Chapter XXI · Chapter 21

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

From this reading Our host regaled us with a hospitality that notably contrasted his economical thrifty habits in London.

a bachelor's degree in arts and sciences

From this reading To be sure, Bolt had caught the great pike which headed the feast; and Bolt, no doubt, had helped to rear those fine chickens ab ovo; Bolt, I have no doubt, made that excellent Spanish omelette; and, for the rest, the products of the sheepwalk and the garden came in as volunteer auxiliaries,--very different from the mercenary recruits by which those metropolitan Condottieri, the butcher and greengrocer, hasten the ruin of that melancholy commonwealth called "genteel poverty."

surrounded by; in the middle of a group

From this reading It was eleven o'clock before Bolt appeared with a lantern to conduct me through the courtyard to my dormitory among the ruins,--a ceremony which, every night, shine or dark, he insisted upon punctiliously performing.

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

From this reading To be sure, Bolt had caught the great pike which headed the feast; and Bolt, no doubt, had helped to rear those fine chickens ab ovo; Bolt, I have no doubt, made that excellent Spanish omelette; and, for the rest, the products of the sheepwalk and the garden came in as volunteer auxiliaries,--very different from the mercenary recruits by which those metropolitan Condottieri, the butcher and greengrocer, hasten the ruin of that melancholy commonwealth called "genteel poverty."

past form of “appear” — give a certain impression or have a certain outward aspect

From this reading It was eleven o'clock before Bolt appeared with a lantern to conduct me through the courtyard to my dormitory among the ruins,--a ceremony which, every night, shine or dark, he insisted upon punctiliously performing.

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

From this reading To be sure, Bolt had caught the great pike which headed the feast; and Bolt, no doubt, had helped to rear those fine chickens ab ovo; Bolt, I have no doubt, made that excellent Spanish omelette; and, for the rest, the products of the sheepwalk and the garden came in as volunteer auxiliaries,--very different from the mercenary recruits by which those metropolitan Condottieri, the butcher and greengrocer, hasten the ruin of that melancholy commonwealth called "genteel poverty."

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

From this reading To be sure, Bolt had caught the great pike which headed the feast; and Bolt, no doubt, had helped to rear those fine chickens ab ovo; Bolt, I have no doubt, made that excellent Spanish omelette; and, for the rest, the products of the sheepwalk and the garden came in as volunteer auxiliaries,--very different from the mercenary recruits by which those metropolitan Condottieri, the butcher and greengrocer, hasten the ruin of that melancholy commonwealth called "genteel poverty."

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

From this reading To be sure, Bolt had caught the great pike which headed the feast; and Bolt, no doubt, had helped to rear those fine chickens ab ovo; Bolt, I have no doubt, made that excellent Spanish omelette; and, for the rest, the products of the sheepwalk and the garden came in as volunteer auxiliaries,--very different from the mercenary recruits by which those metropolitan Condottieri, the butcher and greengrocer, hasten the ruin of that melancholy commonwealth called "genteel poverty."

earlier than; in front of

From this reading It was eleven o'clock before Bolt appeared with a lantern to conduct me through the courtyard to my dormitory among the ruins,--a ceremony which, every night, shine or dark, he insisted upon punctiliously performing.

accept as true; take to be true

From this reading It was long before I could sleep; before I could believe that but so few days had elapsed since Roland heard of his son's death,--that son whose fate had so long tortured him; and yet, never had Roland appeared so free from sorrow!

a discharge of lightning accompanied by thunder

From this reading To be sure, Bolt had caught the great pike which headed the feast; and Bolt, no doubt, had helped to rear those fine chickens ab ovo; Bolt, I have no doubt, made that excellent Spanish omelette; and, for the rest, the products of the sheepwalk and the garden came in as volunteer auxiliaries,--very different from the mercenary recruits by which those metropolitan Condottieri, the butcher and greengrocer, hasten the ruin of that melancholy commonwealth called "genteel poverty."

used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before

From this reading It was long before I could sleep; before I could believe that but so few days had elapsed since Roland heard of his son's death,--that son whose fate had so long tortured him; and yet, never had Roland appeared so free from sorrow!

kill (animals) usually for food consumption

From this reading To be sure, Bolt had caught the great pike which headed the feast; and Bolt, no doubt, had helped to rear those fine chickens ab ovo; Bolt, I have no doubt, made that excellent Spanish omelette; and, for the rest, the products of the sheepwalk and the garden came in as volunteer auxiliaries,--very different from the mercenary recruits by which those metropolitan Condottieri, the butcher and greengrocer, hasten the ruin of that melancholy commonwealth called "genteel poverty."

showing who or what does the action

From this reading To be sure, Bolt had caught the great pike which headed the feast; and Bolt, no doubt, had helped to rear those fine chickens ab ovo; Bolt, I have no doubt, made that excellent Spanish omelette; and, for the rest, the products of the sheepwalk and the garden came in as volunteer auxiliaries,--very different from the mercenary recruits by which those metropolitan Condottieri, the butcher and greengrocer, hasten the ruin of that melancholy commonwealth called "genteel poverty."

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

From this reading To be sure, Bolt had caught the great pike which headed the feast; and Bolt, no doubt, had helped to rear those fine chickens ab ovo; Bolt, I have no doubt, made that excellent Spanish omelette; and, for the rest, the products of the sheepwalk and the garden came in as volunteer auxiliaries,--very different from the mercenary recruits by which those metropolitan Condottieri, the butcher and greengrocer, hasten the ruin of that melancholy commonwealth called "genteel poverty."

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

From this reading To be sure, Bolt had caught the great pike which headed the feast; and Bolt, no doubt, had helped to rear those fine chickens ab ovo; Bolt, I have no doubt, made that excellent Spanish omelette; and, for the rest, the products of the sheepwalk and the garden came in as volunteer auxiliaries,--very different from the mercenary recruits by which those metropolitan Condottieri, the butcher and greengrocer, hasten the ruin of that melancholy commonwealth called "genteel poverty."

inflected form of “catch” — discover or come upon accidentally, suddenly, or unexpectedly; catch somebody doing something or in a certain state

From this reading To be sure, Bolt had caught the great pike which headed the feast; and Bolt, no doubt, had helped to rear those fine chickens ab ovo; Bolt, I have no doubt, made that excellent Spanish omelette; and, for the rest, the products of the sheepwalk and the garden came in as volunteer auxiliaries,--very different from the mercenary recruits by which those metropolitan Condottieri, the butcher and greengrocer, hasten the ruin of that melancholy commonwealth called "genteel poverty."

a formal event performed on a special occasion

From this reading It was eleven o'clock before Bolt appeared with a lantern to conduct me through the courtyard to my dormitory among the ruins,--a ceremony which, every night, shine or dark, he insisted upon punctiliously performing.

in a cheerful manner

From this reading Our evening passed cheerfully; and Roland, contrary to his custom, was talker in chief.

plural of “chicken” — the flesh of a chicken used for food

From this reading To be sure, Bolt had caught the great pike which headed the feast; and Bolt, no doubt, had helped to rear those fine chickens ab ovo; Bolt, I have no doubt, made that excellent Spanish omelette; and, for the rest, the products of the sheepwalk and the garden came in as volunteer auxiliaries,--very different from the mercenary recruits by which those metropolitan Condottieri, the butcher and greengrocer, hasten the ruin of that melancholy commonwealth called "genteel poverty."

a person who is in charge

From this reading Our evening passed cheerfully; and Roland, contrary to his custom, was talker in chief.

the official name of some states in the United States (Massachusetts and Pennsylvania and Virginia and Kentucky) and associated territories (Puerto Rico)

From this reading To be sure, Bolt had caught the great pike which headed the feast; and Bolt, no doubt, had helped to rear those fine chickens ab ovo; Bolt, I have no doubt, made that excellent Spanish omelette; and, for the rest, the products of the sheepwalk and the garden came in as volunteer auxiliaries,--very different from the mercenary recruits by which those metropolitan Condottieri, the butcher and greengrocer, hasten the ruin of that melancholy commonwealth called "genteel poverty."

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

From this reading To be sure, Bolt had caught the great pike which headed the feast; and Bolt, no doubt, had helped to rear those fine chickens ab ovo; Bolt, I have no doubt, made that excellent Spanish omelette; and, for the rest, the products of the sheepwalk and the garden came in as volunteer auxiliaries,--very different from the mercenary recruits by which those metropolitan Condottieri, the butcher and greengrocer, hasten the ruin of that melancholy commonwealth called "genteel poverty."

direct the course of; manage or control

From this reading It was eleven o'clock before Bolt appeared with a lantern to conduct me through the courtyard to my dormitory among the ruins,--a ceremony which, every night, shine or dark, he insisted upon punctiliously performing.

very opposed in nature or character or purpose

From this reading Our evening passed cheerfully; and Roland, contrary to his custom, was talker in chief.

past form of “contrast” — put in opposition to show or emphasize differences

From this reading Our host regaled us with a hospitality that notably contrasted his economical thrifty habits in London.

the past of “can”; used for possibility or polite requests

From this reading It was long before I could sleep; before I could believe that but so few days had elapsed since Roland heard of his son's death,--that son whose fate had so long tortured him; and yet, never had Roland appeared so free from sorrow!

An unroofed area that is completely or partially enclosed by the walls of a house.

From this reading It was eleven o'clock before Bolt appeared with a lantern to conduct me through the courtyard to my dormitory among the ruins,--a ceremony which, every night, shine or dark, he insisted upon punctiliously performing.

accepted or habitual practice

From this reading Our evening passed cheerfully; and Roland, contrary to his custom, was talker in chief.

absence of light or illumination

From this reading It was eleven o'clock before Bolt appeared with a lantern to conduct me through the courtyard to my dormitory among the ruins,--a ceremony which, every night, shine or dark, he insisted upon punctiliously performing.

the time during which someone's life continues

From this reading It was long before I could sleep; before I could believe that but so few days had elapsed since Roland heard of his son's death,--that son whose fate had so long tortured him; and yet, never had Roland appeared so free from sorrow!

the event of dying or departure from life

From this reading It was long before I could sleep; before I could believe that but so few days had elapsed since Roland heard of his son's death,--that son whose fate had so long tortured him; and yet, never had Roland appeared so free from sorrow!

unlike in nature or quality or form or degree

From this reading To be sure, Bolt had caught the great pike which headed the feast; and Bolt, no doubt, had helped to rear those fine chickens ab ovo; Bolt, I have no doubt, made that excellent Spanish omelette; and, for the rest, the products of the sheepwalk and the garden came in as volunteer auxiliaries,--very different from the mercenary recruits by which those metropolitan Condottieri, the butcher and greengrocer, hasten the ruin of that melancholy commonwealth called "genteel poverty."

a college or university building containing living quarters for students

From this reading It was eleven o'clock before Bolt appeared with a lantern to conduct me through the courtyard to my dormitory among the ruins,--a ceremony which, every night, shine or dark, he insisted upon punctiliously performing.

the state of being unsure of something

From this reading To be sure, Bolt had caught the great pike which headed the feast; and Bolt, no doubt, had helped to rear those fine chickens ab ovo; Bolt, I have no doubt, made that excellent Spanish omelette; and, for the rest, the products of the sheepwalk and the garden came in as volunteer auxiliaries,--very different from the mercenary recruits by which those metropolitan Condottieri, the butcher and greengrocer, hasten the ruin of that melancholy commonwealth called "genteel poverty."

using the minimum of time or resources necessary for effectiveness

From this reading Our host regaled us with a hospitality that notably contrasted his economical thrifty habits in London.

(of time) having passed or slipped by

From this reading It was long before I could sleep; before I could believe that but so few days had elapsed since Roland heard of his son's death,--that son whose fate had so long tortured him; and yet, never had Roland appeared so free from sorrow!

being one more than ten

From this reading It was eleven o'clock before Bolt appeared with a lantern to conduct me through the courtyard to my dormitory among the ruins,--a ceremony which, every night, shine or dark, he insisted upon punctiliously performing.

the latter part of the day (the period of decreasing daylight from late afternoon until nightfall)

From this reading Our evening passed cheerfully; and Roland, contrary to his custom, was talker in chief.

all the members of a group, with none left out

From this reading It was eleven o'clock before Bolt appeared with a lantern to conduct me through the courtyard to my dormitory among the ruins,--a ceremony which, every night, shine or dark, he insisted upon punctiliously performing.

very good; of the highest quality

From this reading To be sure, Bolt had caught the great pike which headed the feast; and Bolt, no doubt, had helped to rear those fine chickens ab ovo; Bolt, I have no doubt, made that excellent Spanish omelette; and, for the rest, the products of the sheepwalk and the garden came in as volunteer auxiliaries,--very different from the mercenary recruits by which those metropolitan Condottieri, the butcher and greengrocer, hasten the ruin of that melancholy commonwealth called "genteel poverty."

an event (or a course of events) that will inevitably happen in the future

From this reading It was long before I could sleep; before I could believe that but so few days had elapsed since Roland heard of his son's death,--that son whose fate had so long tortured him; and yet, never had Roland appeared so free from sorrow!

a ceremonial dinner party for many people

From this reading To be sure, Bolt had caught the great pike which headed the feast; and Bolt, no doubt, had helped to rear those fine chickens ab ovo; Bolt, I have no doubt, made that excellent Spanish omelette; and, for the rest, the products of the sheepwalk and the garden came in as volunteer auxiliaries,--very different from the mercenary recruits by which those metropolitan Condottieri, the butcher and greengrocer, hasten the ruin of that melancholy commonwealth called "genteel poverty."

a quantifier that can be used with count nouns and is often preceded by “a”; a small but indefinite number

From this reading It was long before I could sleep; before I could believe that but so few days had elapsed since Roland heard of his son's death,--that son whose fate had so long tortured him; and yet, never had Roland appeared so free from sorrow!

being satisfactory or in satisfactory condition

From this reading To be sure, Bolt had caught the great pike which headed the feast; and Bolt, no doubt, had helped to rear those fine chickens ab ovo; Bolt, I have no doubt, made that excellent Spanish omelette; and, for the rest, the products of the sheepwalk and the garden came in as volunteer auxiliaries,--very different from the mercenary recruits by which those metropolitan Condottieri, the butcher and greengrocer, hasten the ruin of that melancholy commonwealth called "genteel poverty."

intended to be given to, or used by, somebody

From this reading To be sure, Bolt had caught the great pike which headed the feast; and Bolt, no doubt, had helped to rear those fine chickens ab ovo; Bolt, I have no doubt, made that excellent Spanish omelette; and, for the rest, the products of the sheepwalk and the garden came in as volunteer auxiliaries,--very different from the mercenary recruits by which those metropolitan Condottieri, the butcher and greengrocer, hasten the ruin of that melancholy commonwealth called "genteel poverty."

grant freedom to; free from confinement

From this reading It was long before I could sleep; before I could believe that but so few days had elapsed since Roland heard of his son's death,--that son whose fate had so long tortured him; and yet, never had Roland appeared so free from sorrow!

showing where something starts, or who sent it

From this reading To be sure, Bolt had caught the great pike which headed the feast; and Bolt, no doubt, had helped to rear those fine chickens ab ovo; Bolt, I have no doubt, made that excellent Spanish omelette; and, for the rest, the products of the sheepwalk and the garden came in as volunteer auxiliaries,--very different from the mercenary recruits by which those metropolitan Condottieri, the butcher and greengrocer, hasten the ruin of that melancholy commonwealth called "genteel poverty."

a plot of ground where plants are cultivated

From this reading To be sure, Bolt had caught the great pike which headed the feast; and Bolt, no doubt, had helped to rear those fine chickens ab ovo; Bolt, I have no doubt, made that excellent Spanish omelette; and, for the rest, the products of the sheepwalk and the garden came in as volunteer auxiliaries,--very different from the mercenary recruits by which those metropolitan Condottieri, the butcher and greengrocer, hasten the ruin of that melancholy commonwealth called "genteel poverty."

marked by refinement in taste and manners

From this reading To be sure, Bolt had caught the great pike which headed the feast; and Bolt, no doubt, had helped to rear those fine chickens ab ovo; Bolt, I have no doubt, made that excellent Spanish omelette; and, for the rest, the products of the sheepwalk and the garden came in as volunteer auxiliaries,--very different from the mercenary recruits by which those metropolitan Condottieri, the butcher and greengrocer, hasten the ruin of that melancholy commonwealth called "genteel poverty."

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

From this reading To be sure, Bolt had caught the great pike which headed the feast; and Bolt, no doubt, had helped to rear those fine chickens ab ovo; Bolt, I have no doubt, made that excellent Spanish omelette; and, for the rest, the products of the sheepwalk and the garden came in as volunteer auxiliaries,--very different from the mercenary recruits by which those metropolitan Condottieri, the butcher and greengrocer, hasten the ruin of that melancholy commonwealth called "genteel poverty."

a grocer who sells fresh fruits and vegetables

From this reading To be sure, Bolt had caught the great pike which headed the feast; and Bolt, no doubt, had helped to rear those fine chickens ab ovo; Bolt, I have no doubt, made that excellent Spanish omelette; and, for the rest, the products of the sheepwalk and the garden came in as volunteer auxiliaries,--very different from the mercenary recruits by which those metropolitan Condottieri, the butcher and greengrocer, hasten the ruin of that melancholy commonwealth called "genteel poverty."

plural of “habit” — an established custom

From this reading Our host regaled us with a hospitality that notably contrasted his economical thrifty habits in London.

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

From this reading To be sure, Bolt had caught the great pike which headed the feast; and Bolt, no doubt, had helped to rear those fine chickens ab ovo; Bolt, I have no doubt, made that excellent Spanish omelette; and, for the rest, the products of the sheepwalk and the garden came in as volunteer auxiliaries,--very different from the mercenary recruits by which those metropolitan Condottieri, the butcher and greengrocer, hasten the ruin of that melancholy commonwealth called "genteel poverty."

act or move at high speed

From this reading To be sure, Bolt had caught the great pike which headed the feast; and Bolt, no doubt, had helped to rear those fine chickens ab ovo; Bolt, I have no doubt, made that excellent Spanish omelette; and, for the rest, the products of the sheepwalk and the garden came in as volunteer auxiliaries,--very different from the mercenary recruits by which those metropolitan Condottieri, the butcher and greengrocer, hasten the ruin of that melancholy commonwealth called "genteel poverty."

used with a past participle to form the perfect tenses

From this reading To be sure, Bolt had caught the great pike which headed the feast; and Bolt, no doubt, had helped to rear those fine chickens ab ovo; Bolt, I have no doubt, made that excellent Spanish omelette; and, for the rest, the products of the sheepwalk and the garden came in as volunteer auxiliaries,--very different from the mercenary recruits by which those metropolitan Condottieri, the butcher and greengrocer, hasten the ruin of that melancholy commonwealth called "genteel poverty."

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

From this reading It was eleven o'clock before Bolt appeared with a lantern to conduct me through the courtyard to my dormitory among the ruins,--a ceremony which, every night, shine or dark, he insisted upon punctiliously performing.

having a heading or course in a certain direction

From this reading To be sure, Bolt had caught the great pike which headed the feast; and Bolt, no doubt, had helped to rear those fine chickens ab ovo; Bolt, I have no doubt, made that excellent Spanish omelette; and, for the rest, the products of the sheepwalk and the garden came in as volunteer auxiliaries,--very different from the mercenary recruits by which those metropolitan Condottieri, the butcher and greengrocer, hasten the ruin of that melancholy commonwealth called "genteel poverty."

detected or perceived by the sense of hearing

From this reading It was long before I could sleep; before I could believe that but so few days had elapsed since Roland heard of his son's death,--that son whose fate had so long tortured him; and yet, never had Roland appeared so free from sorrow!

past form of “help” — give help or assistance; be of service

From this reading To be sure, Bolt had caught the great pike which headed the feast; and Bolt, no doubt, had helped to rear those fine chickens ab ovo; Bolt, I have no doubt, made that excellent Spanish omelette; and, for the rest, the products of the sheepwalk and the garden came in as volunteer auxiliaries,--very different from the mercenary recruits by which those metropolitan Condottieri, the butcher and greengrocer, hasten the ruin of that melancholy commonwealth called "genteel poverty."

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

From this reading It was long before I could sleep; before I could believe that but so few days had elapsed since Roland heard of his son's death,--that son whose fate had so long tortured him; and yet, never had Roland appeared so free from sorrow!

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

From this reading Our host regaled us with a hospitality that notably contrasted his economical thrifty habits in London.

kindness in welcoming guests or strangers

From this reading Our host regaled us with a hospitality that notably contrasted his economical thrifty habits in London.

a person who invites guests to a social event (such as a party in his or her own home) and who is responsible for them while they are there

From this reading Our host regaled us with a hospitality that notably contrasted his economical thrifty habits in London.

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

From this reading To be sure, Bolt had caught the great pike which headed the feast; and Bolt, no doubt, had helped to rear those fine chickens ab ovo; Bolt, I have no doubt, made that excellent Spanish omelette; and, for the rest, the products of the sheepwalk and the garden came in as volunteer auxiliaries,--very different from the mercenary recruits by which those metropolitan Condottieri, the butcher and greengrocer, hasten the ruin of that melancholy commonwealth called "genteel poverty."

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

From this reading Our host regaled us with a hospitality that notably contrasted his economical thrifty habits in London.

past form of “insist” — be emphatic or resolute and refuse to budge

From this reading It was eleven o'clock before Bolt appeared with a lantern to conduct me through the courtyard to my dormitory among the ruins,--a ceremony which, every night, shine or dark, he insisted upon punctiliously performing.

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading It was eleven o'clock before Bolt appeared with a lantern to conduct me through the courtyard to my dormitory among the ruins,--a ceremony which, every night, shine or dark, he insisted upon punctiliously performing.

light in a transparent protective case

From this reading It was eleven o'clock before Bolt appeared with a lantern to conduct me through the courtyard to my dormitory among the ruins,--a ceremony which, every night, shine or dark, he insisted upon punctiliously performing.

the capital and largest city of England; located on the Thames in southeastern England; financial and industrial and cultural center

From this reading Our host regaled us with a hospitality that notably contrasted his economical thrifty habits in London.

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 It was long before I could sleep; before I could believe that but so few days had elapsed since Roland heard of his son's death,--that son whose fate had so long tortured him; and yet, never had Roland appeared so free from sorrow!

produced by a manufacturing process

From this reading To be sure, Bolt had caught the great pike which headed the feast; and Bolt, no doubt, had helped to rear those fine chickens ab ovo; Bolt, I have no doubt, made that excellent Spanish omelette; and, for the rest, the products of the sheepwalk and the garden came in as volunteer auxiliaries,--very different from the mercenary recruits by which those metropolitan Condottieri, the butcher and greengrocer, hasten the ruin of that melancholy commonwealth called "genteel poverty."

the person speaking, as the object of a verb or preposition

From this reading It was eleven o'clock before Bolt appeared with a lantern to conduct me through the courtyard to my dormitory among the ruins,--a ceremony which, every night, shine or dark, he insisted upon punctiliously performing.

a feeling of thoughtful sadness

From this reading To be sure, Bolt had caught the great pike which headed the feast; and Bolt, no doubt, had helped to rear those fine chickens ab ovo; Bolt, I have no doubt, made that excellent Spanish omelette; and, for the rest, the products of the sheepwalk and the garden came in as volunteer auxiliaries,--very different from the mercenary recruits by which those metropolitan Condottieri, the butcher and greengrocer, hasten the ruin of that melancholy commonwealth called "genteel poverty."

a person hired to fight for another country than their own

From this reading To be sure, Bolt had caught the great pike which headed the feast; and Bolt, no doubt, had helped to rear those fine chickens ab ovo; Bolt, I have no doubt, made that excellent Spanish omelette; and, for the rest, the products of the sheepwalk and the garden came in as volunteer auxiliaries,--very different from the mercenary recruits by which those metropolitan Condottieri, the butcher and greengrocer, hasten the ruin of that melancholy commonwealth called "genteel poverty."

relating to or characteristic of a metropolis

From this reading To be sure, Bolt had caught the great pike which headed the feast; and Bolt, no doubt, had helped to rear those fine chickens ab ovo; Bolt, I have no doubt, made that excellent Spanish omelette; and, for the rest, the products of the sheepwalk and the garden came in as volunteer auxiliaries,--very different from the mercenary recruits by which those metropolitan Condottieri, the butcher and greengrocer, hasten the ruin of that melancholy commonwealth called "genteel poverty."

belonging to the person speaking

From this reading It was eleven o'clock before Bolt appeared with a lantern to conduct me through the courtyard to my dormitory among the ruins,--a ceremony which, every night, shine or dark, he insisted upon punctiliously performing.

not ever; at no time in the past or future

From this reading It was long before I could sleep; before I could believe that but so few days had elapsed since Roland heard of his son's death,--that son whose fate had so long tortured him; and yet, never had Roland appeared so free from sorrow!

the time after sunset and before sunrise while it is dark outside

From this reading It was eleven o'clock before Bolt appeared with a lantern to conduct me through the courtyard to my dormitory among the ruins,--a ceremony which, every night, shine or dark, he insisted upon punctiliously performing.

not any; not one

From this reading To be sure, Bolt had caught the great pike which headed the feast; and Bolt, no doubt, had helped to rear those fine chickens ab ovo; Bolt, I have no doubt, made that excellent Spanish omelette; and, for the rest, the products of the sheepwalk and the garden came in as volunteer auxiliaries,--very different from the mercenary recruits by which those metropolitan Condottieri, the butcher and greengrocer, hasten the ruin of that melancholy commonwealth called "genteel poverty."

especially; in particular

From this reading Our host regaled us with a hospitality that notably contrasted his economical thrifty habits in London.

according to the clock

From this reading It was eleven o'clock before Bolt appeared with a lantern to conduct me through the courtyard to my dormitory among the ruins,--a ceremony which, every night, shine or dark, he insisted upon punctiliously performing.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading To be sure, Bolt had caught the great pike which headed the feast; and Bolt, no doubt, had helped to rear those fine chickens ab ovo; Bolt, I have no doubt, made that excellent Spanish omelette; and, for the rest, the products of the sheepwalk and the garden came in as volunteer auxiliaries,--very different from the mercenary recruits by which those metropolitan Condottieri, the butcher and greengrocer, hasten the ruin of that melancholy commonwealth called "genteel poverty."

beaten eggs or an egg mixture cooked until just set; may be folded around e.g. ham or cheese or jelly

From this reading To be sure, Bolt had caught the great pike which headed the feast; and Bolt, no doubt, had helped to rear those fine chickens ab ovo; Bolt, I have no doubt, made that excellent Spanish omelette; and, for the rest, the products of the sheepwalk and the garden came in as volunteer auxiliaries,--very different from the mercenary recruits by which those metropolitan Condottieri, the butcher and greengrocer, hasten the ruin of that melancholy commonwealth called "genteel poverty."

used to join alternatives or possibilities

From this reading It was eleven o'clock before Bolt appeared with a lantern to conduct me through the courtyard to my dormitory among the ruins,--a ceremony which, every night, shine or dark, he insisted upon punctiliously performing.

belonging to the speaker and others

From this reading Our host regaled us with a hospitality that notably contrasted his economical thrifty habits in London.

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

From this reading To be sure, Bolt had caught the great pike which headed the feast; and Bolt, no doubt, had helped to rear those fine chickens ab ovo; Bolt, I have no doubt, made that excellent Spanish omelette; and, for the rest, the products of the sheepwalk and the garden came in as volunteer auxiliaries,--very different from the mercenary recruits by which those metropolitan Condottieri, the butcher and greengrocer, hasten the ruin of that melancholy commonwealth called "genteel poverty."

past form of “pass” — go across or through

From this reading Our evening passed cheerfully; and Roland, contrary to his custom, was talker in chief.

the performance of a part or role in a drama

From this reading It was eleven o'clock before Bolt appeared with a lantern to conduct me through the courtyard to my dormitory among the ruins,--a ceremony which, every night, shine or dark, he insisted upon punctiliously performing.

a broad highway designed for high-speed traffic

From this reading To be sure, Bolt had caught the great pike which headed the feast; and Bolt, no doubt, had helped to rear those fine chickens ab ovo; Bolt, I have no doubt, made that excellent Spanish omelette; and, for the rest, the products of the sheepwalk and the garden came in as volunteer auxiliaries,--very different from the mercenary recruits by which those metropolitan Condottieri, the butcher and greengrocer, hasten the ruin of that melancholy commonwealth called "genteel poverty."

the state of having little or no money and few or no material possessions

From this reading To be sure, Bolt had caught the great pike which headed the feast; and Bolt, no doubt, had helped to rear those fine chickens ab ovo; Bolt, I have no doubt, made that excellent Spanish omelette; and, for the rest, the products of the sheepwalk and the garden came in as volunteer auxiliaries,--very different from the mercenary recruits by which those metropolitan Condottieri, the butcher and greengrocer, hasten the ruin of that melancholy commonwealth called "genteel poverty."

plural of “product” — commodities offered for sale

From this reading To be sure, Bolt had caught the great pike which headed the feast; and Bolt, no doubt, had helped to rear those fine chickens ab ovo; Bolt, I have no doubt, made that excellent Spanish omelette; and, for the rest, the products of the sheepwalk and the garden came in as volunteer auxiliaries,--very different from the mercenary recruits by which those metropolitan Condottieri, the butcher and greengrocer, hasten the ruin of that melancholy commonwealth called "genteel poverty."

in a punctilious manner

From this reading It was eleven o'clock before Bolt appeared with a lantern to conduct me through the courtyard to my dormitory among the ruins,--a ceremony which, every night, shine or dark, he insisted upon punctiliously performing.

the back of a military formation or procession

From this reading To be sure, Bolt had caught the great pike which headed the feast; and Bolt, no doubt, had helped to rear those fine chickens ab ovo; Bolt, I have no doubt, made that excellent Spanish omelette; and, for the rest, the products of the sheepwalk and the garden came in as volunteer auxiliaries,--very different from the mercenary recruits by which those metropolitan Condottieri, the butcher and greengrocer, hasten the ruin of that melancholy commonwealth called "genteel poverty."

plural of “recruit” — a recently enlisted soldier

From this reading To be sure, Bolt had caught the great pike which headed the feast; and Bolt, no doubt, had helped to rear those fine chickens ab ovo; Bolt, I have no doubt, made that excellent Spanish omelette; and, for the rest, the products of the sheepwalk and the garden came in as volunteer auxiliaries,--very different from the mercenary recruits by which those metropolitan Condottieri, the butcher and greengrocer, hasten the ruin of that melancholy commonwealth called "genteel poverty."

past form of “regale” — provide with choice or abundant food or drink

From this reading Our host regaled us with a hospitality that notably contrasted his economical thrifty habits in London.

not move; be in a resting position

From this reading To be sure, Bolt had caught the great pike which headed the feast; and Bolt, no doubt, had helped to rear those fine chickens ab ovo; Bolt, I have no doubt, made that excellent Spanish omelette; and, for the rest, the products of the sheepwalk and the garden came in as volunteer auxiliaries,--very different from the mercenary recruits by which those metropolitan Condottieri, the butcher and greengrocer, hasten the ruin of that melancholy commonwealth called "genteel poverty."

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

From this reading Our evening passed cheerfully; and Roland, contrary to his custom, was talker in chief.

an irrecoverable state of devastation and destruction

From this reading To be sure, Bolt had caught the great pike which headed the feast; and Bolt, no doubt, had helped to rear those fine chickens ab ovo; Bolt, I have no doubt, made that excellent Spanish omelette; and, for the rest, the products of the sheepwalk and the garden came in as volunteer auxiliaries,--very different from the mercenary recruits by which those metropolitan Condottieri, the butcher and greengrocer, hasten the ruin of that melancholy commonwealth called "genteel poverty."

plural of “ruin” — an irrecoverable state of devastation and destruction

From this reading It was eleven o'clock before Bolt appeared with a lantern to conduct me through the courtyard to my dormitory among the ruins,--a ceremony which, every night, shine or dark, he insisted upon punctiliously performing.

farm devoted to raising sheep

From this reading To be sure, Bolt had caught the great pike which headed the feast; and Bolt, no doubt, had helped to rear those fine chickens ab ovo; Bolt, I have no doubt, made that excellent Spanish omelette; and, for the rest, the products of the sheepwalk and the garden came in as volunteer auxiliaries,--very different from the mercenary recruits by which those metropolitan Condottieri, the butcher and greengrocer, hasten the ruin of that melancholy commonwealth called "genteel poverty."

be bright by reflecting or casting light

From this reading It was eleven o'clock before Bolt appeared with a lantern to conduct me through the courtyard to my dormitory among the ruins,--a ceremony which, every night, shine or dark, he insisted upon punctiliously performing.

from a time in the past until now

From this reading It was long before I could sleep; before I could believe that but so few days had elapsed since Roland heard of his son's death,--that son whose fate had so long tortured him; and yet, never had Roland appeared so free from sorrow!

a natural and periodic state of rest during which consciousness of the world is suspended

From this reading It was long before I could sleep; before I could believe that but so few days had elapsed since Roland heard of his son's death,--that son whose fate had so long tortured him; and yet, never had Roland appeared so free from sorrow!

for that reason; with the result that

From this reading It was long before I could sleep; before I could believe that but so few days had elapsed since Roland heard of his son's death,--that son whose fate had so long tortured him; and yet, never had Roland appeared so free from sorrow!

a male human offspring

From this reading It was long before I could sleep; before I could believe that but so few days had elapsed since Roland heard of his son's death,--that son whose fate had so long tortured him; and yet, never had Roland appeared so free from sorrow!

possessive form of “son” — a male human offspring

From this reading It was long before I could sleep; before I could believe that but so few days had elapsed since Roland heard of his son's death,--that son whose fate had so long tortured him; and yet, never had Roland appeared so free from sorrow!

an emotion of great sadness associated with loss or bereavement

From this reading It was long before I could sleep; before I could believe that but so few days had elapsed since Roland heard of his son's death,--that son whose fate had so long tortured him; and yet, never had Roland appeared so free from sorrow!

the Romance language spoken in most of Spain and the countries colonized by Spain

From this reading To be sure, Bolt had caught the great pike which headed the feast; and Bolt, no doubt, had helped to rear those fine chickens ab ovo; Bolt, I have no doubt, made that excellent Spanish omelette; and, for the rest, the products of the sheepwalk and the garden came in as volunteer auxiliaries,--very different from the mercenary recruits by which those metropolitan Condottieri, the butcher and greengrocer, hasten the ruin of that melancholy commonwealth called "genteel poverty."

having or feeling no doubt or uncertainty; confident and assured

From this reading To be sure, Bolt had caught the great pike which headed the feast; and Bolt, no doubt, had helped to rear those fine chickens ab ovo; Bolt, I have no doubt, made that excellent Spanish omelette; and, for the rest, the products of the sheepwalk and the garden came in as volunteer auxiliaries,--very different from the mercenary recruits by which those metropolitan Condottieri, the butcher and greengrocer, hasten the ruin of that melancholy commonwealth called "genteel poverty."

someone who expresses in language; someone who talks (especially someone who delivers a public speech or someone especially garrulous)

From this reading Our evening passed cheerfully; and Roland, contrary to his custom, was talker in chief.

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading Our host regaled us with a hospitality that notably contrasted his economical thrifty habits in London.

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

From this reading To be sure, Bolt had caught the great pike which headed the feast; and Bolt, no doubt, had helped to rear those fine chickens ab ovo; Bolt, I have no doubt, made that excellent Spanish omelette; and, for the rest, the products of the sheepwalk and the garden came in as volunteer auxiliaries,--very different from the mercenary recruits by which those metropolitan Condottieri, the butcher and greengrocer, hasten the ruin of that melancholy commonwealth called "genteel poverty."

the plural of “that”: the people or things further away, or already known

From this reading To be sure, Bolt had caught the great pike which headed the feast; and Bolt, no doubt, had helped to rear those fine chickens ab ovo; Bolt, I have no doubt, made that excellent Spanish omelette; and, for the rest, the products of the sheepwalk and the garden came in as volunteer auxiliaries,--very different from the mercenary recruits by which those metropolitan Condottieri, the butcher and greengrocer, hasten the ruin of that melancholy commonwealth called "genteel poverty."

careful and diligent in the use of resources

From this reading Our host regaled us with a hospitality that notably contrasted his economical thrifty habits in London.

from one end or side of something to the other

From this reading It was eleven o'clock before Bolt appeared with a lantern to conduct me through the courtyard to my dormitory among the ruins,--a ceremony which, every night, shine or dark, he insisted upon punctiliously performing.

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

From this reading To be sure, Bolt had caught the great pike which headed the feast; and Bolt, no doubt, had helped to rear those fine chickens ab ovo; Bolt, I have no doubt, made that excellent Spanish omelette; and, for the rest, the products of the sheepwalk and the garden came in as volunteer auxiliaries,--very different from the mercenary recruits by which those metropolitan Condottieri, the butcher and greengrocer, hasten the ruin of that melancholy commonwealth called "genteel poverty."

experiencing intense pain especially mental pain

From this reading It was long before I could sleep; before I could believe that but so few days had elapsed since Roland heard of his son's death,--that son whose fate had so long tortured him; and yet, never had Roland appeared so free from sorrow!

a formal word for “on”

From this reading It was eleven o'clock before Bolt appeared with a lantern to conduct me through the courtyard to my dormitory among the ruins,--a ceremony which, every night, shine or dark, he insisted upon punctiliously performing.

the speaker and others, as the object of a verb or preposition

From this reading Our host regaled us with a hospitality that notably contrasted his economical thrifty habits in London.

precisely as stated

From this reading To be sure, Bolt had caught the great pike which headed the feast; and Bolt, no doubt, had helped to rear those fine chickens ab ovo; Bolt, I have no doubt, made that excellent Spanish omelette; and, for the rest, the products of the sheepwalk and the garden came in as volunteer auxiliaries,--very different from the mercenary recruits by which those metropolitan Condottieri, the butcher and greengrocer, hasten the ruin of that melancholy commonwealth called "genteel poverty."

tell voluntarily

From this reading To be sure, Bolt had caught the great pike which headed the feast; and Bolt, no doubt, had helped to rear those fine chickens ab ovo; Bolt, I have no doubt, made that excellent Spanish omelette; and, for the rest, the products of the sheepwalk and the garden came in as volunteer auxiliaries,--very different from the mercenary recruits by which those metropolitan Condottieri, the butcher and greengrocer, hasten the ruin of that melancholy commonwealth called "genteel poverty."

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

From this reading Our evening passed cheerfully; and Roland, contrary to his custom, was talker in chief.

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

From this reading To be sure, Bolt had caught the great pike which headed the feast; and Bolt, no doubt, had helped to rear those fine chickens ab ovo; Bolt, I have no doubt, made that excellent Spanish omelette; and, for the rest, the products of the sheepwalk and the garden came in as volunteer auxiliaries,--very different from the mercenary recruits by which those metropolitan Condottieri, the butcher and greengrocer, hasten the ruin of that melancholy commonwealth called "genteel poverty."

belonging to which person

From this reading It was long before I could sleep; before I could believe that but so few days had elapsed since Roland heard of his son's death,--that son whose fate had so long tortured him; and yet, never had Roland appeared so free from sorrow!

in the company of; together with

From this reading Our host regaled us with a hospitality that notably contrasted his economical thrifty habits in London.

but in spite of that

From this reading It was long before I could sleep; before I could believe that but so few days had elapsed since Roland heard of his son's death,--that son whose fate had so long tortured him; and yet, never had Roland appeared so free from sorrow!