Chapter IX · Chapter 9

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

From this reading It was early in the afternoon of St. Valentine’s Day that the prior of the Dominicans was engaged in discharge of his duties as confessor to a penitent of no small importance.

commonly used or practiced; usual

From this reading The large and clear blue eyes, with the broad expanse of brow, expressed dignity; but it was of a character which seemed more accustomed to receive honours voluntarily paid than to enforce them when they were refused.

matters of personal concern

From this reading If I know how to manage these affairs, Thus thrust disorderly upon my hands, Never believe me-- Richard II.

the part of the day between noon and evening

From this reading It was early in the afternoon of St. Valentine’s Day that the prior of the Dominicans was engaged in discharge of his duties as confessor to a penitent of no small importance.

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

From this reading This was an elderly man, of a goodly presence, a florid and healthful cheek, the under part of which was shaded by a venerable white beard, which descended over his bosom.

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

From this reading This was an elderly man, of a goodly presence, a florid and healthful cheek, the under part of which was shaded by a venerable white beard, which descended over his bosom.

move towards

From this reading The good nature of the expression was so great as to approach to defenceless simplicity or weakness of character, unfit, it might be inferred, to repel intrusion or subdue resistance.

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

From this reading It was early in the afternoon of St. Valentine’s Day that the prior of the Dominicans was engaged in discharge of his duties as confessor to a penitent of no small importance.

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

From this reading The good nature of the expression was so great as to approach to defenceless simplicity or weakness of character, unfit, it might be inferred, to repel intrusion or subdue resistance.

the hair growing on the lower part of a man's face

From this reading This was an elderly man, of a goodly presence, a florid and healthful cheek, the under part of which was shaded by a venerable white beard, which descended over his bosom.

accept as true; take to be true

From this reading If I know how to manage these affairs, Thus thrust disorderly upon my hands, Never believe me-- Richard II.

of the color intermediate between green and violet; having a color similar to that of a clear unclouded sky

From this reading The large and clear blue eyes, with the broad expanse of brow, expressed dignity; but it was of a character which seemed more accustomed to receive honours voluntarily paid than to enforce them when they were refused.

the chest considered as the place where secret thoughts are kept

From this reading This was an elderly man, of a goodly presence, a florid and healthful cheek, the under part of which was shaded by a venerable white beard, which descended over his bosom.

having great (or a certain) extent from one side to the other

From this reading The large and clear blue eyes, with the broad expanse of brow, expressed dignity; but it was of a character which seemed more accustomed to receive honours voluntarily paid than to enforce them when they were refused.

the part of the face above the eyes

From this reading The large and clear blue eyes, with the broad expanse of brow, expressed dignity; but it was of a character which seemed more accustomed to receive honours voluntarily paid than to enforce them when they were refused.

used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before

From this reading The large and clear blue eyes, with the broad expanse of brow, expressed dignity; but it was of a character which seemed more accustomed to receive honours voluntarily paid than to enforce them when they were refused.

showing who or what does the action

From this reading This was an elderly man, of a goodly presence, a florid and healthful cheek, the under part of which was shaded by a venerable white beard, which descended over his bosom.

an imaginary person represented in a work of fiction (play or film or story)

From this reading The large and clear blue eyes, with the broad expanse of brow, expressed dignity; but it was of a character which seemed more accustomed to receive honours voluntarily paid than to enforce them when they were refused.

either side of the face below the eyes

From this reading This was an elderly man, of a goodly presence, a florid and healthful cheek, the under part of which was shaded by a venerable white beard, which descended over his bosom.

rid of obstructions

From this reading The large and clear blue eyes, with the broad expanse of brow, expressed dignity; but it was of a character which seemed more accustomed to receive honours voluntarily paid than to enforce them when they were refused.

a priest who hears confession and gives absolution

From this reading It was early in the afternoon of St. Valentine’s Day that the prior of the Dominicans was engaged in discharge of his duties as confessor to a penitent of no small importance.

time for Earth to make a complete rotation on its axis

From this reading It was early in the afternoon of St. Valentine’s Day that the prior of the Dominicans was engaged in discharge of his duties as confessor to a penitent of no small importance.

lacking protection or support

From this reading The good nature of the expression was so great as to approach to defenceless simplicity or weakness of character, unfit, it might be inferred, to repel intrusion or subdue resistance.

past form of “descend” — move downward and lower, but not necessarily all the way

From this reading This was an elderly man, of a goodly presence, a florid and healthful cheek, the under part of which was shaded by a venerable white beard, which descended over his bosom.

the quality of being worthy of esteem or respect

From this reading The large and clear blue eyes, with the broad expanse of brow, expressed dignity; but it was of a character which seemed more accustomed to receive honours voluntarily paid than to enforce them when they were refused.

complete or carry out

From this reading It was early in the afternoon of St. Valentine’s Day that the prior of the Dominicans was engaged in discharge of his duties as confessor to a penitent of no small importance.

undisciplined and unruly

From this reading If I know how to manage these affairs, Thus thrust disorderly upon my hands, Never believe me-- Richard II.

plural of “dominican” — a Roman Catholic friar wearing the black mantle of the Dominican order

From this reading It was early in the afternoon of St. Valentine’s Day that the prior of the Dominicans was engaged in discharge of his duties as confessor to a penitent of no small importance.

plural of “duty” — the social force that binds you to the courses of action demanded by that force

From this reading It was early in the afternoon of St. Valentine’s Day that the prior of the Dominicans was engaged in discharge of his duties as confessor to a penitent of no small importance.

at or near the beginning of a period of time or course of events or before the usual or expected time

From this reading It was early in the afternoon of St. Valentine’s Day that the prior of the Dominicans was engaged in discharge of his duties as confessor to a penitent of no small importance.

advanced in years; (“aged” is pronounced as two syllables)

From this reading This was an elderly man, of a goodly presence, a florid and healthful cheek, the under part of which was shaded by a venerable white beard, which descended over his bosom.

ensure observance of laws and rules

From this reading The large and clear blue eyes, with the broad expanse of brow, expressed dignity; but it was of a character which seemed more accustomed to receive honours voluntarily paid than to enforce them when they were refused.

having ones attention or mind or energy engaged

From this reading It was early in the afternoon of St. Valentine’s Day that the prior of the Dominicans was engaged in discharge of his duties as confessor to a penitent of no small importance.

a wide scope

From this reading The large and clear blue eyes, with the broad expanse of brow, expressed dignity; but it was of a character which seemed more accustomed to receive honours voluntarily paid than to enforce them when they were refused.

communicated in words

From this reading The large and clear blue eyes, with the broad expanse of brow, expressed dignity; but it was of a character which seemed more accustomed to receive honours voluntarily paid than to enforce them when they were refused.

the feelings expressed on a person's face

From this reading The good nature of the expression was so great as to approach to defenceless simplicity or weakness of character, unfit, it might be inferred, to repel intrusion or subdue resistance.

opinion or judgment

From this reading The large and clear blue eyes, with the broad expanse of brow, expressed dignity; but it was of a character which seemed more accustomed to receive honours voluntarily paid than to enforce them when they were refused.

elaborately or excessively ornamented

From this reading This was an elderly man, of a goodly presence, a florid and healthful cheek, the under part of which was shaded by a venerable white beard, which descended over his bosom.

having desirable or positive qualities especially those suitable for a thing specified

From this reading The good nature of the expression was so great as to approach to defenceless simplicity or weakness of character, unfit, it might be inferred, to repel intrusion or subdue resistance.

large in amount or extent or degree

From this reading This was an elderly man, of a goodly presence, a florid and healthful cheek, the under part of which was shaded by a venerable white beard, which descended over his bosom.

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

From this reading The good nature of the expression was so great as to approach to defenceless simplicity or weakness of character, unfit, it might be inferred, to repel intrusion or subdue resistance.

(with “in”) guardianship over; in divorce cases it is the right to house and care for and discipline a child

From this reading If I know how to manage these affairs, Thus thrust disorderly upon my hands, Never believe me-- Richard II.

conducive to good health of body or mind

From this reading This was an elderly man, of a goodly presence, a florid and healthful cheek, the under part of which was shaded by a venerable white beard, which descended over his bosom.

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

From this reading It was early in the afternoon of St. Valentine’s Day that the prior of the Dominicans was engaged in discharge of his duties as confessor to a penitent of no small importance.

a university degree with honors

From this reading The large and clear blue eyes, with the broad expanse of brow, expressed dignity; but it was of a character which seemed more accustomed to receive honours voluntarily paid than to enforce them when they were refused.

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

From this reading If I know how to manage these affairs, Thus thrust disorderly upon my hands, Never believe me-- Richard II.

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

From this reading If I know how to manage these affairs, Thus thrust disorderly upon my hands, Never believe me-- Richard II.

on condition that; in the event that

From this reading If I know how to manage these affairs, Thus thrust disorderly upon my hands, Never believe me-- Richard II.

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

From this reading If I know how to manage these affairs, Thus thrust disorderly upon my hands, Never believe me-- Richard II.

the quality of being important and worthy of note

From this reading It was early in the afternoon of St. Valentine’s Day that the prior of the Dominicans was engaged in discharge of his duties as confessor to a penitent of no small importance.

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

From this reading It was early in the afternoon of St. Valentine’s Day that the prior of the Dominicans was engaged in discharge of his duties as confessor to a penitent of no small importance.

inflected form of “infer” — reason by deduction; establish by deduction

From this reading The good nature of the expression was so great as to approach to defenceless simplicity or weakness of character, unfit, it might be inferred, to repel intrusion or subdue resistance.

any entry into an area not previously occupied

From this reading The good nature of the expression was so great as to approach to defenceless simplicity or weakness of character, unfit, it might be inferred, to repel intrusion or subdue resistance.

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading It was early in the afternoon of St. Valentine’s Day that the prior of the Dominicans was engaged in discharge of his duties as confessor to a penitent of no small importance.

be cognizant or aware of a fact or a specific piece of information; possess knowledge or information about

From this reading If I know how to manage these affairs, Thus thrust disorderly upon my hands, Never believe me-- Richard II.

above average in size or number or quantity or magnitude or extent

From this reading The large and clear blue eyes, with the broad expanse of brow, expressed dignity; but it was of a character which seemed more accustomed to receive honours voluntarily paid than to enforce them when they were refused.

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

From this reading This was an elderly man, of a goodly presence, a florid and healthful cheek, the under part of which was shaded by a venerable white beard, which descended over his bosom.

be successful; achieve a goal

From this reading If I know how to manage these affairs, Thus thrust disorderly upon my hands, Never believe me-- Richard II.

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

From this reading If I know how to manage these affairs, Thus thrust disorderly upon my hands, Never believe me-- Richard II.

used to say something is possible but not certain

From this reading The good nature of the expression was so great as to approach to defenceless simplicity or weakness of character, unfit, it might be inferred, to repel intrusion or subdue resistance.

(comparative of “much” used with mass nouns) a quantifier meaning greater in size or amount or extent or degree

From this reading The large and clear blue eyes, with the broad expanse of brow, expressed dignity; but it was of a character which seemed more accustomed to receive honours voluntarily paid than to enforce them when they were refused.

belonging to the person speaking

From this reading If I know how to manage these affairs, Thus thrust disorderly upon my hands, Never believe me-- Richard II.

the essential qualities or characteristics by which something is recognized

From this reading The good nature of the expression was so great as to approach to defenceless simplicity or weakness of character, unfit, it might be inferred, to repel intrusion or subdue resistance.

not ever; at no time in the past or future

From this reading If I know how to manage these affairs, Thus thrust disorderly upon my hands, Never believe me-- Richard II.

not any; not one

From this reading It was early in the afternoon of St. Valentine’s Day that the prior of the Dominicans was engaged in discharge of his duties as confessor to a penitent of no small importance.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading It was early in the afternoon of St. Valentine’s Day that the prior of the Dominicans was engaged in discharge of his duties as confessor to a penitent of no small importance.

used to join alternatives or possibilities

From this reading The good nature of the expression was so great as to approach to defenceless simplicity or weakness of character, unfit, it might be inferred, to repel intrusion or subdue resistance.

above and across; more than

From this reading This was an elderly man, of a goodly presence, a florid and healthful cheek, the under part of which was shaded by a venerable white beard, which descended over his bosom.

marked by the reception of pay

From this reading The large and clear blue eyes, with the broad expanse of brow, expressed dignity; but it was of a character which seemed more accustomed to receive honours voluntarily paid than to enforce them when they were refused.

something determined in relation to something that includes it

From this reading This was an elderly man, of a goodly presence, a florid and healthful cheek, the under part of which was shaded by a venerable white beard, which descended over his bosom.

(Roman Catholic Church) a person who repents for wrongdoing (a Roman Catholic may be admitted to penance under the direction of a confessor)

From this reading It was early in the afternoon of St. Valentine’s Day that the prior of the Dominicans was engaged in discharge of his duties as confessor to a penitent of no small importance.

the state of being present; current existence

From this reading This was an elderly man, of a goodly presence, a florid and healthful cheek, the under part of which was shaded by a venerable white beard, which descended over his bosom.

earlier in time

From this reading It was early in the afternoon of St. Valentine’s Day that the prior of the Dominicans was engaged in discharge of his duties as confessor to a penitent of no small importance.

get something; come into possession of

From this reading The large and clear blue eyes, with the broad expanse of brow, expressed dignity; but it was of a character which seemed more accustomed to receive honours voluntarily paid than to enforce them when they were refused.

past form of “refuse” — show unwillingness towards

From this reading The large and clear blue eyes, with the broad expanse of brow, expressed dignity; but it was of a character which seemed more accustomed to receive honours voluntarily paid than to enforce them when they were refused.

cause to move back by force or influence

From this reading The good nature of the expression was so great as to approach to defenceless simplicity or weakness of character, unfit, it might be inferred, to repel intrusion or subdue resistance.

the action of opposing something that you disapprove or disagree with

From this reading The good nature of the expression was so great as to approach to defenceless simplicity or weakness of character, unfit, it might be inferred, to repel intrusion or subdue resistance.

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

From this reading If I know how to manage these affairs, Thus thrust disorderly upon my hands, Never believe me-- Richard II.

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

From this reading The large and clear blue eyes, with the broad expanse of brow, expressed dignity; but it was of a character which seemed more accustomed to receive honours voluntarily paid than to enforce them when they were refused.

protected from heat and light with shade or shadow

From this reading This was an elderly man, of a goodly presence, a florid and healthful cheek, the under part of which was shaded by a venerable white beard, which descended over his bosom.

the quality of being simple or uncompounded

From this reading The good nature of the expression was so great as to approach to defenceless simplicity or weakness of character, unfit, it might be inferred, to repel intrusion or subdue resistance.

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

From this reading It was early in the afternoon of St. Valentine’s Day that the prior of the Dominicans was engaged in discharge of his duties as confessor to a penitent of no small importance.

for that reason; with the result that

From this reading The good nature of the expression was so great as to approach to defenceless simplicity or weakness of character, unfit, it might be inferred, to repel intrusion or subdue resistance.

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

From this reading It was early in the afternoon of St. Valentine’s Day that the prior of the Dominicans was engaged in discharge of his duties as confessor to a penitent of no small importance.

put down by force or intimidation

From this reading The good nature of the expression was so great as to approach to defenceless simplicity or weakness of character, unfit, it might be inferred, to repel intrusion or subdue resistance.

used to introduce the second part of a comparison

From this reading The large and clear blue eyes, with the broad expanse of brow, expressed dignity; but it was of a character which seemed more accustomed to receive honours voluntarily paid than to enforce them when they were refused.

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading It was early in the afternoon of St. Valentine’s Day that the prior of the Dominicans was engaged in discharge of his duties as confessor to a penitent of no small importance.

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

From this reading It was early in the afternoon of St. Valentine’s Day that the prior of the Dominicans was engaged in discharge of his duties as confessor to a penitent of no small importance.

the people or things already mentioned, as the object

From this reading The large and clear blue eyes, with the broad expanse of brow, expressed dignity; but it was of a character which seemed more accustomed to receive honours voluntarily paid than to enforce them when they were refused.

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

From this reading If I know how to manage these affairs, Thus thrust disorderly upon my hands, Never believe me-- Richard II.

the people, animals, or things already mentioned, as the subject

From this reading The large and clear blue eyes, with the broad expanse of brow, expressed dignity; but it was of a character which seemed more accustomed to receive honours voluntarily paid than to enforce them when they were refused.

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

From this reading This was an elderly man, of a goodly presence, a florid and healthful cheek, the under part of which was shaded by a venerable white beard, which descended over his bosom.

push forcefully

From this reading If I know how to manage these affairs, Thus thrust disorderly upon my hands, Never believe me-- Richard II.

(used to introduce a logical conclusion) from that fact or reason or as a result

From this reading If I know how to manage these affairs, Thus thrust disorderly upon my hands, Never believe me-- Richard II.

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

From this reading If I know how to manage these affairs, Thus thrust disorderly upon my hands, Never believe me-- Richard II.

below or beneath something; less than

From this reading This was an elderly man, of a goodly presence, a florid and healthful cheek, the under part of which was shaded by a venerable white beard, which descended over his bosom.

below the required standards for a purpose

From this reading The good nature of the expression was so great as to approach to defenceless simplicity or weakness of character, unfit, it might be inferred, to repel intrusion or subdue resistance.

a formal word for “on”

From this reading If I know how to manage these affairs, Thus thrust disorderly upon my hands, Never believe me-- Richard II.

possessive form of “valentine” — a sweetheart chosen to receive a greeting on Saint Valentine's Day

From this reading It was early in the afternoon of St. Valentine’s Day that the prior of the Dominicans was engaged in discharge of his duties as confessor to a penitent of no small importance.

impressive by reason of age

From this reading This was an elderly man, of a goodly presence, a florid and healthful cheek, the under part of which was shaded by a venerable white beard, which descended over his bosom.

out of your own free will

From this reading The large and clear blue eyes, with the broad expanse of brow, expressed dignity; but it was of a character which seemed more accustomed to receive honours voluntarily paid than to enforce them when they were refused.

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

From this reading It was early in the afternoon of St. Valentine’s Day that the prior of the Dominicans was engaged in discharge of his duties as confessor to a penitent of no small importance.

a flaw or weak point

From this reading The good nature of the expression was so great as to approach to defenceless simplicity or weakness of character, unfit, it might be inferred, to repel intrusion or subdue resistance.

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

From this reading The large and clear blue eyes, with the broad expanse of brow, expressed dignity; but it was of a character which seemed more accustomed to receive honours voluntarily paid than to enforce them when they were refused.

at the time that

From this reading The large and clear blue eyes, with the broad expanse of brow, expressed dignity; but it was of a character which seemed more accustomed to receive honours voluntarily paid than to enforce them when they were refused.

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

From this reading This was an elderly man, of a goodly presence, a florid and healthful cheek, the under part of which was shaded by a venerable white beard, which descended over his bosom.

a Caucasian

From this reading This was an elderly man, of a goodly presence, a florid and healthful cheek, the under part of which was shaded by a venerable white beard, which descended over his bosom.

in the company of; together with

From this reading The large and clear blue eyes, with the broad expanse of brow, expressed dignity; but it was of a character which seemed more accustomed to receive honours voluntarily paid than to enforce them when they were refused.