Chapter IV · Chapter 4

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

From this reading "There's a schooner in the offing, With her topsails shot with fire, And my heart has gone aboard her For the island of Desire."

on a ship, train, plane or other vehicle

From this reading "There's a schooner in the offing, With her topsails shot with fire, And my heart has gone aboard her For the island of Desire."

personal knowledge or information about someone or something

From this reading Thomas Stevenson was bitterly disappointed that his only son should choose to be what he called "an idler"--generous to a fault and always out of money, dressing in a careless and eccentric way, which both amused and annoyed his friends and caused him to be ridiculed by strangers, preferring to roam the streets of old Edinburgh scraping acquaintance with the fishwives and dock hands, rather than staying at home and mingling in the social circle to which his parents belonged.

at all times; all the time and on every occasion

From this reading In spite of the fact that his law studies now left him an opportunity for the work he wanted so much to do, Louis was far from happy, for between his parents and himself, who had always been the best of friends, there were many misunderstandings.

the form of “be” used with “I”

From this reading EDINBURGH DAYS "I am fevered with the sunset, I am fretful with the bay, For the wander-thirst is on me And my soul is in Cathay.

pleasantly occupied

From this reading Thomas Stevenson was bitterly disappointed that his only son should choose to be what he called "an idler"--generous to a fault and always out of money, dressing in a careless and eccentric way, which both amused and annoyed his friends and caused him to be ridiculed by strangers, preferring to roam the streets of old Edinburgh scraping acquaintance with the fishwives and dock hands, rather than staying at home and mingling in the social circle to which his parents belonged.

the form of “a” used before a word that begins with a vowel sound

From this reading In spite of the fact that his law studies now left him an opportunity for the work he wanted so much to do, Louis was far from happy, for between his parents and himself, who had always been the best of friends, there were many misunderstandings.

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

From this reading EDINBURGH DAYS "I am fevered with the sunset, I am fretful with the bay, For the wander-thirst is on me And my soul is in Cathay.

aroused to impatience or anger

From this reading Thomas Stevenson was bitterly disappointed that his only son should choose to be what he called "an idler"--generous to a fault and always out of money, dressing in a careless and eccentric way, which both amused and annoyed his friends and caused him to be ridiculed by strangers, preferring to roam the streets of old Edinburgh scraping acquaintance with the fishwives and dock hands, rather than staying at home and mingling in the social circle to which his parents belonged.

in or near a particular place or position

From this reading Thomas Stevenson was bitterly disappointed that his only son should choose to be what he called "an idler"--generous to a fault and always out of money, dressing in a careless and eccentric way, which both amused and annoyed his friends and caused him to be ridiculed by strangers, preferring to roam the streets of old Edinburgh scraping acquaintance with the fishwives and dock hands, rather than staying at home and mingling in the social circle to which his parents belonged.

an indentation of a shoreline larger than a cove but smaller than a gulf

From this reading EDINBURGH DAYS "I am fevered with the sunset, I am fretful with the bay, For the wander-thirst is on me And my soul is in Cathay.

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

From this reading Thomas Stevenson was bitterly disappointed that his only son should choose to be what he called "an idler"--generous to a fault and always out of money, dressing in a careless and eccentric way, which both amused and annoyed his friends and caused him to be ridiculed by strangers, preferring to roam the streets of old Edinburgh scraping acquaintance with the fishwives and dock hands, rather than staying at home and mingling in the social circle to which his parents belonged.

the past participle of “be”

From this reading In spite of the fact that his law studies now left him an opportunity for the work he wanted so much to do, Louis was far from happy, for between his parents and himself, who had always been the best of friends, there were many misunderstandings.

past form of “belong” — be owned by; be in the possession of

From this reading Thomas Stevenson was bitterly disappointed that his only son should choose to be what he called "an idler"--generous to a fault and always out of money, dressing in a careless and eccentric way, which both amused and annoyed his friends and caused him to be ridiculed by strangers, preferring to roam the streets of old Edinburgh scraping acquaintance with the fishwives and dock hands, rather than staying at home and mingling in the social circle to which his parents belonged.

the supreme effort one can make

From this reading In spite of the fact that his law studies now left him an opportunity for the work he wanted so much to do, Louis was far from happy, for between his parents and himself, who had always been the best of friends, there were many misunderstandings.

in the space, time, or range separating two things

From this reading In spite of the fact that his law studies now left him an opportunity for the work he wanted so much to do, Louis was far from happy, for between his parents and himself, who had always been the best of friends, there were many misunderstandings.

with bitterness; in a resentful manner

From this reading Thomas Stevenson was bitterly disappointed that his only son should choose to be what he called "an idler"--generous to a fault and always out of money, dressing in a careless and eccentric way, which both amused and annoyed his friends and caused him to be ridiculed by strangers, preferring to roam the streets of old Edinburgh scraping acquaintance with the fishwives and dock hands, rather than staying at home and mingling in the social circle to which his parents belonged.

the two together, not just one

From this reading Thomas Stevenson was bitterly disappointed that his only son should choose to be what he called "an idler"--generous to a fault and always out of money, dressing in a careless and eccentric way, which both amused and annoyed his friends and caused him to be ridiculed by strangers, preferring to roam the streets of old Edinburgh scraping acquaintance with the fishwives and dock hands, rather than staying at home and mingling in the social circle to which his parents belonged.

showing who or what does the action

From this reading Thomas Stevenson was bitterly disappointed that his only son should choose to be what he called "an idler"--generous to a fault and always out of money, dressing in a careless and eccentric way, which both amused and annoyed his friends and caused him to be ridiculed by strangers, preferring to roam the streets of old Edinburgh scraping acquaintance with the fishwives and dock hands, rather than staying at home and mingling in the social circle to which his parents belonged.

past form of “call” — assign a specified (usually proper) proper name to

From this reading Thomas Stevenson was bitterly disappointed that his only son should choose to be what he called "an idler"--generous to a fault and always out of money, dressing in a careless and eccentric way, which both amused and annoyed his friends and caused him to be ridiculed by strangers, preferring to roam the streets of old Edinburgh scraping acquaintance with the fishwives and dock hands, rather than staying at home and mingling in the social circle to which his parents belonged.

marked by lack of attention or consideration or forethought or thoroughness; not careful

From this reading Thomas Stevenson was bitterly disappointed that his only son should choose to be what he called "an idler"--generous to a fault and always out of money, dressing in a careless and eccentric way, which both amused and annoyed his friends and caused him to be ridiculed by strangers, preferring to roam the streets of old Edinburgh scraping acquaintance with the fishwives and dock hands, rather than staying at home and mingling in the social circle to which his parents belonged.

a communist nation that covers a vast territory in eastern Asia; the most populous country in the world

From this reading EDINBURGH DAYS "I am fevered with the sunset, I am fretful with the bay, For the wander-thirst is on me And my soul is in Cathay.

past form of “cause” — give rise to; cause to happen or occur, not always intentionally

From this reading Thomas Stevenson was bitterly disappointed that his only son should choose to be what he called "an idler"--generous to a fault and always out of money, dressing in a careless and eccentric way, which both amused and annoyed his friends and caused him to be ridiculed by strangers, preferring to roam the streets of old Edinburgh scraping acquaintance with the fishwives and dock hands, rather than staying at home and mingling in the social circle to which his parents belonged.

pick out, select, or choose from a number of alternatives

From this reading Thomas Stevenson was bitterly disappointed that his only son should choose to be what he called "an idler"--generous to a fault and always out of money, dressing in a careless and eccentric way, which both amused and annoyed his friends and caused him to be ridiculed by strangers, preferring to roam the streets of old Edinburgh scraping acquaintance with the fishwives and dock hands, rather than staying at home and mingling in the social circle to which his parents belonged.

ellipse in which the two axes are of equal length; a plane curve generated by one point moving at a constant distance from a fixed point

From this reading Thomas Stevenson was bitterly disappointed that his only son should choose to be what he called "an idler"--generous to a fault and always out of money, dressing in a careless and eccentric way, which both amused and annoyed his friends and caused him to be ridiculed by strangers, preferring to roam the streets of old Edinburgh scraping acquaintance with the fishwives and dock hands, rather than staying at home and mingling in the social circle to which his parents belonged.

the time during which someone's life continues

From this reading EDINBURGH DAYS "I am fevered with the sunset, I am fretful with the bay, For the wander-thirst is on me And my soul is in Cathay.

the feeling that accompanies an unsatisfied state

From this reading "There's a schooner in the offing, With her topsails shot with fire, And my heart has gone aboard her For the island of Desire."

disappointingly unsuccessful

From this reading Thomas Stevenson was bitterly disappointed that his only son should choose to be what he called "an idler"--generous to a fault and always out of money, dressing in a careless and eccentric way, which both amused and annoyed his friends and caused him to be ridiculed by strangers, preferring to roam the streets of old Edinburgh scraping acquaintance with the fishwives and dock hands, rather than staying at home and mingling in the social circle to which his parents belonged.

used to form questions and negatives, and to give emphasis

From this reading In spite of the fact that his law studies now left him an opportunity for the work he wanted so much to do, Louis was far from happy, for between his parents and himself, who had always been the best of friends, there were many misunderstandings.

an enclosure in a court of law where the defendant sits during the trial

From this reading Thomas Stevenson was bitterly disappointed that his only son should choose to be what he called "an idler"--generous to a fault and always out of money, dressing in a careless and eccentric way, which both amused and annoyed his friends and caused him to be ridiculed by strangers, preferring to roam the streets of old Edinburgh scraping acquaintance with the fishwives and dock hands, rather than staying at home and mingling in the social circle to which his parents belonged.

savory dressings for salads; basically of two kinds: either the thin French or vinaigrette type or the creamy mayonnaise type

From this reading Thomas Stevenson was bitterly disappointed that his only son should choose to be what he called "an idler"--generous to a fault and always out of money, dressing in a careless and eccentric way, which both amused and annoyed his friends and caused him to be ridiculed by strangers, preferring to roam the streets of old Edinburgh scraping acquaintance with the fishwives and dock hands, rather than staying at home and mingling in the social circle to which his parents belonged.

conspicuously or grossly unconventional or unusual

From this reading Thomas Stevenson was bitterly disappointed that his only son should choose to be what he called "an idler"--generous to a fault and always out of money, dressing in a careless and eccentric way, which both amused and annoyed his friends and caused him to be ridiculed by strangers, preferring to roam the streets of old Edinburgh scraping acquaintance with the fishwives and dock hands, rather than staying at home and mingling in the social circle to which his parents belonged.

the capital of Scotland; located in the Lothian Region on the south side of the Firth of Forth

From this reading EDINBURGH DAYS "I am fevered with the sunset, I am fretful with the bay, For the wander-thirst is on me And my soul is in Cathay.

a piece of information about circumstances that exist or events that have occurred

From this reading In spite of the fact that his law studies now left him an opportunity for the work he wanted so much to do, Louis was far from happy, for between his parents and himself, who had always been the best of friends, there were many misunderstandings.

to a considerable degree; very much

From this reading In spite of the fact that his law studies now left him an opportunity for the work he wanted so much to do, Louis was far from happy, for between his parents and himself, who had always been the best of friends, there were many misunderstandings.

a wrong action attributable to bad judgment or ignorance or inattention

From this reading Thomas Stevenson was bitterly disappointed that his only son should choose to be what he called "an idler"--generous to a fault and always out of money, dressing in a careless and eccentric way, which both amused and annoyed his friends and caused him to be ridiculed by strangers, preferring to roam the streets of old Edinburgh scraping acquaintance with the fishwives and dock hands, rather than staying at home and mingling in the social circle to which his parents belonged.

highly or nervously excited

From this reading EDINBURGH DAYS "I am fevered with the sunset, I am fretful with the bay, For the wander-thirst is on me And my soul is in Cathay.

start firing a weapon

From this reading "There's a schooner in the offing, With her topsails shot with fire, And my heart has gone aboard her For the island of Desire."

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

From this reading Thomas Stevenson was bitterly disappointed that his only son should choose to be what he called "an idler"--generous to a fault and always out of money, dressing in a careless and eccentric way, which both amused and annoyed his friends and caused him to be ridiculed by strangers, preferring to roam the streets of old Edinburgh scraping acquaintance with the fishwives and dock hands, rather than staying at home and mingling in the social circle to which his parents belonged.

intended to be given to, or used by, somebody

From this reading EDINBURGH DAYS "I am fevered with the sunset, I am fretful with the bay, For the wander-thirst is on me And my soul is in Cathay.

nervous and unable to relax

From this reading EDINBURGH DAYS "I am fevered with the sunset, I am fretful with the bay, For the wander-thirst is on me And my soul is in Cathay.

plural of “friend” — a person you know well and regard with affection and trust

From this reading In spite of the fact that his law studies now left him an opportunity for the work he wanted so much to do, Louis was far from happy, for between his parents and himself, who had always been the best of friends, there were many misunderstandings.

showing where something starts, or who sent it

From this reading In spite of the fact that his law studies now left him an opportunity for the work he wanted so much to do, Louis was far from happy, for between his parents and himself, who had always been the best of friends, there were many misunderstandings.

willing to give and share unstintingly

From this reading Thomas Stevenson was bitterly disappointed that his only son should choose to be what he called "an idler"--generous to a fault and always out of money, dressing in a careless and eccentric way, which both amused and annoyed his friends and caused him to be ridiculed by strangers, preferring to roam the streets of old Edinburgh scraping acquaintance with the fishwives and dock hands, rather than staying at home and mingling in the social circle to which his parents belonged.

destroyed or killed

From this reading "There's a schooner in the offing, With her topsails shot with fire, And my heart has gone aboard her For the island of Desire."

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

From this reading In spite of the fact that his law studies now left him an opportunity for the work he wanted so much to do, Louis was far from happy, for between his parents and himself, who had always been the best of friends, there were many misunderstandings.

(with “in”) guardianship over; in divorce cases it is the right to house and care for and discipline a child

From this reading Thomas Stevenson was bitterly disappointed that his only son should choose to be what he called "an idler"--generous to a fault and always out of money, dressing in a careless and eccentric way, which both amused and annoyed his friends and caused him to be ridiculed by strangers, preferring to roam the streets of old Edinburgh scraping acquaintance with the fishwives and dock hands, rather than staying at home and mingling in the social circle to which his parents belonged.

enjoying or showing or marked by joy or pleasure

From this reading In spite of the fact that his law studies now left him an opportunity for the work he wanted so much to do, Louis was far from happy, for between his parents and himself, who had always been the best of friends, there were many misunderstandings.

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

From this reading "There's a schooner in the offing, With her topsails shot with fire, And my heart has gone aboard her For the island of Desire."

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

From this reading In spite of the fact that his law studies now left him an opportunity for the work he wanted so much to do, Louis was far from happy, for between his parents and himself, who had always been the best of friends, there were many misunderstandings.

the locus of feelings and intuitions

From this reading "There's a schooner in the offing, With her topsails shot with fire, And my heart has gone aboard her For the island of Desire."

belonging to a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned

From this reading "There's a schooner in the offing, With her topsails shot with fire, And my heart has gone aboard her For the island of Desire."

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

From this reading In spite of the fact that his law studies now left him an opportunity for the work he wanted so much to do, Louis was far from happy, for between his parents and himself, who had always been the best of friends, there were many misunderstandings.

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

From this reading In spite of the fact that his law studies now left him an opportunity for the work he wanted so much to do, Louis was far from happy, for between his parents and himself, who had always been the best of friends, there were many misunderstandings.

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

From this reading In spite of the fact that his law studies now left him an opportunity for the work he wanted so much to do, Louis was far from happy, for between his parents and himself, who had always been the best of friends, there were many misunderstandings.

where you live at a particular time

From this reading Thomas Stevenson was bitterly disappointed that his only son should choose to be what he called "an idler"--generous to a fault and always out of money, dressing in a careless and eccentric way, which both amused and annoyed his friends and caused him to be ridiculed by strangers, preferring to roam the streets of old Edinburgh scraping acquaintance with the fishwives and dock hands, rather than staying at home and mingling in the social circle to which his parents belonged.

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

From this reading --RICHARD HOVEY.

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

From this reading EDINBURGH DAYS "I am fevered with the sunset, I am fretful with the bay, For the wander-thirst is on me And my soul is in Cathay.

person who does no work

From this reading Thomas Stevenson was bitterly disappointed that his only son should choose to be what he called "an idler"--generous to a fault and always out of money, dressing in a careless and eccentric way, which both amused and annoyed his friends and caused him to be ridiculed by strangers, preferring to roam the streets of old Edinburgh scraping acquaintance with the fishwives and dock hands, rather than staying at home and mingling in the social circle to which his parents belonged.

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

From this reading EDINBURGH DAYS "I am fevered with the sunset, I am fretful with the bay, For the wander-thirst is on me And my soul is in Cathay.

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

From this reading EDINBURGH DAYS "I am fevered with the sunset, I am fretful with the bay, For the wander-thirst is on me And my soul is in Cathay.

a land mass (smaller than a continent) that is surrounded by water

From this reading "There's a schooner in the offing, With her topsails shot with fire, And my heart has gone aboard her For the island of Desire."

the collection of rules imposed by authority

From this reading In spite of the fact that his law studies now left him an opportunity for the work he wanted so much to do, Louis was far from happy, for between his parents and himself, who had always been the best of friends, there were many misunderstandings.

location near or direction toward the left side; i.e. the side to the north when a person or object faces east

From this reading In spite of the fact that his law studies now left him an opportunity for the work he wanted so much to do, Louis was far from happy, for between his parents and himself, who had always been the best of friends, there were many misunderstandings.

United States prizefighter who was world heavyweight champion for 12 years (1914-1981)

From this reading In spite of the fact that his law studies now left him an opportunity for the work he wanted so much to do, Louis was far from happy, for between his parents and himself, who had always been the best of friends, there were many misunderstandings.

a quantifier that can be used with count nouns and is often preceded by “as” or “too” or “so” or “that”; amounting to a large but indefinite number

From this reading In spite of the fact that his law studies now left him an opportunity for the work he wanted so much to do, Louis was far from happy, for between his parents and himself, who had always been the best of friends, there were many misunderstandings.

the person speaking, as the object of a verb or preposition

From this reading EDINBURGH DAYS "I am fevered with the sunset, I am fretful with the bay, For the wander-thirst is on me And my soul is in Cathay.

the action of people mingling and coming into contact

From this reading Thomas Stevenson was bitterly disappointed that his only son should choose to be what he called "an idler"--generous to a fault and always out of money, dressing in a careless and eccentric way, which both amused and annoyed his friends and caused him to be ridiculed by strangers, preferring to roam the streets of old Edinburgh scraping acquaintance with the fishwives and dock hands, rather than staying at home and mingling in the social circle to which his parents belonged.

plural of “misunderstanding” — putting the wrong interpretation on

From this reading In spite of the fact that his law studies now left him an opportunity for the work he wanted so much to do, Louis was far from happy, for between his parents and himself, who had always been the best of friends, there were many misunderstandings.

the most common medium of exchange; functions as legal tender

From this reading Thomas Stevenson was bitterly disappointed that his only son should choose to be what he called "an idler"--generous to a fault and always out of money, dressing in a careless and eccentric way, which both amused and annoyed his friends and caused him to be ridiculed by strangers, preferring to roam the streets of old Edinburgh scraping acquaintance with the fishwives and dock hands, rather than staying at home and mingling in the social circle to which his parents belonged.

to a great degree or extent

From this reading In spite of the fact that his law studies now left him an opportunity for the work he wanted so much to do, Louis was far from happy, for between his parents and himself, who had always been the best of friends, there were many misunderstandings.

belonging to the person speaking

From this reading EDINBURGH DAYS "I am fevered with the sunset, I am fretful with the bay, For the wander-thirst is on me And my soul is in Cathay.

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

From this reading In spite of the fact that his law studies now left him an opportunity for the work he wanted so much to do, Louis was far from happy, for between his parents and himself, who had always been the best of friends, there were many misunderstandings.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading "There's a schooner in the offing, With her topsails shot with fire, And my heart has gone aboard her For the island of Desire."

the near or foreseeable future

From this reading "There's a schooner in the offing, With her topsails shot with fire, And my heart has gone aboard her For the island of Desire."

(used especially of persons) having lived for a relatively long time or attained a specific age

From this reading Thomas Stevenson was bitterly disappointed that his only son should choose to be what he called "an idler"--generous to a fault and always out of money, dressing in a careless and eccentric way, which both amused and annoyed his friends and caused him to be ridiculed by strangers, preferring to roam the streets of old Edinburgh scraping acquaintance with the fishwives and dock hands, rather than staying at home and mingling in the social circle to which his parents belonged.

touching and supported by a surface

From this reading EDINBURGH DAYS "I am fevered with the sunset, I am fretful with the bay, For the wander-thirst is on me And my soul is in Cathay.

and nothing more

From this reading Thomas Stevenson was bitterly disappointed that his only son should choose to be what he called "an idler"--generous to a fault and always out of money, dressing in a careless and eccentric way, which both amused and annoyed his friends and caused him to be ridiculed by strangers, preferring to roam the streets of old Edinburgh scraping acquaintance with the fishwives and dock hands, rather than staying at home and mingling in the social circle to which his parents belonged.

a possibility due to a favorable combination of circumstances

From this reading In spite of the fact that his law studies now left him an opportunity for the work he wanted so much to do, Louis was far from happy, for between his parents and himself, who had always been the best of friends, there were many misunderstandings.

not allowed to continue to bat or run

From this reading Thomas Stevenson was bitterly disappointed that his only son should choose to be what he called "an idler"--generous to a fault and always out of money, dressing in a careless and eccentric way, which both amused and annoyed his friends and caused him to be ridiculed by strangers, preferring to roam the streets of old Edinburgh scraping acquaintance with the fishwives and dock hands, rather than staying at home and mingling in the social circle to which his parents belonged.

plural of “parent” — a father or mother; one who begets or one who gives birth to or nurtures and raises a child; a relative who plays the role of guardian

From this reading In spite of the fact that his law studies now left him an opportunity for the work he wanted so much to do, Louis was far from happy, for between his parents and himself, who had always been the best of friends, there were many misunderstandings.

inflected form of “prefer” — like better; value more highly

From this reading Thomas Stevenson was bitterly disappointed that his only son should choose to be what he called "an idler"--generous to a fault and always out of money, dressing in a careless and eccentric way, which both amused and annoyed his friends and caused him to be ridiculed by strangers, preferring to roam the streets of old Edinburgh scraping acquaintance with the fishwives and dock hands, rather than staying at home and mingling in the social circle to which his parents belonged.

on the contrary

From this reading Thomas Stevenson was bitterly disappointed that his only son should choose to be what he called "an idler"--generous to a fault and always out of money, dressing in a careless and eccentric way, which both amused and annoyed his friends and caused him to be ridiculed by strangers, preferring to roam the streets of old Edinburgh scraping acquaintance with the fishwives and dock hands, rather than staying at home and mingling in the social circle to which his parents belonged.

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

From this reading --RICHARD HOVEY.

past form of “ridicule” — subject to laughter or ridicule

From this reading Thomas Stevenson was bitterly disappointed that his only son should choose to be what he called "an idler"--generous to a fault and always out of money, dressing in a careless and eccentric way, which both amused and annoyed his friends and caused him to be ridiculed by strangers, preferring to roam the streets of old Edinburgh scraping acquaintance with the fishwives and dock hands, rather than staying at home and mingling in the social circle to which his parents belonged.

move about aimlessly or without any destination, often in search of food or employment

From this reading Thomas Stevenson was bitterly disappointed that his only son should choose to be what he called "an idler"--generous to a fault and always out of money, dressing in a careless and eccentric way, which both amused and annoyed his friends and caused him to be ridiculed by strangers, preferring to roam the streets of old Edinburgh scraping acquaintance with the fishwives and dock hands, rather than staying at home and mingling in the social circle to which his parents belonged.

a large beer glass

From this reading "There's a schooner in the offing, With her topsails shot with fire, And my heart has gone aboard her For the island of Desire."

(usually plural) a fragment scraped off of something and collected

From this reading Thomas Stevenson was bitterly disappointed that his only son should choose to be what he called "an idler"--generous to a fault and always out of money, dressing in a careless and eccentric way, which both amused and annoyed his friends and caused him to be ridiculed by strangers, preferring to roam the streets of old Edinburgh scraping acquaintance with the fishwives and dock hands, rather than staying at home and mingling in the social circle to which his parents belonged.

the act of firing a projectile

From this reading "There's a schooner in the offing, With her topsails shot with fire, And my heart has gone aboard her For the island of Desire."

used to say what is right, expected, or advisable

From this reading Thomas Stevenson was bitterly disappointed that his only son should choose to be what he called "an idler"--generous to a fault and always out of money, dressing in a careless and eccentric way, which both amused and annoyed his friends and caused him to be ridiculed by strangers, preferring to roam the streets of old Edinburgh scraping acquaintance with the fishwives and dock hands, rather than staying at home and mingling in the social circle to which his parents belonged.

for that reason; with the result that

From this reading In spite of the fact that his law studies now left him an opportunity for the work he wanted so much to do, Louis was far from happy, for between his parents and himself, who had always been the best of friends, there were many misunderstandings.

relating to human society and its members

From this reading Thomas Stevenson was bitterly disappointed that his only son should choose to be what he called "an idler"--generous to a fault and always out of money, dressing in a careless and eccentric way, which both amused and annoyed his friends and caused him to be ridiculed by strangers, preferring to roam the streets of old Edinburgh scraping acquaintance with the fishwives and dock hands, rather than staying at home and mingling in the social circle to which his parents belonged.

a male human offspring

From this reading Thomas Stevenson was bitterly disappointed that his only son should choose to be what he called "an idler"--generous to a fault and always out of money, dressing in a careless and eccentric way, which both amused and annoyed his friends and caused him to be ridiculed by strangers, preferring to roam the streets of old Edinburgh scraping acquaintance with the fishwives and dock hands, rather than staying at home and mingling in the social circle to which his parents belonged.

the immaterial part of a person; the actuating cause of an individual life

From this reading EDINBURGH DAYS "I am fevered with the sunset, I am fretful with the bay, For the wander-thirst is on me And my soul is in Cathay.

feeling a need to see others suffer

From this reading In spite of the fact that his law studies now left him an opportunity for the work he wanted so much to do, Louis was far from happy, for between his parents and himself, who had always been the best of friends, there were many misunderstandings.

-ing form of “stay” — stay the same; remain in a certain state

From this reading Thomas Stevenson was bitterly disappointed that his only son should choose to be what he called "an idler"--generous to a fault and always out of money, dressing in a careless and eccentric way, which both amused and annoyed his friends and caused him to be ridiculed by strangers, preferring to roam the streets of old Edinburgh scraping acquaintance with the fishwives and dock hands, rather than staying at home and mingling in the social circle to which his parents belonged.

Scottish author (1850-1894)

From this reading Thomas Stevenson was bitterly disappointed that his only son should choose to be what he called "an idler"--generous to a fault and always out of money, dressing in a careless and eccentric way, which both amused and annoyed his friends and caused him to be ridiculed by strangers, preferring to roam the streets of old Edinburgh scraping acquaintance with the fishwives and dock hands, rather than staying at home and mingling in the social circle to which his parents belonged.

plural of “stranger” — anyone who does not belong in the environment in which they are found

From this reading Thomas Stevenson was bitterly disappointed that his only son should choose to be what he called "an idler"--generous to a fault and always out of money, dressing in a careless and eccentric way, which both amused and annoyed his friends and caused him to be ridiculed by strangers, preferring to roam the streets of old Edinburgh scraping acquaintance with the fishwives and dock hands, rather than staying at home and mingling in the social circle to which his parents belonged.

plural of “street” — a thoroughfare (usually including sidewalks) that is lined with buildings

From this reading Thomas Stevenson was bitterly disappointed that his only son should choose to be what he called "an idler"--generous to a fault and always out of money, dressing in a careless and eccentric way, which both amused and annoyed his friends and caused him to be ridiculed by strangers, preferring to roam the streets of old Edinburgh scraping acquaintance with the fishwives and dock hands, rather than staying at home and mingling in the social circle to which his parents belonged.

plural of “study” — a detailed critical inspection

From this reading In spite of the fact that his law studies now left him an opportunity for the work he wanted so much to do, Louis was far from happy, for between his parents and himself, who had always been the best of friends, there were many misunderstandings.

the time in the evening at which the sun begins to fall below the horizon

From this reading EDINBURGH DAYS "I am fevered with the sunset, I am fretful with the bay, For the wander-thirst is on me And my soul is in Cathay.

used to introduce the second part of a comparison

From this reading Thomas Stevenson was bitterly disappointed that his only son should choose to be what he called "an idler"--generous to a fault and always out of money, dressing in a careless and eccentric way, which both amused and annoyed his friends and caused him to be ridiculed by strangers, preferring to roam the streets of old Edinburgh scraping acquaintance with the fishwives and dock hands, rather than staying at home and mingling in the social circle to which his parents belonged.

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading In spite of the fact that his law studies now left him an opportunity for the work he wanted so much to do, Louis was far from happy, for between his parents and himself, who had always been the best of friends, there were many misunderstandings.

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

From this reading EDINBURGH DAYS "I am fevered with the sunset, I am fretful with the bay, For the wander-thirst is on me And my soul is in Cathay.

in or at that place or location

From this reading In spite of the fact that his law studies now left him an opportunity for the work he wanted so much to do, Louis was far from happy, for between his parents and himself, who had always been the best of friends, there were many misunderstandings.

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

From this reading "There's a schooner in the offing, With her topsails shot with fire, And my heart has gone aboard her For the island of Desire."

United States clockmaker who introduced mass production (1785-1859)

From this reading Thomas Stevenson was bitterly disappointed that his only son should choose to be what he called "an idler"--generous to a fault and always out of money, dressing in a careless and eccentric way, which both amused and annoyed his friends and caused him to be ridiculed by strangers, preferring to roam the streets of old Edinburgh scraping acquaintance with the fishwives and dock hands, rather than staying at home and mingling in the social circle to which his parents belonged.

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

From this reading In spite of the fact that his law studies now left him an opportunity for the work he wanted so much to do, Louis was far from happy, for between his parents and himself, who had always been the best of friends, there were many misunderstandings.

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

From this reading "There's a schooner in the offing, With her topsails shot with fire, And my heart has gone aboard her For the island of Desire."

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

From this reading EDINBURGH DAYS "I am fevered with the sunset, I am fretful with the bay, For the wander-thirst is on me And my soul is in Cathay.

desired or wished for or sought

From this reading In spite of the fact that his law studies now left him an opportunity for the work he wanted so much to do, Louis was far from happy, for between his parents and himself, who had always been the best of friends, there were many misunderstandings.

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

From this reading In spite of the fact that his law studies now left him an opportunity for the work he wanted so much to do, Louis was far from happy, for between his parents and himself, who had always been the best of friends, there were many misunderstandings.

how something is done or how it happens

From this reading Thomas Stevenson was bitterly disappointed that his only son should choose to be what he called "an idler"--generous to a fault and always out of money, dressing in a careless and eccentric way, which both amused and annoyed his friends and caused him to be ridiculed by strangers, preferring to roam the streets of old Edinburgh scraping acquaintance with the fishwives and dock hands, rather than staying at home and mingling in the social circle to which his parents belonged.

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

From this reading In spite of the fact that his law studies now left him an opportunity for the work he wanted so much to do, Louis was far from happy, for between his parents and himself, who had always been the best of friends, there were many misunderstandings.

used to ask for information about something

From this reading Thomas Stevenson was bitterly disappointed that his only son should choose to be what he called "an idler"--generous to a fault and always out of money, dressing in a careless and eccentric way, which both amused and annoyed his friends and caused him to be ridiculed by strangers, preferring to roam the streets of old Edinburgh scraping acquaintance with the fishwives and dock hands, rather than staying at home and mingling in the social circle to which his parents belonged.

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

From this reading Thomas Stevenson was bitterly disappointed that his only son should choose to be what he called "an idler"--generous to a fault and always out of money, dressing in a careless and eccentric way, which both amused and annoyed his friends and caused him to be ridiculed by strangers, preferring to roam the streets of old Edinburgh scraping acquaintance with the fishwives and dock hands, rather than staying at home and mingling in the social circle to which his parents belonged.

which person or people

From this reading In spite of the fact that his law studies now left him an opportunity for the work he wanted so much to do, Louis was far from happy, for between his parents and himself, who had always been the best of friends, there were many misunderstandings.

in the company of; together with

From this reading EDINBURGH DAYS "I am fevered with the sunset, I am fretful with the bay, For the wander-thirst is on me And my soul is in Cathay.

exert oneself by doing mental or physical work for a purpose or out of necessity

From this reading In spite of the fact that his law studies now left him an opportunity for the work he wanted so much to do, Louis was far from happy, for between his parents and himself, who had always been the best of friends, there were many misunderstandings.