Chapter IV

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

From this reading Boswell, who was standing to one side watching---his eyes full of curiosity and his ears strained to catch by chance a word--the little scene that was being enacted in a corner of the room, took good care that Johnson should be in his charge going home.

a record or narrative description of past events

From this reading This walk to Johnson's house necessitated a walk back to his own lodgings in Piccadilly; but this was nothing to Boswell, who had every confidence in his own capability to extract from his great patron some account of the secrets which had been exchanged in the corner.

commonly used or practiced; usual

From this reading For once, however, he found himself unable to effect his object--nay, when he began his operations with his accustomed lightness of touch, Johnson turned upon him, saying-- “Sir, I observe what is your aim, and I take this opportunity to tell you that if you make any further references, direct or indirect, to man, woman or child, to the occurrences of this evening, you will cease to be a friend of mine.

point or cause to go (blows, weapons, or objects such as photographic equipment) towards

From this reading For once, however, he found himself unable to effect his object--nay, when he began his operations with his accustomed lightness of touch, Johnson turned upon him, saying-- “Sir, I observe what is your aim, and I take this opportunity to tell you that if you make any further references, direct or indirect, to man, woman or child, to the occurrences of this evening, you will cease to be a friend of mine.

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

From this reading Boswell expressed himself willing to give the amplest security for his good behaviour.

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

From this reading Boswell, who was standing to one side watching---his eyes full of curiosity and his ears strained to catch by chance a word--the little scene that was being enacted in a corner of the room, took good care that Johnson should be in his charge going home.

one or some or every or all without specification

From this reading For once, however, he found himself unable to effect his object--nay, when he began his operations with his accustomed lightness of touch, Johnson turned upon him, saying-- “Sir, I observe what is your aim, and I take this opportunity to tell you that if you make any further references, direct or indirect, to man, woman or child, to the occurrences of this evening, you will cease to be a friend of mine.

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

From this reading I have been humiliated sufficiently by a stranger, who had every right to speak as he did, but I refuse to be humiliated by you, sir.”

in or to or toward a former location

From this reading This walk to Johnson's house necessitated a walk back to his own lodgings in Piccadilly; but this was nothing to Boswell, who had every confidence in his own capability to extract from his great patron some account of the secrets which had been exchanged in the corner.

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

From this reading Boswell, who was standing to one side watching---his eyes full of curiosity and his ears strained to catch by chance a word--the little scene that was being enacted in a corner of the room, took good care that Johnson should be in his charge going home.

the past participle of “be”

From this reading This walk to Johnson's house necessitated a walk back to his own lodgings in Piccadilly; but this was nothing to Boswell, who had every confidence in his own capability to extract from his great patron some account of the secrets which had been exchanged in the corner.

inflected form of “begin” — take the first step or steps in carrying out an action

From this reading For once, however, he found himself unable to effect his object--nay, when he began his operations with his accustomed lightness of touch, Johnson turned upon him, saying-- “Sir, I observe what is your aim, and I take this opportunity to tell you that if you make any further references, direct or indirect, to man, woman or child, to the occurrences of this evening, you will cease to be a friend of mine.

the action or reaction of something (as a machine or substance) under specified circumstances

From this reading Boswell expressed himself willing to give the amplest security for his good behaviour.

the -ing form of “be”

From this reading Boswell, who was standing to one side watching---his eyes full of curiosity and his ears strained to catch by chance a word--the little scene that was being enacted in a corner of the room, took good care that Johnson should be in his charge going home.

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

From this reading Boswell, who was standing to one side watching---his eyes full of curiosity and his ears strained to catch by chance a word--the little scene that was being enacted in a corner of the room, took good care that Johnson should be in his charge going home.

used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before

From this reading This walk to Johnson's house necessitated a walk back to his own lodgings in Piccadilly; but this was nothing to Boswell, who had every confidence in his own capability to extract from his great patron some account of the secrets which had been exchanged in the corner.

showing who or what does the action

From this reading Boswell, who was standing to one side watching---his eyes full of curiosity and his ears strained to catch by chance a word--the little scene that was being enacted in a corner of the room, took good care that Johnson should be in his charge going home.

the quality of being capable -- physically or intellectually or legally

From this reading This walk to Johnson's house necessitated a walk back to his own lodgings in Piccadilly; but this was nothing to Boswell, who had every confidence in his own capability to extract from his great patron some account of the secrets which had been exchanged in the corner.

the work of providing treatment for or attending to someone or something

From this reading Boswell, who was standing to one side watching---his eyes full of curiosity and his ears strained to catch by chance a word--the little scene that was being enacted in a corner of the room, took good care that Johnson should be in his charge going home.

discover or come upon accidentally, suddenly, or unexpectedly; catch somebody doing something or in a certain state

From this reading Boswell, who was standing to one side watching---his eyes full of curiosity and his ears strained to catch by chance a word--the little scene that was being enacted in a corner of the room, took good care that Johnson should be in his charge going home.

put an end to a state or an activity

From this reading For once, however, he found himself unable to effect his object--nay, when he began his operations with his accustomed lightness of touch, Johnson turned upon him, saying-- “Sir, I observe what is your aim, and I take this opportunity to tell you that if you make any further references, direct or indirect, to man, woman or child, to the occurrences of this evening, you will cease to be a friend of mine.

a possibility due to a favorable combination of circumstances

From this reading Boswell, who was standing to one side watching---his eyes full of curiosity and his ears strained to catch by chance a word--the little scene that was being enacted in a corner of the room, took good care that Johnson should be in his charge going home.

to make a rush at or sudden attack upon, as in battle

From this reading Boswell, who was standing to one side watching---his eyes full of curiosity and his ears strained to catch by chance a word--the little scene that was being enacted in a corner of the room, took good care that Johnson should be in his charge going home.

a young person of either sex

From this reading For once, however, he found himself unable to effect his object--nay, when he began his operations with his accustomed lightness of touch, Johnson turned upon him, saying-- “Sir, I observe what is your aim, and I take this opportunity to tell you that if you make any further references, direct or indirect, to man, woman or child, to the occurrences of this evening, you will cease to be a friend of mine.

freedom from doubt; belief in yourself and your abilities

From this reading This walk to Johnson's house necessitated a walk back to his own lodgings in Piccadilly; but this was nothing to Boswell, who had every confidence in his own capability to extract from his great patron some account of the secrets which had been exchanged in the corner.

a place off to the side of an area

From this reading Boswell, who was standing to one side watching---his eyes full of curiosity and his ears strained to catch by chance a word--the little scene that was being enacted in a corner of the room, took good care that Johnson should be in his charge going home.

a state in which you want to learn more about something

From this reading Boswell, who was standing to one side watching---his eyes full of curiosity and his ears strained to catch by chance a word--the little scene that was being enacted in a corner of the room, took good care that Johnson should be in his charge going home.

the past form of “do”, used in questions and negatives

From this reading I have been humiliated sufficiently by a stranger, who had every right to speak as he did, but I refuse to be humiliated by you, sir.”

command with authority

From this reading For once, however, he found himself unable to effect his object--nay, when he began his operations with his accustomed lightness of touch, Johnson turned upon him, saying-- “Sir, I observe what is your aim, and I take this opportunity to tell you that if you make any further references, direct or indirect, to man, woman or child, to the occurrences of this evening, you will cease to be a friend of mine.

plural of “ear” — the sense organ for hearing and equilibrium

From this reading Boswell, who was standing to one side watching---his eyes full of curiosity and his ears strained to catch by chance a word--the little scene that was being enacted in a corner of the room, took good care that Johnson should be in his charge going home.

a phenomenon that follows and is caused by some previous phenomenon

From this reading For once, however, he found himself unable to effect his object--nay, when he began his operations with his accustomed lightness of touch, Johnson turned upon him, saying-- “Sir, I observe what is your aim, and I take this opportunity to tell you that if you make any further references, direct or indirect, to man, woman or child, to the occurrences of this evening, you will cease to be a friend of mine.

past form of “enact” — order by virtue of superior authority; decree

From this reading Boswell, who was standing to one side watching---his eyes full of curiosity and his ears strained to catch by chance a word--the little scene that was being enacted in a corner of the room, took good care that Johnson should be in his charge going home.

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

From this reading For once, however, he found himself unable to effect his object--nay, when he began his operations with his accustomed lightness of touch, Johnson turned upon him, saying-- “Sir, I observe what is your aim, and I take this opportunity to tell you that if you make any further references, direct or indirect, to man, woman or child, to the occurrences of this evening, you will cease to be a friend of mine.

all the members of a group, with none left out

From this reading This walk to Johnson's house necessitated a walk back to his own lodgings in Piccadilly; but this was nothing to Boswell, who had every confidence in his own capability to extract from his great patron some account of the secrets which had been exchanged in the corner.

changed for (replaced by) something different

From this reading This walk to Johnson's house necessitated a walk back to his own lodgings in Piccadilly; but this was nothing to Boswell, who had every confidence in his own capability to extract from his great patron some account of the secrets which had been exchanged in the corner.

communicated in words

From this reading Boswell expressed himself willing to give the amplest security for his good behaviour.

remove, usually with some force or effort; also used in an abstract sense

From this reading This walk to Johnson's house necessitated a walk back to his own lodgings in Piccadilly; but this was nothing to Boswell, who had every confidence in his own capability to extract from his great patron some account of the secrets which had been exchanged in the corner.

opinion or judgment

From this reading Boswell, who was standing to one side watching---his eyes full of curiosity and his ears strained to catch by chance a word--the little scene that was being enacted in a corner of the room, took good care that Johnson should be in his charge going home.

intended to be given to, or used by, somebody

From this reading For once, however, he found himself unable to effect his object--nay, when he began his operations with his accustomed lightness of touch, Johnson turned upon him, saying-- “Sir, I observe what is your aim, and I take this opportunity to tell you that if you make any further references, direct or indirect, to man, woman or child, to the occurrences of this evening, you will cease to be a friend of mine.

set up or found

From this reading For once, however, he found himself unable to effect his object--nay, when he began his operations with his accustomed lightness of touch, Johnson turned upon him, saying-- “Sir, I observe what is your aim, and I take this opportunity to tell you that if you make any further references, direct or indirect, to man, woman or child, to the occurrences of this evening, you will cease to be a friend of mine.

a person you know well and regard with affection and trust

From this reading For once, however, he found himself unable to effect his object--nay, when he began his operations with his accustomed lightness of touch, Johnson turned upon him, saying-- “Sir, I observe what is your aim, and I take this opportunity to tell you that if you make any further references, direct or indirect, to man, woman or child, to the occurrences of this evening, you will cease to be a friend of mine.

showing where something starts, or who sent it

From this reading This walk to Johnson's house necessitated a walk back to his own lodgings in Piccadilly; but this was nothing to Boswell, who had every confidence in his own capability to extract from his great patron some account of the secrets which had been exchanged in the corner.

containing as much or as many as is possible or normal

From this reading Boswell, who was standing to one side watching---his eyes full of curiosity and his ears strained to catch by chance a word--the little scene that was being enacted in a corner of the room, took good care that Johnson should be in his charge going home.

to or at a greater extent or degree or a more advanced stage (“further” is used more often than “farther” in this abstract sense)

From this reading For once, however, he found himself unable to effect his object--nay, when he began his operations with his accustomed lightness of touch, Johnson turned upon him, saying-- “Sir, I observe what is your aim, and I take this opportunity to tell you that if you make any further references, direct or indirect, to man, woman or child, to the occurrences of this evening, you will cease to be a friend of mine.

cause to have, in the abstract sense or physical sense

From this reading Boswell expressed himself willing to give the amplest security for his good behaviour.

the act of departing

From this reading Boswell, who was standing to one side watching---his eyes full of curiosity and his ears strained to catch by chance a word--the little scene that was being enacted in a corner of the room, took good care that Johnson should be in his charge going home.

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

From this reading Boswell, who was standing to one side watching---his eyes full of curiosity and his ears strained to catch by chance a word--the little scene that was being enacted in a corner of the room, took good care that Johnson should be in his charge going home.

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

From this reading This walk to Johnson's house necessitated a walk back to his own lodgings in Piccadilly; but this was nothing to Boswell, who had every confidence in his own capability to extract from his great patron some account of the secrets which had been exchanged in the corner.

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

From this reading This walk to Johnson's house necessitated a walk back to his own lodgings in Piccadilly; but this was nothing to Boswell, who had every confidence in his own capability to extract from his great patron some account of the secrets which had been exchanged in the corner.

used with a past participle to form the perfect tenses

From this reading I have been humiliated sufficiently by a stranger, who had every right to speak as he did, but I refuse to be humiliated by you, sir.”

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

From this reading For once, however, he found himself unable to effect his object--nay, when he began his operations with his accustomed lightness of touch, Johnson turned upon him, saying-- “Sir, I observe what is your aim, and I take this opportunity to tell you that if you make any further references, direct or indirect, to man, woman or child, to the occurrences of this evening, you will cease to be a friend of mine.

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

From this reading For once, however, he found himself unable to effect his object--nay, when he began his operations with his accustomed lightness of touch, Johnson turned upon him, saying-- “Sir, I observe what is your aim, and I take this opportunity to tell you that if you make any further references, direct or indirect, to man, woman or child, to the occurrences of this evening, you will cease to be a friend of mine.

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

From this reading For once, however, he found himself unable to effect his object--nay, when he began his operations with his accustomed lightness of touch, Johnson turned upon him, saying-- “Sir, I observe what is your aim, and I take this opportunity to tell you that if you make any further references, direct or indirect, to man, woman or child, to the occurrences of this evening, you will cease to be a friend of mine.

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

From this reading Boswell, who was standing to one side watching---his eyes full of curiosity and his ears strained to catch by chance a word--the little scene that was being enacted in a corner of the room, took good care that Johnson should be in his charge going home.

where you live at a particular time

From this reading Boswell, who was standing to one side watching---his eyes full of curiosity and his ears strained to catch by chance a word--the little scene that was being enacted in a corner of the room, took good care that Johnson should be in his charge going home.

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

From this reading This walk to Johnson's house necessitated a walk back to his own lodgings in Piccadilly; but this was nothing to Boswell, who had every confidence in his own capability to extract from his great patron some account of the secrets which had been exchanged in the corner.

used to add a contrasting statement

From this reading For once, however, he found himself unable to effect his object--nay, when he began his operations with his accustomed lightness of touch, Johnson turned upon him, saying-- “Sir, I observe what is your aim, and I take this opportunity to tell you that if you make any further references, direct or indirect, to man, woman or child, to the occurrences of this evening, you will cease to be a friend of mine.

subdued or brought low in condition or status

From this reading I have been humiliated sufficiently by a stranger, who had every right to speak as he did, but I refuse to be humiliated by you, sir.”

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

From this reading For once, however, he found himself unable to effect his object--nay, when he began his operations with his accustomed lightness of touch, Johnson turned upon him, saying-- “Sir, I observe what is your aim, and I take this opportunity to tell you that if you make any further references, direct or indirect, to man, woman or child, to the occurrences of this evening, you will cease to be a friend of mine.

on condition that; in the event that

From this reading For once, however, he found himself unable to effect his object--nay, when he began his operations with his accustomed lightness of touch, Johnson turned upon him, saying-- “Sir, I observe what is your aim, and I take this opportunity to tell you that if you make any further references, direct or indirect, to man, woman or child, to the occurrences of this evening, you will cease to be a friend of mine.

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

From this reading Boswell, who was standing to one side watching---his eyes full of curiosity and his ears strained to catch by chance a word--the little scene that was being enacted in a corner of the room, took good care that Johnson should be in his charge going home.

having intervening factors or persons or influences

From this reading For once, however, he found himself unable to effect his object--nay, when he began his operations with his accustomed lightness of touch, Johnson turned upon him, saying-- “Sir, I observe what is your aim, and I take this opportunity to tell you that if you make any further references, direct or indirect, to man, woman or child, to the occurrences of this evening, you will cease to be a friend of mine.

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

From this reading For once, however, he found himself unable to effect his object--nay, when he began his operations with his accustomed lightness of touch, Johnson turned upon him, saying-- “Sir, I observe what is your aim, and I take this opportunity to tell you that if you make any further references, direct or indirect, to man, woman or child, to the occurrences of this evening, you will cease to be a friend of mine.

English writer and lexicographer (1709-1784)

From this reading Boswell, who was standing to one side watching---his eyes full of curiosity and his ears strained to catch by chance a word--the little scene that was being enacted in a corner of the room, took good care that Johnson should be in his charge going home.

possessive form of “johnson” — English writer and lexicographer (1709-1784)

From this reading This walk to Johnson's house necessitated a walk back to his own lodgings in Piccadilly; but this was nothing to Boswell, who had every confidence in his own capability to extract from his great patron some account of the secrets which had been exchanged in the corner.

a feeling of joy and pride

From this reading For once, however, he found himself unable to effect his object--nay, when he began his operations with his accustomed lightness of touch, Johnson turned upon him, saying-- “Sir, I observe what is your aim, and I take this opportunity to tell you that if you make any further references, direct or indirect, to man, woman or child, to the occurrences of this evening, you will cease to be a friend of mine.

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

From this reading Boswell, who was standing to one side watching---his eyes full of curiosity and his ears strained to catch by chance a word--the little scene that was being enacted in a corner of the room, took good care that Johnson should be in his charge going home.

temporary living quarters

From this reading This walk to Johnson's house necessitated a walk back to his own lodgings in Piccadilly; but this was nothing to Boswell, who had every confidence in his own capability to extract from his great patron some account of the secrets which had been exchanged in the corner.

engage in

From this reading For once, however, he found himself unable to effect his object--nay, when he began his operations with his accustomed lightness of touch, Johnson turned upon him, saying-- “Sir, I observe what is your aim, and I take this opportunity to tell you that if you make any further references, direct or indirect, to man, woman or child, to the occurrences of this evening, you will cease to be a friend of mine.

an adult person who is male (as opposed to a woman)

From this reading For once, however, he found himself unable to effect his object--nay, when he began his operations with his accustomed lightness of touch, Johnson turned upon him, saying-- “Sir, I observe what is your aim, and I take this opportunity to tell you that if you make any further references, direct or indirect, to man, woman or child, to the occurrences of this evening, you will cease to be a friend of mine.

the one or ones belonging to the person speaking

From this reading For once, however, he found himself unable to effect his object--nay, when he began his operations with his accustomed lightness of touch, Johnson turned upon him, saying-- “Sir, I observe what is your aim, and I take this opportunity to tell you that if you make any further references, direct or indirect, to man, woman or child, to the occurrences of this evening, you will cease to be a friend of mine.

an old word for “no”

From this reading For once, however, he found himself unable to effect his object--nay, when he began his operations with his accustomed lightness of touch, Johnson turned upon him, saying-- “Sir, I observe what is your aim, and I take this opportunity to tell you that if you make any further references, direct or indirect, to man, woman or child, to the occurrences of this evening, you will cease to be a friend of mine.

past form of “necessitate” — require as useful, just, or proper

From this reading This walk to Johnson's house necessitated a walk back to his own lodgings in Piccadilly; but this was nothing to Boswell, who had every confidence in his own capability to extract from his great patron some account of the secrets which had been exchanged in the corner.

not one thing; not anything

From this reading This walk to Johnson's house necessitated a walk back to his own lodgings in Piccadilly; but this was nothing to Boswell, who had every confidence in his own capability to extract from his great patron some account of the secrets which had been exchanged in the corner.

a tangible and visible entity; an entity that can cast a shadow

From this reading For once, however, he found himself unable to effect his object--nay, when he began his operations with his accustomed lightness of touch, Johnson turned upon him, saying-- “Sir, I observe what is your aim, and I take this opportunity to tell you that if you make any further references, direct or indirect, to man, woman or child, to the occurrences of this evening, you will cease to be a friend of mine.

discover or determine the existence, presence, or fact of

From this reading For once, however, he found himself unable to effect his object--nay, when he began his operations with his accustomed lightness of touch, Johnson turned upon him, saying-- “Sir, I observe what is your aim, and I take this opportunity to tell you that if you make any further references, direct or indirect, to man, woman or child, to the occurrences of this evening, you will cease to be a friend of mine.

plural of “occurrence” — an event that happens

From this reading For once, however, he found himself unable to effect his object--nay, when he began his operations with his accustomed lightness of touch, Johnson turned upon him, saying-- “Sir, I observe what is your aim, and I take this opportunity to tell you that if you make any further references, direct or indirect, to man, woman or child, to the occurrences of this evening, you will cease to be a friend of mine.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading Boswell, who was standing to one side watching---his eyes full of curiosity and his ears strained to catch by chance a word--the little scene that was being enacted in a corner of the room, took good care that Johnson should be in his charge going home.

on one occasion

From this reading For once, however, he found himself unable to effect his object--nay, when he began his operations with his accustomed lightness of touch, Johnson turned upon him, saying-- “Sir, I observe what is your aim, and I take this opportunity to tell you that if you make any further references, direct or indirect, to man, woman or child, to the occurrences of this evening, you will cease to be a friend of mine.

used to mean any person in general, including the speaker

From this reading Boswell, who was standing to one side watching---his eyes full of curiosity and his ears strained to catch by chance a word--the little scene that was being enacted in a corner of the room, took good care that Johnson should be in his charge going home.

financial transactions at a brokerage; having to do with the execution of trades and keeping customer records

From this reading For once, however, he found himself unable to effect his object--nay, when he began his operations with his accustomed lightness of touch, Johnson turned upon him, saying-- “Sir, I observe what is your aim, and I take this opportunity to tell you that if you make any further references, direct or indirect, to man, woman or child, to the occurrences of this evening, you will cease to be a friend of mine.

a possibility due to a favorable combination of circumstances

From this reading For once, however, he found himself unable to effect his object--nay, when he began his operations with his accustomed lightness of touch, Johnson turned upon him, saying-- “Sir, I observe what is your aim, and I take this opportunity to tell you that if you make any further references, direct or indirect, to man, woman or child, to the occurrences of this evening, you will cease to be a friend of mine.

used to join alternatives or possibilities

From this reading For once, however, he found himself unable to effect his object--nay, when he began his operations with his accustomed lightness of touch, Johnson turned upon him, saying-- “Sir, I observe what is your aim, and I take this opportunity to tell you that if you make any further references, direct or indirect, to man, woman or child, to the occurrences of this evening, you will cease to be a friend of mine.

have ownership or possession of

From this reading This walk to Johnson's house necessitated a walk back to his own lodgings in Piccadilly; but this was nothing to Boswell, who had every confidence in his own capability to extract from his great patron some account of the secrets which had been exchanged in the corner.

a regular customer

From this reading This walk to Johnson's house necessitated a walk back to his own lodgings in Piccadilly; but this was nothing to Boswell, who had every confidence in his own capability to extract from his great patron some account of the secrets which had been exchanged in the corner.

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

From this reading This walk to Johnson's house necessitated a walk back to his own lodgings in Piccadilly; but this was nothing to Boswell, who had every confidence in his own capability to extract from his great patron some account of the secrets which had been exchanged in the corner.

plural of “reference” — a remark that calls attention to something or someone

From this reading For once, however, he found himself unable to effect his object--nay, when he began his operations with his accustomed lightness of touch, Johnson turned upon him, saying-- “Sir, I observe what is your aim, and I take this opportunity to tell you that if you make any further references, direct or indirect, to man, woman or child, to the occurrences of this evening, you will cease to be a friend of mine.

show unwillingness towards

From this reading I have been humiliated sufficiently by a stranger, who had every right to speak as he did, but I refuse to be humiliated by you, sir.”

precisely, exactly

From this reading I have been humiliated sufficiently by a stranger, who had every right to speak as he did, but I refuse to be humiliated by you, sir.”

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

From this reading Boswell, who was standing to one side watching---his eyes full of curiosity and his ears strained to catch by chance a word--the little scene that was being enacted in a corner of the room, took good care that Johnson should be in his charge going home.

a word or phrase that particular people use in particular situations

From this reading For once, however, he found himself unable to effect his object--nay, when he began his operations with his accustomed lightness of touch, Johnson turned upon him, saying-- “Sir, I observe what is your aim, and I take this opportunity to tell you that if you make any further references, direct or indirect, to man, woman or child, to the occurrences of this evening, you will cease to be a friend of mine.

the place where some action occurs

From this reading Boswell, who was standing to one side watching---his eyes full of curiosity and his ears strained to catch by chance a word--the little scene that was being enacted in a corner of the room, took good care that Johnson should be in his charge going home.

plural of “secret” — something that should remain hidden from others (especially information that is not to be passed on)

From this reading This walk to Johnson's house necessitated a walk back to his own lodgings in Piccadilly; but this was nothing to Boswell, who had every confidence in his own capability to extract from his great patron some account of the secrets which had been exchanged in the corner.

the state of being free from danger or injury

From this reading Boswell expressed himself willing to give the amplest security for his good behaviour.

used to say what is right, expected, or advisable

From this reading Boswell, who was standing to one side watching---his eyes full of curiosity and his ears strained to catch by chance a word--the little scene that was being enacted in a corner of the room, took good care that Johnson should be in his charge going home.

a place within a region identified relative to a center or reference location

From this reading Boswell, who was standing to one side watching---his eyes full of curiosity and his ears strained to catch by chance a word--the little scene that was being enacted in a corner of the room, took good care that Johnson should be in his charge going home.

term of address for a man

From this reading For once, however, he found himself unable to effect his object--nay, when he began his operations with his accustomed lightness of touch, Johnson turned upon him, saying-- “Sir, I observe what is your aim, and I take this opportunity to tell you that if you make any further references, direct or indirect, to man, woman or child, to the occurrences of this evening, you will cease to be a friend of mine.

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

From this reading This walk to Johnson's house necessitated a walk back to his own lodgings in Piccadilly; but this was nothing to Boswell, who had every confidence in his own capability to extract from his great patron some account of the secrets which had been exchanged in the corner.

express in speech

From this reading I have been humiliated sufficiently by a stranger, who had every right to speak as he did, but I refuse to be humiliated by you, sir.”

having a supporting base

From this reading Boswell, who was standing to one side watching---his eyes full of curiosity and his ears strained to catch by chance a word--the little scene that was being enacted in a corner of the room, took good care that Johnson should be in his charge going home.

lacking natural ease

From this reading Boswell, who was standing to one side watching---his eyes full of curiosity and his ears strained to catch by chance a word--the little scene that was being enacted in a corner of the room, took good care that Johnson should be in his charge going home.

anyone who does not belong in the environment in which they are found

From this reading I have been humiliated sufficiently by a stranger, who had every right to speak as he did, but I refuse to be humiliated by you, sir.”

to a sufficient degree

From this reading I have been humiliated sufficiently by a stranger, who had every right to speak as he did, but I refuse to be humiliated by you, sir.”

carry out

From this reading For once, however, he found himself unable to effect his object--nay, when he began his operations with his accustomed lightness of touch, Johnson turned upon him, saying-- “Sir, I observe what is your aim, and I take this opportunity to tell you that if you make any further references, direct or indirect, to man, woman or child, to the occurrences of this evening, you will cease to be a friend of mine.

express in words

From this reading For once, however, he found himself unable to effect his object--nay, when he began his operations with his accustomed lightness of touch, Johnson turned upon him, saying-- “Sir, I observe what is your aim, and I take this opportunity to tell you that if you make any further references, direct or indirect, to man, woman or child, to the occurrences of this evening, you will cease to be a friend of mine.

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading Boswell, who was standing to one side watching---his eyes full of curiosity and his ears strained to catch by chance a word--the little scene that was being enacted in a corner of the room, took good care that Johnson should be in his charge going home.

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

From this reading Boswell, who was standing to one side watching---his eyes full of curiosity and his ears strained to catch by chance a word--the little scene that was being enacted in a corner of the room, took good care that Johnson should be in his charge going home.

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

From this reading This walk to Johnson's house necessitated a walk back to his own lodgings in Piccadilly; but this was nothing to Boswell, who had every confidence in his own capability to extract from his great patron some account of the secrets which had been exchanged in the corner.

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

From this reading Boswell, who was standing to one side watching---his eyes full of curiosity and his ears strained to catch by chance a word--the little scene that was being enacted in a corner of the room, took good care that Johnson should be in his charge going home.

inflected form of “take” — carry out

From this reading Boswell, who was standing to one side watching---his eyes full of curiosity and his ears strained to catch by chance a word--the little scene that was being enacted in a corner of the room, took good care that Johnson should be in his charge going home.

make physical contact with, come in contact with

From this reading For once, however, he found himself unable to effect his object--nay, when he began his operations with his accustomed lightness of touch, Johnson turned upon him, saying-- “Sir, I observe what is your aim, and I take this opportunity to tell you that if you make any further references, direct or indirect, to man, woman or child, to the occurrences of this evening, you will cease to be a friend of mine.

moved around an axis or center

From this reading For once, however, he found himself unable to effect his object--nay, when he began his operations with his accustomed lightness of touch, Johnson turned upon him, saying-- “Sir, I observe what is your aim, and I take this opportunity to tell you that if you make any further references, direct or indirect, to man, woman or child, to the occurrences of this evening, you will cease to be a friend of mine.

(usually followed by “to”) not having the necessary means or skill or know-how

From this reading For once, however, he found himself unable to effect his object--nay, when he began his operations with his accustomed lightness of touch, Johnson turned upon him, saying-- “Sir, I observe what is your aim, and I take this opportunity to tell you that if you make any further references, direct or indirect, to man, woman or child, to the occurrences of this evening, you will cease to be a friend of mine.

a formal word for “on”

From this reading For once, however, he found himself unable to effect his object--nay, when he began his operations with his accustomed lightness of touch, Johnson turned upon him, saying-- “Sir, I observe what is your aim, and I take this opportunity to tell you that if you make any further references, direct or indirect, to man, woman or child, to the occurrences of this evening, you will cease to be a friend of mine.

the act of traveling by foot

From this reading This walk to Johnson's house necessitated a walk back to his own lodgings in Piccadilly; but this was nothing to Boswell, who had every confidence in his own capability to extract from his great patron some account of the secrets which had been exchanged in the corner.

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

From this reading Boswell, who was standing to one side watching---his eyes full of curiosity and his ears strained to catch by chance a word--the little scene that was being enacted in a corner of the room, took good care that Johnson should be in his charge going home.

the act of observing; taking a patient look

From this reading Boswell, who was standing to one side watching---his eyes full of curiosity and his ears strained to catch by chance a word--the little scene that was being enacted in a corner of the room, took good care that Johnson should be in his charge going home.

used to ask for information about something

From this reading For once, however, he found himself unable to effect his object--nay, when he began his operations with his accustomed lightness of touch, Johnson turned upon him, saying-- “Sir, I observe what is your aim, and I take this opportunity to tell you that if you make any further references, direct or indirect, to man, woman or child, to the occurrences of this evening, you will cease to be a friend of mine.

at the time that

From this reading For once, however, he found himself unable to effect his object--nay, when he began his operations with his accustomed lightness of touch, Johnson turned upon him, saying-- “Sir, I observe what is your aim, and I take this opportunity to tell you that if you make any further references, direct or indirect, to man, woman or child, to the occurrences of this evening, you will cease to be a friend of mine.

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

From this reading This walk to Johnson's house necessitated a walk back to his own lodgings in Piccadilly; but this was nothing to Boswell, who had every confidence in his own capability to extract from his great patron some account of the secrets which had been exchanged in the corner.

which person or people

From this reading Boswell, who was standing to one side watching---his eyes full of curiosity and his ears strained to catch by chance a word--the little scene that was being enacted in a corner of the room, took good care that Johnson should be in his charge going home.

used to talk about the future, or about willingness

From this reading For once, however, he found himself unable to effect his object--nay, when he began his operations with his accustomed lightness of touch, Johnson turned upon him, saying-- “Sir, I observe what is your aim, and I take this opportunity to tell you that if you make any further references, direct or indirect, to man, woman or child, to the occurrences of this evening, you will cease to be a friend of mine.

disposed or inclined toward

From this reading Boswell expressed himself willing to give the amplest security for his good behaviour.

in the company of; together with

From this reading For once, however, he found himself unable to effect his object--nay, when he began his operations with his accustomed lightness of touch, Johnson turned upon him, saying-- “Sir, I observe what is your aim, and I take this opportunity to tell you that if you make any further references, direct or indirect, to man, woman or child, to the occurrences of this evening, you will cease to be a friend of mine.

an adult female person (as opposed to a man)

From this reading For once, however, he found himself unable to effect his object--nay, when he began his operations with his accustomed lightness of touch, Johnson turned upon him, saying-- “Sir, I observe what is your aim, and I take this opportunity to tell you that if you make any further references, direct or indirect, to man, woman or child, to the occurrences of this evening, you will cease to be a friend of mine.

a unit of language that native speakers can identify

From this reading Boswell, who was standing to one side watching---his eyes full of curiosity and his ears strained to catch by chance a word--the little scene that was being enacted in a corner of the room, took good care that Johnson should be in his charge going home.

the person or people being spoken to

From this reading For once, however, he found himself unable to effect his object--nay, when he began his operations with his accustomed lightness of touch, Johnson turned upon him, saying-- “Sir, I observe what is your aim, and I take this opportunity to tell you that if you make any further references, direct or indirect, to man, woman or child, to the occurrences of this evening, you will cease to be a friend of mine.

belonging to the person or people being spoken to

From this reading For once, however, he found himself unable to effect his object--nay, when he began his operations with his accustomed lightness of touch, Johnson turned upon him, saying-- “Sir, I observe what is your aim, and I take this opportunity to tell you that if you make any further references, direct or indirect, to man, woman or child, to the occurrences of this evening, you will cease to be a friend of mine.