Chapter IV · Chapter 4

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

From this reading "He Is a Gentleman" The Duke returned to Matching an almost broken-hearted man.

(of actions or states) slightly short of or not quite accomplished; all but

From this reading "He Is a Gentleman" The Duke returned to Matching an almost broken-hearted man.

surrounded by; in the middle of a group

From this reading He had intended to go down into Barsetshire, in reference to the coming elections;--not with the view of interfering in any unlordly, or rather unpeerlike fashion, but thinking that if his eldest son were to stand for the county in a proper constitutional spirit, as the eldest son of so great a county magnate ought to do, his presence at Gatherum Castle, among his own people, might probably be serviceable, and would certainly be gracious.

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

From this reading "He Is a Gentleman" The Duke returned to Matching an almost broken-hearted man.

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

From this reading He had intended to go down into Barsetshire, in reference to the coming elections;--not with the view of interfering in any unlordly, or rather unpeerlike fashion, but thinking that if his eldest son were to stand for the county in a proper constitutional spirit, as the eldest son of so great a county magnate ought to do, his presence at Gatherum Castle, among his own people, might probably be serviceable, and would certainly be gracious.

one or some or every or all without specification

From this reading He had intended to go down into Barsetshire, in reference to the coming elections;--not with the view of interfering in any unlordly, or rather unpeerlike fashion, but thinking that if his eldest son were to stand for the county in a proper constitutional spirit, as the eldest son of so great a county magnate ought to do, his presence at Gatherum Castle, among his own people, might probably be serviceable, and would certainly be gracious.

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

From this reading He had intended to go down into Barsetshire, in reference to the coming elections;--not with the view of interfering in any unlordly, or rather unpeerlike fashion, but thinking that if his eldest son were to stand for the county in a proper constitutional spirit, as the eldest son of so great a county magnate ought to do, his presence at Gatherum Castle, among his own people, might probably be serviceable, and would certainly be gracious.

in or near a particular place or position

From this reading He had intended to go down into Barsetshire, in reference to the coming elections;--not with the view of interfering in any unlordly, or rather unpeerlike fashion, but thinking that if his eldest son were to stand for the county in a proper constitutional spirit, as the eldest son of so great a county magnate ought to do, his presence at Gatherum Castle, among his own people, might probably be serviceable, and would certainly be gracious.

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

From this reading He had intended to go down into Barsetshire, in reference to the coming elections;--not with the view of interfering in any unlordly, or rather unpeerlike fashion, but thinking that if his eldest son were to stand for the county in a proper constitutional spirit, as the eldest son of so great a county magnate ought to do, his presence at Gatherum Castle, among his own people, might probably be serviceable, and would certainly be gracious.

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

From this reading He had intended to go down into Barsetshire, in reference to the coming elections;--not with the view of interfering in any unlordly, or rather unpeerlike fashion, but thinking that if his eldest son were to stand for the county in a proper constitutional spirit, as the eldest son of so great a county magnate ought to do, his presence at Gatherum Castle, among his own people, might probably be serviceable, and would certainly be gracious.

promoting or enhancing well-being

From this reading But there would come from his presence a certain savour of proprietorship, and a sense of power, which would be beneficial to his son, and would not, as the Duke thought, be contrary to the spirit of the constitution.

state of sorrow over the death or departure of a loved one

From this reading His bereavement would make that impossible.

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

From this reading "He Is a Gentleman" The Duke returned to Matching an almost broken-hearted man.

used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before

From this reading He had intended to go down into Barsetshire, in reference to the coming elections;--not with the view of interfering in any unlordly, or rather unpeerlike fashion, but thinking that if his eldest son were to stand for the county in a proper constitutional spirit, as the eldest son of so great a county magnate ought to do, his presence at Gatherum Castle, among his own people, might probably be serviceable, and would certainly be gracious.

a large and stately mansion

From this reading He had intended to go down into Barsetshire, in reference to the coming elections;--not with the view of interfering in any unlordly, or rather unpeerlike fashion, but thinking that if his eldest son were to stand for the county in a proper constitutional spirit, as the eldest son of so great a county magnate ought to do, his presence at Gatherum Castle, among his own people, might probably be serviceable, and would certainly be gracious.

definite but not specified or identified

From this reading But there would come from his presence a certain savour of proprietorship, and a sense of power, which would be beneficial to his son, and would not, as the Duke thought, be contrary to the spirit of the constitution.

definitely or positively (“sure” is sometimes used informally for “surely”)

From this reading He had intended to go down into Barsetshire, in reference to the coming elections;--not with the view of interfering in any unlordly, or rather unpeerlike fashion, but thinking that if his eldest son were to stand for the county in a proper constitutional spirit, as the eldest son of so great a county magnate ought to do, his presence at Gatherum Castle, among his own people, might probably be serviceable, and would certainly be gracious.

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

From this reading But there would come from his presence a certain savour of proprietorship, and a sense of power, which would be beneficial to his son, and would not, as the Duke thought, be contrary to the spirit of the constitution.

the act of drawing spatially closer to something

From this reading He had intended to go down into Barsetshire, in reference to the coming elections;--not with the view of interfering in any unlordly, or rather unpeerlike fashion, but thinking that if his eldest son were to stand for the county in a proper constitutional spirit, as the eldest son of so great a county magnate ought to do, his presence at Gatherum Castle, among his own people, might probably be serviceable, and would certainly be gracious.

law determining the fundamental political principles of a government

From this reading But there would come from his presence a certain savour of proprietorship, and a sense of power, which would be beneficial to his son, and would not, as the Duke thought, be contrary to the spirit of the constitution.

of benefit to or intended to benefit your physical makeup

From this reading He had intended to go down into Barsetshire, in reference to the coming elections;--not with the view of interfering in any unlordly, or rather unpeerlike fashion, but thinking that if his eldest son were to stand for the county in a proper constitutional spirit, as the eldest son of so great a county magnate ought to do, his presence at Gatherum Castle, among his own people, might probably be serviceable, and would certainly be gracious.

very opposed in nature or character or purpose

From this reading But there would come from his presence a certain savour of proprietorship, and a sense of power, which would be beneficial to his son, and would not, as the Duke thought, be contrary to the spirit of the constitution.

(United Kingdom) a region created by territorial division for the purpose of local government

From this reading He had intended to go down into Barsetshire, in reference to the coming elections;--not with the view of interfering in any unlordly, or rather unpeerlike fashion, but thinking that if his eldest son were to stand for the county in a proper constitutional spirit, as the eldest son of so great a county magnate ought to do, his presence at Gatherum Castle, among his own people, might probably be serviceable, and would certainly be gracious.

used to form questions and negatives, and to give emphasis

From this reading He had intended to go down into Barsetshire, in reference to the coming elections;--not with the view of interfering in any unlordly, or rather unpeerlike fashion, but thinking that if his eldest son were to stand for the county in a proper constitutional spirit, as the eldest son of so great a county magnate ought to do, his presence at Gatherum Castle, among his own people, might probably be serviceable, and would certainly be gracious.

being or moving lower in position or less in some value

From this reading He had intended to go down into Barsetshire, in reference to the coming elections;--not with the view of interfering in any unlordly, or rather unpeerlike fashion, but thinking that if his eldest son were to stand for the county in a proper constitutional spirit, as the eldest son of so great a county magnate ought to do, his presence at Gatherum Castle, among his own people, might probably be serviceable, and would certainly be gracious.

a British peer of the highest rank

From this reading "He Is a Gentleman" The Duke returned to Matching an almost broken-hearted man.

first in order of birth

From this reading He had intended to go down into Barsetshire, in reference to the coming elections;--not with the view of interfering in any unlordly, or rather unpeerlike fashion, but thinking that if his eldest son were to stand for the county in a proper constitutional spirit, as the eldest son of so great a county magnate ought to do, his presence at Gatherum Castle, among his own people, might probably be serviceable, and would certainly be gracious.

plural of “election” — a vote to select the winner of a position or political office

From this reading He had intended to go down into Barsetshire, in reference to the coming elections;--not with the view of interfering in any unlordly, or rather unpeerlike fashion, but thinking that if his eldest son were to stand for the county in a proper constitutional spirit, as the eldest son of so great a county magnate ought to do, his presence at Gatherum Castle, among his own people, might probably be serviceable, and would certainly be gracious.

an activity that is diverting and that holds the attention

From this reading There would be no question of entertainment.

how something is done or how it happens

From this reading He had intended to go down into Barsetshire, in reference to the coming elections;--not with the view of interfering in any unlordly, or rather unpeerlike fashion, but thinking that if his eldest son were to stand for the county in a proper constitutional spirit, as the eldest son of so great a county magnate ought to do, his presence at Gatherum Castle, among his own people, might probably be serviceable, and would certainly be gracious.

intended to be given to, or used by, somebody

From this reading He had intended to go down into Barsetshire, in reference to the coming elections;--not with the view of interfering in any unlordly, or rather unpeerlike fashion, but thinking that if his eldest son were to stand for the county in a proper constitutional spirit, as the eldest son of so great a county magnate ought to do, his presence at Gatherum Castle, among his own people, might probably be serviceable, and would certainly be gracious.

showing where something starts, or who sent it

From this reading But there would come from his presence a certain savour of proprietorship, and a sense of power, which would be beneficial to his son, and would not, as the Duke thought, be contrary to the spirit of the constitution.

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

From this reading He had intended to go down into Barsetshire, in reference to the coming elections;--not with the view of interfering in any unlordly, or rather unpeerlike fashion, but thinking that if his eldest son were to stand for the county in a proper constitutional spirit, as the eldest son of so great a county magnate ought to do, his presence at Gatherum Castle, among his own people, might probably be serviceable, and would certainly be gracious.

a man of refinement

From this reading "He Is a Gentleman" The Duke returned to Matching an almost broken-hearted man.

change location; move, travel, or proceed, also metaphorically

From this reading He had intended to go down into Barsetshire, in reference to the coming elections;--not with the view of interfering in any unlordly, or rather unpeerlike fashion, but thinking that if his eldest son were to stand for the county in a proper constitutional spirit, as the eldest son of so great a county magnate ought to do, his presence at Gatherum Castle, among his own people, might probably be serviceable, and would certainly be gracious.

characterized by charm, good taste, and generosity of spirit

From this reading He had intended to go down into Barsetshire, in reference to the coming elections;--not with the view of interfering in any unlordly, or rather unpeerlike fashion, but thinking that if his eldest son were to stand for the county in a proper constitutional spirit, as the eldest son of so great a county magnate ought to do, his presence at Gatherum Castle, among his own people, might probably be serviceable, and would certainly be gracious.

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

From this reading He had intended to go down into Barsetshire, in reference to the coming elections;--not with the view of interfering in any unlordly, or rather unpeerlike fashion, but thinking that if his eldest son were to stand for the county in a proper constitutional spirit, as the eldest son of so great a county magnate ought to do, his presence at Gatherum Castle, among his own people, might probably be serviceable, and would certainly be gracious.

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

From this reading He had intended to go down into Barsetshire, in reference to the coming elections;--not with the view of interfering in any unlordly, or rather unpeerlike fashion, but thinking that if his eldest son were to stand for the county in a proper constitutional spirit, as the eldest son of so great a county magnate ought to do, his presence at Gatherum Castle, among his own people, might probably be serviceable, and would certainly be gracious.

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

From this reading "He Is a Gentleman" The Duke returned to Matching an almost broken-hearted man.

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

From this reading He had intended to go down into Barsetshire, in reference to the coming elections;--not with the view of interfering in any unlordly, or rather unpeerlike fashion, but thinking that if his eldest son were to stand for the county in a proper constitutional spirit, as the eldest son of so great a county magnate ought to do, his presence at Gatherum Castle, among his own people, might probably be serviceable, and would certainly be gracious.

on condition that; in the event that

From this reading He had intended to go down into Barsetshire, in reference to the coming elections;--not with the view of interfering in any unlordly, or rather unpeerlike fashion, but thinking that if his eldest son were to stand for the county in a proper constitutional spirit, as the eldest son of so great a county magnate ought to do, his presence at Gatherum Castle, among his own people, might probably be serviceable, and would certainly be gracious.

not capable of occurring or being accomplished or dealt with

From this reading His bereavement would make that impossible.

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

From this reading He had intended to go down into Barsetshire, in reference to the coming elections;--not with the view of interfering in any unlordly, or rather unpeerlike fashion, but thinking that if his eldest son were to stand for the county in a proper constitutional spirit, as the eldest son of so great a county magnate ought to do, his presence at Gatherum Castle, among his own people, might probably be serviceable, and would certainly be gracious.

resulting from one's intentions

From this reading He had intended to go down into Barsetshire, in reference to the coming elections;--not with the view of interfering in any unlordly, or rather unpeerlike fashion, but thinking that if his eldest son were to stand for the county in a proper constitutional spirit, as the eldest son of so great a county magnate ought to do, his presence at Gatherum Castle, among his own people, might probably be serviceable, and would certainly be gracious.

intrusive in a meddling or offensive manner

From this reading He had intended to go down into Barsetshire, in reference to the coming elections;--not with the view of interfering in any unlordly, or rather unpeerlike fashion, but thinking that if his eldest son were to stand for the county in a proper constitutional spirit, as the eldest son of so great a county magnate ought to do, his presence at Gatherum Castle, among his own people, might probably be serviceable, and would certainly be gracious.

moving to the inside of something

From this reading He had intended to go down into Barsetshire, in reference to the coming elections;--not with the view of interfering in any unlordly, or rather unpeerlike fashion, but thinking that if his eldest son were to stand for the county in a proper constitutional spirit, as the eldest son of so great a county magnate ought to do, his presence at Gatherum Castle, among his own people, might probably be serviceable, and would certainly be gracious.

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

From this reading "He Is a Gentleman" The Duke returned to Matching an almost broken-hearted man.

a very wealthy or powerful businessman

From this reading He had intended to go down into Barsetshire, in reference to the coming elections;--not with the view of interfering in any unlordly, or rather unpeerlike fashion, but thinking that if his eldest son were to stand for the county in a proper constitutional spirit, as the eldest son of so great a county magnate ought to do, his presence at Gatherum Castle, among his own people, might probably be serviceable, and would certainly be gracious.

engage in

From this reading His bereavement would make that impossible.

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

From this reading "He Is a Gentleman" The Duke returned to Matching an almost broken-hearted man.

being two identical

From this reading "He Is a Gentleman" The Duke returned to Matching an almost broken-hearted man.

used to say something is possible but not certain

From this reading He had intended to go down into Barsetshire, in reference to the coming elections;--not with the view of interfering in any unlordly, or rather unpeerlike fashion, but thinking that if his eldest son were to stand for the county in a proper constitutional spirit, as the eldest son of so great a county magnate ought to do, his presence at Gatherum Castle, among his own people, might probably be serviceable, and would certainly be gracious.

not any; not one

From this reading There would be no question of entertainment.

used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative

From this reading He had intended to go down into Barsetshire, in reference to the coming elections;--not with the view of interfering in any unlordly, or rather unpeerlike fashion, but thinking that if his eldest son were to stand for the county in a proper constitutional spirit, as the eldest son of so great a county magnate ought to do, his presence at Gatherum Castle, among his own people, might probably be serviceable, and would certainly be gracious.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading He had intended to go down into Barsetshire, in reference to the coming elections;--not with the view of interfering in any unlordly, or rather unpeerlike fashion, but thinking that if his eldest son were to stand for the county in a proper constitutional spirit, as the eldest son of so great a county magnate ought to do, his presence at Gatherum Castle, among his own people, might probably be serviceable, and would certainly be gracious.

used to join alternatives or possibilities

From this reading He had intended to go down into Barsetshire, in reference to the coming elections;--not with the view of interfering in any unlordly, or rather unpeerlike fashion, but thinking that if his eldest son were to stand for the county in a proper constitutional spirit, as the eldest son of so great a county magnate ought to do, his presence at Gatherum Castle, among his own people, might probably be serviceable, and would certainly be gracious.

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

From this reading He had intended to go down into Barsetshire, in reference to the coming elections;--not with the view of interfering in any unlordly, or rather unpeerlike fashion, but thinking that if his eldest son were to stand for the county in a proper constitutional spirit, as the eldest son of so great a county magnate ought to do, his presence at Gatherum Castle, among his own people, might probably be serviceable, and would certainly be gracious.

have ownership or possession of

From this reading He had intended to go down into Barsetshire, in reference to the coming elections;--not with the view of interfering in any unlordly, or rather unpeerlike fashion, but thinking that if his eldest son were to stand for the county in a proper constitutional spirit, as the eldest son of so great a county magnate ought to do, his presence at Gatherum Castle, among his own people, might probably be serviceable, and would certainly be gracious.

(plural) any group of human beings (men or women or children) collectively

From this reading He had intended to go down into Barsetshire, in reference to the coming elections;--not with the view of interfering in any unlordly, or rather unpeerlike fashion, but thinking that if his eldest son were to stand for the county in a proper constitutional spirit, as the eldest son of so great a county magnate ought to do, his presence at Gatherum Castle, among his own people, might probably be serviceable, and would certainly be gracious.

possession of controlling influence

From this reading But there would come from his presence a certain savour of proprietorship, and a sense of power, which would be beneficial to his son, and would not, as the Duke thought, be contrary to the spirit of the constitution.

the state of being present; current existence

From this reading He had intended to go down into Barsetshire, in reference to the coming elections;--not with the view of interfering in any unlordly, or rather unpeerlike fashion, but thinking that if his eldest son were to stand for the county in a proper constitutional spirit, as the eldest son of so great a county magnate ought to do, his presence at Gatherum Castle, among his own people, might probably be serviceable, and would certainly be gracious.

with considerable certainty; without much doubt

From this reading He had intended to go down into Barsetshire, in reference to the coming elections;--not with the view of interfering in any unlordly, or rather unpeerlike fashion, but thinking that if his eldest son were to stand for the county in a proper constitutional spirit, as the eldest son of so great a county magnate ought to do, his presence at Gatherum Castle, among his own people, might probably be serviceable, and would certainly be gracious.

marked by suitability or rightness or appropriateness

From this reading He had intended to go down into Barsetshire, in reference to the coming elections;--not with the view of interfering in any unlordly, or rather unpeerlike fashion, but thinking that if his eldest son were to stand for the county in a proper constitutional spirit, as the eldest son of so great a county magnate ought to do, his presence at Gatherum Castle, among his own people, might probably be serviceable, and would certainly be gracious.

an unincorporated business owned by a single person who is responsible for its liabilities and entitled to its profits

From this reading But there would come from his presence a certain savour of proprietorship, and a sense of power, which would be beneficial to his son, and would not, as the Duke thought, be contrary to the spirit of the constitution.

challenge the accuracy, probity, or propriety of

From this reading There would be no question of entertainment.

on the contrary

From this reading He had intended to go down into Barsetshire, in reference to the coming elections;--not with the view of interfering in any unlordly, or rather unpeerlike fashion, but thinking that if his eldest son were to stand for the county in a proper constitutional spirit, as the eldest son of so great a county magnate ought to do, his presence at Gatherum Castle, among his own people, might probably be serviceable, and would certainly be gracious.

a remark that calls attention to something or someone

From this reading He had intended to go down into Barsetshire, in reference to the coming elections;--not with the view of interfering in any unlordly, or rather unpeerlike fashion, but thinking that if his eldest son were to stand for the county in a proper constitutional spirit, as the eldest son of so great a county magnate ought to do, his presence at Gatherum Castle, among his own people, might probably be serviceable, and would certainly be gracious.

past form of “return” — go or come back to place, condition, or activity where one has been before

From this reading "He Is a Gentleman" The Duke returned to Matching an almost broken-hearted man.

have flavor; taste of something

From this reading But there would come from his presence a certain savour of proprietorship, and a sense of power, which would be beneficial to his son, and would not, as the Duke thought, be contrary to the spirit of the constitution.

a general conscious awareness

From this reading But there would come from his presence a certain savour of proprietorship, and a sense of power, which would be beneficial to his son, and would not, as the Duke thought, be contrary to the spirit of the constitution.

ready for service or able to give long service

From this reading He had intended to go down into Barsetshire, in reference to the coming elections;--not with the view of interfering in any unlordly, or rather unpeerlike fashion, but thinking that if his eldest son were to stand for the county in a proper constitutional spirit, as the eldest son of so great a county magnate ought to do, his presence at Gatherum Castle, among his own people, might probably be serviceable, and would certainly be gracious.

for that reason; with the result that

From this reading He had intended to go down into Barsetshire, in reference to the coming elections;--not with the view of interfering in any unlordly, or rather unpeerlike fashion, but thinking that if his eldest son were to stand for the county in a proper constitutional spirit, as the eldest son of so great a county magnate ought to do, his presence at Gatherum Castle, among his own people, might probably be serviceable, and would certainly be gracious.

a male human offspring

From this reading He had intended to go down into Barsetshire, in reference to the coming elections;--not with the view of interfering in any unlordly, or rather unpeerlike fashion, but thinking that if his eldest son were to stand for the county in a proper constitutional spirit, as the eldest son of so great a county magnate ought to do, his presence at Gatherum Castle, among his own people, might probably be serviceable, and would certainly be gracious.

the vital principle or animating force within living things

From this reading He had intended to go down into Barsetshire, in reference to the coming elections;--not with the view of interfering in any unlordly, or rather unpeerlike fashion, but thinking that if his eldest son were to stand for the county in a proper constitutional spirit, as the eldest son of so great a county magnate ought to do, his presence at Gatherum Castle, among his own people, might probably be serviceable, and would certainly be gracious.

be standing; be upright

From this reading He had intended to go down into Barsetshire, in reference to the coming elections;--not with the view of interfering in any unlordly, or rather unpeerlike fashion, but thinking that if his eldest son were to stand for the county in a proper constitutional spirit, as the eldest son of so great a county magnate ought to do, his presence at Gatherum Castle, among his own people, might probably be serviceable, and would certainly be gracious.

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading He had intended to go down into Barsetshire, in reference to the coming elections;--not with the view of interfering in any unlordly, or rather unpeerlike fashion, but thinking that if his eldest son were to stand for the county in a proper constitutional spirit, as the eldest son of so great a county magnate ought to do, his presence at Gatherum Castle, among his own people, might probably be serviceable, and would certainly be gracious.

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

From this reading "He Is a Gentleman" The Duke returned to Matching an almost broken-hearted man.

in or at that place or location

From this reading There would be no question of entertainment.

the process of using your mind to consider something carefully

From this reading He had intended to go down into Barsetshire, in reference to the coming elections;--not with the view of interfering in any unlordly, or rather unpeerlike fashion, but thinking that if his eldest son were to stand for the county in a proper constitutional spirit, as the eldest son of so great a county magnate ought to do, his presence at Gatherum Castle, among his own people, might probably be serviceable, and would certainly be gracious.

the content of cognition; the main thing you are thinking about

From this reading But there would come from his presence a certain savour of proprietorship, and a sense of power, which would be beneficial to his son, and would not, as the Duke thought, be contrary to the spirit of the constitution.

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

From this reading "He Is a Gentleman" The Duke returned to Matching an almost broken-hearted man.

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

From this reading He had intended to go down into Barsetshire, in reference to the coming elections;--not with the view of interfering in any unlordly, or rather unpeerlike fashion, but thinking that if his eldest son were to stand for the county in a proper constitutional spirit, as the eldest son of so great a county magnate ought to do, his presence at Gatherum Castle, among his own people, might probably be serviceable, and would certainly be gracious.

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

From this reading He had intended to go down into Barsetshire, in reference to the coming elections;--not with the view of interfering in any unlordly, or rather unpeerlike fashion, but thinking that if his eldest son were to stand for the county in a proper constitutional spirit, as the eldest son of so great a county magnate ought to do, his presence at Gatherum Castle, among his own people, might probably be serviceable, and would certainly be gracious.

a way of regarding situations or topics etc.

From this reading He had intended to go down into Barsetshire, in reference to the coming elections;--not with the view of interfering in any unlordly, or rather unpeerlike fashion, but thinking that if his eldest son were to stand for the county in a proper constitutional spirit, as the eldest son of so great a county magnate ought to do, his presence at Gatherum Castle, among his own people, might probably be serviceable, and would certainly be gracious.

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

From this reading He had intended to go down into Barsetshire, in reference to the coming elections;--not with the view of interfering in any unlordly, or rather unpeerlike fashion, but thinking that if his eldest son were to stand for the county in a proper constitutional spirit, as the eldest son of so great a county magnate ought to do, his presence at Gatherum Castle, among his own people, might probably be serviceable, and would certainly be gracious.

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

From this reading But there would come from his presence a certain savour of proprietorship, and a sense of power, which would be beneficial to his son, and would not, as the Duke thought, be contrary to the spirit of the constitution.

in the company of; together with

From this reading He had intended to go down into Barsetshire, in reference to the coming elections;--not with the view of interfering in any unlordly, or rather unpeerlike fashion, but thinking that if his eldest son were to stand for the county in a proper constitutional spirit, as the eldest son of so great a county magnate ought to do, his presence at Gatherum Castle, among his own people, might probably be serviceable, and would certainly be gracious.

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

From this reading He had intended to go down into Barsetshire, in reference to the coming elections;--not with the view of interfering in any unlordly, or rather unpeerlike fashion, but thinking that if his eldest son were to stand for the county in a proper constitutional spirit, as the eldest son of so great a county magnate ought to do, his presence at Gatherum Castle, among his own people, might probably be serviceable, and would certainly be gracious.