Chapter X · Chapter 10

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

From this reading THE CHURCH SOCIAL Another social event followed hard on the heels of Mrs. Butterworth's party, and this Mrs. Gray succeeded in inducing both her son and daughter to attend, it being no less sacred a function than the quarterly Church Social.

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

From this reading Hubert was disposed to discount his own former estimate of church-members' sincerity, and did not doubt that many had found an experience as genuine as his own of the grace of God.

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

From this reading THE CHURCH SOCIAL Another social event followed hard on the heels of Mrs. Butterworth's party, and this Mrs. Gray succeeded in inducing both her son and daughter to attend, it being no less sacred a function than the quarterly Church Social.

one more of the same kind, or a different one

From this reading THE CHURCH SOCIAL Another social event followed hard on the heels of Mrs. Butterworth's party, and this Mrs. Gray succeeded in inducing both her son and daughter to attend, it being no less sacred a function than the quarterly Church Social.

in an ardent manner

From this reading Hubert was not familiar with the institution, but so ardently burned his love for the Lord Jesus Christ that he now sought rather than avoided the company of those who knew Him, if so be some word of Him might be spoken.

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

From this reading Hubert was disposed to discount his own former estimate of church-members' sincerity, and did not doubt that many had found an experience as genuine as his own of the grace of God.

be present at (meetings, church services, university), etc.

From this reading THE CHURCH SOCIAL Another social event followed hard on the heels of Mrs. Butterworth's party, and this Mrs. Gray succeeded in inducing both her son and daughter to attend, it being no less sacred a function than the quarterly Church Social.

a line of approach

From this reading This was denied in the formal services of the church, but surely the pent up devotion of the worshipers would find some avenue of expression when they met together socially without those restraints.

past form of “avoid” — stay clear from; keep away from; keep out of the way of someone or something

From this reading Hubert was not familiar with the institution, but so ardently burned his love for the Lord Jesus Christ that he now sought rather than avoided the company of those who knew Him, if so be some word of Him might be spoken.

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

From this reading Hubert was not familiar with the institution, but so ardently burned his love for the Lord Jesus Christ that he now sought rather than avoided the company of those who knew Him, if so be some word of Him might be spoken.

the past participle of “be”

From this reading He longed for the fellowship of joy with those who, like himself, had been called out of darkness into "His marvelous light."

the -ing form of “be”

From this reading THE CHURCH SOCIAL Another social event followed hard on the heels of Mrs. Butterworth's party, and this Mrs. Gray succeeded in inducing both her son and daughter to attend, it being no less sacred a function than the quarterly Church Social.

the two together, not just one

From this reading THE CHURCH SOCIAL Another social event followed hard on the heels of Mrs. Butterworth's party, and this Mrs. Gray succeeded in inducing both her son and daughter to attend, it being no less sacred a function than the quarterly Church Social.

treated by heating to a high temperature but below the melting or fusing point

From this reading Hubert was not familiar with the institution, but so ardently burned his love for the Lord Jesus Christ that he now sought rather than avoided the company of those who knew Him, if so be some word of Him might be spoken.

used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before

From this reading Hubert was not familiar with the institution, but so ardently burned his love for the Lord Jesus Christ that he now sought rather than avoided the company of those who knew Him, if so be some word of Him might be spoken.

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

From this reading THE CHURCH SOCIAL Another social event followed hard on the heels of Mrs. Butterworth's party, and this Mrs. Gray succeeded in inducing both her son and daughter to attend, it being no less sacred a function than the quarterly Church Social.

past form of “call” — assign a specified (usually proper) proper name to

From this reading He longed for the fellowship of joy with those who, like himself, had been called out of darkness into "His marvelous light."

a teacher and prophet born in Bethlehem and active in Nazareth; his life and sermons form the basis for Christianity (circa 4 BC - AD 29)

From this reading Hubert was not familiar with the institution, but so ardently burned his love for the Lord Jesus Christ that he now sought rather than avoided the company of those who knew Him, if so be some word of Him might be spoken.

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

From this reading THE CHURCH SOCIAL Another social event followed hard on the heels of Mrs. Butterworth's party, and this Mrs. Gray succeeded in inducing both her son and daughter to attend, it being no less sacred a function than the quarterly Church Social.

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

From this reading Hubert was disposed to discount his own former estimate of church-members' sincerity, and did not doubt that many had found an experience as genuine as his own of the grace of God.

an institution created to conduct business

From this reading Hubert was not familiar with the institution, but so ardently burned his love for the Lord Jesus Christ that he now sought rather than avoided the company of those who knew Him, if so be some word of Him might be spoken.

absence of light or illumination

From this reading He longed for the fellowship of joy with those who, like himself, had been called out of darkness into "His marvelous light."

a female human offspring

From this reading THE CHURCH SOCIAL Another social event followed hard on the heels of Mrs. Butterworth's party, and this Mrs. Gray succeeded in inducing both her son and daughter to attend, it being no less sacred a function than the quarterly Church Social.

inflected form of “deny” — declare untrue; contradict

From this reading This was denied in the formal services of the church, but surely the pent up devotion of the worshipers would find some avenue of expression when they met together socially without those restraints.

feelings of ardent love

From this reading This was denied in the formal services of the church, but surely the pent up devotion of the worshipers would find some avenue of expression when they met together socially without those restraints.

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

From this reading Hubert was disposed to discount his own former estimate of church-members' sincerity, and did not doubt that many had found an experience as genuine as his own of the grace of God.

the act of reducing the selling price of merchandise

From this reading Hubert was disposed to discount his own former estimate of church-members' sincerity, and did not doubt that many had found an experience as genuine as his own of the grace of God.

having made preparations

From this reading Hubert was disposed to discount his own former estimate of church-members' sincerity, and did not doubt that many had found an experience as genuine as his own of the grace of God.

the state of being unsure of something

From this reading Hubert was disposed to discount his own former estimate of church-members' sincerity, and did not doubt that many had found an experience as genuine as his own of the grace of God.

an approximate calculation of quantity or degree or worth

From this reading Hubert was disposed to discount his own former estimate of church-members' sincerity, and did not doubt that many had found an experience as genuine as his own of the grace of God.

something that happens at a given place and time

From this reading THE CHURCH SOCIAL Another social event followed hard on the heels of Mrs. Butterworth's party, and this Mrs. Gray succeeded in inducing both her son and daughter to attend, it being no less sacred a function than the quarterly Church Social.

undergo or live through a difficult experience

From this reading Hubert was disposed to discount his own former estimate of church-members' sincerity, and did not doubt that many had found an experience as genuine as his own of the grace of God.

the feelings expressed on a person's face

From this reading This was denied in the formal services of the church, but surely the pent up devotion of the worshipers would find some avenue of expression when they met together socially without those restraints.

well known or easily recognized

From this reading Hubert was not familiar with the institution, but so ardently burned his love for the Lord Jesus Christ that he now sought rather than avoided the company of those who knew Him, if so be some word of Him might be spoken.

an association of people who share common beliefs or activities

From this reading He longed for the fellowship of joy with those who, like himself, had been called out of darkness into "His marvelous light."

come upon, as if by accident; meet with

From this reading This was denied in the formal services of the church, but surely the pent up devotion of the worshipers would find some avenue of expression when they met together socially without those restraints.

past form of “follow” — to travel behind, go after, come after

From this reading THE CHURCH SOCIAL Another social event followed hard on the heels of Mrs. Butterworth's party, and this Mrs. Gray succeeded in inducing both her son and daughter to attend, it being no less sacred a function than the quarterly Church Social.

intended to be given to, or used by, somebody

From this reading Hubert was not familiar with the institution, but so ardently burned his love for the Lord Jesus Christ that he now sought rather than avoided the company of those who knew Him, if so be some word of Him might be spoken.

being in accord with established forms and conventions and requirements (as e.g. of formal dress)

From this reading This was denied in the formal services of the church, but surely the pent up devotion of the worshipers would find some avenue of expression when they met together socially without those restraints.

referring to the first of two things or persons mentioned (or the earlier one or ones of several)

From this reading Hubert was disposed to discount his own former estimate of church-members' sincerity, and did not doubt that many had found an experience as genuine as his own of the grace of God.

set up or found

From this reading Hubert was disposed to discount his own former estimate of church-members' sincerity, and did not doubt that many had found an experience as genuine as his own of the grace of God.

(mathematics) a mathematical relation such that each element of a given set (the domain of the function) is associated with an element of another set (the range of the function)

From this reading THE CHURCH SOCIAL Another social event followed hard on the heels of Mrs. Butterworth's party, and this Mrs. Gray succeeded in inducing both her son and daughter to attend, it being no less sacred a function than the quarterly Church Social.

not fake or counterfeit

From this reading Hubert was disposed to discount his own former estimate of church-members' sincerity, and did not doubt that many had found an experience as genuine as his own of the grace of God.

the supernatural being conceived as the perfect and omnipotent and omniscient originator and ruler of the universe; the object of worship in monotheistic religions

From this reading Hubert was disposed to discount his own former estimate of church-members' sincerity, and did not doubt that many had found an experience as genuine as his own of the grace of God.

(Christian theology) a state of sanctification by God; the state of one who is under such divine influence

From this reading Hubert was disposed to discount his own former estimate of church-members' sincerity, and did not doubt that many had found an experience as genuine as his own of the grace of God.

a neutral achromatic color midway between white and black

From this reading THE CHURCH SOCIAL Another social event followed hard on the heels of Mrs. Butterworth's party, and this Mrs. Gray succeeded in inducing both her son and daughter to attend, it being no less sacred a function than the quarterly Church Social.

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

From this reading He longed for the fellowship of joy with those who, like himself, had been called out of darkness into "His marvelous light."

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

From this reading THE CHURCH SOCIAL Another social event followed hard on the heels of Mrs. Butterworth's party, and this Mrs. Gray succeeded in inducing both her son and daughter to attend, it being no less sacred a function than the quarterly Church Social.

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

From this reading Hubert was not familiar with the institution, but so ardently burned his love for the Lord Jesus Christ that he now sought rather than avoided the company of those who knew Him, if so be some word of Him might be spoken.

plural of “heel” — the bottom of a shoe or boot; the back part of a shoe or boot that touches the ground and provides elevation

From this reading THE CHURCH SOCIAL Another social event followed hard on the heels of Mrs. Butterworth's party, and this Mrs. Gray succeeded in inducing both her son and daughter to attend, it being no less sacred a function than the quarterly Church Social.

belonging to a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned

From this reading THE CHURCH SOCIAL Another social event followed hard on the heels of Mrs. Butterworth's party, and this Mrs. Gray succeeded in inducing both her son and daughter to attend, it being no less sacred a function than the quarterly Church Social.

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

From this reading Hubert was not familiar with the institution, but so ardently burned his love for the Lord Jesus Christ that he now sought rather than avoided the company of those who knew Him, if so be some word of Him might be spoken.

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

From this reading He longed for the fellowship of joy with those who, like himself, had been called out of darkness into "His marvelous light."

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

From this reading Hubert was not familiar with the institution, but so ardently burned his love for the Lord Jesus Christ that he now sought rather than avoided the company of those who knew Him, if so be some word of Him might be spoken.

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

From this reading Hubert was not familiar with the institution, but so ardently burned his love for the Lord Jesus Christ that he now sought rather than avoided the company of those who knew Him, if so be some word of Him might be spoken.

on condition that; in the event that

From this reading Hubert was not familiar with the institution, but so ardently burned his love for the Lord Jesus Christ that he now sought rather than avoided the company of those who knew Him, if so be some word of Him might be spoken.

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

From this reading THE CHURCH SOCIAL Another social event followed hard on the heels of Mrs. Butterworth's party, and this Mrs. Gray succeeded in inducing both her son and daughter to attend, it being no less sacred a function than the quarterly Church Social.

act of bringing about a desired result

From this reading THE CHURCH SOCIAL Another social event followed hard on the heels of Mrs. Butterworth's party, and this Mrs. Gray succeeded in inducing both her son and daughter to attend, it being no less sacred a function than the quarterly Church Social.

an organization founded and united for a specific purpose

From this reading Hubert was not familiar with the institution, but so ardently burned his love for the Lord Jesus Christ that he now sought rather than avoided the company of those who knew Him, if so be some word of Him might be spoken.

moving to the inside of something

From this reading He longed for the fellowship of joy with those who, like himself, had been called out of darkness into "His marvelous light."

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading THE CHURCH SOCIAL Another social event followed hard on the heels of Mrs. Butterworth's party, and this Mrs. Gray succeeded in inducing both her son and daughter to attend, it being no less sacred a function than the quarterly Church Social.

a teacher and prophet born in Bethlehem and active in Nazareth; his life and sermons form the basis for Christianity (circa 4 BC - AD 29)

From this reading Hubert was not familiar with the institution, but so ardently burned his love for the Lord Jesus Christ that he now sought rather than avoided the company of those who knew Him, if so be some word of Him might be spoken.

the emotion of great happiness

From this reading He longed for the fellowship of joy with those who, like himself, had been called out of darkness into "His marvelous light."

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 Hubert was not familiar with the institution, but so ardently burned his love for the Lord Jesus Christ that he now sought rather than avoided the company of those who knew Him, if so be some word of Him might be spoken.

used to form the comparative of some adjectives and adverbs

From this reading THE CHURCH SOCIAL Another social event followed hard on the heels of Mrs. Butterworth's party, and this Mrs. Gray succeeded in inducing both her son and daughter to attend, it being no less sacred a function than the quarterly Church Social.

of comparatively little physical weight or density

From this reading He longed for the fellowship of joy with those who, like himself, had been called out of darkness into "His marvelous light."

prefer or wish to do something

From this reading He longed for the fellowship of joy with those who, like himself, had been called out of darkness into "His marvelous light."

past form of “long” — desire strongly or persistently

From this reading He longed for the fellowship of joy with those who, like himself, had been called out of darkness into "His marvelous light."

terms referring to the Judeo-Christian God

From this reading Hubert was not familiar with the institution, but so ardently burned his love for the Lord Jesus Christ that he now sought rather than avoided the company of those who knew Him, if so be some word of Him might be spoken.

a strong positive emotion of regard and affection

From this reading Hubert was not familiar with the institution, but so ardently burned his love for the Lord Jesus Christ that he now sought rather than avoided the company of those who knew Him, if so be some word of Him might be spoken.

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 Hubert was disposed to discount his own former estimate of church-members' sincerity, and did not doubt that many had found an experience as genuine as his own of the grace of God.

extraordinarily good or great; used especially as intensifiers

From this reading He longed for the fellowship of joy with those who, like himself, had been called out of darkness into "His marvelous light."

inflected form of “meet” — come together

From this reading This was denied in the formal services of the church, but surely the pent up devotion of the worshipers would find some avenue of expression when they met together socially without those restraints.

used to say something is possible but not certain

From this reading Hubert was not familiar with the institution, but so ardently burned his love for the Lord Jesus Christ that he now sought rather than avoided the company of those who knew Him, if so be some word of Him might be spoken.

a form of address for a married woman

From this reading THE CHURCH SOCIAL Another social event followed hard on the heels of Mrs. Butterworth's party, and this Mrs. Gray succeeded in inducing both her son and daughter to attend, it being no less sacred a function than the quarterly Church Social.

not any; not one

From this reading THE CHURCH SOCIAL Another social event followed hard on the heels of Mrs. Butterworth's party, and this Mrs. Gray succeeded in inducing both her son and daughter to attend, it being no less sacred a function than the quarterly Church Social.

used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative

From this reading Hubert was not familiar with the institution, but so ardently burned his love for the Lord Jesus Christ that he now sought rather than avoided the company of those who knew Him, if so be some word of Him might be spoken.

in the historical present; at this point in the narration of a series of past events

From this reading Hubert was not familiar with the institution, but so ardently burned his love for the Lord Jesus Christ that he now sought rather than avoided the company of those who knew Him, if so be some word of Him might be spoken.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading THE CHURCH SOCIAL Another social event followed hard on the heels of Mrs. Butterworth's party, and this Mrs. Gray succeeded in inducing both her son and daughter to attend, it being no less sacred a function than the quarterly Church Social.

touching and supported by a surface

From this reading THE CHURCH SOCIAL Another social event followed hard on the heels of Mrs. Butterworth's party, and this Mrs. Gray succeeded in inducing both her son and daughter to attend, it being no less sacred a function than the quarterly Church Social.

not allowed to continue to bat or run

From this reading He longed for the fellowship of joy with those who, like himself, had been called out of darkness into "His marvelous light."

have ownership or possession of

From this reading Hubert was disposed to discount his own former estimate of church-members' sincerity, and did not doubt that many had found an experience as genuine as his own of the grace of God.

an organization to gain political power

From this reading THE CHURCH SOCIAL Another social event followed hard on the heels of Mrs. Butterworth's party, and this Mrs. Gray succeeded in inducing both her son and daughter to attend, it being no less sacred a function than the quarterly Church Social.

closely confined

From this reading This was denied in the formal services of the church, but surely the pent up devotion of the worshipers would find some avenue of expression when they met together socially without those restraints.

of or relating to or consisting of a quarter

From this reading THE CHURCH SOCIAL Another social event followed hard on the heels of Mrs. Butterworth's party, and this Mrs. Gray succeeded in inducing both her son and daughter to attend, it being no less sacred a function than the quarterly Church Social.

on the contrary

From this reading Hubert was not familiar with the institution, but so ardently burned his love for the Lord Jesus Christ that he now sought rather than avoided the company of those who knew Him, if so be some word of Him might be spoken.

plural of “restraint” — the act of controlling by restraining someone or something

From this reading This was denied in the formal services of the church, but surely the pent up devotion of the worshipers would find some avenue of expression when they met together socially without those restraints.

concerned with religion or religious purposes

From this reading THE CHURCH SOCIAL Another social event followed hard on the heels of Mrs. Butterworth's party, and this Mrs. Gray succeeded in inducing both her son and daughter to attend, it being no less sacred a function than the quarterly Church Social.

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

From this reading This was denied in the formal services of the church, but surely the pent up devotion of the worshipers would find some avenue of expression when they met together socially without those restraints.

an earnest and sincere feeling

From this reading Hubert was disposed to discount his own former estimate of church-members' sincerity, and did not doubt that many had found an experience as genuine as his own of the grace of God.

for that reason; with the result that

From this reading Hubert was not familiar with the institution, but so ardently burned his love for the Lord Jesus Christ that he now sought rather than avoided the company of those who knew Him, if so be some word of Him might be spoken.

relating to human society and its members

From this reading THE CHURCH SOCIAL Another social event followed hard on the heels of Mrs. Butterworth's party, and this Mrs. Gray succeeded in inducing both her son and daughter to attend, it being no less sacred a function than the quarterly Church Social.

by or with respect to society

From this reading This was denied in the formal services of the church, but surely the pent up devotion of the worshipers would find some avenue of expression when they met together socially without those restraints.

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

From this reading Hubert was not familiar with the institution, but so ardently burned his love for the Lord Jesus Christ that he now sought rather than avoided the company of those who knew Him, if so be some word of Him might be spoken.

a male human offspring

From this reading THE CHURCH SOCIAL Another social event followed hard on the heels of Mrs. Butterworth's party, and this Mrs. Gray succeeded in inducing both her son and daughter to attend, it being no less sacred a function than the quarterly Church Social.

that is looked for

From this reading Hubert was not familiar with the institution, but so ardently burned his love for the Lord Jesus Christ that he now sought rather than avoided the company of those who knew Him, if so be some word of Him might be spoken.

uttered through the medium of speech or characterized by speech; sometimes used in combination

From this reading Hubert was not familiar with the institution, but so ardently burned his love for the Lord Jesus Christ that he now sought rather than avoided the company of those who knew Him, if so be some word of Him might be spoken.

past form of “succeed” — attain success or reach a desired goal

From this reading THE CHURCH SOCIAL Another social event followed hard on the heels of Mrs. Butterworth's party, and this Mrs. Gray succeeded in inducing both her son and daughter to attend, it being no less sacred a function than the quarterly Church Social.

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

From this reading This was denied in the formal services of the church, but surely the pent up devotion of the worshipers would find some avenue of expression when they met together socially without those restraints.

used to introduce the second part of a comparison

From this reading THE CHURCH SOCIAL Another social event followed hard on the heels of Mrs. Butterworth's party, and this Mrs. Gray succeeded in inducing both her son and daughter to attend, it being no less sacred a function than the quarterly Church Social.

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading Hubert was not familiar with the institution, but so ardently burned his love for the Lord Jesus Christ that he now sought rather than avoided the company of those who knew Him, if so be some word of Him might be spoken.

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

From this reading THE CHURCH SOCIAL Another social event followed hard on the heels of Mrs. Butterworth's party, and this Mrs. Gray succeeded in inducing both her son and daughter to attend, it being no less sacred a function than the quarterly Church Social.

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

From this reading This was denied in the formal services of the church, but surely the pent up devotion of the worshipers would find some avenue of expression when they met together socially without those restraints.

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

From this reading THE CHURCH SOCIAL Another social event followed hard on the heels of Mrs. Butterworth's party, and this Mrs. Gray succeeded in inducing both her son and daughter to attend, it being no less sacred a function than the quarterly Church Social.

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

From this reading Hubert was not familiar with the institution, but so ardently burned his love for the Lord Jesus Christ that he now sought rather than avoided the company of those who knew Him, if so be some word of Him might be spoken.

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

From this reading THE CHURCH SOCIAL Another social event followed hard on the heels of Mrs. Butterworth's party, and this Mrs. Gray succeeded in inducing both her son and daughter to attend, it being no less sacred a function than the quarterly Church Social.

in contact with each other or in proximity

From this reading This was denied in the formal services of the church, but surely the pent up devotion of the worshipers would find some avenue of expression when they met together socially without those restraints.

being or moving higher in position or greater in some value; being above a former position or level

From this reading This was denied in the formal services of the church, but surely the pent up devotion of the worshipers would find some avenue of expression when they met together socially without those restraints.

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

From this reading Hubert was not familiar with the institution, but so ardently burned his love for the Lord Jesus Christ that he now sought rather than avoided the company of those who knew Him, if so be some word of Him might be spoken.

at the time that

From this reading This was denied in the formal services of the church, but surely the pent up devotion of the worshipers would find some avenue of expression when they met together socially without those restraints.

which person or people

From this reading Hubert was not familiar with the institution, but so ardently burned his love for the Lord Jesus Christ that he now sought rather than avoided the company of those who knew Him, if so be some word of Him might be spoken.

in the company of; together with

From this reading Hubert was not familiar with the institution, but so ardently burned his love for the Lord Jesus Christ that he now sought rather than avoided the company of those who knew Him, if so be some word of Him might be spoken.

not having, not using, or not accompanied by

From this reading This was denied in the formal services of the church, but surely the pent up devotion of the worshipers would find some avenue of expression when they met together socially without those restraints.

a unit of language that native speakers can identify

From this reading Hubert was not familiar with the institution, but so ardently burned his love for the Lord Jesus Christ that he now sought rather than avoided the company of those who knew Him, if so be some word of Him might be spoken.

plural of “worshiper” — someone who admires too much to recognize faults

From this reading This was denied in the formal services of the church, but surely the pent up devotion of the worshipers would find some avenue of expression when they met together socially without those restraints.

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

From this reading This was denied in the formal services of the church, but surely the pent up devotion of the worshipers would find some avenue of expression when they met together socially without those restraints.