Chapter VIII

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

From this reading "Well, colonel," said Oscar, "I fancy I was not mistaken in thinking the general wanted to speak with you concerning me; I am convinced you will not conceal any particulars of a conversation it may be so essential to my honor to hear."

on the subject of; concerning

From this reading "Why, faith," cried the colonel, delighted to commence his operations, "he was making a kind of complaint about you; he acknowledges you a brave lad, yet, hang him, he has not generosity enough to reward that bravery with his daughter, or any of his treasure."

used improperly or excessively especially drugs

From this reading "Heaven is my witness!" exclaimed the unsuspicious Oscar, "I never aspired to either; I always knew my passion for his daughter as hopeless as fervent, and my esteem for him as disinterested as sincere; I would have sooner died than abused the confidence he reposed in me, by revealing my attachment; I see, however, in future, I must be an exile to Woodlawn."

third-person singular of “acknowledge” — declare to be true or admit the existence or reality or truth of

From this reading "Why, faith," cried the colonel, delighted to commence his operations, "he was making a kind of complaint about you; he acknowledges you a brave lad, yet, hang him, he has not generosity enough to reward that bravery with his daughter, or any of his treasure."

in spite of the fact that

From this reading Thou first of virtues, let no mortal leave Thy onward path, although the earth should gape, And from the gulf of hell destruction cry To take dissimulation's winding way."--DOUGLAS.

at all times; all the time and on every occasion

From this reading "Heaven is my witness!" exclaimed the unsuspicious Oscar, "I never aspired to either; I always knew my passion for his daughter as hopeless as fervent, and my esteem for him as disinterested as sincere; I would have sooner died than abused the confidence he reposed in me, by revealing my attachment; I see, however, in future, I must be an exile to Woodlawn."

the form of “be” used with “I”

From this reading "Well, colonel," said Oscar, "I fancy I was not mistaken in thinking the general wanted to speak with you concerning me; I am convinced you will not conceal any particulars of a conversation it may be so essential to my honor to hear."

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

From this reading "Heaven is my witness!" exclaimed the unsuspicious Oscar, "I never aspired to either; I always knew my passion for his daughter as hopeless as fervent, and my esteem for him as disinterested as sincere; I would have sooner died than abused the confidence he reposed in me, by revealing my attachment; I see, however, in future, I must be an exile to Woodlawn."

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

From this reading Thou first of virtues, let no mortal leave Thy onward path, although the earth should gape, And from the gulf of hell destruction cry To take dissimulation's winding way."--DOUGLAS.

one or some or every or all without specification

From this reading "Well, colonel," said Oscar, "I fancy I was not mistaken in thinking the general wanted to speak with you concerning me; I am convinced you will not conceal any particulars of a conversation it may be so essential to my honor to hear."

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

From this reading "Heaven is my witness!" exclaimed the unsuspicious Oscar, "I never aspired to either; I always knew my passion for his daughter as hopeless as fervent, and my esteem for him as disinterested as sincere; I would have sooner died than abused the confidence he reposed in me, by revealing my attachment; I see, however, in future, I must be an exile to Woodlawn."

past form of “aspire” — have an ambitious plan or a lofty goal

From this reading "Heaven is my witness!" exclaimed the unsuspicious Oscar, "I never aspired to either; I always knew my passion for his daughter as hopeless as fervent, and my esteem for him as disinterested as sincere; I would have sooner died than abused the confidence he reposed in me, by revealing my attachment; I see, however, in future, I must be an exile to Woodlawn."

a feeling of affection for a person or an institution

From this reading "Heaven is my witness!" exclaimed the unsuspicious Oscar, "I never aspired to either; I always knew my passion for his daughter as hopeless as fervent, and my esteem for him as disinterested as sincere; I would have sooner died than abused the confidence he reposed in me, by revealing my attachment; I see, however, in future, I must be an exile to Woodlawn."

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

From this reading "Well, colonel," said Oscar, "I fancy I was not mistaken in thinking the general wanted to speak with you concerning me; I am convinced you will not conceal any particulars of a conversation it may be so essential to my honor to hear."

possessing or displaying courage; able to face and deal with danger or fear without flinching

From this reading "Why, faith," cried the colonel, delighted to commence his operations, "he was making a kind of complaint about you; he acknowledges you a brave lad, yet, hang him, he has not generosity enough to reward that bravery with his daughter, or any of his treasure."

a quality of spirit that enables you to face danger or pain without showing fear

From this reading "Why, faith," cried the colonel, delighted to commence his operations, "he was making a kind of complaint about you; he acknowledges you a brave lad, yet, hang him, he has not generosity enough to reward that bravery with his daughter, or any of his treasure."

showing who or what does the action

From this reading "Heaven is my witness!" exclaimed the unsuspicious Oscar, "I never aspired to either; I always knew my passion for his daughter as hopeless as fervent, and my esteem for him as disinterested as sincere; I would have sooner died than abused the confidence he reposed in me, by revealing my attachment; I see, however, in future, I must be an exile to Woodlawn."

a commissioned military officer in the United States Army or Air Force or Marines who ranks above a lieutenant colonel and below a brigadier general

From this reading "Well, colonel," said Oscar, "I fancy I was not mistaken in thinking the general wanted to speak with you concerning me; I am convinced you will not conceal any particulars of a conversation it may be so essential to my honor to hear."

take the first step or steps in carrying out an action

From this reading "Why, faith," cried the colonel, delighted to commence his operations, "he was making a kind of complaint about you; he acknowledges you a brave lad, yet, hang him, he has not generosity enough to reward that bravery with his daughter, or any of his treasure."

an often persistent bodily disorder or disease; a cause for complaining

From this reading "Why, faith," cried the colonel, delighted to commence his operations, "he was making a kind of complaint about you; he acknowledges you a brave lad, yet, hang him, he has not generosity enough to reward that bravery with his daughter, or any of his treasure."

prevent from being seen or discovered

From this reading "Well, colonel," said Oscar, "I fancy I was not mistaken in thinking the general wanted to speak with you concerning me; I am convinced you will not conceal any particulars of a conversation it may be so essential to my honor to hear."

-ing form of “concern” — be relevant to

From this reading "Well, colonel," said Oscar, "I fancy I was not mistaken in thinking the general wanted to speak with you concerning me; I am convinced you will not conceal any particulars of a conversation it may be so essential to my honor to hear."

freedom from doubt; belief in yourself and your abilities

From this reading "Heaven is my witness!" exclaimed the unsuspicious Oscar, "I never aspired to either; I always knew my passion for his daughter as hopeless as fervent, and my esteem for him as disinterested as sincere; I would have sooner died than abused the confidence he reposed in me, by revealing my attachment; I see, however, in future, I must be an exile to Woodlawn."

the use of speech for informal exchange of views or ideas or information etc.

From this reading "Well, colonel," said Oscar, "I fancy I was not mistaken in thinking the general wanted to speak with you concerning me; I am convinced you will not conceal any particulars of a conversation it may be so essential to my honor to hear."

persuaded of; very sure

From this reading "Well, colonel," said Oscar, "I fancy I was not mistaken in thinking the general wanted to speak with you concerning me; I am convinced you will not conceal any particulars of a conversation it may be so essential to my honor to hear."

inflected form of “cry” — utter a sudden loud cry

From this reading "Why, faith," cried the colonel, delighted to commence his operations, "he was making a kind of complaint about you; he acknowledges you a brave lad, yet, hang him, he has not generosity enough to reward that bravery with his daughter, or any of his treasure."

utter a sudden loud cry

From this reading Thou first of virtues, let no mortal leave Thy onward path, although the earth should gape, And from the gulf of hell destruction cry To take dissimulation's winding way."--DOUGLAS.

a female human offspring

From this reading "Why, faith," cried the colonel, delighted to commence his operations, "he was making a kind of complaint about you; he acknowledges you a brave lad, yet, hang him, he has not generosity enough to reward that bravery with his daughter, or any of his treasure."

greatly pleased

From this reading "Why, faith," cried the colonel, delighted to commence his operations, "he was making a kind of complaint about you; he acknowledges you a brave lad, yet, hang him, he has not generosity enough to reward that bravery with his daughter, or any of his treasure."

the termination of something by causing so much damage to it that it cannot be repaired or no longer exists

From this reading Thou first of virtues, let no mortal leave Thy onward path, although the earth should gape, And from the gulf of hell destruction cry To take dissimulation's winding way."--DOUGLAS.

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

From this reading "Heaven is my witness!" exclaimed the unsuspicious Oscar, "I never aspired to either; I always knew my passion for his daughter as hopeless as fervent, and my esteem for him as disinterested as sincere; I would have sooner died than abused the confidence he reposed in me, by revealing my attachment; I see, however, in future, I must be an exile to Woodlawn."

unaffected by self-interest

From this reading "Heaven is my witness!" exclaimed the unsuspicious Oscar, "I never aspired to either; I always knew my passion for his daughter as hopeless as fervent, and my esteem for him as disinterested as sincere; I would have sooner died than abused the confidence he reposed in me, by revealing my attachment; I see, however, in future, I must be an exile to Woodlawn."

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

From this reading Thou first of virtues, let no mortal leave Thy onward path, although the earth should gape, And from the gulf of hell destruction cry To take dissimulation's winding way."--DOUGLAS.

United States politician who proposed that individual territories be allowed to decide whether they would have slavery; he engaged in a famous series of debates with Abraham Lincoln (1813-1861)

From this reading Thou first of virtues, let no mortal leave Thy onward path, although the earth should gape, And from the gulf of hell destruction cry To take dissimulation's winding way."--DOUGLAS.

the 3rd planet from the sun; the planet we live on

From this reading Thou first of virtues, let no mortal leave Thy onward path, although the earth should gape, And from the gulf of hell destruction cry To take dissimulation's winding way."--DOUGLAS.

one or the other of two

From this reading "Heaven is my witness!" exclaimed the unsuspicious Oscar, "I never aspired to either; I always knew my passion for his daughter as hopeless as fervent, and my esteem for him as disinterested as sincere; I would have sooner died than abused the confidence he reposed in me, by revealing my attachment; I see, however, in future, I must be an exile to Woodlawn."

an adequate quantity; a quantity that is large enough to achieve a purpose

From this reading "Why, faith," cried the colonel, delighted to commence his operations, "he was making a kind of complaint about you; he acknowledges you a brave lad, yet, hang him, he has not generosity enough to reward that bravery with his daughter, or any of his treasure."

absolutely necessary; vitally necessary

From this reading "Well, colonel," said Oscar, "I fancy I was not mistaken in thinking the general wanted to speak with you concerning me; I am convinced you will not conceal any particulars of a conversation it may be so essential to my honor to hear."

the condition of being honored (esteemed or respected or well regarded)

From this reading "Heaven is my witness!" exclaimed the unsuspicious Oscar, "I never aspired to either; I always knew my passion for his daughter as hopeless as fervent, and my esteem for him as disinterested as sincere; I would have sooner died than abused the confidence he reposed in me, by revealing my attachment; I see, however, in future, I must be an exile to Woodlawn."

past form of “exclaim” — utter aloud; often with surprise, horror, or joy

From this reading "Heaven is my witness!" exclaimed the unsuspicious Oscar, "I never aspired to either; I always knew my passion for his daughter as hopeless as fervent, and my esteem for him as disinterested as sincere; I would have sooner died than abused the confidence he reposed in me, by revealing my attachment; I see, however, in future, I must be an exile to Woodlawn."

expel from a country

From this reading "Heaven is my witness!" exclaimed the unsuspicious Oscar, "I never aspired to either; I always knew my passion for his daughter as hopeless as fervent, and my esteem for him as disinterested as sincere; I would have sooner died than abused the confidence he reposed in me, by revealing my attachment; I see, however, in future, I must be an exile to Woodlawn."

a strong belief in a supernatural power or powers that control human destiny

From this reading "Why, faith," cried the colonel, delighted to commence his operations, "he was making a kind of complaint about you; he acknowledges you a brave lad, yet, hang him, he has not generosity enough to reward that bravery with his daughter, or any of his treasure."

something many people believe that is false

From this reading "Well, colonel," said Oscar, "I fancy I was not mistaken in thinking the general wanted to speak with you concerning me; I am convinced you will not conceal any particulars of a conversation it may be so essential to my honor to hear."

characterized by intense emotion

From this reading "Heaven is my witness!" exclaimed the unsuspicious Oscar, "I never aspired to either; I always knew my passion for his daughter as hopeless as fervent, and my esteem for him as disinterested as sincere; I would have sooner died than abused the confidence he reposed in me, by revealing my attachment; I see, however, in future, I must be an exile to Woodlawn."

preceding all others in time or space or degree

From this reading Thou first of virtues, let no mortal leave Thy onward path, although the earth should gape, And from the gulf of hell destruction cry To take dissimulation's winding way."--DOUGLAS.

intended to be given to, or used by, somebody

From this reading "Heaven is my witness!" exclaimed the unsuspicious Oscar, "I never aspired to either; I always knew my passion for his daughter as hopeless as fervent, and my esteem for him as disinterested as sincere; I would have sooner died than abused the confidence he reposed in me, by revealing my attachment; I see, however, in future, I must be an exile to Woodlawn."

showing where something starts, or who sent it

From this reading Thou first of virtues, let no mortal leave Thy onward path, although the earth should gape, And from the gulf of hell destruction cry To take dissimulation's winding way."--DOUGLAS.

yet to be or coming

From this reading "Heaven is my witness!" exclaimed the unsuspicious Oscar, "I never aspired to either; I always knew my passion for his daughter as hopeless as fervent, and my esteem for him as disinterested as sincere; I would have sooner died than abused the confidence he reposed in me, by revealing my attachment; I see, however, in future, I must be an exile to Woodlawn."

look with amazement; look stupidly

From this reading Thou first of virtues, let no mortal leave Thy onward path, although the earth should gape, And from the gulf of hell destruction cry To take dissimulation's winding way."--DOUGLAS.

applying to all or most members of a category or group

From this reading "Well, colonel," said Oscar, "I fancy I was not mistaken in thinking the general wanted to speak with you concerning me; I am convinced you will not conceal any particulars of a conversation it may be so essential to my honor to hear."

the trait of being willing to give your money or time

From this reading "Why, faith," cried the colonel, delighted to commence his operations, "he was making a kind of complaint about you; he acknowledges you a brave lad, yet, hang him, he has not generosity enough to reward that bravery with his daughter, or any of his treasure."

an arm of a sea or ocean partly enclosed by land; larger than a bay

From this reading Thou first of virtues, let no mortal leave Thy onward path, although the earth should gape, And from the gulf of hell destruction cry To take dissimulation's winding way."--DOUGLAS.

be suspended or hanging

From this reading "Why, faith," cried the colonel, delighted to commence his operations, "he was making a kind of complaint about you; he acknowledges you a brave lad, yet, hang him, he has not generosity enough to reward that bravery with his daughter, or any of his treasure."

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

From this reading "Why, faith," cried the colonel, delighted to commence his operations, "he was making a kind of complaint about you; he acknowledges you a brave lad, yet, hang him, he has not generosity enough to reward that bravery with his daughter, or any of his treasure."

used with a past participle to form the perfect tenses

From this reading "Heaven is my witness!" exclaimed the unsuspicious Oscar, "I never aspired to either; I always knew my passion for his daughter as hopeless as fervent, and my esteem for him as disinterested as sincere; I would have sooner died than abused the confidence he reposed in me, by revealing my attachment; I see, however, in future, I must be an exile to Woodlawn."

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

From this reading "Why, faith," cried the colonel, delighted to commence his operations, "he was making a kind of complaint about you; he acknowledges you a brave lad, yet, hang him, he has not generosity enough to reward that bravery with his daughter, or any of his treasure."

perceive (sound) via the auditory sense

From this reading "Well, colonel," said Oscar, "I fancy I was not mistaken in thinking the general wanted to speak with you concerning me; I am convinced you will not conceal any particulars of a conversation it may be so essential to my honor to hear."

any place of complete bliss and delight and peace

From this reading "Heaven is my witness!" exclaimed the unsuspicious Oscar, "I never aspired to either; I always knew my passion for his daughter as hopeless as fervent, and my esteem for him as disinterested as sincere; I would have sooner died than abused the confidence he reposed in me, by revealing my attachment; I see, however, in future, I must be an exile to Woodlawn."

any place of pain and turmoil

From this reading Thou first of virtues, let no mortal leave Thy onward path, although the earth should gape, And from the gulf of hell destruction cry To take dissimulation's winding way."--DOUGLAS.

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

From this reading "Why, faith," cried the colonel, delighted to commence his operations, "he was making a kind of complaint about you; he acknowledges you a brave lad, yet, hang him, he has not generosity enough to reward that bravery with his daughter, or any of his treasure."

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

From this reading "Why, faith," cried the colonel, delighted to commence his operations, "he was making a kind of complaint about you; he acknowledges you a brave lad, yet, hang him, he has not generosity enough to reward that bravery with his daughter, or any of his treasure."

a tangible symbol signifying approval or distinction

From this reading "Well, colonel," said Oscar, "I fancy I was not mistaken in thinking the general wanted to speak with you concerning me; I am convinced you will not conceal any particulars of a conversation it may be so essential to my honor to hear."

without hope because there seems to be no possibility of comfort or success

From this reading "Heaven is my witness!" exclaimed the unsuspicious Oscar, "I never aspired to either; I always knew my passion for his daughter as hopeless as fervent, and my esteem for him as disinterested as sincere; I would have sooner died than abused the confidence he reposed in me, by revealing my attachment; I see, however, in future, I must be an exile to Woodlawn."

used to add a contrasting statement

From this reading "Heaven is my witness!" exclaimed the unsuspicious Oscar, "I never aspired to either; I always knew my passion for his daughter as hopeless as fervent, and my esteem for him as disinterested as sincere; I would have sooner died than abused the confidence he reposed in me, by revealing my attachment; I see, however, in future, I must be an exile to Woodlawn."

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

From this reading "Well, colonel," said Oscar, "I fancy I was not mistaken in thinking the general wanted to speak with you concerning me; I am convinced you will not conceal any particulars of a conversation it may be so essential to my honor to hear."

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

From this reading "Well, colonel," said Oscar, "I fancy I was not mistaken in thinking the general wanted to speak with you concerning me; I am convinced you will not conceal any particulars of a conversation it may be so essential to my honor to hear."

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

From this reading "Heaven is my witness!" exclaimed the unsuspicious Oscar, "I never aspired to either; I always knew my passion for his daughter as hopeless as fervent, and my esteem for him as disinterested as sincere; I would have sooner died than abused the confidence he reposed in me, by revealing my attachment; I see, however, in future, I must be an exile to Woodlawn."

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading "Well, colonel," said Oscar, "I fancy I was not mistaken in thinking the general wanted to speak with you concerning me; I am convinced you will not conceal any particulars of a conversation it may be so essential to my honor to hear."

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

From this reading "Why, faith," cried the colonel, delighted to commence his operations, "he was making a kind of complaint about you; he acknowledges you a brave lad, yet, hang him, he has not generosity enough to reward that bravery with his daughter, or any of his treasure."

inflected form of “know” — be cognizant or aware of a fact or a specific piece of information; possess knowledge or information about

From this reading "Heaven is my witness!" exclaimed the unsuspicious Oscar, "I never aspired to either; I always knew my passion for his daughter as hopeless as fervent, and my esteem for him as disinterested as sincere; I would have sooner died than abused the confidence he reposed in me, by revealing my attachment; I see, however, in future, I must be an exile to Woodlawn."

a boy or man

From this reading "Why, faith," cried the colonel, delighted to commence his operations, "he was making a kind of complaint about you; he acknowledges you a brave lad, yet, hang him, he has not generosity enough to reward that bravery with his daughter, or any of his treasure."

go away from a place

From this reading Thou first of virtues, let no mortal leave Thy onward path, although the earth should gape, And from the gulf of hell destruction cry To take dissimulation's winding way."--DOUGLAS.

used to make a suggestion or a command including the speaker

From this reading Thou first of virtues, let no mortal leave Thy onward path, although the earth should gape, And from the gulf of hell destruction cry To take dissimulation's winding way."--DOUGLAS.

the act that results in something coming to be

From this reading "Why, faith," cried the colonel, delighted to commence his operations, "he was making a kind of complaint about you; he acknowledges you a brave lad, yet, hang him, he has not generosity enough to reward that bravery with his daughter, or any of his treasure."

used to say something is possible, or to give permission

From this reading "Well, colonel," said Oscar, "I fancy I was not mistaken in thinking the general wanted to speak with you concerning me; I am convinced you will not conceal any particulars of a conversation it may be so essential to my honor to hear."

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

From this reading "Well, colonel," said Oscar, "I fancy I was not mistaken in thinking the general wanted to speak with you concerning me; I am convinced you will not conceal any particulars of a conversation it may be so essential to my honor to hear."

wrong in e.g. opinion or judgment

From this reading "Well, colonel," said Oscar, "I fancy I was not mistaken in thinking the general wanted to speak with you concerning me; I am convinced you will not conceal any particulars of a conversation it may be so essential to my honor to hear."

subject to death

From this reading Thou first of virtues, let no mortal leave Thy onward path, although the earth should gape, And from the gulf of hell destruction cry To take dissimulation's winding way."--DOUGLAS.

used to say something is necessary, or almost certainly true

From this reading "Heaven is my witness!" exclaimed the unsuspicious Oscar, "I never aspired to either; I always knew my passion for his daughter as hopeless as fervent, and my esteem for him as disinterested as sincere; I would have sooner died than abused the confidence he reposed in me, by revealing my attachment; I see, however, in future, I must be an exile to Woodlawn."

belonging to the person speaking

From this reading "Well, colonel," said Oscar, "I fancy I was not mistaken in thinking the general wanted to speak with you concerning me; I am convinced you will not conceal any particulars of a conversation it may be so essential to my honor to hear."

not ever; at no time in the past or future

From this reading "Heaven is my witness!" exclaimed the unsuspicious Oscar, "I never aspired to either; I always knew my passion for his daughter as hopeless as fervent, and my esteem for him as disinterested as sincere; I would have sooner died than abused the confidence he reposed in me, by revealing my attachment; I see, however, in future, I must be an exile to Woodlawn."

not any; not one

From this reading Thou first of virtues, let no mortal leave Thy onward path, although the earth should gape, And from the gulf of hell destruction cry To take dissimulation's winding way."--DOUGLAS.

used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative

From this reading "Well, colonel," said Oscar, "I fancy I was not mistaken in thinking the general wanted to speak with you concerning me; I am convinced you will not conceal any particulars of a conversation it may be so essential to my honor to hear."

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading Thou first of virtues, let no mortal leave Thy onward path, although the earth should gape, And from the gulf of hell destruction cry To take dissimulation's winding way."--DOUGLAS.

forward in time or order or degree

From this reading Thou first of virtues, let no mortal leave Thy onward path, although the earth should gape, And from the gulf of hell destruction cry To take dissimulation's winding way."--DOUGLAS.

financial transactions at a brokerage; having to do with the execution of trades and keeping customer records

From this reading "Why, faith," cried the colonel, delighted to commence his operations, "he was making a kind of complaint about you; he acknowledges you a brave lad, yet, hang him, he has not generosity enough to reward that bravery with his daughter, or any of his treasure."

used to join alternatives or possibilities

From this reading "Why, faith," cried the colonel, delighted to commence his operations, "he was making a kind of complaint about you; he acknowledges you a brave lad, yet, hang him, he has not generosity enough to reward that bravery with his daughter, or any of his treasure."

an annual award by the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences for achievements in motion picture production and performance

From this reading "Well, colonel," said Oscar, "I fancy I was not mistaken in thinking the general wanted to speak with you concerning me; I am convinced you will not conceal any particulars of a conversation it may be so essential to my honor to hear."

plural of “particular” — a fact about some part (as opposed to general)

From this reading "Well, colonel," said Oscar, "I fancy I was not mistaken in thinking the general wanted to speak with you concerning me; I am convinced you will not conceal any particulars of a conversation it may be so essential to my honor to hear."

a strong feeling or emotion

From this reading "Heaven is my witness!" exclaimed the unsuspicious Oscar, "I never aspired to either; I always knew my passion for his daughter as hopeless as fervent, and my esteem for him as disinterested as sincere; I would have sooner died than abused the confidence he reposed in me, by revealing my attachment; I see, however, in future, I must be an exile to Woodlawn."

a course of conduct

From this reading Thou first of virtues, let no mortal leave Thy onward path, although the earth should gape, And from the gulf of hell destruction cry To take dissimulation's winding way."--DOUGLAS.

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

From this reading "Heaven is my witness!" exclaimed the unsuspicious Oscar, "I never aspired to either; I always knew my passion for his daughter as hopeless as fervent, and my esteem for him as disinterested as sincere; I would have sooner died than abused the confidence he reposed in me, by revealing my attachment; I see, however, in future, I must be an exile to Woodlawn."

disclosing unintentionally something concealed

From this reading "Heaven is my witness!" exclaimed the unsuspicious Oscar, "I never aspired to either; I always knew my passion for his daughter as hopeless as fervent, and my esteem for him as disinterested as sincere; I would have sooner died than abused the confidence he reposed in me, by revealing my attachment; I see, however, in future, I must be an exile to Woodlawn."

a recompense for worthy acts or retribution for wrongdoing

From this reading "Why, faith," cried the colonel, delighted to commence his operations, "he was making a kind of complaint about you; he acknowledges you a brave lad, yet, hang him, he has not generosity enough to reward that bravery with his daughter, or any of his treasure."

being the one previously mentioned or spoken of

From this reading "Well, colonel," said Oscar, "I fancy I was not mistaken in thinking the general wanted to speak with you concerning me; I am convinced you will not conceal any particulars of a conversation it may be so essential to my honor to hear."

perceive by sight or have the power to perceive by sight

From this reading "Heaven is my witness!" exclaimed the unsuspicious Oscar, "I never aspired to either; I always knew my passion for his daughter as hopeless as fervent, and my esteem for him as disinterested as sincere; I would have sooner died than abused the confidence he reposed in me, by revealing my attachment; I see, however, in future, I must be an exile to Woodlawn."

used to say what is right, expected, or advisable

From this reading Thou first of virtues, let no mortal leave Thy onward path, although the earth should gape, And from the gulf of hell destruction cry To take dissimulation's winding way."--DOUGLAS.

open and genuine; not deceitful

From this reading "Heaven is my witness!" exclaimed the unsuspicious Oscar, "I never aspired to either; I always knew my passion for his daughter as hopeless as fervent, and my esteem for him as disinterested as sincere; I would have sooner died than abused the confidence he reposed in me, by revealing my attachment; I see, however, in future, I must be an exile to Woodlawn."

an earnest and sincere feeling

From this reading "Sincerity!

for that reason; with the result that

From this reading "Well, colonel," said Oscar, "I fancy I was not mistaken in thinking the general wanted to speak with you concerning me; I am convinced you will not conceal any particulars of a conversation it may be so essential to my honor to hear."

comparatives of “soon” or “early”

From this reading "Heaven is my witness!" exclaimed the unsuspicious Oscar, "I never aspired to either; I always knew my passion for his daughter as hopeless as fervent, and my esteem for him as disinterested as sincere; I would have sooner died than abused the confidence he reposed in me, by revealing my attachment; I see, however, in future, I must be an exile to Woodlawn."

express in speech

From this reading "Well, colonel," said Oscar, "I fancy I was not mistaken in thinking the general wanted to speak with you concerning me; I am convinced you will not conceal any particulars of a conversation it may be so essential to my honor to hear."

carry out

From this reading Thou first of virtues, let no mortal leave Thy onward path, although the earth should gape, And from the gulf of hell destruction cry To take dissimulation's winding way."--DOUGLAS.

used to introduce the second part of a comparison

From this reading "Heaven is my witness!" exclaimed the unsuspicious Oscar, "I never aspired to either; I always knew my passion for his daughter as hopeless as fervent, and my esteem for him as disinterested as sincere; I would have sooner died than abused the confidence he reposed in me, by revealing my attachment; I see, however, in future, I must be an exile to Woodlawn."

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading "Why, faith," cried the colonel, delighted to commence his operations, "he was making a kind of complaint about you; he acknowledges you a brave lad, yet, hang him, he has not generosity enough to reward that bravery with his daughter, or any of his treasure."

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

From this reading Thou first of virtues, let no mortal leave Thy onward path, although the earth should gape, And from the gulf of hell destruction cry To take dissimulation's winding way."--DOUGLAS.

the process of using your mind to consider something carefully

From this reading "Well, colonel," said Oscar, "I fancy I was not mistaken in thinking the general wanted to speak with you concerning me; I am convinced you will not conceal any particulars of a conversation it may be so essential to my honor to hear."

an old word for “you”, as the subject, speaking to one person

From this reading Thou first of virtues, let no mortal leave Thy onward path, although the earth should gape, And from the gulf of hell destruction cry To take dissimulation's winding way."--DOUGLAS.

an old word for “your”, speaking to one person

From this reading Thou first of virtues, let no mortal leave Thy onward path, although the earth should gape, And from the gulf of hell destruction cry To take dissimulation's winding way."--DOUGLAS.

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

From this reading Thou first of virtues, let no mortal leave Thy onward path, although the earth should gape, And from the gulf of hell destruction cry To take dissimulation's winding way."--DOUGLAS.

accumulated wealth in the form of money or jewels etc.

From this reading "Why, faith," cried the colonel, delighted to commence his operations, "he was making a kind of complaint about you; he acknowledges you a brave lad, yet, hang him, he has not generosity enough to reward that bravery with his daughter, or any of his treasure."

not suspicious

From this reading "Heaven is my witness!" exclaimed the unsuspicious Oscar, "I never aspired to either; I always knew my passion for his daughter as hopeless as fervent, and my esteem for him as disinterested as sincere; I would have sooner died than abused the confidence he reposed in me, by revealing my attachment; I see, however, in future, I must be an exile to Woodlawn."

plural of “virtue” — the quality of doing what is right and avoiding what is wrong

From this reading Thou first of virtues, let no mortal leave Thy onward path, although the earth should gape, And from the gulf of hell destruction cry To take dissimulation's winding way."--DOUGLAS.

desired or wished for or sought

From this reading "Well, colonel," said Oscar, "I fancy I was not mistaken in thinking the general wanted to speak with you concerning me; I am convinced you will not conceal any particulars of a conversation it may be so essential to my honor to hear."

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

From this reading "Well, colonel," said Oscar, "I fancy I was not mistaken in thinking the general wanted to speak with you concerning me; I am convinced you will not conceal any particulars of a conversation it may be so essential to my honor to hear."

how something is done or how it happens

From this reading Thou first of virtues, let no mortal leave Thy onward path, although the earth should gape, And from the gulf of hell destruction cry To take dissimulation's winding way."--DOUGLAS.

(often used as a combining form) in a good or proper or satisfactory manner or to a high standard (“good” is a nonstandard dialectal variant for “well”)

From this reading "Well, colonel," said Oscar, "I fancy I was not mistaken in thinking the general wanted to speak with you concerning me; I am convinced you will not conceal any particulars of a conversation it may be so essential to my honor to hear."

the cause or intention underlying an action or situation, especially in the phrase “the whys and wherefores”

From this reading "Why, faith," cried the colonel, delighted to commence his operations, "he was making a kind of complaint about you; he acknowledges you a brave lad, yet, hang him, he has not generosity enough to reward that bravery with his daughter, or any of his treasure."

used to talk about the future, or about willingness

From this reading "Well, colonel," said Oscar, "I fancy I was not mistaken in thinking the general wanted to speak with you concerning me; I am convinced you will not conceal any particulars of a conversation it may be so essential to my honor to hear."

marked by repeated turns and bends

From this reading Thou first of virtues, let no mortal leave Thy onward path, although the earth should gape, And from the gulf of hell destruction cry To take dissimulation's winding way."--DOUGLAS.

in the company of; together with

From this reading "Well, colonel," said Oscar, "I fancy I was not mistaken in thinking the general wanted to speak with you concerning me; I am convinced you will not conceal any particulars of a conversation it may be so essential to my honor to hear."

someone who sees an event and reports what happened

From this reading "Heaven is my witness!" exclaimed the unsuspicious Oscar, "I never aspired to either; I always knew my passion for his daughter as hopeless as fervent, and my esteem for him as disinterested as sincere; I would have sooner died than abused the confidence he reposed in me, by revealing my attachment; I see, however, in future, I must be an exile to Woodlawn."

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

From this reading "Heaven is my witness!" exclaimed the unsuspicious Oscar, "I never aspired to either; I always knew my passion for his daughter as hopeless as fervent, and my esteem for him as disinterested as sincere; I would have sooner died than abused the confidence he reposed in me, by revealing my attachment; I see, however, in future, I must be an exile to Woodlawn."

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

From this reading "Heaven is my witness!" exclaimed the unsuspicious Oscar, "I never aspired to either; I always knew my passion for his daughter as hopeless as fervent, and my esteem for him as disinterested as sincere; I would have sooner died than abused the confidence he reposed in me, by revealing my attachment; I see, however, in future, I must be an exile to Woodlawn."

but in spite of that

From this reading "Why, faith," cried the colonel, delighted to commence his operations, "he was making a kind of complaint about you; he acknowledges you a brave lad, yet, hang him, he has not generosity enough to reward that bravery with his daughter, or any of his treasure."

the person or people being spoken to

From this reading "Well, colonel," said Oscar, "I fancy I was not mistaken in thinking the general wanted to speak with you concerning me; I am convinced you will not conceal any particulars of a conversation it may be so essential to my honor to hear."