Chapter XIV

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

From this reading It is a small but cheerful sitting-room, or parlour, in the house of a comfortable citizen of the town of Morseiul.

plural of “acquaintance” — personal knowledge or information about someone or something

From this reading NEW ACQUAINTANCES.

a member of a municipal legislative body (as a city council)

From this reading The corner cupboard which protruded its round stomach into the room, like that of some fat alderman of the olden time, was ornamented with a variety of little gewgaws, and nick-nacks of silver, displayed in quaint array upon the shelves; and, besides several brass lamps and sconces wonderfully well polished, which were never lighted, were a number of articles of porcelain, of a kind which was then somewhat rare, and is now nearly invaluable.

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

From this reading We will now lead the reader into another and very different scene from any of those into which we have as yet conducted him.

one more of the same kind, or a different one

From this reading We will now lead the reader into another and very different scene from any of those into which we have as yet conducted him.

one or some or every or all without specification

From this reading We will now lead the reader into another and very different scene from any of those into which we have as yet conducted him.

an orderly arrangement

From this reading The corner cupboard which protruded its round stomach into the room, like that of some fat alderman of the olden time, was ornamented with a variety of little gewgaws, and nick-nacks of silver, displayed in quaint array upon the shelves; and, besides several brass lamps and sconces wonderfully well polished, which were never lighted, were a number of articles of porcelain, of a kind which was then somewhat rare, and is now nearly invaluable.

plural of “article” — nonfictional prose forming an independent part of a publication

From this reading The corner cupboard which protruded its round stomach into the room, like that of some fat alderman of the olden time, was ornamented with a variety of little gewgaws, and nick-nacks of silver, displayed in quaint array upon the shelves; and, besides several brass lamps and sconces wonderfully well polished, which were never lighted, were a number of articles of porcelain, of a kind which was then somewhat rare, and is now nearly invaluable.

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

From this reading We will now lead the reader into another and very different scene from any of those into which we have as yet conducted him.

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

From this reading There was every thing that could be required for comfort, and a little for show.

in addition to; as well as

From this reading The corner cupboard which protruded its round stomach into the room, like that of some fat alderman of the olden time, was ornamented with a variety of little gewgaws, and nick-nacks of silver, displayed in quaint array upon the shelves; and, besides several brass lamps and sconces wonderfully well polished, which were never lighted, were a number of articles of porcelain, of a kind which was then somewhat rare, and is now nearly invaluable.

an alloy of copper and zinc

From this reading The corner cupboard which protruded its round stomach into the room, like that of some fat alderman of the olden time, was ornamented with a variety of little gewgaws, and nick-nacks of silver, displayed in quaint array upon the shelves; and, besides several brass lamps and sconces wonderfully well polished, which were never lighted, were a number of articles of porcelain, of a kind which was then somewhat rare, and is now nearly invaluable.

used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before

From this reading It is a small but cheerful sitting-room, or parlour, in the house of a comfortable citizen of the town of Morseiul.

being full of or promoting cheer; having or showing good spirits

From this reading It is a small but cheerful sitting-room, or parlour, in the house of a comfortable citizen of the town of Morseiul.

a native or naturalized member of a state or other political community

From this reading It is a small but cheerful sitting-room, or parlour, in the house of a comfortable citizen of the town of Morseiul.

a state of being relaxed and feeling no pain

From this reading There was every thing that could be required for comfort, and a little for show.

providing or experiencing physical well-being or relief (“comfy” is informal)

From this reading It is a small but cheerful sitting-room, or parlour, in the house of a comfortable citizen of the town of Morseiul.

past form of “conduct” — direct the course of; manage or control

From this reading We will now lead the reader into another and very different scene from any of those into which we have as yet conducted him.

a place off to the side of an area

From this reading The corner cupboard which protruded its round stomach into the room, like that of some fat alderman of the olden time, was ornamented with a variety of little gewgaws, and nick-nacks of silver, displayed in quaint array upon the shelves; and, besides several brass lamps and sconces wonderfully well polished, which were never lighted, were a number of articles of porcelain, of a kind which was then somewhat rare, and is now nearly invaluable.

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

From this reading There was every thing that could be required for comfort, and a little for show.

a small room (or recess) or cabinet used for storage space

From this reading The corner cupboard which protruded its round stomach into the room, like that of some fat alderman of the olden time, was ornamented with a variety of little gewgaws, and nick-nacks of silver, displayed in quaint array upon the shelves; and, besides several brass lamps and sconces wonderfully well polished, which were never lighted, were a number of articles of porcelain, of a kind which was then somewhat rare, and is now nearly invaluable.

unlike in nature or quality or form or degree

From this reading We will now lead the reader into another and very different scene from any of those into which we have as yet conducted him.

past form of “display” — to show, make visible or apparent

From this reading The corner cupboard which protruded its round stomach into the room, like that of some fat alderman of the olden time, was ornamented with a variety of little gewgaws, and nick-nacks of silver, displayed in quaint array upon the shelves; and, besides several brass lamps and sconces wonderfully well polished, which were never lighted, were a number of articles of porcelain, of a kind which was then somewhat rare, and is now nearly invaluable.

all the members of a group, with none left out

From this reading There was every thing that could be required for comfort, and a little for show.

having an (over)abundance of flesh

From this reading The corner cupboard which protruded its round stomach into the room, like that of some fat alderman of the olden time, was ornamented with a variety of little gewgaws, and nick-nacks of silver, displayed in quaint array upon the shelves; and, besides several brass lamps and sconces wonderfully well polished, which were never lighted, were a number of articles of porcelain, of a kind which was then somewhat rare, and is now nearly invaluable.

intended to be given to, or used by, somebody

From this reading There was every thing that could be required for comfort, and a little for show.

showing where something starts, or who sent it

From this reading We will now lead the reader into another and very different scene from any of those into which we have as yet conducted him.

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

From this reading The corner cupboard which protruded its round stomach into the room, like that of some fat alderman of the olden time, was ornamented with a variety of little gewgaws, and nick-nacks of silver, displayed in quaint array upon the shelves; and, besides several brass lamps and sconces wonderfully well polished, which were never lighted, were a number of articles of porcelain, of a kind which was then somewhat rare, and is now nearly invaluable.

used with a past participle to form the perfect tenses

From this reading We will now lead the reader into another and very different scene from any of those into which we have as yet conducted him.

the male already mentioned, as the object of a verb or preposition

From this reading We will now lead the reader into another and very different scene from any of those into which we have as yet conducted him.

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

From this reading It is a small but cheerful sitting-room, or parlour, in the house of a comfortable citizen of the town of Morseiul.

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

From this reading It is a small but cheerful sitting-room, or parlour, in the house of a comfortable citizen of the town of Morseiul.

moving to the inside of something

From this reading We will now lead the reader into another and very different scene from any of those into which we have as yet conducted him.

having incalculable monetary, intellectual, or spiritual worth

From this reading The corner cupboard which protruded its round stomach into the room, like that of some fat alderman of the olden time, was ornamented with a variety of little gewgaws, and nick-nacks of silver, displayed in quaint array upon the shelves; and, besides several brass lamps and sconces wonderfully well polished, which were never lighted, were a number of articles of porcelain, of a kind which was then somewhat rare, and is now nearly invaluable.

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

From this reading It is a small but cheerful sitting-room, or parlour, in the house of a comfortable citizen of the town of Morseiul.

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading It is a small but cheerful sitting-room, or parlour, in the house of a comfortable citizen of the town of Morseiul.

belonging to the thing or animal already mentioned

From this reading The corner cupboard which protruded its round stomach into the room, like that of some fat alderman of the olden time, was ornamented with a variety of little gewgaws, and nick-nacks of silver, displayed in quaint array upon the shelves; and, besides several brass lamps and sconces wonderfully well polished, which were never lighted, were a number of articles of porcelain, of a kind which was then somewhat rare, and is now nearly invaluable.

having or showing a tender and considerate and helpful nature; used especially of persons and their behavior

From this reading The corner cupboard which protruded its round stomach into the room, like that of some fat alderman of the olden time, was ornamented with a variety of little gewgaws, and nick-nacks of silver, displayed in quaint array upon the shelves; and, besides several brass lamps and sconces wonderfully well polished, which were never lighted, were a number of articles of porcelain, of a kind which was then somewhat rare, and is now nearly invaluable.

plural of “lamp” — an artificial source of visible illumination

From this reading The corner cupboard which protruded its round stomach into the room, like that of some fat alderman of the olden time, was ornamented with a variety of little gewgaws, and nick-nacks of silver, displayed in quaint array upon the shelves; and, besides several brass lamps and sconces wonderfully well polished, which were never lighted, were a number of articles of porcelain, of a kind which was then somewhat rare, and is now nearly invaluable.

take somebody somewhere

From this reading We will now lead the reader into another and very different scene from any of those into which we have as yet conducted him.

set afire or burning

From this reading The corner cupboard which protruded its round stomach into the room, like that of some fat alderman of the olden time, was ornamented with a variety of little gewgaws, and nick-nacks of silver, displayed in quaint array upon the shelves; and, besides several brass lamps and sconces wonderfully well polished, which were never lighted, were a number of articles of porcelain, of a kind which was then somewhat rare, and is now nearly invaluable.

prefer or wish to do something

From this reading The corner cupboard which protruded its round stomach into the room, like that of some fat alderman of the olden time, was ornamented with a variety of little gewgaws, and nick-nacks of silver, displayed in quaint array upon the shelves; and, besides several brass lamps and sconces wonderfully well polished, which were never lighted, were a number of articles of porcelain, of a kind which was then somewhat rare, and is now nearly invaluable.

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

From this reading There was every thing that could be required for comfort, and a little for show.

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

From this reading It is a small but cheerful sitting-room, or parlour, in the house of a comfortable citizen of the town of Morseiul.

(of actions or states) slightly short of or not quite accomplished; all but

From this reading The corner cupboard which protruded its round stomach into the room, like that of some fat alderman of the olden time, was ornamented with a variety of little gewgaws, and nick-nacks of silver, displayed in quaint array upon the shelves; and, besides several brass lamps and sconces wonderfully well polished, which were never lighted, were a number of articles of porcelain, of a kind which was then somewhat rare, and is now nearly invaluable.

not ever; at no time in the past or future

From this reading The corner cupboard which protruded its round stomach into the room, like that of some fat alderman of the olden time, was ornamented with a variety of little gewgaws, and nick-nacks of silver, displayed in quaint array upon the shelves; and, besides several brass lamps and sconces wonderfully well polished, which were never lighted, were a number of articles of porcelain, of a kind which was then somewhat rare, and is now nearly invaluable.

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

From this reading NEW ACQUAINTANCES.

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

From this reading The corner cupboard which protruded its round stomach into the room, like that of some fat alderman of the olden time, was ornamented with a variety of little gewgaws, and nick-nacks of silver, displayed in quaint array upon the shelves; and, besides several brass lamps and sconces wonderfully well polished, which were never lighted, were a number of articles of porcelain, of a kind which was then somewhat rare, and is now nearly invaluable.

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

From this reading We will now lead the reader into another and very different scene from any of those into which we have as yet conducted him.

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

From this reading The corner cupboard which protruded its round stomach into the room, like that of some fat alderman of the olden time, was ornamented with a variety of little gewgaws, and nick-nacks of silver, displayed in quaint array upon the shelves; and, besides several brass lamps and sconces wonderfully well polished, which were never lighted, were a number of articles of porcelain, of a kind which was then somewhat rare, and is now nearly invaluable.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading We will now lead the reader into another and very different scene from any of those into which we have as yet conducted him.

relating to time long past

From this reading The corner cupboard which protruded its round stomach into the room, like that of some fat alderman of the olden time, was ornamented with a variety of little gewgaws, and nick-nacks of silver, displayed in quaint array upon the shelves; and, besides several brass lamps and sconces wonderfully well polished, which were never lighted, were a number of articles of porcelain, of a kind which was then somewhat rare, and is now nearly invaluable.

used to join alternatives or possibilities

From this reading It is a small but cheerful sitting-room, or parlour, in the house of a comfortable citizen of the town of Morseiul.

past form of “ornament” — make more attractive by adding ornament, colour, etc.

From this reading The corner cupboard which protruded its round stomach into the room, like that of some fat alderman of the olden time, was ornamented with a variety of little gewgaws, and nick-nacks of silver, displayed in quaint array upon the shelves; and, besides several brass lamps and sconces wonderfully well polished, which were never lighted, were a number of articles of porcelain, of a kind which was then somewhat rare, and is now nearly invaluable.

reception room in an inn or club where visitors can be received

From this reading It is a small but cheerful sitting-room, or parlour, in the house of a comfortable citizen of the town of Morseiul.

perfected or made shiny and smooth

From this reading The corner cupboard which protruded its round stomach into the room, like that of some fat alderman of the olden time, was ornamented with a variety of little gewgaws, and nick-nacks of silver, displayed in quaint array upon the shelves; and, besides several brass lamps and sconces wonderfully well polished, which were never lighted, were a number of articles of porcelain, of a kind which was then somewhat rare, and is now nearly invaluable.

ceramic ware made of a more or less translucent ceramic

From this reading The corner cupboard which protruded its round stomach into the room, like that of some fat alderman of the olden time, was ornamented with a variety of little gewgaws, and nick-nacks of silver, displayed in quaint array upon the shelves; and, besides several brass lamps and sconces wonderfully well polished, which were never lighted, were a number of articles of porcelain, of a kind which was then somewhat rare, and is now nearly invaluable.

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

From this reading The corner cupboard which protruded its round stomach into the room, like that of some fat alderman of the olden time, was ornamented with a variety of little gewgaws, and nick-nacks of silver, displayed in quaint array upon the shelves; and, besides several brass lamps and sconces wonderfully well polished, which were never lighted, were a number of articles of porcelain, of a kind which was then somewhat rare, and is now nearly invaluable.

strange in an interesting or pleasing way

From this reading The corner cupboard which protruded its round stomach into the room, like that of some fat alderman of the olden time, was ornamented with a variety of little gewgaws, and nick-nacks of silver, displayed in quaint array upon the shelves; and, besides several brass lamps and sconces wonderfully well polished, which were never lighted, were a number of articles of porcelain, of a kind which was then somewhat rare, and is now nearly invaluable.

not widely known; especially valued for its uncommonness

From this reading The corner cupboard which protruded its round stomach into the room, like that of some fat alderman of the olden time, was ornamented with a variety of little gewgaws, and nick-nacks of silver, displayed in quaint array upon the shelves; and, besides several brass lamps and sconces wonderfully well polished, which were never lighted, were a number of articles of porcelain, of a kind which was then somewhat rare, and is now nearly invaluable.

a person who enjoys reading

From this reading We will now lead the reader into another and very different scene from any of those into which we have as yet conducted him.

necessary for relief or supply

From this reading There was every thing that could be required for comfort, and a little for show.

an area within a building enclosed by walls and floor and ceiling

From this reading The corner cupboard which protruded its round stomach into the room, like that of some fat alderman of the olden time, was ornamented with a variety of little gewgaws, and nick-nacks of silver, displayed in quaint array upon the shelves; and, besides several brass lamps and sconces wonderfully well polished, which were never lighted, were a number of articles of porcelain, of a kind which was then somewhat rare, and is now nearly invaluable.

a charge of ammunition for a single shot

From this reading The corner cupboard which protruded its round stomach into the room, like that of some fat alderman of the olden time, was ornamented with a variety of little gewgaws, and nick-nacks of silver, displayed in quaint array upon the shelves; and, besides several brass lamps and sconces wonderfully well polished, which were never lighted, were a number of articles of porcelain, of a kind which was then somewhat rare, and is now nearly invaluable.

the place where some action occurs

From this reading We will now lead the reader into another and very different scene from any of those into which we have as yet conducted him.

plural of “sconce” — a shelter or screen providing protection from enemy fire or from the weather

From this reading The corner cupboard which protruded its round stomach into the room, like that of some fat alderman of the olden time, was ornamented with a variety of little gewgaws, and nick-nacks of silver, displayed in quaint array upon the shelves; and, besides several brass lamps and sconces wonderfully well polished, which were never lighted, were a number of articles of porcelain, of a kind which was then somewhat rare, and is now nearly invaluable.

(used with count nouns) of an indefinite number more than 2 or 3 but not many

From this reading The corner cupboard which protruded its round stomach into the room, like that of some fat alderman of the olden time, was ornamented with a variety of little gewgaws, and nick-nacks of silver, displayed in quaint array upon the shelves; and, besides several brass lamps and sconces wonderfully well polished, which were never lighted, were a number of articles of porcelain, of a kind which was then somewhat rare, and is now nearly invaluable.

Plural of shelf; the vast wooden or stone structures holding archives.

From this reading The corner cupboard which protruded its round stomach into the room, like that of some fat alderman of the olden time, was ornamented with a variety of little gewgaws, and nick-nacks of silver, displayed in quaint array upon the shelves; and, besides several brass lamps and sconces wonderfully well polished, which were never lighted, were a number of articles of porcelain, of a kind which was then somewhat rare, and is now nearly invaluable.

give an exhibition of to an interested audience

From this reading There was every thing that could be required for comfort, and a little for show.

a soft white precious univalent metallic element having the highest electrical and thermal conductivity of any metal; occurs in argentite and in free form; used in coins and jewelry and tableware and photography

From this reading The corner cupboard which protruded its round stomach into the room, like that of some fat alderman of the olden time, was ornamented with a variety of little gewgaws, and nick-nacks of silver, displayed in quaint array upon the shelves; and, besides several brass lamps and sconces wonderfully well polished, which were never lighted, were a number of articles of porcelain, of a kind which was then somewhat rare, and is now nearly invaluable.

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

From this reading It is a small but cheerful sitting-room, or parlour, in the house of a comfortable citizen of the town of Morseiul.

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

From this reading It is a small but cheerful sitting-room, or parlour, in the house of a comfortable citizen of the town of Morseiul.

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

From this reading The corner cupboard which protruded its round stomach into the room, like that of some fat alderman of the olden time, was ornamented with a variety of little gewgaws, and nick-nacks of silver, displayed in quaint array upon the shelves; and, besides several brass lamps and sconces wonderfully well polished, which were never lighted, were a number of articles of porcelain, of a kind which was then somewhat rare, and is now nearly invaluable.

to a small degree or extent

From this reading The corner cupboard which protruded its round stomach into the room, like that of some fat alderman of the olden time, was ornamented with a variety of little gewgaws, and nick-nacks of silver, displayed in quaint array upon the shelves; and, besides several brass lamps and sconces wonderfully well polished, which were never lighted, were a number of articles of porcelain, of a kind which was then somewhat rare, and is now nearly invaluable.

an enlarged and muscular saclike organ of the alimentary canal; the principal organ of digestion

From this reading The corner cupboard which protruded its round stomach into the room, like that of some fat alderman of the olden time, was ornamented with a variety of little gewgaws, and nick-nacks of silver, displayed in quaint array upon the shelves; and, besides several brass lamps and sconces wonderfully well polished, which were never lighted, were a number of articles of porcelain, of a kind which was then somewhat rare, and is now nearly invaluable.

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading There was every thing that could be required for comfort, and a little for show.

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

From this reading We will now lead the reader into another and very different scene from any of those into which we have as yet conducted him.

subsequently or soon afterward (often used as sentence connectors)

From this reading The corner cupboard which protruded its round stomach into the room, like that of some fat alderman of the olden time, was ornamented with a variety of little gewgaws, and nick-nacks of silver, displayed in quaint array upon the shelves; and, besides several brass lamps and sconces wonderfully well polished, which were never lighted, were a number of articles of porcelain, of a kind which was then somewhat rare, and is now nearly invaluable.

in or at that place or location

From this reading There was every thing that could be required for comfort, and a little for show.

a special situation

From this reading There was every thing that could be required for comfort, and a little for show.

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

From this reading We will now lead the reader into another and very different scene from any of those into which we have as yet conducted him.

an instance or single occasion for some event

From this reading The corner cupboard which protruded its round stomach into the room, like that of some fat alderman of the olden time, was ornamented with a variety of little gewgaws, and nick-nacks of silver, displayed in quaint array upon the shelves; and, besides several brass lamps and sconces wonderfully well polished, which were never lighted, were a number of articles of porcelain, of a kind which was then somewhat rare, and is now nearly invaluable.

an urban area with a fixed boundary that is smaller than a city

From this reading It is a small but cheerful sitting-room, or parlour, in the house of a comfortable citizen of the town of Morseiul.

a formal word for “on”

From this reading The corner cupboard which protruded its round stomach into the room, like that of some fat alderman of the olden time, was ornamented with a variety of little gewgaws, and nick-nacks of silver, displayed in quaint array upon the shelves; and, besides several brass lamps and sconces wonderfully well polished, which were never lighted, were a number of articles of porcelain, of a kind which was then somewhat rare, and is now nearly invaluable.

a collection containing a variety of sorts of things

From this reading The corner cupboard which protruded its round stomach into the room, like that of some fat alderman of the olden time, was ornamented with a variety of little gewgaws, and nick-nacks of silver, displayed in quaint array upon the shelves; and, besides several brass lamps and sconces wonderfully well polished, which were never lighted, were a number of articles of porcelain, of a kind which was then somewhat rare, and is now nearly invaluable.

precisely as stated

From this reading We will now lead the reader into another and very different scene from any of those into which we have as yet conducted him.

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

From this reading There was every thing that could be required for comfort, and a little for show.

the speaker together with one or more other people

From this reading We will now lead the reader into another and very different scene from any of those into which we have as yet conducted him.

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

From this reading The corner cupboard which protruded its round stomach into the room, like that of some fat alderman of the olden time, was ornamented with a variety of little gewgaws, and nick-nacks of silver, displayed in quaint array upon the shelves; and, besides several brass lamps and sconces wonderfully well polished, which were never lighted, were a number of articles of porcelain, of a kind which was then somewhat rare, and is now nearly invaluable.

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

From this reading The corner cupboard which protruded its round stomach into the room, like that of some fat alderman of the olden time, was ornamented with a variety of little gewgaws, and nick-nacks of silver, displayed in quaint array upon the shelves; and, besides several brass lamps and sconces wonderfully well polished, which were never lighted, were a number of articles of porcelain, of a kind which was then somewhat rare, and is now nearly invaluable.

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

From this reading We will now lead the reader into another and very different scene from any of those into which we have as yet conducted him.

used to talk about the future, or about willingness

From this reading We will now lead the reader into another and very different scene from any of those into which we have as yet conducted him.

in the company of; together with

From this reading The corner cupboard which protruded its round stomach into the room, like that of some fat alderman of the olden time, was ornamented with a variety of little gewgaws, and nick-nacks of silver, displayed in quaint array upon the shelves; and, besides several brass lamps and sconces wonderfully well polished, which were never lighted, were a number of articles of porcelain, of a kind which was then somewhat rare, and is now nearly invaluable.

(used as an intensifier) extremely well

From this reading The corner cupboard which protruded its round stomach into the room, like that of some fat alderman of the olden time, was ornamented with a variety of little gewgaws, and nick-nacks of silver, displayed in quaint array upon the shelves; and, besides several brass lamps and sconces wonderfully well polished, which were never lighted, were a number of articles of porcelain, of a kind which was then somewhat rare, and is now nearly invaluable.

but in spite of that

From this reading We will now lead the reader into another and very different scene from any of those into which we have as yet conducted him.