Chapter VII · Chapter 7

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

From this reading "Farnham," he said, with profound solemnity, "if you don't call that the"--(I decline to follow him in the pyrotechnical combination of oaths with which he introduced the next words)--"best sherry you ever saw, then I'm a converted pacer with the ringbone."

gotten through environmental forces

From this reading He had often wondered how such a man as Temple had acquired such an unerring taste.

declare to be true or admit the existence or reality or truth of

From this reading Arthur drank his wine, and did not hesitate to admit all that its owner had claimed for it.

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

From this reading Arthur drank his wine, and did not hesitate to admit all that its owner had claimed for it.

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

From this reading He had often wondered how such a man as Temple had acquired such an unerring taste.

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

From this reading Arthur drank his wine, and did not hesitate to admit all that its owner had claimed for it.

elected vice president and became 21st President of the United States when Garfield was assassinated (1830-1886)

From this reading Arthur drank his wine, and did not hesitate to admit all that its owner had claimed for it.

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

From this reading He had often wondered how such a man as Temple had acquired such an unerring taste.

the supreme effort one can make

From this reading "Farnham," he said, with profound solemnity, "if you don't call that the"--(I decline to follow him in the pyrotechnical combination of oaths with which he introduced the next words)--"best sherry you ever saw, then I'm a converted pacer with the ringbone."

assign a specified (usually proper) proper name to

From this reading "Farnham," he said, with profound solemnity, "if you don't call that the"--(I decline to follow him in the pyrotechnical combination of oaths with which he introduced the next words)--"best sherry you ever saw, then I'm a converted pacer with the ringbone."

past form of “claim” — assert or affirm strongly; state to be true or existing

From this reading Arthur drank his wine, and did not hesitate to admit all that its owner had claimed for it.

a collection of things that have been combined; an assemblage of separate parts or qualities

From this reading "Farnham," he said, with profound solemnity, "if you don't call that the"--(I decline to follow him in the pyrotechnical combination of oaths with which he introduced the next words)--"best sherry you ever saw, then I'm a converted pacer with the ringbone."

past form of “convert” — change from one system to another or to a new plan or policy

From this reading "Farnham," he said, with profound solemnity, "if you don't call that the"--(I decline to follow him in the pyrotechnical combination of oaths with which he introduced the next words)--"best sherry you ever saw, then I'm a converted pacer with the ringbone."

grow worse

From this reading "Farnham," he said, with profound solemnity, "if you don't call that the"--(I decline to follow him in the pyrotechnical combination of oaths with which he introduced the next words)--"best sherry you ever saw, then I'm a converted pacer with the ringbone."

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

From this reading Arthur drank his wine, and did not hesitate to admit all that its owner had claimed for it.

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

From this reading "Farnham," he said, with profound solemnity, "if you don't call that the"--(I decline to follow him in the pyrotechnical combination of oaths with which he introduced the next words)--"best sherry you ever saw, then I'm a converted pacer with the ringbone."

inflected form of “drink” — take in liquids

From this reading Arthur drank his wine, and did not hesitate to admit all that its owner had claimed for it.

at any time

From this reading "Farnham," he said, with profound solemnity, "if you don't call that the"--(I decline to follow him in the pyrotechnical combination of oaths with which he introduced the next words)--"best sherry you ever saw, then I'm a converted pacer with the ringbone."

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

From this reading Temple smiled, evidently pleased with the question.

accept an excuse for

From this reading "Temple," he said, "how did you ever pick up this wine; and, if you will excuse the question, how did you know it when you got it?"

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

From this reading "Farnham," he said, with profound solemnity, "if you don't call that the"--(I decline to follow him in the pyrotechnical combination of oaths with which he introduced the next words)--"best sherry you ever saw, then I'm a converted pacer with the ringbone."

to travel behind, go after, come after

From this reading "Farnham," he said, with profound solemnity, "if you don't call that the"--(I decline to follow him in the pyrotechnical combination of oaths with which he introduced the next words)--"best sherry you ever saw, then I'm a converted pacer with the ringbone."

intended to be given to, or used by, somebody

From this reading Arthur drank his wine, and did not hesitate to admit all that its owner had claimed for it.

inflected form of “get” — come into the possession of something concrete or abstract

From this reading "Temple," he said, "how did you ever pick up this wine; and, if you will excuse the question, how did you know it when you got it?"

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

From this reading Arthur drank his wine, and did not hesitate to admit all that its owner had claimed for it.

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

From this reading "Farnham," he said, with profound solemnity, "if you don't call that the"--(I decline to follow him in the pyrotechnical combination of oaths with which he introduced the next words)--"best sherry you ever saw, then I'm a converted pacer with the ringbone."

pause or hold back in uncertainty or unwillingness

From this reading Arthur drank his wine, and did not hesitate to admit all that its owner had claimed for it.

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

From this reading "Farnham," he said, with profound solemnity, "if you don't call that the"--(I decline to follow him in the pyrotechnical combination of oaths with which he introduced the next words)--"best sherry you ever saw, then I'm a converted pacer with the ringbone."

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

From this reading Arthur drank his wine, and did not hesitate to admit all that its owner had claimed for it.

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

From this reading He had often wondered how such a man as Temple had acquired such an unerring taste.

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

From this reading "Farnham," he said, with profound solemnity, "if you don't call that the"--(I decline to follow him in the pyrotechnical combination of oaths with which he introduced the next words)--"best sherry you ever saw, then I'm a converted pacer with the ringbone."

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

From this reading "Farnham," he said, with profound solemnity, "if you don't call that the"--(I decline to follow him in the pyrotechnical combination of oaths with which he introduced the next words)--"best sherry you ever saw, then I'm a converted pacer with the ringbone."

on condition that; in the event that

From this reading "Farnham," he said, with profound solemnity, "if you don't call that the"--(I decline to follow him in the pyrotechnical combination of oaths with which he introduced the next words)--"best sherry you ever saw, then I'm a converted pacer with the ringbone."

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

From this reading "Farnham," he said, with profound solemnity, "if you don't call that the"--(I decline to follow him in the pyrotechnical combination of oaths with which he introduced the next words)--"best sherry you ever saw, then I'm a converted pacer with the ringbone."

past form of “introduce” — cause to come to know personally

From this reading "Farnham," he said, with profound solemnity, "if you don't call that the"--(I decline to follow him in the pyrotechnical combination of oaths with which he introduced the next words)--"best sherry you ever saw, then I'm a converted pacer with the ringbone."

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading Arthur drank his wine, and did not hesitate to admit all that its owner had claimed for it.

belonging to the thing or animal already mentioned

From this reading Arthur drank his wine, and did not hesitate to admit all that its owner had claimed for it.

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

From this reading "Temple," he said, "how did you ever pick up this wine; and, if you will excuse the question, how did you know it when you got it?"

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

From this reading He had often wondered how such a man as Temple had acquired such an unerring taste.

immediately following in time or order

From this reading "Farnham," he said, with profound solemnity, "if you don't call that the"--(I decline to follow him in the pyrotechnical combination of oaths with which he introduced the next words)--"best sherry you ever saw, then I'm a converted pacer with the ringbone."

used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative

From this reading Arthur drank his wine, and did not hesitate to admit all that its owner had claimed for it.

plural of “oath” — profane or obscene expression usually of surprise or anger

From this reading "Farnham," he said, with profound solemnity, "if you don't call that the"--(I decline to follow him in the pyrotechnical combination of oaths with which he introduced the next words)--"best sherry you ever saw, then I'm a converted pacer with the ringbone."

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading "Farnham," he said, with profound solemnity, "if you don't call that the"--(I decline to follow him in the pyrotechnical combination of oaths with which he introduced the next words)--"best sherry you ever saw, then I'm a converted pacer with the ringbone."

many times at short intervals

From this reading He had often wondered how such a man as Temple had acquired such an unerring taste.

(law) someone who owns (is legal possessor of) a business

From this reading Arthur drank his wine, and did not hesitate to admit all that its owner had claimed for it.

a horse used to set the pace in racing

From this reading "Farnham," he said, with profound solemnity, "if you don't call that the"--(I decline to follow him in the pyrotechnical combination of oaths with which he introduced the next words)--"best sherry you ever saw, then I'm a converted pacer with the ringbone."

select carefully from a group

From this reading "Temple," he said, "how did you ever pick up this wine; and, if you will excuse the question, how did you know it when you got it?"

experiencing or manifesting pleasure

From this reading Temple smiled, evidently pleased with the question.

showing intellectual penetration or emotional depth

From this reading "Farnham," he said, with profound solemnity, "if you don't call that the"--(I decline to follow him in the pyrotechnical combination of oaths with which he introduced the next words)--"best sherry you ever saw, then I'm a converted pacer with the ringbone."

of or relating to the craft of making fireworks

From this reading "Farnham," he said, with profound solemnity, "if you don't call that the"--(I decline to follow him in the pyrotechnical combination of oaths with which he introduced the next words)--"best sherry you ever saw, then I'm a converted pacer with the ringbone."

challenge the accuracy, probity, or propriety of

From this reading "Temple," he said, "how did you ever pick up this wine; and, if you will excuse the question, how did you know it when you got it?"

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

From this reading "Farnham," he said, with profound solemnity, "if you don't call that the"--(I decline to follow him in the pyrotechnical combination of oaths with which he introduced the next words)--"best sherry you ever saw, then I'm a converted pacer with the ringbone."

being the one previously mentioned or spoken of

From this reading "Farnham," he said, with profound solemnity, "if you don't call that the"--(I decline to follow him in the pyrotechnical combination of oaths with which he introduced the next words)--"best sherry you ever saw, then I'm a converted pacer with the ringbone."

cut with a saw

From this reading "Farnham," he said, with profound solemnity, "if you don't call that the"--(I decline to follow him in the pyrotechnical combination of oaths with which he introduced the next words)--"best sherry you ever saw, then I'm a converted pacer with the ringbone."

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 "Farnham," he said, with profound solemnity, "if you don't call that the"--(I decline to follow him in the pyrotechnical combination of oaths with which he introduced the next words)--"best sherry you ever saw, then I'm a converted pacer with the ringbone."

past form of “smile” — change one's facial expression by spreading the lips, often to signal pleasure

From this reading Temple smiled, evidently pleased with the question.

a trait of dignified seriousness

From this reading "Farnham," he said, with profound solemnity, "if you don't call that the"--(I decline to follow him in the pyrotechnical combination of oaths with which he introduced the next words)--"best sherry you ever saw, then I'm a converted pacer with the ringbone."

of the kind already mentioned

From this reading He had often wondered how such a man as Temple had acquired such an unerring taste.

To perceive flavor through the mouth.

From this reading He had often wondered how such a man as Temple had acquired such an unerring taste.

place of worship consisting of an edifice for the worship of a deity

From this reading He had often wondered how such a man as Temple had acquired such an unerring taste.

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading "Farnham," he said, with profound solemnity, "if you don't call that the"--(I decline to follow him in the pyrotechnical combination of oaths with which he introduced the next words)--"best sherry you ever saw, then I'm a converted pacer with the ringbone."

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

From this reading "Farnham," he said, with profound solemnity, "if you don't call that the"--(I decline to follow him in the pyrotechnical combination of oaths with which he introduced the next words)--"best sherry you ever saw, then I'm a converted pacer with the ringbone."

subsequently or soon afterward (often used as sentence connectors)

From this reading "Farnham," he said, with profound solemnity, "if you don't call that the"--(I decline to follow him in the pyrotechnical combination of oaths with which he introduced the next words)--"best sherry you ever saw, then I'm a converted pacer with the ringbone."

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

From this reading "Temple," he said, "how did you ever pick up this wine; and, if you will excuse the question, how did you know it when you got it?"

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

From this reading "Farnham," he said, with profound solemnity, "if you don't call that the"--(I decline to follow him in the pyrotechnical combination of oaths with which he introduced the next words)--"best sherry you ever saw, then I'm a converted pacer with the ringbone."

not liable to error

From this reading He had often wondered how such a man as Temple had acquired such an unerring taste.

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

From this reading "Temple," he said, "how did you ever pick up this wine; and, if you will excuse the question, how did you know it when you got it?"

at the time that

From this reading "Temple," he said, "how did you ever pick up this wine; and, if you will excuse the question, how did you know it when you got it?"

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

From this reading "Farnham," he said, with profound solemnity, "if you don't call that the"--(I decline to follow him in the pyrotechnical combination of oaths with which he introduced the next words)--"best sherry you ever saw, then I'm a converted pacer with the ringbone."

used to talk about the future, or about willingness

From this reading "Temple," he said, "how did you ever pick up this wine; and, if you will excuse the question, how did you know it when you got it?"

fermented juice (of grapes especially)

From this reading Arthur drank his wine, and did not hesitate to admit all that its owner had claimed for it.

in the company of; together with

From this reading "Farnham," he said, with profound solemnity, "if you don't call that the"--(I decline to follow him in the pyrotechnical combination of oaths with which he introduced the next words)--"best sherry you ever saw, then I'm a converted pacer with the ringbone."

past form of “wonder” — have a wish or desire to know something

From this reading He had often wondered how such a man as Temple had acquired such an unerring taste.

the words that are spoken

From this reading "Farnham," he said, with profound solemnity, "if you don't call that the"--(I decline to follow him in the pyrotechnical combination of oaths with which he introduced the next words)--"best sherry you ever saw, then I'm a converted pacer with the ringbone."

the person or people being spoken to

From this reading "Farnham," he said, with profound solemnity, "if you don't call that the"--(I decline to follow him in the pyrotechnical combination of oaths with which he introduced the next words)--"best sherry you ever saw, then I'm a converted pacer with the ringbone."