Chapter II · Chapter 2

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

From this reading The Mystery of His Birth--Previous Unsuccessful Attempts at Solution--Proposal for a "London Charivari"--Ebenezer Landells and His Notion--Joseph Last Consults with Henry Mayhew--Whose Imagination is Fired--Staff Formed--Prospectus--_Punch_ is Born and Christened--The First Number.

a statement asserting the existence or the truth of something

From this reading He seems to come within the category of Defoe's true-born Englishman, "whose parents were the Lord knows who," not because there should be any doubt upon the subject, but because none suspected at the time the latent importance of the bantling and the circumstances of his birth until it seemed too late to decide by demonstration or simple affirmation who was father and who the sponsors.

touching and pressing; in opposition to

From this reading It should be counted against neither the fair fame nor the reputation of _Punch_ that the facts of his birth have never yet been definitely and honourably established.

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

From this reading _PUNCH'S_ BIRTH AND PARENTAGE.

one or some or every or all without specification

From this reading He seems to come within the category of Defoe's true-born Englishman, "whose parents were the Lord knows who," not because there should be any doubt upon the subject, but because none suspected at the time the latent importance of the bantling and the circumstances of his birth until it seemed too late to decide by demonstration or simple affirmation who was father and who the sponsors.

in or near a particular place or position

From this reading The Mystery of His Birth--Previous Unsuccessful Attempts at Solution--Proposal for a "London Charivari"--Ebenezer Landells and His Notion--Joseph Last Consults with Henry Mayhew--Whose Imagination is Fired--Staff Formed--Prospectus--_Punch_ is Born and Christened--The First Number.

plural of “attempt” — earnest and conscientious activity intended to do or accomplish something

From this reading The Mystery of His Birth--Previous Unsuccessful Attempts at Solution--Proposal for a "London Charivari"--Ebenezer Landells and His Notion--Joseph Last Consults with Henry Mayhew--Whose Imagination is Fired--Staff Formed--Prospectus--_Punch_ is Born and Christened--The First Number.

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

From this reading He seems to come within the category of Defoe's true-born Englishman, "whose parents were the Lord knows who," not because there should be any doubt upon the subject, but because none suspected at the time the latent importance of the bantling and the circumstances of his birth until it seemed too late to decide by demonstration or simple affirmation who was father and who the sponsors.

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

From this reading It should be counted against neither the fair fame nor the reputation of _Punch_ that the facts of his birth have never yet been definitely and honourably established.

for the reason that

From this reading He seems to come within the category of Defoe's true-born Englishman, "whose parents were the Lord knows who," not because there should be any doubt upon the subject, but because none suspected at the time the latent importance of the bantling and the circumstances of his birth until it seemed too late to decide by demonstration or simple affirmation who was father and who the sponsors.

the past participle of “be”

From this reading It should be counted against neither the fair fame nor the reputation of _Punch_ that the facts of his birth have never yet been definitely and honourably established.

the time when something begins (especially life)

From this reading _PUNCH'S_ BIRTH AND PARENTAGE.

brought into existence

From this reading The Mystery of His Birth--Previous Unsuccessful Attempts at Solution--Proposal for a "London Charivari"--Ebenezer Landells and His Notion--Joseph Last Consults with Henry Mayhew--Whose Imagination is Fired--Staff Formed--Prospectus--_Punch_ is Born and Christened--The First Number.

used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before

From this reading He seems to come within the category of Defoe's true-born Englishman, "whose parents were the Lord knows who," not because there should be any doubt upon the subject, but because none suspected at the time the latent importance of the bantling and the circumstances of his birth until it seemed too late to decide by demonstration or simple affirmation who was father and who the sponsors.

showing who or what does the action

From this reading It is not that his parentage has been lost to history in a discreet and charitable silence; on the contrary, it is rather that that honour has been claimed by over-many, covetous of the distinction.

a collection of things sharing a common attribute

From this reading He seems to come within the category of Defoe's true-born Englishman, "whose parents were the Lord knows who," not because there should be any doubt upon the subject, but because none suspected at the time the latent importance of the bantling and the circumstances of his birth until it seemed too late to decide by demonstration or simple affirmation who was father and who the sponsors.

relating to or characterized by charity

From this reading It is not that his parentage has been lost to history in a discreet and charitable silence; on the contrary, it is rather that that honour has been claimed by over-many, covetous of the distinction.

a noisy mock serenade (made by banging pans and kettles) to a newly married couple

From this reading The Mystery of His Birth--Previous Unsuccessful Attempts at Solution--Proposal for a "London Charivari"--Ebenezer Landells and His Notion--Joseph Last Consults with Henry Mayhew--Whose Imagination is Fired--Staff Formed--Prospectus--_Punch_ is Born and Christened--The First Number.

past form of “christen” — administer baptism to

From this reading The Mystery of His Birth--Previous Unsuccessful Attempts at Solution--Proposal for a "London Charivari"--Ebenezer Landells and His Notion--Joseph Last Consults with Henry Mayhew--Whose Imagination is Fired--Staff Formed--Prospectus--_Punch_ is Born and Christened--The First Number.

your overall circumstances or condition in life (including everything that happens to you)

From this reading He seems to come within the category of Defoe's true-born Englishman, "whose parents were the Lord knows who," not because there should be any doubt upon the subject, but because none suspected at the time the latent importance of the bantling and the circumstances of his birth until it seemed too late to decide by demonstration or simple affirmation who was father and who the sponsors.

past form of “claim” — assert or affirm strongly; state to be true or existing

From this reading It is not that his parentage has been lost to history in a discreet and charitable silence; on the contrary, it is rather that that honour has been claimed by over-many, covetous of the distinction.

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

From this reading He seems to come within the category of Defoe's true-born Englishman, "whose parents were the Lord knows who," not because there should be any doubt upon the subject, but because none suspected at the time the latent importance of the bantling and the circumstances of his birth until it seemed too late to decide by demonstration or simple affirmation who was father and who the sponsors.

third-person singular of “consult” — get or ask advice from

From this reading The Mystery of His Birth--Previous Unsuccessful Attempts at Solution--Proposal for a "London Charivari"--Ebenezer Landells and His Notion--Joseph Last Consults with Henry Mayhew--Whose Imagination is Fired--Staff Formed--Prospectus--_Punch_ is Born and Christened--The First Number.

very opposed in nature or character or purpose

From this reading It is not that his parentage has been lost to history in a discreet and charitable silence; on the contrary, it is rather that that honour has been claimed by over-many, covetous of the distinction.

past form of “count” — determine the number or amount of

From this reading It should be counted against neither the fair fame nor the reputation of _Punch_ that the facts of his birth have never yet been definitely and honourably established.

showing extreme cupidity; painfully desirous of another's advantages

From this reading It is not that his parentage has been lost to history in a discreet and charitable silence; on the contrary, it is rather that that honour has been claimed by over-many, covetous of the distinction.

reach, make, or come to a decision about something

From this reading He seems to come within the category of Defoe's true-born Englishman, "whose parents were the Lord knows who," not because there should be any doubt upon the subject, but because none suspected at the time the latent importance of the bantling and the circumstances of his birth until it seemed too late to decide by demonstration or simple affirmation who was father and who the sponsors.

without question and beyond doubt

From this reading It should be counted against neither the fair fame nor the reputation of _Punch_ that the facts of his birth have never yet been definitely and honourably established.

possessive form of “defoe” — English writer remembered particularly for his novel about Robinson Crusoe (1660-1731)

From this reading He seems to come within the category of Defoe's true-born Englishman, "whose parents were the Lord knows who," not because there should be any doubt upon the subject, but because none suspected at the time the latent importance of the bantling and the circumstances of his birth until it seemed too late to decide by demonstration or simple affirmation who was father and who the sponsors.

a show or display; the act of presenting something to sight or view

From this reading He seems to come within the category of Defoe's true-born Englishman, "whose parents were the Lord knows who," not because there should be any doubt upon the subject, but because none suspected at the time the latent importance of the bantling and the circumstances of his birth until it seemed too late to decide by demonstration or simple affirmation who was father and who the sponsors.

marked by prudence or modesty and wise self-restraint

From this reading It is not that his parentage has been lost to history in a discreet and charitable silence; on the contrary, it is rather that that honour has been claimed by over-many, covetous of the distinction.

a discrimination between things as different and distinct on the basis of their characteristics or attributes

From this reading It is not that his parentage has been lost to history in a discreet and charitable silence; on the contrary, it is rather that that honour has been claimed by over-many, covetous of the distinction.

the state of being unsure of something

From this reading He seems to come within the category of Defoe's true-born Englishman, "whose parents were the Lord knows who," not because there should be any doubt upon the subject, but because none suspected at the time the latent importance of the bantling and the circumstances of his birth until it seemed too late to decide by demonstration or simple affirmation who was father and who the sponsors.

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

From this reading The Mystery of His Birth--Previous Unsuccessful Attempts at Solution--Proposal for a "London Charivari"--Ebenezer Landells and His Notion--Joseph Last Consults with Henry Mayhew--Whose Imagination is Fired--Staff Formed--Prospectus--_Punch_ is Born and Christened--The First Number.

a man who is a native or inhabitant of England

From this reading He seems to come within the category of Defoe's true-born Englishman, "whose parents were the Lord knows who," not because there should be any doubt upon the subject, but because none suspected at the time the latent importance of the bantling and the circumstances of his birth until it seemed too late to decide by demonstration or simple affirmation who was father and who the sponsors.

brought about or set up or accepted; especially long established

From this reading It should be counted against neither the fair fame nor the reputation of _Punch_ that the facts of his birth have never yet been definitely and honourably established.

plural of “fact” — a piece of information about circumstances that exist or events that have occurred

From this reading It should be counted against neither the fair fame nor the reputation of _Punch_ that the facts of his birth have never yet been definitely and honourably established.

free from favoritism or self-interest or bias or deception; conforming with established standards or rules

From this reading It should be counted against neither the fair fame nor the reputation of _Punch_ that the facts of his birth have never yet been definitely and honourably established.

the state or quality of being widely honored and acclaimed

From this reading It should be counted against neither the fair fame nor the reputation of _Punch_ that the facts of his birth have never yet been definitely and honourably established.

a male parent (also used as a term of address to your father)

From this reading He seems to come within the category of Defoe's true-born Englishman, "whose parents were the Lord knows who," not because there should be any doubt upon the subject, but because none suspected at the time the latent importance of the bantling and the circumstances of his birth until it seemed too late to decide by demonstration or simple affirmation who was father and who the sponsors.

having lost your job

From this reading The Mystery of His Birth--Previous Unsuccessful Attempts at Solution--Proposal for a "London Charivari"--Ebenezer Landells and His Notion--Joseph Last Consults with Henry Mayhew--Whose Imagination is Fired--Staff Formed--Prospectus--_Punch_ is Born and Christened--The First Number.

preceding all others in time or space or degree

From this reading The Mystery of His Birth--Previous Unsuccessful Attempts at Solution--Proposal for a "London Charivari"--Ebenezer Landells and His Notion--Joseph Last Consults with Henry Mayhew--Whose Imagination is Fired--Staff Formed--Prospectus--_Punch_ is Born and Christened--The First Number.

intended to be given to, or used by, somebody

From this reading The Mystery of His Birth--Previous Unsuccessful Attempts at Solution--Proposal for a "London Charivari"--Ebenezer Landells and His Notion--Joseph Last Consults with Henry Mayhew--Whose Imagination is Fired--Staff Formed--Prospectus--_Punch_ is Born and Christened--The First Number.

having or given a form or shape

From this reading The Mystery of His Birth--Previous Unsuccessful Attempts at Solution--Proposal for a "London Charivari"--Ebenezer Landells and His Notion--Joseph Last Consults with Henry Mayhew--Whose Imagination is Fired--Staff Formed--Prospectus--_Punch_ is Born and Christened--The First Number.

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

From this reading It is not that his parentage has been lost to history in a discreet and charitable silence; on the contrary, it is rather that that honour has been claimed by over-many, covetous of the distinction.

used with a past participle to form the perfect tenses

From this reading It should be counted against neither the fair fame nor the reputation of _Punch_ that the facts of his birth have never yet been definitely and honourably established.

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

From this reading He seems to come within the category of Defoe's true-born Englishman, "whose parents were the Lord knows who," not because there should be any doubt upon the subject, but because none suspected at the time the latent importance of the bantling and the circumstances of his birth until it seemed too late to decide by demonstration or simple affirmation who was father and who the sponsors.

a unit of inductance in which an induced electromotive force of one volt is produced when the current is varied at the rate of one ampere per second

From this reading The Mystery of His Birth--Previous Unsuccessful Attempts at Solution--Proposal for a "London Charivari"--Ebenezer Landells and His Notion--Joseph Last Consults with Henry Mayhew--Whose Imagination is Fired--Staff Formed--Prospectus--_Punch_ is Born and Christened--The First Number.

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

From this reading The Mystery of His Birth--Previous Unsuccessful Attempts at Solution--Proposal for a "London Charivari"--Ebenezer Landells and His Notion--Joseph Last Consults with Henry Mayhew--Whose Imagination is Fired--Staff Formed--Prospectus--_Punch_ is Born and Christened--The First Number.

the aggregate of past events

From this reading It is not that his parentage has been lost to history in a discreet and charitable silence; on the contrary, it is rather that that honour has been claimed by over-many, covetous of the distinction.

the state of being honored

From this reading It is not that his parentage has been lost to history in a discreet and charitable silence; on the contrary, it is rather that that honour has been claimed by over-many, covetous of the distinction.

with honor

From this reading It should be counted against neither the fair fame nor the reputation of _Punch_ that the facts of his birth have never yet been definitely and honourably established.

the formation of a mental image of something that is not perceived as real and is not present to the senses

From this reading The Mystery of His Birth--Previous Unsuccessful Attempts at Solution--Proposal for a "London Charivari"--Ebenezer Landells and His Notion--Joseph Last Consults with Henry Mayhew--Whose Imagination is Fired--Staff Formed--Prospectus--_Punch_ is Born and Christened--The First Number.

the quality of being important and worthy of note

From this reading He seems to come within the category of Defoe's true-born Englishman, "whose parents were the Lord knows who," not because there should be any doubt upon the subject, but because none suspected at the time the latent importance of the bantling and the circumstances of his birth until it seemed too late to decide by demonstration or simple affirmation who was father and who the sponsors.

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

From this reading It is not that his parentage has been lost to history in a discreet and charitable silence; on the contrary, it is rather that that honour has been claimed by over-many, covetous of the distinction.

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

From this reading The Mystery of His Birth--Previous Unsuccessful Attempts at Solution--Proposal for a "London Charivari"--Ebenezer Landells and His Notion--Joseph Last Consults with Henry Mayhew--Whose Imagination is Fired--Staff Formed--Prospectus--_Punch_ is Born and Christened--The First Number.

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading It should be counted against neither the fair fame nor the reputation of _Punch_ that the facts of his birth have never yet been definitely and honourably established.

leader of the Nez Perce in their retreat from United States troops (1840-1904)

From this reading The Mystery of His Birth--Previous Unsuccessful Attempts at Solution--Proposal for a "London Charivari"--Ebenezer Landells and His Notion--Joseph Last Consults with Henry Mayhew--Whose Imagination is Fired--Staff Formed--Prospectus--_Punch_ is Born and Christened--The First Number.

plural of “know” — the fact of being aware of information that is known to few people

From this reading He seems to come within the category of Defoe's true-born Englishman, "whose parents were the Lord knows who," not because there should be any doubt upon the subject, but because none suspected at the time the latent importance of the bantling and the circumstances of his birth until it seemed too late to decide by demonstration or simple affirmation who was father and who the sponsors.

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

From this reading The Mystery of His Birth--Previous Unsuccessful Attempts at Solution--Proposal for a "London Charivari"--Ebenezer Landells and His Notion--Joseph Last Consults with Henry Mayhew--Whose Imagination is Fired--Staff Formed--Prospectus--_Punch_ is Born and Christened--The First Number.

immediately past

From this reading The Mystery of His Birth--Previous Unsuccessful Attempts at Solution--Proposal for a "London Charivari"--Ebenezer Landells and His Notion--Joseph Last Consults with Henry Mayhew--Whose Imagination is Fired--Staff Formed--Prospectus--_Punch_ is Born and Christened--The First Number.

being or occurring at an advanced period of time or after a usual or expected time

From this reading He seems to come within the category of Defoe's true-born Englishman, "whose parents were the Lord knows who," not because there should be any doubt upon the subject, but because none suspected at the time the latent importance of the bantling and the circumstances of his birth until it seemed too late to decide by demonstration or simple affirmation who was father and who the sponsors.

potentially existing but not presently evident or realized

From this reading He seems to come within the category of Defoe's true-born Englishman, "whose parents were the Lord knows who," not because there should be any doubt upon the subject, but because none suspected at the time the latent importance of the bantling and the circumstances of his birth until it seemed too late to decide by demonstration or simple affirmation who was father and who the sponsors.

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

From this reading The Mystery of His Birth--Previous Unsuccessful Attempts at Solution--Proposal for a "London Charivari"--Ebenezer Landells and His Notion--Joseph Last Consults with Henry Mayhew--Whose Imagination is Fired--Staff Formed--Prospectus--_Punch_ is Born and Christened--The First Number.

terms referring to the Judeo-Christian God

From this reading He seems to come within the category of Defoe's true-born Englishman, "whose parents were the Lord knows who," not because there should be any doubt upon the subject, but because none suspected at the time the latent importance of the bantling and the circumstances of his birth until it seemed too late to decide by demonstration or simple affirmation who was father and who the sponsors.

no longer in your possession or control; unable to be found or recovered

From this reading It is not that his parentage has been lost to history in a discreet and charitable silence; on the contrary, it is rather that that honour has been claimed by over-many, covetous of the distinction.

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

From this reading The Mystery of His Birth--Previous Unsuccessful Attempts at Solution--Proposal for a "London Charivari"--Ebenezer Landells and His Notion--Joseph Last Consults with Henry Mayhew--Whose Imagination is Fired--Staff Formed--Prospectus--_Punch_ is Born and Christened--The First Number.

something that baffles understanding and cannot be explained

From this reading The Mystery of His Birth--Previous Unsuccessful Attempts at Solution--Proposal for a "London Charivari"--Ebenezer Landells and His Notion--Joseph Last Consults with Henry Mayhew--Whose Imagination is Fired--Staff Formed--Prospectus--_Punch_ is Born and Christened--The First Number.

not one and not the other of two

From this reading It should be counted against neither the fair fame nor the reputation of _Punch_ that the facts of his birth have never yet been definitely and honourably established.

not ever; at no time in the past or future

From this reading It should be counted against neither the fair fame nor the reputation of _Punch_ that the facts of his birth have never yet been definitely and honourably established.

not one, and not any

From this reading He seems to come within the category of Defoe's true-born Englishman, "whose parents were the Lord knows who," not because there should be any doubt upon the subject, but because none suspected at the time the latent importance of the bantling and the circumstances of his birth until it seemed too late to decide by demonstration or simple affirmation who was father and who the sponsors.

and not; used after a negative to add a second negative

From this reading It should be counted against neither the fair fame nor the reputation of _Punch_ that the facts of his birth have never yet been definitely and honourably established.

used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative

From this reading It is not that his parentage has been lost to history in a discreet and charitable silence; on the contrary, it is rather that that honour has been claimed by over-many, covetous of the distinction.

a vague idea in which some confidence is placed

From this reading The Mystery of His Birth--Previous Unsuccessful Attempts at Solution--Proposal for a "London Charivari"--Ebenezer Landells and His Notion--Joseph Last Consults with Henry Mayhew--Whose Imagination is Fired--Staff Formed--Prospectus--_Punch_ is Born and Christened--The First Number.

the property possessed by a sum or total or indefinite quantity of units or individuals

From this reading The Mystery of His Birth--Previous Unsuccessful Attempts at Solution--Proposal for a "London Charivari"--Ebenezer Landells and His Notion--Joseph Last Consults with Henry Mayhew--Whose Imagination is Fired--Staff Formed--Prospectus--_Punch_ is Born and Christened--The First Number.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading The Mystery of His Birth--Previous Unsuccessful Attempts at Solution--Proposal for a "London Charivari"--Ebenezer Landells and His Notion--Joseph Last Consults with Henry Mayhew--Whose Imagination is Fired--Staff Formed--Prospectus--_Punch_ is Born and Christened--The First Number.

touching and supported by a surface

From this reading It is not that his parentage has been lost to history in a discreet and charitable silence; on the contrary, it is rather that that honour has been claimed by over-many, covetous of the distinction.

used to join alternatives or possibilities

From this reading He seems to come within the category of Defoe's true-born Englishman, "whose parents were the Lord knows who," not because there should be any doubt upon the subject, but because none suspected at the time the latent importance of the bantling and the circumstances of his birth until it seemed too late to decide by demonstration or simple affirmation who was father and who the sponsors.

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

From this reading It is not that his parentage has been lost to history in a discreet and charitable silence; on the contrary, it is rather that that honour has been claimed by over-many, covetous of the distinction.

the state of being a parent

From this reading _PUNCH'S_ BIRTH AND PARENTAGE.

plural of “parent” — a father or mother; one who begets or one who gives birth to or nurtures and raises a child; a relative who plays the role of guardian

From this reading He seems to come within the category of Defoe's true-born Englishman, "whose parents were the Lord knows who," not because there should be any doubt upon the subject, but because none suspected at the time the latent importance of the bantling and the circumstances of his birth until it seemed too late to decide by demonstration or simple affirmation who was father and who the sponsors.

just preceding something else in time or order

From this reading The Mystery of His Birth--Previous Unsuccessful Attempts at Solution--Proposal for a "London Charivari"--Ebenezer Landells and His Notion--Joseph Last Consults with Henry Mayhew--Whose Imagination is Fired--Staff Formed--Prospectus--_Punch_ is Born and Christened--The First Number.

something proposed (such as a plan or assumption)

From this reading The Mystery of His Birth--Previous Unsuccessful Attempts at Solution--Proposal for a "London Charivari"--Ebenezer Landells and His Notion--Joseph Last Consults with Henry Mayhew--Whose Imagination is Fired--Staff Formed--Prospectus--_Punch_ is Born and Christened--The First Number.

a formal written offer to sell securities (filed with the SEC) that sets forth a plan for a (proposed) business enterprise

From this reading The Mystery of His Birth--Previous Unsuccessful Attempts at Solution--Proposal for a "London Charivari"--Ebenezer Landells and His Notion--Joseph Last Consults with Henry Mayhew--Whose Imagination is Fired--Staff Formed--Prospectus--_Punch_ is Born and Christened--The First Number.

deliver a quick blow to

From this reading The Mystery of His Birth--Previous Unsuccessful Attempts at Solution--Proposal for a "London Charivari"--Ebenezer Landells and His Notion--Joseph Last Consults with Henry Mayhew--Whose Imagination is Fired--Staff Formed--Prospectus--_Punch_ is Born and Christened--The First Number.

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

From this reading _PUNCH'S_ BIRTH AND PARENTAGE.

on the contrary

From this reading It is not that his parentage has been lost to history in a discreet and charitable silence; on the contrary, it is rather that that honour has been claimed by over-many, covetous of the distinction.

the state of being held in high esteem and honor

From this reading It should be counted against neither the fair fame nor the reputation of _Punch_ that the facts of his birth have never yet been definitely and honourably established.

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

From this reading He seems to come within the category of Defoe's true-born Englishman, "whose parents were the Lord knows who," not because there should be any doubt upon the subject, but because none suspected at the time the latent importance of the bantling and the circumstances of his birth until it seemed too late to decide by demonstration or simple affirmation who was father and who the sponsors.

third-person singular of “seem” — give a certain impression or have a certain outward aspect

From this reading He seems to come within the category of Defoe's true-born Englishman, "whose parents were the Lord knows who," not because there should be any doubt upon the subject, but because none suspected at the time the latent importance of the bantling and the circumstances of his birth until it seemed too late to decide by demonstration or simple affirmation who was father and who the sponsors.

used to say what is right, expected, or advisable

From this reading It should be counted against neither the fair fame nor the reputation of _Punch_ that the facts of his birth have never yet been definitely and honourably established.

Complete absence of sound; a state of quietness and stillness.

From this reading It is not that his parentage has been lost to history in a discreet and charitable silence; on the contrary, it is rather that that honour has been claimed by over-many, covetous of the distinction.

having few parts; not complex or complicated or involved

From this reading He seems to come within the category of Defoe's true-born Englishman, "whose parents were the Lord knows who," not because there should be any doubt upon the subject, but because none suspected at the time the latent importance of the bantling and the circumstances of his birth until it seemed too late to decide by demonstration or simple affirmation who was father and who the sponsors.

a homogeneous mixture of two or more substances; frequently (but not necessarily) a liquid solution

From this reading The Mystery of His Birth--Previous Unsuccessful Attempts at Solution--Proposal for a "London Charivari"--Ebenezer Landells and His Notion--Joseph Last Consults with Henry Mayhew--Whose Imagination is Fired--Staff Formed--Prospectus--_Punch_ is Born and Christened--The First Number.

plural of “sponsor” — someone who supports or champions something

From this reading He seems to come within the category of Defoe's true-born Englishman, "whose parents were the Lord knows who," not because there should be any doubt upon the subject, but because none suspected at the time the latent importance of the bantling and the circumstances of his birth until it seemed too late to decide by demonstration or simple affirmation who was father and who the sponsors.

personnel who assist their superior in carrying out an assigned task

From this reading The Mystery of His Birth--Previous Unsuccessful Attempts at Solution--Proposal for a "London Charivari"--Ebenezer Landells and His Notion--Joseph Last Consults with Henry Mayhew--Whose Imagination is Fired--Staff Formed--Prospectus--_Punch_ is Born and Christened--The First Number.

the subject matter of a conversation or discussion

From this reading He seems to come within the category of Defoe's true-born Englishman, "whose parents were the Lord knows who," not because there should be any doubt upon the subject, but because none suspected at the time the latent importance of the bantling and the circumstances of his birth until it seemed too late to decide by demonstration or simple affirmation who was father and who the sponsors.

believed likely

From this reading He seems to come within the category of Defoe's true-born Englishman, "whose parents were the Lord knows who," not because there should be any doubt upon the subject, but because none suspected at the time the latent importance of the bantling and the circumstances of his birth until it seemed too late to decide by demonstration or simple affirmation who was father and who the sponsors.

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading It should be counted against neither the fair fame nor the reputation of _Punch_ that the facts of his birth have never yet been definitely and honourably established.

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

From this reading The Mystery of His Birth--Previous Unsuccessful Attempts at Solution--Proposal for a "London Charivari"--Ebenezer Landells and His Notion--Joseph Last Consults with Henry Mayhew--Whose Imagination is Fired--Staff Formed--Prospectus--_Punch_ is Born and Christened--The First Number.

in or at that place or location

From this reading He seems to come within the category of Defoe's true-born Englishman, "whose parents were the Lord knows who," not because there should be any doubt upon the subject, but because none suspected at the time the latent importance of the bantling and the circumstances of his birth until it seemed too late to decide by demonstration or simple affirmation who was father and who the sponsors.

an instance or single occasion for some event

From this reading He seems to come within the category of Defoe's true-born Englishman, "whose parents were the Lord knows who," not because there should be any doubt upon the subject, but because none suspected at the time the latent importance of the bantling and the circumstances of his birth until it seemed too late to decide by demonstration or simple affirmation who was father and who the sponsors.

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

From this reading It is not that his parentage has been lost to history in a discreet and charitable silence; on the contrary, it is rather that that honour has been claimed by over-many, covetous of the distinction.

to a degree exceeding normal or proper limits

From this reading He seems to come within the category of Defoe's true-born Englishman, "whose parents were the Lord knows who," not because there should be any doubt upon the subject, but because none suspected at the time the latent importance of the bantling and the circumstances of his birth until it seemed too late to decide by demonstration or simple affirmation who was father and who the sponsors.

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

From this reading He seems to come within the category of Defoe's true-born Englishman, "whose parents were the Lord knows who," not because there should be any doubt upon the subject, but because none suspected at the time the latent importance of the bantling and the circumstances of his birth until it seemed too late to decide by demonstration or simple affirmation who was father and who the sponsors.

not successful; having failed or having an unfavorable outcome

From this reading The Mystery of His Birth--Previous Unsuccessful Attempts at Solution--Proposal for a "London Charivari"--Ebenezer Landells and His Notion--Joseph Last Consults with Henry Mayhew--Whose Imagination is Fired--Staff Formed--Prospectus--_Punch_ is Born and Christened--The First Number.

up to a particular time

From this reading He seems to come within the category of Defoe's true-born Englishman, "whose parents were the Lord knows who," not because there should be any doubt upon the subject, but because none suspected at the time the latent importance of the bantling and the circumstances of his birth until it seemed too late to decide by demonstration or simple affirmation who was father and who the sponsors.

a formal word for “on”

From this reading He seems to come within the category of Defoe's true-born Englishman, "whose parents were the Lord knows who," not because there should be any doubt upon the subject, but because none suspected at the time the latent importance of the bantling and the circumstances of his birth until it seemed too late to decide by demonstration or simple affirmation who was father and who the sponsors.

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

From this reading He seems to come within the category of Defoe's true-born Englishman, "whose parents were the Lord knows who," not because there should be any doubt upon the subject, but because none suspected at the time the latent importance of the bantling and the circumstances of his birth until it seemed too late to decide by demonstration or simple affirmation who was father and who the sponsors.

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

From this reading He seems to come within the category of Defoe's true-born Englishman, "whose parents were the Lord knows who," not because there should be any doubt upon the subject, but because none suspected at the time the latent importance of the bantling and the circumstances of his birth until it seemed too late to decide by demonstration or simple affirmation who was father and who the sponsors.

which person or people

From this reading He seems to come within the category of Defoe's true-born Englishman, "whose parents were the Lord knows who," not because there should be any doubt upon the subject, but because none suspected at the time the latent importance of the bantling and the circumstances of his birth until it seemed too late to decide by demonstration or simple affirmation who was father and who the sponsors.

belonging to which person

From this reading The Mystery of His Birth--Previous Unsuccessful Attempts at Solution--Proposal for a "London Charivari"--Ebenezer Landells and His Notion--Joseph Last Consults with Henry Mayhew--Whose Imagination is Fired--Staff Formed--Prospectus--_Punch_ is Born and Christened--The First Number.

in the company of; together with

From this reading The Mystery of His Birth--Previous Unsuccessful Attempts at Solution--Proposal for a "London Charivari"--Ebenezer Landells and His Notion--Joseph Last Consults with Henry Mayhew--Whose Imagination is Fired--Staff Formed--Prospectus--_Punch_ is Born and Christened--The First Number.

inside; before a period of time has passed

From this reading He seems to come within the category of Defoe's true-born Englishman, "whose parents were the Lord knows who," not because there should be any doubt upon the subject, but because none suspected at the time the latent importance of the bantling and the circumstances of his birth until it seemed too late to decide by demonstration or simple affirmation who was father and who the sponsors.

but in spite of that

From this reading It should be counted against neither the fair fame nor the reputation of _Punch_ that the facts of his birth have never yet been definitely and honourably established.