded lane a short distance from the house.

the time you go to bed

From this reading It had been the custom of the Club, during their sojourn under Mr. Wilbur’s roof, to pass the hours that intervened between dark and bedtime on the veranda, singing songs, or listening to the stories of one of the sheep-herders.

the past participle of “be”

From this reading It had been the custom of the Club, during their sojourn under Mr. Wilbur’s roof, to pass the hours that intervened between dark and bedtime on the veranda, singing songs, or listening to the stories of one of the sheep-herders.

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

From this reading The Club, who had gone off somewhere on purpose to be rid of the young Englishman, were absent so long that Fowler began to be very uneasy, fearing that they might stay until so late an hour that it would be impossible for him to carry out his part of the programme.

in the space, time, or range separating two things

From this reading It had been the custom of the Club, during their sojourn under Mr. Wilbur’s roof, to pass the hours that intervened between dark and bedtime on the veranda, singing songs, or listening to the stories of one of the sheep-herders.

a small vessel for travel on water

From this reading Bob was to be concealed somewhere along the route, and when they passed his ambush he was to jump out, collar them both (for reasons of his own Fowler wished to have it appear that he was in no way connected with the plot), and march them down to the river-bank, where the boat was waiting for them.

move up and down repeatedly

From this reading Bob was to be concealed somewhere along the route, and when they passed his ambush he was to jump out, collar them both (for reasons of his own Fowler wished to have it appear that he was in no way connected with the plot), and march them down to the river-bank, where the boat was waiting for them.

the two together, not just one

From this reading Bob was to be concealed somewhere along the route, and when they passed his ambush he was to jump out, collar them both (for reasons of his own Fowler wished to have it appear that he was in no way connected with the plot), and march them down to the river-bank, where the boat was waiting for them.

a commercial or industrial enterprise and the people who constitute it

From this reading It was to be Fowler’s business to separate Walter from his companions, and, under pretence of telling him something that it was very important he should know, conduct him down a shaded lane a short distance from the house.

used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before

From this reading But they came shortly after dark, to the clerk’s great relief, and after disposing of a hearty supper gathered on the veranda as usual.

inflected form of “come” — move toward, travel toward something or somebody or approach something or somebody

From this reading But they came shortly after dark, to the clerk’s great relief, and after disposing of a hearty supper gathered on the veranda as usual.

move while supporting, either in a vehicle or in one's hands or on one's body

From this reading The Club, who had gone off somewhere on purpose to be rid of the young Englishman, were absent so long that Fowler began to be very uneasy, fearing that they might stay until so late an hour that it would be impossible for him to carry out his part of the programme.

possessive form of “clerk” — an employee who performs clerical work (e.g., keeps records or accounts)

From this reading But they came shortly after dark, to the clerk’s great relief, and after disposing of a hearty supper gathered on the veranda as usual.

a team of professional baseball players who play and travel together

From this reading It had been the custom of the Club, during their sojourn under Mr. Wilbur’s roof, to pass the hours that intervened between dark and bedtime on the veranda, singing songs, or listening to the stories of one of the sheep-herders.

a band that fits around the neck and is usually folded over

From this reading Bob was to be concealed somewhere along the route, and when they passed his ambush he was to jump out, collar them both (for reasons of his own Fowler wished to have it appear that he was in no way connected with the plot), and march them down to the river-bank, where the boat was waiting for them.

plural of “companion” — a friend who is frequently in the company of another

From this reading It was to be Fowler’s business to separate Walter from his companions, and, under pretence of telling him something that it was very important he should know, conduct him down a shaded lane a short distance from the house.

not accessible to view

From this reading Bob was to be concealed somewhere along the route, and when they passed his ambush he was to jump out, collar them both (for reasons of his own Fowler wished to have it appear that he was in no way connected with the plot), and march them down to the river-bank, where the boat was waiting for them.

direct the course of; manage or control

From this reading It was to be Fowler’s business to separate Walter from his companions, and, under pretence of telling him something that it was very important he should know, conduct him down a shaded lane a short distance from the house.

being joined in close association

From this reading Bob was to be concealed somewhere along the route, and when they passed his ambush he was to jump out, collar them both (for reasons of his own Fowler wished to have it appear that he was in no way connected with the plot), and march them down to the river-bank, where the boat was waiting for them.

accepted or habitual practice

From this reading It had been the custom of the Club, during their sojourn under Mr. Wilbur’s roof, to pass the hours that intervened between dark and bedtime on the veranda, singing songs, or listening to the stories of one of the sheep-herders.

absence of light or illumination

From this reading It had been the custom of the Club, during their sojourn under Mr. Wilbur’s roof, to pass the hours that intervened between dark and bedtime on the veranda, singing songs, or listening to the stories of one of the sheep-herders.

-ing form of “dispose” — give, sell, or transfer to another

From this reading But they came shortly after dark, to the clerk’s great relief, and after disposing of a hearty supper gathered on the veranda as usual.

the property created by the space between two objects or points

From this reading It was to be Fowler’s business to separate Walter from his companions, and, under pretence of telling him something that it was very important he should know, conduct him down a shaded lane a short distance from the house.

being or moving lower in position or less in some value

From this reading It was to be Fowler’s business to separate Walter from his companions, and, under pretence of telling him something that it was very important he should know, conduct him down a shaded lane a short distance from the house.

all through a period, or at some point within it

From this reading It had been the custom of the Club, during their sojourn under Mr. Wilbur’s roof, to pass the hours that intervened between dark and bedtime on the veranda, singing songs, or listening to the stories of one of the sheep-herders.

a man who is a native or inhabitant of England

From this reading The Club, who had gone off somewhere on purpose to be rid of the young Englishman, were absent so long that Fowler began to be very uneasy, fearing that they might stay until so late an hour that it would be impossible for him to carry out his part of the programme.

-ing form of “fear” — be afraid or feel anxious or apprehensive about a possible or probable situation or event

From this reading The Club, who had gone off somewhere on purpose to be rid of the young Englishman, were absent so long that Fowler began to be very uneasy, fearing that they might stay until so late an hour that it would be impossible for him to carry out his part of the programme.

intended to be given to, or used by, somebody

From this reading Bob was to be concealed somewhere along the route, and when they passed his ambush he was to jump out, collar them both (for reasons of his own Fowler wished to have it appear that he was in no way connected with the plot), and march them down to the river-bank, where the boat was waiting for them.

English lexicographer who wrote a well-known book on English usage (1858-1933)

From this reading Bob was to be concealed somewhere along the route, and when they passed his ambush he was to jump out, collar them both (for reasons of his own Fowler wished to have it appear that he was in no way connected with the plot), and march them down to the river-bank, where the boat was waiting for them.

possessive form of “fowler” — English lexicographer who wrote a well-known book on English usage (1858-1933)

From this reading It was to be Fowler’s business to separate Walter from his companions, and, under pretence of telling him something that it was very important he should know, conduct him down a shaded lane a short distance from the house.

showing where something starts, or who sent it

From this reading It was to be Fowler’s business to separate Walter from his companions, and, under pretence of telling him something that it was very important he should know, conduct him down a shaded lane a short distance from the house.

brought together in one place

From this reading But they came shortly after dark, to the clerk’s great relief, and after disposing of a hearty supper gathered on the veranda as usual.

destroyed or killed

From this reading The Club, who had gone off somewhere on purpose to be rid of the young Englishman, were absent so long that Fowler began to be very uneasy, fearing that they might stay until so late an hour that it would be impossible for him to carry out his part of the programme.

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

From this reading But they came shortly after dark, to the clerk’s great relief, and after disposing of a hearty supper gathered on the veranda as usual.

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

From this reading It had been the custom of the Club, during their sojourn under Mr. Wilbur’s roof, to pass the hours that intervened between dark and bedtime on the veranda, singing songs, or listening to the stories of one of the sheep-herders.

used with a past participle to form the perfect tenses

From this reading Bob was to be concealed somewhere along the route, and when they passed his ambush he was to jump out, collar them both (for reasons of his own Fowler wished to have it appear that he was in no way connected with the plot), and march them down to the river-bank, where the boat was waiting for them.

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

From this reading It was to be Fowler’s business to separate Walter from his companions, and, under pretence of telling him something that it was very important he should know, conduct him down a shaded lane a short distance from the house.

showing warm and heartfelt friendliness

From this reading But they came shortly after dark, to the clerk’s great relief, and after disposing of a hearty supper gathered on the veranda as usual.

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

From this reading It was to be Fowler’s business to separate Walter from his companions, and, under pretence of telling him something that it was very important he should know, conduct him down a shaded lane a short distance from the house.

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

From this reading It was to be Fowler’s business to separate Walter from his companions, and, under pretence of telling him something that it was very important he should know, conduct him down a shaded lane a short distance from the house.

a period of time equal to 1/24th of a day

From this reading The Club, who had gone off somewhere on purpose to be rid of the young Englishman, were absent so long that Fowler began to be very uneasy, fearing that they might stay until so late an hour that it would be impossible for him to carry out his part of the programme.

a period of time assigned for work

From this reading It had been the custom of the Club, during their sojourn under Mr. Wilbur’s roof, to pass the hours that intervened between dark and bedtime on the veranda, singing songs, or listening to the stories of one of the sheep-herders.

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

From this reading It was to be Fowler’s business to separate Walter from his companions, and, under pretence of telling him something that it was very important he should know, conduct him down a shaded lane a short distance from the house.

of great significance or value

From this reading It was to be Fowler’s business to separate Walter from his companions, and, under pretence of telling him something that it was very important he should know, conduct him down a shaded lane a short distance from the house.

not capable of occurring or being accomplished or dealt with

From this reading The Club, who had gone off somewhere on purpose to be rid of the young Englishman, were absent so long that Fowler began to be very uneasy, fearing that they might stay until so late an hour that it would be impossible for him to carry out his part of the programme.

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

From this reading Bob was to be concealed somewhere along the route, and when they passed his ambush he was to jump out, collar them both (for reasons of his own Fowler wished to have it appear that he was in no way connected with the plot), and march them down to the river-bank, where the boat was waiting for them.

past form of “intervene” — get involved, so as to alter or hinder an action, or through force or threat of force

From this reading It had been the custom of the Club, during their sojourn under Mr. Wilbur’s roof, to pass the hours that intervened between dark and bedtime on the veranda, singing songs, or listening to the stories of one of the sheep-herders.

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading It had been the custom of the Club, during their sojourn under Mr. Wilbur’s roof, to pass the hours that intervened between dark and bedtime on the veranda, singing songs, or listening to the stories of one of the sheep-herders.

move forward by leaps and bounds

From this reading Bob was to be concealed somewhere along the route, and when they passed his ambush he was to jump out, collar them both (for reasons of his own Fowler wished to have it appear that he was in no way connected with the plot), and march them down to the river-bank, where the boat was waiting for them.

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

From this reading It was to be Fowler’s business to separate Walter from his companions, and, under pretence of telling him something that it was very important he should know, conduct him down a shaded lane a short distance from the house.

a narrow way or road

From this reading It was to be Fowler’s business to separate Walter from his companions, and, under pretence of telling him something that it was very important he should know, conduct him down a shaded lane a short distance from the house.

being or occurring at an advanced period of time or after a usual or expected time

From this reading The Club, who had gone off somewhere on purpose to be rid of the young Englishman, were absent so long that Fowler began to be very uneasy, fearing that they might stay until so late an hour that it would be impossible for him to carry out his part of the programme.

the act of hearing attentively

From this reading It had been the custom of the Club, during their sojourn under Mr. Wilbur’s roof, to pass the hours that intervened between dark and bedtime on the veranda, singing songs, or listening to the stories of one of the sheep-herders.

primarily temporal sense; being or indicating a relatively great or greater than average duration or passage of time or a duration as specified

From this reading The Club, who had gone off somewhere on purpose to be rid of the young Englishman, were absent so long that Fowler began to be very uneasy, fearing that they might stay until so late an hour that it would be impossible for him to carry out his part of the programme.

march in a procession

From this reading Bob was to be concealed somewhere along the route, and when they passed his ambush he was to jump out, collar them both (for reasons of his own Fowler wished to have it appear that he was in no way connected with the plot), and march them down to the river-bank, where the boat was waiting for them.

used to say something is possible but not certain

From this reading The Club, who had gone off somewhere on purpose to be rid of the young Englishman, were absent so long that Fowler began to be very uneasy, fearing that they might stay until so late an hour that it would be impossible for him to carry out his part of the programme.

a form of address for a man

From this reading It had been the custom of the Club, during their sojourn under Mr. Wilbur’s roof, to pass the hours that intervened between dark and bedtime on the veranda, singing songs, or listening to the stories of one of the sheep-herders.

not any; not one

From this reading Bob was to be concealed somewhere along the route, and when they passed his ambush he was to jump out, collar them both (for reasons of his own Fowler wished to have it appear that he was in no way connected with the plot), and march them down to the river-bank, where the boat was waiting for them.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading It had been the custom of the Club, during their sojourn under Mr. Wilbur’s roof, to pass the hours that intervened between dark and bedtime on the veranda, singing songs, or listening to the stories of one of the sheep-herders.

from a particular thing or place or position (“forth” is obsolete)

From this reading The Club, who had gone off somewhere on purpose to be rid of the young Englishman, were absent so long that Fowler began to be very uneasy, fearing that they might stay until so late an hour that it would be impossible for him to carry out his part of the programme.

touching and supported by a surface

From this reading It had been the custom of the Club, during their sojourn under Mr. Wilbur’s roof, to pass the hours that intervened between dark and bedtime on the veranda, singing songs, or listening to the stories of one of the sheep-herders.

used to mean any person in general, including the speaker

From this reading It had been the custom of the Club, during their sojourn under Mr. Wilbur’s roof, to pass the hours that intervened between dark and bedtime on the veranda, singing songs, or listening to the stories of one of the sheep-herders.

used to join alternatives or possibilities

From this reading It had been the custom of the Club, during their sojourn under Mr. Wilbur’s roof, to pass the hours that intervened between dark and bedtime on the veranda, singing songs, or listening to the stories of one of the sheep-herders.

not allowed to continue to bat or run

From this reading Bob was to be concealed somewhere along the route, and when they passed his ambush he was to jump out, collar them both (for reasons of his own Fowler wished to have it appear that he was in no way connected with the plot), and march them down to the river-bank, where the boat was waiting for them.

have ownership or possession of

From this reading Bob was to be concealed somewhere along the route, and when they passed his ambush he was to jump out, collar them both (for reasons of his own Fowler wished to have it appear that he was in no way connected with the plot), and march them down to the river-bank, where the boat was waiting for them.

something determined in relation to something that includes it

From this reading The Club, who had gone off somewhere on purpose to be rid of the young Englishman, were absent so long that Fowler began to be very uneasy, fearing that they might stay until so late an hour that it would be impossible for him to carry out his part of the programme.

go across or through

From this reading It had been the custom of the Club, during their sojourn under Mr. Wilbur’s roof, to pass the hours that intervened between dark and bedtime on the veranda, singing songs, or listening to the stories of one of the sheep-herders.

past form of “pass” — go across or through

From this reading Bob was to be concealed somewhere along the route, and when they passed his ambush he was to jump out, collar them both (for reasons of his own Fowler wished to have it appear that he was in no way connected with the plot), and march them down to the river-bank, where the boat was waiting for them.

a secret scheme to do something (especially something underhand or illegal)

From this reading Bob was to be concealed somewhere along the route, and when they passed his ambush he was to jump out, collar them both (for reasons of his own Fowler wished to have it appear that he was in no way connected with the plot), and march them down to the river-bank, where the boat was waiting for them.

a false or unsupportable quality

From this reading It was to be Fowler’s business to separate Walter from his companions, and, under pretence of telling him something that it was very important he should know, conduct him down a shaded lane a short distance from the house.

an announcement of the events that will occur as part of a theatrical or sporting event

From this reading The Club, who had gone off somewhere on purpose to be rid of the young Englishman, were absent so long that Fowler began to be very uneasy, fearing that they might stay until so late an hour that it would be impossible for him to carry out his part of the programme.

an anticipated outcome that is intended or that guides your planned actions

From this reading The Club, who had gone off somewhere on purpose to be rid of the young Englishman, were absent so long that Fowler began to be very uneasy, fearing that they might stay until so late an hour that it would be impossible for him to carry out his part of the programme.

plural of “reason” — a rational motive for a belief or action

From this reading Bob was to be concealed somewhere along the route, and when they passed his ambush he was to jump out, collar them both (for reasons of his own Fowler wished to have it appear that he was in no way connected with the plot), and march them down to the river-bank, where the boat was waiting for them.

the feeling that comes when something burdensome is removed or reduced

From this reading But they came shortly after dark, to the clerk’s great relief, and after disposing of a hearty supper gathered on the veranda as usual.

relieve from

From this reading The Club, who had gone off somewhere on purpose to be rid of the young Englishman, were absent so long that Fowler began to be very uneasy, fearing that they might stay until so late an hour that it would be impossible for him to carry out his part of the programme.

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

From this reading Bob was to be concealed somewhere along the route, and when they passed his ambush he was to jump out, collar them both (for reasons of his own Fowler wished to have it appear that he was in no way connected with the plot), and march them down to the river-bank, where the boat was waiting for them.

a protective covering that covers or forms the top of a building

From this reading It had been the custom of the Club, during their sojourn under Mr. Wilbur’s roof, to pass the hours that intervened between dark and bedtime on the veranda, singing songs, or listening to the stories of one of the sheep-herders.

an established line of travel or access

From this reading Bob was to be concealed somewhere along the route, and when they passed his ambush he was to jump out, collar them both (for reasons of his own Fowler wished to have it appear that he was in no way connected with the plot), and march them down to the river-bank, where the boat was waiting for them.

act as a barrier between; stand between

From this reading It was to be Fowler’s business to separate Walter from his companions, and, under pretence of telling him something that it was very important he should know, conduct him down a shaded lane a short distance from the house.

protected from heat and light with shade or shadow

From this reading It was to be Fowler’s business to separate Walter from his companions, and, under pretence of telling him something that it was very important he should know, conduct him down a shaded lane a short distance from the house.

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

From this reading It had been the custom of the Club, during their sojourn under Mr. Wilbur’s roof, to pass the hours that intervened between dark and bedtime on the veranda, singing songs, or listening to the stories of one of the sheep-herders.

primarily temporal sense; indicating or being or seeming to be limited in duration

From this reading It was to be Fowler’s business to separate Walter from his companions, and, under pretence of telling him something that it was very important he should know, conduct him down a shaded lane a short distance from the house.

for a short time

From this reading But they came shortly after dark, to the clerk’s great relief, and after disposing of a hearty supper gathered on the veranda as usual.

used to say what is right, expected, or advisable

From this reading It was to be Fowler’s business to separate Walter from his companions, and, under pretence of telling him something that it was very important he should know, conduct him down a shaded lane a short distance from the house.

the act of singing vocal music

From this reading It had been the custom of the Club, during their sojourn under Mr. Wilbur’s roof, to pass the hours that intervened between dark and bedtime on the veranda, singing songs, or listening to the stories of one of the sheep-herders.

for that reason; with the result that

From this reading The Club, who had gone off somewhere on purpose to be rid of the young Englishman, were absent so long that Fowler began to be very uneasy, fearing that they might stay until so late an hour that it would be impossible for him to carry out his part of the programme.

a temporary stay (e.g., as a guest)

From this reading It had been the custom of the Club, during their sojourn under Mr. Wilbur’s roof, to pass the hours that intervened between dark and bedtime on the veranda, singing songs, or listening to the stories of one of the sheep-herders.

a thing, without saying which

From this reading It was to be Fowler’s business to separate Walter from his companions, and, under pretence of telling him something that it was very important he should know, conduct him down a shaded lane a short distance from the house.

in or at or to some place

From this reading Bob was to be concealed somewhere along the route, and when they passed his ambush he was to jump out, collar them both (for reasons of his own Fowler wished to have it appear that he was in no way connected with the plot), and march them down to the river-bank, where the boat was waiting for them.

plural of “song” — a short musical composition with words

From this reading It had been the custom of the Club, during their sojourn under Mr. Wilbur’s roof, to pass the hours that intervened between dark and bedtime on the veranda, singing songs, or listening to the stories of one of the sheep-herders.

stay the same; remain in a certain state

From this reading The Club, who had gone off somewhere on purpose to be rid of the young Englishman, were absent so long that Fowler began to be very uneasy, fearing that they might stay until so late an hour that it would be impossible for him to carry out his part of the programme.

plural of “story” — a message that tells the particulars of an act or occurrence or course of events; presented in writing or drama or cinema or as a radio or television program

From this reading It had been the custom of the Club, during their sojourn under Mr. Wilbur’s roof, to pass the hours that intervened between dark and bedtime on the veranda, singing songs, or listening to the stories of one of the sheep-herders.

a light evening meal; served in early evening if dinner is at midday or served late in the evening at bedtime

From this reading But they came shortly after dark, to the clerk’s great relief, and after disposing of a hearty supper gathered on the veranda as usual.

disclosing unintentionally something concealed

From this reading It was to be Fowler’s business to separate Walter from his companions, and, under pretence of telling him something that it was very important he should know, conduct him down a shaded lane a short distance from the house.

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading It had been the custom of the Club, during their sojourn under Mr. Wilbur’s roof, to pass the hours that intervened between dark and bedtime on the veranda, singing songs, or listening to the stories of one of the sheep-herders.

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

From this reading It had been the custom of the Club, during their sojourn under Mr. Wilbur’s roof, to pass the hours that intervened between dark and bedtime on the veranda, singing songs, or listening to the stories of one of the sheep-herders.

belonging to the people or things already mentioned

From this reading It had been the custom of the Club, during their sojourn under Mr. Wilbur’s roof, to pass the hours that intervened between dark and bedtime on the veranda, singing songs, or listening to the stories of one of the sheep-herders.

the people or things already mentioned, as the object

From this reading Bob was to be concealed somewhere along the route, and when they passed his ambush he was to jump out, collar them both (for reasons of his own Fowler wished to have it appear that he was in no way connected with the plot), and march them down to the river-bank, where the boat was waiting for them.

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

From this reading Bob was to be concealed somewhere along the route, and when they passed his ambush he was to jump out, collar them both (for reasons of his own Fowler wished to have it appear that he was in no way connected with the plot), and march them down to the river-bank, where the boat was waiting for them.

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

From this reading It had been the custom of the Club, during their sojourn under Mr. Wilbur’s roof, to pass the hours that intervened between dark and bedtime on the veranda, singing songs, or listening to the stories of one of the sheep-herders.

below or beneath something; less than

From this reading It had been the custom of the Club, during their sojourn under Mr. Wilbur’s roof, to pass the hours that intervened between dark and bedtime on the veranda, singing songs, or listening to the stories of one of the sheep-herders.

lacking a sense of security or affording no ease or reassurance

From this reading The Club, who had gone off somewhere on purpose to be rid of the young Englishman, were absent so long that Fowler began to be very uneasy, fearing that they might stay until so late an hour that it would be impossible for him to carry out his part of the programme.

up to a particular time

From this reading The Club, who had gone off somewhere on purpose to be rid of the young Englishman, were absent so long that Fowler began to be very uneasy, fearing that they might stay until so late an hour that it would be impossible for him to carry out his part of the programme.

occurring or encountered or experienced or observed frequently or in accordance with regular practice or procedure

From this reading But they came shortly after dark, to the clerk’s great relief, and after disposing of a hearty supper gathered on the veranda as usual.

a porch along the outside of a building (sometimes partly enclosed)

From this reading It had been the custom of the Club, during their sojourn under Mr. Wilbur’s roof, to pass the hours that intervened between dark and bedtime on the veranda, singing songs, or listening to the stories of one of the sheep-herders.

precisely as stated

From this reading It was to be Fowler’s business to separate Walter from his companions, and, under pretence of telling him something that it was very important he should know, conduct him down a shaded lane a short distance from the house.

the act of waiting (remaining inactive in one place while expecting something)

From this reading Bob was to be concealed somewhere along the route, and when they passed his ambush he was to jump out, collar them both (for reasons of his own Fowler wished to have it appear that he was in no way connected with the plot), and march them down to the river-bank, where the boat was waiting for them.

German conductor (1876-1962)

From this reading It was to be Fowler’s business to separate Walter from his companions, and, under pretence of telling him something that it was very important he should know, conduct him down a shaded lane a short distance from the house.

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

From this reading It was to be Fowler’s business to separate Walter from his companions, and, under pretence of telling him something that it was very important he should know, conduct him down a shaded lane a short distance from the house.

how something is done or how it happens

From this reading Bob was to be concealed somewhere along the route, and when they passed his ambush he was to jump out, collar them both (for reasons of his own Fowler wished to have it appear that he was in no way connected with the plot), and march them down to the river-bank, where the boat was waiting for them.

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

From this reading The Club, who had gone off somewhere on purpose to be rid of the young Englishman, were absent so long that Fowler began to be very uneasy, fearing that they might stay until so late an hour that it would be impossible for him to carry out his part of the programme.

at the time that

From this reading Bob was to be concealed somewhere along the route, and when they passed his ambush he was to jump out, collar them both (for reasons of his own Fowler wished to have it appear that he was in no way connected with the plot), and march them down to the river-bank, where the boat was waiting for them.

in or at the place that

From this reading Bob was to be concealed somewhere along the route, and when they passed his ambush he was to jump out, collar them both (for reasons of his own Fowler wished to have it appear that he was in no way connected with the plot), and march them down to the river-bank, where the boat was waiting for them.

which person or people

From this reading The Club, who had gone off somewhere on purpose to be rid of the young Englishman, were absent so long that Fowler began to be very uneasy, fearing that they might stay until so late an hour that it would be impossible for him to carry out his part of the programme.

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

From this reading It had been the custom of the Club, during their sojourn under Mr. Wilbur’s roof, to pass the hours that intervened between dark and bedtime on the veranda, singing songs, or listening to the stories of one of the sheep-herders.

past form of “wish” — hope for; have a wish

From this reading Bob was to be concealed somewhere along the route, and when they passed his ambush he was to jump out, collar them both (for reasons of his own Fowler wished to have it appear that he was in no way connected with the plot), and march them down to the river-bank, where the boat was waiting for them.

in the company of; together with

From this reading Bob was to be concealed somewhere along the route, and when they passed his ambush he was to jump out, collar them both (for reasons of his own Fowler wished to have it appear that he was in no way connected with the plot), and march them down to the river-bank, where the boat was waiting for them.

used for something imagined, polite, or habitual in the past

From this reading The Club, who had gone off somewhere on purpose to be rid of the young Englishman, were absent so long that Fowler began to be very uneasy, fearing that they might stay until so late an hour that it would be impossible for him to carry out his part of the programme.

(used of living things especially persons) in an early period of life or development or growth

From this reading The Club, who had gone off somewhere on purpose to be rid of the young Englishman, were absent so long that Fowler began to be very uneasy, fearing that they might stay until so late an hour that it would be impossible for him to carry out his part of the programme.