Chapter VI · An Unlooked-for Promotion

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

From this reading Unable to apply any more consolatory counsels, his invariable reply to Lady Eleanor was, “It was a point of duty; the boy could not have done otherwise; I have too often expressed my opinion to him about the _devoirs_ of a soldier to permit of his hesitating here.

on the subject of; concerning

From this reading Unable to apply any more consolatory counsels, his invariable reply to Lady Eleanor was, “It was a point of duty; the boy could not have done otherwise; I have too often expressed my opinion to him about the _devoirs_ of a soldier to permit of his hesitating here.

in spite of the fact that

From this reading The same post that brought the Knight the tidings of his lost suit conveyed the intelligence of his son's departure for India; and although the latter event was one over which, if in his power, he would have exercised no control, yet was it by far the more saddening of the two announcements.

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

From this reading The same post that brought the Knight the tidings of his lost suit conveyed the intelligence of his son's departure for India; and although the latter event was one over which, if in his power, he would have exercised no control, yet was it by far the more saddening of the two announcements.

plural of “announcement” — a formal public statement

From this reading The same post that brought the Knight the tidings of his lost suit conveyed the intelligence of his son's departure for India; and although the latter event was one over which, if in his power, he would have exercised no control, yet was it by far the more saddening of the two announcements.

one or some or every or all without specification

From this reading Unable to apply any more consolatory counsels, his invariable reply to Lady Eleanor was, “It was a point of duty; the boy could not have done otherwise; I have too often expressed my opinion to him about the _devoirs_ of a soldier to permit of his hesitating here.

put into service; make work or employ for a particular purpose or for its inherent or natural purpose

From this reading Unable to apply any more consolatory counsels, his invariable reply to Lady Eleanor was, “It was a point of duty; the boy could not have done otherwise; I have too often expressed my opinion to him about the _devoirs_ of a soldier to permit of his hesitating here.

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

From this reading And as for our suit, Mr. Bicknell says the jury did not deliberate ten minutes on their verdict; whatever right we might have on our side, it was pretty clear we had no law.

in or near a particular place or position

From this reading Poor Lionel is spared the pain of knowing this, at least.”

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

From this reading And as for our suit, Mr. Bicknell says the jury did not deliberate ten minutes on their verdict; whatever right we might have on our side, it was pretty clear we had no law.

a youthful male person

From this reading Unable to apply any more consolatory counsels, his invariable reply to Lady Eleanor was, “It was a point of duty; the boy could not have done otherwise; I have too often expressed my opinion to him about the _devoirs_ of a soldier to permit of his hesitating here.

inflected form of “bring” — take something or somebody with oneself somewhere

From this reading The same post that brought the Knight the tidings of his lost suit conveyed the intelligence of his son's departure for India; and although the latter event was one over which, if in his power, he would have exercised no control, yet was it by far the more saddening of the two announcements.

showing who or what does the action

From this reading The same post that brought the Knight the tidings of his lost suit conveyed the intelligence of his son's departure for India; and although the latter event was one over which, if in his power, he would have exercised no control, yet was it by far the more saddening of the two announcements.

rid of obstructions

From this reading And as for our suit, Mr. Bicknell says the jury did not deliberate ten minutes on their verdict; whatever right we might have on our side, it was pretty clear we had no law.

affording comfort or solace

From this reading Unable to apply any more consolatory counsels, his invariable reply to Lady Eleanor was, “It was a point of duty; the boy could not have done otherwise; I have too often expressed my opinion to him about the _devoirs_ of a soldier to permit of his hesitating here.

power to direct or determine

From this reading The same post that brought the Knight the tidings of his lost suit conveyed the intelligence of his son's departure for India; and although the latter event was one over which, if in his power, he would have exercised no control, yet was it by far the more saddening of the two announcements.

past form of “convey” — (of information) make known; pass on

From this reading The same post that brought the Knight the tidings of his lost suit conveyed the intelligence of his son's departure for India; and although the latter event was one over which, if in his power, he would have exercised no control, yet was it by far the more saddening of the two announcements.

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

From this reading Unable to apply any more consolatory counsels, his invariable reply to Lady Eleanor was, “It was a point of duty; the boy could not have done otherwise; I have too often expressed my opinion to him about the _devoirs_ of a soldier to permit of his hesitating here.

plural of “counsel” — a lawyer who pleads cases in court

From this reading Unable to apply any more consolatory counsels, his invariable reply to Lady Eleanor was, “It was a point of duty; the boy could not have done otherwise; I have too often expressed my opinion to him about the _devoirs_ of a soldier to permit of his hesitating here.

carefully thought out in advance

From this reading And as for our suit, Mr. Bicknell says the jury did not deliberate ten minutes on their verdict; whatever right we might have on our side, it was pretty clear we had no law.

the act of departing

From this reading The same post that brought the Knight the tidings of his lost suit conveyed the intelligence of his son's departure for India; and although the latter event was one over which, if in his power, he would have exercised no control, yet was it by far the more saddening of the two announcements.

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

From this reading Unable to apply any more consolatory counsels, his invariable reply to Lady Eleanor was, “It was a point of duty; the boy could not have done otherwise; I have too often expressed my opinion to him about the _devoirs_ of a soldier to permit of his hesitating here.

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

From this reading And as for our suit, Mr. Bicknell says the jury did not deliberate ten minutes on their verdict; whatever right we might have on our side, it was pretty clear we had no law.

having finished or arrived at completion

From this reading Unable to apply any more consolatory counsels, his invariable reply to Lady Eleanor was, “It was a point of duty; the boy could not have done otherwise; I have too often expressed my opinion to him about the _devoirs_ of a soldier to permit of his hesitating here.

the social force that binds you to the courses of action demanded by that force

From this reading Unable to apply any more consolatory counsels, his invariable reply to Lady Eleanor was, “It was a point of duty; the boy could not have done otherwise; I have too often expressed my opinion to him about the _devoirs_ of a soldier to permit of his hesitating here.

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

From this reading Unable to apply any more consolatory counsels, his invariable reply to Lady Eleanor was, “It was a point of duty; the boy could not have done otherwise; I have too often expressed my opinion to him about the _devoirs_ of a soldier to permit of his hesitating here.

something that happens at a given place and time

From this reading The same post that brought the Knight the tidings of his lost suit conveyed the intelligence of his son's departure for India; and although the latter event was one over which, if in his power, he would have exercised no control, yet was it by far the more saddening of the two announcements.

past form of “exercise” — put to use

From this reading The same post that brought the Knight the tidings of his lost suit conveyed the intelligence of his son's departure for India; and although the latter event was one over which, if in his power, he would have exercised no control, yet was it by far the more saddening of the two announcements.

communicated in words

From this reading Unable to apply any more consolatory counsels, his invariable reply to Lady Eleanor was, “It was a point of duty; the boy could not have done otherwise; I have too often expressed my opinion to him about the _devoirs_ of a soldier to permit of his hesitating here.

to a considerable degree; very much

From this reading The same post that brought the Knight the tidings of his lost suit conveyed the intelligence of his son's departure for India; and although the latter event was one over which, if in his power, he would have exercised no control, yet was it by far the more saddening of the two announcements.

intended to be given to, or used by, somebody

From this reading The same post that brought the Knight the tidings of his lost suit conveyed the intelligence of his son's departure for India; and although the latter event was one over which, if in his power, he would have exercised no control, yet was it by far the more saddening of the two announcements.

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

From this reading And as for our suit, Mr. Bicknell says the jury did not deliberate ten minutes on their verdict; whatever right we might have on our side, it was pretty clear we had no law.

used with a past participle to form the perfect tenses

From this reading The same post that brought the Knight the tidings of his lost suit conveyed the intelligence of his son's departure for India; and although the latter event was one over which, if in his power, he would have exercised no control, yet was it by far the more saddening of the two announcements.

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

From this reading The same post that brought the Knight the tidings of his lost suit conveyed the intelligence of his son's departure for India; and although the latter event was one over which, if in his power, he would have exercised no control, yet was it by far the more saddening of the two announcements.

to a considerable degree

From this reading He sighed heavily, and was silent.

in or at this place; where the speaker or writer is

From this reading Unable to apply any more consolatory counsels, his invariable reply to Lady Eleanor was, “It was a point of duty; the boy could not have done otherwise; I have too often expressed my opinion to him about the _devoirs_ of a soldier to permit of his hesitating here.

lacking decisiveness of character; unable to act or decide quickly or firmly

From this reading Unable to apply any more consolatory counsels, his invariable reply to Lady Eleanor was, “It was a point of duty; the boy could not have done otherwise; I have too often expressed my opinion to him about the _devoirs_ of a soldier to permit of his hesitating here.

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

From this reading Unable to apply any more consolatory counsels, his invariable reply to Lady Eleanor was, “It was a point of duty; the boy could not have done otherwise; I have too often expressed my opinion to him about the _devoirs_ of a soldier to permit of his hesitating here.

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

From this reading The same post that brought the Knight the tidings of his lost suit conveyed the intelligence of his son's departure for India; and although the latter event was one over which, if in his power, he would have exercised no control, yet was it by far the more saddening of the two announcements.

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

From this reading Unable to apply any more consolatory counsels, his invariable reply to Lady Eleanor was, “It was a point of duty; the boy could not have done otherwise; I have too often expressed my opinion to him about the _devoirs_ of a soldier to permit of his hesitating here.

on condition that; in the event that

From this reading The same post that brought the Knight the tidings of his lost suit conveyed the intelligence of his son's departure for India; and although the latter event was one over which, if in his power, he would have exercised no control, yet was it by far the more saddening of the two announcements.

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

From this reading The same post that brought the Knight the tidings of his lost suit conveyed the intelligence of his son's departure for India; and although the latter event was one over which, if in his power, he would have exercised no control, yet was it by far the more saddening of the two announcements.

a republic in the Asian subcontinent in southern Asia; second most populous country in the world; achieved independence from the United Kingdom in 1947

From this reading The same post that brought the Knight the tidings of his lost suit conveyed the intelligence of his son's departure for India; and although the latter event was one over which, if in his power, he would have exercised no control, yet was it by far the more saddening of the two announcements.

the ability to comprehend; to understand and profit from experience

From this reading The same post that brought the Knight the tidings of his lost suit conveyed the intelligence of his son's departure for India; and although the latter event was one over which, if in his power, he would have exercised no control, yet was it by far the more saddening of the two announcements.

not liable to or capable of change

From this reading Unable to apply any more consolatory counsels, his invariable reply to Lady Eleanor was, “It was a point of duty; the boy could not have done otherwise; I have too often expressed my opinion to him about the _devoirs_ of a soldier to permit of his hesitating here.

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

From this reading Poor Lionel is spared the pain of knowing this, at least.”

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading The same post that brought the Knight the tidings of his lost suit conveyed the intelligence of his son's departure for India; and although the latter event was one over which, if in his power, he would have exercised no control, yet was it by far the more saddening of the two announcements.

a body of citizens sworn to give a true verdict according to the evidence presented in a court of law

From this reading And as for our suit, Mr. Bicknell says the jury did not deliberate ten minutes on their verdict; whatever right we might have on our side, it was pretty clear we had no law.

originally a person of noble birth trained to arms and chivalry; today in Great Britain a person honored by the sovereign for personal merit

From this reading The same post that brought the Knight the tidings of his lost suit conveyed the intelligence of his son's departure for India; and although the latter event was one over which, if in his power, he would have exercised no control, yet was it by far the more saddening of the two announcements.

evidencing the possession of inside information

From this reading Poor Lionel is spared the pain of knowing this, at least.”

a polite name for any woman

From this reading Unable to apply any more consolatory counsels, his invariable reply to Lady Eleanor was, “It was a point of duty; the boy could not have done otherwise; I have too often expressed my opinion to him about the _devoirs_ of a soldier to permit of his hesitating here.

referring to the second of two things or persons mentioned (or the last one or ones of several)

From this reading The same post that brought the Knight the tidings of his lost suit conveyed the intelligence of his son's departure for India; and although the latter event was one over which, if in his power, he would have exercised no control, yet was it by far the more saddening of the two announcements.

the collection of rules imposed by authority

From this reading And as for our suit, Mr. Bicknell says the jury did not deliberate ten minutes on their verdict; whatever right we might have on our side, it was pretty clear we had no law.

the superlative of “little” that can be used with mass nouns and is usually preceded by “the”; a quantifier meaning smallest in amount or extent or degree

From this reading Poor Lionel is spared the pain of knowing this, at least.”

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

From this reading Poor Lionel is spared the pain of knowing this, at least.”

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

From this reading The same post that brought the Knight the tidings of his lost suit conveyed the intelligence of his son's departure for India; and although the latter event was one over which, if in his power, he would have exercised no control, yet was it by far the more saddening of the two announcements.

used to say something is possible but not certain

From this reading And as for our suit, Mr. Bicknell says the jury did not deliberate ten minutes on their verdict; whatever right we might have on our side, it was pretty clear we had no law.

a written account of what transpired at a meeting

From this reading And as for our suit, Mr. Bicknell says the jury did not deliberate ten minutes on their verdict; whatever right we might have on our side, it was pretty clear we had no law.

(comparative of “much” used with mass nouns) a quantifier meaning greater in size or amount or extent or degree

From this reading The same post that brought the Knight the tidings of his lost suit conveyed the intelligence of his son's departure for India; and although the latter event was one over which, if in his power, he would have exercised no control, yet was it by far the more saddening of the two announcements.

a form of address for a man

From this reading And as for our suit, Mr. Bicknell says the jury did not deliberate ten minutes on their verdict; whatever right we might have on our side, it was pretty clear we had no law.

belonging to the person speaking

From this reading Unable to apply any more consolatory counsels, his invariable reply to Lady Eleanor was, “It was a point of duty; the boy could not have done otherwise; I have too often expressed my opinion to him about the _devoirs_ of a soldier to permit of his hesitating here.

not any; not one

From this reading The same post that brought the Knight the tidings of his lost suit conveyed the intelligence of his son's departure for India; and although the latter event was one over which, if in his power, he would have exercised no control, yet was it by far the more saddening of the two announcements.

used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative

From this reading Unable to apply any more consolatory counsels, his invariable reply to Lady Eleanor was, “It was a point of duty; the boy could not have done otherwise; I have too often expressed my opinion to him about the _devoirs_ of a soldier to permit of his hesitating here.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading The same post that brought the Knight the tidings of his lost suit conveyed the intelligence of his son's departure for India; and although the latter event was one over which, if in his power, he would have exercised no control, yet was it by far the more saddening of the two announcements.

many times at short intervals

From this reading Unable to apply any more consolatory counsels, his invariable reply to Lady Eleanor was, “It was a point of duty; the boy could not have done otherwise; I have too often expressed my opinion to him about the _devoirs_ of a soldier to permit of his hesitating here.

touching and supported by a surface

From this reading And as for our suit, Mr. Bicknell says the jury did not deliberate ten minutes on their verdict; whatever right we might have on our side, it was pretty clear we had no law.

used to mean any person in general, including the speaker

From this reading The same post that brought the Knight the tidings of his lost suit conveyed the intelligence of his son's departure for India; and although the latter event was one over which, if in his power, he would have exercised no control, yet was it by far the more saddening of the two announcements.

a personal belief or judgment that is not founded on proof or certainty

From this reading Unable to apply any more consolatory counsels, his invariable reply to Lady Eleanor was, “It was a point of duty; the boy could not have done otherwise; I have too often expressed my opinion to him about the _devoirs_ of a soldier to permit of his hesitating here.

in other respects or ways

From this reading Unable to apply any more consolatory counsels, his invariable reply to Lady Eleanor was, “It was a point of duty; the boy could not have done otherwise; I have too often expressed my opinion to him about the _devoirs_ of a soldier to permit of his hesitating here.

belonging to the speaker and others

From this reading And as for our suit, Mr. Bicknell says the jury did not deliberate ten minutes on their verdict; whatever right we might have on our side, it was pretty clear we had no law.

above and across; more than

From this reading The same post that brought the Knight the tidings of his lost suit conveyed the intelligence of his son's departure for India; and although the latter event was one over which, if in his power, he would have exercised no control, yet was it by far the more saddening of the two announcements.

a symptom of some physical hurt or disorder

From this reading Poor Lionel is spared the pain of knowing this, at least.”

a legal document giving official permission to do something

From this reading Unable to apply any more consolatory counsels, his invariable reply to Lady Eleanor was, “It was a point of duty; the boy could not have done otherwise; I have too often expressed my opinion to him about the _devoirs_ of a soldier to permit of his hesitating here.

a geometric element that has position but no extension

From this reading Unable to apply any more consolatory counsels, his invariable reply to Lady Eleanor was, “It was a point of duty; the boy could not have done otherwise; I have too often expressed my opinion to him about the _devoirs_ of a soldier to permit of his hesitating here.

deserving or inciting pity

From this reading Poor Lionel is spared the pain of knowing this, at least.”

affix in a public place or for public notice

From this reading The same post that brought the Knight the tidings of his lost suit conveyed the intelligence of his son's departure for India; and although the latter event was one over which, if in his power, he would have exercised no control, yet was it by far the more saddening of the two announcements.

possession of controlling influence

From this reading The same post that brought the Knight the tidings of his lost suit conveyed the intelligence of his son's departure for India; and although the latter event was one over which, if in his power, he would have exercised no control, yet was it by far the more saddening of the two announcements.

pleasing by delicacy or grace; not imposing

From this reading And as for our suit, Mr. Bicknell says the jury did not deliberate ten minutes on their verdict; whatever right we might have on our side, it was pretty clear we had no law.

a statement (either spoken or written) that is made to reply to a question or request or criticism or accusation

From this reading Unable to apply any more consolatory counsels, his invariable reply to Lady Eleanor was, “It was a point of duty; the boy could not have done otherwise; I have too often expressed my opinion to him about the _devoirs_ of a soldier to permit of his hesitating here.

precisely, exactly

From this reading And as for our suit, Mr. Bicknell says the jury did not deliberate ten minutes on their verdict; whatever right we might have on our side, it was pretty clear we had no law.

-ing form of “sadden” — make unhappy

From this reading The same post that brought the Knight the tidings of his lost suit conveyed the intelligence of his son's departure for India; and although the latter event was one over which, if in his power, he would have exercised no control, yet was it by far the more saddening of the two announcements.

Identical; not different.

From this reading The same post that brought the Knight the tidings of his lost suit conveyed the intelligence of his son's departure for India; and although the latter event was one over which, if in his power, he would have exercised no control, yet was it by far the more saddening of the two announcements.

plural of “say” — the chance to speak

From this reading And as for our suit, Mr. Bicknell says the jury did not deliberate ten minutes on their verdict; whatever right we might have on our side, it was pretty clear we had no law.

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

From this reading And as for our suit, Mr. Bicknell says the jury did not deliberate ten minutes on their verdict; whatever right we might have on our side, it was pretty clear we had no law.

past form of “sigh” — heave or utter a sigh; breathe deeply and heavily

From this reading He sighed heavily, and was silent.

marked by absence of sound

From this reading He sighed heavily, and was silent.

an enlisted man or woman who serves in an army

From this reading Unable to apply any more consolatory counsels, his invariable reply to Lady Eleanor was, “It was a point of duty; the boy could not have done otherwise; I have too often expressed my opinion to him about the _devoirs_ of a soldier to permit of his hesitating here.

possessive form of “son” — a male human offspring

From this reading The same post that brought the Knight the tidings of his lost suit conveyed the intelligence of his son's departure for India; and although the latter event was one over which, if in his power, he would have exercised no control, yet was it by far the more saddening of the two announcements.

past form of “spare” — refrain from harming

From this reading Poor Lionel is spared the pain of knowing this, at least.”

be agreeable or acceptable to

From this reading The same post that brought the Knight the tidings of his lost suit conveyed the intelligence of his son's departure for India; and although the latter event was one over which, if in his power, he would have exercised no control, yet was it by far the more saddening of the two announcements.

the cardinal number that is the sum of nine and one; the base of the decimal system

From this reading And as for our suit, Mr. Bicknell says the jury did not deliberate ten minutes on their verdict; whatever right we might have on our side, it was pretty clear we had no law.

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading The same post that brought the Knight the tidings of his lost suit conveyed the intelligence of his son's departure for India; and although the latter event was one over which, if in his power, he would have exercised no control, yet was it by far the more saddening of the two announcements.

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

From this reading The same post that brought the Knight the tidings of his lost suit conveyed the intelligence of his son's departure for India; and although the latter event was one over which, if in his power, he would have exercised no control, yet was it by far the more saddening of the two announcements.

belonging to the people or things already mentioned

From this reading And as for our suit, Mr. Bicknell says the jury did not deliberate ten minutes on their verdict; whatever right we might have on our side, it was pretty clear we had no law.

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

From this reading Poor Lionel is spared the pain of knowing this, at least.”

information about recent and important events

From this reading The same post that brought the Knight the tidings of his lost suit conveyed the intelligence of his son's departure for India; and although the latter event was one over which, if in his power, he would have exercised no control, yet was it by far the more saddening of the two announcements.

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

From this reading Unable to apply any more consolatory counsels, his invariable reply to Lady Eleanor was, “It was a point of duty; the boy could not have done otherwise; I have too often expressed my opinion to him about the _devoirs_ of a soldier to permit of his hesitating here.

to a degree exceeding normal or proper limits

From this reading Unable to apply any more consolatory counsels, his invariable reply to Lady Eleanor was, “It was a point of duty; the boy could not have done otherwise; I have too often expressed my opinion to him about the _devoirs_ of a soldier to permit of his hesitating here.

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

From this reading The same post that brought the Knight the tidings of his lost suit conveyed the intelligence of his son's departure for India; and although the latter event was one over which, if in his power, he would have exercised no control, yet was it by far the more saddening of the two announcements.

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

From this reading Unable to apply any more consolatory counsels, his invariable reply to Lady Eleanor was, “It was a point of duty; the boy could not have done otherwise; I have too often expressed my opinion to him about the _devoirs_ of a soldier to permit of his hesitating here.

(law) the findings of a jury on issues of fact submitted to it for decision; can be used in formulating a judgment

From this reading And as for our suit, Mr. Bicknell says the jury did not deliberate ten minutes on their verdict; whatever right we might have on our side, it was pretty clear we had no law.

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

From this reading The same post that brought the Knight the tidings of his lost suit conveyed the intelligence of his son's departure for India; and although the latter event was one over which, if in his power, he would have exercised no control, yet was it by far the more saddening of the two announcements.

the speaker together with one or more other people

From this reading And as for our suit, Mr. Bicknell says the jury did not deliberate ten minutes on their verdict; whatever right we might have on our side, it was pretty clear we had no law.

any or all of a kind, it does not matter which

From this reading And as for our suit, Mr. Bicknell says the jury did not deliberate ten minutes on their verdict; whatever right we might have on our side, it was pretty clear we had no law.

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

From this reading The same post that brought the Knight the tidings of his lost suit conveyed the intelligence of his son's departure for India; and although the latter event was one over which, if in his power, he would have exercised no control, yet was it by far the more saddening of the two announcements.

used for something imagined, polite, or habitual in the past

From this reading The same post that brought the Knight the tidings of his lost suit conveyed the intelligence of his son's departure for India; and although the latter event was one over which, if in his power, he would have exercised no control, yet was it by far the more saddening of the two announcements.

but in spite of that

From this reading The same post that brought the Knight the tidings of his lost suit conveyed the intelligence of his son's departure for India; and although the latter event was one over which, if in his power, he would have exercised no control, yet was it by far the more saddening of the two announcements.