Chapter II

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

From this reading AN OLD FAMILY AND ITS HOME Withington Chase was a fine old Jacobean mansion, which had been added to from time to time as whim or necessity had dictated.

on the subject of; concerning

From this reading This relic of a state of things long vanished was an octagonal tower, about sixty feet in height, built of undressed blocks of grey stone, held together by a mortar as hard as themselves.

past form of “add” — make an addition (to); join or combine or unite with others; increase the quality, quantity, size or scope of

From this reading AN OLD FAMILY AND ITS HOME Withington Chase was a fine old Jacobean mansion, which had been added to from time to time as whim or necessity had dictated.

plural of “addition” — a component that is added to something to improve it

From this reading However incongruous and out of keeping with the general scheme of the house the various additions which had been patched on to it during the course of the last two centuries might have seemed when they were crude and new, Time’s chastening fingers had mellowed them to a certain degree of beauty, so that in these latter days the general effect was that of a harmonious and homogeneous whole.

later than; following

From this reading Originally there had been a much older mansion, which, after having been partially destroyed by fire, had been razed to the ground, all of it save one sturdy fragment which, for some unknown reason, had been allowed to stand.

(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 The walls of the original structure were composed of small red bricks, relieved at frequent intervals, as far as the main frontage was concerned, by fluted pilasters of white stone with Ionic capitals, which, when seen from a little distance, had all the effect of marble.

past form of “allow” — make it possible through a specific action or lack of action for something to happen

From this reading Originally there had been a much older mansion, which, after having been partially destroyed by fire, had been razed to the ground, all of it save one sturdy fragment which, for some unknown reason, had been allowed to stand.

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

From this reading AN OLD FAMILY AND ITS HOME Withington Chase was a fine old Jacobean mansion, which had been added to from time to time as whim or necessity had dictated.

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

From this reading AN OLD FAMILY AND ITS HOME Withington Chase was a fine old Jacobean mansion, which had been added to from time to time as whim or necessity had dictated.

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

From this reading AN OLD FAMILY AND ITS HOME Withington Chase was a fine old Jacobean mansion, which had been added to from time to time as whim or necessity had dictated.

in or near a particular place or position

From this reading The walls of the original structure were composed of small red bricks, relieved at frequent intervals, as far as the main frontage was concerned, by fluted pilasters of white stone with Ionic capitals, which, when seen from a little distance, had all the effect of marble.

the qualities that give pleasure to the senses

From this reading However incongruous and out of keeping with the general scheme of the house the various additions which had been patched on to it during the course of the last two centuries might have seemed when they were crude and new, Time’s chastening fingers had mellowed them to a certain degree of beauty, so that in these latter days the general effect was that of a harmonious and homogeneous whole.

the past participle of “be”

From this reading AN OLD FAMILY AND ITS HOME Withington Chase was a fine old Jacobean mansion, which had been added to from time to time as whim or necessity had dictated.

plural of “block” — a solid piece of something (usually having flat rectangular sides)

From this reading This relic of a state of things long vanished was an octagonal tower, about sixty feet in height, built of undressed blocks of grey stone, held together by a mortar as hard as themselves.

plural of “brick” — rectangular block of clay baked by the sun or in a kiln; used as a building or paving material

From this reading The walls of the original structure were composed of small red bricks, relieved at frequent intervals, as far as the main frontage was concerned, by fluted pilasters of white stone with Ionic capitals, which, when seen from a little distance, had all the effect of marble.

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

From this reading This relic of a state of things long vanished was an octagonal tower, about sixty feet in height, built of undressed blocks of grey stone, held together by a mortar as hard as themselves.

showing who or what does the action

From this reading The walls of the original structure were composed of small red bricks, relieved at frequent intervals, as far as the main frontage was concerned, by fluted pilasters of white stone with Ionic capitals, which, when seen from a little distance, had all the effect of marble.

plural of “capital” — assets available for use in the production of further assets

From this reading The walls of the original structure were composed of small red bricks, relieved at frequent intervals, as far as the main frontage was concerned, by fluted pilasters of white stone with Ionic capitals, which, when seen from a little distance, had all the effect of marble.

plural of “century” — a period of 100 years

From this reading However incongruous and out of keeping with the general scheme of the house the various additions which had been patched on to it during the course of the last two centuries might have seemed when they were crude and new, Time’s chastening fingers had mellowed them to a certain degree of beauty, so that in these latter days the general effect was that of a harmonious and homogeneous whole.

definite but not specified or identified

From this reading However incongruous and out of keeping with the general scheme of the house the various additions which had been patched on to it during the course of the last two centuries might have seemed when they were crude and new, Time’s chastening fingers had mellowed them to a certain degree of beauty, so that in these latter days the general effect was that of a harmonious and homogeneous whole.

go after with the intent to catch

From this reading AN OLD FAMILY AND ITS HOME Withington Chase was a fine old Jacobean mansion, which had been added to from time to time as whim or necessity had dictated.

a rebuke for making a mistake

From this reading However incongruous and out of keeping with the general scheme of the house the various additions which had been patched on to it during the course of the last two centuries might have seemed when they were crude and new, Time’s chastening fingers had mellowed them to a certain degree of beauty, so that in these latter days the general effect was that of a harmonious and homogeneous whole.

serenely self-possessed and free from agitation especially in times of stress

From this reading The walls of the original structure were composed of small red bricks, relieved at frequent intervals, as far as the main frontage was concerned, by fluted pilasters of white stone with Ionic capitals, which, when seen from a little distance, had all the effect of marble.

feeling or showing worry or solicitude

From this reading The walls of the original structure were composed of small red bricks, relieved at frequent intervals, as far as the main frontage was concerned, by fluted pilasters of white stone with Ionic capitals, which, when seen from a little distance, had all the effect of marble.

education imparted in a series of lessons or meetings

From this reading However incongruous and out of keeping with the general scheme of the house the various additions which had been patched on to it during the course of the last two centuries might have seemed when they were crude and new, Time’s chastening fingers had mellowed them to a certain degree of beauty, so that in these latter days the general effect was that of a harmonious and homogeneous whole.

not carefully or expertly made

From this reading However incongruous and out of keeping with the general scheme of the house the various additions which had been patched on to it during the course of the last two centuries might have seemed when they were crude and new, Time’s chastening fingers had mellowed them to a certain degree of beauty, so that in these latter days the general effect was that of a harmonious and homogeneous whole.

the time during which someone's life continues

From this reading However incongruous and out of keeping with the general scheme of the house the various additions which had been patched on to it during the course of the last two centuries might have seemed when they were crude and new, Time’s chastening fingers had mellowed them to a certain degree of beauty, so that in these latter days the general effect was that of a harmonious and homogeneous whole.

a position on a scale of intensity or amount or quality

From this reading However incongruous and out of keeping with the general scheme of the house the various additions which had been patched on to it during the course of the last two centuries might have seemed when they were crude and new, Time’s chastening fingers had mellowed them to a certain degree of beauty, so that in these latter days the general effect was that of a harmonious and homogeneous whole.

spoiled or ruined or demolished

From this reading Originally there had been a much older mansion, which, after having been partially destroyed by fire, had been razed to the ground, all of it save one sturdy fragment which, for some unknown reason, had been allowed to stand.

determined or decided upon as by an authority

From this reading AN OLD FAMILY AND ITS HOME Withington Chase was a fine old Jacobean mansion, which had been added to from time to time as whim or necessity had dictated.

the property created by the space between two objects or points

From this reading The walls of the original structure were composed of small red bricks, relieved at frequent intervals, as far as the main frontage was concerned, by fluted pilasters of white stone with Ionic capitals, which, when seen from a little distance, had all the effect of marble.

all through a period, or at some point within it

From this reading However incongruous and out of keeping with the general scheme of the house the various additions which had been patched on to it during the course of the last two centuries might have seemed when they were crude and new, Time’s chastening fingers had mellowed them to a certain degree of beauty, so that in these latter days the general effect was that of a harmonious and homogeneous whole.

a phenomenon that follows and is caused by some previous phenomenon

From this reading The walls of the original structure were composed of small red bricks, relieved at frequent intervals, as far as the main frontage was concerned, by fluted pilasters of white stone with Ionic capitals, which, when seen from a little distance, had all the effect of marble.

a social unit living together

From this reading AN OLD FAMILY AND ITS HOME Withington Chase was a fine old Jacobean mansion, which had been added to from time to time as whim or necessity had dictated.

to a considerable degree; very much

From this reading The walls of the original structure were composed of small red bricks, relieved at frequent intervals, as far as the main frontage was concerned, by fluted pilasters of white stone with Ionic capitals, which, when seen from a little distance, had all the effect of marble.

plural of “foot” — the part of the leg of a human being below the ankle joint

From this reading This relic of a state of things long vanished was an octagonal tower, about sixty feet in height, built of undressed blocks of grey stone, held together by a mortar as hard as themselves.

being satisfactory or in satisfactory condition

From this reading AN OLD FAMILY AND ITS HOME Withington Chase was a fine old Jacobean mansion, which had been added to from time to time as whim or necessity had dictated.

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

From this reading However incongruous and out of keeping with the general scheme of the house the various additions which had been patched on to it during the course of the last two centuries might have seemed when they were crude and new, Time’s chastening fingers had mellowed them to a certain degree of beauty, so that in these latter days the general effect was that of a harmonious and homogeneous whole.

start firing a weapon

From this reading Originally there had been a much older mansion, which, after having been partially destroyed by fire, had been razed to the ground, all of it save one sturdy fragment which, for some unknown reason, had been allowed to stand.

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

From this reading The walls of the original structure were composed of small red bricks, relieved at frequent intervals, as far as the main frontage was concerned, by fluted pilasters of white stone with Ionic capitals, which, when seen from a little distance, had all the effect of marble.

intended to be given to, or used by, somebody

From this reading Originally there had been a much older mansion, which, after having been partially destroyed by fire, had been razed to the ground, all of it save one sturdy fragment which, for some unknown reason, had been allowed to stand.

A small part broken or separated off something larger.

From this reading Originally there had been a much older mansion, which, after having been partially destroyed by fire, had been razed to the ground, all of it save one sturdy fragment which, for some unknown reason, had been allowed to stand.

do one's shopping at; do business with; be a customer or client of

From this reading The walls of the original structure were composed of small red bricks, relieved at frequent intervals, as far as the main frontage was concerned, by fluted pilasters of white stone with Ionic capitals, which, when seen from a little distance, had all the effect of marble.

showing where something starts, or who sent it

From this reading AN OLD FAMILY AND ITS HOME Withington Chase was a fine old Jacobean mansion, which had been added to from time to time as whim or necessity had dictated.

the extent of land abutting on a street or water

From this reading The walls of the original structure were composed of small red bricks, relieved at frequent intervals, as far as the main frontage was concerned, by fluted pilasters of white stone with Ionic capitals, which, when seen from a little distance, had all the effect of marble.

applying to all or most members of a category or group

From this reading However incongruous and out of keeping with the general scheme of the house the various additions which had been patched on to it during the course of the last two centuries might have seemed when they were crude and new, Time’s chastening fingers had mellowed them to a certain degree of beauty, so that in these latter days the general effect was that of a harmonious and homogeneous whole.

of an achromatic color of any lightness intermediate between the extremes of white and black

From this reading This relic of a state of things long vanished was an octagonal tower, about sixty feet in height, built of undressed blocks of grey stone, held together by a mortar as hard as themselves.

the solid part of the earth's surface

From this reading Originally there had been a much older mansion, which, after having been partially destroyed by fire, had been razed to the ground, all of it save one sturdy fragment which, for some unknown reason, had been allowed to stand.

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

From this reading AN OLD FAMILY AND ITS HOME Withington Chase was a fine old Jacobean mansion, which had been added to from time to time as whim or necessity had dictated.

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

From this reading This relic of a state of things long vanished was an octagonal tower, about sixty feet in height, built of undressed blocks of grey stone, held together by a mortar as hard as themselves.

musically pleasing

From this reading However incongruous and out of keeping with the general scheme of the house the various additions which had been patched on to it during the course of the last two centuries might have seemed when they were crude and new, Time’s chastening fingers had mellowed them to a certain degree of beauty, so that in these latter days the general effect was that of a harmonious and homogeneous whole.

used with a past participle to form the perfect tenses

From this reading However incongruous and out of keeping with the general scheme of the house the various additions which had been patched on to it during the course of the last two centuries might have seemed when they were crude and new, Time’s chastening fingers had mellowed them to a certain degree of beauty, so that in these latter days the general effect was that of a harmonious and homogeneous whole.

the -ing form of “have”

From this reading Originally there had been a much older mansion, which, after having been partially destroyed by fire, had been razed to the ground, all of it save one sturdy fragment which, for some unknown reason, had been allowed to stand.

the vertical dimension of extension; distance from the base of something to the top

From this reading This relic of a state of things long vanished was an octagonal tower, about sixty feet in height, built of undressed blocks of grey stone, held together by a mortar as hard as themselves.

occupied or in the control of; often used in combination

From this reading This relic of a state of things long vanished was an octagonal tower, about sixty feet in height, built of undressed blocks of grey stone, held together by a mortar as hard as themselves.

where you live at a particular time

From this reading AN OLD FAMILY AND ITS HOME Withington Chase was a fine old Jacobean mansion, which had been added to from time to time as whim or necessity had dictated.

all of the same or similar kind or nature

From this reading However incongruous and out of keeping with the general scheme of the house the various additions which had been patched on to it during the course of the last two centuries might have seemed when they were crude and new, Time’s chastening fingers had mellowed them to a certain degree of beauty, so that in these latter days the general effect was that of a harmonious and homogeneous whole.

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

From this reading However incongruous and out of keeping with the general scheme of the house the various additions which had been patched on to it during the course of the last two centuries might have seemed when they were crude and new, Time’s chastening fingers had mellowed them to a certain degree of beauty, so that in these latter days the general effect was that of a harmonious and homogeneous whole.

used to add a contrasting statement

From this reading However incongruous and out of keeping with the general scheme of the house the various additions which had been patched on to it during the course of the last two centuries might have seemed when they were crude and new, Time’s chastening fingers had mellowed them to a certain degree of beauty, so that in these latter days the general effect was that of a harmonious and homogeneous whole.

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

From this reading However incongruous and out of keeping with the general scheme of the house the various additions which had been patched on to it during the course of the last two centuries might have seemed when they were crude and new, Time’s chastening fingers had mellowed them to a certain degree of beauty, so that in these latter days the general effect was that of a harmonious and homogeneous whole.

lacking in harmony or compatibility or appropriateness

From this reading However incongruous and out of keeping with the general scheme of the house the various additions which had been patched on to it during the course of the last two centuries might have seemed when they were crude and new, Time’s chastening fingers had mellowed them to a certain degree of beauty, so that in these latter days the general effect was that of a harmonious and homogeneous whole.

plural of “interval” — a definite length of time marked off by two instants

From this reading The walls of the original structure were composed of small red bricks, relieved at frequent intervals, as far as the main frontage was concerned, by fluted pilasters of white stone with Ionic capitals, which, when seen from a little distance, had all the effect of marble.

containing or involving or occurring in the form of ions

From this reading The walls of the original structure were composed of small red bricks, relieved at frequent intervals, as far as the main frontage was concerned, by fluted pilasters of white stone with Ionic capitals, which, when seen from a little distance, had all the effect of marble.

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading However incongruous and out of keeping with the general scheme of the house the various additions which had been patched on to it during the course of the last two centuries might have seemed when they were crude and new, Time’s chastening fingers had mellowed them to a certain degree of beauty, so that in these latter days the general effect was that of a harmonious and homogeneous whole.

belonging to the thing or animal already mentioned

From this reading AN OLD FAMILY AND ITS HOME Withington Chase was a fine old Jacobean mansion, which had been added to from time to time as whim or necessity had dictated.

any distinguished personage during the reign of James I

From this reading AN OLD FAMILY AND ITS HOME Withington Chase was a fine old Jacobean mansion, which had been added to from time to time as whim or necessity had dictated.

conformity or harmony

From this reading However incongruous and out of keeping with the general scheme of the house the various additions which had been patched on to it during the course of the last two centuries might have seemed when they were crude and new, Time’s chastening fingers had mellowed them to a certain degree of beauty, so that in these latter days the general effect was that of a harmonious and homogeneous whole.

immediately past

From this reading However incongruous and out of keeping with the general scheme of the house the various additions which had been patched on to it during the course of the last two centuries might have seemed when they were crude and new, Time’s chastening fingers had mellowed them to a certain degree of beauty, so that in these latter days the general effect was that of a harmonious and homogeneous whole.

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

From this reading However incongruous and out of keeping with the general scheme of the house the various additions which had been patched on to it during the course of the last two centuries might have seemed when they were crude and new, Time’s chastening fingers had mellowed them to a certain degree of beauty, so that in these latter days the general effect was that of a harmonious and homogeneous whole.

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

From this reading The walls of the original structure were composed of small red bricks, relieved at frequent intervals, as far as the main frontage was concerned, by fluted pilasters of white stone with Ionic capitals, which, when seen from a little distance, had all the effect of marble.

primarily temporal sense; being or indicating a relatively great or greater than average duration or passage of time or a duration as specified

From this reading This relic of a state of things long vanished was an octagonal tower, about sixty feet in height, built of undressed blocks of grey stone, held together by a mortar as hard as themselves.

most important element

From this reading The walls of the original structure were composed of small red bricks, relieved at frequent intervals, as far as the main frontage was concerned, by fluted pilasters of white stone with Ionic capitals, which, when seen from a little distance, had all the effect of marble.

(astrology) one of 12 equal areas into which the zodiac is divided

From this reading AN OLD FAMILY AND ITS HOME Withington Chase was a fine old Jacobean mansion, which had been added to from time to time as whim or necessity had dictated.

a hard crystalline metamorphic rock that takes a high polish; used for sculpture and as building material

From this reading The walls of the original structure were composed of small red bricks, relieved at frequent intervals, as far as the main frontage was concerned, by fluted pilasters of white stone with Ionic capitals, which, when seen from a little distance, had all the effect of marble.

having a full and pleasing flavor through proper aging

From this reading However incongruous and out of keeping with the general scheme of the house the various additions which had been patched on to it during the course of the last two centuries might have seemed when they were crude and new, Time’s chastening fingers had mellowed them to a certain degree of beauty, so that in these latter days the general effect was that of a harmonious and homogeneous whole.

used to say something is possible but not certain

From this reading However incongruous and out of keeping with the general scheme of the house the various additions which had been patched on to it during the course of the last two centuries might have seemed when they were crude and new, Time’s chastening fingers had mellowed them to a certain degree of beauty, so that in these latter days the general effect was that of a harmonious and homogeneous whole.

a muzzle-loading high-angle gun with a short barrel that fires shells at high elevations for a short range

From this reading This relic of a state of things long vanished was an octagonal tower, about sixty feet in height, built of undressed blocks of grey stone, held together by a mortar as hard as themselves.

to a great degree or extent

From this reading Originally there had been a much older mansion, which, after having been partially destroyed by fire, had been razed to the ground, all of it save one sturdy fragment which, for some unknown reason, had been allowed to stand.

the condition of being essential or indispensable

From this reading AN OLD FAMILY AND ITS HOME Withington Chase was a fine old Jacobean mansion, which had been added to from time to time as whim or necessity had dictated.

not of long duration; having just (or relatively recently) come into being or been made or acquired or discovered

From this reading However incongruous and out of keeping with the general scheme of the house the various additions which had been patched on to it during the course of the last two centuries might have seemed when they were crude and new, Time’s chastening fingers had mellowed them to a certain degree of beauty, so that in these latter days the general effect was that of a harmonious and homogeneous whole.

of or relating to or shaped like an octagon

From this reading This relic of a state of things long vanished was an octagonal tower, about sixty feet in height, built of undressed blocks of grey stone, held together by a mortar as hard as themselves.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading The walls of the original structure were composed of small red bricks, relieved at frequent intervals, as far as the main frontage was concerned, by fluted pilasters of white stone with Ionic capitals, which, when seen from a little distance, had all the effect of marble.

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

From this reading AN OLD FAMILY AND ITS HOME Withington Chase was a fine old Jacobean mansion, which had been added to from time to time as whim or necessity had dictated.

advanced in years; (“aged” is pronounced as two syllables)

From this reading Originally there had been a much older mansion, which, after having been partially destroyed by fire, had been razed to the ground, all of it save one sturdy fragment which, for some unknown reason, had been allowed to stand.

touching and supported by a surface

From this reading However incongruous and out of keeping with the general scheme of the house the various additions which had been patched on to it during the course of the last two centuries might have seemed when they were crude and new, Time’s chastening fingers had mellowed them to a certain degree of beauty, so that in these latter days the general effect was that of a harmonious and homogeneous whole.

used to mean any person in general, including the speaker

From this reading Originally there had been a much older mansion, which, after having been partially destroyed by fire, had been razed to the ground, all of it save one sturdy fragment which, for some unknown reason, had been allowed to stand.

used to join alternatives or possibilities

From this reading AN OLD FAMILY AND ITS HOME Withington Chase was a fine old Jacobean mansion, which had been added to from time to time as whim or necessity had dictated.

preceding all others in time or being as first made or performed

From this reading The walls of the original structure were composed of small red bricks, relieved at frequent intervals, as far as the main frontage was concerned, by fluted pilasters of white stone with Ionic capitals, which, when seen from a little distance, had all the effect of marble.

in an original manner

From this reading Originally there had been a much older mansion, which, after having been partially destroyed by fire, had been razed to the ground, all of it save one sturdy fragment which, for some unknown reason, had been allowed to stand.

not allowed to continue to bat or run

From this reading However incongruous and out of keeping with the general scheme of the house the various additions which had been patched on to it during the course of the last two centuries might have seemed when they were crude and new, Time’s chastening fingers had mellowed them to a certain degree of beauty, so that in these latter days the general effect was that of a harmonious and homogeneous whole.

to some extent; in some degree; not wholly

From this reading Originally there had been a much older mansion, which, after having been partially destroyed by fire, had been razed to the ground, all of it save one sturdy fragment which, for some unknown reason, had been allowed to stand.

mended usually clumsily by covering a hole with a patch

From this reading However incongruous and out of keeping with the general scheme of the house the various additions which had been patched on to it during the course of the last two centuries might have seemed when they were crude and new, Time’s chastening fingers had mellowed them to a certain degree of beauty, so that in these latter days the general effect was that of a harmonious and homogeneous whole.

plural of “pilaster” — a rectangular column that usually projects about a third of its width from the wall to which it is attached

From this reading The walls of the original structure were composed of small red bricks, relieved at frequent intervals, as far as the main frontage was concerned, by fluted pilasters of white stone with Ionic capitals, which, when seen from a little distance, had all the effect of marble.

torn down and broken up

From this reading Originally there had been a much older mansion, which, after having been partially destroyed by fire, had been razed to the ground, all of it save one sturdy fragment which, for some unknown reason, had been allowed to stand.

a rational motive for a belief or action

From this reading Originally there had been a much older mansion, which, after having been partially destroyed by fire, had been razed to the ground, all of it save one sturdy fragment which, for some unknown reason, had been allowed to stand.

red color or pigment; the chromatic color resembling the hue of blood

From this reading The walls of the original structure were composed of small red bricks, relieved at frequent intervals, as far as the main frontage was concerned, by fluted pilasters of white stone with Ionic capitals, which, when seen from a little distance, had all the effect of marble.

an antiquity that has survived from the distant past

From this reading This relic of a state of things long vanished was an octagonal tower, about sixty feet in height, built of undressed blocks of grey stone, held together by a mortar as hard as themselves.

(of pain or sorrow) made easier to bear

From this reading The walls of the original structure were composed of small red bricks, relieved at frequent intervals, as far as the main frontage was concerned, by fluted pilasters of white stone with Ionic capitals, which, when seen from a little distance, had all the effect of marble.

except for; apart from

From this reading Originally there had been a much older mansion, which, after having been partially destroyed by fire, had been razed to the ground, all of it save one sturdy fragment which, for some unknown reason, had been allowed to stand.

an elaborate and systematic plan of action

From this reading However incongruous and out of keeping with the general scheme of the house the various additions which had been patched on to it during the course of the last two centuries might have seemed when they were crude and new, Time’s chastening fingers had mellowed them to a certain degree of beauty, so that in these latter days the general effect was that of a harmonious and homogeneous whole.

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

From this reading However incongruous and out of keeping with the general scheme of the house the various additions which had been patched on to it during the course of the last two centuries might have seemed when they were crude and new, Time’s chastening fingers had mellowed them to a certain degree of beauty, so that in these latter days the general effect was that of a harmonious and homogeneous whole.

inflected form of “see” — perceive by sight or have the power to perceive by sight

From this reading The walls of the original structure were composed of small red bricks, relieved at frequent intervals, as far as the main frontage was concerned, by fluted pilasters of white stone with Ionic capitals, which, when seen from a little distance, had all the effect of marble.

being ten more than fifty

From this reading This relic of a state of things long vanished was an octagonal tower, about sixty feet in height, built of undressed blocks of grey stone, held together by a mortar as hard as themselves.

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

From this reading The walls of the original structure were composed of small red bricks, relieved at frequent intervals, as far as the main frontage was concerned, by fluted pilasters of white stone with Ionic capitals, which, when seen from a little distance, had all the effect of marble.

for that reason; with the result that

From this reading However incongruous and out of keeping with the general scheme of the house the various additions which had been patched on to it during the course of the last two centuries might have seemed when they were crude and new, Time’s chastening fingers had mellowed them to a certain degree of beauty, so that in these latter days the general effect was that of a harmonious and homogeneous whole.

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

From this reading Originally there had been a much older mansion, which, after having been partially destroyed by fire, had been razed to the ground, all of it save one sturdy fragment which, for some unknown reason, had been allowed to stand.

be standing; be upright

From this reading Originally there had been a much older mansion, which, after having been partially destroyed by fire, had been razed to the ground, all of it save one sturdy fragment which, for some unknown reason, had been allowed to stand.

the territory occupied by one of the constituent administrative districts of a nation

From this reading This relic of a state of things long vanished was an octagonal tower, about sixty feet in height, built of undressed blocks of grey stone, held together by a mortar as hard as themselves.

a lump or mass of hard consolidated mineral matter

From this reading The walls of the original structure were composed of small red bricks, relieved at frequent intervals, as far as the main frontage was concerned, by fluted pilasters of white stone with Ionic capitals, which, when seen from a little distance, had all the effect of marble.

a thing constructed; a complex entity constructed of many parts

From this reading The walls of the original structure were composed of small red bricks, relieved at frequent intervals, as far as the main frontage was concerned, by fluted pilasters of white stone with Ionic capitals, which, when seen from a little distance, had all the effect of marble.

having rugged physical strength; inured to fatigue or hardships

From this reading Originally there had been a much older mansion, which, after having been partially destroyed by fire, had been razed to the ground, all of it save one sturdy fragment which, for some unknown reason, had been allowed to stand.

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading However incongruous and out of keeping with the general scheme of the house the various additions which had been patched on to it during the course of the last two centuries might have seemed when they were crude and new, Time’s chastening fingers had mellowed them to a certain degree of beauty, so that in these latter days the general effect was that of a harmonious and homogeneous whole.

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

From this reading The walls of the original structure were composed of small red bricks, relieved at frequent intervals, as far as the main frontage was concerned, by fluted pilasters of white stone with Ionic capitals, which, when seen from a little distance, had all the effect of marble.

the people or things already mentioned, as the object

From this reading However incongruous and out of keeping with the general scheme of the house the various additions which had been patched on to it during the course of the last two centuries might have seemed when they were crude and new, Time’s chastening fingers had mellowed them to a certain degree of beauty, so that in these latter days the general effect was that of a harmonious and homogeneous whole.

used when the people doing the action are also its object

From this reading This relic of a state of things long vanished was an octagonal tower, about sixty feet in height, built of undressed blocks of grey stone, held together by a mortar as hard as themselves.

in or at that place or location

From this reading Originally there had been a much older mansion, which, after having been partially destroyed by fire, had been razed to the ground, all of it save one sturdy fragment which, for some unknown reason, had been allowed to stand.

the plural of “this”: the people or things near, or just mentioned

From this reading However incongruous and out of keeping with the general scheme of the house the various additions which had been patched on to it during the course of the last two centuries might have seemed when they were crude and new, Time’s chastening fingers had mellowed them to a certain degree of beauty, so that in these latter days the general effect was that of a harmonious and homogeneous whole.

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

From this reading However incongruous and out of keeping with the general scheme of the house the various additions which had been patched on to it during the course of the last two centuries might have seemed when they were crude and new, Time’s chastening fingers had mellowed them to a certain degree of beauty, so that in these latter days the general effect was that of a harmonious and homogeneous whole.

any movable possession (especially articles of clothing)

From this reading This relic of a state of things long vanished was an octagonal tower, about sixty feet in height, built of undressed blocks of grey stone, held together by a mortar as hard as themselves.

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

From this reading This relic of a state of things long vanished was an octagonal tower, about sixty feet in height, built of undressed blocks of grey stone, held together by a mortar as hard as themselves.

an instance or single occasion for some event

From this reading AN OLD FAMILY AND ITS HOME Withington Chase was a fine old Jacobean mansion, which had been added to from time to time as whim or necessity had dictated.

possessive form of “time” — an instance or single occasion for some event

From this reading However incongruous and out of keeping with the general scheme of the house the various additions which had been patched on to it during the course of the last two centuries might have seemed when they were crude and new, Time’s chastening fingers had mellowed them to a certain degree of beauty, so that in these latter days the general effect was that of a harmonious and homogeneous whole.

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

From this reading AN OLD FAMILY AND ITS HOME Withington Chase was a fine old Jacobean mansion, which had been added to from time to time as whim or necessity had dictated.

in contact with each other or in proximity

From this reading This relic of a state of things long vanished was an octagonal tower, about sixty feet in height, built of undressed blocks of grey stone, held together by a mortar as hard as themselves.

a structure taller than its diameter; can stand alone or be attached to a larger building

From this reading This relic of a state of things long vanished was an octagonal tower, about sixty feet in height, built of undressed blocks of grey stone, held together by a mortar as hard as themselves.

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

From this reading However incongruous and out of keeping with the general scheme of the house the various additions which had been patched on to it during the course of the last two centuries might have seemed when they were crude and new, Time’s chastening fingers had mellowed them to a certain degree of beauty, so that in these latter days the general effect was that of a harmonious and homogeneous whole.

of lumber or stone or hides; not finished or dressed

From this reading This relic of a state of things long vanished was an octagonal tower, about sixty feet in height, built of undressed blocks of grey stone, held together by a mortar as hard as themselves.

not known

From this reading Originally there had been a much older mansion, which, after having been partially destroyed by fire, had been razed to the ground, all of it save one sturdy fragment which, for some unknown reason, had been allowed to stand.

having passed out of existence

From this reading This relic of a state of things long vanished was an octagonal tower, about sixty feet in height, built of undressed blocks of grey stone, held together by a mortar as hard as themselves.

of many different kinds purposefully arranged but lacking any uniformity

From this reading However incongruous and out of keeping with the general scheme of the house the various additions which had been patched on to it during the course of the last two centuries might have seemed when they were crude and new, Time’s chastening fingers had mellowed them to a certain degree of beauty, so that in these latter days the general effect was that of a harmonious and homogeneous whole.

plural of “wall” — an architectural partition with a height and length greater than its thickness; used to divide or enclose an area or to support another structure

From this reading The walls of the original structure were composed of small red bricks, relieved at frequent intervals, as far as the main frontage was concerned, by fluted pilasters of white stone with Ionic capitals, which, when seen from a little distance, had all the effect of marble.

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

From this reading AN OLD FAMILY AND ITS HOME Withington Chase was a fine old Jacobean mansion, which had been added to from time to time as whim or necessity had dictated.

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

From this reading The walls of the original structure were composed of small red bricks, relieved at frequent intervals, as far as the main frontage was concerned, by fluted pilasters of white stone with Ionic capitals, which, when seen from a little distance, had all the effect of marble.

at the time that

From this reading The walls of the original structure were composed of small red bricks, relieved at frequent intervals, as far as the main frontage was concerned, by fluted pilasters of white stone with Ionic capitals, which, when seen from a little distance, had all the effect of marble.

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

From this reading AN OLD FAMILY AND ITS HOME Withington Chase was a fine old Jacobean mansion, which had been added to from time to time as whim or necessity had dictated.

a sudden desire

From this reading AN OLD FAMILY AND ITS HOME Withington Chase was a fine old Jacobean mansion, which had been added to from time to time as whim or necessity had dictated.

a Caucasian

From this reading The walls of the original structure were composed of small red bricks, relieved at frequent intervals, as far as the main frontage was concerned, by fluted pilasters of white stone with Ionic capitals, which, when seen from a little distance, had all the effect of marble.

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

From this reading However incongruous and out of keeping with the general scheme of the house the various additions which had been patched on to it during the course of the last two centuries might have seemed when they were crude and new, Time’s chastening fingers had mellowed them to a certain degree of beauty, so that in these latter days the general effect was that of a harmonious and homogeneous whole.

in the company of; together with

From this reading The walls of the original structure were composed of small red bricks, relieved at frequent intervals, as far as the main frontage was concerned, by fluted pilasters of white stone with Ionic capitals, which, when seen from a little distance, had all the effect of marble.

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

From this reading AN OLD FAMILY AND ITS HOME Withington Chase was a fine old Jacobean mansion, which had been added to from time to time as whim or necessity had dictated.