Chapter XX · Chapter 20

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

From this reading A FOILED ATTEMPT.

(usually followed by “to”) having the necessary means or skill or know-how or authority to do something

From this reading My uncle wrote in answer, that her son had come to his house in a high fever; that he had been under medical care ever since; and that he hoped in a day or two he might be able to return.

without advance planning

From this reading She had accidentally heard that he had made Mr. Whichcote's acquaintance, and therefore took the liberty of extending to him the inquiry she had already made everywhere else among his friends.

personal knowledge or information about someone or something

From this reading She had accidentally heard that he had made Mr. Whichcote's acquaintance, and therefore took the liberty of extending to him the inquiry she had already made everywhere else among his friends.

later than; following

From this reading The morning after my uncle's return, came a messenger from Rising with his lady's compliments, asking if Mr. Whichcote could tell her anything of her son: he had left the house unseen, during a feverish attack, and as she could get no tidings of him, she was in great anxiety.

prior to a specified or implied time

From this reading She had accidentally heard that he had made Mr. Whichcote's acquaintance, and therefore took the liberty of extending to him the inquiry she had already made everywhere else among his friends.

surrounded by; in the middle of a group

From this reading She had accidentally heard that he had made Mr. Whichcote's acquaintance, and therefore took the liberty of extending to him the inquiry she had already made everywhere else among his friends.

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

From this reading The morning after my uncle's return, came a messenger from Rising with his lady's compliments, asking if Mr. Whichcote could tell her anything of her son: he had left the house unseen, during a feverish attack, and as she could get no tidings of him, she was in great anxiety.

react verbally

From this reading My uncle wrote in answer, that her son had come to his house in a high fever; that he had been under medical care ever since; and that he hoped in a day or two he might be able to return.

(psychiatry) a relatively permanent state of worry and nervousness occurring in a variety of mental disorders, usually accompanied by compulsive behavior or attacks of panic

From this reading The morning after my uncle's return, came a messenger from Rising with his lady's compliments, asking if Mr. Whichcote could tell her anything of her son: he had left the house unseen, during a feverish attack, and as she could get no tidings of him, she was in great anxiety.

any thing at all

From this reading The morning after my uncle's return, came a messenger from Rising with his lady's compliments, asking if Mr. Whichcote could tell her anything of her son: he had left the house unseen, during a feverish attack, and as she could get no tidings of him, she was in great anxiety.

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

From this reading The morning after my uncle's return, came a messenger from Rising with his lady's compliments, asking if Mr. Whichcote could tell her anything of her son: he had left the house unseen, during a feverish attack, and as she could get no tidings of him, she was in great anxiety.

the verbal act of requesting

From this reading The morning after my uncle's return, came a messenger from Rising with his lady's compliments, asking if Mr. Whichcote could tell her anything of her son: he had left the house unseen, during a feverish attack, and as she could get no tidings of him, she was in great anxiety.

(military) an offensive against an enemy (using weapons)

From this reading The morning after my uncle's return, came a messenger from Rising with his lady's compliments, asking if Mr. Whichcote could tell her anything of her son: he had left the house unseen, during a feverish attack, and as she could get no tidings of him, she was in great anxiety.

earnest and conscientious activity intended to do or accomplish something

From this reading A FOILED ATTEMPT.

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

From this reading My uncle wrote in answer, that her son had come to his house in a high fever; that he had been under medical care ever since; and that he hoped in a day or two he might be able to return.

the past participle of “be”

From this reading My uncle wrote in answer, that her son had come to his house in a high fever; that he had been under medical care ever since; and that he hoped in a day or two he might be able to return.

used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before

From this reading If he expressed a desire to see his mother, he would immediately let her know, but in the meantime it was imperative he should be kept quiet.

inflected form of “come” — move toward, travel toward something or somebody or approach something or somebody

From this reading The morning after my uncle's return, came a messenger from Rising with his lady's compliments, asking if Mr. Whichcote could tell her anything of her son: he had left the house unseen, during a feverish attack, and as she could get no tidings of him, she was in great anxiety.

the work of providing treatment for or attending to someone or something

From this reading My uncle wrote in answer, that her son had come to his house in a high fever; that he had been under medical care ever since; and that he hoped in a day or two he might be able to return.

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

From this reading My uncle wrote in answer, that her son had come to his house in a high fever; that he had been under medical care ever since; and that he hoped in a day or two he might be able to return.

(usually plural) a polite expression of desire for someone's welfare

From this reading The morning after my uncle's return, came a messenger from Rising with his lady's compliments, asking if Mr. Whichcote could tell her anything of her son: he had left the house unseen, during a feverish attack, and as she could get no tidings of him, she was in great anxiety.

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

From this reading The morning after my uncle's return, came a messenger from Rising with his lady's compliments, asking if Mr. Whichcote could tell her anything of her son: he had left the house unseen, during a feverish attack, and as she could get no tidings of him, she was in great anxiety.

time for Earth to make a complete rotation on its axis

From this reading My uncle wrote in answer, that her son had come to his house in a high fever; that he had been under medical care ever since; and that he hoped in a day or two he might be able to return.

the feeling that accompanies an unsatisfied state

From this reading If he expressed a desire to see his mother, he would immediately let her know, but in the meantime it was imperative he should be kept quiet.

all through a period, or at some point within it

From this reading The morning after my uncle's return, came a messenger from Rising with his lady's compliments, asking if Mr. Whichcote could tell her anything of her son: he had left the house unseen, during a feverish attack, and as she could get no tidings of him, she was in great anxiety.

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

From this reading She had accidentally heard that he had made Mr. Whichcote's acquaintance, and therefore took the liberty of extending to him the inquiry she had already made everywhere else among his friends.

at any time

From this reading My uncle wrote in answer, that her son had come to his house in a high fever; that he had been under medical care ever since; and that he hoped in a day or two he might be able to return.

to or in any or all places

From this reading She had accidentally heard that he had made Mr. Whichcote's acquaintance, and therefore took the liberty of extending to him the inquiry she had already made everywhere else among his friends.

communicated in words

From this reading If he expressed a desire to see his mother, he would immediately let her know, but in the meantime it was imperative he should be kept quiet.

-ing form of “extend” — extend in scope or range or area

From this reading She had accidentally heard that he had made Mr. Whichcote's acquaintance, and therefore took the liberty of extending to him the inquiry she had already made everywhere else among his friends.

a rise in the temperature of the body; frequently a symptom of infection

From this reading My uncle wrote in answer, that her son had come to his house in a high fever; that he had been under medical care ever since; and that he hoped in a day or two he might be able to return.

marked by intense agitation or emotion

From this reading The morning after my uncle's return, came a messenger from Rising with his lady's compliments, asking if Mr. Whichcote could tell her anything of her son: he had left the house unseen, during a feverish attack, and as she could get no tidings of him, she was in great anxiety.

disappointingly unsuccessful

From this reading A FOILED ATTEMPT.

plural of “friend” — a person you know well and regard with affection and trust

From this reading She had accidentally heard that he had made Mr. Whichcote's acquaintance, and therefore took the liberty of extending to him the inquiry she had already made everywhere else among his friends.

showing where something starts, or who sent it

From this reading The morning after my uncle's return, came a messenger from Rising with his lady's compliments, asking if Mr. Whichcote could tell her anything of her son: he had left the house unseen, during a feverish attack, and as she could get no tidings of him, she was in great anxiety.

come into the possession of something concrete or abstract

From this reading The morning after my uncle's return, came a messenger from Rising with his lady's compliments, asking if Mr. Whichcote could tell her anything of her son: he had left the house unseen, during a feverish attack, and as she could get no tidings of him, she was in great anxiety.

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

From this reading The morning after my uncle's return, came a messenger from Rising with his lady's compliments, asking if Mr. Whichcote could tell her anything of her son: he had left the house unseen, during a feverish attack, and as she could get no tidings of him, she was in great anxiety.

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

From this reading The morning after my uncle's return, came a messenger from Rising with his lady's compliments, asking if Mr. Whichcote could tell her anything of her son: he had left the house unseen, during a feverish attack, and as she could get no tidings of him, she was in great anxiety.

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

From this reading The morning after my uncle's return, came a messenger from Rising with his lady's compliments, asking if Mr. Whichcote could tell her anything of her son: he had left the house unseen, during a feverish attack, and as she could get no tidings of him, she was in great anxiety.

detected or perceived by the sense of hearing

From this reading She had accidentally heard that he had made Mr. Whichcote's acquaintance, and therefore took the liberty of extending to him the inquiry she had already made everywhere else among his friends.

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

From this reading The morning after my uncle's return, came a messenger from Rising with his lady's compliments, asking if Mr. Whichcote could tell her anything of her son: he had left the house unseen, during a feverish attack, and as she could get no tidings of him, she was in great anxiety.

greater than normal in degree or intensity or amount

From this reading My uncle wrote in answer, that her son had come to his house in a high fever; that he had been under medical care ever since; and that he hoped in a day or two he might be able to return.

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

From this reading The morning after my uncle's return, came a messenger from Rising with his lady's compliments, asking if Mr. Whichcote could tell her anything of her son: he had left the house unseen, during a feverish attack, and as she could get no tidings of him, she was in great anxiety.

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

From this reading The morning after my uncle's return, came a messenger from Rising with his lady's compliments, asking if Mr. Whichcote could tell her anything of her son: he had left the house unseen, during a feverish attack, and as she could get no tidings of him, she was in great anxiety.

past form of “hope” — expect and wish

From this reading My uncle wrote in answer, that her son had come to his house in a high fever; that he had been under medical care ever since; and that he hoped in a day or two he might be able to return.

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

From this reading The morning after my uncle's return, came a messenger from Rising with his lady's compliments, asking if Mr. Whichcote could tell her anything of her son: he had left the house unseen, during a feverish attack, and as she could get no tidings of him, she was in great anxiety.

on condition that; in the event that

From this reading The morning after my uncle's return, came a messenger from Rising with his lady's compliments, asking if Mr. Whichcote could tell her anything of her son: he had left the house unseen, during a feverish attack, and as she could get no tidings of him, she was in great anxiety.

without delay or hesitation; with no time intervening

From this reading If he expressed a desire to see his mother, he would immediately let her know, but in the meantime it was imperative he should be kept quiet.

requiring attention or action

From this reading If he expressed a desire to see his mother, he would immediately let her know, but in the meantime it was imperative he should be kept quiet.

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

From this reading The morning after my uncle's return, came a messenger from Rising with his lady's compliments, asking if Mr. Whichcote could tell her anything of her son: he had left the house unseen, during a feverish attack, and as she could get no tidings of him, she was in great anxiety.

a search for knowledge

From this reading She had accidentally heard that he had made Mr. Whichcote's acquaintance, and therefore took the liberty of extending to him the inquiry she had already made everywhere else among his friends.

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading If he expressed a desire to see his mother, he would immediately let her know, but in the meantime it was imperative he should be kept quiet.

(especially of promises or contracts) not violated or disregarded

From this reading If he expressed a desire to see his mother, he would immediately let her know, but in the meantime it was imperative he should be kept quiet.

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

From this reading If he expressed a desire to see his mother, he would immediately let her know, but in the meantime it was imperative he should be kept quiet.

possessive form of “lady” — a polite name for any woman

From this reading The morning after my uncle's return, came a messenger from Rising with his lady's compliments, asking if Mr. Whichcote could tell her anything of her son: he had left the house unseen, during a feverish attack, and as she could get no tidings of him, she was in great anxiety.

location near or direction toward the left side; i.e. the side to the north when a person or object faces east

From this reading The morning after my uncle's return, came a messenger from Rising with his lady's compliments, asking if Mr. Whichcote could tell her anything of her son: he had left the house unseen, during a feverish attack, and as she could get no tidings of him, she was in great anxiety.

used to make a suggestion or a command including the speaker

From this reading If he expressed a desire to see his mother, he would immediately let her know, but in the meantime it was imperative he should be kept quiet.

The state of being free within society from oppressive restrictions on one's way of life.

From this reading She had accidentally heard that he had made Mr. Whichcote's acquaintance, and therefore took the liberty of extending to him the inquiry she had already made everywhere else among his friends.

produced by a manufacturing process

From this reading She had accidentally heard that he had made Mr. Whichcote's acquaintance, and therefore took the liberty of extending to him the inquiry she had already made everywhere else among his friends.

the time between one event, process, or period and another

From this reading If he expressed a desire to see his mother, he would immediately let her know, but in the meantime it was imperative he should be kept quiet.

relating to the study or practice of medicine

From this reading My uncle wrote in answer, that her son had come to his house in a high fever; that he had been under medical care ever since; and that he hoped in a day or two he might be able to return.

a person who carries a message

From this reading The morning after my uncle's return, came a messenger from Rising with his lady's compliments, asking if Mr. Whichcote could tell her anything of her son: he had left the house unseen, during a feverish attack, and as she could get no tidings of him, she was in great anxiety.

used to say something is possible but not certain

From this reading My uncle wrote in answer, that her son had come to his house in a high fever; that he had been under medical care ever since; and that he hoped in a day or two he might be able to return.

the time period between dawn and noon

From this reading The morning after my uncle's return, came a messenger from Rising with his lady's compliments, asking if Mr. Whichcote could tell her anything of her son: he had left the house unseen, during a feverish attack, and as she could get no tidings of him, she was in great anxiety.

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

From this reading If he expressed a desire to see his mother, he would immediately let her know, but in the meantime it was imperative he should be kept quiet.

a form of address for a man

From this reading The morning after my uncle's return, came a messenger from Rising with his lady's compliments, asking if Mr. Whichcote could tell her anything of her son: he had left the house unseen, during a feverish attack, and as she could get no tidings of him, she was in great anxiety.

belonging to the person speaking

From this reading The morning after my uncle's return, came a messenger from Rising with his lady's compliments, asking if Mr. Whichcote could tell her anything of her son: he had left the house unseen, during a feverish attack, and as she could get no tidings of him, she was in great anxiety.

not any; not one

From this reading The morning after my uncle's return, came a messenger from Rising with his lady's compliments, asking if Mr. Whichcote could tell her anything of her son: he had left the house unseen, during a feverish attack, and as she could get no tidings of him, she was in great anxiety.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading The morning after my uncle's return, came a messenger from Rising with his lady's compliments, asking if Mr. Whichcote could tell her anything of her son: he had left the house unseen, during a feverish attack, and as she could get no tidings of him, she was in great anxiety.

used to join alternatives or possibilities

From this reading My uncle wrote in answer, that her son had come to his house in a high fever; that he had been under medical care ever since; and that he hoped in a day or two he might be able to return.

characterized by an absence or near absence of agitation or activity

From this reading If he expressed a desire to see his mother, he would immediately let her know, but in the meantime it was imperative he should be kept quiet.

go or come back to place, condition, or activity where one has been before

From this reading The morning after my uncle's return, came a messenger from Rising with his lady's compliments, asking if Mr. Whichcote could tell her anything of her son: he had left the house unseen, during a feverish attack, and as she could get no tidings of him, she was in great anxiety.

advancing or becoming higher or greater in degree or value or status

From this reading The morning after my uncle's return, came a messenger from Rising with his lady's compliments, asking if Mr. Whichcote could tell her anything of her son: he had left the house unseen, during a feverish attack, and as she could get no tidings of him, she was in great anxiety.

perceive by sight or have the power to perceive by sight

From this reading If he expressed a desire to see his mother, he would immediately let her know, but in the meantime it was imperative he should be kept quiet.

a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned, as the subject

From this reading The morning after my uncle's return, came a messenger from Rising with his lady's compliments, asking if Mr. Whichcote could tell her anything of her son: he had left the house unseen, during a feverish attack, and as she could get no tidings of him, she was in great anxiety.

used to say what is right, expected, or advisable

From this reading If he expressed a desire to see his mother, he would immediately let her know, but in the meantime it was imperative he should be kept quiet.

from a time in the past until now

From this reading My uncle wrote in answer, that her son had come to his house in a high fever; that he had been under medical care ever since; and that he hoped in a day or two he might be able to return.

a male human offspring

From this reading The morning after my uncle's return, came a messenger from Rising with his lady's compliments, asking if Mr. Whichcote could tell her anything of her son: he had left the house unseen, during a feverish attack, and as she could get no tidings of him, she was in great anxiety.

express in words

From this reading The morning after my uncle's return, came a messenger from Rising with his lady's compliments, asking if Mr. Whichcote could tell her anything of her son: he had left the house unseen, during a feverish attack, and as she could get no tidings of him, she was in great anxiety.

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading She had accidentally heard that he had made Mr. Whichcote's acquaintance, and therefore took the liberty of extending to him the inquiry she had already made everywhere else among his friends.

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

From this reading The morning after my uncle's return, came a messenger from Rising with his lady's compliments, asking if Mr. Whichcote could tell her anything of her son: he had left the house unseen, during a feverish attack, and as she could get no tidings of him, she was in great anxiety.

for that reason; as a result

From this reading She had accidentally heard that he had made Mr. Whichcote's acquaintance, and therefore took the liberty of extending to him the inquiry she had already made everywhere else among his friends.

information about recent and important events

From this reading The morning after my uncle's return, came a messenger from Rising with his lady's compliments, asking if Mr. Whichcote could tell her anything of her son: he had left the house unseen, during a feverish attack, and as she could get no tidings of him, she was in great anxiety.

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

From this reading She had accidentally heard that he had made Mr. Whichcote's acquaintance, and therefore took the liberty of extending to him the inquiry she had already made everywhere else among his friends.

inflected form of “take” — carry out

From this reading She had accidentally heard that he had made Mr. Whichcote's acquaintance, and therefore took the liberty of extending to him the inquiry she had already made everywhere else among his friends.

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

From this reading My uncle wrote in answer, that her son had come to his house in a high fever; that he had been under medical care ever since; and that he hoped in a day or two he might be able to return.

the brother of your father or mother; the husband of your aunt

From this reading My uncle wrote in answer, that her son had come to his house in a high fever; that he had been under medical care ever since; and that he hoped in a day or two he might be able to return.

possessive form of “uncle” — the brother of your father or mother; the husband of your aunt

From this reading The morning after my uncle's return, came a messenger from Rising with his lady's compliments, asking if Mr. Whichcote could tell her anything of her son: he had left the house unseen, during a feverish attack, and as she could get no tidings of him, she was in great anxiety.

below or beneath something; less than

From this reading My uncle wrote in answer, that her son had come to his house in a high fever; that he had been under medical care ever since; and that he hoped in a day or two he might be able to return.

not seen or perceived

From this reading The morning after my uncle's return, came a messenger from Rising with his lady's compliments, asking if Mr. Whichcote could tell her anything of her son: he had left the house unseen, during a feverish attack, and as she could get no tidings of him, she was in great anxiety.

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

From this reading The morning after my uncle's return, came a messenger from Rising with his lady's compliments, asking if Mr. Whichcote could tell her anything of her son: he had left the house unseen, during a feverish attack, and as she could get no tidings of him, she was in great anxiety.

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

From this reading The morning after my uncle's return, came a messenger from Rising with his lady's compliments, asking if Mr. Whichcote could tell her anything of her son: he had left the house unseen, during a feverish attack, and as she could get no tidings of him, she was in great anxiety.

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

From this reading She had accidentally heard that he had made Mr. Whichcote's acquaintance, and therefore took the liberty of extending to him the inquiry she had already made everywhere else among his friends.

in the company of; together with

From this reading The morning after my uncle's return, came a messenger from Rising with his lady's compliments, asking if Mr. Whichcote could tell her anything of her son: he had left the house unseen, during a feverish attack, and as she could get no tidings of him, she was in great anxiety.

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

From this reading If he expressed a desire to see his mother, he would immediately let her know, but in the meantime it was imperative he should be kept quiet.

inflected form of “write” — produce a literary work

From this reading My uncle wrote in answer, that her son had come to his house in a high fever; that he had been under medical care ever since; and that he hoped in a day or two he might be able to return.