Chapter I · Chapter 1

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

From this reading Reissued in 1967 by Kennikat Press The Centenary Celebration of James Russell Lowell last year showed that he has become more esteemed as a critic and essayist than as a poet.

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

From this reading Reissued in 1967 by Kennikat Press The Centenary Celebration of James Russell Lowell last year showed that he has become more esteemed as a critic and essayist than as a poet.

a native or inhabitant of the United States

From this reading The present volume sustains Lowell's right to be considered one of the great American critics.

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

From this reading Reissued in 1967 by Kennikat Press The Centenary Celebration of James Russell Lowell last year showed that he has become more esteemed as a critic and essayist than as a poet.

one or some or every or all without specification

From this reading He was somewhat chagrined that the poetic flame of his youth did not continue to glow, but he resigned himself to his fate; nevertheless, it should be remembered that "The Vision of Sir Launfal," "The Biglow Papers," and "The Commemoration Ode" are enough to make the reputation of any poet.

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

From this reading He was somewhat chagrined that the poetic flame of his youth did not continue to glow, but he resigned himself to his fate; nevertheless, it should be remembered that "The Vision of Sir Launfal," "The Biglow Papers," and "The Commemoration Ode" are enough to make the reputation of any poet.

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

From this reading Reissued in 1967 by Kennikat Press The Centenary Celebration of James Russell Lowell last year showed that he has become more esteemed as a critic and essayist than as a poet.

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

From this reading He was somewhat chagrined that the poetic flame of his youth did not continue to glow, but he resigned himself to his fate; nevertheless, it should be remembered that "The Vision of Sir Launfal," "The Biglow Papers," and "The Commemoration Ode" are enough to make the reputation of any poet.

enter or assume a certain state or condition

From this reading Reissued in 1967 by Kennikat Press The Centenary Celebration of James Russell Lowell last year showed that he has become more esteemed as a critic and essayist than as a poet.

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

From this reading He was somewhat chagrined that the poetic flame of his youth did not continue to glow, but he resigned himself to his fate; nevertheless, it should be remembered that "The Vision of Sir Launfal," "The Biglow Papers," and "The Commemoration Ode" are enough to make the reputation of any poet.

used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before

From this reading He was somewhat chagrined that the poetic flame of his youth did not continue to glow, but he resigned himself to his fate; nevertheless, it should be remembered that "The Vision of Sir Launfal," "The Biglow Papers," and "The Commemoration Ode" are enough to make the reputation of any poet.

showing who or what does the action

From this reading Reissued in 1967 by Kennikat Press The Centenary Celebration of James Russell Lowell last year showed that he has become more esteemed as a critic and essayist than as a poet.

the particular occupation for which you are trained

From this reading Lowell himself felt that his true calling was in critical work rather than in poetry, and he wrote very little verse in the latter part of his life.

a joyful occasion for special festivities to mark some happy event

From this reading Reissued in 1967 by Kennikat Press The Centenary Celebration of James Russell Lowell last year showed that he has become more esteemed as a critic and essayist than as a poet.

of or relating to or completing a period of 100 years

From this reading Reissued in 1967 by Kennikat Press The Centenary Celebration of James Russell Lowell last year showed that he has become more esteemed as a critic and essayist than as a poet.

feeling or caused to feel ill at ease or self-conscious or ashamed

From this reading He was somewhat chagrined that the poetic flame of his youth did not continue to glow, but he resigned himself to his fate; nevertheless, it should be remembered that "The Vision of Sir Launfal," "The Biglow Papers," and "The Commemoration Ode" are enough to make the reputation of any poet.

a ceremony to honor the memory of someone or something

From this reading He was somewhat chagrined that the poetic flame of his youth did not continue to glow, but he resigned himself to his fate; nevertheless, it should be remembered that "The Vision of Sir Launfal," "The Biglow Papers," and "The Commemoration Ode" are enough to make the reputation of any poet.

carefully weighed

From this reading The present volume sustains Lowell's right to be considered one of the great American critics.

continue a certain state, condition, or activity

From this reading He was somewhat chagrined that the poetic flame of his youth did not continue to glow, but he resigned himself to his fate; nevertheless, it should be remembered that "The Vision of Sir Launfal," "The Biglow Papers," and "The Commemoration Ode" are enough to make the reputation of any poet.

a person who is professionally engaged in the analysis and interpretation of works of art

From this reading Reissued in 1967 by Kennikat Press The Centenary Celebration of James Russell Lowell last year showed that he has become more esteemed as a critic and essayist than as a poet.

marked by a tendency to find and call attention to errors and flaws

From this reading Lowell himself felt that his true calling was in critical work rather than in poetry, and he wrote very little verse in the latter part of his life.

plural of “critic” — a person who is professionally engaged in the analysis and interpretation of works of art

From this reading The present volume sustains Lowell's right to be considered one of the great American critics.

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

From this reading He was somewhat chagrined that the poetic flame of his youth did not continue to glow, but he resigned himself to his fate; nevertheless, it should be remembered that "The Vision of Sir Launfal," "The Biglow Papers," and "The Commemoration Ode" are enough to make the reputation of any poet.

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

From this reading He was somewhat chagrined that the poetic flame of his youth did not continue to glow, but he resigned himself to his fate; nevertheless, it should be remembered that "The Vision of Sir Launfal," "The Biglow Papers," and "The Commemoration Ode" are enough to make the reputation of any poet.

a writer of literary works

From this reading Reissued in 1967 by Kennikat Press The Centenary Celebration of James Russell Lowell last year showed that he has become more esteemed as a critic and essayist than as a poet.

having an illustrious reputation; respected

From this reading Reissued in 1967 by Kennikat Press The Centenary Celebration of James Russell Lowell last year showed that he has become more esteemed as a critic and essayist than as a poet.

an event (or a course of events) that will inevitably happen in the future

From this reading He was somewhat chagrined that the poetic flame of his youth did not continue to glow, but he resigned himself to his fate; nevertheless, it should be remembered that "The Vision of Sir Launfal," "The Biglow Papers," and "The Commemoration Ode" are enough to make the reputation of any poet.

mat together and make felt-like

From this reading Lowell himself felt that his true calling was in critical work rather than in poetry, and he wrote very little verse in the latter part of his life.

A hot glowing body of ignited gas produced by fire.

From this reading He was somewhat chagrined that the poetic flame of his youth did not continue to glow, but he resigned himself to his fate; nevertheless, it should be remembered that "The Vision of Sir Launfal," "The Biglow Papers," and "The Commemoration Ode" are enough to make the reputation of any poet.

an alert and refreshed state

From this reading He was somewhat chagrined that the poetic flame of his youth did not continue to glow, but he resigned himself to his fate; nevertheless, it should be remembered that "The Vision of Sir Launfal," "The Biglow Papers," and "The Commemoration Ode" are enough to make the reputation of any poet.

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

From this reading The present volume sustains Lowell's right to be considered one of the great American critics.

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

From this reading Reissued in 1967 by Kennikat Press The Centenary Celebration of James Russell Lowell last year showed that he has become more esteemed as a critic and essayist than as a poet.

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

From this reading Reissued in 1967 by Kennikat Press The Centenary Celebration of James Russell Lowell last year showed that he has become more esteemed as a critic and essayist than as a poet.

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

From this reading Lowell himself felt that his true calling was in critical work rather than in poetry, and he wrote very little verse in the latter part of his life.

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

From this reading Lowell himself felt that his true calling was in critical work rather than in poetry, and he wrote very little verse in the latter part of his life.

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

From this reading Reissued in 1967 by Kennikat Press The Centenary Celebration of James Russell Lowell last year showed that he has become more esteemed as a critic and essayist than as a poet.

a heterogeneous collection of groups united in their opposition to Saddam Hussein's government of Iraq; formed in 1992 it is comprised of Sunni and Shiite Arabs and Kurds who hope to build a new government

From this reading KENNIKAT PRESS, INC./PORT WASHINGTON, N.Y.

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading He was somewhat chagrined that the poetic flame of his youth did not continue to glow, but he resigned himself to his fate; nevertheless, it should be remembered that "The Vision of Sir Launfal," "The Biglow Papers," and "The Commemoration Ode" are enough to make the reputation of any poet.

a Stuart king of Scotland who married a daughter of Henry VII; when England and France went to war in 1513 he invaded England and died in defeat at Flodden (1473-1513)

From this reading Reissued in 1967 by Kennikat Press The Centenary Celebration of James Russell Lowell last year showed that he has become more esteemed as a critic and essayist than as a poet.

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

From this reading KENNIKAT PRESS, INC./PORT WASHINGTON, N.Y.

immediately past

From this reading Reissued in 1967 by Kennikat Press The Centenary Celebration of James Russell Lowell last year showed that he has become more esteemed as a critic and essayist than as a poet.

referring to the second of two things or persons mentioned (or the last one or ones of several)

From this reading Lowell himself felt that his true calling was in critical work rather than in poetry, and he wrote very little verse in the latter part of his life.

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

From this reading He was somewhat chagrined that the poetic flame of his youth did not continue to glow, but he resigned himself to his fate; nevertheless, it should be remembered that "The Vision of Sir Launfal," "The Biglow Papers," and "The Commemoration Ode" are enough to make the reputation of any poet.

a characteristic state or mode of living

From this reading Lowell himself felt that his true calling was in critical work rather than in poetry, and he wrote very little verse in the latter part of his life.

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

From this reading Lowell himself felt that his true calling was in critical work rather than in poetry, and he wrote very little verse in the latter part of his life.

United States poet (1917-1977)

From this reading Reissued in 1967 by Kennikat Press The Centenary Celebration of James Russell Lowell last year showed that he has become more esteemed as a critic and essayist than as a poet.

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

From this reading The present volume sustains Lowell's right to be considered one of the great American critics.

engage in

From this reading He was somewhat chagrined that the poetic flame of his youth did not continue to glow, but he resigned himself to his fate; nevertheless, it should be remembered that "The Vision of Sir Launfal," "The Biglow Papers," and "The Commemoration Ode" are enough to make the reputation of any poet.

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

From this reading Reissued in 1967 by Kennikat Press The Centenary Celebration of James Russell Lowell last year showed that he has become more esteemed as a critic and essayist than as a poet.

a common nonmetallic element that is normally a colorless odorless tasteless inert diatomic gas; constitutes 78 percent of the atmosphere by volume; a constituent of all living tissues

From this reading KENNIKAT PRESS, INC./PORT WASHINGTON, N.Y.

in spite of what has just been said

From this reading He was somewhat chagrined that the poetic flame of his youth did not continue to glow, but he resigned himself to his fate; nevertheless, it should be remembered that "The Vision of Sir Launfal," "The Biglow Papers," and "The Commemoration Ode" are enough to make the reputation of any poet.

used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative

From this reading He was somewhat chagrined that the poetic flame of his youth did not continue to glow, but he resigned himself to his fate; nevertheless, it should be remembered that "The Vision of Sir Launfal," "The Biglow Papers," and "The Commemoration Ode" are enough to make the reputation of any poet.

a lyric poem with complex stanza forms

From this reading He was somewhat chagrined that the poetic flame of his youth did not continue to glow, but he resigned himself to his fate; nevertheless, it should be remembered that "The Vision of Sir Launfal," "The Biglow Papers," and "The Commemoration Ode" are enough to make the reputation of any poet.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading Reissued in 1967 by Kennikat Press The Centenary Celebration of James Russell Lowell last year showed that he has become more esteemed as a critic and essayist than as a poet.

used to mean any person in general, including the speaker

From this reading The present volume sustains Lowell's right to be considered one of the great American critics.

writing that provides information (especially information of an official nature)

From this reading He was somewhat chagrined that the poetic flame of his youth did not continue to glow, but he resigned himself to his fate; nevertheless, it should be remembered that "The Vision of Sir Launfal," "The Biglow Papers," and "The Commemoration Ode" are enough to make the reputation of any poet.

something determined in relation to something that includes it

From this reading Lowell himself felt that his true calling was in critical work rather than in poetry, and he wrote very little verse in the latter part of his life.

a writer of poems (the term is usually reserved for writers of good poetry)

From this reading Reissued in 1967 by Kennikat Press The Centenary Celebration of James Russell Lowell last year showed that he has become more esteemed as a critic and essayist than as a poet.

of or relating to poetry

From this reading He was somewhat chagrined that the poetic flame of his youth did not continue to glow, but he resigned himself to his fate; nevertheless, it should be remembered that "The Vision of Sir Launfal," "The Biglow Papers," and "The Commemoration Ode" are enough to make the reputation of any poet.

literature in metrical form

From this reading Lowell himself felt that his true calling was in critical work rather than in poetry, and he wrote very little verse in the latter part of his life.

a place (seaport or airport) where people and merchandise can enter or leave a country

From this reading KENNIKAT PRESS, INC./PORT WASHINGTON, N.Y.

give an exhibition of to an interested audience

From this reading The present volume sustains Lowell's right to be considered one of the great American critics.

exert pressure or force to or upon

From this reading KENNIKAT PRESS, INC./PORT WASHINGTON, N.Y.

on the contrary

From this reading Lowell himself felt that his true calling was in critical work rather than in poetry, and he wrote very little verse in the latter part of his life.

past form of “reissue” — print anew

From this reading Reissued in 1967 by Kennikat Press The Centenary Celebration of James Russell Lowell last year showed that he has become more esteemed as a critic and essayist than as a poet.

past form of “remember” — recall knowledge from memory; have a recollection

From this reading He was somewhat chagrined that the poetic flame of his youth did not continue to glow, but he resigned himself to his fate; nevertheless, it should be remembered that "The Vision of Sir Launfal," "The Biglow Papers," and "The Commemoration Ode" are enough to make the reputation of any poet.

the state of being held in high esteem and honor

From this reading He was somewhat chagrined that the poetic flame of his youth did not continue to glow, but he resigned himself to his fate; nevertheless, it should be remembered that "The Vision of Sir Launfal," "The Biglow Papers," and "The Commemoration Ode" are enough to make the reputation of any poet.

past form of “resign” — leave (a job, post, or position) voluntarily

From this reading He was somewhat chagrined that the poetic flame of his youth did not continue to glow, but he resigned himself to his fate; nevertheless, it should be remembered that "The Vision of Sir Launfal," "The Biglow Papers," and "The Commemoration Ode" are enough to make the reputation of any poet.

precisely, exactly

From this reading The present volume sustains Lowell's right to be considered one of the great American critics.

United States religious leader who founded the sect that is now called Jehovah's Witnesses (1852-1916)

From this reading Reissued in 1967 by Kennikat Press The Centenary Celebration of James Russell Lowell last year showed that he has become more esteemed as a critic and essayist than as a poet.

used to say what is right, expected, or advisable

From this reading He was somewhat chagrined that the poetic flame of his youth did not continue to glow, but he resigned himself to his fate; nevertheless, it should be remembered that "The Vision of Sir Launfal," "The Biglow Papers," and "The Commemoration Ode" are enough to make the reputation of any poet.

past form of “show” — give an exhibition of to an interested audience

From this reading Reissued in 1967 by Kennikat Press The Centenary Celebration of James Russell Lowell last year showed that he has become more esteemed as a critic and essayist than as a poet.

term of address for a man

From this reading He was somewhat chagrined that the poetic flame of his youth did not continue to glow, but he resigned himself to his fate; nevertheless, it should be remembered that "The Vision of Sir Launfal," "The Biglow Papers," and "The Commemoration Ode" are enough to make the reputation of any poet.

to a small degree or extent

From this reading He was somewhat chagrined that the poetic flame of his youth did not continue to glow, but he resigned himself to his fate; nevertheless, it should be remembered that "The Vision of Sir Launfal," "The Biglow Papers," and "The Commemoration Ode" are enough to make the reputation of any poet.

third-person singular of “sustain” — lengthen or extend in duration or space

From this reading The present volume sustains Lowell's right to be considered one of the great American critics.

used to introduce the second part of a comparison

From this reading Reissued in 1967 by Kennikat Press The Centenary Celebration of James Russell Lowell last year showed that he has become more esteemed as a critic and essayist than as a poet.

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading Reissued in 1967 by Kennikat Press The Centenary Celebration of James Russell Lowell last year showed that he has become more esteemed as a critic and essayist than as a poet.

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

From this reading Reissued in 1967 by Kennikat Press The Centenary Celebration of James Russell Lowell last year showed that he has become more esteemed as a critic and essayist than as a poet.

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

From this reading He was somewhat chagrined that the poetic flame of his youth did not continue to glow, but he resigned himself to his fate; nevertheless, it should be remembered that "The Vision of Sir Launfal," "The Biglow Papers," and "The Commemoration Ode" are enough to make the reputation of any poet.

consistent with fact or reality; not false

From this reading Lowell himself felt that his true calling was in critical work rather than in poetry, and he wrote very little verse in the latter part of his life.

literature in metrical form

From this reading Lowell himself felt that his true calling was in critical work rather than in poetry, and he wrote very little verse in the latter part of his life.

precisely as stated

From this reading Lowell himself felt that his true calling was in critical work rather than in poetry, and he wrote very little verse in the latter part of his life.

a vivid mental image

From this reading He was somewhat chagrined that the poetic flame of his youth did not continue to glow, but he resigned himself to his fate; nevertheless, it should be remembered that "The Vision of Sir Launfal," "The Biglow Papers," and "The Commemoration Ode" are enough to make the reputation of any poet.

the amount of 3-dimensional space occupied by an object

From this reading The present volume sustains Lowell's right to be considered one of the great American critics.

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

From this reading Lowell himself felt that his true calling was in critical work rather than in poetry, and he wrote very little verse in the latter part of his life.

the capital of the United States in the District of Columbia and a tourist mecca; George Washington commissioned Charles L'Enfant to lay out the city in 1791

From this reading KENNIKAT PRESS, INC./PORT WASHINGTON, N.Y.

exert oneself by doing mental or physical work for a purpose or out of necessity

From this reading Lowell himself felt that his true calling was in critical work rather than in poetry, and he wrote very little verse in the latter part of his life.

inflected form of “write” — produce a literary work

From this reading Lowell himself felt that his true calling was in critical work rather than in poetry, and he wrote very little verse in the latter part of his life.

a silvery metallic element that is common in rare-earth minerals; used in magnesium and aluminum alloys

From this reading KENNIKAT PRESS, INC./PORT WASHINGTON, N.Y.

a period of time containing 365 (or 366) days

From this reading Reissued in 1967 by Kennikat Press The Centenary Celebration of James Russell Lowell last year showed that he has become more esteemed as a critic and essayist than as a poet.

a young person (especially a young man or boy)

From this reading He was somewhat chagrined that the poetic flame of his youth did not continue to glow, but he resigned himself to his fate; nevertheless, it should be remembered that "The Vision of Sir Launfal," "The Biglow Papers," and "The Commemoration Ode" are enough to make the reputation of any poet.