Chapter IX · Some Knotty Points That Puzzled Joe Nelligan

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

From this reading Whether, therefore, high events and their consequences were discussed, or that the meeting was only devoted to themes of lighter importance, is likely to remain a secret to all time.

(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 Whether, therefore, high events and their consequences were discussed, or that the meeting was only devoted to themes of lighter importance, is likely to remain a secret to all time.

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

From this reading Whether, therefore, high events and their consequences were discussed, or that the meeting was only devoted to themes of lighter importance, is likely to remain a secret to all time.

one or some or every or all without specification

From this reading This true history contains no record of the evening Mr. Scanlan passed at the Osprey's Nest; nor is it probable that in any diary kept by that intelligent individual there will yet be found materials to supply this historical void.

any thing at all

From this reading What would you think of paying a visit there this morning to see the picture, or anything else you can think of?

in or near a particular place or position

From this reading This true history contains no record of the evening Mr. Scanlan passed at the Osprey's Nest; nor is it probable that in any diary kept by that intelligent individual there will yet be found materials to supply this historical void.

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

From this reading This true history contains no record of the evening Mr. Scanlan passed at the Osprey's Nest; nor is it probable that in any diary kept by that intelligent individual there will yet be found materials to supply this historical void.

Directly under; in or to a lower position than.

From this reading That matters beneath the range of politics occupied the consideration of the parties was, however, evident from the following few lines of a note received by young Nelligan the next morning:-- “Dear Joe,--I dined yesterday at the 'Nest,' and we talked much of you.

showing who or what does the action

From this reading This true history contains no record of the evening Mr. Scanlan passed at the Osprey's Nest; nor is it probable that in any diary kept by that intelligent individual there will yet be found materials to supply this historical void.

to be able to, or to be allowed to

From this reading What would you think of paying a visit there this morning to see the picture, or anything else you can think of?

plural of “consequence” — a phenomenon that follows and is caused by some previous phenomenon

From this reading Whether, therefore, high events and their consequences were discussed, or that the meeting was only devoted to themes of lighter importance, is likely to remain a secret to all time.

the process of giving careful thought to something

From this reading That matters beneath the range of politics occupied the consideration of the parties was, however, evident from the following few lines of a note received by young Nelligan the next morning:-- “Dear Joe,--I dined yesterday at the 'Nest,' and we talked much of you.

third-person singular of “contain” — include or contain; have as a component

From this reading This true history contains no record of the evening Mr. Scanlan passed at the Osprey's Nest; nor is it probable that in any diary kept by that intelligent individual there will yet be found materials to supply this historical void.

dearly loved

From this reading That matters beneath the range of politics occupied the consideration of the parties was, however, evident from the following few lines of a note received by young Nelligan the next morning:-- “Dear Joe,--I dined yesterday at the 'Nest,' and we talked much of you.

zealous in devotion or affection

From this reading Whether, therefore, high events and their consequences were discussed, or that the meeting was only devoted to themes of lighter importance, is likely to remain a secret to all time.

a daily written record of (usually personal) experiences and observations

From this reading This true history contains no record of the evening Mr. Scanlan passed at the Osprey's Nest; nor is it probable that in any diary kept by that intelligent individual there will yet be found materials to supply this historical void.

past form of “dine” — have supper; eat dinner

From this reading That matters beneath the range of politics occupied the consideration of the parties was, however, evident from the following few lines of a note received by young Nelligan the next morning:-- “Dear Joe,--I dined yesterday at the 'Nest,' and we talked much of you.

past form of “discuss” — to consider or examine in speech or writing

From this reading Whether, therefore, high events and their consequences were discussed, or that the meeting was only devoted to themes of lighter importance, is likely to remain a secret to all time.

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

From this reading What would you think of paying a visit there this morning to see the picture, or anything else you can think of?

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

From this reading This true history contains no record of the evening Mr. Scanlan passed at the Osprey's Nest; nor is it probable that in any diary kept by that intelligent individual there will yet be found materials to supply this historical void.

plural of “event” — something that happens at a given place and time

From this reading Whether, therefore, high events and their consequences were discussed, or that the meeting was only devoted to themes of lighter importance, is likely to remain a secret to all time.

clearly revealed to the mind or the senses or judgment

From this reading That matters beneath the range of politics occupied the consideration of the parties was, however, evident from the following few lines of a note received by young Nelligan the next morning:-- “Dear Joe,--I dined yesterday at the 'Nest,' and we talked much of you.

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

From this reading That matters beneath the range of politics occupied the consideration of the parties was, however, evident from the following few lines of a note received by young Nelligan the next morning:-- “Dear Joe,--I dined yesterday at the 'Nest,' and we talked much of you.

about to be mentioned or specified

From this reading That matters beneath the range of politics occupied the consideration of the parties was, however, evident from the following few lines of a note received by young Nelligan the next morning:-- “Dear Joe,--I dined yesterday at the 'Nest,' and we talked much of you.

set up or found

From this reading This true history contains no record of the evening Mr. Scanlan passed at the Osprey's Nest; nor is it probable that in any diary kept by that intelligent individual there will yet be found materials to supply this historical void.

showing where something starts, or who sent it

From this reading That matters beneath the range of politics occupied the consideration of the parties was, however, evident from the following few lines of a note received by young Nelligan the next morning:-- “Dear Joe,--I dined yesterday at the 'Nest,' and we talked much of you.

greater than normal in degree or intensity or amount

From this reading Whether, therefore, high events and their consequences were discussed, or that the meeting was only devoted to themes of lighter importance, is likely to remain a secret to all time.

of or relating to the study of history

From this reading This true history contains no record of the evening Mr. Scanlan passed at the Osprey's Nest; nor is it probable that in any diary kept by that intelligent individual there will yet be found materials to supply this historical void.

the aggregate of past events

From this reading This true history contains no record of the evening Mr. Scanlan passed at the Osprey's Nest; nor is it probable that in any diary kept by that intelligent individual there will yet be found materials to supply this historical void.

used to add a contrasting statement

From this reading That matters beneath the range of politics occupied the consideration of the parties was, however, evident from the following few lines of a note received by young Nelligan the next morning:-- “Dear Joe,--I dined yesterday at the 'Nest,' and we talked much of you.

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

From this reading That matters beneath the range of politics occupied the consideration of the parties was, however, evident from the following few lines of a note received by young Nelligan the next morning:-- “Dear Joe,--I dined yesterday at the 'Nest,' and we talked much of you.

the quality of being important and worthy of note

From this reading Whether, therefore, high events and their consequences were discussed, or that the meeting was only devoted to themes of lighter importance, is likely to remain a secret to all time.

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

From this reading This true history contains no record of the evening Mr. Scanlan passed at the Osprey's Nest; nor is it probable that in any diary kept by that intelligent individual there will yet be found materials to supply this historical void.

being or characteristic of a single thing or person

From this reading This true history contains no record of the evening Mr. Scanlan passed at the Osprey's Nest; nor is it probable that in any diary kept by that intelligent individual there will yet be found materials to supply this historical void.

having the capacity for thought and reason especially to a high degree

From this reading This true history contains no record of the evening Mr. Scanlan passed at the Osprey's Nest; nor is it probable that in any diary kept by that intelligent individual there will yet be found materials to supply this historical void.

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

From this reading This true history contains no record of the evening Mr. Scanlan passed at the Osprey's Nest; nor is it probable that in any diary kept by that intelligent individual there will yet be found materials to supply this historical void.

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading This true history contains no record of the evening Mr. Scanlan passed at the Osprey's Nest; nor is it probable that in any diary kept by that intelligent individual there will yet be found materials to supply this historical void.

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

From this reading That matters beneath the range of politics occupied the consideration of the parties was, however, evident from the following few lines of a note received by young Nelligan the next morning:-- “Dear Joe,--I dined yesterday at the 'Nest,' and we talked much of you.

(especially of promises or contracts) not violated or disregarded

From this reading This true history contains no record of the evening Mr. Scanlan passed at the Osprey's Nest; nor is it probable that in any diary kept by that intelligent individual there will yet be found materials to supply this historical void.

a substance used to ignite or kindle a fire

From this reading Whether, therefore, high events and their consequences were discussed, or that the meeting was only devoted to themes of lighter importance, is likely to remain a secret to all time.

has a good chance of being the case or of coming about

From this reading Whether, therefore, high events and their consequences were discussed, or that the meeting was only devoted to themes of lighter importance, is likely to remain a secret to all time.

plural of “line” — a formation of people or things one beside another

From this reading That matters beneath the range of politics occupied the consideration of the parties was, however, evident from the following few lines of a note received by young Nelligan the next morning:-- “Dear Joe,--I dined yesterday at the 'Nest,' and we talked much of you.

plural of “material” — the tangible substance that goes into the makeup of a physical object

From this reading This true history contains no record of the evening Mr. Scanlan passed at the Osprey's Nest; nor is it probable that in any diary kept by that intelligent individual there will yet be found materials to supply this historical void.

plural of “matter” — a vaguely specified concern

From this reading That matters beneath the range of politics occupied the consideration of the parties was, however, evident from the following few lines of a note received by young Nelligan the next morning:-- “Dear Joe,--I dined yesterday at the 'Nest,' and we talked much of you.

a formally arranged gathering

From this reading Whether, therefore, high events and their consequences were discussed, or that the meeting was only devoted to themes of lighter importance, is likely to remain a secret to all time.

the time period between dawn and noon

From this reading That matters beneath the range of politics occupied the consideration of the parties was, however, evident from the following few lines of a note received by young Nelligan the next morning:-- “Dear Joe,--I dined yesterday at the 'Nest,' and we talked much of you.

a form of address for a man

From this reading This true history contains no record of the evening Mr. Scanlan passed at the Osprey's Nest; nor is it probable that in any diary kept by that intelligent individual there will yet be found materials to supply this historical void.

to a great degree or extent

From this reading That matters beneath the range of politics occupied the consideration of the parties was, however, evident from the following few lines of a note received by young Nelligan the next morning:-- “Dear Joe,--I dined yesterday at the 'Nest,' and we talked much of you.

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

From this reading That matters beneath the range of politics occupied the consideration of the parties was, however, evident from the following few lines of a note received by young Nelligan the next morning:-- “Dear Joe,--I dined yesterday at the 'Nest,' and we talked much of you.

a structure in which animals lay eggs or give birth to their young

From this reading This true history contains no record of the evening Mr. Scanlan passed at the Osprey's Nest; nor is it probable that in any diary kept by that intelligent individual there will yet be found materials to supply this historical void.

immediately following in time or order

From this reading That matters beneath the range of politics occupied the consideration of the parties was, however, evident from the following few lines of a note received by young Nelligan the next morning:-- “Dear Joe,--I dined yesterday at the 'Nest,' and we talked much of you.

not any; not one

From this reading This true history contains no record of the evening Mr. Scanlan passed at the Osprey's Nest; nor is it probable that in any diary kept by that intelligent individual there will yet be found materials to supply this historical void.

and not; used after a negative to add a second negative

From this reading This true history contains no record of the evening Mr. Scanlan passed at the Osprey's Nest; nor is it probable that in any diary kept by that intelligent individual there will yet be found materials to supply this historical void.

a brief written record

From this reading That matters beneath the range of politics occupied the consideration of the parties was, however, evident from the following few lines of a note received by young Nelligan the next morning:-- “Dear Joe,--I dined yesterday at the 'Nest,' and we talked much of you.

a vague idea in which some confidence is placed

From this reading I 've a notion it would be well taken.

held or filled or in use

From this reading That matters beneath the range of politics occupied the consideration of the parties was, however, evident from the following few lines of a note received by young Nelligan the next morning:-- “Dear Joe,--I dined yesterday at the 'Nest,' and we talked much of you.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading This true history contains no record of the evening Mr. Scanlan passed at the Osprey's Nest; nor is it probable that in any diary kept by that intelligent individual there will yet be found materials to supply this historical void.

and nothing more

From this reading Whether, therefore, high events and their consequences were discussed, or that the meeting was only devoted to themes of lighter importance, is likely to remain a secret to all time.

used to join alternatives or possibilities

From this reading Whether, therefore, high events and their consequences were discussed, or that the meeting was only devoted to themes of lighter importance, is likely to remain a secret to all time.

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

From this reading This true history contains no record of the evening Mr. Scanlan passed at the Osprey's Nest; nor is it probable that in any diary kept by that intelligent individual there will yet be found materials to supply this historical void.

plural of “party” — an organization to gain political power

From this reading That matters beneath the range of politics occupied the consideration of the parties was, however, evident from the following few lines of a note received by young Nelligan the next morning:-- “Dear Joe,--I dined yesterday at the 'Nest,' and we talked much of you.

past form of “pass” — go across or through

From this reading This true history contains no record of the evening Mr. Scanlan passed at the Osprey's Nest; nor is it probable that in any diary kept by that intelligent individual there will yet be found materials to supply this historical void.

yielding a fair profit

From this reading What would you think of paying a visit there this morning to see the picture, or anything else you can think of?

a visual representation (of an object or scene or person or abstraction) produced on a surface

From this reading What would you think of paying a visit there this morning to see the picture, or anything else you can think of?

social relations involving intrigue to gain authority or power

From this reading That matters beneath the range of politics occupied the consideration of the parties was, however, evident from the following few lines of a note received by young Nelligan the next morning:-- “Dear Joe,--I dined yesterday at the 'Nest,' and we talked much of you.

likely but not certain to be or become true or real

From this reading This true history contains no record of the evening Mr. Scanlan passed at the Osprey's Nest; nor is it probable that in any diary kept by that intelligent individual there will yet be found materials to supply this historical void.

an area in which something acts or operates or has power or control: "the range of a supersonic jet"

From this reading That matters beneath the range of politics occupied the consideration of the parties was, however, evident from the following few lines of a note received by young Nelligan the next morning:-- “Dear Joe,--I dined yesterday at the 'Nest,' and we talked much of you.

conforming to the established language usage of educated native speakers

From this reading That matters beneath the range of politics occupied the consideration of the parties was, however, evident from the following few lines of a note received by young Nelligan the next morning:-- “Dear Joe,--I dined yesterday at the 'Nest,' and we talked much of you.

anything (such as a document or a phonograph record or a photograph) providing permanent evidence of or information about past events

From this reading This true history contains no record of the evening Mr. Scanlan passed at the Osprey's Nest; nor is it probable that in any diary kept by that intelligent individual there will yet be found materials to supply this historical void.

stay the same; remain in a certain state

From this reading Whether, therefore, high events and their consequences were discussed, or that the meeting was only devoted to themes of lighter importance, is likely to remain a secret to all time.

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

From this reading This true history contains no record of the evening Mr. Scanlan passed at the Osprey's Nest; nor is it probable that in any diary kept by that intelligent individual there will yet be found materials to supply this historical void.

Something that is kept or meant to be kept unknown or unseen by others.

From this reading Whether, therefore, high events and their consequences were discussed, or that the meeting was only devoted to themes of lighter importance, is likely to remain a secret to all time.

perceive by sight or have the power to perceive by sight

From this reading What would you think of paying a visit there this morning to see the picture, or anything else you can think of?

give something useful or necessary to

From this reading This true history contains no record of the evening Mr. Scanlan passed at the Osprey's Nest; nor is it probable that in any diary kept by that intelligent individual there will yet be found materials to supply this historical void.

understood in a certain way; made sense of

From this reading I 've a notion it would be well taken.

past form of “talk” — exchange thoughts; talk with

From this reading That matters beneath the range of politics occupied the consideration of the parties was, however, evident from the following few lines of a note received by young Nelligan the next morning:-- “Dear Joe,--I dined yesterday at the 'Nest,' and we talked much of you.

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading This true history contains no record of the evening Mr. Scanlan passed at the Osprey's Nest; nor is it probable that in any diary kept by that intelligent individual there will yet be found materials to supply this historical void.

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

From this reading This true history contains no record of the evening Mr. Scanlan passed at the Osprey's Nest; nor is it probable that in any diary kept by that intelligent individual there will yet be found materials to supply this historical void.

belonging to the people or things already mentioned

From this reading Whether, therefore, high events and their consequences were discussed, or that the meeting was only devoted to themes of lighter importance, is likely to remain a secret to all time.

plural of “theme” — the subject matter of a conversation or discussion

From this reading Whether, therefore, high events and their consequences were discussed, or that the meeting was only devoted to themes of lighter importance, is likely to remain a secret to all time.

in or at that place or location

From this reading This true history contains no record of the evening Mr. Scanlan passed at the Osprey's Nest; nor is it probable that in any diary kept by that intelligent individual there will yet be found materials to supply this historical void.

for that reason; as a result

From this reading Whether, therefore, high events and their consequences were discussed, or that the meeting was only devoted to themes of lighter importance, is likely to remain a secret to all time.

judge or regard; look upon; judge

From this reading What would you think of paying a visit there this morning to see the picture, or anything else you can think of?

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

From this reading This true history contains no record of the evening Mr. Scanlan passed at the Osprey's Nest; nor is it probable that in any diary kept by that intelligent individual there will yet be found materials to supply this historical void.

an instance or single occasion for some event

From this reading Whether, therefore, high events and their consequences were discussed, or that the meeting was only devoted to themes of lighter importance, is likely to remain a secret to all time.

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

From this reading This true history contains no record of the evening Mr. Scanlan passed at the Osprey's Nest; nor is it probable that in any diary kept by that intelligent individual there will yet be found materials to supply this historical void.

consistent with fact or reality; not false

From this reading This true history contains no record of the evening Mr. Scanlan passed at the Osprey's Nest; nor is it probable that in any diary kept by that intelligent individual there will yet be found materials to supply this historical void.

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

From this reading I 've a notion it would be well taken.

go to see a place, as for entertainment

From this reading What would you think of paying a visit there this morning to see the picture, or anything else you can think of?

lacking any legal or binding force

From this reading This true history contains no record of the evening Mr. Scanlan passed at the Osprey's Nest; nor is it probable that in any diary kept by that intelligent individual there will yet be found materials to supply this historical void.

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

From this reading Whether, therefore, high events and their consequences were discussed, or that the meeting was only devoted to themes of lighter importance, is likely to remain a secret to all time.

the speaker together with one or more other people

From this reading That matters beneath the range of politics occupied the consideration of the parties was, however, evident from the following few lines of a note received by young Nelligan the next morning:-- “Dear Joe,--I dined yesterday at the 'Nest,' and we talked much of you.

(often used as a combining form) in a good or proper or satisfactory manner or to a high standard (“good” is a nonstandard dialectal variant for “well”)

From this reading I 've a notion it would be well taken.

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

From this reading Whether, therefore, high events and their consequences were discussed, or that the meeting was only devoted to themes of lighter importance, is likely to remain a secret to all time.

used to ask for information about something

From this reading What would you think of paying a visit there this morning to see the picture, or anything else you can think of?

used to introduce two or more possibilities

From this reading Whether, therefore, high events and their consequences were discussed, or that the meeting was only devoted to themes of lighter importance, is likely to remain a secret to all time.

used to talk about the future, or about willingness

From this reading This true history contains no record of the evening Mr. Scanlan passed at the Osprey's Nest; nor is it probable that in any diary kept by that intelligent individual there will yet be found materials to supply this historical void.

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

From this reading What would you think of paying a visit there this morning to see the picture, or anything else you can think of?

the day immediately before today

From this reading That matters beneath the range of politics occupied the consideration of the parties was, however, evident from the following few lines of a note received by young Nelligan the next morning:-- “Dear Joe,--I dined yesterday at the 'Nest,' and we talked much of you.

but in spite of that

From this reading This true history contains no record of the evening Mr. Scanlan passed at the Osprey's Nest; nor is it probable that in any diary kept by that intelligent individual there will yet be found materials to supply this historical void.

the person or people being spoken to

From this reading That matters beneath the range of politics occupied the consideration of the parties was, however, evident from the following few lines of a note received by young Nelligan the next morning:-- “Dear Joe,--I dined yesterday at the 'Nest,' and we talked much of you.

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

From this reading That matters beneath the range of politics occupied the consideration of the parties was, however, evident from the following few lines of a note received by young Nelligan the next morning:-- “Dear Joe,--I dined yesterday at the 'Nest,' and we talked much of you.