Chapter XIX

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

From this reading The poet’s wish that we might see ourselves as others see us was, though he did not so intend it, a cruel wish.

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

From this reading Colonel Piercey went back to Greyshott with a sense of this keen truth piercing through all appearances, which was half ludicrous and half painful, though it was not himself, but his relations, that had been exhibited to him in the light of an old rustic’s observations.

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

From this reading Colonel Piercey went back to Greyshott with a sense of this keen truth piercing through all appearances, which was half ludicrous and half painful, though it was not himself, but his relations, that had been exhibited to him in the light of an old rustic’s observations.

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

From this reading It might save us some ridicule to the outside world, but it would turn ourselves and our pretensions into such piteous ridicule to ourselves, that life would be furnished with new pangs.

plural of “appearance” — outward or visible aspect of a person or thing

From this reading Colonel Piercey went back to Greyshott with a sense of this keen truth piercing through all appearances, which was half ludicrous and half painful, though it was not himself, but his relations, that had been exhibited to him in the light of an old rustic’s observations.

(usually followed by “to”) naturally disposed toward

From this reading He had expected, perhaps a little solemn stupidity, such as the younger is apt to associate with the elder branch.

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

From this reading The poet’s wish that we might see ourselves as others see us was, though he did not so intend it, a cruel wish.

make a logical or causal connection

From this reading He had expected, perhaps a little solemn stupidity, such as the younger is apt to associate with the elder branch.

in or to or toward a former location

From this reading Colonel Piercey went back to Greyshott with a sense of this keen truth piercing through all appearances, which was half ludicrous and half painful, though it was not himself, but his relations, that had been exhibited to him in the light of an old rustic’s observations.

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

From this reading It might save us some ridicule to the outside world, but it would turn ourselves and our pretensions into such piteous ridicule to ourselves, that life would be furnished with new pangs.

the past participle of “be”

From this reading Colonel Piercey went back to Greyshott with a sense of this keen truth piercing through all appearances, which was half ludicrous and half painful, though it was not himself, but his relations, that had been exhibited to him in the light of an old rustic’s observations.

a division of some larger or more complex organization

From this reading He had expected, perhaps a little solemn stupidity, such as the younger is apt to associate with the elder branch.

plural of “branch” — a division of some larger or more complex organization

From this reading He had come upon this visit with a sense of the greatness of the head of his own family, which had, perhaps, a little self-esteem in it; for if the younger branches of the house were what he knew them in his own person, and his father’s, what ought not the head of the house, Sir Giles, the lineal descendant of so many Sir Gileses, and young Gervase, the heir of those long-unbroken honours, to be?

used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before

From this reading It might save us some ridicule to the outside world, but it would turn ourselves and our pretensions into such piteous ridicule to ourselves, that life would be furnished with new pangs.

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 Colonel Piercey went back to Greyshott with a sense of this keen truth piercing through all appearances, which was half ludicrous and half painful, though it was not himself, but his relations, that had been exhibited to him in the light of an old rustic’s observations.

move toward, travel toward something or somebody or approach something or somebody

From this reading He had come upon this visit with a sense of the greatness of the head of his own family, which had, perhaps, a little self-esteem in it; for if the younger branches of the house were what he knew them in his own person, and his father’s, what ought not the head of the house, Sir Giles, the lineal descendant of so many Sir Gileses, and young Gervase, the heir of those long-unbroken honours, to be?

(of persons or their actions) able or disposed to inflict pain or suffering

From this reading The poet’s wish that we might see ourselves as others see us was, though he did not so intend it, a cruel wish.

a person considered as descended from some ancestor

From this reading He had come upon this visit with a sense of the greatness of the head of his own family, which had, perhaps, a little self-esteem in it; for if the younger branches of the house were what he knew them in his own person, and his father’s, what ought not the head of the house, Sir Giles, the lineal descendant of so many Sir Gileses, and young Gervase, the heir of those long-unbroken honours, to be?

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

From this reading The poet’s wish that we might see ourselves as others see us was, though he did not so intend it, a cruel wish.

a person who is older than you are

From this reading He had expected, perhaps a little solemn stupidity, such as the younger is apt to associate with the elder branch.

past form of “exhibit” — show an attribute, property, knowledge, or skill

From this reading Colonel Piercey went back to Greyshott with a sense of this keen truth piercing through all appearances, which was half ludicrous and half painful, though it was not himself, but his relations, that had been exhibited to him in the light of an old rustic’s observations.

considered likely or probable to happen or arrive

From this reading He had expected, perhaps a little solemn stupidity, such as the younger is apt to associate with the elder branch.

a social unit living together

From this reading He had come upon this visit with a sense of the greatness of the head of his own family, which had, perhaps, a little self-esteem in it; for if the younger branches of the house were what he knew them in his own person, and his father’s, what ought not the head of the house, Sir Giles, the lineal descendant of so many Sir Gileses, and young Gervase, the heir of those long-unbroken honours, to be?

possessive form of “father” — a male parent (also used as a term of address to your father)

From this reading He had come upon this visit with a sense of the greatness of the head of his own family, which had, perhaps, a little self-esteem in it; for if the younger branches of the house were what he knew them in his own person, and his father’s, what ought not the head of the house, Sir Giles, the lineal descendant of so many Sir Gileses, and young Gervase, the heir of those long-unbroken honours, to be?

intended to be given to, or used by, somebody

From this reading He had come upon this visit with a sense of the greatness of the head of his own family, which had, perhaps, a little self-esteem in it; for if the younger branches of the house were what he knew them in his own person, and his father’s, what ought not the head of the house, Sir Giles, the lineal descendant of so many Sir Gileses, and young Gervase, the heir of those long-unbroken honours, to be?

provided with whatever is necessary for a purpose (as furniture or equipment or authority)

From this reading It might save us some ridicule to the outside world, but it would turn ourselves and our pretensions into such piteous ridicule to ourselves, that life would be furnished with new pangs.

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

From this reading He had come upon this visit with a sense of the greatness of the head of his own family, which had, perhaps, a little self-esteem in it; for if the younger branches of the house were what he knew them in his own person, and his father’s, what ought not the head of the house, Sir Giles, the lineal descendant of so many Sir Gileses, and young Gervase, the heir of those long-unbroken honours, to be?

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

From this reading He had come upon this visit with a sense of the greatness of the head of his own family, which had, perhaps, a little self-esteem in it; for if the younger branches of the house were what he knew them in his own person, and his father’s, what ought not the head of the house, Sir Giles, the lineal descendant of so many Sir Gileses, and young Gervase, the heir of those long-unbroken honours, to be?

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

From this reading He had come upon this visit with a sense of the greatness of the head of his own family, which had, perhaps, a little self-esteem in it; for if the younger branches of the house were what he knew them in his own person, and his father’s, what ought not the head of the house, Sir Giles, the lineal descendant of so many Sir Gileses, and young Gervase, the heir of those long-unbroken honours, to be?

the property possessed by something or someone of outstanding importance or eminence

From this reading He had come upon this visit with a sense of the greatness of the head of his own family, which had, perhaps, a little self-esteem in it; for if the younger branches of the house were what he knew them in his own person, and his father’s, what ought not the head of the house, Sir Giles, the lineal descendant of so many Sir Gileses, and young Gervase, the heir of those long-unbroken honours, to be?

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

From this reading Colonel Piercey went back to Greyshott with a sense of this keen truth piercing through all appearances, which was half ludicrous and half painful, though it was not himself, but his relations, that had been exhibited to him in the light of an old rustic’s observations.

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

From this reading Colonel Piercey went back to Greyshott with a sense of this keen truth piercing through all appearances, which was half ludicrous and half painful, though it was not himself, but his relations, that had been exhibited to him in the light of an old rustic’s observations.

consisting of one of two equivalent parts in value or quantity

From this reading Colonel Piercey went back to Greyshott with a sense of this keen truth piercing through all appearances, which was half ludicrous and half painful, though it was not himself, but his relations, that had been exhibited to him in the light of an old rustic’s observations.

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

From this reading The poet’s wish that we might see ourselves as others see us was, though he did not so intend it, a cruel wish.

the upper part of the human body or the front part of the body in animals; contains the face and brains

From this reading He had come upon this visit with a sense of the greatness of the head of his own family, which had, perhaps, a little self-esteem in it; for if the younger branches of the house were what he knew them in his own person, and his father’s, what ought not the head of the house, Sir Giles, the lineal descendant of so many Sir Gileses, and young Gervase, the heir of those long-unbroken honours, to be?

A person legally or magically entitled to the property or rank of another on that person's death.

From this reading He had come upon this visit with a sense of the greatness of the head of his own family, which had, perhaps, a little self-esteem in it; for if the younger branches of the house were what he knew them in his own person, and his father’s, what ought not the head of the house, Sir Giles, the lineal descendant of so many Sir Gileses, and young Gervase, the heir of those long-unbroken honours, to be?

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

From this reading Colonel Piercey went back to Greyshott with a sense of this keen truth piercing through all appearances, which was half ludicrous and half painful, though it was not himself, but his relations, that had been exhibited to him in the light of an old rustic’s observations.

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

From this reading Colonel Piercey went back to Greyshott with a sense of this keen truth piercing through all appearances, which was half ludicrous and half painful, though it was not himself, but his relations, that had been exhibited to him in the light of an old rustic’s observations.

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

From this reading Colonel Piercey went back to Greyshott with a sense of this keen truth piercing through all appearances, which was half ludicrous and half painful, though it was not himself, but his relations, that had been exhibited to him in the light of an old rustic’s observations.

a university degree with honors

From this reading He had come upon this visit with a sense of the greatness of the head of his own family, which had, perhaps, a little self-esteem in it; for if the younger branches of the house were what he knew them in his own person, and his father’s, what ought not the head of the house, Sir Giles, the lineal descendant of so many Sir Gileses, and young Gervase, the heir of those long-unbroken honours, to be?

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

From this reading He had come upon this visit with a sense of the greatness of the head of his own family, which had, perhaps, a little self-esteem in it; for if the younger branches of the house were what he knew them in his own person, and his father’s, what ought not the head of the house, Sir Giles, the lineal descendant of so many Sir Gileses, and young Gervase, the heir of those long-unbroken honours, to be?

on condition that; in the event that

From this reading He had come upon this visit with a sense of the greatness of the head of his own family, which had, perhaps, a little self-esteem in it; for if the younger branches of the house were what he knew them in his own person, and his father’s, what ought not the head of the house, Sir Giles, the lineal descendant of so many Sir Gileses, and young Gervase, the heir of those long-unbroken honours, to be?

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

From this reading Colonel Piercey went back to Greyshott with a sense of this keen truth piercing through all appearances, which was half ludicrous and half painful, though it was not himself, but his relations, that had been exhibited to him in the light of an old rustic’s observations.

have in mind as a purpose

From this reading The poet’s wish that we might see ourselves as others see us was, though he did not so intend it, a cruel wish.

moving to the inside of something

From this reading It might save us some ridicule to the outside world, but it would turn ourselves and our pretensions into such piteous ridicule to ourselves, that life would be furnished with new pangs.

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

From this reading He had expected, perhaps a little solemn stupidity, such as the younger is apt to associate with the elder branch.

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading The poet’s wish that we might see ourselves as others see us was, though he did not so intend it, a cruel wish.

having or demonstrating ability to recognize or draw fine distinctions

From this reading Colonel Piercey went back to Greyshott with a sense of this keen truth piercing through all appearances, which was half ludicrous and half painful, though it was not himself, but his relations, that had been exhibited to him in the light of an old rustic’s observations.

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 He had come upon this visit with a sense of the greatness of the head of his own family, which had, perhaps, a little self-esteem in it; for if the younger branches of the house were what he knew them in his own person, and his father’s, what ought not the head of the house, Sir Giles, the lineal descendant of so many Sir Gileses, and young Gervase, the heir of those long-unbroken honours, to be?

a characteristic state or mode of living

From this reading It might save us some ridicule to the outside world, but it would turn ourselves and our pretensions into such piteous ridicule to ourselves, that life would be furnished with new pangs.

of comparatively little physical weight or density

From this reading Colonel Piercey went back to Greyshott with a sense of this keen truth piercing through all appearances, which was half ludicrous and half painful, though it was not himself, but his relations, that had been exhibited to him in the light of an old rustic’s observations.

in a straight unbroken line of descent from parent to child

From this reading He had come upon this visit with a sense of the greatness of the head of his own family, which had, perhaps, a little self-esteem in it; for if the younger branches of the house were what he knew them in his own person, and his father’s, what ought not the head of the house, Sir Giles, the lineal descendant of so many Sir Gileses, and young Gervase, the heir of those long-unbroken honours, to be?

limited or below average in number or quantity or magnitude or extent

From this reading He had come upon this visit with a sense of the greatness of the head of his own family, which had, perhaps, a little self-esteem in it; for if the younger branches of the house were what he knew them in his own person, and his father’s, what ought not the head of the house, Sir Giles, the lineal descendant of so many Sir Gileses, and young Gervase, the heir of those long-unbroken honours, to be?

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

From this reading He had come upon this visit with a sense of the greatness of the head of his own family, which had, perhaps, a little self-esteem in it; for if the younger branches of the house were what he knew them in his own person, and his father’s, what ought not the head of the house, Sir Giles, the lineal descendant of so many Sir Gileses, and young Gervase, the heir of those long-unbroken honours, to be?

broadly or extravagantly humorous; resembling farce

From this reading Colonel Piercey went back to Greyshott with a sense of this keen truth piercing through all appearances, which was half ludicrous and half painful, though it was not himself, but his relations, that had been exhibited to him in the light of an old rustic’s observations.

a quantifier that can be used with count nouns and is often preceded by “as” or “too” or “so” or “that”; amounting to a large but indefinite number

From this reading He had come upon this visit with a sense of the greatness of the head of his own family, which had, perhaps, a little self-esteem in it; for if the younger branches of the house were what he knew them in his own person, and his father’s, what ought not the head of the house, Sir Giles, the lineal descendant of so many Sir Gileses, and young Gervase, the heir of those long-unbroken honours, to be?

used to say something is possible but not certain

From this reading The poet’s wish that we might see ourselves as others see us was, though he did not so intend it, a cruel wish.

not of long duration; having just (or relatively recently) come into being or been made or acquired or discovered

From this reading It might save us some ridicule to the outside world, but it would turn ourselves and our pretensions into such piteous ridicule to ourselves, that life would be furnished with new pangs.

used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative

From this reading The poet’s wish that we might see ourselves as others see us was, though he did not so intend it, a cruel wish.

plural of “observation” — the act of making and recording a measurement

From this reading Colonel Piercey went back to Greyshott with a sense of this keen truth piercing through all appearances, which was half ludicrous and half painful, though it was not himself, but his relations, that had been exhibited to him in the light of an old rustic’s observations.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading Colonel Piercey went back to Greyshott with a sense of this keen truth piercing through all appearances, which was half ludicrous and half painful, though it was not himself, but his relations, that had been exhibited to him in the light of an old rustic’s observations.

(used especially of persons) having lived for a relatively long time or attained a specific age

From this reading Colonel Piercey went back to Greyshott with a sense of this keen truth piercing through all appearances, which was half ludicrous and half painful, though it was not himself, but his relations, that had been exhibited to him in the light of an old rustic’s observations.

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

From this reading The poet’s wish that we might see ourselves as others see us was, though he did not so intend it, a cruel wish.

used with “to” to say what is right or advisable

From this reading He had come upon this visit with a sense of the greatness of the head of his own family, which had, perhaps, a little self-esteem in it; for if the younger branches of the house were what he knew them in his own person, and his father’s, what ought not the head of the house, Sir Giles, the lineal descendant of so many Sir Gileses, and young Gervase, the heir of those long-unbroken honours, to be?

belonging to the speaker and others

From this reading It might save us some ridicule to the outside world, but it would turn ourselves and our pretensions into such piteous ridicule to ourselves, that life would be furnished with new pangs.

used when we are both doing the action and receiving it

From this reading The poet’s wish that we might see ourselves as others see us was, though he did not so intend it, a cruel wish.

relating to or being on or near the outer side or limit

From this reading It might save us some ridicule to the outside world, but it would turn ourselves and our pretensions into such piteous ridicule to ourselves, that life would be furnished with new pangs.

have ownership or possession of

From this reading He had come upon this visit with a sense of the greatness of the head of his own family, which had, perhaps, a little self-esteem in it; for if the younger branches of the house were what he knew them in his own person, and his father’s, what ought not the head of the house, Sir Giles, the lineal descendant of so many Sir Gileses, and young Gervase, the heir of those long-unbroken honours, to be?

causing physical or psychological pain

From this reading Colonel Piercey went back to Greyshott with a sense of this keen truth piercing through all appearances, which was half ludicrous and half painful, though it was not himself, but his relations, that had been exhibited to him in the light of an old rustic’s observations.

plural of “pang” — a sudden sharp feeling

From this reading It might save us some ridicule to the outside world, but it would turn ourselves and our pretensions into such piteous ridicule to ourselves, that life would be furnished with new pangs.

by chance

From this reading He had come upon this visit with a sense of the greatness of the head of his own family, which had, perhaps, a little self-esteem in it; for if the younger branches of the house were what he knew them in his own person, and his father’s, what ought not the head of the house, Sir Giles, the lineal descendant of so many Sir Gileses, and young Gervase, the heir of those long-unbroken honours, to be?

a human being

From this reading He had come upon this visit with a sense of the greatness of the head of his own family, which had, perhaps, a little self-esteem in it; for if the younger branches of the house were what he knew them in his own person, and his father’s, what ought not the head of the house, Sir Giles, the lineal descendant of so many Sir Gileses, and young Gervase, the heir of those long-unbroken honours, to be?

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

From this reading Colonel Piercey went back to Greyshott with a sense of this keen truth piercing through all appearances, which was half ludicrous and half painful, though it was not himself, but his relations, that had been exhibited to him in the light of an old rustic’s observations.

having or demonstrating ability to recognize or draw fine distinctions

From this reading Colonel Piercey went back to Greyshott with a sense of this keen truth piercing through all appearances, which was half ludicrous and half painful, though it was not himself, but his relations, that had been exhibited to him in the light of an old rustic’s observations.

deserving or inciting pity

From this reading It might save us some ridicule to the outside world, but it would turn ourselves and our pretensions into such piteous ridicule to ourselves, that life would be furnished with new pangs.

possessive form of “poet” — a writer of poems (the term is usually reserved for writers of good poetry)

From this reading The poet’s wish that we might see ourselves as others see us was, though he did not so intend it, a cruel wish.

plural of “pretension” — a false or unsupportable quality

From this reading It might save us some ridicule to the outside world, but it would turn ourselves and our pretensions into such piteous ridicule to ourselves, that life would be furnished with new pangs.

mutual dealings or connections or communications among persons or groups

From this reading Colonel Piercey went back to Greyshott with a sense of this keen truth piercing through all appearances, which was half ludicrous and half painful, though it was not himself, but his relations, that had been exhibited to him in the light of an old rustic’s observations.

language or behavior intended to mock or humiliate

From this reading It might save us some ridicule to the outside world, but it would turn ourselves and our pretensions into such piteous ridicule to ourselves, that life would be furnished with new pangs.

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

From this reading Colonel Piercey went back to Greyshott with a sense of this keen truth piercing through all appearances, which was half ludicrous and half painful, though it was not himself, but his relations, that had been exhibited to him in the light of an old rustic’s observations.

except for; apart from

From this reading It might save us some ridicule to the outside world, but it would turn ourselves and our pretensions into such piteous ridicule to ourselves, that life would be furnished with new pangs.

perceive by sight or have the power to perceive by sight

From this reading The poet’s wish that we might see ourselves as others see us was, though he did not so intend it, a cruel wish.

a feeling of pride in yourself

From this reading He had come upon this visit with a sense of the greatness of the head of his own family, which had, perhaps, a little self-esteem in it; for if the younger branches of the house were what he knew them in his own person, and his father’s, what ought not the head of the house, Sir Giles, the lineal descendant of so many Sir Gileses, and young Gervase, the heir of those long-unbroken honours, to be?

a general conscious awareness

From this reading Colonel Piercey went back to Greyshott with a sense of this keen truth piercing through all appearances, which was half ludicrous and half painful, though it was not himself, but his relations, that had been exhibited to him in the light of an old rustic’s observations.

term of address for a man

From this reading He had come upon this visit with a sense of the greatness of the head of his own family, which had, perhaps, a little self-esteem in it; for if the younger branches of the house were what he knew them in his own person, and his father’s, what ought not the head of the house, Sir Giles, the lineal descendant of so many Sir Gileses, and young Gervase, the heir of those long-unbroken honours, to be?

for that reason; with the result that

From this reading The poet’s wish that we might see ourselves as others see us was, though he did not so intend it, a cruel wish.

dignified and somber in manner or character and committed to keeping promises

From this reading He had expected, perhaps a little solemn stupidity, such as the younger is apt to associate with the elder branch.

(quantifier) used with either mass nouns or plural count nouns to indicate an unspecified number or quantity

From this reading It might save us some ridicule to the outside world, but it would turn ourselves and our pretensions into such piteous ridicule to ourselves, that life would be furnished with new pangs.

a poor ability to understand or to profit from experience

From this reading He had expected, perhaps a little solemn stupidity, such as the younger is apt to associate with the elder branch.

of the kind already mentioned

From this reading It might save us some ridicule to the outside world, but it would turn ourselves and our pretensions into such piteous ridicule to ourselves, that life would be furnished with new pangs.

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading The poet’s wish that we might see ourselves as others see us was, though he did not so intend it, a cruel wish.

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

From this reading The poet’s wish that we might see ourselves as others see us was, though he did not so intend it, a cruel wish.

the people or things already mentioned, as the object

From this reading He had come upon this visit with a sense of the greatness of the head of his own family, which had, perhaps, a little self-esteem in it; for if the younger branches of the house were what he knew them in his own person, and his father’s, what ought not the head of the house, Sir Giles, the lineal descendant of so many Sir Gileses, and young Gervase, the heir of those long-unbroken honours, to be?

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

From this reading Colonel Piercey went back to Greyshott with a sense of this keen truth piercing through all appearances, which was half ludicrous and half painful, though it was not himself, but his relations, that had been exhibited to him in the light of an old rustic’s observations.

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

From this reading He had come upon this visit with a sense of the greatness of the head of his own family, which had, perhaps, a little self-esteem in it; for if the younger branches of the house were what he knew them in his own person, and his father’s, what ought not the head of the house, Sir Giles, the lineal descendant of so many Sir Gileses, and young Gervase, the heir of those long-unbroken honours, to be?

in spite of the fact that

From this reading The poet’s wish that we might see ourselves as others see us was, though he did not so intend it, a cruel wish.

from one end or side of something to the other

From this reading Colonel Piercey went back to Greyshott with a sense of this keen truth piercing through all appearances, which was half ludicrous and half painful, though it was not himself, but his relations, that had been exhibited to him in the light of an old rustic’s observations.

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

From this reading It might save us some ridicule to the outside world, but it would turn ourselves and our pretensions into such piteous ridicule to ourselves, that life would be furnished with new pangs.

a fact that has been verified

From this reading Colonel Piercey went back to Greyshott with a sense of this keen truth piercing through all appearances, which was half ludicrous and half painful, though it was not himself, but his relations, that had been exhibited to him in the light of an old rustic’s observations.

change orientation or direction, also in the abstract sense

From this reading It might save us some ridicule to the outside world, but it would turn ourselves and our pretensions into such piteous ridicule to ourselves, that life would be furnished with new pangs.

a formal word for “on”

From this reading He had come upon this visit with a sense of the greatness of the head of his own family, which had, perhaps, a little self-esteem in it; for if the younger branches of the house were what he knew them in his own person, and his father’s, what ought not the head of the house, Sir Giles, the lineal descendant of so many Sir Gileses, and young Gervase, the heir of those long-unbroken honours, to be?

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

From this reading The poet’s wish that we might see ourselves as others see us was, though he did not so intend it, a cruel wish.

go to see a place, as for entertainment

From this reading He had come upon this visit with a sense of the greatness of the head of his own family, which had, perhaps, a little self-esteem in it; for if the younger branches of the house were what he knew them in his own person, and his father’s, what ought not the head of the house, Sir Giles, the lineal descendant of so many Sir Gileses, and young Gervase, the heir of those long-unbroken honours, to be?

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

From this reading The poet’s wish that we might see ourselves as others see us was, though he did not so intend it, a cruel wish.

the speaker together with one or more other people

From this reading The poet’s wish that we might see ourselves as others see us was, though he did not so intend it, a cruel wish.

inflected form of “go” — change location; move, travel, or proceed, also metaphorically

From this reading Colonel Piercey went back to Greyshott with a sense of this keen truth piercing through all appearances, which was half ludicrous and half painful, though it was not himself, but his relations, that had been exhibited to him in the light of an old rustic’s observations.

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

From this reading He had come upon this visit with a sense of the greatness of the head of his own family, which had, perhaps, a little self-esteem in it; for if the younger branches of the house were what he knew them in his own person, and his father’s, what ought not the head of the house, Sir Giles, the lineal descendant of so many Sir Gileses, and young Gervase, the heir of those long-unbroken honours, to be?

used to ask for information about something

From this reading He had come upon this visit with a sense of the greatness of the head of his own family, which had, perhaps, a little self-esteem in it; for if the younger branches of the house were what he knew them in his own person, and his father’s, what ought not the head of the house, Sir Giles, the lineal descendant of so many Sir Gileses, and young Gervase, the heir of those long-unbroken honours, to be?

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

From this reading Colonel Piercey went back to Greyshott with a sense of this keen truth piercing through all appearances, which was half ludicrous and half painful, though it was not himself, but his relations, that had been exhibited to him in the light of an old rustic’s observations.

hope for; have a wish

From this reading The poet’s wish that we might see ourselves as others see us was, though he did not so intend it, a cruel wish.

in the company of; together with

From this reading It might save us some ridicule to the outside world, but it would turn ourselves and our pretensions into such piteous ridicule to ourselves, that life would be furnished with new pangs.

everything that exists anywhere

From this reading It might save us some ridicule to the outside world, but it would turn ourselves and our pretensions into such piteous ridicule to ourselves, that life would be furnished with new pangs.

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

From this reading It might save us some ridicule to the outside world, but it would turn ourselves and our pretensions into such piteous ridicule to ourselves, that life would be furnished with new pangs.

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

From this reading He had come upon this visit with a sense of the greatness of the head of his own family, which had, perhaps, a little self-esteem in it; for if the younger branches of the house were what he knew them in his own person, and his father’s, what ought not the head of the house, Sir Giles, the lineal descendant of so many Sir Gileses, and young Gervase, the heir of those long-unbroken honours, to be?

used of the younger of two persons of the same name especially used to distinguish a son from his father

From this reading He had come upon this visit with a sense of the greatness of the head of his own family, which had, perhaps, a little self-esteem in it; for if the younger branches of the house were what he knew them in his own person, and his father’s, what ought not the head of the house, Sir Giles, the lineal descendant of so many Sir Gileses, and young Gervase, the heir of those long-unbroken honours, to be?