Chapter II

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

From this reading There was a general feeling that he had rarely insulted Boswell so frequently in the course of a single evening--but then, Boswell had rarely so laid himself open to insult as he had upon this evening--and when he had finished with the Scotchman, he turned his attention to Garrick, the opportunity being afforded him by Oliver Goldsmith, who had been unguarded enough to say a word or two regarding that which he termed “the art of acting.”

the performance of a part or role in a drama

From this reading There was a general feeling that he had rarely insulted Boswell so frequently in the course of a single evening--but then, Boswell had rarely so laid himself open to insult as he had upon this evening--and when he had finished with the Scotchman, he turned his attention to Garrick, the opportunity being afforded him by Oliver Goldsmith, who had been unguarded enough to say a word or two regarding that which he termed “the art of acting.”

make an addition (to); join or combine or unite with others; increase the quality, quantity, size or scope of

From this reading “Who gave you the authority to add to the number of the arts 'the art of acting'?

past form of “afford” — be able to spare or give up

From this reading There was a general feeling that he had rarely insulted Boswell so frequently in the course of a single evening--but then, Boswell had rarely so laid himself open to insult as he had upon this evening--and when he had finished with the Scotchman, he turned his attention to Garrick, the opportunity being afforded him by Oliver Goldsmith, who had been unguarded enough to say a word or two regarding that which he termed “the art of acting.”

the form of “be” used with “I”

From this reading “Dr. Goldsmith, I am ashamed of you, sir,” cried the great dictator.

a mechanical device that prevents a vessel from moving

From this reading The conversation took place in the Crown and Anchor tavern in the Strand, where the party had just dined.

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

From this reading The conversation took place in the Crown and Anchor tavern in the Strand, where the party had just dined.

an old form of “are”, used with “thou”

From this reading There was a general feeling that he had rarely insulted Boswell so frequently in the course of a single evening--but then, Boswell had rarely so laid himself open to insult as he had upon this evening--and when he had finished with the Scotchman, he turned his attention to Garrick, the opportunity being afforded him by Oliver Goldsmith, who had been unguarded enough to say a word or two regarding that which he termed “the art of acting.”

studies intended to provide general knowledge and intellectual skills (rather than occupational or professional skills)

From this reading “Who gave you the authority to add to the number of the arts 'the art of acting'?

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

From this reading Dr. Johnson had been quite as good company as usual.

feeling shame or guilt or embarrassment or remorse

From this reading “Dr. Goldsmith, I am ashamed of you, sir,” cried the great dictator.

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

From this reading There was a general feeling that he had rarely insulted Boswell so frequently in the course of a single evening--but then, Boswell had rarely so laid himself open to insult as he had upon this evening--and when he had finished with the Scotchman, he turned his attention to Garrick, the opportunity being afforded him by Oliver Goldsmith, who had been unguarded enough to say a word or two regarding that which he termed “the art of acting.”

the power or right to give orders or make decisions

From this reading “Who gave you the authority to add to the number of the arts 'the art of acting'?

the past participle of “be”

From this reading Dr. Johnson had been quite as good company as usual.

the -ing form of “be”

From this reading There was a general feeling that he had rarely insulted Boswell so frequently in the course of a single evening--but then, Boswell had rarely so laid himself open to insult as he had upon this evening--and when he had finished with the Scotchman, he turned his attention to Garrick, the opportunity being afforded him by Oliver Goldsmith, who had been unguarded enough to say a word or two regarding that which he termed “the art of acting.”

Scottish author noted for his biography of Samuel Johnson (1740-1795)

From this reading There was a general feeling that he had rarely insulted Boswell so frequently in the course of a single evening--but then, Boswell had rarely so laid himself open to insult as he had upon this evening--and when he had finished with the Scotchman, he turned his attention to Garrick, the opportunity being afforded him by Oliver Goldsmith, who had been unguarded enough to say a word or two regarding that which he termed “the art of acting.”

used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before

From this reading There was a general feeling that he had rarely insulted Boswell so frequently in the course of a single evening--but then, Boswell had rarely so laid himself open to insult as he had upon this evening--and when he had finished with the Scotchman, he turned his attention to Garrick, the opportunity being afforded him by Oliver Goldsmith, who had been unguarded enough to say a word or two regarding that which he termed “the art of acting.”

showing who or what does the action

From this reading There was a general feeling that he had rarely insulted Boswell so frequently in the course of a single evening--but then, Boswell had rarely so laid himself open to insult as he had upon this evening--and when he had finished with the Scotchman, he turned his attention to Garrick, the opportunity being afforded him by Oliver Goldsmith, who had been unguarded enough to say a word or two regarding that which he termed “the art of acting.”

an institution created to conduct business

From this reading Dr. Johnson had been quite as good company as usual.

the use of speech for informal exchange of views or ideas or information etc.

From this reading The conversation took place in the Crown and Anchor tavern in the Strand, where the party had just dined.

education imparted in a series of lessons or meetings

From this reading There was a general feeling that he had rarely insulted Boswell so frequently in the course of a single evening--but then, Boswell had rarely so laid himself open to insult as he had upon this evening--and when he had finished with the Scotchman, he turned his attention to Garrick, the opportunity being afforded him by Oliver Goldsmith, who had been unguarded enough to say a word or two regarding that which he termed “the art of acting.”

inflected form of “cry” — utter a sudden loud cry

From this reading “Dr. Goldsmith, I am ashamed of you, sir,” cried the great dictator.

the Crown (or the reigning monarch) as the symbol of the power and authority of a monarchy

From this reading The conversation took place in the Crown and Anchor tavern in the Strand, where the party had just dined.

a speaker who dictates to a secretary or a recording machine

From this reading “Dr. Goldsmith, I am ashamed of you, sir,” cried the great dictator.

past form of “dine” — have supper; eat dinner

From this reading The conversation took place in the Crown and Anchor tavern in the Strand, where the party had just dined.

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

From this reading Dr. Johnson had been quite as good company as usual.

an adequate quantity; a quantity that is large enough to achieve a purpose

From this reading There was a general feeling that he had rarely insulted Boswell so frequently in the course of a single evening--but then, Boswell had rarely so laid himself open to insult as he had upon this evening--and when he had finished with the Scotchman, he turned his attention to Garrick, the opportunity being afforded him by Oliver Goldsmith, who had been unguarded enough to say a word or two regarding that which he termed “the art of acting.”

the latter part of the day (the period of decreasing daylight from late afternoon until nightfall)

From this reading There was a general feeling that he had rarely insulted Boswell so frequently in the course of a single evening--but then, Boswell had rarely so laid himself open to insult as he had upon this evening--and when he had finished with the Scotchman, he turned his attention to Garrick, the opportunity being afforded him by Oliver Goldsmith, who had been unguarded enough to say a word or two regarding that which he termed “the art of acting.”

the experiencing of affective and emotional states

From this reading There was a general feeling that he had rarely insulted Boswell so frequently in the course of a single evening--but then, Boswell had rarely so laid himself open to insult as he had upon this evening--and when he had finished with the Scotchman, he turned his attention to Garrick, the opportunity being afforded him by Oliver Goldsmith, who had been unguarded enough to say a word or two regarding that which he termed “the art of acting.”

(of materials or goods) brought to the desired final state

From this reading There was a general feeling that he had rarely insulted Boswell so frequently in the course of a single evening--but then, Boswell had rarely so laid himself open to insult as he had upon this evening--and when he had finished with the Scotchman, he turned his attention to Garrick, the opportunity being afforded him by Oliver Goldsmith, who had been unguarded enough to say a word or two regarding that which he termed “the art of acting.”

many times at short intervals

From this reading There was a general feeling that he had rarely insulted Boswell so frequently in the course of a single evening--but then, Boswell had rarely so laid himself open to insult as he had upon this evening--and when he had finished with the Scotchman, he turned his attention to Garrick, the opportunity being afforded him by Oliver Goldsmith, who had been unguarded enough to say a word or two regarding that which he termed “the art of acting.”

English actor and theater manager who was the foremost Shakespearean actor of his day (1717-1779)

From this reading There was a general feeling that he had rarely insulted Boswell so frequently in the course of a single evening--but then, Boswell had rarely so laid himself open to insult as he had upon this evening--and when he had finished with the Scotchman, he turned his attention to Garrick, the opportunity being afforded him by Oliver Goldsmith, who had been unguarded enough to say a word or two regarding that which he termed “the art of acting.”

inflected form of “give” — cause to have, in the abstract sense or physical sense

From this reading “Who gave you the authority to add to the number of the arts 'the art of acting'?

applying to all or most members of a category or group

From this reading There was a general feeling that he had rarely insulted Boswell so frequently in the course of a single evening--but then, Boswell had rarely so laid himself open to insult as he had upon this evening--and when he had finished with the Scotchman, he turned his attention to Garrick, the opportunity being afforded him by Oliver Goldsmith, who had been unguarded enough to say a word or two regarding that which he termed “the art of acting.”

an artisan who makes jewelry and other objects out of gold

From this reading There was a general feeling that he had rarely insulted Boswell so frequently in the course of a single evening--but then, Boswell had rarely so laid himself open to insult as he had upon this evening--and when he had finished with the Scotchman, he turned his attention to Garrick, the opportunity being afforded him by Oliver Goldsmith, who had been unguarded enough to say a word or two regarding that which he termed “the art of acting.”

having desirable or positive qualities especially those suitable for a thing specified

From this reading Dr. Johnson had been quite as good company as usual.

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

From this reading “Dr. Goldsmith, I am ashamed of you, sir,” cried the great dictator.

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

From this reading The conversation took place in the Crown and Anchor tavern in the Strand, where the party had just dined.

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

From this reading There was a general feeling that he had rarely insulted Boswell so frequently in the course of a single evening--but then, Boswell had rarely so laid himself open to insult as he had upon this evening--and when he had finished with the Scotchman, he turned his attention to Garrick, the opportunity being afforded him by Oliver Goldsmith, who had been unguarded enough to say a word or two regarding that which he termed “the art of acting.”

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

From this reading There was a general feeling that he had rarely insulted Boswell so frequently in the course of a single evening--but then, Boswell had rarely so laid himself open to insult as he had upon this evening--and when he had finished with the Scotchman, he turned his attention to Garrick, the opportunity being afforded him by Oliver Goldsmith, who had been unguarded enough to say a word or two regarding that which he termed “the art of acting.”

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

From this reading There was a general feeling that he had rarely insulted Boswell so frequently in the course of a single evening--but then, Boswell had rarely so laid himself open to insult as he had upon this evening--and when he had finished with the Scotchman, he turned his attention to Garrick, the opportunity being afforded him by Oliver Goldsmith, who had been unguarded enough to say a word or two regarding that which he termed “the art of acting.”

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

From this reading There was a general feeling that he had rarely insulted Boswell so frequently in the course of a single evening--but then, Boswell had rarely so laid himself open to insult as he had upon this evening--and when he had finished with the Scotchman, he turned his attention to Garrick, the opportunity being afforded him by Oliver Goldsmith, who had been unguarded enough to say a word or two regarding that which he termed “the art of acting.”

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

From this reading “Dr. Goldsmith, I am ashamed of you, sir,” cried the great dictator.

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

From this reading The conversation took place in the Crown and Anchor tavern in the Strand, where the party had just dined.

a rude expression intended to offend or hurt

From this reading There was a general feeling that he had rarely insulted Boswell so frequently in the course of a single evening--but then, Boswell had rarely so laid himself open to insult as he had upon this evening--and when he had finished with the Scotchman, he turned his attention to Garrick, the opportunity being afforded him by Oliver Goldsmith, who had been unguarded enough to say a word or two regarding that which he termed “the art of acting.”

past form of “insult” — treat, mention, or speak to rudely

From this reading There was a general feeling that he had rarely insulted Boswell so frequently in the course of a single evening--but then, Boswell had rarely so laid himself open to insult as he had upon this evening--and when he had finished with the Scotchman, he turned his attention to Garrick, the opportunity being afforded him by Oliver Goldsmith, who had been unguarded enough to say a word or two regarding that which he termed “the art of acting.”

English writer and lexicographer (1709-1784)

From this reading Dr. Johnson had been quite as good company as usual.

and nothing more

From this reading The conversation took place in the Crown and Anchor tavern in the Strand, where the party had just dined.

set down according to a plan

From this reading There was a general feeling that he had rarely insulted Boswell so frequently in the course of a single evening--but then, Boswell had rarely so laid himself open to insult as he had upon this evening--and when he had finished with the Scotchman, he turned his attention to Garrick, the opportunity being afforded him by Oliver Goldsmith, who had been unguarded enough to say a word or two regarding that which he termed “the art of acting.”

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

From this reading “Who gave you the authority to add to the number of the arts 'the art of acting'?

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading There was a general feeling that he had rarely insulted Boswell so frequently in the course of a single evening--but then, Boswell had rarely so laid himself open to insult as he had upon this evening--and when he had finished with the Scotchman, he turned his attention to Garrick, the opportunity being afforded him by Oliver Goldsmith, who had been unguarded enough to say a word or two regarding that which he termed “the art of acting.”

United States jazz musician who influenced the style of Louis Armstrong (1885-1938)

From this reading There was a general feeling that he had rarely insulted Boswell so frequently in the course of a single evening--but then, Boswell had rarely so laid himself open to insult as he had upon this evening--and when he had finished with the Scotchman, he turned his attention to Garrick, the opportunity being afforded him by Oliver Goldsmith, who had been unguarded enough to say a word or two regarding that which he termed “the art of acting.”

To move from a closed position.

From this reading There was a general feeling that he had rarely insulted Boswell so frequently in the course of a single evening--but then, Boswell had rarely so laid himself open to insult as he had upon this evening--and when he had finished with the Scotchman, he turned his attention to Garrick, the opportunity being afforded him by Oliver Goldsmith, who had been unguarded enough to say a word or two regarding that which he termed “the art of acting.”

a possibility due to a favorable combination of circumstances

From this reading There was a general feeling that he had rarely insulted Boswell so frequently in the course of a single evening--but then, Boswell had rarely so laid himself open to insult as he had upon this evening--and when he had finished with the Scotchman, he turned his attention to Garrick, the opportunity being afforded him by Oliver Goldsmith, who had been unguarded enough to say a word or two regarding that which he termed “the art of acting.”

used to join alternatives or possibilities

From this reading There was a general feeling that he had rarely insulted Boswell so frequently in the course of a single evening--but then, Boswell had rarely so laid himself open to insult as he had upon this evening--and when he had finished with the Scotchman, he turned his attention to Garrick, the opportunity being afforded him by Oliver Goldsmith, who had been unguarded enough to say a word or two regarding that which he termed “the art of acting.”

an organization to gain political power

From this reading The conversation took place in the Crown and Anchor tavern in the Strand, where the party had just dined.

a point located with respect to surface features of some region

From this reading The conversation took place in the Crown and Anchor tavern in the Strand, where the party had just dined.

to a degree (not used with a negative)

From this reading Dr. Johnson had been quite as good company as usual.

not often

From this reading There was a general feeling that he had rarely insulted Boswell so frequently in the course of a single evening--but then, Boswell had rarely so laid himself open to insult as he had upon this evening--and when he had finished with the Scotchman, he turned his attention to Garrick, the opportunity being afforded him by Oliver Goldsmith, who had been unguarded enough to say a word or two regarding that which he termed “the art of acting.”

-ing form of “regard” — deem to be

From this reading There was a general feeling that he had rarely insulted Boswell so frequently in the course of a single evening--but then, Boswell had rarely so laid himself open to insult as he had upon this evening--and when he had finished with the Scotchman, he turned his attention to Garrick, the opportunity being afforded him by Oliver Goldsmith, who had been unguarded enough to say a word or two regarding that which he termed “the art of acting.”

express in words

From this reading There was a general feeling that he had rarely insulted Boswell so frequently in the course of a single evening--but then, Boswell had rarely so laid himself open to insult as he had upon this evening--and when he had finished with the Scotchman, he turned his attention to Garrick, the opportunity being afforded him by Oliver Goldsmith, who had been unguarded enough to say a word or two regarding that which he termed “the art of acting.”

a native or inhabitant of Scotland

From this reading There was a general feeling that he had rarely insulted Boswell so frequently in the course of a single evening--but then, Boswell had rarely so laid himself open to insult as he had upon this evening--and when he had finished with the Scotchman, he turned his attention to Garrick, the opportunity being afforded him by Oliver Goldsmith, who had been unguarded enough to say a word or two regarding that which he termed “the art of acting.”

being or characteristic of a single thing or person

From this reading There was a general feeling that he had rarely insulted Boswell so frequently in the course of a single evening--but then, Boswell had rarely so laid himself open to insult as he had upon this evening--and when he had finished with the Scotchman, he turned his attention to Garrick, the opportunity being afforded him by Oliver Goldsmith, who had been unguarded enough to say a word or two regarding that which he termed “the art of acting.”

term of address for a man

From this reading “Dr. Goldsmith, I am ashamed of you, sir,” cried the great dictator.

for that reason; with the result that

From this reading There was a general feeling that he had rarely insulted Boswell so frequently in the course of a single evening--but then, Boswell had rarely so laid himself open to insult as he had upon this evening--and when he had finished with the Scotchman, he turned his attention to Garrick, the opportunity being afforded him by Oliver Goldsmith, who had been unguarded enough to say a word or two regarding that which he termed “the art of acting.”

a pattern forming a unity within a larger structural whole

From this reading The conversation took place in the Crown and Anchor tavern in the Strand, where the party had just dined.

a building with a bar that is licensed to sell alcoholic drinks

From this reading The conversation took place in the Crown and Anchor tavern in the Strand, where the party had just dined.

past form of “term” — name formally or designate with a term

From this reading There was a general feeling that he had rarely insulted Boswell so frequently in the course of a single evening--but then, Boswell had rarely so laid himself open to insult as he had upon this evening--and when he had finished with the Scotchman, he turned his attention to Garrick, the opportunity being afforded him by Oliver Goldsmith, who had been unguarded enough to say a word or two regarding that which he termed “the art of acting.”

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading There was a general feeling that he had rarely insulted Boswell so frequently in the course of a single evening--but then, Boswell had rarely so laid himself open to insult as he had upon this evening--and when he had finished with the Scotchman, he turned his attention to Garrick, the opportunity being afforded him by Oliver Goldsmith, who had been unguarded enough to say a word or two regarding that which he termed “the art of acting.”

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

From this reading The conversation took place in the Crown and Anchor tavern in the Strand, where the party had just dined.

subsequently or soon afterward (often used as sentence connectors)

From this reading There was a general feeling that he had rarely insulted Boswell so frequently in the course of a single evening--but then, Boswell had rarely so laid himself open to insult as he had upon this evening--and when he had finished with the Scotchman, he turned his attention to Garrick, the opportunity being afforded him by Oliver Goldsmith, who had been unguarded enough to say a word or two regarding that which he termed “the art of acting.”

in or at that place or location

From this reading There was a general feeling that he had rarely insulted Boswell so frequently in the course of a single evening--but then, Boswell had rarely so laid himself open to insult as he had upon this evening--and when he had finished with the Scotchman, he turned his attention to Garrick, the opportunity being afforded him by Oliver Goldsmith, who had been unguarded enough to say a word or two regarding that which he termed “the art of acting.”

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

From this reading There was a general feeling that he had rarely insulted Boswell so frequently in the course of a single evening--but then, Boswell had rarely so laid himself open to insult as he had upon this evening--and when he had finished with the Scotchman, he turned his attention to Garrick, the opportunity being afforded him by Oliver Goldsmith, who had been unguarded enough to say a word or two regarding that which he termed “the art of acting.”

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

From this reading There was a general feeling that he had rarely insulted Boswell so frequently in the course of a single evening--but then, Boswell had rarely so laid himself open to insult as he had upon this evening--and when he had finished with the Scotchman, he turned his attention to Garrick, the opportunity being afforded him by Oliver Goldsmith, who had been unguarded enough to say a word or two regarding that which he termed “the art of acting.”

inflected form of “take” — carry out

From this reading The conversation took place in the Crown and Anchor tavern in the Strand, where the party had just dined.

moved around an axis or center

From this reading There was a general feeling that he had rarely insulted Boswell so frequently in the course of a single evening--but then, Boswell had rarely so laid himself open to insult as he had upon this evening--and when he had finished with the Scotchman, he turned his attention to Garrick, the opportunity being afforded him by Oliver Goldsmith, who had been unguarded enough to say a word or two regarding that which he termed “the art of acting.”

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

From this reading There was a general feeling that he had rarely insulted Boswell so frequently in the course of a single evening--but then, Boswell had rarely so laid himself open to insult as he had upon this evening--and when he had finished with the Scotchman, he turned his attention to Garrick, the opportunity being afforded him by Oliver Goldsmith, who had been unguarded enough to say a word or two regarding that which he termed “the art of acting.”

lacking protection or a guard

From this reading There was a general feeling that he had rarely insulted Boswell so frequently in the course of a single evening--but then, Boswell had rarely so laid himself open to insult as he had upon this evening--and when he had finished with the Scotchman, he turned his attention to Garrick, the opportunity being afforded him by Oliver Goldsmith, who had been unguarded enough to say a word or two regarding that which he termed “the art of acting.”

a formal word for “on”

From this reading There was a general feeling that he had rarely insulted Boswell so frequently in the course of a single evening--but then, Boswell had rarely so laid himself open to insult as he had upon this evening--and when he had finished with the Scotchman, he turned his attention to Garrick, the opportunity being afforded him by Oliver Goldsmith, who had been unguarded enough to say a word or two regarding that which he termed “the art of acting.”

occurring or encountered or experienced or observed frequently or in accordance with regular practice or procedure

From this reading Dr. Johnson had been quite as good company as usual.

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

From this reading There was a general feeling that he had rarely insulted Boswell so frequently in the course of a single evening--but then, Boswell had rarely so laid himself open to insult as he had upon this evening--and when he had finished with the Scotchman, he turned his attention to Garrick, the opportunity being afforded him by Oliver Goldsmith, who had been unguarded enough to say a word or two regarding that which he termed “the art of acting.”

at the time that

From this reading There was a general feeling that he had rarely insulted Boswell so frequently in the course of a single evening--but then, Boswell had rarely so laid himself open to insult as he had upon this evening--and when he had finished with the Scotchman, he turned his attention to Garrick, the opportunity being afforded him by Oliver Goldsmith, who had been unguarded enough to say a word or two regarding that which he termed “the art of acting.”

in or at the place that

From this reading The conversation took place in the Crown and Anchor tavern in the Strand, where the party had just dined.

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

From this reading There was a general feeling that he had rarely insulted Boswell so frequently in the course of a single evening--but then, Boswell had rarely so laid himself open to insult as he had upon this evening--and when he had finished with the Scotchman, he turned his attention to Garrick, the opportunity being afforded him by Oliver Goldsmith, who had been unguarded enough to say a word or two regarding that which he termed “the art of acting.”

which person or people

From this reading There was a general feeling that he had rarely insulted Boswell so frequently in the course of a single evening--but then, Boswell had rarely so laid himself open to insult as he had upon this evening--and when he had finished with the Scotchman, he turned his attention to Garrick, the opportunity being afforded him by Oliver Goldsmith, who had been unguarded enough to say a word or two regarding that which he termed “the art of acting.”

in the company of; together with

From this reading There was a general feeling that he had rarely insulted Boswell so frequently in the course of a single evening--but then, Boswell had rarely so laid himself open to insult as he had upon this evening--and when he had finished with the Scotchman, he turned his attention to Garrick, the opportunity being afforded him by Oliver Goldsmith, who had been unguarded enough to say a word or two regarding that which he termed “the art of acting.”

a unit of language that native speakers can identify

From this reading There was a general feeling that he had rarely insulted Boswell so frequently in the course of a single evening--but then, Boswell had rarely so laid himself open to insult as he had upon this evening--and when he had finished with the Scotchman, he turned his attention to Garrick, the opportunity being afforded him by Oliver Goldsmith, who had been unguarded enough to say a word or two regarding that which he termed “the art of acting.”

the person or people being spoken to

From this reading “Dr. Goldsmith, I am ashamed of you, sir,” cried the great dictator.