Chapter VIII · Chapter 8

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

From this reading We must now introduce to the reader's acquaintance another character, busy and important far beyond her ostensible situation in society--in a word, Dame Ursula Suddlechop, wife of Benjamin Suddlechop, the most renowned barber in all Fleet Street.

personal knowledge or information about someone or something

From this reading We must now introduce to the reader's acquaintance another character, busy and important far beyond her ostensible situation in society--in a word, Dame Ursula Suddlechop, wife of Benjamin Suddlechop, the most renowned barber in all Fleet Street.

the quality of having a superior or more favorable position

From this reading Ay! mark the matron well--and laugh not, Harry, At her old steeple-hat and velvet guard-- I've call'd her like the ear of Dionysius; I mean that ear-form'd vault, built o'er his dungeon, To catch the groans and discontented murmurs Of his poor bondsmen--Even so doth Martha Drink up, for her own purpose, all that passes, Or is supposed to pass, in this wide city-- She can retail it too, if that her profit Shall call on her to do so; and retail it For your advantage, so that you can make Your profit jump with hers.

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

From this reading Ay! mark the matron well--and laugh not, Harry, At her old steeple-hat and velvet guard-- I've call'd her like the ear of Dionysius; I mean that ear-form'd vault, built o'er his dungeon, To catch the groans and discontented murmurs Of his poor bondsmen--Even so doth Martha Drink up, for her own purpose, all that passes, Or is supposed to pass, in this wide city-- She can retail it too, if that her profit Shall call on her to do so; and retail it For your advantage, so that you can make Your profit jump with hers.

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

From this reading This dame had her own particular merits, the principal part of which was (if her own report could be trusted) an infinite desire to be of service to her fellow-creatures.

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

From this reading Ay! mark the matron well--and laugh not, Harry, At her old steeple-hat and velvet guard-- I've call'd her like the ear of Dionysius; I mean that ear-form'd vault, built o'er his dungeon, To catch the groans and discontented murmurs Of his poor bondsmen--Even so doth Martha Drink up, for her own purpose, all that passes, Or is supposed to pass, in this wide city-- She can retail it too, if that her profit Shall call on her to do so; and retail it For your advantage, so that you can make Your profit jump with hers.

one more of the same kind, or a different one

From this reading We must now introduce to the reader's acquaintance another character, busy and important far beyond her ostensible situation in society--in a word, Dame Ursula Suddlechop, wife of Benjamin Suddlechop, the most renowned barber in all Fleet Street.

one or some or every or all without specification

From this reading Leaving to her thin half-starved partner the boast of having the most dexterous snap with his fingers of any shaver in London, and the care of a shop where starved apprentices flayed the faces of those who were boobies enough to trust them, the dame drove a separate and more lucrative trade, which yet had so many odd turns and windings, that it seemed in many respects to contradict itself.

plural of “apprentice” — works for an expert to learn a trade

From this reading Leaving to her thin half-starved partner the boast of having the most dexterous snap with his fingers of any shaver in London, and the care of a shop where starved apprentices flayed the faces of those who were boobies enough to trust them, the dame drove a separate and more lucrative trade, which yet had so many odd turns and windings, that it seemed in many respects to contradict itself.

in or near a particular place or position

From this reading Ay! mark the matron well--and laugh not, Harry, At her old steeple-hat and velvet guard-- I've call'd her like the ear of Dionysius; I mean that ear-form'd vault, built o'er his dungeon, To catch the groans and discontented murmurs Of his poor bondsmen--Even so doth Martha Drink up, for her own purpose, all that passes, Or is supposed to pass, in this wide city-- She can retail it too, if that her profit Shall call on her to do so; and retail it For your advantage, so that you can make Your profit jump with hers.

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

From this reading Ay! mark the matron well--and laugh not, Harry, At her old steeple-hat and velvet guard-- I've call'd her like the ear of Dionysius; I mean that ear-form'd vault, built o'er his dungeon, To catch the groans and discontented murmurs Of his poor bondsmen--Even so doth Martha Drink up, for her own purpose, all that passes, Or is supposed to pass, in this wide city-- She can retail it too, if that her profit Shall call on her to do so; and retail it For your advantage, so that you can make Your profit jump with hers.

United States composer (1910-1981)

From this reading We must now introduce to the reader's acquaintance another character, busy and important far beyond her ostensible situation in society--in a word, Dame Ursula Suddlechop, wife of Benjamin Suddlechop, the most renowned barber in all Fleet Street.

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

From this reading This dame had her own particular merits, the principal part of which was (if her own report could be trusted) an infinite desire to be of service to her fellow-creatures.

gum resin used especially in treating skin irritation

From this reading We must now introduce to the reader's acquaintance another character, busy and important far beyond her ostensible situation in society--in a word, Dame Ursula Suddlechop, wife of Benjamin Suddlechop, the most renowned barber in all Fleet Street.

on the far side of; further than

From this reading We must now introduce to the reader's acquaintance another character, busy and important far beyond her ostensible situation in society--in a word, Dame Ursula Suddlechop, wife of Benjamin Suddlechop, the most renowned barber in all Fleet Street.

show off

From this reading Leaving to her thin half-starved partner the boast of having the most dexterous snap with his fingers of any shaver in London, and the care of a shop where starved apprentices flayed the faces of those who were boobies enough to trust them, the dame drove a separate and more lucrative trade, which yet had so many odd turns and windings, that it seemed in many respects to contradict itself.

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

From this reading Ay! mark the matron well--and laugh not, Harry, At her old steeple-hat and velvet guard-- I've call'd her like the ear of Dionysius; I mean that ear-form'd vault, built o'er his dungeon, To catch the groans and discontented murmurs Of his poor bondsmen--Even so doth Martha Drink up, for her own purpose, all that passes, Or is supposed to pass, in this wide city-- She can retail it too, if that her profit Shall call on her to do so; and retail it For your advantage, so that you can make Your profit jump with hers.

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

From this reading Leaving to her thin half-starved partner the boast of having the most dexterous snap with his fingers of any shaver in London, and the care of a shop where starved apprentices flayed the faces of those who were boobies enough to trust them, the dame drove a separate and more lucrative trade, which yet had so many odd turns and windings, that it seemed in many respects to contradict itself.

(used of soaps or cleaning agents) having a substance (an abrasive or filler) added to increase effectiveness

From this reading Ay! mark the matron well--and laugh not, Harry, At her old steeple-hat and velvet guard-- I've call'd her like the ear of Dionysius; I mean that ear-form'd vault, built o'er his dungeon, To catch the groans and discontented murmurs Of his poor bondsmen--Even so doth Martha Drink up, for her own purpose, all that passes, Or is supposed to pass, in this wide city-- She can retail it too, if that her profit Shall call on her to do so; and retail it For your advantage, so that you can make Your profit jump with hers.

actively or fully engaged or occupied

From this reading We must now introduce to the reader's acquaintance another character, busy and important far beyond her ostensible situation in society--in a word, Dame Ursula Suddlechop, wife of Benjamin Suddlechop, the most renowned barber in all Fleet Street.

assign a specified (usually proper) proper name to

From this reading Ay! mark the matron well--and laugh not, Harry, At her old steeple-hat and velvet guard-- I've call'd her like the ear of Dionysius; I mean that ear-form'd vault, built o'er his dungeon, To catch the groans and discontented murmurs Of his poor bondsmen--Even so doth Martha Drink up, for her own purpose, all that passes, Or is supposed to pass, in this wide city-- She can retail it too, if that her profit Shall call on her to do so; and retail it For your advantage, so that you can make Your profit jump with hers.

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

From this reading Ay! mark the matron well--and laugh not, Harry, At her old steeple-hat and velvet guard-- I've call'd her like the ear of Dionysius; I mean that ear-form'd vault, built o'er his dungeon, To catch the groans and discontented murmurs Of his poor bondsmen--Even so doth Martha Drink up, for her own purpose, all that passes, Or is supposed to pass, in this wide city-- She can retail it too, if that her profit Shall call on her to do so; and retail it For your advantage, so that you can make Your profit jump with hers.

to be able to, or to be allowed to

From this reading Ay! mark the matron well--and laugh not, Harry, At her old steeple-hat and velvet guard-- I've call'd her like the ear of Dionysius; I mean that ear-form'd vault, built o'er his dungeon, To catch the groans and discontented murmurs Of his poor bondsmen--Even so doth Martha Drink up, for her own purpose, all that passes, Or is supposed to pass, in this wide city-- She can retail it too, if that her profit Shall call on her to do so; and retail it For your advantage, so that you can make Your profit jump with hers.

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

From this reading Leaving to her thin half-starved partner the boast of having the most dexterous snap with his fingers of any shaver in London, and the care of a shop where starved apprentices flayed the faces of those who were boobies enough to trust them, the dame drove a separate and more lucrative trade, which yet had so many odd turns and windings, that it seemed in many respects to contradict itself.

discover or come upon accidentally, suddenly, or unexpectedly; catch somebody doing something or in a certain state

From this reading Ay! mark the matron well--and laugh not, Harry, At her old steeple-hat and velvet guard-- I've call'd her like the ear of Dionysius; I mean that ear-form'd vault, built o'er his dungeon, To catch the groans and discontented murmurs Of his poor bondsmen--Even so doth Martha Drink up, for her own purpose, all that passes, Or is supposed to pass, in this wide city-- She can retail it too, if that her profit Shall call on her to do so; and retail it For your advantage, so that you can make Your profit jump with hers.

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

From this reading We must now introduce to the reader's acquaintance another character, busy and important far beyond her ostensible situation in society--in a word, Dame Ursula Suddlechop, wife of Benjamin Suddlechop, the most renowned barber in all Fleet Street.

a large and densely populated urban area; may include several independent administrative districts

From this reading Ay! mark the matron well--and laugh not, Harry, At her old steeple-hat and velvet guard-- I've call'd her like the ear of Dionysius; I mean that ear-form'd vault, built o'er his dungeon, To catch the groans and discontented murmurs Of his poor bondsmen--Even so doth Martha Drink up, for her own purpose, all that passes, Or is supposed to pass, in this wide city-- She can retail it too, if that her profit Shall call on her to do so; and retail it For your advantage, so that you can make Your profit jump with hers.

a secret agreement between two or more people to perform an unlawful act

From this reading The Conspiracy.

be in contradiction with

From this reading Leaving to her thin half-starved partner the boast of having the most dexterous snap with his fingers of any shaver in London, and the care of a shop where starved apprentices flayed the faces of those who were boobies enough to trust them, the dame drove a separate and more lucrative trade, which yet had so many odd turns and windings, that it seemed in many respects to contradict itself.

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

From this reading This dame had her own particular merits, the principal part of which was (if her own report could be trusted) an infinite desire to be of service to her fellow-creatures.

informal terms for a (young) woman

From this reading We must now introduce to the reader's acquaintance another character, busy and important far beyond her ostensible situation in society--in a word, Dame Ursula Suddlechop, wife of Benjamin Suddlechop, the most renowned barber in all Fleet Street.

the feeling that accompanies an unsatisfied state

From this reading This dame had her own particular merits, the principal part of which was (if her own report could be trusted) an infinite desire to be of service to her fellow-creatures.

skillful in physical movements; especially of the hands

From this reading Leaving to her thin half-starved partner the boast of having the most dexterous snap with his fingers of any shaver in London, and the care of a shop where starved apprentices flayed the faces of those who were boobies enough to trust them, the dame drove a separate and more lucrative trade, which yet had so many odd turns and windings, that it seemed in many respects to contradict itself.

the tyrant of Syracuse who fought the Carthaginians (430-367 BC)

From this reading Ay! mark the matron well--and laugh not, Harry, At her old steeple-hat and velvet guard-- I've call'd her like the ear of Dionysius; I mean that ear-form'd vault, built o'er his dungeon, To catch the groans and discontented murmurs Of his poor bondsmen--Even so doth Martha Drink up, for her own purpose, all that passes, Or is supposed to pass, in this wide city-- She can retail it too, if that her profit Shall call on her to do so; and retail it For your advantage, so that you can make Your profit jump with hers.

showing or experiencing dissatisfaction or restless longing

From this reading Ay! mark the matron well--and laugh not, Harry, At her old steeple-hat and velvet guard-- I've call'd her like the ear of Dionysius; I mean that ear-form'd vault, built o'er his dungeon, To catch the groans and discontented murmurs Of his poor bondsmen--Even so doth Martha Drink up, for her own purpose, all that passes, Or is supposed to pass, in this wide city-- She can retail it too, if that her profit Shall call on her to do so; and retail it For your advantage, so that you can make Your profit jump with hers.

used to form questions and negatives, and to give emphasis

From this reading Ay! mark the matron well--and laugh not, Harry, At her old steeple-hat and velvet guard-- I've call'd her like the ear of Dionysius; I mean that ear-form'd vault, built o'er his dungeon, To catch the groans and discontented murmurs Of his poor bondsmen--Even so doth Martha Drink up, for her own purpose, all that passes, Or is supposed to pass, in this wide city-- She can retail it too, if that her profit Shall call on her to do so; and retail it For your advantage, so that you can make Your profit jump with hers.

an old form of “does”

From this reading Ay! mark the matron well--and laugh not, Harry, At her old steeple-hat and velvet guard-- I've call'd her like the ear of Dionysius; I mean that ear-form'd vault, built o'er his dungeon, To catch the groans and discontented murmurs Of his poor bondsmen--Even so doth Martha Drink up, for her own purpose, all that passes, Or is supposed to pass, in this wide city-- She can retail it too, if that her profit Shall call on her to do so; and retail it For your advantage, so that you can make Your profit jump with hers.

take in liquids

From this reading Ay! mark the matron well--and laugh not, Harry, At her old steeple-hat and velvet guard-- I've call'd her like the ear of Dionysius; I mean that ear-form'd vault, built o'er his dungeon, To catch the groans and discontented murmurs Of his poor bondsmen--Even so doth Martha Drink up, for her own purpose, all that passes, Or is supposed to pass, in this wide city-- She can retail it too, if that her profit Shall call on her to do so; and retail it For your advantage, so that you can make Your profit jump with hers.

a group of animals (a herd or flock) moving together

From this reading Leaving to her thin half-starved partner the boast of having the most dexterous snap with his fingers of any shaver in London, and the care of a shop where starved apprentices flayed the faces of those who were boobies enough to trust them, the dame drove a separate and more lucrative trade, which yet had so many odd turns and windings, that it seemed in many respects to contradict itself.

the main tower within the walls of a medieval castle or fortress

From this reading Ay! mark the matron well--and laugh not, Harry, At her old steeple-hat and velvet guard-- I've call'd her like the ear of Dionysius; I mean that ear-form'd vault, built o'er his dungeon, To catch the groans and discontented murmurs Of his poor bondsmen--Even so doth Martha Drink up, for her own purpose, all that passes, Or is supposed to pass, in this wide city-- She can retail it too, if that her profit Shall call on her to do so; and retail it For your advantage, so that you can make Your profit jump with hers.

the sense organ for hearing and equilibrium

From this reading Ay! mark the matron well--and laugh not, Harry, At her old steeple-hat and velvet guard-- I've call'd her like the ear of Dionysius; I mean that ear-form'd vault, built o'er his dungeon, To catch the groans and discontented murmurs Of his poor bondsmen--Even so doth Martha Drink up, for her own purpose, all that passes, Or is supposed to pass, in this wide city-- She can retail it too, if that her profit Shall call on her to do so; and retail it For your advantage, so that you can make Your profit jump with hers.

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

From this reading Ay! mark the matron well--and laugh not, Harry, At her old steeple-hat and velvet guard-- I've call'd her like the ear of Dionysius; I mean that ear-form'd vault, built o'er his dungeon, To catch the groans and discontented murmurs Of his poor bondsmen--Even so doth Martha Drink up, for her own purpose, all that passes, Or is supposed to pass, in this wide city-- She can retail it too, if that her profit Shall call on her to do so; and retail it For your advantage, so that you can make Your profit jump with hers.

an adequate quantity; a quantity that is large enough to achieve a purpose

From this reading Leaving to her thin half-starved partner the boast of having the most dexterous snap with his fingers of any shaver in London, and the care of a shop where starved apprentices flayed the faces of those who were boobies enough to trust them, the dame drove a separate and more lucrative trade, which yet had so many odd turns and windings, that it seemed in many respects to contradict itself.

divisible by two

From this reading Ay! mark the matron well--and laugh not, Harry, At her old steeple-hat and velvet guard-- I've call'd her like the ear of Dionysius; I mean that ear-form'd vault, built o'er his dungeon, To catch the groans and discontented murmurs Of his poor bondsmen--Even so doth Martha Drink up, for her own purpose, all that passes, Or is supposed to pass, in this wide city-- She can retail it too, if that her profit Shall call on her to do so; and retail it For your advantage, so that you can make Your profit jump with hers.

plural of “face” — the front of the human head from the forehead to the chin and ear to ear

From this reading Leaving to her thin half-starved partner the boast of having the most dexterous snap with his fingers of any shaver in London, and the care of a shop where starved apprentices flayed the faces of those who were boobies enough to trust them, the dame drove a separate and more lucrative trade, which yet had so many odd turns and windings, that it seemed in many respects to contradict itself.

to a considerable degree; very much

From this reading We must now introduce to the reader's acquaintance another character, busy and important far beyond her ostensible situation in society--in a word, Dame Ursula Suddlechop, wife of Benjamin Suddlechop, the most renowned barber in all Fleet Street.

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

From this reading This dame had her own particular merits, the principal part of which was (if her own report could be trusted) an infinite desire to be of service to her fellow-creatures.

plural of “finger” — any of the terminal members of the hand (sometimes excepting the thumb)

From this reading Leaving to her thin half-starved partner the boast of having the most dexterous snap with his fingers of any shaver in London, and the care of a shop where starved apprentices flayed the faces of those who were boobies enough to trust them, the dame drove a separate and more lucrative trade, which yet had so many odd turns and windings, that it seemed in many respects to contradict itself.

past form of “flay” — strip the skin off

From this reading Leaving to her thin half-starved partner the boast of having the most dexterous snap with his fingers of any shaver in London, and the care of a shop where starved apprentices flayed the faces of those who were boobies enough to trust them, the dame drove a separate and more lucrative trade, which yet had so many odd turns and windings, that it seemed in many respects to contradict itself.

group of aircraft operating together under the same ownership

From this reading We must now introduce to the reader's acquaintance another character, busy and important far beyond her ostensible situation in society--in a word, Dame Ursula Suddlechop, wife of Benjamin Suddlechop, the most renowned barber in all Fleet Street.

intended to be given to, or used by, somebody

From this reading Ay! mark the matron well--and laugh not, Harry, At her old steeple-hat and velvet guard-- I've call'd her like the ear of Dionysius; I mean that ear-form'd vault, built o'er his dungeon, To catch the groans and discontented murmurs Of his poor bondsmen--Even so doth Martha Drink up, for her own purpose, all that passes, Or is supposed to pass, in this wide city-- She can retail it too, if that her profit Shall call on her to do so; and retail it For your advantage, so that you can make Your profit jump with hers.

plural of “groan” — an utterance expressing pain or disapproval

From this reading Ay! mark the matron well--and laugh not, Harry, At her old steeple-hat and velvet guard-- I've call'd her like the ear of Dionysius; I mean that ear-form'd vault, built o'er his dungeon, To catch the groans and discontented murmurs Of his poor bondsmen--Even so doth Martha Drink up, for her own purpose, all that passes, Or is supposed to pass, in this wide city-- She can retail it too, if that her profit Shall call on her to do so; and retail it For your advantage, so that you can make Your profit jump with hers.

a person who keeps watch over something or someone

From this reading Ay! mark the matron well--and laugh not, Harry, At her old steeple-hat and velvet guard-- I've call'd her like the ear of Dionysius; I mean that ear-form'd vault, built o'er his dungeon, To catch the groans and discontented murmurs Of his poor bondsmen--Even so doth Martha Drink up, for her own purpose, all that passes, Or is supposed to pass, in this wide city-- She can retail it too, if that her profit Shall call on her to do so; and retail it For your advantage, so that you can make Your profit jump with hers.

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

From this reading This dame had her own particular merits, the principal part of which was (if her own report could be trusted) an infinite desire to be of service to her fellow-creatures.

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

From this reading Leaving to her thin half-starved partner the boast of having the most dexterous snap with his fingers of any shaver in London, and the care of a shop where starved apprentices flayed the faces of those who were boobies enough to trust them, the dame drove a separate and more lucrative trade, which yet had so many odd turns and windings, that it seemed in many respects to contradict itself.

annoy continually or chronically

From this reading Ay! mark the matron well--and laugh not, Harry, At her old steeple-hat and velvet guard-- I've call'd her like the ear of Dionysius; I mean that ear-form'd vault, built o'er his dungeon, To catch the groans and discontented murmurs Of his poor bondsmen--Even so doth Martha Drink up, for her own purpose, all that passes, Or is supposed to pass, in this wide city-- She can retail it too, if that her profit Shall call on her to do so; and retail it For your advantage, so that you can make Your profit jump with hers.

the -ing form of “have”

From this reading Leaving to her thin half-starved partner the boast of having the most dexterous snap with his fingers of any shaver in London, and the care of a shop where starved apprentices flayed the faces of those who were boobies enough to trust them, the dame drove a separate and more lucrative trade, which yet had so many odd turns and windings, that it seemed in many respects to contradict itself.

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

From this reading Ay! mark the matron well--and laugh not, Harry, At her old steeple-hat and velvet guard-- I've call'd her like the ear of Dionysius; I mean that ear-form'd vault, built o'er his dungeon, To catch the groans and discontented murmurs Of his poor bondsmen--Even so doth Martha Drink up, for her own purpose, all that passes, Or is supposed to pass, in this wide city-- She can retail it too, if that her profit Shall call on her to do so; and retail it For your advantage, so that you can make Your profit jump with hers.

the one or ones belonging to her

From this reading Ay! mark the matron well--and laugh not, Harry, At her old steeple-hat and velvet guard-- I've call'd her like the ear of Dionysius; I mean that ear-form'd vault, built o'er his dungeon, To catch the groans and discontented murmurs Of his poor bondsmen--Even so doth Martha Drink up, for her own purpose, all that passes, Or is supposed to pass, in this wide city-- She can retail it too, if that her profit Shall call on her to do so; and retail it For your advantage, so that you can make Your profit jump with hers.

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

From this reading Ay! mark the matron well--and laugh not, Harry, At her old steeple-hat and velvet guard-- I've call'd her like the ear of Dionysius; I mean that ear-form'd vault, built o'er his dungeon, To catch the groans and discontented murmurs Of his poor bondsmen--Even so doth Martha Drink up, for her own purpose, all that passes, Or is supposed to pass, in this wide city-- She can retail it too, if that her profit Shall call on her to do so; and retail it For your advantage, so that you can make Your profit jump with hers.

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

From this reading Ay! mark the matron well--and laugh not, Harry, At her old steeple-hat and velvet guard-- I've call'd her like the ear of Dionysius; I mean that ear-form'd vault, built o'er his dungeon, To catch the groans and discontented murmurs Of his poor bondsmen--Even so doth Martha Drink up, for her own purpose, all that passes, Or is supposed to pass, in this wide city-- She can retail it too, if that her profit Shall call on her to do so; and retail it For your advantage, so that you can make Your profit jump with hers.

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

From this reading Ay! mark the matron well--and laugh not, Harry, At her old steeple-hat and velvet guard-- I've call'd her like the ear of Dionysius; I mean that ear-form'd vault, built o'er his dungeon, To catch the groans and discontented murmurs Of his poor bondsmen--Even so doth Martha Drink up, for her own purpose, all that passes, Or is supposed to pass, in this wide city-- She can retail it too, if that her profit Shall call on her to do so; and retail it For your advantage, so that you can make Your profit jump with hers.

on condition that; in the event that

From this reading Ay! mark the matron well--and laugh not, Harry, At her old steeple-hat and velvet guard-- I've call'd her like the ear of Dionysius; I mean that ear-form'd vault, built o'er his dungeon, To catch the groans and discontented murmurs Of his poor bondsmen--Even so doth Martha Drink up, for her own purpose, all that passes, Or is supposed to pass, in this wide city-- She can retail it too, if that her profit Shall call on her to do so; and retail it For your advantage, so that you can make Your profit jump with hers.

of great significance or value

From this reading We must now introduce to the reader's acquaintance another character, busy and important far beyond her ostensible situation in society--in a word, Dame Ursula Suddlechop, wife of Benjamin Suddlechop, the most renowned barber in all Fleet Street.

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

From this reading Ay! mark the matron well--and laugh not, Harry, At her old steeple-hat and velvet guard-- I've call'd her like the ear of Dionysius; I mean that ear-form'd vault, built o'er his dungeon, To catch the groans and discontented murmurs Of his poor bondsmen--Even so doth Martha Drink up, for her own purpose, all that passes, Or is supposed to pass, in this wide city-- She can retail it too, if that her profit Shall call on her to do so; and retail it For your advantage, so that you can make Your profit jump with hers.

having no limits or boundaries in time or space or extent or magnitude

From this reading This dame had her own particular merits, the principal part of which was (if her own report could be trusted) an infinite desire to be of service to her fellow-creatures.

cause to come to know personally

From this reading We must now introduce to the reader's acquaintance another character, busy and important far beyond her ostensible situation in society--in a word, Dame Ursula Suddlechop, wife of Benjamin Suddlechop, the most renowned barber in all Fleet Street.

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

From this reading Ay! mark the matron well--and laugh not, Harry, At her old steeple-hat and velvet guard-- I've call'd her like the ear of Dionysius; I mean that ear-form'd vault, built o'er his dungeon, To catch the groans and discontented murmurs Of his poor bondsmen--Even so doth Martha Drink up, for her own purpose, all that passes, Or is supposed to pass, in this wide city-- She can retail it too, if that her profit Shall call on her to do so; and retail it For your advantage, so that you can make Your profit jump with hers.

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading Ay! mark the matron well--and laugh not, Harry, At her old steeple-hat and velvet guard-- I've call'd her like the ear of Dionysius; I mean that ear-form'd vault, built o'er his dungeon, To catch the groans and discontented murmurs Of his poor bondsmen--Even so doth Martha Drink up, for her own purpose, all that passes, Or is supposed to pass, in this wide city-- She can retail it too, if that her profit Shall call on her to do so; and retail it For your advantage, so that you can make Your profit jump with hers.

used when the thing doing the action is also its object

From this reading Leaving to her thin half-starved partner the boast of having the most dexterous snap with his fingers of any shaver in London, and the care of a shop where starved apprentices flayed the faces of those who were boobies enough to trust them, the dame drove a separate and more lucrative trade, which yet had so many odd turns and windings, that it seemed in many respects to contradict itself.

move forward by leaps and bounds

From this reading Ay! mark the matron well--and laugh not, Harry, At her old steeple-hat and velvet guard-- I've call'd her like the ear of Dionysius; I mean that ear-form'd vault, built o'er his dungeon, To catch the groans and discontented murmurs Of his poor bondsmen--Even so doth Martha Drink up, for her own purpose, all that passes, Or is supposed to pass, in this wide city-- She can retail it too, if that her profit Shall call on her to do so; and retail it For your advantage, so that you can make Your profit jump with hers.

the sound of laughing

From this reading Ay! mark the matron well--and laugh not, Harry, At her old steeple-hat and velvet guard-- I've call'd her like the ear of Dionysius; I mean that ear-form'd vault, built o'er his dungeon, To catch the groans and discontented murmurs Of his poor bondsmen--Even so doth Martha Drink up, for her own purpose, all that passes, Or is supposed to pass, in this wide city-- She can retail it too, if that her profit Shall call on her to do so; and retail it For your advantage, so that you can make Your profit jump with hers.

the act of departing

From this reading Leaving to her thin half-starved partner the boast of having the most dexterous snap with his fingers of any shaver in London, and the care of a shop where starved apprentices flayed the faces of those who were boobies enough to trust them, the dame drove a separate and more lucrative trade, which yet had so many odd turns and windings, that it seemed in many respects to contradict itself.

prefer or wish to do something

From this reading Ay! mark the matron well--and laugh not, Harry, At her old steeple-hat and velvet guard-- I've call'd her like the ear of Dionysius; I mean that ear-form'd vault, built o'er his dungeon, To catch the groans and discontented murmurs Of his poor bondsmen--Even so doth Martha Drink up, for her own purpose, all that passes, Or is supposed to pass, in this wide city-- She can retail it too, if that her profit Shall call on her to do so; and retail it For your advantage, so that you can make Your profit jump with hers.

the capital and largest city of England; located on the Thames in southeastern England; financial and industrial and cultural center

From this reading Leaving to her thin half-starved partner the boast of having the most dexterous snap with his fingers of any shaver in London, and the care of a shop where starved apprentices flayed the faces of those who were boobies enough to trust them, the dame drove a separate and more lucrative trade, which yet had so many odd turns and windings, that it seemed in many respects to contradict itself.

producing a sizeable profit

From this reading Leaving to her thin half-starved partner the boast of having the most dexterous snap with his fingers of any shaver in London, and the care of a shop where starved apprentices flayed the faces of those who were boobies enough to trust them, the dame drove a separate and more lucrative trade, which yet had so many odd turns and windings, that it seemed in many respects to contradict itself.

engage in

From this reading Ay! mark the matron well--and laugh not, Harry, At her old steeple-hat and velvet guard-- I've call'd her like the ear of Dionysius; I mean that ear-form'd vault, built o'er his dungeon, To catch the groans and discontented murmurs Of his poor bondsmen--Even so doth Martha Drink up, for her own purpose, all that passes, Or is supposed to pass, in this wide city-- She can retail it too, if that her profit Shall call on her to do so; and retail it For your advantage, so that you can make Your profit jump with hers.

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 Leaving to her thin half-starved partner the boast of having the most dexterous snap with his fingers of any shaver in London, and the care of a shop where starved apprentices flayed the faces of those who were boobies enough to trust them, the dame drove a separate and more lucrative trade, which yet had so many odd turns and windings, that it seemed in many respects to contradict itself.

attach a tag or label to

From this reading Ay! mark the matron well--and laugh not, Harry, At her old steeple-hat and velvet guard-- I've call'd her like the ear of Dionysius; I mean that ear-form'd vault, built o'er his dungeon, To catch the groans and discontented murmurs Of his poor bondsmen--Even so doth Martha Drink up, for her own purpose, all that passes, Or is supposed to pass, in this wide city-- She can retail it too, if that her profit Shall call on her to do so; and retail it For your advantage, so that you can make Your profit jump with hers.

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

From this reading Ay! mark the matron well--and laugh not, Harry, At her old steeple-hat and velvet guard-- I've call'd her like the ear of Dionysius; I mean that ear-form'd vault, built o'er his dungeon, To catch the groans and discontented murmurs Of his poor bondsmen--Even so doth Martha Drink up, for her own purpose, all that passes, Or is supposed to pass, in this wide city-- She can retail it too, if that her profit Shall call on her to do so; and retail it For your advantage, so that you can make Your profit jump with hers.

a married woman (usually middle-aged with children) who is staid and dignified

From this reading Ay! mark the matron well--and laugh not, Harry, At her old steeple-hat and velvet guard-- I've call'd her like the ear of Dionysius; I mean that ear-form'd vault, built o'er his dungeon, To catch the groans and discontented murmurs Of his poor bondsmen--Even so doth Martha Drink up, for her own purpose, all that passes, Or is supposed to pass, in this wide city-- She can retail it too, if that her profit Shall call on her to do so; and retail it For your advantage, so that you can make Your profit jump with hers.

mean or intend to express or convey

From this reading Ay! mark the matron well--and laugh not, Harry, At her old steeple-hat and velvet guard-- I've call'd her like the ear of Dionysius; I mean that ear-form'd vault, built o'er his dungeon, To catch the groans and discontented murmurs Of his poor bondsmen--Even so doth Martha Drink up, for her own purpose, all that passes, Or is supposed to pass, in this wide city-- She can retail it too, if that her profit Shall call on her to do so; and retail it For your advantage, so that you can make Your profit jump with hers.

plural of “merit” — any admirable quality or attribute

From this reading This dame had her own particular merits, the principal part of which was (if her own report could be trusted) an infinite desire to be of service to her fellow-creatures.

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

From this reading Leaving to her thin half-starved partner the boast of having the most dexterous snap with his fingers of any shaver in London, and the care of a shop where starved apprentices flayed the faces of those who were boobies enough to trust them, the dame drove a separate and more lucrative trade, which yet had so many odd turns and windings, that it seemed in many respects to contradict itself.

used to form the superlative

From this reading We must now introduce to the reader's acquaintance another character, busy and important far beyond her ostensible situation in society--in a word, Dame Ursula Suddlechop, wife of Benjamin Suddlechop, the most renowned barber in all Fleet Street.

plural of “murmur” — a low continuous indistinct sound; often accompanied by movement of the lips without the production of articulate speech

From this reading Ay! mark the matron well--and laugh not, Harry, At her old steeple-hat and velvet guard-- I've call'd her like the ear of Dionysius; I mean that ear-form'd vault, built o'er his dungeon, To catch the groans and discontented murmurs Of his poor bondsmen--Even so doth Martha Drink up, for her own purpose, all that passes, Or is supposed to pass, in this wide city-- She can retail it too, if that her profit Shall call on her to do so; and retail it For your advantage, so that you can make Your profit jump with hers.

used to say something is necessary, or almost certainly true

From this reading We must now introduce to the reader's acquaintance another character, busy and important far beyond her ostensible situation in society--in a word, Dame Ursula Suddlechop, wife of Benjamin Suddlechop, the most renowned barber in all Fleet Street.

used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative

From this reading Ay! mark the matron well--and laugh not, Harry, At her old steeple-hat and velvet guard-- I've call'd her like the ear of Dionysius; I mean that ear-form'd vault, built o'er his dungeon, To catch the groans and discontented murmurs Of his poor bondsmen--Even so doth Martha Drink up, for her own purpose, all that passes, Or is supposed to pass, in this wide city-- She can retail it too, if that her profit Shall call on her to do so; and retail it For your advantage, so that you can make Your profit jump with hers.

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

From this reading We must now introduce to the reader's acquaintance another character, busy and important far beyond her ostensible situation in society--in a word, Dame Ursula Suddlechop, wife of Benjamin Suddlechop, the most renowned barber in all Fleet Street.

throughout a period of time

From this reading Ay! mark the matron well--and laugh not, Harry, At her old steeple-hat and velvet guard-- I've call'd her like the ear of Dionysius; I mean that ear-form'd vault, built o'er his dungeon, To catch the groans and discontented murmurs Of his poor bondsmen--Even so doth Martha Drink up, for her own purpose, all that passes, Or is supposed to pass, in this wide city-- She can retail it too, if that her profit Shall call on her to do so; and retail it For your advantage, so that you can make Your profit jump with hers.

not divisible by two

From this reading Leaving to her thin half-starved partner the boast of having the most dexterous snap with his fingers of any shaver in London, and the care of a shop where starved apprentices flayed the faces of those who were boobies enough to trust them, the dame drove a separate and more lucrative trade, which yet had so many odd turns and windings, that it seemed in many respects to contradict itself.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading Ay! mark the matron well--and laugh not, Harry, At her old steeple-hat and velvet guard-- I've call'd her like the ear of Dionysius; I mean that ear-form'd vault, built o'er his dungeon, To catch the groans and discontented murmurs Of his poor bondsmen--Even so doth Martha Drink up, for her own purpose, all that passes, Or is supposed to pass, in this wide city-- She can retail it too, if that her profit Shall call on her to do so; and retail it For your advantage, so that you can make Your profit jump with hers.

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

From this reading Ay! mark the matron well--and laugh not, Harry, At her old steeple-hat and velvet guard-- I've call'd her like the ear of Dionysius; I mean that ear-form'd vault, built o'er his dungeon, To catch the groans and discontented murmurs Of his poor bondsmen--Even so doth Martha Drink up, for her own purpose, all that passes, Or is supposed to pass, in this wide city-- She can retail it too, if that her profit Shall call on her to do so; and retail it For your advantage, so that you can make Your profit jump with hers.

touching and supported by a surface

From this reading Ay! mark the matron well--and laugh not, Harry, At her old steeple-hat and velvet guard-- I've call'd her like the ear of Dionysius; I mean that ear-form'd vault, built o'er his dungeon, To catch the groans and discontented murmurs Of his poor bondsmen--Even so doth Martha Drink up, for her own purpose, all that passes, Or is supposed to pass, in this wide city-- She can retail it too, if that her profit Shall call on her to do so; and retail it For your advantage, so that you can make Your profit jump with hers.

used to join alternatives or possibilities

From this reading Ay! mark the matron well--and laugh not, Harry, At her old steeple-hat and velvet guard-- I've call'd her like the ear of Dionysius; I mean that ear-form'd vault, built o'er his dungeon, To catch the groans and discontented murmurs Of his poor bondsmen--Even so doth Martha Drink up, for her own purpose, all that passes, Or is supposed to pass, in this wide city-- She can retail it too, if that her profit Shall call on her to do so; and retail it For your advantage, so that you can make Your profit jump with hers.

appearing as such but not necessarily so

From this reading We must now introduce to the reader's acquaintance another character, busy and important far beyond her ostensible situation in society--in a word, Dame Ursula Suddlechop, wife of Benjamin Suddlechop, the most renowned barber in all Fleet Street.

have ownership or possession of

From this reading Ay! mark the matron well--and laugh not, Harry, At her old steeple-hat and velvet guard-- I've call'd her like the ear of Dionysius; I mean that ear-form'd vault, built o'er his dungeon, To catch the groans and discontented murmurs Of his poor bondsmen--Even so doth Martha Drink up, for her own purpose, all that passes, Or is supposed to pass, in this wide city-- She can retail it too, if that her profit Shall call on her to do so; and retail it For your advantage, so that you can make Your profit jump with hers.

something determined in relation to something that includes it

From this reading This dame had her own particular merits, the principal part of which was (if her own report could be trusted) an infinite desire to be of service to her fellow-creatures.

unique or specific to a person or thing or category

From this reading This dame had her own particular merits, the principal part of which was (if her own report could be trusted) an infinite desire to be of service to her fellow-creatures.

a person's partner in marriage

From this reading Leaving to her thin half-starved partner the boast of having the most dexterous snap with his fingers of any shaver in London, and the care of a shop where starved apprentices flayed the faces of those who were boobies enough to trust them, the dame drove a separate and more lucrative trade, which yet had so many odd turns and windings, that it seemed in many respects to contradict itself.

go across or through

From this reading Ay! mark the matron well--and laugh not, Harry, At her old steeple-hat and velvet guard-- I've call'd her like the ear of Dionysius; I mean that ear-form'd vault, built o'er his dungeon, To catch the groans and discontented murmurs Of his poor bondsmen--Even so doth Martha Drink up, for her own purpose, all that passes, Or is supposed to pass, in this wide city-- She can retail it too, if that her profit Shall call on her to do so; and retail it For your advantage, so that you can make Your profit jump with hers.

plural of “pass” — (baseball) an advance to first base by a batter who receives four balls

From this reading Ay! mark the matron well--and laugh not, Harry, At her old steeple-hat and velvet guard-- I've call'd her like the ear of Dionysius; I mean that ear-form'd vault, built o'er his dungeon, To catch the groans and discontented murmurs Of his poor bondsmen--Even so doth Martha Drink up, for her own purpose, all that passes, Or is supposed to pass, in this wide city-- She can retail it too, if that her profit Shall call on her to do so; and retail it For your advantage, so that you can make Your profit jump with hers.

deserving or inciting pity

From this reading Ay! mark the matron well--and laugh not, Harry, At her old steeple-hat and velvet guard-- I've call'd her like the ear of Dionysius; I mean that ear-form'd vault, built o'er his dungeon, To catch the groans and discontented murmurs Of his poor bondsmen--Even so doth Martha Drink up, for her own purpose, all that passes, Or is supposed to pass, in this wide city-- She can retail it too, if that her profit Shall call on her to do so; and retail it For your advantage, so that you can make Your profit jump with hers.

the original amount of a debt on which interest is calculated

From this reading This dame had her own particular merits, the principal part of which was (if her own report could be trusted) an infinite desire to be of service to her fellow-creatures.

the excess of revenues over outlays in a given period of time (including depreciation and other non-cash expenses)

From this reading Ay! mark the matron well--and laugh not, Harry, At her old steeple-hat and velvet guard-- I've call'd her like the ear of Dionysius; I mean that ear-form'd vault, built o'er his dungeon, To catch the groans and discontented murmurs Of his poor bondsmen--Even so doth Martha Drink up, for her own purpose, all that passes, Or is supposed to pass, in this wide city-- She can retail it too, if that her profit Shall call on her to do so; and retail it For your advantage, so that you can make Your profit jump with hers.

an anticipated outcome that is intended or that guides your planned actions

From this reading Ay! mark the matron well--and laugh not, Harry, At her old steeple-hat and velvet guard-- I've call'd her like the ear of Dionysius; I mean that ear-form'd vault, built o'er his dungeon, To catch the groans and discontented murmurs Of his poor bondsmen--Even so doth Martha Drink up, for her own purpose, all that passes, Or is supposed to pass, in this wide city-- She can retail it too, if that her profit Shall call on her to do so; and retail it For your advantage, so that you can make Your profit jump with hers.

possessive form of “reader” — a person who enjoys reading

From this reading We must now introduce to the reader's acquaintance another character, busy and important far beyond her ostensible situation in society--in a word, Dame Ursula Suddlechop, wife of Benjamin Suddlechop, the most renowned barber in all Fleet Street.

widely known and esteemed

From this reading We must now introduce to the reader's acquaintance another character, busy and important far beyond her ostensible situation in society--in a word, Dame Ursula Suddlechop, wife of Benjamin Suddlechop, the most renowned barber in all Fleet Street.

to give an account or representation of in words

From this reading This dame had her own particular merits, the principal part of which was (if her own report could be trusted) an infinite desire to be of service to her fellow-creatures.

(often used with “pay”) a formal expression of esteem

From this reading Leaving to her thin half-starved partner the boast of having the most dexterous snap with his fingers of any shaver in London, and the care of a shop where starved apprentices flayed the faces of those who were boobies enough to trust them, the dame drove a separate and more lucrative trade, which yet had so many odd turns and windings, that it seemed in many respects to contradict itself.

be sold at the retail level

From this reading Ay! mark the matron well--and laugh not, Harry, At her old steeple-hat and velvet guard-- I've call'd her like the ear of Dionysius; I mean that ear-form'd vault, built o'er his dungeon, To catch the groans and discontented murmurs Of his poor bondsmen--Even so doth Martha Drink up, for her own purpose, all that passes, Or is supposed to pass, in this wide city-- She can retail it too, if that her profit Shall call on her to do so; and retail it For your advantage, so that you can make Your profit jump with hers.

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

From this reading Leaving to her thin half-starved partner the boast of having the most dexterous snap with his fingers of any shaver in London, and the care of a shop where starved apprentices flayed the faces of those who were boobies enough to trust them, the dame drove a separate and more lucrative trade, which yet had so many odd turns and windings, that it seemed in many respects to contradict itself.

act as a barrier between; stand between

From this reading Leaving to her thin half-starved partner the boast of having the most dexterous snap with his fingers of any shaver in London, and the care of a shop where starved apprentices flayed the faces of those who were boobies enough to trust them, the dame drove a separate and more lucrative trade, which yet had so many odd turns and windings, that it seemed in many respects to contradict itself.

work done by one person or group that benefits another

From this reading This dame had her own particular merits, the principal part of which was (if her own report could be trusted) an infinite desire to be of service to her fellow-creatures.

used with I and we for the future, or to offer and suggest

From this reading Ay! mark the matron well--and laugh not, Harry, At her old steeple-hat and velvet guard-- I've call'd her like the ear of Dionysius; I mean that ear-form'd vault, built o'er his dungeon, To catch the groans and discontented murmurs Of his poor bondsmen--Even so doth Martha Drink up, for her own purpose, all that passes, Or is supposed to pass, in this wide city-- She can retail it too, if that her profit Shall call on her to do so; and retail it For your advantage, so that you can make Your profit jump with hers.

an adult male who shaves

From this reading Leaving to her thin half-starved partner the boast of having the most dexterous snap with his fingers of any shaver in London, and the care of a shop where starved apprentices flayed the faces of those who were boobies enough to trust them, the dame drove a separate and more lucrative trade, which yet had so many odd turns and windings, that it seemed in many respects to contradict itself.

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

From this reading Ay! mark the matron well--and laugh not, Harry, At her old steeple-hat and velvet guard-- I've call'd her like the ear of Dionysius; I mean that ear-form'd vault, built o'er his dungeon, To catch the groans and discontented murmurs Of his poor bondsmen--Even so doth Martha Drink up, for her own purpose, all that passes, Or is supposed to pass, in this wide city-- She can retail it too, if that her profit Shall call on her to do so; and retail it For your advantage, so that you can make Your profit jump with hers.

do one's shopping

From this reading Leaving to her thin half-starved partner the boast of having the most dexterous snap with his fingers of any shaver in London, and the care of a shop where starved apprentices flayed the faces of those who were boobies enough to trust them, the dame drove a separate and more lucrative trade, which yet had so many odd turns and windings, that it seemed in many respects to contradict itself.

the general state of things; the combination of circumstances at a given time

From this reading We must now introduce to the reader's acquaintance another character, busy and important far beyond her ostensible situation in society--in a word, Dame Ursula Suddlechop, wife of Benjamin Suddlechop, the most renowned barber in all Fleet Street.

utter in an angry, sharp, or abrupt tone

From this reading Leaving to her thin half-starved partner the boast of having the most dexterous snap with his fingers of any shaver in London, and the care of a shop where starved apprentices flayed the faces of those who were boobies enough to trust them, the dame drove a separate and more lucrative trade, which yet had so many odd turns and windings, that it seemed in many respects to contradict itself.

for that reason; with the result that

From this reading Ay! mark the matron well--and laugh not, Harry, At her old steeple-hat and velvet guard-- I've call'd her like the ear of Dionysius; I mean that ear-form'd vault, built o'er his dungeon, To catch the groans and discontented murmurs Of his poor bondsmen--Even so doth Martha Drink up, for her own purpose, all that passes, Or is supposed to pass, in this wide city-- She can retail it too, if that her profit Shall call on her to do so; and retail it For your advantage, so that you can make Your profit jump with hers.

an extended social group having a distinctive cultural and economic organization

From this reading We must now introduce to the reader's acquaintance another character, busy and important far beyond her ostensible situation in society--in a word, Dame Ursula Suddlechop, wife of Benjamin Suddlechop, the most renowned barber in all Fleet Street.

suffering from lack of food

From this reading Leaving to her thin half-starved partner the boast of having the most dexterous snap with his fingers of any shaver in London, and the care of a shop where starved apprentices flayed the faces of those who were boobies enough to trust them, the dame drove a separate and more lucrative trade, which yet had so many odd turns and windings, that it seemed in many respects to contradict itself.

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

From this reading Ay! mark the matron well--and laugh not, Harry, At her old steeple-hat and velvet guard-- I've call'd her like the ear of Dionysius; I mean that ear-form'd vault, built o'er his dungeon, To catch the groans and discontented murmurs Of his poor bondsmen--Even so doth Martha Drink up, for her own purpose, all that passes, Or is supposed to pass, in this wide city-- She can retail it too, if that her profit Shall call on her to do so; and retail it For your advantage, so that you can make Your profit jump with hers.

a thoroughfare (usually including sidewalks) that is lined with buildings

From this reading We must now introduce to the reader's acquaintance another character, busy and important far beyond her ostensible situation in society--in a word, Dame Ursula Suddlechop, wife of Benjamin Suddlechop, the most renowned barber in all Fleet Street.

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

From this reading We must now introduce to the reader's acquaintance another character, busy and important far beyond her ostensible situation in society--in a word, Dame Ursula Suddlechop, wife of Benjamin Suddlechop, the most renowned barber in all Fleet Street.

required or under orders

From this reading Ay! mark the matron well--and laugh not, Harry, At her old steeple-hat and velvet guard-- I've call'd her like the ear of Dionysius; I mean that ear-form'd vault, built o'er his dungeon, To catch the groans and discontented murmurs Of his poor bondsmen--Even so doth Martha Drink up, for her own purpose, all that passes, Or is supposed to pass, in this wide city-- She can retail it too, if that her profit Shall call on her to do so; and retail it For your advantage, so that you can make Your profit jump with hers.

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading Ay! mark the matron well--and laugh not, Harry, At her old steeple-hat and velvet guard-- I've call'd her like the ear of Dionysius; I mean that ear-form'd vault, built o'er his dungeon, To catch the groans and discontented murmurs Of his poor bondsmen--Even so doth Martha Drink up, for her own purpose, all that passes, Or is supposed to pass, in this wide city-- She can retail it too, if that her profit Shall call on her to do so; and retail it For your advantage, so that you can make Your profit jump with hers.

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

From this reading Ay! mark the matron well--and laugh not, Harry, At her old steeple-hat and velvet guard-- I've call'd her like the ear of Dionysius; I mean that ear-form'd vault, built o'er his dungeon, To catch the groans and discontented murmurs Of his poor bondsmen--Even so doth Martha Drink up, for her own purpose, all that passes, Or is supposed to pass, in this wide city-- She can retail it too, if that her profit Shall call on her to do so; and retail it For your advantage, so that you can make Your profit jump with hers.

the people or things already mentioned, as the object

From this reading Leaving to her thin half-starved partner the boast of having the most dexterous snap with his fingers of any shaver in London, and the care of a shop where starved apprentices flayed the faces of those who were boobies enough to trust them, the dame drove a separate and more lucrative trade, which yet had so many odd turns and windings, that it seemed in many respects to contradict itself.

Having little thickness or extent.

From this reading Leaving to her thin half-starved partner the boast of having the most dexterous snap with his fingers of any shaver in London, and the care of a shop where starved apprentices flayed the faces of those who were boobies enough to trust them, the dame drove a separate and more lucrative trade, which yet had so many odd turns and windings, that it seemed in many respects to contradict itself.

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

From this reading Ay! mark the matron well--and laugh not, Harry, At her old steeple-hat and velvet guard-- I've call'd her like the ear of Dionysius; I mean that ear-form'd vault, built o'er his dungeon, To catch the groans and discontented murmurs Of his poor bondsmen--Even so doth Martha Drink up, for her own purpose, all that passes, Or is supposed to pass, in this wide city-- She can retail it too, if that her profit Shall call on her to do so; and retail it For your advantage, so that you can make Your profit jump with hers.

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

From this reading Leaving to her thin half-starved partner the boast of having the most dexterous snap with his fingers of any shaver in London, and the care of a shop where starved apprentices flayed the faces of those who were boobies enough to trust them, the dame drove a separate and more lucrative trade, which yet had so many odd turns and windings, that it seemed in many respects to contradict itself.

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

From this reading Ay! mark the matron well--and laugh not, Harry, At her old steeple-hat and velvet guard-- I've call'd her like the ear of Dionysius; I mean that ear-form'd vault, built o'er his dungeon, To catch the groans and discontented murmurs Of his poor bondsmen--Even so doth Martha Drink up, for her own purpose, all that passes, Or is supposed to pass, in this wide city-- She can retail it too, if that her profit Shall call on her to do so; and retail it For your advantage, so that you can make Your profit jump with hers.

to a degree exceeding normal or proper limits

From this reading Ay! mark the matron well--and laugh not, Harry, At her old steeple-hat and velvet guard-- I've call'd her like the ear of Dionysius; I mean that ear-form'd vault, built o'er his dungeon, To catch the groans and discontented murmurs Of his poor bondsmen--Even so doth Martha Drink up, for her own purpose, all that passes, Or is supposed to pass, in this wide city-- She can retail it too, if that her profit Shall call on her to do so; and retail it For your advantage, so that you can make Your profit jump with hers.

the commercial exchange (buying and selling on domestic or international markets) of goods and services

From this reading Leaving to her thin half-starved partner the boast of having the most dexterous snap with his fingers of any shaver in London, and the care of a shop where starved apprentices flayed the faces of those who were boobies enough to trust them, the dame drove a separate and more lucrative trade, which yet had so many odd turns and windings, that it seemed in many respects to contradict itself.

something (as property) held by one party (the trustee) for the benefit of another (the beneficiary)

From this reading Leaving to her thin half-starved partner the boast of having the most dexterous snap with his fingers of any shaver in London, and the care of a shop where starved apprentices flayed the faces of those who were boobies enough to trust them, the dame drove a separate and more lucrative trade, which yet had so many odd turns and windings, that it seemed in many respects to contradict itself.

(of persons) worthy of trust or confidence

From this reading This dame had her own particular merits, the principal part of which was (if her own report could be trusted) an infinite desire to be of service to her fellow-creatures.

plural of “turn” — a circular segment of a curve

From this reading Leaving to her thin half-starved partner the boast of having the most dexterous snap with his fingers of any shaver in London, and the care of a shop where starved apprentices flayed the faces of those who were boobies enough to trust them, the dame drove a separate and more lucrative trade, which yet had so many odd turns and windings, that it seemed in many respects to contradict itself.

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

From this reading Ay! mark the matron well--and laugh not, Harry, At her old steeple-hat and velvet guard-- I've call'd her like the ear of Dionysius; I mean that ear-form'd vault, built o'er his dungeon, To catch the groans and discontented murmurs Of his poor bondsmen--Even so doth Martha Drink up, for her own purpose, all that passes, Or is supposed to pass, in this wide city-- She can retail it too, if that her profit Shall call on her to do so; and retail it For your advantage, so that you can make Your profit jump with hers.

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

From this reading We must now introduce to the reader's acquaintance another character, busy and important far beyond her ostensible situation in society--in a word, Dame Ursula Suddlechop, wife of Benjamin Suddlechop, the most renowned barber in all Fleet Street.

An arched structure of masonry forming a ceiling, or a secure subterranean storage room.

From this reading Ay! mark the matron well--and laugh not, Harry, At her old steeple-hat and velvet guard-- I've call'd her like the ear of Dionysius; I mean that ear-form'd vault, built o'er his dungeon, To catch the groans and discontented murmurs Of his poor bondsmen--Even so doth Martha Drink up, for her own purpose, all that passes, Or is supposed to pass, in this wide city-- She can retail it too, if that her profit Shall call on her to do so; and retail it For your advantage, so that you can make Your profit jump with hers.

a silky densely piled fabric with a plain back

From this reading Ay! mark the matron well--and laugh not, Harry, At her old steeple-hat and velvet guard-- I've call'd her like the ear of Dionysius; I mean that ear-form'd vault, built o'er his dungeon, To catch the groans and discontented murmurs Of his poor bondsmen--Even so doth Martha Drink up, for her own purpose, all that passes, Or is supposed to pass, in this wide city-- She can retail it too, if that her profit Shall call on her to do so; and retail it For your advantage, so that you can make Your profit jump with hers.

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

From this reading This dame had her own particular merits, the principal part of which was (if her own report could be trusted) an infinite desire to be of service to her fellow-creatures.

the speaker together with one or more other people

From this reading We must now introduce to the reader's acquaintance another character, busy and important far beyond her ostensible situation in society--in a word, Dame Ursula Suddlechop, wife of Benjamin Suddlechop, the most renowned barber in all Fleet Street.

(often used as a combining form) in a good or proper or satisfactory manner or to a high standard (“good” is a nonstandard dialectal variant for “well”)

From this reading Ay! mark the matron well--and laugh not, Harry, At her old steeple-hat and velvet guard-- I've call'd her like the ear of Dionysius; I mean that ear-form'd vault, built o'er his dungeon, To catch the groans and discontented murmurs Of his poor bondsmen--Even so doth Martha Drink up, for her own purpose, all that passes, Or is supposed to pass, in this wide city-- She can retail it too, if that her profit Shall call on her to do so; and retail it For your advantage, so that you can make Your profit jump with hers.

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

From this reading Leaving to her thin half-starved partner the boast of having the most dexterous snap with his fingers of any shaver in London, and the care of a shop where starved apprentices flayed the faces of those who were boobies enough to trust them, the dame drove a separate and more lucrative trade, which yet had so many odd turns and windings, that it seemed in many respects to contradict itself.

in or at the place that

From this reading Leaving to her thin half-starved partner the boast of having the most dexterous snap with his fingers of any shaver in London, and the care of a shop where starved apprentices flayed the faces of those who were boobies enough to trust them, the dame drove a separate and more lucrative trade, which yet had so many odd turns and windings, that it seemed in many respects to contradict itself.

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

From this reading This dame had her own particular merits, the principal part of which was (if her own report could be trusted) an infinite desire to be of service to her fellow-creatures.

which person or people

From this reading Leaving to her thin half-starved partner the boast of having the most dexterous snap with his fingers of any shaver in London, and the care of a shop where starved apprentices flayed the faces of those who were boobies enough to trust them, the dame drove a separate and more lucrative trade, which yet had so many odd turns and windings, that it seemed in many respects to contradict itself.

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

From this reading Ay! mark the matron well--and laugh not, Harry, At her old steeple-hat and velvet guard-- I've call'd her like the ear of Dionysius; I mean that ear-form'd vault, built o'er his dungeon, To catch the groans and discontented murmurs Of his poor bondsmen--Even so doth Martha Drink up, for her own purpose, all that passes, Or is supposed to pass, in this wide city-- She can retail it too, if that her profit Shall call on her to do so; and retail it For your advantage, so that you can make Your profit jump with hers.

a married woman; a man's partner in marriage

From this reading We must now introduce to the reader's acquaintance another character, busy and important far beyond her ostensible situation in society--in a word, Dame Ursula Suddlechop, wife of Benjamin Suddlechop, the most renowned barber in all Fleet Street.

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

From this reading Leaving to her thin half-starved partner the boast of having the most dexterous snap with his fingers of any shaver in London, and the care of a shop where starved apprentices flayed the faces of those who were boobies enough to trust them, the dame drove a separate and more lucrative trade, which yet had so many odd turns and windings, that it seemed in many respects to contradict itself.

in the company of; together with

From this reading Ay! mark the matron well--and laugh not, Harry, At her old steeple-hat and velvet guard-- I've call'd her like the ear of Dionysius; I mean that ear-form'd vault, built o'er his dungeon, To catch the groans and discontented murmurs Of his poor bondsmen--Even so doth Martha Drink up, for her own purpose, all that passes, Or is supposed to pass, in this wide city-- She can retail it too, if that her profit Shall call on her to do so; and retail it For your advantage, so that you can make Your profit jump with hers.

a unit of language that native speakers can identify

From this reading We must now introduce to the reader's acquaintance another character, busy and important far beyond her ostensible situation in society--in a word, Dame Ursula Suddlechop, wife of Benjamin Suddlechop, the most renowned barber in all Fleet Street.

but in spite of that

From this reading Leaving to her thin half-starved partner the boast of having the most dexterous snap with his fingers of any shaver in London, and the care of a shop where starved apprentices flayed the faces of those who were boobies enough to trust them, the dame drove a separate and more lucrative trade, which yet had so many odd turns and windings, that it seemed in many respects to contradict itself.

the person or people being spoken to

From this reading Ay! mark the matron well--and laugh not, Harry, At her old steeple-hat and velvet guard-- I've call'd her like the ear of Dionysius; I mean that ear-form'd vault, built o'er his dungeon, To catch the groans and discontented murmurs Of his poor bondsmen--Even so doth Martha Drink up, for her own purpose, all that passes, Or is supposed to pass, in this wide city-- She can retail it too, if that her profit Shall call on her to do so; and retail it For your advantage, so that you can make Your profit jump with hers.

belonging to the person or people being spoken to

From this reading Ay! mark the matron well--and laugh not, Harry, At her old steeple-hat and velvet guard-- I've call'd her like the ear of Dionysius; I mean that ear-form'd vault, built o'er his dungeon, To catch the groans and discontented murmurs Of his poor bondsmen--Even so doth Martha Drink up, for her own purpose, all that passes, Or is supposed to pass, in this wide city-- She can retail it too, if that her profit Shall call on her to do so; and retail it For your advantage, so that you can make Your profit jump with hers.