Chapter IV · A Curious Transformation

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

From this reading Adrian listened to this strange recital in silent astonishment, and in spite of the trouble in which he was involved, felt inclined to regard the whole as the whimsical outcome of a madman's brain.

on the subject of; concerning

From this reading He had heard a great deal about occult science, theosophy, and spiritist belief, but, engaged in a frivolous life, had not paid much attention to their teachings and looked upon them as the religions of charlatans and quacks.

consider or hold as true

From this reading "If I accept your offer," he said slowly, "and permit you to incarnate my soul in your body, what becomes of my own?"

Roman Emperor who was the adoptive son of Trajan; travelled throughout his empire to strengthen its frontiers and encourage learning and architecture; on a visit to Britain in 122 he ordered the construction of Hadrian's Wall (76-138)

From this reading Adrian listened to this strange recital in silent astonishment, and in spite of the trouble in which he was involved, felt inclined to regard the whole as the whimsical outcome of a madman's brain.

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

From this reading Adrian listened to this strange recital in silent astonishment, and in spite of the trouble in which he was involved, felt inclined to regard the whole as the whimsical outcome of a madman's brain.

one or some or every or all without specification

From this reading The whole narration was too fantastical for belief, still he was in such desperate danger that he gladly seized any chance that promised safety, and proceeded to interrogate Roversmire in order to find out if there was anything tangible in the weird belief he held.

any thing at all

From this reading The whole narration was too fantastical for belief, still he was in such desperate danger that he gladly seized any chance that promised safety, and proceeded to interrogate Roversmire in order to find out if there was anything tangible in the weird belief he held.

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

From this reading But here was a man who far outstripped the powers which theosophists and spiritists professed to exercise, arrogating to himself the functions of the Creator in dealing with souls.

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

From this reading Adrian listened to this strange recital in silent astonishment, and in spite of the trouble in which he was involved, felt inclined to regard the whole as the whimsical outcome of a madman's brain.

the feeling that accompanies something extremely surprising

From this reading Adrian listened to this strange recital in silent astonishment, and in spite of the trouble in which he was involved, felt inclined to regard the whole as the whimsical outcome of a madman's brain.

the process whereby a person concentrates on some features of the environment to the (relative) exclusion of others

From this reading He had heard a great deal about occult science, theosophy, and spiritist belief, but, engaged in a frivolous life, had not paid much attention to their teachings and looked upon them as the religions of charlatans and quacks.

third-person singular of “become” — enter or assume a certain state or condition

From this reading "If I accept your offer," he said slowly, "and permit you to incarnate my soul in your body, what becomes of my own?"

any cognitive content held as true

From this reading He had heard a great deal about occult science, theosophy, and spiritist belief, but, engaged in a frivolous life, had not paid much attention to their teachings and looked upon them as the religions of charlatans and quacks.

the entire physical structure of an organism (an animal, plant, or human being)

From this reading "If I accept your offer," he said slowly, "and permit you to incarnate my soul in your body, what becomes of my own?"

that part of the central nervous system that includes all the higher nervous centers; enclosed within the skull; continuous with the spinal cord

From this reading Adrian listened to this strange recital in silent astonishment, and in spite of the trouble in which he was involved, felt inclined to regard the whole as the whimsical outcome of a madman's brain.

used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before

From this reading He had heard a great deal about occult science, theosophy, and spiritist belief, but, engaged in a frivolous life, had not paid much attention to their teachings and looked upon them as the religions of charlatans and quacks.

a possibility due to a favorable combination of circumstances

From this reading The whole narration was too fantastical for belief, still he was in such desperate danger that he gladly seized any chance that promised safety, and proceeded to interrogate Roversmire in order to find out if there was anything tangible in the weird belief he held.

plural of “charlatan” — a flamboyant deceiver; one who attracts customers with tricks or jokes

From this reading He had heard a great deal about occult science, theosophy, and spiritist belief, but, engaged in a frivolous life, had not paid much attention to their teachings and looked upon them as the religions of charlatans and quacks.

terms referring to the Judeo-Christian God

From this reading But here was a man who far outstripped the powers which theosophists and spiritists professed to exercise, arrogating to himself the functions of the Creator in dealing with souls.

the condition of being susceptible to harm or injury

From this reading The whole narration was too fantastical for belief, still he was in such desperate danger that he gladly seized any chance that promised safety, and proceeded to interrogate Roversmire in order to find out if there was anything tangible in the weird belief he held.

act on verbally or in some form of artistic expression

From this reading He had heard a great deal about occult science, theosophy, and spiritist belief, but, engaged in a frivolous life, had not paid much attention to their teachings and looked upon them as the religions of charlatans and quacks.

method or manner of conduct in relation to others

From this reading But here was a man who far outstripped the powers which theosophists and spiritists professed to exercise, arrogating to himself the functions of the Creator in dealing with souls.

arising from or marked by despair or loss of hope

From this reading The whole narration was too fantastical for belief, still he was in such desperate danger that he gladly seized any chance that promised safety, and proceeded to interrogate Roversmire in order to find out if there was anything tangible in the weird belief he held.

having ones attention or mind or energy engaged

From this reading He had heard a great deal about occult science, theosophy, and spiritist belief, but, engaged in a frivolous life, had not paid much attention to their teachings and looked upon them as the religions of charlatans and quacks.

the activity of exerting your muscles in various ways to keep fit

From this reading But here was a man who far outstripped the powers which theosophists and spiritists professed to exercise, arrogating to himself the functions of the Creator in dealing with souls.

existing in fancy only

From this reading The whole narration was too fantastical for belief, still he was in such desperate danger that he gladly seized any chance that promised safety, and proceeded to interrogate Roversmire in order to find out if there was anything tangible in the weird belief he held.

to a considerable degree; very much

From this reading But here was a man who far outstripped the powers which theosophists and spiritists professed to exercise, arrogating to himself the functions of the Creator in dealing with souls.

mat together and make felt-like

From this reading Adrian listened to this strange recital in silent astonishment, and in spite of the trouble in which he was involved, felt inclined to regard the whole as the whimsical outcome of a madman's brain.

come upon, as if by accident; meet with

From this reading The whole narration was too fantastical for belief, still he was in such desperate danger that he gladly seized any chance that promised safety, and proceeded to interrogate Roversmire in order to find out if there was anything tangible in the weird belief he held.

intended to be given to, or used by, somebody

From this reading The whole narration was too fantastical for belief, still he was in such desperate danger that he gladly seized any chance that promised safety, and proceeded to interrogate Roversmire in order to find out if there was anything tangible in the weird belief he held.

not serious in content or attitude or behavior

From this reading He had heard a great deal about occult science, theosophy, and spiritist belief, but, engaged in a frivolous life, had not paid much attention to their teachings and looked upon them as the religions of charlatans and quacks.

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

From this reading But here was a man who far outstripped the powers which theosophists and spiritists professed to exercise, arrogating to himself the functions of the Creator in dealing with souls.

in a willing manner

From this reading The whole narration was too fantastical for belief, still he was in such desperate danger that he gladly seized any chance that promised safety, and proceeded to interrogate Roversmire in order to find out if there was anything tangible in the weird belief he held.

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

From this reading He had heard a great deal about occult science, theosophy, and spiritist belief, but, engaged in a frivolous life, had not paid much attention to their teachings and looked upon them as the religions of charlatans and quacks.

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

From this reading He had heard a great deal about occult science, theosophy, and spiritist belief, but, engaged in a frivolous life, had not paid much attention to their teachings and looked upon them as the religions of charlatans and quacks.

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

From this reading Adrian listened to this strange recital in silent astonishment, and in spite of the trouble in which he was involved, felt inclined to regard the whole as the whimsical outcome of a madman's brain.

detected or perceived by the sense of hearing

From this reading He had heard a great deal about occult science, theosophy, and spiritist belief, but, engaged in a frivolous life, had not paid much attention to their teachings and looked upon them as the religions of charlatans and quacks.

occupied or in the control of; often used in combination

From this reading The whole narration was too fantastical for belief, still he was in such desperate danger that he gladly seized any chance that promised safety, and proceeded to interrogate Roversmire in order to find out if there was anything tangible in the weird belief he held.

in or at this place; where the speaker or writer is

From this reading But here was a man who far outstripped the powers which theosophists and spiritists professed to exercise, arrogating to himself the functions of the Creator in dealing with souls.

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

From this reading But here was a man who far outstripped the powers which theosophists and spiritists professed to exercise, arrogating to himself the functions of the Creator in dealing with souls.

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

From this reading "If I accept your offer," he said slowly, "and permit you to incarnate my soul in your body, what becomes of my own?"

on condition that; in the event that

From this reading The whole narration was too fantastical for belief, still he was in such desperate danger that he gladly seized any chance that promised safety, and proceeded to interrogate Roversmire in order to find out if there was anything tangible in the weird belief he held.

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

From this reading Adrian listened to this strange recital in silent astonishment, and in spite of the trouble in which he was involved, felt inclined to regard the whole as the whimsical outcome of a madman's brain.

make concrete and real

From this reading "If I accept your offer," he said slowly, "and permit you to incarnate my soul in your body, what becomes of my own?"

(often followed by “to”) having a preference, disposition, or tendency

From this reading Adrian listened to this strange recital in silent astonishment, and in spite of the trouble in which he was involved, felt inclined to regard the whole as the whimsical outcome of a madman's brain.

transmit (a signal) for setting off an appropriate response, as in telecommunication

From this reading The whole narration was too fantastical for belief, still he was in such desperate danger that he gladly seized any chance that promised safety, and proceeded to interrogate Roversmire in order to find out if there was anything tangible in the weird belief he held.

connected by participation or association or use

From this reading Adrian listened to this strange recital in silent astonishment, and in spite of the trouble in which he was involved, felt inclined to regard the whole as the whimsical outcome of a madman's brain.

a characteristic state or mode of living

From this reading He had heard a great deal about occult science, theosophy, and spiritist belief, but, engaged in a frivolous life, had not paid much attention to their teachings and looked upon them as the religions of charlatans and quacks.

past form of “listen” — hear with intention

From this reading Adrian listened to this strange recital in silent astonishment, and in spite of the trouble in which he was involved, felt inclined to regard the whole as the whimsical outcome of a madman's brain.

past form of “look” — perceive with attention; direct one's gaze towards

From this reading He had heard a great deal about occult science, theosophy, and spiritist belief, but, engaged in a frivolous life, had not paid much attention to their teachings and looked upon them as the religions of charlatans and quacks.

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

From this reading Adrian listened to this strange recital in silent astonishment, and in spite of the trouble in which he was involved, felt inclined to regard the whole as the whimsical outcome of a madman's brain.

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

From this reading But here was a man who far outstripped the powers which theosophists and spiritists professed to exercise, arrogating to himself the functions of the Creator in dealing with souls.

to a great degree or extent

From this reading He had heard a great deal about occult science, theosophy, and spiritist belief, but, engaged in a frivolous life, had not paid much attention to their teachings and looked upon them as the religions of charlatans and quacks.

belonging to the person speaking

From this reading "If I accept your offer," he said slowly, "and permit you to incarnate my soul in your body, what becomes of my own?"

a message that tells the particulars of an act or occurrence or course of events; presented in writing or drama or cinema or as a radio or television program

From this reading The whole narration was too fantastical for belief, still he was in such desperate danger that he gladly seized any chance that promised safety, and proceeded to interrogate Roversmire in order to find out if there was anything tangible in the weird belief he held.

used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative

From this reading He had heard a great deal about occult science, theosophy, and spiritist belief, but, engaged in a frivolous life, had not paid much attention to their teachings and looked upon them as the religions of charlatans and quacks.

cause an eclipse of (a celestial body) by intervention

From this reading He had heard a great deal about occult science, theosophy, and spiritist belief, but, engaged in a frivolous life, had not paid much attention to their teachings and looked upon them as the religions of charlatans and quacks.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading Adrian listened to this strange recital in silent astonishment, and in spite of the trouble in which he was involved, felt inclined to regard the whole as the whimsical outcome of a madman's brain.

make available or accessible, provide or furnish

From this reading "If I accept your offer," he said slowly, "and permit you to incarnate my soul in your body, what becomes of my own?"

(often plural) a command given by a superior (e.g., a military or law enforcement officer) that must be obeyed

From this reading The whole narration was too fantastical for belief, still he was in such desperate danger that he gladly seized any chance that promised safety, and proceeded to interrogate Roversmire in order to find out if there was anything tangible in the weird belief he held.

not allowed to continue to bat or run

From this reading The whole narration was too fantastical for belief, still he was in such desperate danger that he gladly seized any chance that promised safety, and proceeded to interrogate Roversmire in order to find out if there was anything tangible in the weird belief he held.

something that results

From this reading Adrian listened to this strange recital in silent astonishment, and in spite of the trouble in which he was involved, felt inclined to regard the whole as the whimsical outcome of a madman's brain.

inflected form of “outstrip” — be or do something to a greater degree

From this reading But here was a man who far outstripped the powers which theosophists and spiritists professed to exercise, arrogating to himself the functions of the Creator in dealing with souls.

have ownership or possession of

From this reading "If I accept your offer," he said slowly, "and permit you to incarnate my soul in your body, what becomes of my own?"

marked by the reception of pay

From this reading He had heard a great deal about occult science, theosophy, and spiritist belief, but, engaged in a frivolous life, had not paid much attention to their teachings and looked upon them as the religions of charlatans and quacks.

a legal document giving official permission to do something

From this reading "If I accept your offer," he said slowly, "and permit you to incarnate my soul in your body, what becomes of my own?"

plural of “power” — possession of controlling influence

From this reading But here was a man who far outstripped the powers which theosophists and spiritists professed to exercise, arrogating to himself the functions of the Creator in dealing with souls.

past form of “proceed” — continue talking

From this reading The whole narration was too fantastical for belief, still he was in such desperate danger that he gladly seized any chance that promised safety, and proceeded to interrogate Roversmire in order to find out if there was anything tangible in the weird belief he held.

professing to be qualified

From this reading But here was a man who far outstripped the powers which theosophists and spiritists professed to exercise, arrogating to himself the functions of the Creator in dealing with souls.

past form of “promise” — make a promise or commitment

From this reading The whole narration was too fantastical for belief, still he was in such desperate danger that he gladly seized any chance that promised safety, and proceeded to interrogate Roversmire in order to find out if there was anything tangible in the weird belief he held.

plural of “quack” — an untrained person who pretends to be a physician and who dispenses medical advice

From this reading He had heard a great deal about occult science, theosophy, and spiritist belief, but, engaged in a frivolous life, had not paid much attention to their teachings and looked upon them as the religions of charlatans and quacks.

the act of giving an account describing incidents or a course of events

From this reading Adrian listened to this strange recital in silent astonishment, and in spite of the trouble in which he was involved, felt inclined to regard the whole as the whimsical outcome of a madman's brain.

(usually preceded by “in”) a detail or point

From this reading Adrian listened to this strange recital in silent astonishment, and in spite of the trouble in which he was involved, felt inclined to regard the whole as the whimsical outcome of a madman's brain.

plural of “religion” — a strong belief in a supernatural power or powers that control human destiny

From this reading He had heard a great deal about occult science, theosophy, and spiritist belief, but, engaged in a frivolous life, had not paid much attention to their teachings and looked upon them as the religions of charlatans and quacks.

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

From this reading The whole narration was too fantastical for belief, still he was in such desperate danger that he gladly seized any chance that promised safety, and proceeded to interrogate Roversmire in order to find out if there was anything tangible in the weird belief he held.

the state of being certain that adverse effects will not be caused by some agent under defined conditions

From this reading The whole narration was too fantastical for belief, still he was in such desperate danger that he gladly seized any chance that promised safety, and proceeded to interrogate Roversmire in order to find out if there was anything tangible in the weird belief he held.

being the one previously mentioned or spoken of

From this reading "If I accept your offer," he said slowly, "and permit you to incarnate my soul in your body, what becomes of my own?"

a particular branch of scientific knowledge

From this reading He had heard a great deal about occult science, theosophy, and spiritist belief, but, engaged in a frivolous life, had not paid much attention to their teachings and looked upon them as the religions of charlatans and quacks.

past form of “seize” — take hold of; grab

From this reading The whole narration was too fantastical for belief, still he was in such desperate danger that he gladly seized any chance that promised safety, and proceeded to interrogate Roversmire in order to find out if there was anything tangible in the weird belief he held.

marked by absence of sound

From this reading Adrian listened to this strange recital in silent astonishment, and in spite of the trouble in which he was involved, felt inclined to regard the whole as the whimsical outcome of a madman's brain.

without speed (“slow” is sometimes used informally for “slowly”)

From this reading "If I accept your offer," he said slowly, "and permit you to incarnate my soul in your body, what becomes of my own?"

the immaterial part of a person; the actuating cause of an individual life

From this reading "If I accept your offer," he said slowly, "and permit you to incarnate my soul in your body, what becomes of my own?"

plural of “soul” — the immaterial part of a person; the actuating cause of an individual life

From this reading But here was a man who far outstripped the powers which theosophists and spiritists professed to exercise, arrogating to himself the functions of the Creator in dealing with souls.

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

From this reading He had heard a great deal about occult science, theosophy, and spiritist belief, but, engaged in a frivolous life, had not paid much attention to their teachings and looked upon them as the religions of charlatans and quacks.

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

From this reading But here was a man who far outstripped the powers which theosophists and spiritists professed to exercise, arrogating to himself the functions of the Creator in dealing with souls.

feeling a need to see others suffer

From this reading Adrian listened to this strange recital in silent astonishment, and in spite of the trouble in which he was involved, felt inclined to regard the whole as the whimsical outcome of a madman's brain.

not in physical motion

From this reading The whole narration was too fantastical for belief, still he was in such desperate danger that he gladly seized any chance that promised safety, and proceeded to interrogate Roversmire in order to find out if there was anything tangible in the weird belief he held.

being definitely out of the ordinary and unexpected; slightly odd or even a bit weird

From this reading Adrian listened to this strange recital in silent astonishment, and in spite of the trouble in which he was involved, felt inclined to regard the whole as the whimsical outcome of a madman's brain.

of the kind already mentioned

From this reading The whole narration was too fantastical for belief, still he was in such desperate danger that he gladly seized any chance that promised safety, and proceeded to interrogate Roversmire in order to find out if there was anything tangible in the weird belief he held.

perceptible by the senses especially the sense of touch

From this reading The whole narration was too fantastical for belief, still he was in such desperate danger that he gladly seized any chance that promised safety, and proceeded to interrogate Roversmire in order to find out if there was anything tangible in the weird belief he held.

plural of “teaching” — the profession of a teacher

From this reading He had heard a great deal about occult science, theosophy, and spiritist belief, but, engaged in a frivolous life, had not paid much attention to their teachings and looked upon them as the religions of charlatans and quacks.

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading The whole narration was too fantastical for belief, still he was in such desperate danger that he gladly seized any chance that promised safety, and proceeded to interrogate Roversmire in order to find out if there was anything tangible in the weird belief he held.

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

From this reading Adrian listened to this strange recital in silent astonishment, and in spite of the trouble in which he was involved, felt inclined to regard the whole as the whimsical outcome of a madman's brain.

belonging to the people or things already mentioned

From this reading He had heard a great deal about occult science, theosophy, and spiritist belief, but, engaged in a frivolous life, had not paid much attention to their teachings and looked upon them as the religions of charlatans and quacks.

the people or things already mentioned, as the object

From this reading He had heard a great deal about occult science, theosophy, and spiritist belief, but, engaged in a frivolous life, had not paid much attention to their teachings and looked upon them as the religions of charlatans and quacks.

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

From this reading But here was a man who far outstripped the powers which theosophists and spiritists professed to exercise, arrogating to himself the functions of the Creator in dealing with souls.

a system of belief based on mystical insight into the nature of God and the soul

From this reading He had heard a great deal about occult science, theosophy, and spiritist belief, but, engaged in a frivolous life, had not paid much attention to their teachings and looked upon them as the religions of charlatans and quacks.

in or at that place or location

From this reading The whole narration was too fantastical for belief, still he was in such desperate danger that he gladly seized any chance that promised safety, and proceeded to interrogate Roversmire in order to find out if there was anything tangible in the weird belief he held.

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

From this reading Adrian listened to this strange recital in silent astonishment, and in spite of the trouble in which he was involved, felt inclined to regard the whole as the whimsical outcome of a madman's brain.

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

From this reading Adrian listened to this strange recital in silent astonishment, and in spite of the trouble in which he was involved, felt inclined to regard the whole as the whimsical outcome of a madman's brain.

to a degree exceeding normal or proper limits

From this reading The whole narration was too fantastical for belief, still he was in such desperate danger that he gladly seized any chance that promised safety, and proceeded to interrogate Roversmire in order to find out if there was anything tangible in the weird belief he held.

a source of difficulty

From this reading Adrian listened to this strange recital in silent astonishment, and in spite of the trouble in which he was involved, felt inclined to regard the whole as the whimsical outcome of a madman's brain.

a formal word for “on”

From this reading He had heard a great deal about occult science, theosophy, and spiritist belief, but, engaged in a frivolous life, had not paid much attention to their teachings and looked upon them as the religions of charlatans and quacks.

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

From this reading Adrian listened to this strange recital in silent astonishment, and in spite of the trouble in which he was involved, felt inclined to regard the whole as the whimsical outcome of a madman's brain.

suggesting the operation of supernatural influences

From this reading The whole narration was too fantastical for belief, still he was in such desperate danger that he gladly seized any chance that promised safety, and proceeded to interrogate Roversmire in order to find out if there was anything tangible in the weird belief he held.

used to ask for information about something

From this reading "If I accept your offer," he said slowly, "and permit you to incarnate my soul in your body, what becomes of my own?"

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

From this reading Adrian listened to this strange recital in silent astonishment, and in spite of the trouble in which he was involved, felt inclined to regard the whole as the whimsical outcome of a madman's brain.

determined by chance or impulse or whim rather than by necessity or reason

From this reading Adrian listened to this strange recital in silent astonishment, and in spite of the trouble in which he was involved, felt inclined to regard the whole as the whimsical outcome of a madman's brain.

which person or people

From this reading But here was a man who far outstripped the powers which theosophists and spiritists professed to exercise, arrogating to himself the functions of the Creator in dealing with souls.

including all components without exception; being one unit or constituting the full amount or extent or duration; complete

From this reading Adrian listened to this strange recital in silent astonishment, and in spite of the trouble in which he was involved, felt inclined to regard the whole as the whimsical outcome of a madman's brain.

in the company of; together with

From this reading But here was a man who far outstripped the powers which theosophists and spiritists professed to exercise, arrogating to himself the functions of the Creator in dealing with souls.

the person or people being spoken to

From this reading "If I accept your offer," he said slowly, "and permit you to incarnate my soul in your body, what becomes of my own?"

belonging to the person or people being spoken to

From this reading "If I accept your offer," he said slowly, "and permit you to incarnate my soul in your body, what becomes of my own?"