Chapter I

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

From this reading Illustrated in Colour by George Belcher T. N. Foulis, London & Edinburgh ONE MORNING A FEW MONTHS AGO A foreigner under the influence of an aeroplane descended somewhat hurriedly in a broad and--as he ascertained--a soft meadow in Nethershire; and while he was picking up his matches preparatory to lighting his cigarette--he has always a cigarette in his waistcoat pocket, for a man with a Kodak may be lurking behind the nearest tree--an agricultural labourer on his way to his work looked over the hedge at him.

on the subject of; concerning

From this reading It was the Rector who told me the story, adding in regard to the labourer---- “Isn't that just like Thurswell--fancying that a Czech who had just crossed the Channel, and believed himself to be in Belgium, should know all about Thurswell and its Bleybar Lane?”

-ing form of “add” — make an addition (to); join or combine or unite with others; increase the quality, quantity, size or scope of

From this reading It was the Rector who told me the story, adding in regard to the labourer---- “Isn't that just like Thurswell--fancying that a Czech who had just crossed the Channel, and believed himself to be in Belgium, should know all about Thurswell and its Bleybar Lane?”

an aircraft that has a fixed wing and is powered by propellers or jets

From this reading Illustrated in Colour by George Belcher T. N. Foulis, London & Edinburgh ONE MORNING A FEW MONTHS AGO A foreigner under the influence of an aeroplane descended somewhat hurriedly in a broad and--as he ascertained--a soft meadow in Nethershire; and while he was picking up his matches preparatory to lighting his cigarette--he has always a cigarette in his waistcoat pocket, for a man with a Kodak may be lurking behind the nearest tree--an agricultural labourer on his way to his work looked over the hedge at him.

later than; following

From this reading The foreign person noticed him, and after trying him in vain with German, French, and Hungarian, fell back upon English, and in the few words of that language which he knew, inquired the name of the place.

in the past

From this reading Illustrated in Colour by George Belcher T. N. Foulis, London & Edinburgh ONE MORNING A FEW MONTHS AGO A foreigner under the influence of an aeroplane descended somewhat hurriedly in a broad and--as he ascertained--a soft meadow in Nethershire; and while he was picking up his matches preparatory to lighting his cigarette--he has always a cigarette in his waistcoat pocket, for a man with a Kodak may be lurking behind the nearest tree--an agricultural labourer on his way to his work looked over the hedge at him.

relating to or used in or promoting agriculture or farming

From this reading Illustrated in Colour by George Belcher T. N. Foulis, London & Edinburgh ONE MORNING A FEW MONTHS AGO A foreigner under the influence of an aeroplane descended somewhat hurriedly in a broad and--as he ascertained--a soft meadow in Nethershire; and while he was picking up his matches preparatory to lighting his cigarette--he has always a cigarette in his waistcoat pocket, for a man with a Kodak may be lurking behind the nearest tree--an agricultural labourer on his way to his work looked over the hedge at him.

(quantifier) used with either mass or count nouns to indicate the whole number or amount of or every one of a class

From this reading It was the Rector who told me the story, adding in regard to the labourer---- “Isn't that just like Thurswell--fancying that a Czech who had just crossed the Channel, and believed himself to be in Belgium, should know all about Thurswell and its Bleybar Lane?”

to a complete degree or to the full or entire extent (“whole” is often used informally for “wholly”)

From this reading “Why, Bleybar Lane, to be sure,” replied the man, perceiving the trend of the question with the quick intelligence of the agricultural labourer; and when the stranger shook his head and lapsed into Russian, begging him to be more precise (for the aviator had not altogether recovered from the daze of his sudden arrival), the man repeated the words in a louder tone, “Bleybar Lane--everybody knows Bleybar Lane; and that's Thurswell that you can't see, beyond the windmill,” and then walked on.

at all times; all the time and on every occasion

From this reading Illustrated in Colour by George Belcher T. N. Foulis, London & Edinburgh ONE MORNING A FEW MONTHS AGO A foreigner under the influence of an aeroplane descended somewhat hurriedly in a broad and--as he ascertained--a soft meadow in Nethershire; and while he was picking up his matches preparatory to lighting his cigarette--he has always a cigarette in his waistcoat pocket, for a man with a Kodak may be lurking behind the nearest tree--an agricultural labourer on his way to his work looked over the hedge at him.

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

From this reading Illustrated in Colour by George Belcher T. N. Foulis, London & Edinburgh ONE MORNING A FEW MONTHS AGO A foreigner under the influence of an aeroplane descended somewhat hurriedly in a broad and--as he ascertained--a soft meadow in Nethershire; and while he was picking up his matches preparatory to lighting his cigarette--he has always a cigarette in his waistcoat pocket, for a man with a Kodak may be lurking behind the nearest tree--an agricultural labourer on his way to his work looked over the hedge at him.

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

From this reading Illustrated in Colour by George Belcher T. N. Foulis, London & Edinburgh ONE MORNING A FEW MONTHS AGO A foreigner under the influence of an aeroplane descended somewhat hurriedly in a broad and--as he ascertained--a soft meadow in Nethershire; and while he was picking up his matches preparatory to lighting his cigarette--he has always a cigarette in his waistcoat pocket, for a man with a Kodak may be lurking behind the nearest tree--an agricultural labourer on his way to his work looked over the hedge at him.

one or some or every or all without specification

From this reading Happily our parson, who had watched the descent of the stranger and was hastening to try if he could be of any help to him, came up at that moment and explained that he was in England, where English was, up to that time at least, spoken in preference to German or, indeed, any other language, and that breakfast would be ready at the Rectory in an hour.

accomplishment of an objective

From this reading “Why, Bleybar Lane, to be sure,” replied the man, perceiving the trend of the question with the quick intelligence of the agricultural labourer; and when the stranger shook his head and lapsed into Russian, begging him to be more precise (for the aviator had not altogether recovered from the daze of his sudden arrival), the man repeated the words in a louder tone, “Bleybar Lane--everybody knows Bleybar Lane; and that's Thurswell that you can't see, beyond the windmill,” and then walked on.

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

From this reading Illustrated in Colour by George Belcher T. N. Foulis, London & Edinburgh ONE MORNING A FEW MONTHS AGO A foreigner under the influence of an aeroplane descended somewhat hurriedly in a broad and--as he ascertained--a soft meadow in Nethershire; and while he was picking up his matches preparatory to lighting his cigarette--he has always a cigarette in his waistcoat pocket, for a man with a Kodak may be lurking behind the nearest tree--an agricultural labourer on his way to his work looked over the hedge at him.

discovered or determined by scientific observation

From this reading Illustrated in Colour by George Belcher T. N. Foulis, London & Edinburgh ONE MORNING A FEW MONTHS AGO A foreigner under the influence of an aeroplane descended somewhat hurriedly in a broad and--as he ascertained--a soft meadow in Nethershire; and while he was picking up his matches preparatory to lighting his cigarette--he has always a cigarette in his waistcoat pocket, for a man with a Kodak may be lurking behind the nearest tree--an agricultural labourer on his way to his work looked over the hedge at him.

in or near a particular place or position

From this reading Illustrated in Colour by George Belcher T. N. Foulis, London & Edinburgh ONE MORNING A FEW MONTHS AGO A foreigner under the influence of an aeroplane descended somewhat hurriedly in a broad and--as he ascertained--a soft meadow in Nethershire; and while he was picking up his matches preparatory to lighting his cigarette--he has always a cigarette in his waistcoat pocket, for a man with a Kodak may be lurking behind the nearest tree--an agricultural labourer on his way to his work looked over the hedge at him.

someone who operates an aircraft

From this reading “Why, Bleybar Lane, to be sure,” replied the man, perceiving the trend of the question with the quick intelligence of the agricultural labourer; and when the stranger shook his head and lapsed into Russian, begging him to be more precise (for the aviator had not altogether recovered from the daze of his sudden arrival), the man repeated the words in a louder tone, “Bleybar Lane--everybody knows Bleybar Lane; and that's Thurswell that you can't see, beyond the windmill,” and then walked on.

in or to or toward a former location

From this reading The foreign person noticed him, and after trying him in vain with German, French, and Hungarian, fell back upon English, and in the few words of that language which he knew, inquired the name of the place.

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

From this reading Illustrated in Colour by George Belcher T. N. Foulis, London & Edinburgh ONE MORNING A FEW MONTHS AGO A foreigner under the influence of an aeroplane descended somewhat hurriedly in a broad and--as he ascertained--a soft meadow in Nethershire; and while he was picking up his matches preparatory to lighting his cigarette--he has always a cigarette in his waistcoat pocket, for a man with a Kodak may be lurking behind the nearest tree--an agricultural labourer on his way to his work looked over the hedge at him.

a solicitation for money or food (especially in the street by an apparently penniless person)

From this reading “Why, Bleybar Lane, to be sure,” replied the man, perceiving the trend of the question with the quick intelligence of the agricultural labourer; and when the stranger shook his head and lapsed into Russian, begging him to be more precise (for the aviator had not altogether recovered from the daze of his sudden arrival), the man repeated the words in a louder tone, “Bleybar Lane--everybody knows Bleybar Lane; and that's Thurswell that you can't see, beyond the windmill,” and then walked on.

at or toward the back of something

From this reading Illustrated in Colour by George Belcher T. N. Foulis, London & Edinburgh ONE MORNING A FEW MONTHS AGO A foreigner under the influence of an aeroplane descended somewhat hurriedly in a broad and--as he ascertained--a soft meadow in Nethershire; and while he was picking up his matches preparatory to lighting his cigarette--he has always a cigarette in his waistcoat pocket, for a man with a Kodak may be lurking behind the nearest tree--an agricultural labourer on his way to his work looked over the hedge at him.

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

From this reading Illustrated in Colour by George Belcher T. N. Foulis, London & Edinburgh ONE MORNING A FEW MONTHS AGO A foreigner under the influence of an aeroplane descended somewhat hurriedly in a broad and--as he ascertained--a soft meadow in Nethershire; and while he was picking up his matches preparatory to lighting his cigarette--he has always a cigarette in his waistcoat pocket, for a man with a Kodak may be lurking behind the nearest tree--an agricultural labourer on his way to his work looked over the hedge at him.

a monarchy in northwestern Europe; headquarters for the European Union and for the North Atlantic Treaty Organization

From this reading It was the Rector who told me the story, adding in regard to the labourer---- “Isn't that just like Thurswell--fancying that a Czech who had just crossed the Channel, and believed himself to be in Belgium, should know all about Thurswell and its Bleybar Lane?”

past form of “believe” — accept as true; take to be true

From this reading It was the Rector who told me the story, adding in regard to the labourer---- “Isn't that just like Thurswell--fancying that a Czech who had just crossed the Channel, and believed himself to be in Belgium, should know all about Thurswell and its Bleybar Lane?”

on the far side of; further than

From this reading “Why, Bleybar Lane, to be sure,” replied the man, perceiving the trend of the question with the quick intelligence of the agricultural labourer; and when the stranger shook his head and lapsed into Russian, begging him to be more precise (for the aviator had not altogether recovered from the daze of his sudden arrival), the man repeated the words in a louder tone, “Bleybar Lane--everybody knows Bleybar Lane; and that's Thurswell that you can't see, beyond the windmill,” and then walked on.

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

From this reading “Why, Bleybar Lane, to be sure,” replied the man, perceiving the trend of the question with the quick intelligence of the agricultural labourer; and when the stranger shook his head and lapsed into Russian, begging him to be more precise (for the aviator had not altogether recovered from the daze of his sudden arrival), the man repeated the words in a louder tone, “Bleybar Lane--everybody knows Bleybar Lane; and that's Thurswell that you can't see, beyond the windmill,” and then walked on.

eat an early morning meal

From this reading Happily our parson, who had watched the descent of the stranger and was hastening to try if he could be of any help to him, came up at that moment and explained that he was in England, where English was, up to that time at least, spoken in preference to German or, indeed, any other language, and that breakfast would be ready at the Rectory in an hour.

having great (or a certain) extent from one side to the other

From this reading Illustrated in Colour by George Belcher T. N. Foulis, London & Edinburgh ONE MORNING A FEW MONTHS AGO A foreigner under the influence of an aeroplane descended somewhat hurriedly in a broad and--as he ascertained--a soft meadow in Nethershire; and while he was picking up his matches preparatory to lighting his cigarette--he has always a cigarette in his waistcoat pocket, for a man with a Kodak may be lurking behind the nearest tree--an agricultural labourer on his way to his work looked over the hedge at him.

showing who or what does the action

From this reading Illustrated in Colour by George Belcher T. N. Foulis, London & Edinburgh ONE MORNING A FEW MONTHS AGO A foreigner under the influence of an aeroplane descended somewhat hurriedly in a broad and--as he ascertained--a soft meadow in Nethershire; and while he was picking up his matches preparatory to lighting his cigarette--he has always a cigarette in his waistcoat pocket, for a man with a Kodak may be lurking behind the nearest tree--an agricultural labourer on his way to his work looked over the hedge at him.

inflected form of “come” — move toward, travel toward something or somebody or approach something or somebody

From this reading Happily our parson, who had watched the descent of the stranger and was hastening to try if he could be of any help to him, came up at that moment and explained that he was in England, where English was, up to that time at least, spoken in preference to German or, indeed, any other language, and that breakfast would be ready at the Rectory in an hour.

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

From this reading “Why, Bleybar Lane, to be sure,” replied the man, perceiving the trend of the question with the quick intelligence of the agricultural labourer; and when the stranger shook his head and lapsed into Russian, begging him to be more precise (for the aviator had not altogether recovered from the daze of his sudden arrival), the man repeated the words in a louder tone, “Bleybar Lane--everybody knows Bleybar Lane; and that's Thurswell that you can't see, beyond the windmill,” and then walked on.

a path over which electrical signals can pass

From this reading It was the Rector who told me the story, adding in regard to the labourer---- “Isn't that just like Thurswell--fancying that a Czech who had just crossed the Channel, and believed himself to be in Belgium, should know all about Thurswell and its Bleybar Lane?”

finely ground tobacco wrapped in paper; for smoking

From this reading Illustrated in Colour by George Belcher T. N. Foulis, London & Edinburgh ONE MORNING A FEW MONTHS AGO A foreigner under the influence of an aeroplane descended somewhat hurriedly in a broad and--as he ascertained--a soft meadow in Nethershire; and while he was picking up his matches preparatory to lighting his cigarette--he has always a cigarette in his waistcoat pocket, for a man with a Kodak may be lurking behind the nearest tree--an agricultural labourer on his way to his work looked over the hedge at him.

having or capable of producing colors

From this reading Illustrated in Colour by George Belcher T. N. Foulis, London & Edinburgh ONE MORNING A FEW MONTHS AGO A foreigner under the influence of an aeroplane descended somewhat hurriedly in a broad and--as he ascertained--a soft meadow in Nethershire; and while he was picking up his matches preparatory to lighting his cigarette--he has always a cigarette in his waistcoat pocket, for a man with a Kodak may be lurking behind the nearest tree--an agricultural labourer on his way to his work looked over the hedge at him.

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

From this reading Happily our parson, who had watched the descent of the stranger and was hastening to try if he could be of any help to him, came up at that moment and explained that he was in England, where English was, up to that time at least, spoken in preference to German or, indeed, any other language, and that breakfast would be ready at the Rectory in an hour.

placed crosswise

From this reading It was the Rector who told me the story, adding in regard to the labourer---- “Isn't that just like Thurswell--fancying that a Czech who had just crossed the Channel, and believed himself to be in Belgium, should know all about Thurswell and its Bleybar Lane?”

a native of inhabitant of the Czech Republic

From this reading It was the Rector who told me the story, adding in regard to the labourer---- “Isn't that just like Thurswell--fancying that a Czech who had just crossed the Channel, and believed himself to be in Belgium, should know all about Thurswell and its Bleybar Lane?”

the feeling of distress and disbelief that you have when something bad happens accidentally

From this reading “Why, Bleybar Lane, to be sure,” replied the man, perceiving the trend of the question with the quick intelligence of the agricultural labourer; and when the stranger shook his head and lapsed into Russian, begging him to be more precise (for the aviator had not altogether recovered from the daze of his sudden arrival), the man repeated the words in a louder tone, “Bleybar Lane--everybody knows Bleybar Lane; and that's Thurswell that you can't see, beyond the windmill,” and then walked on.

past form of “descend” — move downward and lower, but not necessarily all the way

From this reading Illustrated in Colour by George Belcher T. N. Foulis, London & Edinburgh ONE MORNING A FEW MONTHS AGO A foreigner under the influence of an aeroplane descended somewhat hurriedly in a broad and--as he ascertained--a soft meadow in Nethershire; and while he was picking up his matches preparatory to lighting his cigarette--he has always a cigarette in his waistcoat pocket, for a man with a Kodak may be lurking behind the nearest tree--an agricultural labourer on his way to his work looked over the hedge at him.

An action of moving downward, dropping, or falling into a deeper place.

From this reading Happily our parson, who had watched the descent of the stranger and was hastening to try if he could be of any help to him, came up at that moment and explained that he was in England, where English was, up to that time at least, spoken in preference to German or, indeed, any other language, and that breakfast would be ready at the Rectory in an hour.

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

From this reading Illustrated in Colour by George Belcher T. N. Foulis, London & Edinburgh ONE MORNING A FEW MONTHS AGO A foreigner under the influence of an aeroplane descended somewhat hurriedly in a broad and--as he ascertained--a soft meadow in Nethershire; and while he was picking up his matches preparatory to lighting his cigarette--he has always a cigarette in his waistcoat pocket, for a man with a Kodak may be lurking behind the nearest tree--an agricultural labourer on his way to his work looked over the hedge at him.

a division of the United Kingdom

From this reading Happily our parson, who had watched the descent of the stranger and was hastening to try if he could be of any help to him, came up at that moment and explained that he was in England, where English was, up to that time at least, spoken in preference to German or, indeed, any other language, and that breakfast would be ready at the Rectory in an hour.

an Indo-European language belonging to the West Germanic branch; the official language of Britain and the United States and most of the commonwealth countries

From this reading The foreign person noticed him, and after trying him in vain with German, French, and Hungarian, fell back upon English, and in the few words of that language which he knew, inquired the name of the place.

every person

From this reading “Why, Bleybar Lane, to be sure,” replied the man, perceiving the trend of the question with the quick intelligence of the agricultural labourer; and when the stranger shook his head and lapsed into Russian, begging him to be more precise (for the aviator had not altogether recovered from the daze of his sudden arrival), the man repeated the words in a louder tone, “Bleybar Lane--everybody knows Bleybar Lane; and that's Thurswell that you can't see, beyond the windmill,” and then walked on.

past form of “explain” — make plain and comprehensible

From this reading Happily our parson, who had watched the descent of the stranger and was hastening to try if he could be of any help to him, came up at that moment and explained that he was in England, where English was, up to that time at least, spoken in preference to German or, indeed, any other language, and that breakfast would be ready at the Rectory in an hour.

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

From this reading It was the Rector who told me the story, adding in regard to the labourer---- “Isn't that just like Thurswell--fancying that a Czech who had just crossed the Channel, and believed himself to be in Belgium, should know all about Thurswell and its Bleybar Lane?”

cause to fall by or as if by delivering a blow

From this reading The foreign person noticed him, and after trying him in vain with German, French, and Hungarian, fell back upon English, and in the few words of that language which he knew, inquired the name of the place.

a quantifier that can be used with count nouns and is often preceded by “a”; a small but indefinite number

From this reading Illustrated in Colour by George Belcher T. N. Foulis, London & Edinburgh ONE MORNING A FEW MONTHS AGO A foreigner under the influence of an aeroplane descended somewhat hurriedly in a broad and--as he ascertained--a soft meadow in Nethershire; and while he was picking up his matches preparatory to lighting his cigarette--he has always a cigarette in his waistcoat pocket, for a man with a Kodak may be lurking behind the nearest tree--an agricultural labourer on his way to his work looked over the hedge at him.

intended to be given to, or used by, somebody

From this reading Illustrated in Colour by George Belcher T. N. Foulis, London & Edinburgh ONE MORNING A FEW MONTHS AGO A foreigner under the influence of an aeroplane descended somewhat hurriedly in a broad and--as he ascertained--a soft meadow in Nethershire; and while he was picking up his matches preparatory to lighting his cigarette--he has always a cigarette in his waistcoat pocket, for a man with a Kodak may be lurking behind the nearest tree--an agricultural labourer on his way to his work looked over the hedge at him.

of concern to or concerning the affairs of other nations (other than your own)

From this reading The foreign person noticed him, and after trying him in vain with German, French, and Hungarian, fell back upon English, and in the few words of that language which he knew, inquired the name of the place.

a person who comes from a foreign country; someone who does not owe allegiance to your country

From this reading Illustrated in Colour by George Belcher T. N. Foulis, London & Edinburgh ONE MORNING A FEW MONTHS AGO A foreigner under the influence of an aeroplane descended somewhat hurriedly in a broad and--as he ascertained--a soft meadow in Nethershire; and while he was picking up his matches preparatory to lighting his cigarette--he has always a cigarette in his waistcoat pocket, for a man with a Kodak may be lurking behind the nearest tree--an agricultural labourer on his way to his work looked over the hedge at him.

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

From this reading Illustrated in Colour by George Belcher T. N. Foulis, London & Edinburgh ONE MORNING A FEW MONTHS AGO A foreigner under the influence of an aeroplane descended somewhat hurriedly in a broad and--as he ascertained--a soft meadow in Nethershire; and while he was picking up his matches preparatory to lighting his cigarette--he has always a cigarette in his waistcoat pocket, for a man with a Kodak may be lurking behind the nearest tree--an agricultural labourer on his way to his work looked over the hedge at him.

the Romance language spoken in France and in countries colonized by France

From this reading The foreign person noticed him, and after trying him in vain with German, French, and Hungarian, fell back upon English, and in the few words of that language which he knew, inquired the name of the place.

showing where something starts, or who sent it

From this reading “Why, Bleybar Lane, to be sure,” replied the man, perceiving the trend of the question with the quick intelligence of the agricultural labourer; and when the stranger shook his head and lapsed into Russian, begging him to be more precise (for the aviator had not altogether recovered from the daze of his sudden arrival), the man repeated the words in a louder tone, “Bleybar Lane--everybody knows Bleybar Lane; and that's Thurswell that you can't see, beyond the windmill,” and then walked on.

Christian martyr; patron saint of England; hero of the legend of Saint George and the Dragon in which he slew a dragon and saved a princess (?-303)

From this reading Illustrated in Colour by George Belcher T. N. Foulis, London & Edinburgh ONE MORNING A FEW MONTHS AGO A foreigner under the influence of an aeroplane descended somewhat hurriedly in a broad and--as he ascertained--a soft meadow in Nethershire; and while he was picking up his matches preparatory to lighting his cigarette--he has always a cigarette in his waistcoat pocket, for a man with a Kodak may be lurking behind the nearest tree--an agricultural labourer on his way to his work looked over the hedge at him.

a person of German nationality

From this reading The foreign person noticed him, and after trying him in vain with German, French, and Hungarian, fell back upon English, and in the few words of that language which he knew, inquired the name of the place.

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

From this reading “Why, Bleybar Lane, to be sure,” replied the man, perceiving the trend of the question with the quick intelligence of the agricultural labourer; and when the stranger shook his head and lapsed into Russian, begging him to be more precise (for the aviator had not altogether recovered from the daze of his sudden arrival), the man repeated the words in a louder tone, “Bleybar Lane--everybody knows Bleybar Lane; and that's Thurswell that you can't see, beyond the windmill,” and then walked on.

in a joyous manner

From this reading Happily our parson, who had watched the descent of the stranger and was hastening to try if he could be of any help to him, came up at that moment and explained that he was in England, where English was, up to that time at least, spoken in preference to German or, indeed, any other language, and that breakfast would be ready at the Rectory in an hour.

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

From this reading Illustrated in Colour by George Belcher T. N. Foulis, London & Edinburgh ONE MORNING A FEW MONTHS AGO A foreigner under the influence of an aeroplane descended somewhat hurriedly in a broad and--as he ascertained--a soft meadow in Nethershire; and while he was picking up his matches preparatory to lighting his cigarette--he has always a cigarette in his waistcoat pocket, for a man with a Kodak may be lurking behind the nearest tree--an agricultural labourer on his way to his work looked over the hedge at him.

-ing form of “hasten” — act or move at high speed

From this reading Happily our parson, who had watched the descent of the stranger and was hastening to try if he could be of any help to him, came up at that moment and explained that he was in England, where English was, up to that time at least, spoken in preference to German or, indeed, any other language, and that breakfast would be ready at the Rectory in an hour.

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

From this reading Illustrated in Colour by George Belcher T. N. Foulis, London & Edinburgh ONE MORNING A FEW MONTHS AGO A foreigner under the influence of an aeroplane descended somewhat hurriedly in a broad and--as he ascertained--a soft meadow in Nethershire; and while he was picking up his matches preparatory to lighting his cigarette--he has always a cigarette in his waistcoat pocket, for a man with a Kodak may be lurking behind the nearest tree--an agricultural labourer on his way to his work looked over the hedge at him.

the upper part of the human body or the front part of the body in animals; contains the face and brains

From this reading “Why, Bleybar Lane, to be sure,” replied the man, perceiving the trend of the question with the quick intelligence of the agricultural labourer; and when the stranger shook his head and lapsed into Russian, begging him to be more precise (for the aviator had not altogether recovered from the daze of his sudden arrival), the man repeated the words in a louder tone, “Bleybar Lane--everybody knows Bleybar Lane; and that's Thurswell that you can't see, beyond the windmill,” and then walked on.

avoid or try to avoid fulfilling, answering, or performing (duties, questions, or issues)

From this reading Illustrated in Colour by George Belcher T. N. Foulis, London & Edinburgh ONE MORNING A FEW MONTHS AGO A foreigner under the influence of an aeroplane descended somewhat hurriedly in a broad and--as he ascertained--a soft meadow in Nethershire; and while he was picking up his matches preparatory to lighting his cigarette--he has always a cigarette in his waistcoat pocket, for a man with a Kodak may be lurking behind the nearest tree--an agricultural labourer on his way to his work looked over the hedge at him.

give help or assistance; be of service

From this reading Happily our parson, who had watched the descent of the stranger and was hastening to try if he could be of any help to him, came up at that moment and explained that he was in England, where English was, up to that time at least, spoken in preference to German or, indeed, any other language, and that breakfast would be ready at the Rectory in an hour.

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

From this reading Illustrated in Colour by George Belcher T. N. Foulis, London & Edinburgh ONE MORNING A FEW MONTHS AGO A foreigner under the influence of an aeroplane descended somewhat hurriedly in a broad and--as he ascertained--a soft meadow in Nethershire; and while he was picking up his matches preparatory to lighting his cigarette--he has always a cigarette in his waistcoat pocket, for a man with a Kodak may be lurking behind the nearest tree--an agricultural labourer on his way to his work looked over the hedge at him.

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

From this reading It was the Rector who told me the story, adding in regard to the labourer---- “Isn't that just like Thurswell--fancying that a Czech who had just crossed the Channel, and believed himself to be in Belgium, should know all about Thurswell and its Bleybar Lane?”

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

From this reading Illustrated in Colour by George Belcher T. N. Foulis, London & Edinburgh ONE MORNING A FEW MONTHS AGO A foreigner under the influence of an aeroplane descended somewhat hurriedly in a broad and--as he ascertained--a soft meadow in Nethershire; and while he was picking up his matches preparatory to lighting his cigarette--he has always a cigarette in his waistcoat pocket, for a man with a Kodak may be lurking behind the nearest tree--an agricultural labourer on his way to his work looked over the hedge at him.

a period of time equal to 1/24th of a day

From this reading Happily our parson, who had watched the descent of the stranger and was hastening to try if he could be of any help to him, came up at that moment and explained that he was in England, where English was, up to that time at least, spoken in preference to German or, indeed, any other language, and that breakfast would be ready at the Rectory in an hour.

relating to or characteristic of Hungary

From this reading The foreign person noticed him, and after trying him in vain with German, French, and Hungarian, fell back upon English, and in the few words of that language which he knew, inquired the name of the place.

in a hurried or hasty manner

From this reading Illustrated in Colour by George Belcher T. N. Foulis, London & Edinburgh ONE MORNING A FEW MONTHS AGO A foreigner under the influence of an aeroplane descended somewhat hurriedly in a broad and--as he ascertained--a soft meadow in Nethershire; and while he was picking up his matches preparatory to lighting his cigarette--he has always a cigarette in his waistcoat pocket, for a man with a Kodak may be lurking behind the nearest tree--an agricultural labourer on his way to his work looked over the hedge at him.

on condition that; in the event that

From this reading Happily our parson, who had watched the descent of the stranger and was hastening to try if he could be of any help to him, came up at that moment and explained that he was in England, where English was, up to that time at least, spoken in preference to German or, indeed, any other language, and that breakfast would be ready at the Rectory in an hour.

past form of “illustrate” — clarify by giving an example of

From this reading Illustrated in Colour by George Belcher T. N. Foulis, London & Edinburgh ONE MORNING A FEW MONTHS AGO A foreigner under the influence of an aeroplane descended somewhat hurriedly in a broad and--as he ascertained--a soft meadow in Nethershire; and while he was picking up his matches preparatory to lighting his cigarette--he has always a cigarette in his waistcoat pocket, for a man with a Kodak may be lurking behind the nearest tree--an agricultural labourer on his way to his work looked over the hedge at him.

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

From this reading Illustrated in Colour by George Belcher T. N. Foulis, London & Edinburgh ONE MORNING A FEW MONTHS AGO A foreigner under the influence of an aeroplane descended somewhat hurriedly in a broad and--as he ascertained--a soft meadow in Nethershire; and while he was picking up his matches preparatory to lighting his cigarette--he has always a cigarette in his waistcoat pocket, for a man with a Kodak may be lurking behind the nearest tree--an agricultural labourer on his way to his work looked over the hedge at him.

in truth (often tends to intensify)

From this reading Happily our parson, who had watched the descent of the stranger and was hastening to try if he could be of any help to him, came up at that moment and explained that he was in England, where English was, up to that time at least, spoken in preference to German or, indeed, any other language, and that breakfast would be ready at the Rectory in an hour.

a power to affect persons or events especially power based on prestige etc

From this reading Illustrated in Colour by George Belcher T. N. Foulis, London & Edinburgh ONE MORNING A FEW MONTHS AGO A foreigner under the influence of an aeroplane descended somewhat hurriedly in a broad and--as he ascertained--a soft meadow in Nethershire; and while he was picking up his matches preparatory to lighting his cigarette--he has always a cigarette in his waistcoat pocket, for a man with a Kodak may be lurking behind the nearest tree--an agricultural labourer on his way to his work looked over the hedge at him.

past form of “inquire” — address a question to and expect an answer from

From this reading The foreign person noticed him, and after trying him in vain with German, French, and Hungarian, fell back upon English, and in the few words of that language which he knew, inquired the name of the place.

the ability to comprehend; to understand and profit from experience

From this reading “Why, Bleybar Lane, to be sure,” replied the man, perceiving the trend of the question with the quick intelligence of the agricultural labourer; and when the stranger shook his head and lapsed into Russian, begging him to be more precise (for the aviator had not altogether recovered from the daze of his sudden arrival), the man repeated the words in a louder tone, “Bleybar Lane--everybody knows Bleybar Lane; and that's Thurswell that you can't see, beyond the windmill,” and then walked on.

moving to the inside of something

From this reading “Why, Bleybar Lane, to be sure,” replied the man, perceiving the trend of the question with the quick intelligence of the agricultural labourer; and when the stranger shook his head and lapsed into Russian, begging him to be more precise (for the aviator had not altogether recovered from the daze of his sudden arrival), the man repeated the words in a louder tone, “Bleybar Lane--everybody knows Bleybar Lane; and that's Thurswell that you can't see, beyond the windmill,” and then walked on.

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

From this reading It was the Rector who told me the story, adding in regard to the labourer---- “Isn't that just like Thurswell--fancying that a Czech who had just crossed the Channel, and believed himself to be in Belgium, should know all about Thurswell and its Bleybar Lane?”

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading It was the Rector who told me the story, adding in regard to the labourer---- “Isn't that just like Thurswell--fancying that a Czech who had just crossed the Channel, and believed himself to be in Belgium, should know all about Thurswell and its Bleybar Lane?”

belonging to the thing or animal already mentioned

From this reading It was the Rector who told me the story, adding in regard to the labourer---- “Isn't that just like Thurswell--fancying that a Czech who had just crossed the Channel, and believed himself to be in Belgium, should know all about Thurswell and its Bleybar Lane?”

and nothing more

From this reading It was the Rector who told me the story, adding in regard to the labourer---- “Isn't that just like Thurswell--fancying that a Czech who had just crossed the Channel, and believed himself to be in Belgium, should know all about Thurswell and its Bleybar Lane?”

inflected form of “know” — be cognizant or aware of a fact or a specific piece of information; possess knowledge or information about

From this reading The foreign person noticed him, and after trying him in vain with German, French, and Hungarian, fell back upon English, and in the few words of that language which he knew, inquired the name of the place.

be cognizant or aware of a fact or a specific piece of information; possess knowledge or information about

From this reading It was the Rector who told me the story, adding in regard to the labourer---- “Isn't that just like Thurswell--fancying that a Czech who had just crossed the Channel, and believed himself to be in Belgium, should know all about Thurswell and its Bleybar Lane?”

plural of “know” — the fact of being aware of information that is known to few people

From this reading “Why, Bleybar Lane, to be sure,” replied the man, perceiving the trend of the question with the quick intelligence of the agricultural labourer; and when the stranger shook his head and lapsed into Russian, begging him to be more precise (for the aviator had not altogether recovered from the daze of his sudden arrival), the man repeated the words in a louder tone, “Bleybar Lane--everybody knows Bleybar Lane; and that's Thurswell that you can't see, beyond the windmill,” and then walked on.

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

From this reading Illustrated in Colour by George Belcher T. N. Foulis, London & Edinburgh ONE MORNING A FEW MONTHS AGO A foreigner under the influence of an aeroplane descended somewhat hurriedly in a broad and--as he ascertained--a soft meadow in Nethershire; and while he was picking up his matches preparatory to lighting his cigarette--he has always a cigarette in his waistcoat pocket, for a man with a Kodak may be lurking behind the nearest tree--an agricultural labourer on his way to his work looked over the hedge at him.

someone who works with their hands; someone engaged in manual labor

From this reading Illustrated in Colour by George Belcher T. N. Foulis, London & Edinburgh ONE MORNING A FEW MONTHS AGO A foreigner under the influence of an aeroplane descended somewhat hurriedly in a broad and--as he ascertained--a soft meadow in Nethershire; and while he was picking up his matches preparatory to lighting his cigarette--he has always a cigarette in his waistcoat pocket, for a man with a Kodak may be lurking behind the nearest tree--an agricultural labourer on his way to his work looked over the hedge at him.

a narrow way or road

From this reading “Why, Bleybar Lane, to be sure,” replied the man, perceiving the trend of the question with the quick intelligence of the agricultural labourer; and when the stranger shook his head and lapsed into Russian, begging him to be more precise (for the aviator had not altogether recovered from the daze of his sudden arrival), the man repeated the words in a louder tone, “Bleybar Lane--everybody knows Bleybar Lane; and that's Thurswell that you can't see, beyond the windmill,” and then walked on.

a systematic means of communicating by the use of sounds or conventional symbols

From this reading The foreign person noticed him, and after trying him in vain with German, French, and Hungarian, fell back upon English, and in the few words of that language which he knew, inquired the name of the place.

no longer active or practicing

From this reading “Why, Bleybar Lane, to be sure,” replied the man, perceiving the trend of the question with the quick intelligence of the agricultural labourer; and when the stranger shook his head and lapsed into Russian, begging him to be more precise (for the aviator had not altogether recovered from the daze of his sudden arrival), the man repeated the words in a louder tone, “Bleybar Lane--everybody knows Bleybar Lane; and that's Thurswell that you can't see, beyond the windmill,” and then walked on.

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 Happily our parson, who had watched the descent of the stranger and was hastening to try if he could be of any help to him, came up at that moment and explained that he was in England, where English was, up to that time at least, spoken in preference to German or, indeed, any other language, and that breakfast would be ready at the Rectory in an hour.

having abundant light or illumination

From this reading Illustrated in Colour by George Belcher T. N. Foulis, London & Edinburgh ONE MORNING A FEW MONTHS AGO A foreigner under the influence of an aeroplane descended somewhat hurriedly in a broad and--as he ascertained--a soft meadow in Nethershire; and while he was picking up his matches preparatory to lighting his cigarette--he has always a cigarette in his waistcoat pocket, for a man with a Kodak may be lurking behind the nearest tree--an agricultural labourer on his way to his work looked over the hedge at him.

prefer or wish to do something

From this reading It was the Rector who told me the story, adding in regard to the labourer---- “Isn't that just like Thurswell--fancying that a Czech who had just crossed the Channel, and believed himself to be in Belgium, should know all about Thurswell and its Bleybar Lane?”

the capital and largest city of England; located on the Thames in southeastern England; financial and industrial and cultural center

From this reading Illustrated in Colour by George Belcher T. N. Foulis, London & Edinburgh ONE MORNING A FEW MONTHS AGO A foreigner under the influence of an aeroplane descended somewhat hurriedly in a broad and--as he ascertained--a soft meadow in Nethershire; and while he was picking up his matches preparatory to lighting his cigarette--he has always a cigarette in his waistcoat pocket, for a man with a Kodak may be lurking behind the nearest tree--an agricultural labourer on his way to his work looked over the hedge at him.

past form of “look” — perceive with attention; direct one's gaze towards

From this reading Illustrated in Colour by George Belcher T. N. Foulis, London & Edinburgh ONE MORNING A FEW MONTHS AGO A foreigner under the influence of an aeroplane descended somewhat hurriedly in a broad and--as he ascertained--a soft meadow in Nethershire; and while he was picking up his matches preparatory to lighting his cigarette--he has always a cigarette in his waistcoat pocket, for a man with a Kodak may be lurking behind the nearest tree--an agricultural labourer on his way to his work looked over the hedge at him.

comparative of “loud” — characterized by or producing sound of great volume or intensity

From this reading “Why, Bleybar Lane, to be sure,” replied the man, perceiving the trend of the question with the quick intelligence of the agricultural labourer; and when the stranger shook his head and lapsed into Russian, begging him to be more precise (for the aviator had not altogether recovered from the daze of his sudden arrival), the man repeated the words in a louder tone, “Bleybar Lane--everybody knows Bleybar Lane; and that's Thurswell that you can't see, beyond the windmill,” and then walked on.

-ing form of “lurk” — lie in wait, lie in ambush, behave in a sneaky and secretive manner

From this reading Illustrated in Colour by George Belcher T. N. Foulis, London & Edinburgh ONE MORNING A FEW MONTHS AGO A foreigner under the influence of an aeroplane descended somewhat hurriedly in a broad and--as he ascertained--a soft meadow in Nethershire; and while he was picking up his matches preparatory to lighting his cigarette--he has always a cigarette in his waistcoat pocket, for a man with a Kodak may be lurking behind the nearest tree--an agricultural labourer on his way to his work looked over the hedge at him.

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

From this reading Illustrated in Colour by George Belcher T. N. Foulis, London & Edinburgh ONE MORNING A FEW MONTHS AGO A foreigner under the influence of an aeroplane descended somewhat hurriedly in a broad and--as he ascertained--a soft meadow in Nethershire; and while he was picking up his matches preparatory to lighting his cigarette--he has always a cigarette in his waistcoat pocket, for a man with a Kodak may be lurking behind the nearest tree--an agricultural labourer on his way to his work looked over the hedge at him.

plural of “match” — lighter consisting of a thin piece of wood or cardboard tipped with combustible chemical; ignites with friction

From this reading Illustrated in Colour by George Belcher T. N. Foulis, London & Edinburgh ONE MORNING A FEW MONTHS AGO A foreigner under the influence of an aeroplane descended somewhat hurriedly in a broad and--as he ascertained--a soft meadow in Nethershire; and while he was picking up his matches preparatory to lighting his cigarette--he has always a cigarette in his waistcoat pocket, for a man with a Kodak may be lurking behind the nearest tree--an agricultural labourer on his way to his work looked over the hedge at him.

used to say something is possible, or to give permission

From this reading Illustrated in Colour by George Belcher T. N. Foulis, London & Edinburgh ONE MORNING A FEW MONTHS AGO A foreigner under the influence of an aeroplane descended somewhat hurriedly in a broad and--as he ascertained--a soft meadow in Nethershire; and while he was picking up his matches preparatory to lighting his cigarette--he has always a cigarette in his waistcoat pocket, for a man with a Kodak may be lurking behind the nearest tree--an agricultural labourer on his way to his work looked over the hedge at him.

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

From this reading It was the Rector who told me the story, adding in regard to the labourer---- “Isn't that just like Thurswell--fancying that a Czech who had just crossed the Channel, and believed himself to be in Belgium, should know all about Thurswell and its Bleybar Lane?”

a field where grass or alfalfa are grown to be made into hay

From this reading Illustrated in Colour by George Belcher T. N. Foulis, London & Edinburgh ONE MORNING A FEW MONTHS AGO A foreigner under the influence of an aeroplane descended somewhat hurriedly in a broad and--as he ascertained--a soft meadow in Nethershire; and while he was picking up his matches preparatory to lighting his cigarette--he has always a cigarette in his waistcoat pocket, for a man with a Kodak may be lurking behind the nearest tree--an agricultural labourer on his way to his work looked over the hedge at him.

a particular point in time

From this reading Happily our parson, who had watched the descent of the stranger and was hastening to try if he could be of any help to him, came up at that moment and explained that he was in England, where English was, up to that time at least, spoken in preference to German or, indeed, any other language, and that breakfast would be ready at the Rectory in an hour.

plural of “month” — one of the twelve divisions of the calendar year

From this reading Illustrated in Colour by George Belcher T. N. Foulis, London & Edinburgh ONE MORNING A FEW MONTHS AGO A foreigner under the influence of an aeroplane descended somewhat hurriedly in a broad and--as he ascertained--a soft meadow in Nethershire; and while he was picking up his matches preparatory to lighting his cigarette--he has always a cigarette in his waistcoat pocket, for a man with a Kodak may be lurking behind the nearest tree--an agricultural labourer on his way to his work looked over the hedge at him.

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

From this reading “Why, Bleybar Lane, to be sure,” replied the man, perceiving the trend of the question with the quick intelligence of the agricultural labourer; and when the stranger shook his head and lapsed into Russian, begging him to be more precise (for the aviator had not altogether recovered from the daze of his sudden arrival), the man repeated the words in a louder tone, “Bleybar Lane--everybody knows Bleybar Lane; and that's Thurswell that you can't see, beyond the windmill,” and then walked on.

the time period between dawn and noon

From this reading Illustrated in Colour by George Belcher T. N. Foulis, London & Edinburgh ONE MORNING A FEW MONTHS AGO A foreigner under the influence of an aeroplane descended somewhat hurriedly in a broad and--as he ascertained--a soft meadow in Nethershire; and while he was picking up his matches preparatory to lighting his cigarette--he has always a cigarette in his waistcoat pocket, for a man with a Kodak may be lurking behind the nearest tree--an agricultural labourer on his way to his work looked over the hedge at him.

a common nonmetallic element that is normally a colorless odorless tasteless inert diatomic gas; constitutes 78 percent of the atmosphere by volume; a constituent of all living tissues

From this reading Illustrated in Colour by George Belcher T. N. Foulis, London & Edinburgh ONE MORNING A FEW MONTHS AGO A foreigner under the influence of an aeroplane descended somewhat hurriedly in a broad and--as he ascertained--a soft meadow in Nethershire; and while he was picking up his matches preparatory to lighting his cigarette--he has always a cigarette in his waistcoat pocket, for a man with a Kodak may be lurking behind the nearest tree--an agricultural labourer on his way to his work looked over the hedge at him.

assign a specified (usually proper) proper name to

From this reading The foreign person noticed him, and after trying him in vain with German, French, and Hungarian, fell back upon English, and in the few words of that language which he knew, inquired the name of the place.

(superlative of “near” or “close”) within the shortest distance

From this reading Illustrated in Colour by George Belcher T. N. Foulis, London & Edinburgh ONE MORNING A FEW MONTHS AGO A foreigner under the influence of an aeroplane descended somewhat hurriedly in a broad and--as he ascertained--a soft meadow in Nethershire; and while he was picking up his matches preparatory to lighting his cigarette--he has always a cigarette in his waistcoat pocket, for a man with a Kodak may be lurking behind the nearest tree--an agricultural labourer on his way to his work looked over the hedge at him.

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

From this reading Illustrated in Colour by George Belcher T. N. Foulis, London & Edinburgh ONE MORNING A FEW MONTHS AGO A foreigner under the influence of an aeroplane descended somewhat hurriedly in a broad and--as he ascertained--a soft meadow in Nethershire; and while he was picking up his matches preparatory to lighting his cigarette--he has always a cigarette in his waistcoat pocket, for a man with a Kodak may be lurking behind the nearest tree--an agricultural labourer on his way to his work looked over the hedge at him.

used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative

From this reading “Why, Bleybar Lane, to be sure,” replied the man, perceiving the trend of the question with the quick intelligence of the agricultural labourer; and when the stranger shook his head and lapsed into Russian, begging him to be more precise (for the aviator had not altogether recovered from the daze of his sudden arrival), the man repeated the words in a louder tone, “Bleybar Lane--everybody knows Bleybar Lane; and that's Thurswell that you can't see, beyond the windmill,” and then walked on.

being perceived or observed

From this reading The foreign person noticed him, and after trying him in vain with German, French, and Hungarian, fell back upon English, and in the few words of that language which he knew, inquired the name of the place.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading Illustrated in Colour by George Belcher T. N. Foulis, London & Edinburgh ONE MORNING A FEW MONTHS AGO A foreigner under the influence of an aeroplane descended somewhat hurriedly in a broad and--as he ascertained--a soft meadow in Nethershire; and while he was picking up his matches preparatory to lighting his cigarette--he has always a cigarette in his waistcoat pocket, for a man with a Kodak may be lurking behind the nearest tree--an agricultural labourer on his way to his work looked over the hedge at him.

touching and supported by a surface

From this reading Illustrated in Colour by George Belcher T. N. Foulis, London & Edinburgh ONE MORNING A FEW MONTHS AGO A foreigner under the influence of an aeroplane descended somewhat hurriedly in a broad and--as he ascertained--a soft meadow in Nethershire; and while he was picking up his matches preparatory to lighting his cigarette--he has always a cigarette in his waistcoat pocket, for a man with a Kodak may be lurking behind the nearest tree--an agricultural labourer on his way to his work looked over the hedge at him.

used to mean any person in general, including the speaker

From this reading Illustrated in Colour by George Belcher T. N. Foulis, London & Edinburgh ONE MORNING A FEW MONTHS AGO A foreigner under the influence of an aeroplane descended somewhat hurriedly in a broad and--as he ascertained--a soft meadow in Nethershire; and while he was picking up his matches preparatory to lighting his cigarette--he has always a cigarette in his waistcoat pocket, for a man with a Kodak may be lurking behind the nearest tree--an agricultural labourer on his way to his work looked over the hedge at him.

used to join alternatives or possibilities

From this reading Happily our parson, who had watched the descent of the stranger and was hastening to try if he could be of any help to him, came up at that moment and explained that he was in England, where English was, up to that time at least, spoken in preference to German or, indeed, any other language, and that breakfast would be ready at the Rectory in an hour.

not the same one or ones already mentioned or implied

From this reading Happily our parson, who had watched the descent of the stranger and was hastening to try if he could be of any help to him, came up at that moment and explained that he was in England, where English was, up to that time at least, spoken in preference to German or, indeed, any other language, and that breakfast would be ready at the Rectory in an hour.

belonging to the speaker and others

From this reading Happily our parson, who had watched the descent of the stranger and was hastening to try if he could be of any help to him, came up at that moment and explained that he was in England, where English was, up to that time at least, spoken in preference to German or, indeed, any other language, and that breakfast would be ready at the Rectory in an hour.

above and across; more than

From this reading Illustrated in Colour by George Belcher T. N. Foulis, London & Edinburgh ONE MORNING A FEW MONTHS AGO A foreigner under the influence of an aeroplane descended somewhat hurriedly in a broad and--as he ascertained--a soft meadow in Nethershire; and while he was picking up his matches preparatory to lighting his cigarette--he has always a cigarette in his waistcoat pocket, for a man with a Kodak may be lurking behind the nearest tree--an agricultural labourer on his way to his work looked over the hedge at him.

a person authorized to conduct religious worship

From this reading Happily our parson, who had watched the descent of the stranger and was hastening to try if he could be of any help to him, came up at that moment and explained that he was in England, where English was, up to that time at least, spoken in preference to German or, indeed, any other language, and that breakfast would be ready at the Rectory in an hour.

-ing form of “perceive” — to become aware of through the senses

From this reading “Why, Bleybar Lane, to be sure,” replied the man, perceiving the trend of the question with the quick intelligence of the agricultural labourer; and when the stranger shook his head and lapsed into Russian, begging him to be more precise (for the aviator had not altogether recovered from the daze of his sudden arrival), the man repeated the words in a louder tone, “Bleybar Lane--everybody knows Bleybar Lane; and that's Thurswell that you can't see, beyond the windmill,” and then walked on.

a human being

From this reading The foreign person noticed him, and after trying him in vain with German, French, and Hungarian, fell back upon English, and in the few words of that language which he knew, inquired the name of the place.

the quantity of a crop that is harvested

From this reading Illustrated in Colour by George Belcher T. N. Foulis, London & Edinburgh ONE MORNING A FEW MONTHS AGO A foreigner under the influence of an aeroplane descended somewhat hurriedly in a broad and--as he ascertained--a soft meadow in Nethershire; and while he was picking up his matches preparatory to lighting his cigarette--he has always a cigarette in his waistcoat pocket, for a man with a Kodak may be lurking behind the nearest tree--an agricultural labourer on his way to his work looked over the hedge at him.

a point located with respect to surface features of some region

From this reading The foreign person noticed him, and after trying him in vain with German, French, and Hungarian, fell back upon English, and in the few words of that language which he knew, inquired the name of the place.

a small pouch inside a garment for carrying small articles

From this reading Illustrated in Colour by George Belcher T. N. Foulis, London & Edinburgh ONE MORNING A FEW MONTHS AGO A foreigner under the influence of an aeroplane descended somewhat hurriedly in a broad and--as he ascertained--a soft meadow in Nethershire; and while he was picking up his matches preparatory to lighting his cigarette--he has always a cigarette in his waistcoat pocket, for a man with a Kodak may be lurking behind the nearest tree--an agricultural labourer on his way to his work looked over the hedge at him.

sharply exact or accurate or delimited

From this reading “Why, Bleybar Lane, to be sure,” replied the man, perceiving the trend of the question with the quick intelligence of the agricultural labourer; and when the stranger shook his head and lapsed into Russian, begging him to be more precise (for the aviator had not altogether recovered from the daze of his sudden arrival), the man repeated the words in a louder tone, “Bleybar Lane--everybody knows Bleybar Lane; and that's Thurswell that you can't see, beyond the windmill,” and then walked on.

a strong liking

From this reading Happily our parson, who had watched the descent of the stranger and was hastening to try if he could be of any help to him, came up at that moment and explained that he was in England, where English was, up to that time at least, spoken in preference to German or, indeed, any other language, and that breakfast would be ready at the Rectory in an hour.

preceding and preparing for something

From this reading Illustrated in Colour by George Belcher T. N. Foulis, London & Edinburgh ONE MORNING A FEW MONTHS AGO A foreigner under the influence of an aeroplane descended somewhat hurriedly in a broad and--as he ascertained--a soft meadow in Nethershire; and while he was picking up his matches preparatory to lighting his cigarette--he has always a cigarette in his waistcoat pocket, for a man with a Kodak may be lurking behind the nearest tree--an agricultural labourer on his way to his work looked over the hedge at him.

challenge the accuracy, probity, or propriety of

From this reading “Why, Bleybar Lane, to be sure,” replied the man, perceiving the trend of the question with the quick intelligence of the agricultural labourer; and when the stranger shook his head and lapsed into Russian, begging him to be more precise (for the aviator had not altogether recovered from the daze of his sudden arrival), the man repeated the words in a louder tone, “Bleybar Lane--everybody knows Bleybar Lane; and that's Thurswell that you can't see, beyond the windmill,” and then walked on.

accomplished rapidly and without delay

From this reading “Why, Bleybar Lane, to be sure,” replied the man, perceiving the trend of the question with the quick intelligence of the agricultural labourer; and when the stranger shook his head and lapsed into Russian, begging him to be more precise (for the aviator had not altogether recovered from the daze of his sudden arrival), the man repeated the words in a louder tone, “Bleybar Lane--everybody knows Bleybar Lane; and that's Thurswell that you can't see, beyond the windmill,” and then walked on.

completely prepared or in condition for immediate action or use or progress

From this reading Happily our parson, who had watched the descent of the stranger and was hastening to try if he could be of any help to him, came up at that moment and explained that he was in England, where English was, up to that time at least, spoken in preference to German or, indeed, any other language, and that breakfast would be ready at the Rectory in an hour.

freed from illness or injury

From this reading “Why, Bleybar Lane, to be sure,” replied the man, perceiving the trend of the question with the quick intelligence of the agricultural labourer; and when the stranger shook his head and lapsed into Russian, begging him to be more precise (for the aviator had not altogether recovered from the daze of his sudden arrival), the man repeated the words in a louder tone, “Bleybar Lane--everybody knows Bleybar Lane; and that's Thurswell that you can't see, beyond the windmill,” and then walked on.

a person authorized to conduct religious worship

From this reading It was the Rector who told me the story, adding in regard to the labourer---- “Isn't that just like Thurswell--fancying that a Czech who had just crossed the Channel, and believed himself to be in Belgium, should know all about Thurswell and its Bleybar Lane?”

an official residence provided by a church for its parson or vicar or rector

From this reading Happily our parson, who had watched the descent of the stranger and was hastening to try if he could be of any help to him, came up at that moment and explained that he was in England, where English was, up to that time at least, spoken in preference to German or, indeed, any other language, and that breakfast would be ready at the Rectory in an hour.

(usually preceded by “in”) a detail or point

From this reading It was the Rector who told me the story, adding in regard to the labourer---- “Isn't that just like Thurswell--fancying that a Czech who had just crossed the Channel, and believed himself to be in Belgium, should know all about Thurswell and its Bleybar Lane?”

recurring again and again

From this reading “Why, Bleybar Lane, to be sure,” replied the man, perceiving the trend of the question with the quick intelligence of the agricultural labourer; and when the stranger shook his head and lapsed into Russian, begging him to be more precise (for the aviator had not altogether recovered from the daze of his sudden arrival), the man repeated the words in a louder tone, “Bleybar Lane--everybody knows Bleybar Lane; and that's Thurswell that you can't see, beyond the windmill,” and then walked on.

inflected form of “reply” — react verbally

From this reading “Why, Bleybar Lane, to be sure,” replied the man, perceiving the trend of the question with the quick intelligence of the agricultural labourer; and when the stranger shook his head and lapsed into Russian, begging him to be more precise (for the aviator had not altogether recovered from the daze of his sudden arrival), the man repeated the words in a louder tone, “Bleybar Lane--everybody knows Bleybar Lane; and that's Thurswell that you can't see, beyond the windmill,” and then walked on.

a native or inhabitant of Russia

From this reading “Why, Bleybar Lane, to be sure,” replied the man, perceiving the trend of the question with the quick intelligence of the agricultural labourer; and when the stranger shook his head and lapsed into Russian, begging him to be more precise (for the aviator had not altogether recovered from the daze of his sudden arrival), the man repeated the words in a louder tone, “Bleybar Lane--everybody knows Bleybar Lane; and that's Thurswell that you can't see, beyond the windmill,” and then walked on.

perceive by sight or have the power to perceive by sight

From this reading “Why, Bleybar Lane, to be sure,” replied the man, perceiving the trend of the question with the quick intelligence of the agricultural labourer; and when the stranger shook his head and lapsed into Russian, begging him to be more precise (for the aviator had not altogether recovered from the daze of his sudden arrival), the man repeated the words in a louder tone, “Bleybar Lane--everybody knows Bleybar Lane; and that's Thurswell that you can't see, beyond the windmill,” and then walked on.

a disassembled barrel; the parts packed for storage or shipment

From this reading “Why, Bleybar Lane, to be sure,” replied the man, perceiving the trend of the question with the quick intelligence of the agricultural labourer; and when the stranger shook his head and lapsed into Russian, begging him to be more precise (for the aviator had not altogether recovered from the daze of his sudden arrival), the man repeated the words in a louder tone, “Bleybar Lane--everybody knows Bleybar Lane; and that's Thurswell that you can't see, beyond the windmill,” and then walked on.

used to say what is right, expected, or advisable

From this reading It was the Rector who told me the story, adding in regard to the labourer---- “Isn't that just like Thurswell--fancying that a Czech who had just crossed the Channel, and believed himself to be in Belgium, should know all about Thurswell and its Bleybar Lane?”

yielding readily to pressure or weight

From this reading Illustrated in Colour by George Belcher T. N. Foulis, London & Edinburgh ONE MORNING A FEW MONTHS AGO A foreigner under the influence of an aeroplane descended somewhat hurriedly in a broad and--as he ascertained--a soft meadow in Nethershire; and while he was picking up his matches preparatory to lighting his cigarette--he has always a cigarette in his waistcoat pocket, for a man with a Kodak may be lurking behind the nearest tree--an agricultural labourer on his way to his work looked over the hedge at him.

to a small degree or extent

From this reading Illustrated in Colour by George Belcher T. N. Foulis, London & Edinburgh ONE MORNING A FEW MONTHS AGO A foreigner under the influence of an aeroplane descended somewhat hurriedly in a broad and--as he ascertained--a soft meadow in Nethershire; and while he was picking up his matches preparatory to lighting his cigarette--he has always a cigarette in his waistcoat pocket, for a man with a Kodak may be lurking behind the nearest tree--an agricultural labourer on his way to his work looked over the hedge at him.

uttered through the medium of speech or characterized by speech; sometimes used in combination

From this reading Happily our parson, who had watched the descent of the stranger and was hastening to try if he could be of any help to him, came up at that moment and explained that he was in England, where English was, up to that time at least, spoken in preference to German or, indeed, any other language, and that breakfast would be ready at the Rectory in an hour.

a message that tells the particulars of an act or occurrence or course of events; presented in writing or drama or cinema or as a radio or television program

From this reading It was the Rector who told me the story, adding in regard to the labourer---- “Isn't that just like Thurswell--fancying that a Czech who had just crossed the Channel, and believed himself to be in Belgium, should know all about Thurswell and its Bleybar Lane?”

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

From this reading “Why, Bleybar Lane, to be sure,” replied the man, perceiving the trend of the question with the quick intelligence of the agricultural labourer; and when the stranger shook his head and lapsed into Russian, begging him to be more precise (for the aviator had not altogether recovered from the daze of his sudden arrival), the man repeated the words in a louder tone, “Bleybar Lane--everybody knows Bleybar Lane; and that's Thurswell that you can't see, beyond the windmill,” and then walked on.

happening without warning or in a short space of time

From this reading “Why, Bleybar Lane, to be sure,” replied the man, perceiving the trend of the question with the quick intelligence of the agricultural labourer; and when the stranger shook his head and lapsed into Russian, begging him to be more precise (for the aviator had not altogether recovered from the daze of his sudden arrival), the man repeated the words in a louder tone, “Bleybar Lane--everybody knows Bleybar Lane; and that's Thurswell that you can't see, beyond the windmill,” and then walked on.

having or feeling no doubt or uncertainty; confident and assured

From this reading “Why, Bleybar Lane, to be sure,” replied the man, perceiving the trend of the question with the quick intelligence of the agricultural labourer; and when the stranger shook his head and lapsed into Russian, begging him to be more precise (for the aviator had not altogether recovered from the daze of his sudden arrival), the man repeated the words in a louder tone, “Bleybar Lane--everybody knows Bleybar Lane; and that's Thurswell that you can't see, beyond the windmill,” and then walked on.

a base found in DNA (but not in RNA) and derived from pyrimidine; pairs with adenine

From this reading Illustrated in Colour by George Belcher T. N. Foulis, London & Edinburgh ONE MORNING A FEW MONTHS AGO A foreigner under the influence of an aeroplane descended somewhat hurriedly in a broad and--as he ascertained--a soft meadow in Nethershire; and while he was picking up his matches preparatory to lighting his cigarette--he has always a cigarette in his waistcoat pocket, for a man with a Kodak may be lurking behind the nearest tree--an agricultural labourer on his way to his work looked over the hedge at him.

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading The foreign person noticed him, and after trying him in vain with German, French, and Hungarian, fell back upon English, and in the few words of that language which he knew, inquired the name of the place.

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

From this reading “Why, Bleybar Lane, to be sure,” replied the man, perceiving the trend of the question with the quick intelligence of the agricultural labourer; and when the stranger shook his head and lapsed into Russian, begging him to be more precise (for the aviator had not altogether recovered from the daze of his sudden arrival), the man repeated the words in a louder tone, “Bleybar Lane--everybody knows Bleybar Lane; and that's Thurswell that you can't see, beyond the windmill,” and then walked on.

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

From this reading Illustrated in Colour by George Belcher T. N. Foulis, London & Edinburgh ONE MORNING A FEW MONTHS AGO A foreigner under the influence of an aeroplane descended somewhat hurriedly in a broad and--as he ascertained--a soft meadow in Nethershire; and while he was picking up his matches preparatory to lighting his cigarette--he has always a cigarette in his waistcoat pocket, for a man with a Kodak may be lurking behind the nearest tree--an agricultural labourer on his way to his work looked over the hedge at him.

subsequently or soon afterward (often used as sentence connectors)

From this reading “Why, Bleybar Lane, to be sure,” replied the man, perceiving the trend of the question with the quick intelligence of the agricultural labourer; and when the stranger shook his head and lapsed into Russian, begging him to be more precise (for the aviator had not altogether recovered from the daze of his sudden arrival), the man repeated the words in a louder tone, “Bleybar Lane--everybody knows Bleybar Lane; and that's Thurswell that you can't see, beyond the windmill,” and then walked on.

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

From this reading “Why, Bleybar Lane, to be sure,” replied the man, perceiving the trend of the question with the quick intelligence of the agricultural labourer; and when the stranger shook his head and lapsed into Russian, begging him to be more precise (for the aviator had not altogether recovered from the daze of his sudden arrival), the man repeated the words in a louder tone, “Bleybar Lane--everybody knows Bleybar Lane; and that's Thurswell that you can't see, beyond the windmill,” and then walked on.

an instance or single occasion for some event

From this reading Happily our parson, who had watched the descent of the stranger and was hastening to try if he could be of any help to him, came up at that moment and explained that he was in England, where English was, up to that time at least, spoken in preference to German or, indeed, any other language, and that breakfast would be ready at the Rectory in an hour.

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

From this reading Illustrated in Colour by George Belcher T. N. Foulis, London & Edinburgh ONE MORNING A FEW MONTHS AGO A foreigner under the influence of an aeroplane descended somewhat hurriedly in a broad and--as he ascertained--a soft meadow in Nethershire; and while he was picking up his matches preparatory to lighting his cigarette--he has always a cigarette in his waistcoat pocket, for a man with a Kodak may be lurking behind the nearest tree--an agricultural labourer on his way to his work looked over the hedge at him.

inflected form of “tell” — express in words

From this reading It was the Rector who told me the story, adding in regard to the labourer---- “Isn't that just like Thurswell--fancying that a Czech who had just crossed the Channel, and believed himself to be in Belgium, should know all about Thurswell and its Bleybar Lane?”

the quality of a person's voice

From this reading “Why, Bleybar Lane, to be sure,” replied the man, perceiving the trend of the question with the quick intelligence of the agricultural labourer; and when the stranger shook his head and lapsed into Russian, begging him to be more precise (for the aviator had not altogether recovered from the daze of his sudden arrival), the man repeated the words in a louder tone, “Bleybar Lane--everybody knows Bleybar Lane; and that's Thurswell that you can't see, beyond the windmill,” and then walked on.

a tall perennial woody plant having a main trunk and branches forming a distinct elevated crown; includes both gymnosperms and angiosperms

From this reading Illustrated in Colour by George Belcher T. N. Foulis, London & Edinburgh ONE MORNING A FEW MONTHS AGO A foreigner under the influence of an aeroplane descended somewhat hurriedly in a broad and--as he ascertained--a soft meadow in Nethershire; and while he was picking up his matches preparatory to lighting his cigarette--he has always a cigarette in his waistcoat pocket, for a man with a Kodak may be lurking behind the nearest tree--an agricultural labourer on his way to his work looked over the hedge at him.

a general direction in which something tends to move

From this reading “Why, Bleybar Lane, to be sure,” replied the man, perceiving the trend of the question with the quick intelligence of the agricultural labourer; and when the stranger shook his head and lapsed into Russian, begging him to be more precise (for the aviator had not altogether recovered from the daze of his sudden arrival), the man repeated the words in a louder tone, “Bleybar Lane--everybody knows Bleybar Lane; and that's Thurswell that you can't see, beyond the windmill,” and then walked on.

make an effort or attempt

From this reading Happily our parson, who had watched the descent of the stranger and was hastening to try if he could be of any help to him, came up at that moment and explained that he was in England, where English was, up to that time at least, spoken in preference to German or, indeed, any other language, and that breakfast would be ready at the Rectory in an hour.

hard to endure

From this reading The foreign person noticed him, and after trying him in vain with German, French, and Hungarian, fell back upon English, and in the few words of that language which he knew, inquired the name of the place.

below or beneath something; less than

From this reading Illustrated in Colour by George Belcher T. N. Foulis, London & Edinburgh ONE MORNING A FEW MONTHS AGO A foreigner under the influence of an aeroplane descended somewhat hurriedly in a broad and--as he ascertained--a soft meadow in Nethershire; and while he was picking up his matches preparatory to lighting his cigarette--he has always a cigarette in his waistcoat pocket, for a man with a Kodak may be lurking behind the nearest tree--an agricultural labourer on his way to his work looked over the hedge at him.

being or moving higher in position or greater in some value; being above a former position or level

From this reading Illustrated in Colour by George Belcher T. N. Foulis, London & Edinburgh ONE MORNING A FEW MONTHS AGO A foreigner under the influence of an aeroplane descended somewhat hurriedly in a broad and--as he ascertained--a soft meadow in Nethershire; and while he was picking up his matches preparatory to lighting his cigarette--he has always a cigarette in his waistcoat pocket, for a man with a Kodak may be lurking behind the nearest tree--an agricultural labourer on his way to his work looked over the hedge at him.

a formal word for “on”

From this reading The foreign person noticed him, and after trying him in vain with German, French, and Hungarian, fell back upon English, and in the few words of that language which he knew, inquired the name of the place.

characteristic of false pride; having an exaggerated sense of self-importance

From this reading The foreign person noticed him, and after trying him in vain with German, French, and Hungarian, fell back upon English, and in the few words of that language which he knew, inquired the name of the place.

a man's sleeveless garment worn underneath a coat

From this reading Illustrated in Colour by George Belcher T. N. Foulis, London & Edinburgh ONE MORNING A FEW MONTHS AGO A foreigner under the influence of an aeroplane descended somewhat hurriedly in a broad and--as he ascertained--a soft meadow in Nethershire; and while he was picking up his matches preparatory to lighting his cigarette--he has always a cigarette in his waistcoat pocket, for a man with a Kodak may be lurking behind the nearest tree--an agricultural labourer on his way to his work looked over the hedge at him.

past form of “walk” — use one's feet to advance; advance by steps

From this reading “Why, Bleybar Lane, to be sure,” replied the man, perceiving the trend of the question with the quick intelligence of the agricultural labourer; and when the stranger shook his head and lapsed into Russian, begging him to be more precise (for the aviator had not altogether recovered from the daze of his sudden arrival), the man repeated the words in a louder tone, “Bleybar Lane--everybody knows Bleybar Lane; and that's Thurswell that you can't see, beyond the windmill,” and then walked on.

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

From this reading Illustrated in Colour by George Belcher T. N. Foulis, London & Edinburgh ONE MORNING A FEW MONTHS AGO A foreigner under the influence of an aeroplane descended somewhat hurriedly in a broad and--as he ascertained--a soft meadow in Nethershire; and while he was picking up his matches preparatory to lighting his cigarette--he has always a cigarette in his waistcoat pocket, for a man with a Kodak may be lurking behind the nearest tree--an agricultural labourer on his way to his work looked over the hedge at him.

past form of “watch” — look attentively

From this reading Happily our parson, who had watched the descent of the stranger and was hastening to try if he could be of any help to him, came up at that moment and explained that he was in England, where English was, up to that time at least, spoken in preference to German or, indeed, any other language, and that breakfast would be ready at the Rectory in an hour.

how something is done or how it happens

From this reading Illustrated in Colour by George Belcher T. N. Foulis, London & Edinburgh ONE MORNING A FEW MONTHS AGO A foreigner under the influence of an aeroplane descended somewhat hurriedly in a broad and--as he ascertained--a soft meadow in Nethershire; and while he was picking up his matches preparatory to lighting his cigarette--he has always a cigarette in his waistcoat pocket, for a man with a Kodak may be lurking behind the nearest tree--an agricultural labourer on his way to his work looked over the hedge at him.

at the time that

From this reading “Why, Bleybar Lane, to be sure,” replied the man, perceiving the trend of the question with the quick intelligence of the agricultural labourer; and when the stranger shook his head and lapsed into Russian, begging him to be more precise (for the aviator had not altogether recovered from the daze of his sudden arrival), the man repeated the words in a louder tone, “Bleybar Lane--everybody knows Bleybar Lane; and that's Thurswell that you can't see, beyond the windmill,” and then walked on.

in or at the place that

From this reading Happily our parson, who had watched the descent of the stranger and was hastening to try if he could be of any help to him, came up at that moment and explained that he was in England, where English was, up to that time at least, spoken in preference to German or, indeed, any other language, and that breakfast would be ready at the Rectory in an hour.

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

From this reading The foreign person noticed him, and after trying him in vain with German, French, and Hungarian, fell back upon English, and in the few words of that language which he knew, inquired the name of the place.

during the time that

From this reading Illustrated in Colour by George Belcher T. N. Foulis, London & Edinburgh ONE MORNING A FEW MONTHS AGO A foreigner under the influence of an aeroplane descended somewhat hurriedly in a broad and--as he ascertained--a soft meadow in Nethershire; and while he was picking up his matches preparatory to lighting his cigarette--he has always a cigarette in his waistcoat pocket, for a man with a Kodak may be lurking behind the nearest tree--an agricultural labourer on his way to his work looked over the hedge at him.

which person or people

From this reading Happily our parson, who had watched the descent of the stranger and was hastening to try if he could be of any help to him, came up at that moment and explained that he was in England, where English was, up to that time at least, spoken in preference to German or, indeed, any other language, and that breakfast would be ready at the Rectory in an hour.

the cause or intention underlying an action or situation, especially in the phrase “the whys and wherefores”

From this reading “Why, Bleybar Lane, to be sure,” replied the man, perceiving the trend of the question with the quick intelligence of the agricultural labourer; and when the stranger shook his head and lapsed into Russian, begging him to be more precise (for the aviator had not altogether recovered from the daze of his sudden arrival), the man repeated the words in a louder tone, “Bleybar Lane--everybody knows Bleybar Lane; and that's Thurswell that you can't see, beyond the windmill,” and then walked on.

a mill that is powered by the wind

From this reading “Why, Bleybar Lane, to be sure,” replied the man, perceiving the trend of the question with the quick intelligence of the agricultural labourer; and when the stranger shook his head and lapsed into Russian, begging him to be more precise (for the aviator had not altogether recovered from the daze of his sudden arrival), the man repeated the words in a louder tone, “Bleybar Lane--everybody knows Bleybar Lane; and that's Thurswell that you can't see, beyond the windmill,” and then walked on.

in the company of; together with

From this reading Illustrated in Colour by George Belcher T. N. Foulis, London & Edinburgh ONE MORNING A FEW MONTHS AGO A foreigner under the influence of an aeroplane descended somewhat hurriedly in a broad and--as he ascertained--a soft meadow in Nethershire; and while he was picking up his matches preparatory to lighting his cigarette--he has always a cigarette in his waistcoat pocket, for a man with a Kodak may be lurking behind the nearest tree--an agricultural labourer on his way to his work looked over the hedge at him.

the words that are spoken

From this reading The foreign person noticed him, and after trying him in vain with German, French, and Hungarian, fell back upon English, and in the few words of that language which he knew, inquired the name of the place.

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

From this reading Illustrated in Colour by George Belcher T. N. Foulis, London & Edinburgh ONE MORNING A FEW MONTHS AGO A foreigner under the influence of an aeroplane descended somewhat hurriedly in a broad and--as he ascertained--a soft meadow in Nethershire; and while he was picking up his matches preparatory to lighting his cigarette--he has always a cigarette in his waistcoat pocket, for a man with a Kodak may be lurking behind the nearest tree--an agricultural labourer on his way to his work looked over the hedge at him.

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

From this reading Happily our parson, who had watched the descent of the stranger and was hastening to try if he could be of any help to him, came up at that moment and explained that he was in England, where English was, up to that time at least, spoken in preference to German or, indeed, any other language, and that breakfast would be ready at the Rectory in an hour.

the person or people being spoken to

From this reading “Why, Bleybar Lane, to be sure,” replied the man, perceiving the trend of the question with the quick intelligence of the agricultural labourer; and when the stranger shook his head and lapsed into Russian, begging him to be more precise (for the aviator had not altogether recovered from the daze of his sudden arrival), the man repeated the words in a louder tone, “Bleybar Lane--everybody knows Bleybar Lane; and that's Thurswell that you can't see, beyond the windmill,” and then walked on.