used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading He realised that it would be unwise to create a disturbance in the house by clamouring for freedom, because, in the first place, there already had been scandal enough, and in the second place, his distrustful bondsmen had promised faithfully to seek out the devoted Connie and apprise her of his release.
addlepatedadjective
stupid and confused
From this reading Not only was he direfully cursing the trio, but also the addlepated Medcroft and his own addlepated self.
(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 It is to be feared that he had harsh thoughts of all the Medcrofts, as far down as Raggles.
prior to a specified or implied time
From this reading He realised that it would be unwise to create a disturbance in the house by clamouring for freedom, because, in the first place, there already had been scandal enough, and in the second place, his distrustful bondsmen had promised faithfully to seek out the devoted Connie and apprise her of his release.
in addition
From this reading Not only was he direfully cursing the trio, but also the addlepated Medcroft and his own addlepated self.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading THE PRODIGAL HUSBAND The unlucky Brock, wild with rage and chagrin, had paced his temporary prison in the top storey of the Tirol from eleven o'clock till two, bitterly cursing the fools who were keeping him in durance more vile than that from which they had generously released him.
appriseverbUS /əˈpraɪz/
inform (somebody) of something
From this reading He realised that it would be unwise to create a disturbance in the house by clamouring for freedom, because, in the first place, there already had been scandal enough, and in the second place, his distrustful bondsmen had promised faithfully to seek out the devoted Connie and apprise her of his release.
at the same time that; because; in the way that
From this reading It is to be feared that he had harsh thoughts of all the Medcrofts, as far down as Raggles.
used with a past participle to form the passive, or with -ing for continuous tenses
From this reading He realised that it would be unwise to create a disturbance in the house by clamouring for freedom, because, in the first place, there already had been scandal enough, and in the second place, his distrustful bondsmen had promised faithfully to seek out the devoted Connie and apprise her of his release.
for the reason that
From this reading He realised that it would be unwise to create a disturbance in the house by clamouring for freedom, because, in the first place, there already had been scandal enough, and in the second place, his distrustful bondsmen had promised faithfully to seek out the devoted Connie and apprise her of his release.
beenauxiliary verbUS /bɪn/
the past participle of “be”
From this reading He realised that it would be unwise to create a disturbance in the house by clamouring for freedom, because, in the first place, there already had been scandal enough, and in the second place, his distrustful bondsmen had promised faithfully to seek out the devoted Connie and apprise her of his release.
with bitterness; in a resentful manner
From this reading THE PRODIGAL HUSBAND The unlucky Brock, wild with rage and chagrin, had paced his temporary prison in the top storey of the Tirol from eleven o'clock till two, bitterly cursing the fools who were keeping him in durance more vile than that from which they had generously released him.
bondsmen
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading He realised that it would be unwise to create a disturbance in the house by clamouring for freedom, because, in the first place, there already had been scandal enough, and in the second place, his distrustful bondsmen had promised faithfully to seek out the devoted Connie and apprise her of his release.
bribenounUS /braɪb/
payment made to a person in a position of trust to corrupt his judgment
From this reading He had no thought, of course, that in the mean time she might be duped into paying a bribe to the guard.
Brock
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading THE PRODIGAL HUSBAND The unlucky Brock, wild with rage and chagrin, had paced his temporary prison in the top storey of the Tirol from eleven o'clock till two, bitterly cursing the fools who were keeping him in durance more vile than that from which they had generously released him.
used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before
From this reading Not only was he direfully cursing the trio, but also the addlepated Medcroft and his own addlepated self.
showing who or what does the action
From this reading He realised that it would be unwise to create a disturbance in the house by clamouring for freedom, because, in the first place, there already had been scandal enough, and in the second place, his distrustful bondsmen had promised faithfully to seek out the devoted Connie and apprise her of his release.
chagrinnounUS /ʃəˈɡrɪn/
strong feelings of embarrassment
From this reading THE PRODIGAL HUSBAND The unlucky Brock, wild with rage and chagrin, had paced his temporary prison in the top storey of the Tirol from eleven o'clock till two, bitterly cursing the fools who were keeping him in durance more vile than that from which they had generously released him.
clamouringnoun
loud and persistent outcry from many people
From this reading He realised that it would be unwise to create a disturbance in the house by clamouring for freedom, because, in the first place, there already had been scandal enough, and in the second place, his distrustful bondsmen had promised faithfully to seek out the devoted Connie and apprise her of his release.
Connie
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading He realised that it would be unwise to create a disturbance in the house by clamouring for freedom, because, in the first place, there already had been scandal enough, and in the second place, his distrustful bondsmen had promised faithfully to seek out the devoted Connie and apprise her of his release.
education imparted in a series of lessons or meetings
From this reading He had no thought, of course, that in the mean time she might be duped into paying a bribe to the guard.
createverbUS /kriˈeɪt/
make or cause to be or to become
From this reading He realised that it would be unwise to create a disturbance in the house by clamouring for freedom, because, in the first place, there already had been scandal enough, and in the second place, his distrustful bondsmen had promised faithfully to seek out the devoted Connie and apprise her of his release.
cursingverbUS /ˈkɜːrsɪŋ/
-ing form of “curse” — utter obscenities or profanities
From this reading THE PRODIGAL HUSBAND The unlucky Brock, wild with rage and chagrin, had paced his temporary prison in the top storey of the Tirol from eleven o'clock till two, bitterly cursing the fools who were keeping him in durance more vile than that from which they had generously released him.
zealous in devotion or affection
From this reading He realised that it would be unwise to create a disturbance in the house by clamouring for freedom, because, in the first place, there already had been scandal enough, and in the second place, his distrustful bondsmen had promised faithfully to seek out the devoted Connie and apprise her of his release.
direfullyadverb
in a direful manner
From this reading Not only was he direfully cursing the trio, but also the addlepated Medcroft and his own addlepated self.
distrustfuladjectiveUS /dɪˈstrʌstfəl/
having or showing distrust
From this reading He realised that it would be unwise to create a disturbance in the house by clamouring for freedom, because, in the first place, there already had been scandal enough, and in the second place, his distrustful bondsmen had promised faithfully to seek out the devoted Connie and apprise her of his release.
disturbancenounUS /dɪˈstɜːrbəns/
activity that is a malfunction, intrusion, or interruption
From this reading He realised that it would be unwise to create a disturbance in the house by clamouring for freedom, because, in the first place, there already had been scandal enough, and in the second place, his distrustful bondsmen had promised faithfully to seek out the devoted Connie and apprise her of his release.
being or moving lower in position or less in some value
From this reading It is to be feared that he had harsh thoughts of all the Medcrofts, as far down as Raggles.
dupedverbUS /duːpt/
past form of “dupe” — fool or hoax
From this reading He had no thought, of course, that in the mean time she might be duped into paying a bribe to the guard.
durancenoun
imprisonment (especially for a long time)
From this reading THE PRODIGAL HUSBAND The unlucky Brock, wild with rage and chagrin, had paced his temporary prison in the top storey of the Tirol from eleven o'clock till two, bitterly cursing the fools who were keeping him in durance more vile than that from which they had generously released him.
being one more than ten
From this reading THE PRODIGAL HUSBAND The unlucky Brock, wild with rage and chagrin, had paced his temporary prison in the top storey of the Tirol from eleven o'clock till two, bitterly cursing the fools who were keeping him in durance more vile than that from which they had generously released him.
an adequate quantity; a quantity that is large enough to achieve a purpose
From this reading He realised that it would be unwise to create a disturbance in the house by clamouring for freedom, because, in the first place, there already had been scandal enough, and in the second place, his distrustful bondsmen had promised faithfully to seek out the devoted Connie and apprise her of his release.
faithfullyadverbUS /ˈfeɪθfəli/
in a faithful manner
From this reading He realised that it would be unwise to create a disturbance in the house by clamouring for freedom, because, in the first place, there already had been scandal enough, and in the second place, his distrustful bondsmen had promised faithfully to seek out the devoted Connie and apprise her of his release.
to a considerable degree; very much
From this reading It is to be feared that he had harsh thoughts of all the Medcrofts, as far down as Raggles.
past form of “fear” — be afraid or feel anxious or apprehensive about a possible or probable situation or event
From this reading It is to be feared that he had harsh thoughts of all the Medcrofts, as far down as Raggles.
firstadjectiveUS /fɜːrst/
preceding all others in time or space or degree
From this reading He realised that it would be unwise to create a disturbance in the house by clamouring for freedom, because, in the first place, there already had been scandal enough, and in the second place, his distrustful bondsmen had promised faithfully to seek out the devoted Connie and apprise her of his release.
foolsnounUS /fuːlz/
plural of “fool” — a person who lacks good judgment
From this reading THE PRODIGAL HUSBAND The unlucky Brock, wild with rage and chagrin, had paced his temporary prison in the top storey of the Tirol from eleven o'clock till two, bitterly cursing the fools who were keeping him in durance more vile than that from which they had generously released him.
intended to be given to, or used by, somebody
From this reading He realised that it would be unwise to create a disturbance in the house by clamouring for freedom, because, in the first place, there already had been scandal enough, and in the second place, his distrustful bondsmen had promised faithfully to seek out the devoted Connie and apprise her of his release.
the condition of being free; the power to act or speak or think without externally imposed restraints
From this reading He realised that it would be unwise to create a disturbance in the house by clamouring for freedom, because, in the first place, there already had been scandal enough, and in the second place, his distrustful bondsmen had promised faithfully to seek out the devoted Connie and apprise her of his release.
showing where something starts, or who sent it
From this reading THE PRODIGAL HUSBAND The unlucky Brock, wild with rage and chagrin, had paced his temporary prison in the top storey of the Tirol from eleven o'clock till two, bitterly cursing the fools who were keeping him in durance more vile than that from which they had generously released him.
generouslyadverbUS /ˈdʒenərəsli/
in a generous manner
From this reading THE PRODIGAL HUSBAND The unlucky Brock, wild with rage and chagrin, had paced his temporary prison in the top storey of the Tirol from eleven o'clock till two, bitterly cursing the fools who were keeping him in durance more vile than that from which they had generously released him.
a person who keeps watch over something or someone
From this reading He had no thought, of course, that in the mean time she might be duped into paying a bribe to the guard.
hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/
the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect
From this reading THE PRODIGAL HUSBAND The unlucky Brock, wild with rage and chagrin, had paced his temporary prison in the top storey of the Tirol from eleven o'clock till two, bitterly cursing the fools who were keeping him in durance more vile than that from which they had generously released him.
harshadjectiveUS /hɑːrʃ/
unpleasantly stern
From this reading It is to be feared that he had harsh thoughts of all the Medcrofts, as far down as Raggles.
a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading He realised that it would be unwise to create a disturbance in the house by clamouring for freedom, because, in the first place, there already had been scandal enough, and in the second place, his distrustful bondsmen had promised faithfully to seek out the devoted Connie and apprise her of his release.
belonging to a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned
From this reading He realised that it would be unwise to create a disturbance in the house by clamouring for freedom, because, in the first place, there already had been scandal enough, and in the second place, his distrustful bondsmen had promised faithfully to seek out the devoted Connie and apprise her of his release.
the male already mentioned, as the object of a verb or preposition
From this reading THE PRODIGAL HUSBAND The unlucky Brock, wild with rage and chagrin, had paced his temporary prison in the top storey of the Tirol from eleven o'clock till two, bitterly cursing the fools who were keeping him in durance more vile than that from which they had generously released him.
belonging to a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned
From this reading THE PRODIGAL HUSBAND The unlucky Brock, wild with rage and chagrin, had paced his temporary prison in the top storey of the Tirol from eleven o'clock till two, bitterly cursing the fools who were keeping him in durance more vile than that from which they had generously released him.
a dwelling that serves as living quarters for one or more families
From this reading He realised that it would be unwise to create a disturbance in the house by clamouring for freedom, because, in the first place, there already had been scandal enough, and in the second place, his distrustful bondsmen had promised faithfully to seek out the devoted Connie and apprise her of his release.
a married man; a woman's partner in marriage
From this reading THE PRODIGAL HUSBAND The unlucky Brock, wild with rage and chagrin, had paced his temporary prison in the top storey of the Tirol from eleven o'clock till two, bitterly cursing the fools who were keeping him in durance more vile than that from which they had generously released him.
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading THE PRODIGAL HUSBAND The unlucky Brock, wild with rage and chagrin, had paced his temporary prison in the top storey of the Tirol from eleven o'clock till two, bitterly cursing the fools who were keeping him in durance more vile than that from which they had generously released him.
intoprepositionUS /ˈɪntuː/
moving to the inside of something
From this reading He had no thought, of course, that in the mean time she might be duped into paying a bribe to the guard.
the form of “be” used with he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading It is to be feared that he had harsh thoughts of all the Medcrofts, as far down as Raggles.
a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned
From this reading He realised that it would be unwise to create a disturbance in the house by clamouring for freedom, because, in the first place, there already had been scandal enough, and in the second place, his distrustful bondsmen had promised faithfully to seek out the devoted Connie and apprise her of his release.
conformity or harmony
From this reading THE PRODIGAL HUSBAND The unlucky Brock, wild with rage and chagrin, had paced his temporary prison in the top storey of the Tirol from eleven o'clock till two, bitterly cursing the fools who were keeping him in durance more vile than that from which they had generously released him.
mean or intend to express or convey
From this reading He had no thought, of course, that in the mean time she might be duped into paying a bribe to the guard.
Medcroft
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Not only was he direfully cursing the trio, but also the addlepated Medcroft and his own addlepated self.
Medcrofts
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading It is to be feared that he had harsh thoughts of all the Medcrofts, as far down as Raggles.
used to say something is possible but not certain
From this reading He had no thought, of course, that in the mean time she might be duped into paying a bribe to the guard.
(comparative of “much” used with mass nouns) a quantifier meaning greater in size or amount or extent or degree
From this reading THE PRODIGAL HUSBAND The unlucky Brock, wild with rage and chagrin, had paced his temporary prison in the top storey of the Tirol from eleven o'clock till two, bitterly cursing the fools who were keeping him in durance more vile than that from which they had generously released him.
not any; not one
From this reading He had no thought, of course, that in the mean time she might be duped into paying a bribe to the guard.
used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative
From this reading Not only was he direfully cursing the trio, but also the addlepated Medcroft and his own addlepated self.
o'clockadverbUS /əˈklɑːk/
according to the clock
From this reading THE PRODIGAL HUSBAND The unlucky Brock, wild with rage and chagrin, had paced his temporary prison in the top storey of the Tirol from eleven o'clock till two, bitterly cursing the fools who were keeping him in durance more vile than that from which they had generously released him.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading THE PRODIGAL HUSBAND The unlucky Brock, wild with rage and chagrin, had paced his temporary prison in the top storey of the Tirol from eleven o'clock till two, bitterly cursing the fools who were keeping him in durance more vile than that from which they had generously released him.
and nothing more
From this reading Not only was he direfully cursing the trio, but also the addlepated Medcroft and his own addlepated self.
not allowed to continue to bat or run
From this reading He realised that it would be unwise to create a disturbance in the house by clamouring for freedom, because, in the first place, there already had been scandal enough, and in the second place, his distrustful bondsmen had promised faithfully to seek out the devoted Connie and apprise her of his release.
have ownership or possession of
From this reading Not only was he direfully cursing the trio, but also the addlepated Medcroft and his own addlepated self.
pacedverbUS /peɪst/
past form of “pace” — walk with slow or fast paces
From this reading THE PRODIGAL HUSBAND The unlucky Brock, wild with rage and chagrin, had paced his temporary prison in the top storey of the Tirol from eleven o'clock till two, bitterly cursing the fools who were keeping him in durance more vile than that from which they had generously released him.
yielding a fair profit
From this reading He had no thought, of course, that in the mean time she might be duped into paying a bribe to the guard.
a point located with respect to surface features of some region
From this reading He realised that it would be unwise to create a disturbance in the house by clamouring for freedom, because, in the first place, there already had been scandal enough, and in the second place, his distrustful bondsmen had promised faithfully to seek out the devoted Connie and apprise her of his release.
a correctional institution where persons are confined while on trial or for punishment
From this reading THE PRODIGAL HUSBAND The unlucky Brock, wild with rage and chagrin, had paced his temporary prison in the top storey of the Tirol from eleven o'clock till two, bitterly cursing the fools who were keeping him in durance more vile than that from which they had generously released him.
PRODIGALnounUS /ˈprɑːdɪɡəl/
a recklessly extravagant consumer
From this reading THE PRODIGAL HUSBAND The unlucky Brock, wild with rage and chagrin, had paced his temporary prison in the top storey of the Tirol from eleven o'clock till two, bitterly cursing the fools who were keeping him in durance more vile than that from which they had generously released him.
past form of “promise” — make a promise or commitment
From this reading He realised that it would be unwise to create a disturbance in the house by clamouring for freedom, because, in the first place, there already had been scandal enough, and in the second place, his distrustful bondsmen had promised faithfully to seek out the devoted Connie and apprise her of his release.
a feeling of intense anger
From this reading THE PRODIGAL HUSBAND The unlucky Brock, wild with rage and chagrin, had paced his temporary prison in the top storey of the Tirol from eleven o'clock till two, bitterly cursing the fools who were keeping him in durance more vile than that from which they had generously released him.
Raggles
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading It is to be feared that he had harsh thoughts of all the Medcrofts, as far down as Raggles.
realisedadjectiveUS /ˈriːəlaɪzd/
successfully completed or brought to an end
From this reading He realised that it would be unwise to create a disturbance in the house by clamouring for freedom, because, in the first place, there already had been scandal enough, and in the second place, his distrustful bondsmen had promised faithfully to seek out the devoted Connie and apprise her of his release.
releaseverbUS /riˈliːs/
release, as from one's grip
From this reading He realised that it would be unwise to create a disturbance in the house by clamouring for freedom, because, in the first place, there already had been scandal enough, and in the second place, his distrustful bondsmen had promised faithfully to seek out the devoted Connie and apprise her of his release.
releasedverbUS /riˈliːst/
past form of “release” — release, as from one's grip
From this reading THE PRODIGAL HUSBAND The unlucky Brock, wild with rage and chagrin, had paced his temporary prison in the top storey of the Tirol from eleven o'clock till two, bitterly cursing the fools who were keeping him in durance more vile than that from which they had generously released him.
scandalnounUS /ˈskændəl/
disgraceful gossip about the private lives of other people
From this reading He realised that it would be unwise to create a disturbance in the house by clamouring for freedom, because, in the first place, there already had been scandal enough, and in the second place, his distrustful bondsmen had promised faithfully to seek out the devoted Connie and apprise her of his release.
1/60 of a minute; the basic unit of time adopted under the Systeme International d'Unites
From this reading He realised that it would be unwise to create a disturbance in the house by clamouring for freedom, because, in the first place, there already had been scandal enough, and in the second place, his distrustful bondsmen had promised faithfully to seek out the devoted Connie and apprise her of his release.
try to get or reach
From this reading He realised that it would be unwise to create a disturbance in the house by clamouring for freedom, because, in the first place, there already had been scandal enough, and in the second place, his distrustful bondsmen had promised faithfully to seek out the devoted Connie and apprise her of his release.
your consciousness of your own identity
From this reading Not only was he direfully cursing the trio, but also the addlepated Medcroft and his own addlepated self.
a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading He had no thought, of course, that in the mean time she might be duped into paying a bribe to the guard.
storeynounUS /ˈstɔːri/
a structure consisting of a room or set of rooms at a single position along a vertical scale
From this reading THE PRODIGAL HUSBAND The unlucky Brock, wild with rage and chagrin, had paced his temporary prison in the top storey of the Tirol from eleven o'clock till two, bitterly cursing the fools who were keeping him in durance more vile than that from which they had generously released him.
temporaryadjectiveUS /ˈtempəreri/
not permanent; not lasting
From this reading THE PRODIGAL HUSBAND The unlucky Brock, wild with rage and chagrin, had paced his temporary prison in the top storey of the Tirol from eleven o'clock till two, bitterly cursing the fools who were keeping him in durance more vile than that from which they had generously released him.
used to introduce the second part of a comparison
From this reading THE PRODIGAL HUSBAND The unlucky Brock, wild with rage and chagrin, had paced his temporary prison in the top storey of the Tirol from eleven o'clock till two, bitterly cursing the fools who were keeping him in durance more vile than that from which they had generously released him.
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading THE PRODIGAL HUSBAND The unlucky Brock, wild with rage and chagrin, had paced his temporary prison in the top storey of the Tirol from eleven o'clock till two, bitterly cursing the fools who were keeping him in durance more vile than that from which they had generously released him.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading THE PRODIGAL HUSBAND The unlucky Brock, wild with rage and chagrin, had paced his temporary prison in the top storey of the Tirol from eleven o'clock till two, bitterly cursing the fools who were keeping him in durance more vile than that from which they had generously released him.
in or at that place or location
From this reading He realised that it would be unwise to create a disturbance in the house by clamouring for freedom, because, in the first place, there already had been scandal enough, and in the second place, his distrustful bondsmen had promised faithfully to seek out the devoted Connie and apprise her of his release.
the people, animals, or things already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading THE PRODIGAL HUSBAND The unlucky Brock, wild with rage and chagrin, had paced his temporary prison in the top storey of the Tirol from eleven o'clock till two, bitterly cursing the fools who were keeping him in durance more vile than that from which they had generously released him.
the content of cognition; the main thing you are thinking about
From this reading He had no thought, of course, that in the mean time she might be duped into paying a bribe to the guard.
plural of “thought” — the content of cognition; the main thing you are thinking about
From this reading It is to be feared that he had harsh thoughts of all the Medcrofts, as far down as Raggles.
up to a particular time
From this reading THE PRODIGAL HUSBAND The unlucky Brock, wild with rage and chagrin, had paced his temporary prison in the top storey of the Tirol from eleven o'clock till two, bitterly cursing the fools who were keeping him in durance more vile than that from which they had generously released him.
an instance or single occasion for some event
From this reading He had no thought, of course, that in the mean time she might be duped into paying a bribe to the guard.
Tirolnoun
a picturesque mountainous province of western Austria and northern Italy
From this reading THE PRODIGAL HUSBAND The unlucky Brock, wild with rage and chagrin, had paced his temporary prison in the top storey of the Tirol from eleven o'clock till two, bitterly cursing the fools who were keeping him in durance more vile than that from which they had generously released him.
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading He realised that it would be unwise to create a disturbance in the house by clamouring for freedom, because, in the first place, there already had been scandal enough, and in the second place, his distrustful bondsmen had promised faithfully to seek out the devoted Connie and apprise her of his release.
the upper part of anything
From this reading THE PRODIGAL HUSBAND The unlucky Brock, wild with rage and chagrin, had paced his temporary prison in the top storey of the Tirol from eleven o'clock till two, bitterly cursing the fools who were keeping him in durance more vile than that from which they had generously released him.
trionounUS /ˈtriːoʊ/
the cardinal number that is the sum of one and one and one
From this reading Not only was he direfully cursing the trio, but also the addlepated Medcroft and his own addlepated self.
the cardinal number that is the sum of one and one or a numeral representing this number
From this reading THE PRODIGAL HUSBAND The unlucky Brock, wild with rage and chagrin, had paced his temporary prison in the top storey of the Tirol from eleven o'clock till two, bitterly cursing the fools who were keeping him in durance more vile than that from which they had generously released him.
unluckyadjectiveUS /ənˈlʌki/
having or bringing misfortune
From this reading THE PRODIGAL HUSBAND The unlucky Brock, wild with rage and chagrin, had paced his temporary prison in the top storey of the Tirol from eleven o'clock till two, bitterly cursing the fools who were keeping him in durance more vile than that from which they had generously released him.
unwiseadjectiveUS /ənˈwaɪz/
showing or resulting from lack of judgment or wisdom
From this reading He realised that it would be unwise to create a disturbance in the house by clamouring for freedom, because, in the first place, there already had been scandal enough, and in the second place, his distrustful bondsmen had promised faithfully to seek out the devoted Connie and apprise her of his release.
vileadjectiveUS /vaɪl/
morally reprehensible
From this reading THE PRODIGAL HUSBAND The unlucky Brock, wild with rage and chagrin, had paced his temporary prison in the top storey of the Tirol from eleven o'clock till two, bitterly cursing the fools who were keeping him in durance more vile than that from which they had generously released him.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading Not only was he direfully cursing the trio, but also the addlepated Medcroft and his own addlepated self.
wereauxiliary verbUS /wɜːr/
the past form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun
From this reading THE PRODIGAL HUSBAND The unlucky Brock, wild with rage and chagrin, had paced his temporary prison in the top storey of the Tirol from eleven o'clock till two, bitterly cursing the fools who were keeping him in durance more vile than that from which they had generously released him.
used to introduce a clause giving more about a thing just mentioned
From this reading THE PRODIGAL HUSBAND The unlucky Brock, wild with rage and chagrin, had paced his temporary prison in the top storey of the Tirol from eleven o'clock till two, bitterly cursing the fools who were keeping him in durance more vile than that from which they had generously released him.
which person or people
From this reading THE PRODIGAL HUSBAND The unlucky Brock, wild with rage and chagrin, had paced his temporary prison in the top storey of the Tirol from eleven o'clock till two, bitterly cursing the fools who were keeping him in durance more vile than that from which they had generously released him.
marked by extreme lack of restraint or control
From this reading THE PRODIGAL HUSBAND The unlucky Brock, wild with rage and chagrin, had paced his temporary prison in the top storey of the Tirol from eleven o'clock till two, bitterly cursing the fools who were keeping him in durance more vile than that from which they had generously released him.
in the company of; together with
From this reading THE PRODIGAL HUSBAND The unlucky Brock, wild with rage and chagrin, had paced his temporary prison in the top storey of the Tirol from eleven o'clock till two, bitterly cursing the fools who were keeping him in durance more vile than that from which they had generously released him.
used for something imagined, polite, or habitual in the past
From this reading He realised that it would be unwise to create a disturbance in the house by clamouring for freedom, because, in the first place, there already had been scandal enough, and in the second place, his distrustful bondsmen had promised faithfully to seek out the devoted Connie and apprise her of his release.
