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The Merry-Thought
The Merry-Thought

Chapter III · Chapter 3

Chapter 3 of The Merry-Thought is here in full — 8 sentences across 2 reading sections, with audio for every sentence and word.

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Context Illustration Reading 1/1 · 8 lines
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_LONDON_: Printed for J. ROBERTS in _Warwick-Lane_; and Sold by the Booksellers in Town and Country.
[Price 6 _d._] THE PREFACE.
This is purposely to acknowledge the Obligations I owe to several Gentlemen, who have shewn their Esteem of the MERRY THOUGHT, in the large Collections they have communicated before the Holidays: For who knows, but many of their Pieces might have been lost, by the Effects of Wine, Punch, and strong Beer, in the _Christmas_ Time; or by a Game at Ramps, or Blind-Man’s-Buff; or unlucky Boys; or the sticking the Windows with Holley and Ivy: All these Hazards did we run of having many curious Pieces destroy’d, and bury’d in Oblivion.
And then again, the Cleaning the Windows against the Holidays might have endanger’d the Loss of many of these brittle Leaves of Wit and Learning.
But now, we may sing _Old Rose_, since a large Cargoe is already arriv’d safe at the Press.
In order for a third Part, I have myself taken Care to visit most of the Glasiers in Town where I just came Time enough to save some few Scraps of Wit; and have bribed a great Number of Football-Players, not to use that Diversion near some particular Places about this Great City, where many curious Epigrams, Sonnets, and Whims, are at present uncopy’d; and if they should escape a few Days longer, will make a fourth Volume, with the kind Assistance of those Correspondents who have sent me promissory Notes for the Delivery of certain Parcels of such Wit, on or about the Twenty-fifth of this Instant _January_.
I remain, Gentlemen, after hoping you are in good Health, as I am at this present Writing, and wishing you all many happy Years, _Your obliged humble Servant,_ HURLO THRUMBO.
THE MERRY-THOUGHT.
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AI-generated narration by OpenAI · Slow US English
LEARNER DICTIONARY
Archivist
/ˈɑːrkɪvɪst/
Editorial verification pending

A keeper or guardian of historical records and memories.

The Merry-Thought

Chapter III · Chapter 3

Chapter 3 of The Merry-Thought is here in full — 8 sentences across 2 reading sections, with audio for every sentence and word.

Reading 1/1 · 8 reading units · Lines 1–8

Line 1
_LONDON_: Printed for J. ROBERTS in _Warwick-Lane_; and Sold by the Booksellers in Town and Country.
Line 2
[Price 6 _d._] THE PREFACE.
Line 3
This is purposely to acknowledge the Obligations I owe to several Gentlemen, who have shewn their Esteem of the MERRY THOUGHT, in the large Collections they have communicated before the Holidays: For who knows, but many of their Pieces might have been lost, by the Effects of Wine, Punch, and strong Beer, in the _Christmas_ Time; or by a Game at Ramps, or Blind-Man’s-Buff; or unlucky Boys; or the sticking the Windows with Holley and Ivy: All these Hazards did we run of having many curious Pieces destroy’d, and bury’d in Oblivion.
Line 4
And then again, the Cleaning the Windows against the Holidays might have endanger’d the Loss of many of these brittle Leaves of Wit and Learning.
Line 5
But now, we may sing _Old Rose_, since a large Cargoe is already arriv’d safe at the Press.
Line 6
In order for a third Part, I have myself taken Care to visit most of the Glasiers in Town where I just came Time enough to save some few Scraps of Wit; and have bribed a great Number of Football-Players, not to use that Diversion near some particular Places about this Great City, where many curious Epigrams, Sonnets, and Whims, are at present uncopy’d; and if they should escape a few Days longer, will make a fourth Volume, with the kind Assistance of those Correspondents who have sent me promissory Notes for the Delivery of certain Parcels of such Wit, on or about the Twenty-fifth of this Instant _January_.
Line 7
I remain, Gentlemen, after hoping you are in good Health, as I am at this present Writing, and wishing you all many happy Years, _Your obliged humble Servant,_ HURLO THRUMBO.
Line 8
THE MERRY-THOUGHT.

Learner Dictionary

These definitions explain words found in the current reading and keep every example grounded in its original sentence.

Oxford-style entry order: headword, part of speech, US IPA, concise definition, contextual example, and audio.

Booksellers noun US /ˈbʊkselərz/

plural of “bookseller” — the proprietor of a bookstore

From this reading “_LONDON_: Printed for J. ROBERTS in _Warwick-Lane_; and Sold by the Booksellers in Town and Country.”

brittle adjective US /ˈbrɪtəl/

having little elasticity; hence easily cracked or fractured or snapped

From this reading “And then again, the Cleaning the Windows against the Holidays might have endanger’d the Loss of many of these brittle Leaves of Wit and Learning.”

Collections noun US /kəˈlekʃənz/

plural of “collection” — several things grouped together or considered as a whole

From this reading “This is purposely to acknowledge the Obligations I owe to several Gentlemen, who have shewn their Esteem of the MERRY THOUGHT, in the large Collections they have communicated before the Holidays: For who knows, but many of their Pieces might have been lost, by the Effects of Wine, Punch, and strong Beer, in the _Christmas_ Time; or by a Game at Ramps, or Blind-Man’s-Buff; or unlucky Boys; or the sticking the Windows with Holley and Ivy: All these Hazards did we run of having many curious Pieces destroy’d, and bury’d in Oblivion.”

Correspondents noun US /ˌkɔːrəˈspɑːndənts/

plural of “correspondent” — someone who communicates by means of letters

From this reading “In order for a third Part, I have myself taken Care to visit most of the Glasiers in Town where I just came Time enough to save some few Scraps of Wit; and have bribed a great Number of Football-Players, not to use that Diversion near some particular Places about this Great City, where many curious Epigrams, Sonnets, and Whims, are at present uncopy’d; and if they should escape a few Days longer, will make a fourth Volume, with the kind Assistance of those Correspondents who have sent me promissory Notes for the Delivery of certain Parcels of such Wit, on or about the Twenty-fifth of this Instant _January_.”

Hazards noun US /ˈhæzərdz/

plural of “hazard” — a source of danger; a possibility of incurring loss or misfortune

From this reading “This is purposely to acknowledge the Obligations I owe to several Gentlemen, who have shewn their Esteem of the MERRY THOUGHT, in the large Collections they have communicated before the Holidays: For who knows, but many of their Pieces might have been lost, by the Effects of Wine, Punch, and strong Beer, in the _Christmas_ Time; or by a Game at Ramps, or Blind-Man’s-Buff; or unlucky Boys; or the sticking the Windows with Holley and Ivy: All these Hazards did we run of having many curious Pieces destroy’d, and bury’d in Oblivion.”

promissory adjective US /ˈprɑːməsɔːri/

relating to or having the character of a promise

From this reading “In order for a third Part, I have myself taken Care to visit most of the Glasiers in Town where I just came Time enough to save some few Scraps of Wit; and have bribed a great Number of Football-Players, not to use that Diversion near some particular Places about this Great City, where many curious Epigrams, Sonnets, and Whims, are at present uncopy’d; and if they should escape a few Days longer, will make a fourth Volume, with the kind Assistance of those Correspondents who have sent me promissory Notes for the Delivery of certain Parcels of such Wit, on or about the Twenty-fifth of this Instant _January_.”

Ramps noun US /ræmps/

plural of “ramp” — an inclined surface connecting two levels

From this reading “This is purposely to acknowledge the Obligations I owe to several Gentlemen, who have shewn their Esteem of the MERRY THOUGHT, in the large Collections they have communicated before the Holidays: For who knows, but many of their Pieces might have been lost, by the Effects of Wine, Punch, and strong Beer, in the _Christmas_ Time; or by a Game at Ramps, or Blind-Man’s-Buff; or unlucky Boys; or the sticking the Windows with Holley and Ivy: All these Hazards did we run of having many curious Pieces destroy’d, and bury’d in Oblivion.”

Sonnets noun US /ˈsɑːnɪts/

plural of “sonnet” — a verse form consisting of 14 lines with a fixed rhyme scheme

From this reading “In order for a third Part, I have myself taken Care to visit most of the Glasiers in Town where I just came Time enough to save some few Scraps of Wit; and have bribed a great Number of Football-Players, not to use that Diversion near some particular Places about this Great City, where many curious Epigrams, Sonnets, and Whims, are at present uncopy’d; and if they should escape a few Days longer, will make a fourth Volume, with the kind Assistance of those Correspondents who have sent me promissory Notes for the Delivery of certain Parcels of such Wit, on or about the Twenty-fifth of this Instant _January_.”

All words in this reading · 181

Every word in these five lines is listed here, and every one of them can be played on its own.

Dictionary details are shown only when verified; these are not licensed Oxford entries.

6

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

From this reading [Price 6 _d._] THE PREFACE.

adeterminerUS /ə/

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

From this reading This is purposely to acknowledge the Obligations I owe to several Gentlemen, who have shewn their Esteem of the MERRY THOUGHT, in the large Collections they have communicated before the Holidays: For who knows, but many of their Pieces might have been lost, by the Effects of Wine, Punch, and strong Beer, in the _Christmas_ Time; or by a Game at Ramps, or Blind-Man’s-Buff; or unlucky Boys; or the sticking the Windows with Holley and Ivy: All these Hazards did we run of having many curious Pieces destroy’d, and bury’d in Oblivion.

aboutprepositionUS /əˈbaʊt/

on the subject of; concerning

From this reading In order for a third Part, I have myself taken Care to visit most of the Glasiers in Town where I just came Time enough to save some few Scraps of Wit; and have bribed a great Number of Football-Players, not to use that Diversion near some particular Places about this Great City, where many curious Epigrams, Sonnets, and Whims, are at present uncopy’d; and if they should escape a few Days longer, will make a fourth Volume, with the kind Assistance of those Correspondents who have sent me promissory Notes for the Delivery of certain Parcels of such Wit, on or about the Twenty-fifth of this Instant _January_.

acknowledgeverbUS /ækˈnɑːlɪdʒ/

declare to be true or admit the existence or reality or truth of

From this reading This is purposely to acknowledge the Obligations I owe to several Gentlemen, who have shewn their Esteem of the MERRY THOUGHT, in the large Collections they have communicated before the Holidays: For who knows, but many of their Pieces might have been lost, by the Effects of Wine, Punch, and strong Beer, in the _Christmas_ Time; or by a Game at Ramps, or Blind-Man’s-Buff; or unlucky Boys; or the sticking the Windows with Holley and Ivy: All these Hazards did we run of having many curious Pieces destroy’d, and bury’d in Oblivion.

afterprepositionUS /ˈæftər/

later than; following

From this reading I remain, Gentlemen, after hoping you are in good Health, as I am at this present Writing, and wishing you all many happy Years, _Your obliged humble Servant,_ HURLO THRUMBO.

againadverbUS /əˈɡen/

anew

From this reading And then again, the Cleaning the Windows against the Holidays might have endanger’d the Loss of many of these brittle Leaves of Wit and Learning.

againstprepositionUS /əˈɡenst/

touching and pressing; in opposition to

From this reading And then again, the Cleaning the Windows against the Holidays might have endanger’d the Loss of many of these brittle Leaves of Wit and Learning.

AlladjectiveUS /ɔːl/

(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 This is purposely to acknowledge the Obligations I owe to several Gentlemen, who have shewn their Esteem of the MERRY THOUGHT, in the large Collections they have communicated before the Holidays: For who knows, but many of their Pieces might have been lost, by the Effects of Wine, Punch, and strong Beer, in the _Christmas_ Time; or by a Game at Ramps, or Blind-Man’s-Buff; or unlucky Boys; or the sticking the Windows with Holley and Ivy: All these Hazards did we run of having many curious Pieces destroy’d, and bury’d in Oblivion.

alreadyadverbUS /ɔːlˈredi/

prior to a specified or implied time

From this reading But now, we may sing _Old Rose_, since a large Cargoe is already arriv’d safe at the Press.

amauxiliary verbUS /æm/

the form of “be” used with “I”

From this reading I remain, Gentlemen, after hoping you are in good Health, as I am at this present Writing, and wishing you all many happy Years, _Your obliged humble Servant,_ HURLO THRUMBO.

andconjunctionUS /ənd/

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

From this reading _LONDON_: Printed for J. ROBERTS in _Warwick-Lane_; and Sold by the Booksellers in Town and Country.

areauxiliary verbUS /ɑːr/

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

From this reading In order for a third Part, I have myself taken Care to visit most of the Glasiers in Town where I just came Time enough to save some few Scraps of Wit; and have bribed a great Number of Football-Players, not to use that Diversion near some particular Places about this Great City, where many curious Epigrams, Sonnets, and Whims, are at present uncopy’d; and if they should escape a few Days longer, will make a fourth Volume, with the kind Assistance of those Correspondents who have sent me promissory Notes for the Delivery of certain Parcels of such Wit, on or about the Twenty-fifth of this Instant _January_.

arriv'd

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

From this reading But now, we may sing _Old Rose_, since a large Cargoe is already arriv’d safe at the Press.

asconjunctionUS /æz/

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

From this reading I remain, Gentlemen, after hoping you are in good Health, as I am at this present Writing, and wishing you all many happy Years, _Your obliged humble Servant,_ HURLO THRUMBO.

AssistancenounUS /əˈsɪstəns/

the activity of contributing to the fulfillment of a need or furtherance of an effort or purpose

From this reading In order for a third Part, I have myself taken Care to visit most of the Glasiers in Town where I just came Time enough to save some few Scraps of Wit; and have bribed a great Number of Football-Players, not to use that Diversion near some particular Places about this Great City, where many curious Epigrams, Sonnets, and Whims, are at present uncopy’d; and if they should escape a few Days longer, will make a fourth Volume, with the kind Assistance of those Correspondents who have sent me promissory Notes for the Delivery of certain Parcels of such Wit, on or about the Twenty-fifth of this Instant _January_.

atprepositionUS /æt/

in or near a particular place or position

From this reading This is purposely to acknowledge the Obligations I owe to several Gentlemen, who have shewn their Esteem of the MERRY THOUGHT, in the large Collections they have communicated before the Holidays: For who knows, but many of their Pieces might have been lost, by the Effects of Wine, Punch, and strong Beer, in the _Christmas_ Time; or by a Game at Ramps, or Blind-Man’s-Buff; or unlucky Boys; or the sticking the Windows with Holley and Ivy: All these Hazards did we run of having many curious Pieces destroy’d, and bury’d in Oblivion.

beenauxiliary verbUS /bɪn/

the past participle of “be”

From this reading This is purposely to acknowledge the Obligations I owe to several Gentlemen, who have shewn their Esteem of the MERRY THOUGHT, in the large Collections they have communicated before the Holidays: For who knows, but many of their Pieces might have been lost, by the Effects of Wine, Punch, and strong Beer, in the _Christmas_ Time; or by a Game at Ramps, or Blind-Man’s-Buff; or unlucky Boys; or the sticking the Windows with Holley and Ivy: All these Hazards did we run of having many curious Pieces destroy’d, and bury’d in Oblivion.

BeernounUS /bɪr/

a general name for alcoholic beverages made by fermenting a cereal (or mixture of cereals) flavored with hops

From this reading This is purposely to acknowledge the Obligations I owe to several Gentlemen, who have shewn their Esteem of the MERRY THOUGHT, in the large Collections they have communicated before the Holidays: For who knows, but many of their Pieces might have been lost, by the Effects of Wine, Punch, and strong Beer, in the _Christmas_ Time; or by a Game at Ramps, or Blind-Man’s-Buff; or unlucky Boys; or the sticking the Windows with Holley and Ivy: All these Hazards did we run of having many curious Pieces destroy’d, and bury’d in Oblivion.

beforeprepositionUS /bɪˈfɔːr/

earlier than; in front of

From this reading This is purposely to acknowledge the Obligations I owe to several Gentlemen, who have shewn their Esteem of the MERRY THOUGHT, in the large Collections they have communicated before the Holidays: For who knows, but many of their Pieces might have been lost, by the Effects of Wine, Punch, and strong Beer, in the _Christmas_ Time; or by a Game at Ramps, or Blind-Man’s-Buff; or unlucky Boys; or the sticking the Windows with Holley and Ivy: All these Hazards did we run of having many curious Pieces destroy’d, and bury’d in Oblivion.

Blind-Man's-Buff

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

From this reading This is purposely to acknowledge the Obligations I owe to several Gentlemen, who have shewn their Esteem of the MERRY THOUGHT, in the large Collections they have communicated before the Holidays: For who knows, but many of their Pieces might have been lost, by the Effects of Wine, Punch, and strong Beer, in the _Christmas_ Time; or by a Game at Ramps, or Blind-Man’s-Buff; or unlucky Boys; or the sticking the Windows with Holley and Ivy: All these Hazards did we run of having many curious Pieces destroy’d, and bury’d in Oblivion.

BooksellersnounUS /ˈbʊkselərz/

plural of “bookseller” — the proprietor of a bookstore

From this reading _LONDON_: Printed for J. ROBERTS in _Warwick-Lane_; and Sold by the Booksellers in Town and Country.

BoysnounUS /bɔɪz/

plural of “boy” — a youthful male person

From this reading This is purposely to acknowledge the Obligations I owe to several Gentlemen, who have shewn their Esteem of the MERRY THOUGHT, in the large Collections they have communicated before the Holidays: For who knows, but many of their Pieces might have been lost, by the Effects of Wine, Punch, and strong Beer, in the _Christmas_ Time; or by a Game at Ramps, or Blind-Man’s-Buff; or unlucky Boys; or the sticking the Windows with Holley and Ivy: All these Hazards did we run of having many curious Pieces destroy’d, and bury’d in Oblivion.

bribedverbUS /braɪbd/

past form of “bribe” — make illegal payments to in exchange for favors or influence

From this reading In order for a third Part, I have myself taken Care to visit most of the Glasiers in Town where I just came Time enough to save some few Scraps of Wit; and have bribed a great Number of Football-Players, not to use that Diversion near some particular Places about this Great City, where many curious Epigrams, Sonnets, and Whims, are at present uncopy’d; and if they should escape a few Days longer, will make a fourth Volume, with the kind Assistance of those Correspondents who have sent me promissory Notes for the Delivery of certain Parcels of such Wit, on or about the Twenty-fifth of this Instant _January_.

brittleadjectiveUS /ˈbrɪtəl/

having little elasticity; hence easily cracked or fractured or snapped

From this reading And then again, the Cleaning the Windows against the Holidays might have endanger’d the Loss of many of these brittle Leaves of Wit and Learning.

bury'd

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

From this reading This is purposely to acknowledge the Obligations I owe to several Gentlemen, who have shewn their Esteem of the MERRY THOUGHT, in the large Collections they have communicated before the Holidays: For who knows, but many of their Pieces might have been lost, by the Effects of Wine, Punch, and strong Beer, in the _Christmas_ Time; or by a Game at Ramps, or Blind-Man’s-Buff; or unlucky Boys; or the sticking the Windows with Holley and Ivy: All these Hazards did we run of having many curious Pieces destroy’d, and bury’d in Oblivion.

butconjunctionUS /bʌt/

used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before

From this reading This is purposely to acknowledge the Obligations I owe to several Gentlemen, who have shewn their Esteem of the MERRY THOUGHT, in the large Collections they have communicated before the Holidays: For who knows, but many of their Pieces might have been lost, by the Effects of Wine, Punch, and strong Beer, in the _Christmas_ Time; or by a Game at Ramps, or Blind-Man’s-Buff; or unlucky Boys; or the sticking the Windows with Holley and Ivy: All these Hazards did we run of having many curious Pieces destroy’d, and bury’d in Oblivion.

byprepositionUS /baɪ/

showing who or what does the action

From this reading _LONDON_: Printed for J. ROBERTS in _Warwick-Lane_; and Sold by the Booksellers in Town and Country.

cameverbUS /keɪm/

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

From this reading In order for a third Part, I have myself taken Care to visit most of the Glasiers in Town where I just came Time enough to save some few Scraps of Wit; and have bribed a great Number of Football-Players, not to use that Diversion near some particular Places about this Great City, where many curious Epigrams, Sonnets, and Whims, are at present uncopy’d; and if they should escape a few Days longer, will make a fourth Volume, with the kind Assistance of those Correspondents who have sent me promissory Notes for the Delivery of certain Parcels of such Wit, on or about the Twenty-fifth of this Instant _January_.

CarenounUS /ker/

the work of providing treatment for or attending to someone or something

From this reading In order for a third Part, I have myself taken Care to visit most of the Glasiers in Town where I just came Time enough to save some few Scraps of Wit; and have bribed a great Number of Football-Players, not to use that Diversion near some particular Places about this Great City, where many curious Epigrams, Sonnets, and Whims, are at present uncopy’d; and if they should escape a few Days longer, will make a fourth Volume, with the kind Assistance of those Correspondents who have sent me promissory Notes for the Delivery of certain Parcels of such Wit, on or about the Twenty-fifth of this Instant _January_.

Cargoe

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

From this reading But now, we may sing _Old Rose_, since a large Cargoe is already arriv’d safe at the Press.

certainadjectiveUS /ˈsɜːrtən/

definite but not specified or identified

From this reading In order for a third Part, I have myself taken Care to visit most of the Glasiers in Town where I just came Time enough to save some few Scraps of Wit; and have bribed a great Number of Football-Players, not to use that Diversion near some particular Places about this Great City, where many curious Epigrams, Sonnets, and Whims, are at present uncopy’d; and if they should escape a few Days longer, will make a fourth Volume, with the kind Assistance of those Correspondents who have sent me promissory Notes for the Delivery of certain Parcels of such Wit, on or about the Twenty-fifth of this Instant _January_.

ChristmasnounUS /ˈkrɪsməs/

period extending from Dec. 24 to Jan. 6

From this reading This is purposely to acknowledge the Obligations I owe to several Gentlemen, who have shewn their Esteem of the MERRY THOUGHT, in the large Collections they have communicated before the Holidays: For who knows, but many of their Pieces might have been lost, by the Effects of Wine, Punch, and strong Beer, in the _Christmas_ Time; or by a Game at Ramps, or Blind-Man’s-Buff; or unlucky Boys; or the sticking the Windows with Holley and Ivy: All these Hazards did we run of having many curious Pieces destroy’d, and bury’d in Oblivion.

CitynounUS /ˈsɪti/

a large and densely populated urban area; may include several independent administrative districts

From this reading In order for a third Part, I have myself taken Care to visit most of the Glasiers in Town where I just came Time enough to save some few Scraps of Wit; and have bribed a great Number of Football-Players, not to use that Diversion near some particular Places about this Great City, where many curious Epigrams, Sonnets, and Whims, are at present uncopy’d; and if they should escape a few Days longer, will make a fourth Volume, with the kind Assistance of those Correspondents who have sent me promissory Notes for the Delivery of certain Parcels of such Wit, on or about the Twenty-fifth of this Instant _January_.

CleaningnounUS /ˈkliːnɪŋ/

the act of making something clean

From this reading And then again, the Cleaning the Windows against the Holidays might have endanger’d the Loss of many of these brittle Leaves of Wit and Learning.

CollectionsnounUS /kəˈlekʃənz/

plural of “collection” — several things grouped together or considered as a whole

From this reading This is purposely to acknowledge the Obligations I owe to several Gentlemen, who have shewn their Esteem of the MERRY THOUGHT, in the large Collections they have communicated before the Holidays: For who knows, but many of their Pieces might have been lost, by the Effects of Wine, Punch, and strong Beer, in the _Christmas_ Time; or by a Game at Ramps, or Blind-Man’s-Buff; or unlucky Boys; or the sticking the Windows with Holley and Ivy: All these Hazards did we run of having many curious Pieces destroy’d, and bury’d in Oblivion.

communicatedverbUS /kəˈmjuːnəkeɪtɪd/

past form of “communicate” — transmit information

From this reading This is purposely to acknowledge the Obligations I owe to several Gentlemen, who have shewn their Esteem of the MERRY THOUGHT, in the large Collections they have communicated before the Holidays: For who knows, but many of their Pieces might have been lost, by the Effects of Wine, Punch, and strong Beer, in the _Christmas_ Time; or by a Game at Ramps, or Blind-Man’s-Buff; or unlucky Boys; or the sticking the Windows with Holley and Ivy: All these Hazards did we run of having many curious Pieces destroy’d, and bury’d in Oblivion.

CorrespondentsnounUS /ˌkɔːrəˈspɑːndənts/

plural of “correspondent” — someone who communicates by means of letters

From this reading In order for a third Part, I have myself taken Care to visit most of the Glasiers in Town where I just came Time enough to save some few Scraps of Wit; and have bribed a great Number of Football-Players, not to use that Diversion near some particular Places about this Great City, where many curious Epigrams, Sonnets, and Whims, are at present uncopy’d; and if they should escape a few Days longer, will make a fourth Volume, with the kind Assistance of those Correspondents who have sent me promissory Notes for the Delivery of certain Parcels of such Wit, on or about the Twenty-fifth of this Instant _January_.

CountrynounUS /ˈkʌntri/

a politically organized body of people under a single government

From this reading _LONDON_: Printed for J. ROBERTS in _Warwick-Lane_; and Sold by the Booksellers in Town and Country.

curiousadjectiveUS /ˈkjʊriəs/

beyond or deviating from the usual or expected

From this reading This is purposely to acknowledge the Obligations I owe to several Gentlemen, who have shewn their Esteem of the MERRY THOUGHT, in the large Collections they have communicated before the Holidays: For who knows, but many of their Pieces might have been lost, by the Effects of Wine, Punch, and strong Beer, in the _Christmas_ Time; or by a Game at Ramps, or Blind-Man’s-Buff; or unlucky Boys; or the sticking the Windows with Holley and Ivy: All these Hazards did we run of having many curious Pieces destroy’d, and bury’d in Oblivion.

dnounUS /diː/

a fat-soluble vitamin that prevents rickets

From this reading [Price 6 _d._] THE PREFACE.

DaysnounUS /deɪz/

the time during which someone's life continues

From this reading In order for a third Part, I have myself taken Care to visit most of the Glasiers in Town where I just came Time enough to save some few Scraps of Wit; and have bribed a great Number of Football-Players, not to use that Diversion near some particular Places about this Great City, where many curious Epigrams, Sonnets, and Whims, are at present uncopy’d; and if they should escape a few Days longer, will make a fourth Volume, with the kind Assistance of those Correspondents who have sent me promissory Notes for the Delivery of certain Parcels of such Wit, on or about the Twenty-fifth of this Instant _January_.

DeliverynounUS /dɪˈlɪvəri/

the act of delivering or distributing something (as goods or mail)

From this reading In order for a third Part, I have myself taken Care to visit most of the Glasiers in Town where I just came Time enough to save some few Scraps of Wit; and have bribed a great Number of Football-Players, not to use that Diversion near some particular Places about this Great City, where many curious Epigrams, Sonnets, and Whims, are at present uncopy’d; and if they should escape a few Days longer, will make a fourth Volume, with the kind Assistance of those Correspondents who have sent me promissory Notes for the Delivery of certain Parcels of such Wit, on or about the Twenty-fifth of this Instant _January_.

destroy'd

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

From this reading This is purposely to acknowledge the Obligations I owe to several Gentlemen, who have shewn their Esteem of the MERRY THOUGHT, in the large Collections they have communicated before the Holidays: For who knows, but many of their Pieces might have been lost, by the Effects of Wine, Punch, and strong Beer, in the _Christmas_ Time; or by a Game at Ramps, or Blind-Man’s-Buff; or unlucky Boys; or the sticking the Windows with Holley and Ivy: All these Hazards did we run of having many curious Pieces destroy’d, and bury’d in Oblivion.

didauxiliary verbUS /dɪd/

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

From this reading This is purposely to acknowledge the Obligations I owe to several Gentlemen, who have shewn their Esteem of the MERRY THOUGHT, in the large Collections they have communicated before the Holidays: For who knows, but many of their Pieces might have been lost, by the Effects of Wine, Punch, and strong Beer, in the _Christmas_ Time; or by a Game at Ramps, or Blind-Man’s-Buff; or unlucky Boys; or the sticking the Windows with Holley and Ivy: All these Hazards did we run of having many curious Pieces destroy’d, and bury’d in Oblivion.

DiversionnounUS /daɪˈvɜːrʒən/

an activity that diverts or amuses or stimulates

From this reading In order for a third Part, I have myself taken Care to visit most of the Glasiers in Town where I just came Time enough to save some few Scraps of Wit; and have bribed a great Number of Football-Players, not to use that Diversion near some particular Places about this Great City, where many curious Epigrams, Sonnets, and Whims, are at present uncopy’d; and if they should escape a few Days longer, will make a fourth Volume, with the kind Assistance of those Correspondents who have sent me promissory Notes for the Delivery of certain Parcels of such Wit, on or about the Twenty-fifth of this Instant _January_.

EffectsnounUS /ɪˈfekts/

property of a personal character that is portable but not used in business

From this reading This is purposely to acknowledge the Obligations I owe to several Gentlemen, who have shewn their Esteem of the MERRY THOUGHT, in the large Collections they have communicated before the Holidays: For who knows, but many of their Pieces might have been lost, by the Effects of Wine, Punch, and strong Beer, in the _Christmas_ Time; or by a Game at Ramps, or Blind-Man’s-Buff; or unlucky Boys; or the sticking the Windows with Holley and Ivy: All these Hazards did we run of having many curious Pieces destroy’d, and bury’d in Oblivion.

endanger'd

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

From this reading And then again, the Cleaning the Windows against the Holidays might have endanger’d the Loss of many of these brittle Leaves of Wit and Learning.

enoughnounUS /ɪˈnʌf/

an adequate quantity; a quantity that is large enough to achieve a purpose

From this reading In order for a third Part, I have myself taken Care to visit most of the Glasiers in Town where I just came Time enough to save some few Scraps of Wit; and have bribed a great Number of Football-Players, not to use that Diversion near some particular Places about this Great City, where many curious Epigrams, Sonnets, and Whims, are at present uncopy’d; and if they should escape a few Days longer, will make a fourth Volume, with the kind Assistance of those Correspondents who have sent me promissory Notes for the Delivery of certain Parcels of such Wit, on or about the Twenty-fifth of this Instant _January_.

Epigrams

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

From this reading In order for a third Part, I have myself taken Care to visit most of the Glasiers in Town where I just came Time enough to save some few Scraps of Wit; and have bribed a great Number of Football-Players, not to use that Diversion near some particular Places about this Great City, where many curious Epigrams, Sonnets, and Whims, are at present uncopy’d; and if they should escape a few Days longer, will make a fourth Volume, with the kind Assistance of those Correspondents who have sent me promissory Notes for the Delivery of certain Parcels of such Wit, on or about the Twenty-fifth of this Instant _January_.

escapenounUS /ɪˈskeɪp/

the act of escaping physically

From this reading In order for a third Part, I have myself taken Care to visit most of the Glasiers in Town where I just came Time enough to save some few Scraps of Wit; and have bribed a great Number of Football-Players, not to use that Diversion near some particular Places about this Great City, where many curious Epigrams, Sonnets, and Whims, are at present uncopy’d; and if they should escape a few Days longer, will make a fourth Volume, with the kind Assistance of those Correspondents who have sent me promissory Notes for the Delivery of certain Parcels of such Wit, on or about the Twenty-fifth of this Instant _January_.

EsteemnounUS /əˈstiːm/

the condition of being honored (esteemed or respected or well regarded)

From this reading This is purposely to acknowledge the Obligations I owe to several Gentlemen, who have shewn their Esteem of the MERRY THOUGHT, in the large Collections they have communicated before the Holidays: For who knows, but many of their Pieces might have been lost, by the Effects of Wine, Punch, and strong Beer, in the _Christmas_ Time; or by a Game at Ramps, or Blind-Man’s-Buff; or unlucky Boys; or the sticking the Windows with Holley and Ivy: All these Hazards did we run of having many curious Pieces destroy’d, and bury’d in Oblivion.

fewadjectiveUS /fjuː/

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

From this reading In order for a third Part, I have myself taken Care to visit most of the Glasiers in Town where I just came Time enough to save some few Scraps of Wit; and have bribed a great Number of Football-Players, not to use that Diversion near some particular Places about this Great City, where many curious Epigrams, Sonnets, and Whims, are at present uncopy’d; and if they should escape a few Days longer, will make a fourth Volume, with the kind Assistance of those Correspondents who have sent me promissory Notes for the Delivery of certain Parcels of such Wit, on or about the Twenty-fifth of this Instant _January_.

Football-Players

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

From this reading In order for a third Part, I have myself taken Care to visit most of the Glasiers in Town where I just came Time enough to save some few Scraps of Wit; and have bribed a great Number of Football-Players, not to use that Diversion near some particular Places about this Great City, where many curious Epigrams, Sonnets, and Whims, are at present uncopy’d; and if they should escape a few Days longer, will make a fourth Volume, with the kind Assistance of those Correspondents who have sent me promissory Notes for the Delivery of certain Parcels of such Wit, on or about the Twenty-fifth of this Instant _January_.

forprepositionUS /fɔːr/

intended to be given to, or used by, somebody

From this reading _LONDON_: Printed for J. ROBERTS in _Warwick-Lane_; and Sold by the Booksellers in Town and Country.

fourthnounUS /fɔːrθ/

following the third position; number four in a countable series

From this reading In order for a third Part, I have myself taken Care to visit most of the Glasiers in Town where I just came Time enough to save some few Scraps of Wit; and have bribed a great Number of Football-Players, not to use that Diversion near some particular Places about this Great City, where many curious Epigrams, Sonnets, and Whims, are at present uncopy’d; and if they should escape a few Days longer, will make a fourth Volume, with the kind Assistance of those Correspondents who have sent me promissory Notes for the Delivery of certain Parcels of such Wit, on or about the Twenty-fifth of this Instant _January_.

GamenounUS /ɡeɪm/

a contest with rules to determine a winner

From this reading This is purposely to acknowledge the Obligations I owe to several Gentlemen, who have shewn their Esteem of the MERRY THOUGHT, in the large Collections they have communicated before the Holidays: For who knows, but many of their Pieces might have been lost, by the Effects of Wine, Punch, and strong Beer, in the _Christmas_ Time; or by a Game at Ramps, or Blind-Man’s-Buff; or unlucky Boys; or the sticking the Windows with Holley and Ivy: All these Hazards did we run of having many curious Pieces destroy’d, and bury’d in Oblivion.

GentlemennounUS /ˈdʒentəlmɪn/

plural of “gentleman” — a man of refinement

From this reading This is purposely to acknowledge the Obligations I owe to several Gentlemen, who have shewn their Esteem of the MERRY THOUGHT, in the large Collections they have communicated before the Holidays: For who knows, but many of their Pieces might have been lost, by the Effects of Wine, Punch, and strong Beer, in the _Christmas_ Time; or by a Game at Ramps, or Blind-Man’s-Buff; or unlucky Boys; or the sticking the Windows with Holley and Ivy: All these Hazards did we run of having many curious Pieces destroy’d, and bury’d in Oblivion.

Glasiers

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

From this reading In order for a third Part, I have myself taken Care to visit most of the Glasiers in Town where I just came Time enough to save some few Scraps of Wit; and have bribed a great Number of Football-Players, not to use that Diversion near some particular Places about this Great City, where many curious Epigrams, Sonnets, and Whims, are at present uncopy’d; and if they should escape a few Days longer, will make a fourth Volume, with the kind Assistance of those Correspondents who have sent me promissory Notes for the Delivery of certain Parcels of such Wit, on or about the Twenty-fifth of this Instant _January_.

goodadjectiveUS /ɡʊd/

having desirable or positive qualities especially those suitable for a thing specified

From this reading I remain, Gentlemen, after hoping you are in good Health, as I am at this present Writing, and wishing you all many happy Years, _Your obliged humble Servant,_ HURLO THRUMBO.

greatadjectiveUS /ɡreɪt/

relatively large in size or number or extent; larger than others of its kind

From this reading In order for a third Part, I have myself taken Care to visit most of the Glasiers in Town where I just came Time enough to save some few Scraps of Wit; and have bribed a great Number of Football-Players, not to use that Diversion near some particular Places about this Great City, where many curious Epigrams, Sonnets, and Whims, are at present uncopy’d; and if they should escape a few Days longer, will make a fourth Volume, with the kind Assistance of those Correspondents who have sent me promissory Notes for the Delivery of certain Parcels of such Wit, on or about the Twenty-fifth of this Instant _January_.

happyadjectiveUS /ˈhæpi/

enjoying or showing or marked by joy or pleasure

From this reading I remain, Gentlemen, after hoping you are in good Health, as I am at this present Writing, and wishing you all many happy Years, _Your obliged humble Servant,_ HURLO THRUMBO.

haveauxiliary verbUS /hæv/

used with a past participle to form the perfect tenses

From this reading This is purposely to acknowledge the Obligations I owe to several Gentlemen, who have shewn their Esteem of the MERRY THOUGHT, in the large Collections they have communicated before the Holidays: For who knows, but many of their Pieces might have been lost, by the Effects of Wine, Punch, and strong Beer, in the _Christmas_ Time; or by a Game at Ramps, or Blind-Man’s-Buff; or unlucky Boys; or the sticking the Windows with Holley and Ivy: All these Hazards did we run of having many curious Pieces destroy’d, and bury’d in Oblivion.

havingauxiliary verbUS /ˈhævɪŋ/

the -ing form of “have”

From this reading This is purposely to acknowledge the Obligations I owe to several Gentlemen, who have shewn their Esteem of the MERRY THOUGHT, in the large Collections they have communicated before the Holidays: For who knows, but many of their Pieces might have been lost, by the Effects of Wine, Punch, and strong Beer, in the _Christmas_ Time; or by a Game at Ramps, or Blind-Man’s-Buff; or unlucky Boys; or the sticking the Windows with Holley and Ivy: All these Hazards did we run of having many curious Pieces destroy’d, and bury’d in Oblivion.

HazardsnounUS /ˈhæzərdz/

plural of “hazard” — a source of danger; a possibility of incurring loss or misfortune

From this reading This is purposely to acknowledge the Obligations I owe to several Gentlemen, who have shewn their Esteem of the MERRY THOUGHT, in the large Collections they have communicated before the Holidays: For who knows, but many of their Pieces might have been lost, by the Effects of Wine, Punch, and strong Beer, in the _Christmas_ Time; or by a Game at Ramps, or Blind-Man’s-Buff; or unlucky Boys; or the sticking the Windows with Holley and Ivy: All these Hazards did we run of having many curious Pieces destroy’d, and bury’d in Oblivion.

HealthnounUS /helθ/

a healthy state of wellbeing free from disease

From this reading I remain, Gentlemen, after hoping you are in good Health, as I am at this present Writing, and wishing you all many happy Years, _Your obliged humble Servant,_ HURLO THRUMBO.

HolidaysnounUS /ˈhɑːlədeɪz/

plural of “holiday” — leisure time away from work devoted to rest or pleasure

From this reading This is purposely to acknowledge the Obligations I owe to several Gentlemen, who have shewn their Esteem of the MERRY THOUGHT, in the large Collections they have communicated before the Holidays: For who knows, but many of their Pieces might have been lost, by the Effects of Wine, Punch, and strong Beer, in the _Christmas_ Time; or by a Game at Ramps, or Blind-Man’s-Buff; or unlucky Boys; or the sticking the Windows with Holley and Ivy: All these Hazards did we run of having many curious Pieces destroy’d, and bury’d in Oblivion.

Holley

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

From this reading This is purposely to acknowledge the Obligations I owe to several Gentlemen, who have shewn their Esteem of the MERRY THOUGHT, in the large Collections they have communicated before the Holidays: For who knows, but many of their Pieces might have been lost, by the Effects of Wine, Punch, and strong Beer, in the _Christmas_ Time; or by a Game at Ramps, or Blind-Man’s-Buff; or unlucky Boys; or the sticking the Windows with Holley and Ivy: All these Hazards did we run of having many curious Pieces destroy’d, and bury’d in Oblivion.

hopingverbUS /ˈhoʊpɪŋ/

-ing form of “hope” — expect and wish

From this reading I remain, Gentlemen, after hoping you are in good Health, as I am at this present Writing, and wishing you all many happy Years, _Your obliged humble Servant,_ HURLO THRUMBO.

humbleadjectiveUS /ˈhʌmbəl/

low or inferior in station or quality

From this reading I remain, Gentlemen, after hoping you are in good Health, as I am at this present Writing, and wishing you all many happy Years, _Your obliged humble Servant,_ HURLO THRUMBO.

HURLO

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

From this reading I remain, Gentlemen, after hoping you are in good Health, as I am at this present Writing, and wishing you all many happy Years, _Your obliged humble Servant,_ HURLO THRUMBO.

IpronounUS /aɪ/

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

From this reading This is purposely to acknowledge the Obligations I owe to several Gentlemen, who have shewn their Esteem of the MERRY THOUGHT, in the large Collections they have communicated before the Holidays: For who knows, but many of their Pieces might have been lost, by the Effects of Wine, Punch, and strong Beer, in the _Christmas_ Time; or by a Game at Ramps, or Blind-Man’s-Buff; or unlucky Boys; or the sticking the Windows with Holley and Ivy: All these Hazards did we run of having many curious Pieces destroy’d, and bury’d in Oblivion.

ifconjunctionUS /ɪf/

on condition that; in the event that

From this reading In order for a third Part, I have myself taken Care to visit most of the Glasiers in Town where I just came Time enough to save some few Scraps of Wit; and have bribed a great Number of Football-Players, not to use that Diversion near some particular Places about this Great City, where many curious Epigrams, Sonnets, and Whims, are at present uncopy’d; and if they should escape a few Days longer, will make a fourth Volume, with the kind Assistance of those Correspondents who have sent me promissory Notes for the Delivery of certain Parcels of such Wit, on or about the Twenty-fifth of this Instant _January_.

inprepositionUS /ɪn/

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

From this reading _LONDON_: Printed for J. ROBERTS in _Warwick-Lane_; and Sold by the Booksellers in Town and Country.

InstantnounUS /ˈɪnstənt/

a very short time (as the time it takes the eye to blink or the heart to beat)

From this reading In order for a third Part, I have myself taken Care to visit most of the Glasiers in Town where I just came Time enough to save some few Scraps of Wit; and have bribed a great Number of Football-Players, not to use that Diversion near some particular Places about this Great City, where many curious Epigrams, Sonnets, and Whims, are at present uncopy’d; and if they should escape a few Days longer, will make a fourth Volume, with the kind Assistance of those Correspondents who have sent me promissory Notes for the Delivery of certain Parcels of such Wit, on or about the Twenty-fifth of this Instant _January_.

isauxiliary verbUS /ɪz/

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

From this reading This is purposely to acknowledge the Obligations I owe to several Gentlemen, who have shewn their Esteem of the MERRY THOUGHT, in the large Collections they have communicated before the Holidays: For who knows, but many of their Pieces might have been lost, by the Effects of Wine, Punch, and strong Beer, in the _Christmas_ Time; or by a Game at Ramps, or Blind-Man’s-Buff; or unlucky Boys; or the sticking the Windows with Holley and Ivy: All these Hazards did we run of having many curious Pieces destroy’d, and bury’d in Oblivion.

IvynounUS /ˈaɪvi/

Old World vine with lobed evergreen leaves and black berrylike fruits

From this reading This is purposely to acknowledge the Obligations I owe to several Gentlemen, who have shewn their Esteem of the MERRY THOUGHT, in the large Collections they have communicated before the Holidays: For who knows, but many of their Pieces might have been lost, by the Effects of Wine, Punch, and strong Beer, in the _Christmas_ Time; or by a Game at Ramps, or Blind-Man’s-Buff; or unlucky Boys; or the sticking the Windows with Holley and Ivy: All these Hazards did we run of having many curious Pieces destroy’d, and bury’d in Oblivion.

JnounUS /dʒeɪ/

a unit of electrical energy equal to the work done when a current of one ampere passes through a resistance of one ohm for one second

From this reading _LONDON_: Printed for J. ROBERTS in _Warwick-Lane_; and Sold by the Booksellers in Town and Country.

JanuarynounUS /ˈdʒænjuːeri/

the first month of the year; begins 10 days after the winter solstice

From this reading In order for a third Part, I have myself taken Care to visit most of the Glasiers in Town where I just came Time enough to save some few Scraps of Wit; and have bribed a great Number of Football-Players, not to use that Diversion near some particular Places about this Great City, where many curious Epigrams, Sonnets, and Whims, are at present uncopy’d; and if they should escape a few Days longer, will make a fourth Volume, with the kind Assistance of those Correspondents who have sent me promissory Notes for the Delivery of certain Parcels of such Wit, on or about the Twenty-fifth of this Instant _January_.

justadverbUS /dʒʌst/

and nothing more

From this reading In order for a third Part, I have myself taken Care to visit most of the Glasiers in Town where I just came Time enough to save some few Scraps of Wit; and have bribed a great Number of Football-Players, not to use that Diversion near some particular Places about this Great City, where many curious Epigrams, Sonnets, and Whims, are at present uncopy’d; and if they should escape a few Days longer, will make a fourth Volume, with the kind Assistance of those Correspondents who have sent me promissory Notes for the Delivery of certain Parcels of such Wit, on or about the Twenty-fifth of this Instant _January_.

kindadjectiveUS /kaɪnd/

having or showing a tender and considerate and helpful nature; used especially of persons and their behavior

From this reading In order for a third Part, I have myself taken Care to visit most of the Glasiers in Town where I just came Time enough to save some few Scraps of Wit; and have bribed a great Number of Football-Players, not to use that Diversion near some particular Places about this Great City, where many curious Epigrams, Sonnets, and Whims, are at present uncopy’d; and if they should escape a few Days longer, will make a fourth Volume, with the kind Assistance of those Correspondents who have sent me promissory Notes for the Delivery of certain Parcels of such Wit, on or about the Twenty-fifth of this Instant _January_.

knowsnounUS /noʊz/

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

From this reading This is purposely to acknowledge the Obligations I owe to several Gentlemen, who have shewn their Esteem of the MERRY THOUGHT, in the large Collections they have communicated before the Holidays: For who knows, but many of their Pieces might have been lost, by the Effects of Wine, Punch, and strong Beer, in the _Christmas_ Time; or by a Game at Ramps, or Blind-Man’s-Buff; or unlucky Boys; or the sticking the Windows with Holley and Ivy: All these Hazards did we run of having many curious Pieces destroy’d, and bury’d in Oblivion.

largeadjectiveUS /lɑːrdʒ/

above average in size or number or quantity or magnitude or extent

From this reading This is purposely to acknowledge the Obligations I owe to several Gentlemen, who have shewn their Esteem of the MERRY THOUGHT, in the large Collections they have communicated before the Holidays: For who knows, but many of their Pieces might have been lost, by the Effects of Wine, Punch, and strong Beer, in the _Christmas_ Time; or by a Game at Ramps, or Blind-Man’s-Buff; or unlucky Boys; or the sticking the Windows with Holley and Ivy: All these Hazards did we run of having many curious Pieces destroy’d, and bury’d in Oblivion.

LearningnounUS /ˈlɜːrnɪŋ/

the cognitive process of acquiring skill or knowledge

From this reading And then again, the Cleaning the Windows against the Holidays might have endanger’d the Loss of many of these brittle Leaves of Wit and Learning.

LeavesnounUS /liːvz/

plural of “leaf” — the main organ of photosynthesis and transpiration in higher plants

From this reading And then again, the Cleaning the Windows against the Holidays might have endanger’d the Loss of many of these brittle Leaves of Wit and Learning.

LONDONnounUS /ˈlʌndən/

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

From this reading _LONDON_: Printed for J. ROBERTS in _Warwick-Lane_; and Sold by the Booksellers in Town and Country.

longeradverbUS /ˈlɔːŋɡər/

for more time

From this reading In order for a third Part, I have myself taken Care to visit most of the Glasiers in Town where I just came Time enough to save some few Scraps of Wit; and have bribed a great Number of Football-Players, not to use that Diversion near some particular Places about this Great City, where many curious Epigrams, Sonnets, and Whims, are at present uncopy’d; and if they should escape a few Days longer, will make a fourth Volume, with the kind Assistance of those Correspondents who have sent me promissory Notes for the Delivery of certain Parcels of such Wit, on or about the Twenty-fifth of this Instant _January_.

LossnounUS /lɔːs/

something that is lost

From this reading And then again, the Cleaning the Windows against the Holidays might have endanger’d the Loss of many of these brittle Leaves of Wit and Learning.

lostadjectiveUS /lɔːst/

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

From this reading This is purposely to acknowledge the Obligations I owe to several Gentlemen, who have shewn their Esteem of the MERRY THOUGHT, in the large Collections they have communicated before the Holidays: For who knows, but many of their Pieces might have been lost, by the Effects of Wine, Punch, and strong Beer, in the _Christmas_ Time; or by a Game at Ramps, or Blind-Man’s-Buff; or unlucky Boys; or the sticking the Windows with Holley and Ivy: All these Hazards did we run of having many curious Pieces destroy’d, and bury’d in Oblivion.

makeverbUS /meɪk/

engage in

From this reading In order for a third Part, I have myself taken Care to visit most of the Glasiers in Town where I just came Time enough to save some few Scraps of Wit; and have bribed a great Number of Football-Players, not to use that Diversion near some particular Places about this Great City, where many curious Epigrams, Sonnets, and Whims, are at present uncopy’d; and if they should escape a few Days longer, will make a fourth Volume, with the kind Assistance of those Correspondents who have sent me promissory Notes for the Delivery of certain Parcels of such Wit, on or about the Twenty-fifth of this Instant _January_.

manyadjectiveUS /ˈmeni/

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 This is purposely to acknowledge the Obligations I owe to several Gentlemen, who have shewn their Esteem of the MERRY THOUGHT, in the large Collections they have communicated before the Holidays: For who knows, but many of their Pieces might have been lost, by the Effects of Wine, Punch, and strong Beer, in the _Christmas_ Time; or by a Game at Ramps, or Blind-Man’s-Buff; or unlucky Boys; or the sticking the Windows with Holley and Ivy: All these Hazards did we run of having many curious Pieces destroy’d, and bury’d in Oblivion.

maymodal verbUS /meɪ/

used to say something is possible, or to give permission

From this reading But now, we may sing _Old Rose_, since a large Cargoe is already arriv’d safe at the Press.

mepronounUS /miː/

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

From this reading In order for a third Part, I have myself taken Care to visit most of the Glasiers in Town where I just came Time enough to save some few Scraps of Wit; and have bribed a great Number of Football-Players, not to use that Diversion near some particular Places about this Great City, where many curious Epigrams, Sonnets, and Whims, are at present uncopy’d; and if they should escape a few Days longer, will make a fourth Volume, with the kind Assistance of those Correspondents who have sent me promissory Notes for the Delivery of certain Parcels of such Wit, on or about the Twenty-fifth of this Instant _January_.

MERRYadjectiveUS /ˈmeri/

full of or showing high-spirited merriment

From this reading This is purposely to acknowledge the Obligations I owe to several Gentlemen, who have shewn their Esteem of the MERRY THOUGHT, in the large Collections they have communicated before the Holidays: For who knows, but many of their Pieces might have been lost, by the Effects of Wine, Punch, and strong Beer, in the _Christmas_ Time; or by a Game at Ramps, or Blind-Man’s-Buff; or unlucky Boys; or the sticking the Windows with Holley and Ivy: All these Hazards did we run of having many curious Pieces destroy’d, and bury’d in Oblivion.

MERRY-THOUGHT

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

From this reading THE MERRY-THOUGHT.

mightmodal verbUS /maɪt/

used to say something is possible but not certain

From this reading This is purposely to acknowledge the Obligations I owe to several Gentlemen, who have shewn their Esteem of the MERRY THOUGHT, in the large Collections they have communicated before the Holidays: For who knows, but many of their Pieces might have been lost, by the Effects of Wine, Punch, and strong Beer, in the _Christmas_ Time; or by a Game at Ramps, or Blind-Man’s-Buff; or unlucky Boys; or the sticking the Windows with Holley and Ivy: All these Hazards did we run of having many curious Pieces destroy’d, and bury’d in Oblivion.

mostadverbUS /moʊst/

used to form the superlative

From this reading In order for a third Part, I have myself taken Care to visit most of the Glasiers in Town where I just came Time enough to save some few Scraps of Wit; and have bribed a great Number of Football-Players, not to use that Diversion near some particular Places about this Great City, where many curious Epigrams, Sonnets, and Whims, are at present uncopy’d; and if they should escape a few Days longer, will make a fourth Volume, with the kind Assistance of those Correspondents who have sent me promissory Notes for the Delivery of certain Parcels of such Wit, on or about the Twenty-fifth of this Instant _January_.

myselfpronounUS /ˌmaɪˈself/

used when the speaker is also the object of the action

From this reading In order for a third Part, I have myself taken Care to visit most of the Glasiers in Town where I just came Time enough to save some few Scraps of Wit; and have bribed a great Number of Football-Players, not to use that Diversion near some particular Places about this Great City, where many curious Epigrams, Sonnets, and Whims, are at present uncopy’d; and if they should escape a few Days longer, will make a fourth Volume, with the kind Assistance of those Correspondents who have sent me promissory Notes for the Delivery of certain Parcels of such Wit, on or about the Twenty-fifth of this Instant _January_.

nearadverbUS /nɪr/

near in time or place or relationship

From this reading In order for a third Part, I have myself taken Care to visit most of the Glasiers in Town where I just came Time enough to save some few Scraps of Wit; and have bribed a great Number of Football-Players, not to use that Diversion near some particular Places about this Great City, where many curious Epigrams, Sonnets, and Whims, are at present uncopy’d; and if they should escape a few Days longer, will make a fourth Volume, with the kind Assistance of those Correspondents who have sent me promissory Notes for the Delivery of certain Parcels of such Wit, on or about the Twenty-fifth of this Instant _January_.

notadverbUS /nɑːt/

used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative

From this reading In order for a third Part, I have myself taken Care to visit most of the Glasiers in Town where I just came Time enough to save some few Scraps of Wit; and have bribed a great Number of Football-Players, not to use that Diversion near some particular Places about this Great City, where many curious Epigrams, Sonnets, and Whims, are at present uncopy’d; and if they should escape a few Days longer, will make a fourth Volume, with the kind Assistance of those Correspondents who have sent me promissory Notes for the Delivery of certain Parcels of such Wit, on or about the Twenty-fifth of this Instant _January_.

NotesnounUS /noʊts/

plural of “note” — a brief written record

From this reading In order for a third Part, I have myself taken Care to visit most of the Glasiers in Town where I just came Time enough to save some few Scraps of Wit; and have bribed a great Number of Football-Players, not to use that Diversion near some particular Places about this Great City, where many curious Epigrams, Sonnets, and Whims, are at present uncopy’d; and if they should escape a few Days longer, will make a fourth Volume, with the kind Assistance of those Correspondents who have sent me promissory Notes for the Delivery of certain Parcels of such Wit, on or about the Twenty-fifth of this Instant _January_.

nowadverbUS /naʊ/

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

From this reading But now, we may sing _Old Rose_, since a large Cargoe is already arriv’d safe at the Press.

NumbernounUS /ˈnʌmbər/

the property possessed by a sum or total or indefinite quantity of units or individuals

From this reading In order for a third Part, I have myself taken Care to visit most of the Glasiers in Town where I just came Time enough to save some few Scraps of Wit; and have bribed a great Number of Football-Players, not to use that Diversion near some particular Places about this Great City, where many curious Epigrams, Sonnets, and Whims, are at present uncopy’d; and if they should escape a few Days longer, will make a fourth Volume, with the kind Assistance of those Correspondents who have sent me promissory Notes for the Delivery of certain Parcels of such Wit, on or about the Twenty-fifth of this Instant _January_.

ObligationsnounUS /ˌɑːbləˈɡeɪʃənz/

plural of “obligation” — the social force that binds you to the courses of action demanded by that force

From this reading This is purposely to acknowledge the Obligations I owe to several Gentlemen, who have shewn their Esteem of the MERRY THOUGHT, in the large Collections they have communicated before the Holidays: For who knows, but many of their Pieces might have been lost, by the Effects of Wine, Punch, and strong Beer, in the _Christmas_ Time; or by a Game at Ramps, or Blind-Man’s-Buff; or unlucky Boys; or the sticking the Windows with Holley and Ivy: All these Hazards did we run of having many curious Pieces destroy’d, and bury’d in Oblivion.

obligedadjectiveUS /əˈblaɪdʒd/

under a moral obligation to do something

From this reading I remain, Gentlemen, after hoping you are in good Health, as I am at this present Writing, and wishing you all many happy Years, _Your obliged humble Servant,_ HURLO THRUMBO.

OblivionnounUS /əˈblɪviən/

the state of being disregarded or forgotten

From this reading This is purposely to acknowledge the Obligations I owe to several Gentlemen, who have shewn their Esteem of the MERRY THOUGHT, in the large Collections they have communicated before the Holidays: For who knows, but many of their Pieces might have been lost, by the Effects of Wine, Punch, and strong Beer, in the _Christmas_ Time; or by a Game at Ramps, or Blind-Man’s-Buff; or unlucky Boys; or the sticking the Windows with Holley and Ivy: All these Hazards did we run of having many curious Pieces destroy’d, and bury’d in Oblivion.

ofprepositionUS /ʌv/

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading This is purposely to acknowledge the Obligations I owe to several Gentlemen, who have shewn their Esteem of the MERRY THOUGHT, in the large Collections they have communicated before the Holidays: For who knows, but many of their Pieces might have been lost, by the Effects of Wine, Punch, and strong Beer, in the _Christmas_ Time; or by a Game at Ramps, or Blind-Man’s-Buff; or unlucky Boys; or the sticking the Windows with Holley and Ivy: All these Hazards did we run of having many curious Pieces destroy’d, and bury’d in Oblivion.

OldadjectiveUS /oʊld/

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

From this reading But now, we may sing _Old Rose_, since a large Cargoe is already arriv’d safe at the Press.

onprepositionUS /ɑːn/

touching and supported by a surface

From this reading In order for a third Part, I have myself taken Care to visit most of the Glasiers in Town where I just came Time enough to save some few Scraps of Wit; and have bribed a great Number of Football-Players, not to use that Diversion near some particular Places about this Great City, where many curious Epigrams, Sonnets, and Whims, are at present uncopy’d; and if they should escape a few Days longer, will make a fourth Volume, with the kind Assistance of those Correspondents who have sent me promissory Notes for the Delivery of certain Parcels of such Wit, on or about the Twenty-fifth of this Instant _January_.

orconjunctionUS /ɔːr/

used to join alternatives or possibilities

From this reading This is purposely to acknowledge the Obligations I owe to several Gentlemen, who have shewn their Esteem of the MERRY THOUGHT, in the large Collections they have communicated before the Holidays: For who knows, but many of their Pieces might have been lost, by the Effects of Wine, Punch, and strong Beer, in the _Christmas_ Time; or by a Game at Ramps, or Blind-Man’s-Buff; or unlucky Boys; or the sticking the Windows with Holley and Ivy: All these Hazards did we run of having many curious Pieces destroy’d, and bury’d in Oblivion.

ordernounUS /ˈɔːrdər/

(often plural) a command given by a superior (e.g., a military or law enforcement officer) that must be obeyed

From this reading In order for a third Part, I have myself taken Care to visit most of the Glasiers in Town where I just came Time enough to save some few Scraps of Wit; and have bribed a great Number of Football-Players, not to use that Diversion near some particular Places about this Great City, where many curious Epigrams, Sonnets, and Whims, are at present uncopy’d; and if they should escape a few Days longer, will make a fourth Volume, with the kind Assistance of those Correspondents who have sent me promissory Notes for the Delivery of certain Parcels of such Wit, on or about the Twenty-fifth of this Instant _January_.

oweverbUS /oʊ/

be obliged to pay or repay

From this reading This is purposely to acknowledge the Obligations I owe to several Gentlemen, who have shewn their Esteem of the MERRY THOUGHT, in the large Collections they have communicated before the Holidays: For who knows, but many of their Pieces might have been lost, by the Effects of Wine, Punch, and strong Beer, in the _Christmas_ Time; or by a Game at Ramps, or Blind-Man’s-Buff; or unlucky Boys; or the sticking the Windows with Holley and Ivy: All these Hazards did we run of having many curious Pieces destroy’d, and bury’d in Oblivion.

ParcelsnounUS /ˈpɑːrsəlz/

plural of “parcel” — a wrapped container

From this reading In order for a third Part, I have myself taken Care to visit most of the Glasiers in Town where I just came Time enough to save some few Scraps of Wit; and have bribed a great Number of Football-Players, not to use that Diversion near some particular Places about this Great City, where many curious Epigrams, Sonnets, and Whims, are at present uncopy’d; and if they should escape a few Days longer, will make a fourth Volume, with the kind Assistance of those Correspondents who have sent me promissory Notes for the Delivery of certain Parcels of such Wit, on or about the Twenty-fifth of this Instant _January_.

PartnounUS /pɑːrt/

something determined in relation to something that includes it

From this reading In order for a third Part, I have myself taken Care to visit most of the Glasiers in Town where I just came Time enough to save some few Scraps of Wit; and have bribed a great Number of Football-Players, not to use that Diversion near some particular Places about this Great City, where many curious Epigrams, Sonnets, and Whims, are at present uncopy’d; and if they should escape a few Days longer, will make a fourth Volume, with the kind Assistance of those Correspondents who have sent me promissory Notes for the Delivery of certain Parcels of such Wit, on or about the Twenty-fifth of this Instant _January_.

particularadjectiveUS /pərˈtɪkjələr/

unique or specific to a person or thing or category

From this reading In order for a third Part, I have myself taken Care to visit most of the Glasiers in Town where I just came Time enough to save some few Scraps of Wit; and have bribed a great Number of Football-Players, not to use that Diversion near some particular Places about this Great City, where many curious Epigrams, Sonnets, and Whims, are at present uncopy’d; and if they should escape a few Days longer, will make a fourth Volume, with the kind Assistance of those Correspondents who have sent me promissory Notes for the Delivery of certain Parcels of such Wit, on or about the Twenty-fifth of this Instant _January_.

PiecesnounUS /ˈpiːsəz/

plural of “piece” — a separate part of a whole

From this reading This is purposely to acknowledge the Obligations I owe to several Gentlemen, who have shewn their Esteem of the MERRY THOUGHT, in the large Collections they have communicated before the Holidays: For who knows, but many of their Pieces might have been lost, by the Effects of Wine, Punch, and strong Beer, in the _Christmas_ Time; or by a Game at Ramps, or Blind-Man’s-Buff; or unlucky Boys; or the sticking the Windows with Holley and Ivy: All these Hazards did we run of having many curious Pieces destroy’d, and bury’d in Oblivion.

PlacesnounUS /ˈpleɪsəz/

plural of “place” — a point located with respect to surface features of some region

From this reading In order for a third Part, I have myself taken Care to visit most of the Glasiers in Town where I just came Time enough to save some few Scraps of Wit; and have bribed a great Number of Football-Players, not to use that Diversion near some particular Places about this Great City, where many curious Epigrams, Sonnets, and Whims, are at present uncopy’d; and if they should escape a few Days longer, will make a fourth Volume, with the kind Assistance of those Correspondents who have sent me promissory Notes for the Delivery of certain Parcels of such Wit, on or about the Twenty-fifth of this Instant _January_.

PREFACEnounUS /ˈprefəs/

a short introductory essay preceding the text of a book

From this reading [Price 6 _d._] THE PREFACE.

presentverbUS /ˈprezənt/

give an exhibition of to an interested audience

From this reading In order for a third Part, I have myself taken Care to visit most of the Glasiers in Town where I just came Time enough to save some few Scraps of Wit; and have bribed a great Number of Football-Players, not to use that Diversion near some particular Places about this Great City, where many curious Epigrams, Sonnets, and Whims, are at present uncopy’d; and if they should escape a few Days longer, will make a fourth Volume, with the kind Assistance of those Correspondents who have sent me promissory Notes for the Delivery of certain Parcels of such Wit, on or about the Twenty-fifth of this Instant _January_.

PressverbUS /pres/

exert pressure or force to or upon

From this reading But now, we may sing _Old Rose_, since a large Cargoe is already arriv’d safe at the Press.

PricenounUS /praɪs/

the property of having material worth (often indicated by the amount of money something would bring if sold)

From this reading [Price 6 _d._] THE PREFACE.

PrintedverbUS /ˈprɪntɪd/

past form of “print” — put into print

From this reading _LONDON_: Printed for J. ROBERTS in _Warwick-Lane_; and Sold by the Booksellers in Town and Country.

promissoryadjectiveUS /ˈprɑːməsɔːri/

relating to or having the character of a promise

From this reading In order for a third Part, I have myself taken Care to visit most of the Glasiers in Town where I just came Time enough to save some few Scraps of Wit; and have bribed a great Number of Football-Players, not to use that Diversion near some particular Places about this Great City, where many curious Epigrams, Sonnets, and Whims, are at present uncopy’d; and if they should escape a few Days longer, will make a fourth Volume, with the kind Assistance of those Correspondents who have sent me promissory Notes for the Delivery of certain Parcels of such Wit, on or about the Twenty-fifth of this Instant _January_.

PunchverbUS /pʌntʃ/

deliver a quick blow to

From this reading This is purposely to acknowledge the Obligations I owe to several Gentlemen, who have shewn their Esteem of the MERRY THOUGHT, in the large Collections they have communicated before the Holidays: For who knows, but many of their Pieces might have been lost, by the Effects of Wine, Punch, and strong Beer, in the _Christmas_ Time; or by a Game at Ramps, or Blind-Man’s-Buff; or unlucky Boys; or the sticking the Windows with Holley and Ivy: All these Hazards did we run of having many curious Pieces destroy’d, and bury’d in Oblivion.

purposelyadverbUS /ˈpɜːrpəsli/

with intention; in an intentional manner

From this reading This is purposely to acknowledge the Obligations I owe to several Gentlemen, who have shewn their Esteem of the MERRY THOUGHT, in the large Collections they have communicated before the Holidays: For who knows, but many of their Pieces might have been lost, by the Effects of Wine, Punch, and strong Beer, in the _Christmas_ Time; or by a Game at Ramps, or Blind-Man’s-Buff; or unlucky Boys; or the sticking the Windows with Holley and Ivy: All these Hazards did we run of having many curious Pieces destroy’d, and bury’d in Oblivion.

RampsnounUS /ræmps/

plural of “ramp” — an inclined surface connecting two levels

From this reading This is purposely to acknowledge the Obligations I owe to several Gentlemen, who have shewn their Esteem of the MERRY THOUGHT, in the large Collections they have communicated before the Holidays: For who knows, but many of their Pieces might have been lost, by the Effects of Wine, Punch, and strong Beer, in the _Christmas_ Time; or by a Game at Ramps, or Blind-Man’s-Buff; or unlucky Boys; or the sticking the Windows with Holley and Ivy: All these Hazards did we run of having many curious Pieces destroy’d, and bury’d in Oblivion.

remainverbUS /rɪˈmeɪn/

stay the same; remain in a certain state

From this reading I remain, Gentlemen, after hoping you are in good Health, as I am at this present Writing, and wishing you all many happy Years, _Your obliged humble Servant,_ HURLO THRUMBO.

ROBERTSnounUS /ˈrɑːbərts/

United States biochemist (born in England) honored for his discovery that some genes contain introns (born in 1943)

From this reading _LONDON_: Printed for J. ROBERTS in _Warwick-Lane_; and Sold by the Booksellers in Town and Country.

RosenounUS /roʊz/

any of many shrubs of the genus Rosa that bear roses

From this reading But now, we may sing _Old Rose_, since a large Cargoe is already arriv’d safe at the Press.

runverbUS /rʌn/

move fast by using one's feet, with one foot off the ground at any given time

From this reading This is purposely to acknowledge the Obligations I owe to several Gentlemen, who have shewn their Esteem of the MERRY THOUGHT, in the large Collections they have communicated before the Holidays: For who knows, but many of their Pieces might have been lost, by the Effects of Wine, Punch, and strong Beer, in the _Christmas_ Time; or by a Game at Ramps, or Blind-Man’s-Buff; or unlucky Boys; or the sticking the Windows with Holley and Ivy: All these Hazards did we run of having many curious Pieces destroy’d, and bury’d in Oblivion.

safeadjectiveUS /seɪf/

free from danger or the risk of harm

From this reading But now, we may sing _Old Rose_, since a large Cargoe is already arriv’d safe at the Press.

saveprepositionUS /seɪv/

except for; apart from

From this reading In order for a third Part, I have myself taken Care to visit most of the Glasiers in Town where I just came Time enough to save some few Scraps of Wit; and have bribed a great Number of Football-Players, not to use that Diversion near some particular Places about this Great City, where many curious Epigrams, Sonnets, and Whims, are at present uncopy’d; and if they should escape a few Days longer, will make a fourth Volume, with the kind Assistance of those Correspondents who have sent me promissory Notes for the Delivery of certain Parcels of such Wit, on or about the Twenty-fifth of this Instant _January_.

ScrapsnounUS /skræps/

food that is discarded (as from a kitchen)

From this reading In order for a third Part, I have myself taken Care to visit most of the Glasiers in Town where I just came Time enough to save some few Scraps of Wit; and have bribed a great Number of Football-Players, not to use that Diversion near some particular Places about this Great City, where many curious Epigrams, Sonnets, and Whims, are at present uncopy’d; and if they should escape a few Days longer, will make a fourth Volume, with the kind Assistance of those Correspondents who have sent me promissory Notes for the Delivery of certain Parcels of such Wit, on or about the Twenty-fifth of this Instant _January_.

sentnounUS /sent/

100 senti equal 1 kroon in Estonia

From this reading In order for a third Part, I have myself taken Care to visit most of the Glasiers in Town where I just came Time enough to save some few Scraps of Wit; and have bribed a great Number of Football-Players, not to use that Diversion near some particular Places about this Great City, where many curious Epigrams, Sonnets, and Whims, are at present uncopy’d; and if they should escape a few Days longer, will make a fourth Volume, with the kind Assistance of those Correspondents who have sent me promissory Notes for the Delivery of certain Parcels of such Wit, on or about the Twenty-fifth of this Instant _January_.

ServantnounUS /ˈsɜːrvənt/

a person working in the service of another (especially in the household)

From this reading I remain, Gentlemen, after hoping you are in good Health, as I am at this present Writing, and wishing you all many happy Years, _Your obliged humble Servant,_ HURLO THRUMBO.

severaladjectiveUS /ˈsevrəl/

(used with count nouns) of an indefinite number more than 2 or 3 but not many

From this reading This is purposely to acknowledge the Obligations I owe to several Gentlemen, who have shewn their Esteem of the MERRY THOUGHT, in the large Collections they have communicated before the Holidays: For who knows, but many of their Pieces might have been lost, by the Effects of Wine, Punch, and strong Beer, in the _Christmas_ Time; or by a Game at Ramps, or Blind-Man’s-Buff; or unlucky Boys; or the sticking the Windows with Holley and Ivy: All these Hazards did we run of having many curious Pieces destroy’d, and bury’d in Oblivion.

shewn

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

From this reading This is purposely to acknowledge the Obligations I owe to several Gentlemen, who have shewn their Esteem of the MERRY THOUGHT, in the large Collections they have communicated before the Holidays: For who knows, but many of their Pieces might have been lost, by the Effects of Wine, Punch, and strong Beer, in the _Christmas_ Time; or by a Game at Ramps, or Blind-Man’s-Buff; or unlucky Boys; or the sticking the Windows with Holley and Ivy: All these Hazards did we run of having many curious Pieces destroy’d, and bury’d in Oblivion.

shouldmodal verbUS /ʃʊd/

used to say what is right, expected, or advisable

From this reading In order for a third Part, I have myself taken Care to visit most of the Glasiers in Town where I just came Time enough to save some few Scraps of Wit; and have bribed a great Number of Football-Players, not to use that Diversion near some particular Places about this Great City, where many curious Epigrams, Sonnets, and Whims, are at present uncopy’d; and if they should escape a few Days longer, will make a fourth Volume, with the kind Assistance of those Correspondents who have sent me promissory Notes for the Delivery of certain Parcels of such Wit, on or about the Twenty-fifth of this Instant _January_.

sinceprepositionUS /sɪns/

from a time in the past until now

From this reading But now, we may sing _Old Rose_, since a large Cargoe is already arriv’d safe at the Press.

singverbUS /sɪŋ/

deliver by singing

From this reading But now, we may sing _Old Rose_, since a large Cargoe is already arriv’d safe at the Press.

SoldadjectiveUS /soʊld/

disposed of to a purchaser

From this reading _LONDON_: Printed for J. ROBERTS in _Warwick-Lane_; and Sold by the Booksellers in Town and Country.

someadjectiveUS /sʌm/

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

From this reading In order for a third Part, I have myself taken Care to visit most of the Glasiers in Town where I just came Time enough to save some few Scraps of Wit; and have bribed a great Number of Football-Players, not to use that Diversion near some particular Places about this Great City, where many curious Epigrams, Sonnets, and Whims, are at present uncopy’d; and if they should escape a few Days longer, will make a fourth Volume, with the kind Assistance of those Correspondents who have sent me promissory Notes for the Delivery of certain Parcels of such Wit, on or about the Twenty-fifth of this Instant _January_.

SonnetsnounUS /ˈsɑːnɪts/

plural of “sonnet” — a verse form consisting of 14 lines with a fixed rhyme scheme

From this reading In order for a third Part, I have myself taken Care to visit most of the Glasiers in Town where I just came Time enough to save some few Scraps of Wit; and have bribed a great Number of Football-Players, not to use that Diversion near some particular Places about this Great City, where many curious Epigrams, Sonnets, and Whims, are at present uncopy’d; and if they should escape a few Days longer, will make a fourth Volume, with the kind Assistance of those Correspondents who have sent me promissory Notes for the Delivery of certain Parcels of such Wit, on or about the Twenty-fifth of this Instant _January_.

stickingadjectiveUS /ˈstɪkɪŋ/

extending out above or beyond a surface or boundary

From this reading This is purposely to acknowledge the Obligations I owe to several Gentlemen, who have shewn their Esteem of the MERRY THOUGHT, in the large Collections they have communicated before the Holidays: For who knows, but many of their Pieces might have been lost, by the Effects of Wine, Punch, and strong Beer, in the _Christmas_ Time; or by a Game at Ramps, or Blind-Man’s-Buff; or unlucky Boys; or the sticking the Windows with Holley and Ivy: All these Hazards did we run of having many curious Pieces destroy’d, and bury’d in Oblivion.

strongadjectiveUS /strɔːŋ/

having strength or power greater than average or expected

From this reading This is purposely to acknowledge the Obligations I owe to several Gentlemen, who have shewn their Esteem of the MERRY THOUGHT, in the large Collections they have communicated before the Holidays: For who knows, but many of their Pieces might have been lost, by the Effects of Wine, Punch, and strong Beer, in the _Christmas_ Time; or by a Game at Ramps, or Blind-Man’s-Buff; or unlucky Boys; or the sticking the Windows with Holley and Ivy: All these Hazards did we run of having many curious Pieces destroy’d, and bury’d in Oblivion.

suchdeterminerUS /sʌtʃ/

of the kind already mentioned

From this reading In order for a third Part, I have myself taken Care to visit most of the Glasiers in Town where I just came Time enough to save some few Scraps of Wit; and have bribed a great Number of Football-Players, not to use that Diversion near some particular Places about this Great City, where many curious Epigrams, Sonnets, and Whims, are at present uncopy’d; and if they should escape a few Days longer, will make a fourth Volume, with the kind Assistance of those Correspondents who have sent me promissory Notes for the Delivery of certain Parcels of such Wit, on or about the Twenty-fifth of this Instant _January_.

takenadjectiveUS /ˈteɪkən/

understood in a certain way; made sense of

From this reading In order for a third Part, I have myself taken Care to visit most of the Glasiers in Town where I just came Time enough to save some few Scraps of Wit; and have bribed a great Number of Football-Players, not to use that Diversion near some particular Places about this Great City, where many curious Epigrams, Sonnets, and Whims, are at present uncopy’d; and if they should escape a few Days longer, will make a fourth Volume, with the kind Assistance of those Correspondents who have sent me promissory Notes for the Delivery of certain Parcels of such Wit, on or about the Twenty-fifth of this Instant _January_.

thatconjunctionUS /ðæt/

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading In order for a third Part, I have myself taken Care to visit most of the Glasiers in Town where I just came Time enough to save some few Scraps of Wit; and have bribed a great Number of Football-Players, not to use that Diversion near some particular Places about this Great City, where many curious Epigrams, Sonnets, and Whims, are at present uncopy’d; and if they should escape a few Days longer, will make a fourth Volume, with the kind Assistance of those Correspondents who have sent me promissory Notes for the Delivery of certain Parcels of such Wit, on or about the Twenty-fifth of this Instant _January_.

thedeterminerUS /ðə/

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

From this reading _LONDON_: Printed for J. ROBERTS in _Warwick-Lane_; and Sold by the Booksellers in Town and Country.

theirdeterminerUS /ðer/

belonging to the people or things already mentioned

From this reading This is purposely to acknowledge the Obligations I owe to several Gentlemen, who have shewn their Esteem of the MERRY THOUGHT, in the large Collections they have communicated before the Holidays: For who knows, but many of their Pieces might have been lost, by the Effects of Wine, Punch, and strong Beer, in the _Christmas_ Time; or by a Game at Ramps, or Blind-Man’s-Buff; or unlucky Boys; or the sticking the Windows with Holley and Ivy: All these Hazards did we run of having many curious Pieces destroy’d, and bury’d in Oblivion.

thenadverbUS /ðen/

subsequently or soon afterward (often used as sentence connectors)

From this reading And then again, the Cleaning the Windows against the Holidays might have endanger’d the Loss of many of these brittle Leaves of Wit and Learning.

thesedeterminerUS /ðiːz/

the plural of “this”: the people or things near, or just mentioned

From this reading This is purposely to acknowledge the Obligations I owe to several Gentlemen, who have shewn their Esteem of the MERRY THOUGHT, in the large Collections they have communicated before the Holidays: For who knows, but many of their Pieces might have been lost, by the Effects of Wine, Punch, and strong Beer, in the _Christmas_ Time; or by a Game at Ramps, or Blind-Man’s-Buff; or unlucky Boys; or the sticking the Windows with Holley and Ivy: All these Hazards did we run of having many curious Pieces destroy’d, and bury’d in Oblivion.

theypronounUS /ðeɪ/

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

From this reading This is purposely to acknowledge the Obligations I owe to several Gentlemen, who have shewn their Esteem of the MERRY THOUGHT, in the large Collections they have communicated before the Holidays: For who knows, but many of their Pieces might have been lost, by the Effects of Wine, Punch, and strong Beer, in the _Christmas_ Time; or by a Game at Ramps, or Blind-Man’s-Buff; or unlucky Boys; or the sticking the Windows with Holley and Ivy: All these Hazards did we run of having many curious Pieces destroy’d, and bury’d in Oblivion.

thirdnounUS /θɜːrd/

one of three equal parts of a divisible whole

From this reading In order for a third Part, I have myself taken Care to visit most of the Glasiers in Town where I just came Time enough to save some few Scraps of Wit; and have bribed a great Number of Football-Players, not to use that Diversion near some particular Places about this Great City, where many curious Epigrams, Sonnets, and Whims, are at present uncopy’d; and if they should escape a few Days longer, will make a fourth Volume, with the kind Assistance of those Correspondents who have sent me promissory Notes for the Delivery of certain Parcels of such Wit, on or about the Twenty-fifth of this Instant _January_.

ThisdeterminerUS /ðɪs/

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

From this reading This is purposely to acknowledge the Obligations I owe to several Gentlemen, who have shewn their Esteem of the MERRY THOUGHT, in the large Collections they have communicated before the Holidays: For who knows, but many of their Pieces might have been lost, by the Effects of Wine, Punch, and strong Beer, in the _Christmas_ Time; or by a Game at Ramps, or Blind-Man’s-Buff; or unlucky Boys; or the sticking the Windows with Holley and Ivy: All these Hazards did we run of having many curious Pieces destroy’d, and bury’d in Oblivion.

thosedeterminerUS /ðoʊz/

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

From this reading In order for a third Part, I have myself taken Care to visit most of the Glasiers in Town where I just came Time enough to save some few Scraps of Wit; and have bribed a great Number of Football-Players, not to use that Diversion near some particular Places about this Great City, where many curious Epigrams, Sonnets, and Whims, are at present uncopy’d; and if they should escape a few Days longer, will make a fourth Volume, with the kind Assistance of those Correspondents who have sent me promissory Notes for the Delivery of certain Parcels of such Wit, on or about the Twenty-fifth of this Instant _January_.

THOUGHTnounUS /θɔːt/

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

From this reading This is purposely to acknowledge the Obligations I owe to several Gentlemen, who have shewn their Esteem of the MERRY THOUGHT, in the large Collections they have communicated before the Holidays: For who knows, but many of their Pieces might have been lost, by the Effects of Wine, Punch, and strong Beer, in the _Christmas_ Time; or by a Game at Ramps, or Blind-Man’s-Buff; or unlucky Boys; or the sticking the Windows with Holley and Ivy: All these Hazards did we run of having many curious Pieces destroy’d, and bury’d in Oblivion.

THRUMBO

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

From this reading I remain, Gentlemen, after hoping you are in good Health, as I am at this present Writing, and wishing you all many happy Years, _Your obliged humble Servant,_ HURLO THRUMBO.

TimenounUS /taɪm/

an instance or single occasion for some event

From this reading This is purposely to acknowledge the Obligations I owe to several Gentlemen, who have shewn their Esteem of the MERRY THOUGHT, in the large Collections they have communicated before the Holidays: For who knows, but many of their Pieces might have been lost, by the Effects of Wine, Punch, and strong Beer, in the _Christmas_ Time; or by a Game at Ramps, or Blind-Man’s-Buff; or unlucky Boys; or the sticking the Windows with Holley and Ivy: All these Hazards did we run of having many curious Pieces destroy’d, and bury’d in Oblivion.

toparticleUS /tuː/

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

From this reading This is purposely to acknowledge the Obligations I owe to several Gentlemen, who have shewn their Esteem of the MERRY THOUGHT, in the large Collections they have communicated before the Holidays: For who knows, but many of their Pieces might have been lost, by the Effects of Wine, Punch, and strong Beer, in the _Christmas_ Time; or by a Game at Ramps, or Blind-Man’s-Buff; or unlucky Boys; or the sticking the Windows with Holley and Ivy: All these Hazards did we run of having many curious Pieces destroy’d, and bury’d in Oblivion.

TownnounUS /taʊn/

an urban area with a fixed boundary that is smaller than a city

From this reading _LONDON_: Printed for J. ROBERTS in _Warwick-Lane_; and Sold by the Booksellers in Town and Country.

Twenty-fifthadjective

coming next after the twenty-fourth in position

From this reading In order for a third Part, I have myself taken Care to visit most of the Glasiers in Town where I just came Time enough to save some few Scraps of Wit; and have bribed a great Number of Football-Players, not to use that Diversion near some particular Places about this Great City, where many curious Epigrams, Sonnets, and Whims, are at present uncopy’d; and if they should escape a few Days longer, will make a fourth Volume, with the kind Assistance of those Correspondents who have sent me promissory Notes for the Delivery of certain Parcels of such Wit, on or about the Twenty-fifth of this Instant _January_.

uncopy'd

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

From this reading In order for a third Part, I have myself taken Care to visit most of the Glasiers in Town where I just came Time enough to save some few Scraps of Wit; and have bribed a great Number of Football-Players, not to use that Diversion near some particular Places about this Great City, where many curious Epigrams, Sonnets, and Whims, are at present uncopy’d; and if they should escape a few Days longer, will make a fourth Volume, with the kind Assistance of those Correspondents who have sent me promissory Notes for the Delivery of certain Parcels of such Wit, on or about the Twenty-fifth of this Instant _January_.

unluckyadjectiveUS /ənˈlʌki/

having or bringing misfortune

From this reading This is purposely to acknowledge the Obligations I owe to several Gentlemen, who have shewn their Esteem of the MERRY THOUGHT, in the large Collections they have communicated before the Holidays: For who knows, but many of their Pieces might have been lost, by the Effects of Wine, Punch, and strong Beer, in the _Christmas_ Time; or by a Game at Ramps, or Blind-Man’s-Buff; or unlucky Boys; or the sticking the Windows with Holley and Ivy: All these Hazards did we run of having many curious Pieces destroy’d, and bury’d in Oblivion.

usenounUS /juːs/

the act of using

From this reading In order for a third Part, I have myself taken Care to visit most of the Glasiers in Town where I just came Time enough to save some few Scraps of Wit; and have bribed a great Number of Football-Players, not to use that Diversion near some particular Places about this Great City, where many curious Epigrams, Sonnets, and Whims, are at present uncopy’d; and if they should escape a few Days longer, will make a fourth Volume, with the kind Assistance of those Correspondents who have sent me promissory Notes for the Delivery of certain Parcels of such Wit, on or about the Twenty-fifth of this Instant _January_.

visitverbUS /ˈvɪzɪt/

go to see a place, as for entertainment

From this reading In order for a third Part, I have myself taken Care to visit most of the Glasiers in Town where I just came Time enough to save some few Scraps of Wit; and have bribed a great Number of Football-Players, not to use that Diversion near some particular Places about this Great City, where many curious Epigrams, Sonnets, and Whims, are at present uncopy’d; and if they should escape a few Days longer, will make a fourth Volume, with the kind Assistance of those Correspondents who have sent me promissory Notes for the Delivery of certain Parcels of such Wit, on or about the Twenty-fifth of this Instant _January_.

VolumenounUS /ˈvɑːljuːm/

the amount of 3-dimensional space occupied by an object

From this reading In order for a third Part, I have myself taken Care to visit most of the Glasiers in Town where I just came Time enough to save some few Scraps of Wit; and have bribed a great Number of Football-Players, not to use that Diversion near some particular Places about this Great City, where many curious Epigrams, Sonnets, and Whims, are at present uncopy’d; and if they should escape a few Days longer, will make a fourth Volume, with the kind Assistance of those Correspondents who have sent me promissory Notes for the Delivery of certain Parcels of such Wit, on or about the Twenty-fifth of this Instant _January_.

Warwick-Lane

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

From this reading _LONDON_: Printed for J. ROBERTS in _Warwick-Lane_; and Sold by the Booksellers in Town and Country.

wepronounUS /wiː/

the speaker together with one or more other people

From this reading This is purposely to acknowledge the Obligations I owe to several Gentlemen, who have shewn their Esteem of the MERRY THOUGHT, in the large Collections they have communicated before the Holidays: For who knows, but many of their Pieces might have been lost, by the Effects of Wine, Punch, and strong Beer, in the _Christmas_ Time; or by a Game at Ramps, or Blind-Man’s-Buff; or unlucky Boys; or the sticking the Windows with Holley and Ivy: All these Hazards did we run of having many curious Pieces destroy’d, and bury’d in Oblivion.

whereconjunctionUS /wer/

in or at the place that

From this reading In order for a third Part, I have myself taken Care to visit most of the Glasiers in Town where I just came Time enough to save some few Scraps of Wit; and have bribed a great Number of Football-Players, not to use that Diversion near some particular Places about this Great City, where many curious Epigrams, Sonnets, and Whims, are at present uncopy’d; and if they should escape a few Days longer, will make a fourth Volume, with the kind Assistance of those Correspondents who have sent me promissory Notes for the Delivery of certain Parcels of such Wit, on or about the Twenty-fifth of this Instant _January_.

WhimsnounUS /wɪmz/

plural of “whim” — a sudden desire

From this reading In order for a third Part, I have myself taken Care to visit most of the Glasiers in Town where I just came Time enough to save some few Scraps of Wit; and have bribed a great Number of Football-Players, not to use that Diversion near some particular Places about this Great City, where many curious Epigrams, Sonnets, and Whims, are at present uncopy’d; and if they should escape a few Days longer, will make a fourth Volume, with the kind Assistance of those Correspondents who have sent me promissory Notes for the Delivery of certain Parcels of such Wit, on or about the Twenty-fifth of this Instant _January_.

whopronounUS /huː/

which person or people

From this reading This is purposely to acknowledge the Obligations I owe to several Gentlemen, who have shewn their Esteem of the MERRY THOUGHT, in the large Collections they have communicated before the Holidays: For who knows, but many of their Pieces might have been lost, by the Effects of Wine, Punch, and strong Beer, in the _Christmas_ Time; or by a Game at Ramps, or Blind-Man’s-Buff; or unlucky Boys; or the sticking the Windows with Holley and Ivy: All these Hazards did we run of having many curious Pieces destroy’d, and bury’d in Oblivion.

willmodal verbUS /wɪl/

used to talk about the future, or about willingness

From this reading In order for a third Part, I have myself taken Care to visit most of the Glasiers in Town where I just came Time enough to save some few Scraps of Wit; and have bribed a great Number of Football-Players, not to use that Diversion near some particular Places about this Great City, where many curious Epigrams, Sonnets, and Whims, are at present uncopy’d; and if they should escape a few Days longer, will make a fourth Volume, with the kind Assistance of those Correspondents who have sent me promissory Notes for the Delivery of certain Parcels of such Wit, on or about the Twenty-fifth of this Instant _January_.

WindowsnounUS /ˈwɪndoʊz/

(trademark) an operating system with a graphical user interface

From this reading This is purposely to acknowledge the Obligations I owe to several Gentlemen, who have shewn their Esteem of the MERRY THOUGHT, in the large Collections they have communicated before the Holidays: For who knows, but many of their Pieces might have been lost, by the Effects of Wine, Punch, and strong Beer, in the _Christmas_ Time; or by a Game at Ramps, or Blind-Man’s-Buff; or unlucky Boys; or the sticking the Windows with Holley and Ivy: All these Hazards did we run of having many curious Pieces destroy’d, and bury’d in Oblivion.

WinenounUS /waɪn/

fermented juice (of grapes especially)

From this reading This is purposely to acknowledge the Obligations I owe to several Gentlemen, who have shewn their Esteem of the MERRY THOUGHT, in the large Collections they have communicated before the Holidays: For who knows, but many of their Pieces might have been lost, by the Effects of Wine, Punch, and strong Beer, in the _Christmas_ Time; or by a Game at Ramps, or Blind-Man’s-Buff; or unlucky Boys; or the sticking the Windows with Holley and Ivy: All these Hazards did we run of having many curious Pieces destroy’d, and bury’d in Oblivion.

wishingnounUS /ˈwɪʃɪŋ/

a specific feeling of desire

From this reading I remain, Gentlemen, after hoping you are in good Health, as I am at this present Writing, and wishing you all many happy Years, _Your obliged humble Servant,_ HURLO THRUMBO.

WitnounUS /wɪt/

a message whose ingenuity or verbal skill or incongruity has the power to evoke laughter

From this reading And then again, the Cleaning the Windows against the Holidays might have endanger’d the Loss of many of these brittle Leaves of Wit and Learning.

withprepositionUS /wɪð/

in the company of; together with

From this reading This is purposely to acknowledge the Obligations I owe to several Gentlemen, who have shewn their Esteem of the MERRY THOUGHT, in the large Collections they have communicated before the Holidays: For who knows, but many of their Pieces might have been lost, by the Effects of Wine, Punch, and strong Beer, in the _Christmas_ Time; or by a Game at Ramps, or Blind-Man’s-Buff; or unlucky Boys; or the sticking the Windows with Holley and Ivy: All these Hazards did we run of having many curious Pieces destroy’d, and bury’d in Oblivion.

WritingnounUS /ˈraɪtɪŋ/

the act of creating written works

From this reading I remain, Gentlemen, after hoping you are in good Health, as I am at this present Writing, and wishing you all many happy Years, _Your obliged humble Servant,_ HURLO THRUMBO.

YearsnounUS /jɪrz/

a late time of life

From this reading I remain, Gentlemen, after hoping you are in good Health, as I am at this present Writing, and wishing you all many happy Years, _Your obliged humble Servant,_ HURLO THRUMBO.

youpronounUS /juː/

the person or people being spoken to

From this reading I remain, Gentlemen, after hoping you are in good Health, as I am at this present Writing, and wishing you all many happy Years, _Your obliged humble Servant,_ HURLO THRUMBO.

YourdeterminerUS /jɔːr/

belonging to the person or people being spoken to

From this reading I remain, Gentlemen, after hoping you are in good Health, as I am at this present Writing, and wishing you all many happy Years, _Your obliged humble Servant,_ HURLO THRUMBO.

Chapter 3 of The Merry-Thought by Hurlothrumbo holds 8 sentences, grouped into 2 reading sections of at most 5 sentences. The text is the source edition, unabridged, and the chapter records which sentences cover which part of the work so that nothing is dropped. Every word can be tapped for its pronunciation and dictionary entry.

What does chapter 3 of The Merry-Thought contain?

Chapter 3 holds 8 sentences of The Merry-Thought, unabridged, divided into 2 reading sections.

This page carries chapter 3 of The Merry-Thought by Hurlothrumbo exactly as it stands in the source edition, without abridgement. It runs to 8 sentences, grouped into 2 sections of at most 5 sentences so that a reader can take the chapter in steady, finishable pieces. The chapter also stores a coverage record mapping every one of its sentences to a part of the work, which is how the edition demonstrates that no line was dropped.

How do I study chapter 3 of The Merry-Thought?

Work through the 2 sections in order, replaying any sentence and tapping unfamiliar words for their entries.

Each of the 2 sections in this chapter is short enough to read once, hear once, and then re-read with the vocabulary in view. Tapping a word plays it alone and opens its dictionary entry with IPA, part of speech and meaning, so the reader is never forced to guess a pronunciation from spelling. Working section by section keeps a long chapter from becoming an undifferentiated wall of text, which is the usual reason a reader abandons a work of this period.

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Yes — every sentence and every individual word in chapter 3 can be played aloud in United States English.

Audio covers the whole chapter: any sentence can be played, and any single word within it can be played on its own. The voice uses United States English. For a work of this period that matters, because spelling is an unreliable guide to pronunciation for vocabulary that has fallen out of daily use, and a learner who guesses wrong tends to keep the error. Hearing the word in its own sentence, and then alone, settles it.

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Is this the complete text of The Merry-Thought?

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Vocabulary met early in The Merry-Thought

Words and structures a reader meets early in The Merry-Thought, each tappable for pronunciation and meaning.

Chapter 1
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Chapter 2
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Chapter 3
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