Chapter I · The Starting-Point

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

From this reading |IT falls to some to be born, as they say, with a silver spoon in their mouths, and the witty have made play with the thought that the wise child chooses rich parents.

the part of the day between noon and evening

From this reading Sam’s father, Tom, was a porter at Victoria Station, Manchester, and there was just time between morning and afternoon school for young Sam to snatch a meal himself and to carry his father’s dinner to him in a basin tied up in a bandanna handkerchief.

following the length of something from one end toward the other

From this reading He was born in one of those disconsolate streets of Manchester down which the stranger, passing by tram along a main road, hardly more delectable than its offshoots, looks and shudders; but was born with this difference from the many--that he was son to Anne Branstone, a notable woman, and wisdom may be conceded him for the discrimination of his choice.

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

From this reading |IT falls to some to be born, as they say, with a silver spoon in their mouths, and the witty have made play with the thought that the wise child chooses rich parents.

Queen of England and Scotland and Ireland; daughter if James II and the last of the Stuart monarchs; in 1707 she was the last English ruler to exercise the royal veto over parliament (1665-1714)

From this reading He was born in one of those disconsolate streets of Manchester down which the stranger, passing by tram along a main road, hardly more delectable than its offshoots, looks and shudders; but was born with this difference from the many--that he was son to Anne Branstone, a notable woman, and wisdom may be conceded him for the discrimination of his choice.

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

From this reading |IT falls to some to be born, as they say, with a silver spoon in their mouths, and the witty have made play with the thought that the wise child chooses rich parents.

in or near a particular place or position

From this reading Sam’s father, Tom, was a porter at Victoria Station, Manchester, and there was just time between morning and afternoon school for young Sam to snatch a meal himself and to carry his father’s dinner to him in a basin tied up in a bandanna handkerchief.

large and brightly colored handkerchief; often used as a neckerchief

From this reading Sam’s father, Tom, was a porter at Victoria Station, Manchester, and there was just time between morning and afternoon school for young Sam to snatch a meal himself and to carry his father’s dinner to him in a basin tied up in a bandanna handkerchief.

a bowl-shaped vessel; usually used for holding food or liquids

From this reading Sam’s father, Tom, was a porter at Victoria Station, Manchester, and there was just time between morning and afternoon school for young Sam to snatch a meal himself and to carry his father’s dinner to him in a basin tied up in a bandanna handkerchief.

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

From this reading |IT falls to some to be born, as they say, with a silver spoon in their mouths, and the witty have made play with the thought that the wise child chooses rich parents.

in the space, time, or range separating two things

From this reading Sam’s father, Tom, was a porter at Victoria Station, Manchester, and there was just time between morning and afternoon school for young Sam to snatch a meal himself and to carry his father’s dinner to him in a basin tied up in a bandanna handkerchief.

the time when something begins (especially life)

From this reading If, however, it was Anne who gave him birth and started him in life, it was Mr. Councillor Travers who set him on his way from the mean street of his birth and started his career, and the circumstance which led to the intervention of Mr. Travers was due, not to Anne, but to the occupation of Tom Branstone.

brought into existence

From this reading |IT falls to some to be born, as they say, with a silver spoon in their mouths, and the witty have made play with the thought that the wise child chooses rich parents.

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

From this reading Sam Branstone lacked the completeness of that wisdom.

used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before

From this reading He was born in one of those disconsolate streets of Manchester down which the stranger, passing by tram along a main road, hardly more delectable than its offshoots, looks and shudders; but was born with this difference from the many--that he was son to Anne Branstone, a notable woman, and wisdom may be conceded him for the discrimination of his choice.

showing who or what does the action

From this reading He was born in one of those disconsolate streets of Manchester down which the stranger, passing by tram along a main road, hardly more delectable than its offshoots, looks and shudders; but was born with this difference from the many--that he was son to Anne Branstone, a notable woman, and wisdom may be conceded him for the discrimination of his choice.

the particular occupation for which you are trained

From this reading If, however, it was Anne who gave him birth and started him in life, it was Mr. Councillor Travers who set him on his way from the mean street of his birth and started his career, and the circumstance which led to the intervention of Mr. Travers was due, not to Anne, but to the occupation of Tom Branstone.

move while supporting, either in a vehicle or in one's hands or on one's body

From this reading Sam’s father, Tom, was a porter at Victoria Station, Manchester, and there was just time between morning and afternoon school for young Sam to snatch a meal himself and to carry his father’s dinner to him in a basin tied up in a bandanna handkerchief.

a young person of either sex

From this reading |IT falls to some to be born, as they say, with a silver spoon in their mouths, and the witty have made play with the thought that the wise child chooses rich parents.

the person or thing chosen or selected

From this reading He was born in one of those disconsolate streets of Manchester down which the stranger, passing by tram along a main road, hardly more delectable than its offshoots, looks and shudders; but was born with this difference from the many--that he was son to Anne Branstone, a notable woman, and wisdom may be conceded him for the discrimination of his choice.

third-person singular of “choose” — pick out, select, or choose from a number of alternatives

From this reading |IT falls to some to be born, as they say, with a silver spoon in their mouths, and the witty have made play with the thought that the wise child chooses rich parents.

a condition that accompanies or influences some event or activity

From this reading If, however, it was Anne who gave him birth and started him in life, it was Mr. Councillor Travers who set him on his way from the mean street of his birth and started his career, and the circumstance which led to the intervention of Mr. Travers was due, not to Anne, but to the occupation of Tom Branstone.

the state of being complete and entire; having everything that is needed

From this reading Sam Branstone lacked the completeness of that wisdom.

past form of “concede” — admit (to a wrongdoing)

From this reading He was born in one of those disconsolate streets of Manchester down which the stranger, passing by tram along a main road, hardly more delectable than its offshoots, looks and shudders; but was born with this difference from the many--that he was son to Anne Branstone, a notable woman, and wisdom may be conceded him for the discrimination of his choice.

a member of a council

From this reading If, however, it was Anne who gave him birth and started him in life, it was Mr. Councillor Travers who set him on his way from the mean street of his birth and started his career, and the circumstance which led to the intervention of Mr. Travers was due, not to Anne, but to the occupation of Tom Branstone.

extremely pleasing to the sense of taste

From this reading He was born in one of those disconsolate streets of Manchester down which the stranger, passing by tram along a main road, hardly more delectable than its offshoots, looks and shudders; but was born with this difference from the many--that he was son to Anne Branstone, a notable woman, and wisdom may be conceded him for the discrimination of his choice.

the quality of being unlike or dissimilar

From this reading He was born in one of those disconsolate streets of Manchester down which the stranger, passing by tram along a main road, hardly more delectable than its offshoots, looks and shudders; but was born with this difference from the many--that he was son to Anne Branstone, a notable woman, and wisdom may be conceded him for the discrimination of his choice.

the main meal of the day served in the evening or at midday

From this reading Sam’s father, Tom, was a porter at Victoria Station, Manchester, and there was just time between morning and afternoon school for young Sam to snatch a meal himself and to carry his father’s dinner to him in a basin tied up in a bandanna handkerchief.

sad beyond comforting; incapable of being consoled

From this reading He was born in one of those disconsolate streets of Manchester down which the stranger, passing by tram along a main road, hardly more delectable than its offshoots, looks and shudders; but was born with this difference from the many--that he was son to Anne Branstone, a notable woman, and wisdom may be conceded him for the discrimination of his choice.

unfair treatment of a person or group on the basis of prejudice

From this reading He was born in one of those disconsolate streets of Manchester down which the stranger, passing by tram along a main road, hardly more delectable than its offshoots, looks and shudders; but was born with this difference from the many--that he was son to Anne Branstone, a notable woman, and wisdom may be conceded him for the discrimination of his choice.

being or moving lower in position or less in some value

From this reading He was born in one of those disconsolate streets of Manchester down which the stranger, passing by tram along a main road, hardly more delectable than its offshoots, looks and shudders; but was born with this difference from the many--that he was son to Anne Branstone, a notable woman, and wisdom may be conceded him for the discrimination of his choice.

owed and payable immediately or on demand

From this reading If, however, it was Anne who gave him birth and started him in life, it was Mr. Councillor Travers who set him on his way from the mean street of his birth and started his career, and the circumstance which led to the intervention of Mr. Travers was due, not to Anne, but to the occupation of Tom Branstone.

the petals or sepals of a flower that bend downward (especially the outer perianth of an iris)

From this reading |IT falls to some to be born, as they say, with a silver spoon in their mouths, and the witty have made play with the thought that the wise child chooses rich parents.

a male parent (also used as a term of address to your father)

From this reading Sam’s father, Tom, was a porter at Victoria Station, Manchester, and there was just time between morning and afternoon school for young Sam to snatch a meal himself and to carry his father’s dinner to him in a basin tied up in a bandanna handkerchief.

possessive form of “father” — a male parent (also used as a term of address to your father)

From this reading Sam’s father, Tom, was a porter at Victoria Station, Manchester, and there was just time between morning and afternoon school for young Sam to snatch a meal himself and to carry his father’s dinner to him in a basin tied up in a bandanna handkerchief.

intended to be given to, or used by, somebody

From this reading He was born in one of those disconsolate streets of Manchester down which the stranger, passing by tram along a main road, hardly more delectable than its offshoots, looks and shudders; but was born with this difference from the many--that he was son to Anne Branstone, a notable woman, and wisdom may be conceded him for the discrimination of his choice.

showing where something starts, or who sent it

From this reading He was born in one of those disconsolate streets of Manchester down which the stranger, passing by tram along a main road, hardly more delectable than its offshoots, looks and shudders; but was born with this difference from the many--that he was son to Anne Branstone, a notable woman, and wisdom may be conceded him for the discrimination of his choice.

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

From this reading If, however, it was Anne who gave him birth and started him in life, it was Mr. Councillor Travers who set him on his way from the mean street of his birth and started his career, and the circumstance which led to the intervention of Mr. Travers was due, not to Anne, but to the occupation of Tom Branstone.

a square piece of cloth used for wiping the eyes or nose or as a costume accessory

From this reading Sam’s father, Tom, was a porter at Victoria Station, Manchester, and there was just time between morning and afternoon school for young Sam to snatch a meal himself and to carry his father’s dinner to him in a basin tied up in a bandanna handkerchief.

only a very short time before

From this reading He was born in one of those disconsolate streets of Manchester down which the stranger, passing by tram along a main road, hardly more delectable than its offshoots, looks and shudders; but was born with this difference from the many--that he was son to Anne Branstone, a notable woman, and wisdom may be conceded him for the discrimination of his choice.

used with a past participle to form the perfect tenses

From this reading |IT falls to some to be born, as they say, with a silver spoon in their mouths, and the witty have made play with the thought that the wise child chooses rich parents.

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

From this reading He was born in one of those disconsolate streets of Manchester down which the stranger, passing by tram along a main road, hardly more delectable than its offshoots, looks and shudders; but was born with this difference from the many--that he was son to Anne Branstone, a notable woman, and wisdom may be conceded him for the discrimination of his choice.

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

From this reading He was born in one of those disconsolate streets of Manchester down which the stranger, passing by tram along a main road, hardly more delectable than its offshoots, looks and shudders; but was born with this difference from the many--that he was son to Anne Branstone, a notable woman, and wisdom may be conceded him for the discrimination of his choice.

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

From this reading Sam’s father, Tom, was a porter at Victoria Station, Manchester, and there was just time between morning and afternoon school for young Sam to snatch a meal himself and to carry his father’s dinner to him in a basin tied up in a bandanna handkerchief.

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

From this reading He was born in one of those disconsolate streets of Manchester down which the stranger, passing by tram along a main road, hardly more delectable than its offshoots, looks and shudders; but was born with this difference from the many--that he was son to Anne Branstone, a notable woman, and wisdom may be conceded him for the discrimination of his choice.

used to add a contrasting statement

From this reading If, however, it was Anne who gave him birth and started him in life, it was Mr. Councillor Travers who set him on his way from the mean street of his birth and started his career, and the circumstance which led to the intervention of Mr. Travers was due, not to Anne, but to the occupation of Tom Branstone.

on condition that; in the event that

From this reading If, however, it was Anne who gave him birth and started him in life, it was Mr. Councillor Travers who set him on his way from the mean street of his birth and started his career, and the circumstance which led to the intervention of Mr. Travers was due, not to Anne, but to the occupation of Tom Branstone.

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

From this reading |IT falls to some to be born, as they say, with a silver spoon in their mouths, and the witty have made play with the thought that the wise child chooses rich parents.

the act of intervening (as to mediate a dispute, etc.)

From this reading If, however, it was Anne who gave him birth and started him in life, it was Mr. Councillor Travers who set him on his way from the mean street of his birth and started his career, and the circumstance which led to the intervention of Mr. Travers was due, not to Anne, but to the occupation of Tom Branstone.

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading |IT falls to some to be born, as they say, with a silver spoon in their mouths, and the witty have made play with the thought that the wise child chooses rich parents.

belonging to the thing or animal already mentioned

From this reading He was born in one of those disconsolate streets of Manchester down which the stranger, passing by tram along a main road, hardly more delectable than its offshoots, looks and shudders; but was born with this difference from the many--that he was son to Anne Branstone, a notable woman, and wisdom may be conceded him for the discrimination of his choice.

and nothing more

From this reading Sam’s father, Tom, was a porter at Victoria Station, Manchester, and there was just time between morning and afternoon school for young Sam to snatch a meal himself and to carry his father’s dinner to him in a basin tied up in a bandanna handkerchief.

past form of “lack” — be without

From this reading Sam Branstone lacked the completeness of that wisdom.

diode such that light emitted at a p-n junction is proportional to the bias current; color depends on the material used

From this reading If, however, it was Anne who gave him birth and started him in life, it was Mr. Councillor Travers who set him on his way from the mean street of his birth and started his career, and the circumstance which led to the intervention of Mr. Travers was due, not to Anne, but to the occupation of Tom Branstone.

a characteristic state or mode of living

From this reading If, however, it was Anne who gave him birth and started him in life, it was Mr. Councillor Travers who set him on his way from the mean street of his birth and started his career, and the circumstance which led to the intervention of Mr. Travers was due, not to Anne, but to the occupation of Tom Branstone.

plural of “look” — the feelings expressed on a person's face

From this reading He was born in one of those disconsolate streets of Manchester down which the stranger, passing by tram along a main road, hardly more delectable than its offshoots, looks and shudders; but was born with this difference from the many--that he was son to Anne Branstone, a notable woman, and wisdom may be conceded him for the discrimination of his choice.

produced by a manufacturing process

From this reading |IT falls to some to be born, as they say, with a silver spoon in their mouths, and the witty have made play with the thought that the wise child chooses rich parents.

most important element

From this reading He was born in one of those disconsolate streets of Manchester down which the stranger, passing by tram along a main road, hardly more delectable than its offshoots, looks and shudders; but was born with this difference from the many--that he was son to Anne Branstone, a notable woman, and wisdom may be conceded him for the discrimination of his choice.

largest city in New Hampshire; located in southeastern New Hampshire on the Merrimack river

From this reading He was born in one of those disconsolate streets of Manchester down which the stranger, passing by tram along a main road, hardly more delectable than its offshoots, looks and shudders; but was born with this difference from the many--that he was son to Anne Branstone, a notable woman, and wisdom may be conceded him for the discrimination of his choice.

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 He was born in one of those disconsolate streets of Manchester down which the stranger, passing by tram along a main road, hardly more delectable than its offshoots, looks and shudders; but was born with this difference from the many--that he was son to Anne Branstone, a notable woman, and wisdom may be conceded him for the discrimination of his choice.

used to say something is possible, or to give permission

From this reading He was born in one of those disconsolate streets of Manchester down which the stranger, passing by tram along a main road, hardly more delectable than its offshoots, looks and shudders; but was born with this difference from the many--that he was son to Anne Branstone, a notable woman, and wisdom may be conceded him for the discrimination of his choice.

the food served and eaten at one time

From this reading Sam’s father, Tom, was a porter at Victoria Station, Manchester, and there was just time between morning and afternoon school for young Sam to snatch a meal himself and to carry his father’s dinner to him in a basin tied up in a bandanna handkerchief.

mean or intend to express or convey

From this reading If, however, it was Anne who gave him birth and started him in life, it was Mr. Councillor Travers who set him on his way from the mean street of his birth and started his career, and the circumstance which led to the intervention of Mr. Travers was due, not to Anne, but to the occupation of Tom Branstone.

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

From this reading He was born in one of those disconsolate streets of Manchester down which the stranger, passing by tram along a main road, hardly more delectable than its offshoots, looks and shudders; but was born with this difference from the many--that he was son to Anne Branstone, a notable woman, and wisdom may be conceded him for the discrimination of his choice.

the time period between dawn and noon

From this reading Sam’s father, Tom, was a porter at Victoria Station, Manchester, and there was just time between morning and afternoon school for young Sam to snatch a meal himself and to carry his father’s dinner to him in a basin tied up in a bandanna handkerchief.

plural of “mouth” — the opening through which food is taken in and vocalizations emerge

From this reading |IT falls to some to be born, as they say, with a silver spoon in their mouths, and the witty have made play with the thought that the wise child chooses rich parents.

a form of address for a man

From this reading If, however, it was Anne who gave him birth and started him in life, it was Mr. Councillor Travers who set him on his way from the mean street of his birth and started his career, and the circumstance which led to the intervention of Mr. Travers was due, not to Anne, but to the occupation of Tom Branstone.

used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative

From this reading If, however, it was Anne who gave him birth and started him in life, it was Mr. Councillor Travers who set him on his way from the mean street of his birth and started his career, and the circumstance which led to the intervention of Mr. Travers was due, not to Anne, but to the occupation of Tom Branstone.

widely known and esteemed

From this reading He was born in one of those disconsolate streets of Manchester down which the stranger, passing by tram along a main road, hardly more delectable than its offshoots, looks and shudders; but was born with this difference from the many--that he was son to Anne Branstone, a notable woman, and wisdom may be conceded him for the discrimination of his choice.

the principal activity in your life that you do to earn money

From this reading If, however, it was Anne who gave him birth and started him in life, it was Mr. Councillor Travers who set him on his way from the mean street of his birth and started his career, and the circumstance which led to the intervention of Mr. Travers was due, not to Anne, but to the occupation of Tom Branstone.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading Sam Branstone lacked the completeness of that wisdom.

plural of “offshoot” — a natural consequence of development

From this reading He was born in one of those disconsolate streets of Manchester down which the stranger, passing by tram along a main road, hardly more delectable than its offshoots, looks and shudders; but was born with this difference from the many--that he was son to Anne Branstone, a notable woman, and wisdom may be conceded him for the discrimination of his choice.

touching and supported by a surface

From this reading If, however, it was Anne who gave him birth and started him in life, it was Mr. Councillor Travers who set him on his way from the mean street of his birth and started his career, and the circumstance which led to the intervention of Mr. Travers was due, not to Anne, but to the occupation of Tom Branstone.

used to mean any person in general, including the speaker

From this reading He was born in one of those disconsolate streets of Manchester down which the stranger, passing by tram along a main road, hardly more delectable than its offshoots, looks and shudders; but was born with this difference from the many--that he was son to Anne Branstone, a notable woman, and wisdom may be conceded him for the discrimination of his choice.

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 |IT falls to some to be born, as they say, with a silver spoon in their mouths, and the witty have made play with the thought that the wise child chooses rich parents.

(American football) a play that involves one player throwing the ball to a teammate

From this reading He was born in one of those disconsolate streets of Manchester down which the stranger, passing by tram along a main road, hardly more delectable than its offshoots, looks and shudders; but was born with this difference from the many--that he was son to Anne Branstone, a notable woman, and wisdom may be conceded him for the discrimination of his choice.

participate in games or sport

From this reading |IT falls to some to be born, as they say, with a silver spoon in their mouths, and the witty have made play with the thought that the wise child chooses rich parents.

a person employed to carry luggage and supplies

From this reading Sam’s father, Tom, was a porter at Victoria Station, Manchester, and there was just time between morning and afternoon school for young Sam to snatch a meal himself and to carry his father’s dinner to him in a basin tied up in a bandanna handkerchief.

possessing material wealth

From this reading |IT falls to some to be born, as they say, with a silver spoon in their mouths, and the witty have made play with the thought that the wise child chooses rich parents.

an open way (generally public) for travel or transportation

From this reading He was born in one of those disconsolate streets of Manchester down which the stranger, passing by tram along a main road, hardly more delectable than its offshoots, looks and shudders; but was born with this difference from the many--that he was son to Anne Branstone, a notable woman, and wisdom may be conceded him for the discrimination of his choice.

a guided missile fired from land or shipboard against an airborne target

From this reading Sam Branstone lacked the completeness of that wisdom.

possessive form of “sam” — a guided missile fired from land or shipboard against an airborne target

From this reading Sam’s father, Tom, was a porter at Victoria Station, Manchester, and there was just time between morning and afternoon school for young Sam to snatch a meal himself and to carry his father’s dinner to him in a basin tied up in a bandanna handkerchief.

express in words

From this reading |IT falls to some to be born, as they say, with a silver spoon in their mouths, and the witty have made play with the thought that the wise child chooses rich parents.

an educational institution

From this reading Sam’s father, Tom, was a porter at Victoria Station, Manchester, and there was just time between morning and afternoon school for young Sam to snatch a meal himself and to carry his father’s dinner to him in a basin tied up in a bandanna handkerchief.

put into a certain place or abstract location

From this reading If, however, it was Anne who gave him birth and started him in life, it was Mr. Councillor Travers who set him on his way from the mean street of his birth and started his career, and the circumstance which led to the intervention of Mr. Travers was due, not to Anne, but to the occupation of Tom Branstone.

plural of “shudder” — an almost pleasurable sensation of fright

From this reading He was born in one of those disconsolate streets of Manchester down which the stranger, passing by tram along a main road, hardly more delectable than its offshoots, looks and shudders; but was born with this difference from the many--that he was son to Anne Branstone, a notable woman, and wisdom may be conceded him for the discrimination of his choice.

a soft white precious univalent metallic element having the highest electrical and thermal conductivity of any metal; occurs in argentite and in free form; used in coins and jewelry and tableware and photography

From this reading |IT falls to some to be born, as they say, with a silver spoon in their mouths, and the witty have made play with the thought that the wise child chooses rich parents.

to grasp hastily or eagerly

From this reading Sam’s father, Tom, was a porter at Victoria Station, Manchester, and there was just time between morning and afternoon school for young Sam to snatch a meal himself and to carry his father’s dinner to him in a basin tied up in a bandanna handkerchief.

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

From this reading |IT falls to some to be born, as they say, with a silver spoon in their mouths, and the witty have made play with the thought that the wise child chooses rich parents.

a male human offspring

From this reading He was born in one of those disconsolate streets of Manchester down which the stranger, passing by tram along a main road, hardly more delectable than its offshoots, looks and shudders; but was born with this difference from the many--that he was son to Anne Branstone, a notable woman, and wisdom may be conceded him for the discrimination of his choice.

a piece of cutlery with a shallow bowl-shaped container and a handle; used to stir or serve or take up food

From this reading |IT falls to some to be born, as they say, with a silver spoon in their mouths, and the witty have made play with the thought that the wise child chooses rich parents.

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

From this reading If, however, it was Anne who gave him birth and started him in life, it was Mr. Councillor Travers who set him on his way from the mean street of his birth and started his career, and the circumstance which led to the intervention of Mr. Travers was due, not to Anne, but to the occupation of Tom Branstone.

a facility equipped with special equipment and personnel for a particular purpose

From this reading Sam’s father, Tom, was a porter at Victoria Station, Manchester, and there was just time between morning and afternoon school for young Sam to snatch a meal himself and to carry his father’s dinner to him in a basin tied up in a bandanna handkerchief.

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

From this reading He was born in one of those disconsolate streets of Manchester down which the stranger, passing by tram along a main road, hardly more delectable than its offshoots, looks and shudders; but was born with this difference from the many--that he was son to Anne Branstone, a notable woman, and wisdom may be conceded him for the discrimination of his choice.

a thoroughfare (usually including sidewalks) that is lined with buildings

From this reading If, however, it was Anne who gave him birth and started him in life, it was Mr. Councillor Travers who set him on his way from the mean street of his birth and started his career, and the circumstance which led to the intervention of Mr. Travers was due, not to Anne, but to the occupation of Tom Branstone.

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

From this reading He was born in one of those disconsolate streets of Manchester down which the stranger, passing by tram along a main road, hardly more delectable than its offshoots, looks and shudders; but was born with this difference from the many--that he was son to Anne Branstone, a notable woman, and wisdom may be conceded him for the discrimination of his choice.

used to introduce the second part of a comparison

From this reading He was born in one of those disconsolate streets of Manchester down which the stranger, passing by tram along a main road, hardly more delectable than its offshoots, looks and shudders; but was born with this difference from the many--that he was son to Anne Branstone, a notable woman, and wisdom may be conceded him for the discrimination of his choice.

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading |IT falls to some to be born, as they say, with a silver spoon in their mouths, and the witty have made play with the thought that the wise child chooses rich parents.

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

From this reading |IT falls to some to be born, as they say, with a silver spoon in their mouths, and the witty have made play with the thought that the wise child chooses rich parents.

belonging to the people or things already mentioned

From this reading |IT falls to some to be born, as they say, with a silver spoon in their mouths, and the witty have made play with the thought that the wise child chooses rich parents.

in or at that place or location

From this reading Sam’s father, Tom, was a porter at Victoria Station, Manchester, and there was just time between morning and afternoon school for young Sam to snatch a meal himself and to carry his father’s dinner to him in a basin tied up in a bandanna handkerchief.

the people, animals, or things already mentioned, as the subject

From this reading |IT falls to some to be born, as they say, with a silver spoon in their mouths, and the witty have made play with the thought that the wise child chooses rich parents.

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

From this reading He was born in one of those disconsolate streets of Manchester down which the stranger, passing by tram along a main road, hardly more delectable than its offshoots, looks and shudders; but was born with this difference from the many--that he was son to Anne Branstone, a notable woman, and wisdom may be conceded him for the discrimination of his choice.

the plural of “that”: the people or things further away, or already known

From this reading He was born in one of those disconsolate streets of Manchester down which the stranger, passing by tram along a main road, hardly more delectable than its offshoots, looks and shudders; but was born with this difference from the many--that he was son to Anne Branstone, a notable woman, and wisdom may be conceded him for the discrimination of his choice.

the content of cognition; the main thing you are thinking about

From this reading |IT falls to some to be born, as they say, with a silver spoon in their mouths, and the witty have made play with the thought that the wise child chooses rich parents.

bound or secured closely

From this reading Sam’s father, Tom, was a porter at Victoria Station, Manchester, and there was just time between morning and afternoon school for young Sam to snatch a meal himself and to carry his father’s dinner to him in a basin tied up in a bandanna handkerchief.

an instance or single occasion for some event

From this reading Sam’s father, Tom, was a porter at Victoria Station, Manchester, and there was just time between morning and afternoon school for young Sam to snatch a meal himself and to carry his father’s dinner to him in a basin tied up in a bandanna handkerchief.

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

From this reading |IT falls to some to be born, as they say, with a silver spoon in their mouths, and the witty have made play with the thought that the wise child chooses rich parents.

male cat

From this reading If, however, it was Anne who gave him birth and started him in life, it was Mr. Councillor Travers who set him on his way from the mean street of his birth and started his career, and the circumstance which led to the intervention of Mr. Travers was due, not to Anne, but to the occupation of Tom Branstone.

a conveyance that transports passengers or freight in carriers suspended from cables and supported by a series of towers

From this reading He was born in one of those disconsolate streets of Manchester down which the stranger, passing by tram along a main road, hardly more delectable than its offshoots, looks and shudders; but was born with this difference from the many--that he was son to Anne Branstone, a notable woman, and wisdom may be conceded him for the discrimination of his choice.

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

From this reading If, however, it was Anne who gave him birth and started him in life, it was Mr. Councillor Travers who set him on his way from the mean street of his birth and started his career, and the circumstance which led to the intervention of Mr. Travers was due, not to Anne, but to the occupation of Tom Branstone.

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

From this reading Sam’s father, Tom, was a porter at Victoria Station, Manchester, and there was just time between morning and afternoon school for young Sam to snatch a meal himself and to carry his father’s dinner to him in a basin tied up in a bandanna handkerchief.

queen of Great Britain and Ireland and empress of India from 1837 to 1901; the last Hanoverian ruler of England (1819-1901)

From this reading Sam’s father, Tom, was a porter at Victoria Station, Manchester, and there was just time between morning and afternoon school for young Sam to snatch a meal himself and to carry his father’s dinner to him in a basin tied up in a bandanna handkerchief.

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

From this reading He was born in one of those disconsolate streets of Manchester down which the stranger, passing by tram along a main road, hardly more delectable than its offshoots, looks and shudders; but was born with this difference from the many--that he was son to Anne Branstone, a notable woman, and wisdom may be conceded him for the discrimination of his choice.

how something is done or how it happens

From this reading If, however, it was Anne who gave him birth and started him in life, it was Mr. Councillor Travers who set him on his way from the mean street of his birth and started his career, and the circumstance which led to the intervention of Mr. Travers was due, not to Anne, but to the occupation of Tom Branstone.

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

From this reading He was born in one of those disconsolate streets of Manchester down which the stranger, passing by tram along a main road, hardly more delectable than its offshoots, looks and shudders; but was born with this difference from the many--that he was son to Anne Branstone, a notable woman, and wisdom may be conceded him for the discrimination of his choice.

which person or people

From this reading If, however, it was Anne who gave him birth and started him in life, it was Mr. Councillor Travers who set him on his way from the mean street of his birth and started his career, and the circumstance which led to the intervention of Mr. Travers was due, not to Anne, but to the occupation of Tom Branstone.

accumulated knowledge or erudition or enlightenment

From this reading Sam Branstone lacked the completeness of that wisdom.

having or prompted by wisdom or discernment

From this reading |IT falls to some to be born, as they say, with a silver spoon in their mouths, and the witty have made play with the thought that the wise child chooses rich parents.

in the company of; together with

From this reading |IT falls to some to be born, as they say, with a silver spoon in their mouths, and the witty have made play with the thought that the wise child chooses rich parents.

combining clever conception and facetious expression

From this reading |IT falls to some to be born, as they say, with a silver spoon in their mouths, and the witty have made play with the thought that the wise child chooses rich parents.

an adult female person (as opposed to a man)

From this reading He was born in one of those disconsolate streets of Manchester down which the stranger, passing by tram along a main road, hardly more delectable than its offshoots, looks and shudders; but was born with this difference from the many--that he was son to Anne Branstone, a notable woman, and wisdom may be conceded him for the discrimination of his choice.

(used of living things especially persons) in an early period of life or development or growth

From this reading Sam’s father, Tom, was a porter at Victoria Station, Manchester, and there was just time between morning and afternoon school for young Sam to snatch a meal himself and to carry his father’s dinner to him in a basin tied up in a bandanna handkerchief.