Chapter XXI

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

From this reading _Eben Huckin’s Conversion._ Eben Huckin’s father had been a United Presbyterian and his mother a Methodist.

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

From this reading The austerity of these ancestors afforded him a reason for habitually absenting himself from Sunday services in either of the two temples where his parents had so long and faithfully worshiped.

being joined in close association

From this reading Eben belonged to neither church, a fact which he ascribed to his having been drawn toward both denominations by forces so exactly equal that he had never become affiliated with either.

past form of “afford” — be able to spare or give up

From this reading The austerity of these ancestors afforded him a reason for habitually absenting himself from Sunday services in either of the two temples where his parents had so long and faithfully worshiped.

plural of “ancestor” — someone from whom you are descended (but usually more remote than a grandparent)

From this reading The austerity of these ancestors afforded him a reason for habitually absenting himself from Sunday services in either of the two temples where his parents had so long and faithfully worshiped.

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

From this reading _Eben Huckin’s Conversion._ Eben Huckin’s father had been a United Presbyterian and his mother a Methodist.

past form of “ascribe” — attribute or credit to

From this reading Eben belonged to neither church, a fact which he ascribed to his having been drawn toward both denominations by forces so exactly equal that he had never become affiliated with either.

in or near a particular place or position

From this reading How could it be otherwise with one whose forefathers had for generations sung psalms and slept through two-hour sermons on the hard, uncomfortable benches of the bluest of blue-stocking Presbyterianism or prostrated themselves at the mourners’ bench on every opportunity?

the trait of great self-denial (especially refraining from worldly pleasures)

From this reading The austerity of these ancestors afforded him a reason for habitually absenting himself from Sunday services in either of the two temples where his parents had so long and faithfully worshiped.

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

From this reading How could it be otherwise with one whose forefathers had for generations sung psalms and slept through two-hour sermons on the hard, uncomfortable benches of the bluest of blue-stocking Presbyterianism or prostrated themselves at the mourners’ bench on every opportunity?

enter or assume a certain state or condition

From this reading Eben belonged to neither church, a fact which he ascribed to his having been drawn toward both denominations by forces so exactly equal that he had never become affiliated with either.

the past participle of “be”

From this reading _Eben Huckin’s Conversion._ Eben Huckin’s father had been a United Presbyterian and his mother a Methodist.

the -ing form of “be”

From this reading Yet he prided himself on being a man of profound religious convictions.

past form of “belong” — be owned by; be in the possession of

From this reading Eben belonged to neither church, a fact which he ascribed to his having been drawn toward both denominations by forces so exactly equal that he had never become affiliated with either.

a long seat for more than one person

From this reading How could it be otherwise with one whose forefathers had for generations sung psalms and slept through two-hour sermons on the hard, uncomfortable benches of the bluest of blue-stocking Presbyterianism or prostrated themselves at the mourners’ bench on every opportunity?

plural of “bench” — a long seat for more than one person

From this reading How could it be otherwise with one whose forefathers had for generations sung psalms and slept through two-hour sermons on the hard, uncomfortable benches of the bluest of blue-stocking Presbyterianism or prostrated themselves at the mourners’ bench on every opportunity?

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

From this reading How could it be otherwise with one whose forefathers had for generations sung psalms and slept through two-hour sermons on the hard, uncomfortable benches of the bluest of blue-stocking Presbyterianism or prostrated themselves at the mourners’ bench on every opportunity?

superlative of “blue” — of the color intermediate between green and violet; having a color similar to that of a clear unclouded sky

From this reading How could it be otherwise with one whose forefathers had for generations sung psalms and slept through two-hour sermons on the hard, uncomfortable benches of the bluest of blue-stocking Presbyterianism or prostrated themselves at the mourners’ bench on every opportunity?

the two together, not just one

From this reading Eben belonged to neither church, a fact which he ascribed to his having been drawn toward both denominations by forces so exactly equal that he had never become affiliated with either.

showing who or what does the action

From this reading Eben belonged to neither church, a fact which he ascribed to his having been drawn toward both denominations by forces so exactly equal that he had never become affiliated with either.

one of the groups of Christians who have their own beliefs and forms of worship

From this reading Eben belonged to neither church, a fact which he ascribed to his having been drawn toward both denominations by forces so exactly equal that he had never become affiliated with either.

an event that results in a transformation

From this reading _Eben Huckin’s Conversion._ Eben Huckin’s father had been a United Presbyterian and his mother a Methodist.

plural of “conviction” — an unshakable belief in something without need for proof or evidence

From this reading Yet he prided himself on being a man of profound religious convictions.

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

From this reading How could it be otherwise with one whose forefathers had for generations sung psalms and slept through two-hour sermons on the hard, uncomfortable benches of the bluest of blue-stocking Presbyterianism or prostrated themselves at the mourners’ bench on every opportunity?

plural of “denomination” — a group of religious congregations having its own organization and a distinctive faith

From this reading Eben belonged to neither church, a fact which he ascribed to his having been drawn toward both denominations by forces so exactly equal that he had never become affiliated with either.

showing the wearing effects of overwork or care or suffering

From this reading Eben belonged to neither church, a fact which he ascribed to his having been drawn toward both denominations by forces so exactly equal that he had never become affiliated with either.

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

From this reading _Eben Huckin’s Conversion._ Eben Huckin’s father had been a United Presbyterian and his mother a Methodist.

one or the other of two

From this reading Eben belonged to neither church, a fact which he ascribed to his having been drawn toward both denominations by forces so exactly equal that he had never become affiliated with either.

be identical or equivalent to

From this reading Eben belonged to neither church, a fact which he ascribed to his having been drawn toward both denominations by forces so exactly equal that he had never become affiliated with either.

all the members of a group, with none left out

From this reading How could it be otherwise with one whose forefathers had for generations sung psalms and slept through two-hour sermons on the hard, uncomfortable benches of the bluest of blue-stocking Presbyterianism or prostrated themselves at the mourners’ bench on every opportunity?

indicating exactness or preciseness

From this reading Eben belonged to neither church, a fact which he ascribed to his having been drawn toward both denominations by forces so exactly equal that he had never become affiliated with either.

a piece of information about circumstances that exist or events that have occurred

From this reading Eben belonged to neither church, a fact which he ascribed to his having been drawn toward both denominations by forces so exactly equal that he had never become affiliated with either.

in a faithful manner

From this reading The austerity of these ancestors afforded him a reason for habitually absenting himself from Sunday services in either of the two temples where his parents had so long and faithfully worshiped.

a male parent (also used as a term of address to your father)

From this reading _Eben Huckin’s Conversion._ Eben Huckin’s father had been a United Presbyterian and his mother a Methodist.

intended to be given to, or used by, somebody

From this reading How could it be otherwise with one whose forefathers had for generations sung psalms and slept through two-hour sermons on the hard, uncomfortable benches of the bluest of blue-stocking Presbyterianism or prostrated themselves at the mourners’ bench on every opportunity?

plural of “force” — a powerful effect or influence

From this reading Eben belonged to neither church, a fact which he ascribed to his having been drawn toward both denominations by forces so exactly equal that he had never become affiliated with either.

plural of “forefather” — the founder of a family

From this reading How could it be otherwise with one whose forefathers had for generations sung psalms and slept through two-hour sermons on the hard, uncomfortable benches of the bluest of blue-stocking Presbyterianism or prostrated themselves at the mourners’ bench on every opportunity?

showing where something starts, or who sent it

From this reading The austerity of these ancestors afforded him a reason for habitually absenting himself from Sunday services in either of the two temples where his parents had so long and faithfully worshiped.

plural of “generation” — all the people living at the same time or of approximately the same age

From this reading How could it be otherwise with one whose forefathers had for generations sung psalms and slept through two-hour sermons on the hard, uncomfortable benches of the bluest of blue-stocking Presbyterianism or prostrated themselves at the mourners’ bench on every opportunity?

according to habit or custom

From this reading The austerity of these ancestors afforded him a reason for habitually absenting himself from Sunday services in either of the two temples where his parents had so long and faithfully worshiped.

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

From this reading _Eben Huckin’s Conversion._ Eben Huckin’s father had been a United Presbyterian and his mother a Methodist.

not easy; requiring great physical or mental effort to accomplish or comprehend or endure

From this reading How could it be otherwise with one whose forefathers had for generations sung psalms and slept through two-hour sermons on the hard, uncomfortable benches of the bluest of blue-stocking Presbyterianism or prostrated themselves at the mourners’ bench on every opportunity?

the -ing form of “have”

From this reading Eben belonged to neither church, a fact which he ascribed to his having been drawn toward both denominations by forces so exactly equal that he had never become affiliated with either.

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

From this reading Eben belonged to neither church, a fact which he ascribed to his having been drawn toward both denominations by forces so exactly equal that he had never become affiliated with either.

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

From this reading The austerity of these ancestors afforded him a reason for habitually absenting himself from Sunday services in either of the two temples where his parents had so long and faithfully worshiped.

used when the man or boy doing the action is also its object

From this reading Yet he prided himself on being a man of profound religious convictions.

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

From this reading _Eben Huckin’s Conversion._ Eben Huckin’s father had been a United Presbyterian and his mother a Methodist.

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

From this reading How could it be otherwise with one whose forefathers had for generations sung psalms and slept through two-hour sermons on the hard, uncomfortable benches of the bluest of blue-stocking Presbyterianism or prostrated themselves at the mourners’ bench on every opportunity?

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

From this reading _Eben Huckin’s Conversion._ Eben Huckin’s father had been a United Presbyterian and his mother a Methodist.

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

From this reading The austerity of these ancestors afforded him a reason for habitually absenting himself from Sunday services in either of the two temples where his parents had so long and faithfully worshiped.

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading How could it be otherwise with one whose forefathers had for generations sung psalms and slept through two-hour sermons on the hard, uncomfortable benches of the bluest of blue-stocking Presbyterianism or prostrated themselves at the mourners’ bench on every opportunity?

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

From this reading The austerity of these ancestors afforded him a reason for habitually absenting himself from Sunday services in either of the two temples where his parents had so long and faithfully worshiped.

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

From this reading Yet he prided himself on being a man of profound religious convictions.

of or pertaining to or characteristic of the branch of Protestantism adhering to the views of Wesley

From this reading _Eben Huckin’s Conversion._ Eben Huckin’s father had been a United Presbyterian and his mother a Methodist.

a woman who has given birth to a child (also used as a term of address to your mother)

From this reading _Eben Huckin’s Conversion._ Eben Huckin’s father had been a United Presbyterian and his mother a Methodist.

plural of “mourner” — a person who is feeling grief (as grieving over someone who has died)

From this reading How could it be otherwise with one whose forefathers had for generations sung psalms and slept through two-hour sermons on the hard, uncomfortable benches of the bluest of blue-stocking Presbyterianism or prostrated themselves at the mourners’ bench on every opportunity?

not one and not the other of two

From this reading Eben belonged to neither church, a fact which he ascribed to his having been drawn toward both denominations by forces so exactly equal that he had never become affiliated with either.

not ever; at no time in the past or future

From this reading Eben belonged to neither church, a fact which he ascribed to his having been drawn toward both denominations by forces so exactly equal that he had never become affiliated with either.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading Yet he prided himself on being a man of profound religious convictions.

touching and supported by a surface

From this reading Yet he prided himself on being a man of profound religious convictions.

used to mean any person in general, including the speaker

From this reading How could it be otherwise with one whose forefathers had for generations sung psalms and slept through two-hour sermons on the hard, uncomfortable benches of the bluest of blue-stocking Presbyterianism or prostrated themselves at the mourners’ bench on every opportunity?

a possibility due to a favorable combination of circumstances

From this reading How could it be otherwise with one whose forefathers had for generations sung psalms and slept through two-hour sermons on the hard, uncomfortable benches of the bluest of blue-stocking Presbyterianism or prostrated themselves at the mourners’ bench on every opportunity?

used to join alternatives or possibilities

From this reading How could it be otherwise with one whose forefathers had for generations sung psalms and slept through two-hour sermons on the hard, uncomfortable benches of the bluest of blue-stocking Presbyterianism or prostrated themselves at the mourners’ bench on every opportunity?

in other respects or ways

From this reading How could it be otherwise with one whose forefathers had for generations sung psalms and slept through two-hour sermons on the hard, uncomfortable benches of the bluest of blue-stocking Presbyterianism or prostrated themselves at the mourners’ bench on every opportunity?

plural of “parent” — a father or mother; one who begets or one who gives birth to or nurtures and raises a child; a relative who plays the role of guardian

From this reading The austerity of these ancestors afforded him a reason for habitually absenting himself from Sunday services in either of the two temples where his parents had so long and faithfully worshiped.

a follower of Calvinism as taught in the Presbyterian Church

From this reading _Eben Huckin’s Conversion._ Eben Huckin’s father had been a United Presbyterian and his mother a Methodist.

the doctrines and practices of the Presbyterian Church: based in Calvinism

From this reading How could it be otherwise with one whose forefathers had for generations sung psalms and slept through two-hour sermons on the hard, uncomfortable benches of the bluest of blue-stocking Presbyterianism or prostrated themselves at the mourners’ bench on every opportunity?

past form of “pride” — be proud of

From this reading Yet he prided himself on being a man of profound religious convictions.

showing intellectual penetration or emotional depth

From this reading Yet he prided himself on being a man of profound religious convictions.

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

From this reading How could it be otherwise with one whose forefathers had for generations sung psalms and slept through two-hour sermons on the hard, uncomfortable benches of the bluest of blue-stocking Presbyterianism or prostrated themselves at the mourners’ bench on every opportunity?

an Old Testament book consisting of a collection of 150 Psalms

From this reading How could it be otherwise with one whose forefathers had for generations sung psalms and slept through two-hour sermons on the hard, uncomfortable benches of the bluest of blue-stocking Presbyterianism or prostrated themselves at the mourners’ bench on every opportunity?

a rational motive for a belief or action

From this reading The austerity of these ancestors afforded him a reason for habitually absenting himself from Sunday services in either of the two temples where his parents had so long and faithfully worshiped.

concerned with sacred matters or religion or the church

From this reading Yet he prided himself on being a man of profound religious convictions.

plural of “sermon” — an address of a religious nature (usually delivered during a church service)

From this reading How could it be otherwise with one whose forefathers had for generations sung psalms and slept through two-hour sermons on the hard, uncomfortable benches of the bluest of blue-stocking Presbyterianism or prostrated themselves at the mourners’ bench on every opportunity?

performance of duties or provision of space and equipment helpful to others

From this reading The austerity of these ancestors afforded him a reason for habitually absenting himself from Sunday services in either of the two temples where his parents had so long and faithfully worshiped.

inflected form of “sleep” — be asleep

From this reading How could it be otherwise with one whose forefathers had for generations sung psalms and slept through two-hour sermons on the hard, uncomfortable benches of the bluest of blue-stocking Presbyterianism or prostrated themselves at the mourners’ bench on every opportunity?

for that reason; with the result that

From this reading Eben belonged to neither church, a fact which he ascribed to his having been drawn toward both denominations by forces so exactly equal that he had never become affiliated with either.

first day of the week; observed as a day of rest and worship by most Christians

From this reading The austerity of these ancestors afforded him a reason for habitually absenting himself from Sunday services in either of the two temples where his parents had so long and faithfully worshiped.

the imperial dynasty of China from 960 to 1279; noted for art and literature and philosophy

From this reading How could it be otherwise with one whose forefathers had for generations sung psalms and slept through two-hour sermons on the hard, uncomfortable benches of the bluest of blue-stocking Presbyterianism or prostrated themselves at the mourners’ bench on every opportunity?

plural of “temple” — place of worship consisting of an edifice for the worship of a deity

From this reading The austerity of these ancestors afforded him a reason for habitually absenting himself from Sunday services in either of the two temples where his parents had so long and faithfully worshiped.

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading Eben belonged to neither church, a fact which he ascribed to his having been drawn toward both denominations by forces so exactly equal that he had never become affiliated with either.

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

From this reading How could it be otherwise with one whose forefathers had for generations sung psalms and slept through two-hour sermons on the hard, uncomfortable benches of the bluest of blue-stocking Presbyterianism or prostrated themselves at the mourners’ bench on every opportunity?

used when the people doing the action are also its object

From this reading How could it be otherwise with one whose forefathers had for generations sung psalms and slept through two-hour sermons on the hard, uncomfortable benches of the bluest of blue-stocking Presbyterianism or prostrated themselves at the mourners’ bench on every opportunity?

the plural of “this”: the people or things near, or just mentioned

From this reading The austerity of these ancestors afforded him a reason for habitually absenting himself from Sunday services in either of the two temples where his parents had so long and faithfully worshiped.

from one end or side of something to the other

From this reading How could it be otherwise with one whose forefathers had for generations sung psalms and slept through two-hour sermons on the hard, uncomfortable benches of the bluest of blue-stocking Presbyterianism or prostrated themselves at the mourners’ bench on every opportunity?

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

From this reading Eben belonged to neither church, a fact which he ascribed to his having been drawn toward both denominations by forces so exactly equal that he had never become affiliated with either.

in the direction of

From this reading Eben belonged to neither church, a fact which he ascribed to his having been drawn toward both denominations by forces so exactly equal that he had never become affiliated with either.

the cardinal number that is the sum of one and one or a numeral representing this number

From this reading The austerity of these ancestors afforded him a reason for habitually absenting himself from Sunday services in either of the two temples where his parents had so long and faithfully worshiped.

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

From this reading How could it be otherwise with one whose forefathers had for generations sung psalms and slept through two-hour sermons on the hard, uncomfortable benches of the bluest of blue-stocking Presbyterianism or prostrated themselves at the mourners’ bench on every opportunity?

conducive to or feeling mental discomfort

From this reading How could it be otherwise with one whose forefathers had for generations sung psalms and slept through two-hour sermons on the hard, uncomfortable benches of the bluest of blue-stocking Presbyterianism or prostrated themselves at the mourners’ bench on every opportunity?

characterized by unity; being or joined into a single entity

From this reading _Eben Huckin’s Conversion._ Eben Huckin’s father had been a United Presbyterian and his mother a Methodist.

in or at the place that

From this reading The austerity of these ancestors afforded him a reason for habitually absenting himself from Sunday services in either of the two temples where his parents had so long and faithfully worshiped.

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

From this reading Eben belonged to neither church, a fact which he ascribed to his having been drawn toward both denominations by forces so exactly equal that he had never become affiliated with either.

belonging to which person

From this reading How could it be otherwise with one whose forefathers had for generations sung psalms and slept through two-hour sermons on the hard, uncomfortable benches of the bluest of blue-stocking Presbyterianism or prostrated themselves at the mourners’ bench on every opportunity?

in the company of; together with

From this reading Eben belonged to neither church, a fact which he ascribed to his having been drawn toward both denominations by forces so exactly equal that he had never become affiliated with either.

past form of “worship” — love unquestioningly and uncritically or to excess; venerate as an idol

From this reading The austerity of these ancestors afforded him a reason for habitually absenting himself from Sunday services in either of the two temples where his parents had so long and faithfully worshiped.

but in spite of that

From this reading Yet he prided himself on being a man of profound religious convictions.