Chapter XXI

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

From this reading The individual alluded to was a man of middle height, of rather spare form, and slightly bowed--so that although his years in reality had scarcely numbered sixty, a casual beholder might have pronounced him to be above seventy.

higher than, or over, something

From this reading The individual alluded to was a man of middle height, of rather spare form, and slightly bowed--so that although his years in reality had scarcely numbered sixty, a casual beholder might have pronounced him to be above seventy.

plural of “adventure” — a wild and exciting undertaking (not necessarily lawful)

From this reading MORTIMER’S ADVENTURES CONTINUED.

past form of “allude” — make a more or less disguised reference to

From this reading The individual alluded to was a man of middle height, of rather spare form, and slightly bowed--so that although his years in reality had scarcely numbered sixty, a casual beholder might have pronounced him to be above seventy.

in spite of the fact that

From this reading The individual alluded to was a man of middle height, of rather spare form, and slightly bowed--so that although his years in reality had scarcely numbered sixty, a casual beholder might have pronounced him to be above seventy.

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

From this reading The individual alluded to was a man of middle height, of rather spare form, and slightly bowed--so that although his years in reality had scarcely numbered sixty, a casual beholder might have pronounced him to be above seventy.

one or some or every or all without specification

From this reading His hair was of that iron grey which showed that it still retained a faint shade of its former blackness; and baldness had not even begun to rob him of any part of that natural covering.

give a certain impression or have a certain outward aspect

From this reading A closer observation would, however, have dispelled this first impression; for his features were handsome and well-preserved, his teeth remarkably fine, and his hands entirely free from those wrinkles which usually appear upon the fingers of persons in the winter of their existence.

the condition of having no hair on the top of the head

From this reading His hair was of that iron grey which showed that it still retained a faint shade of its former blackness; and baldness had not even begun to rob him of any part of that natural covering.

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

From this reading The individual alluded to was a man of middle height, of rather spare form, and slightly bowed--so that although his years in reality had scarcely numbered sixty, a casual beholder might have pronounced him to be above seventy.

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

From this reading His hair was of that iron grey which showed that it still retained a faint shade of its former blackness; and baldness had not even begun to rob him of any part of that natural covering.

a person who becomes aware (of things or events) through the senses

From this reading The individual alluded to was a man of middle height, of rather spare form, and slightly bowed--so that although his years in reality had scarcely numbered sixty, a casual beholder might have pronounced him to be above seventy.

the quality or state of the achromatic color of least lightness (bearing the least resemblance to white)

From this reading His hair was of that iron grey which showed that it still retained a faint shade of its former blackness; and baldness had not even begun to rob him of any part of that natural covering.

of a stringed instrument; sounded by stroking with a bow

From this reading The individual alluded to was a man of middle height, of rather spare form, and slightly bowed--so that although his years in reality had scarcely numbered sixty, a casual beholder might have pronounced him to be above seventy.

marked by blithe unconcern

From this reading The individual alluded to was a man of middle height, of rather spare form, and slightly bowed--so that although his years in reality had scarcely numbered sixty, a casual beholder might have pronounced him to be above seventy.

(comparative of “near” or “close”) within a shorter distance

From this reading A closer observation would, however, have dispelled this first impression; for his features were handsome and well-preserved, his teeth remarkably fine, and his hands entirely free from those wrinkles which usually appear upon the fingers of persons in the winter of their existence.

without stop or interruption

From this reading MORTIMER’S ADVENTURES CONTINUED.

a natural object that covers or envelops

From this reading His hair was of that iron grey which showed that it still retained a faint shade of its former blackness; and baldness had not even begun to rob him of any part of that natural covering.

inflected form of “dispel” — force to go away; used both with concrete and metaphoric meanings

From this reading A closer observation would, however, have dispelled this first impression; for his features were handsome and well-preserved, his teeth remarkably fine, and his hands entirely free from those wrinkles which usually appear upon the fingers of persons in the winter of their existence.

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

From this reading A closer observation would, however, have dispelled this first impression; for his features were handsome and well-preserved, his teeth remarkably fine, and his hands entirely free from those wrinkles which usually appear upon the fingers of persons in the winter of their existence.

divisible by two

From this reading His hair was of that iron grey which showed that it still retained a faint shade of its former blackness; and baldness had not even begun to rob him of any part of that natural covering.

the state or fact of existing

From this reading A closer observation would, however, have dispelled this first impression; for his features were handsome and well-preserved, his teeth remarkably fine, and his hands entirely free from those wrinkles which usually appear upon the fingers of persons in the winter of their existence.

deficient in magnitude; barely perceptible; lacking clarity or brightness or loudness etc

From this reading His hair was of that iron grey which showed that it still retained a faint shade of its former blackness; and baldness had not even begun to rob him of any part of that natural covering.

plural of “feature” — a prominent attribute or aspect of something

From this reading A closer observation would, however, have dispelled this first impression; for his features were handsome and well-preserved, his teeth remarkably fine, and his hands entirely free from those wrinkles which usually appear upon the fingers of persons in the winter of their existence.

being satisfactory or in satisfactory condition

From this reading A closer observation would, however, have dispelled this first impression; for his features were handsome and well-preserved, his teeth remarkably fine, and his hands entirely free from those wrinkles which usually appear upon the fingers of persons in the winter of their existence.

plural of “finger” — any of the terminal members of the hand (sometimes excepting the thumb)

From this reading A closer observation would, however, have dispelled this first impression; for his features were handsome and well-preserved, his teeth remarkably fine, and his hands entirely free from those wrinkles which usually appear upon the fingers of persons in the winter of their existence.

preceding all others in time or space or degree

From this reading A closer observation would, however, have dispelled this first impression; for his features were handsome and well-preserved, his teeth remarkably fine, and his hands entirely free from those wrinkles which usually appear upon the fingers of persons in the winter of their existence.

intended to be given to, or used by, somebody

From this reading A closer observation would, however, have dispelled this first impression; for his features were handsome and well-preserved, his teeth remarkably fine, and his hands entirely free from those wrinkles which usually appear upon the fingers of persons in the winter of their existence.

the phonological or orthographic sound or appearance of a word that can be used to describe or identify something

From this reading The individual alluded to was a man of middle height, of rather spare form, and slightly bowed--so that although his years in reality had scarcely numbered sixty, a casual beholder might have pronounced him to be above seventy.

referring to the first of two things or persons mentioned (or the earlier one or ones of several)

From this reading His hair was of that iron grey which showed that it still retained a faint shade of its former blackness; and baldness had not even begun to rob him of any part of that natural covering.

grant freedom to; free from confinement

From this reading A closer observation would, however, have dispelled this first impression; for his features were handsome and well-preserved, his teeth remarkably fine, and his hands entirely free from those wrinkles which usually appear upon the fingers of persons in the winter of their existence.

showing where something starts, or who sent it

From this reading A closer observation would, however, have dispelled this first impression; for his features were handsome and well-preserved, his teeth remarkably fine, and his hands entirely free from those wrinkles which usually appear upon the fingers of persons in the winter of their existence.

of an achromatic color of any lightness intermediate between the extremes of white and black

From this reading His hair was of that iron grey which showed that it still retained a faint shade of its former blackness; and baldness had not even begun to rob him of any part of that natural covering.

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

From this reading The individual alluded to was a man of middle height, of rather spare form, and slightly bowed--so that although his years in reality had scarcely numbered sixty, a casual beholder might have pronounced him to be above seventy.

a covering for the body (or parts of it) consisting of a dense growth of threadlike structures (as on the human head); helps to prevent heat loss

From this reading His hair was of that iron grey which showed that it still retained a faint shade of its former blackness; and baldness had not even begun to rob him of any part of that natural covering.

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

From this reading A closer observation would, however, have dispelled this first impression; for his features were handsome and well-preserved, his teeth remarkably fine, and his hands entirely free from those wrinkles which usually appear upon the fingers of persons in the winter of their existence.

pleasing in appearance especially by reason of conformity to ideals of form and proportion

From this reading A closer observation would, however, have dispelled this first impression; for his features were handsome and well-preserved, his teeth remarkably fine, and his hands entirely free from those wrinkles which usually appear upon the fingers of persons in the winter of their existence.

used with a past participle to form the perfect tenses

From this reading The individual alluded to was a man of middle height, of rather spare form, and slightly bowed--so that although his years in reality had scarcely numbered sixty, a casual beholder might have pronounced him to be above seventy.

the vertical dimension of extension; distance from the base of something to the top

From this reading The individual alluded to was a man of middle height, of rather spare form, and slightly bowed--so that although his years in reality had scarcely numbered sixty, a casual beholder might have pronounced him to be above seventy.

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

From this reading The individual alluded to was a man of middle height, of rather spare form, and slightly bowed--so that although his years in reality had scarcely numbered sixty, a casual beholder might have pronounced him to be above seventy.

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

From this reading The individual alluded to was a man of middle height, of rather spare form, and slightly bowed--so that although his years in reality had scarcely numbered sixty, a casual beholder might have pronounced him to be above seventy.

used to add a contrasting statement

From this reading A closer observation would, however, have dispelled this first impression; for his features were handsome and well-preserved, his teeth remarkably fine, and his hands entirely free from those wrinkles which usually appear upon the fingers of persons in the winter of their existence.

a vague idea in which some confidence is placed

From this reading A closer observation would, however, have dispelled this first impression; for his features were handsome and well-preserved, his teeth remarkably fine, and his hands entirely free from those wrinkles which usually appear upon the fingers of persons in the winter of their existence.

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

From this reading The individual alluded to was a man of middle height, of rather spare form, and slightly bowed--so that although his years in reality had scarcely numbered sixty, a casual beholder might have pronounced him to be above seventy.

being or characteristic of a single thing or person

From this reading The individual alluded to was a man of middle height, of rather spare form, and slightly bowed--so that although his years in reality had scarcely numbered sixty, a casual beholder might have pronounced him to be above seventy.

a heavy ductile magnetic metallic element; is silver-white in pure form but readily rusts; used in construction and tools and armament; plays a role in the transport of oxygen by the blood

From this reading His hair was of that iron grey which showed that it still retained a faint shade of its former blackness; and baldness had not even begun to rob him of any part of that natural covering.

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading His hair was of that iron grey which showed that it still retained a faint shade of its former blackness; and baldness had not even begun to rob him of any part of that natural covering.

belonging to the thing or animal already mentioned

From this reading His hair was of that iron grey which showed that it still retained a faint shade of its former blackness; and baldness had not even begun to rob him of any part of that natural covering.

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

From this reading The individual alluded to was a man of middle height, of rather spare form, and slightly bowed--so that although his years in reality had scarcely numbered sixty, a casual beholder might have pronounced him to be above seventy.

an area that is approximately central within some larger region

From this reading The individual alluded to was a man of middle height, of rather spare form, and slightly bowed--so that although his years in reality had scarcely numbered sixty, a casual beholder might have pronounced him to be above seventy.

used to say something is possible but not certain

From this reading The individual alluded to was a man of middle height, of rather spare form, and slightly bowed--so that although his years in reality had scarcely numbered sixty, a casual beholder might have pronounced him to be above seventy.

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

From this reading MORTIMER’S ADVENTURES CONTINUED.

a form of address for a married woman

From this reading MRS.

in accordance with nature; relating to or concerning nature

From this reading His hair was of that iron grey which showed that it still retained a faint shade of its former blackness; and baldness had not even begun to rob him of any part of that natural covering.

used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative

From this reading His hair was of that iron grey which showed that it still retained a faint shade of its former blackness; and baldness had not even begun to rob him of any part of that natural covering.

past form of “number” — add up in number or quantity

From this reading The individual alluded to was a man of middle height, of rather spare form, and slightly bowed--so that although his years in reality had scarcely numbered sixty, a casual beholder might have pronounced him to be above seventy.

the act of making and recording a measurement

From this reading A closer observation would, however, have dispelled this first impression; for his features were handsome and well-preserved, his teeth remarkably fine, and his hands entirely free from those wrinkles which usually appear upon the fingers of persons in the winter of their existence.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading The individual alluded to was a man of middle height, of rather spare form, and slightly bowed--so that although his years in reality had scarcely numbered sixty, a casual beholder might have pronounced him to be above seventy.

something determined in relation to something that includes it

From this reading His hair was of that iron grey which showed that it still retained a faint shade of its former blackness; and baldness had not even begun to rob him of any part of that natural covering.

plural of “person” — a human being

From this reading A closer observation would, however, have dispelled this first impression; for his features were handsome and well-preserved, his teeth remarkably fine, and his hands entirely free from those wrinkles which usually appear upon the fingers of persons in the winter of their existence.

strongly marked; easily noticeable

From this reading The individual alluded to was a man of middle height, of rather spare form, and slightly bowed--so that although his years in reality had scarcely numbered sixty, a casual beholder might have pronounced him to be above seventy.

on the contrary

From this reading The individual alluded to was a man of middle height, of rather spare form, and slightly bowed--so that although his years in reality had scarcely numbered sixty, a casual beholder might have pronounced him to be above seventy.

all of your experiences that determine how things appear to you

From this reading The individual alluded to was a man of middle height, of rather spare form, and slightly bowed--so that although his years in reality had scarcely numbered sixty, a casual beholder might have pronounced him to be above seventy.

to a remarkable degree or extent

From this reading A closer observation would, however, have dispelled this first impression; for his features were handsome and well-preserved, his teeth remarkably fine, and his hands entirely free from those wrinkles which usually appear upon the fingers of persons in the winter of their existence.

continued in your keeping or use or memory

From this reading His hair was of that iron grey which showed that it still retained a faint shade of its former blackness; and baldness had not even begun to rob him of any part of that natural covering.

take something away by force or without the consent of the owner

From this reading His hair was of that iron grey which showed that it still retained a faint shade of its former blackness; and baldness had not even begun to rob him of any part of that natural covering.

only a very short time before

From this reading The individual alluded to was a man of middle height, of rather spare form, and slightly bowed--so that although his years in reality had scarcely numbered sixty, a casual beholder might have pronounced him to be above seventy.

being ten more than sixty

From this reading The individual alluded to was a man of middle height, of rather spare form, and slightly bowed--so that although his years in reality had scarcely numbered sixty, a casual beholder might have pronounced him to be above seventy.

relative darkness caused by light rays being intercepted by an opaque body

From this reading His hair was of that iron grey which showed that it still retained a faint shade of its former blackness; and baldness had not even begun to rob him of any part of that natural covering.

past form of “show” — give an exhibition of to an interested audience

From this reading His hair was of that iron grey which showed that it still retained a faint shade of its former blackness; and baldness had not even begun to rob him of any part of that natural covering.

being ten more than fifty

From this reading The individual alluded to was a man of middle height, of rather spare form, and slightly bowed--so that although his years in reality had scarcely numbered sixty, a casual beholder might have pronounced him to be above seventy.

to a small degree or extent

From this reading The individual alluded to was a man of middle height, of rather spare form, and slightly bowed--so that although his years in reality had scarcely numbered sixty, a casual beholder might have pronounced him to be above seventy.

for that reason; with the result that

From this reading The individual alluded to was a man of middle height, of rather spare form, and slightly bowed--so that although his years in reality had scarcely numbered sixty, a casual beholder might have pronounced him to be above seventy.

refrain from harming

From this reading The individual alluded to was a man of middle height, of rather spare form, and slightly bowed--so that although his years in reality had scarcely numbered sixty, a casual beholder might have pronounced him to be above seventy.

not in physical motion

From this reading His hair was of that iron grey which showed that it still retained a faint shade of its former blackness; and baldness had not even begun to rob him of any part of that natural covering.

the kind and number and arrangement of teeth (collectively) in a person or animal

From this reading A closer observation would, however, have dispelled this first impression; for his features were handsome and well-preserved, his teeth remarkably fine, and his hands entirely free from those wrinkles which usually appear upon the fingers of persons in the winter of their existence.

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading The individual alluded to was a man of middle height, of rather spare form, and slightly bowed--so that although his years in reality had scarcely numbered sixty, a casual beholder might have pronounced him to be above seventy.

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

From this reading The individual alluded to was a man of middle height, of rather spare form, and slightly bowed--so that although his years in reality had scarcely numbered sixty, a casual beholder might have pronounced him to be above seventy.

belonging to the people or things already mentioned

From this reading A closer observation would, however, have dispelled this first impression; for his features were handsome and well-preserved, his teeth remarkably fine, and his hands entirely free from those wrinkles which usually appear upon the fingers of persons in the winter of their existence.

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

From this reading A closer observation would, however, have dispelled this first impression; for his features were handsome and well-preserved, his teeth remarkably fine, and his hands entirely free from those wrinkles which usually appear upon the fingers of persons in the winter of their existence.

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

From this reading A closer observation would, however, have dispelled this first impression; for his features were handsome and well-preserved, his teeth remarkably fine, and his hands entirely free from those wrinkles which usually appear upon the fingers of persons in the winter of their existence.

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

From this reading The individual alluded to was a man of middle height, of rather spare form, and slightly bowed--so that although his years in reality had scarcely numbered sixty, a casual beholder might have pronounced him to be above seventy.

a formal word for “on”

From this reading A closer observation would, however, have dispelled this first impression; for his features were handsome and well-preserved, his teeth remarkably fine, and his hands entirely free from those wrinkles which usually appear upon the fingers of persons in the winter of their existence.

under normal conditions

From this reading A closer observation would, however, have dispelled this first impression; for his features were handsome and well-preserved, his teeth remarkably fine, and his hands entirely free from those wrinkles which usually appear upon the fingers of persons in the winter of their existence.

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

From this reading The individual alluded to was a man of middle height, of rather spare form, and slightly bowed--so that although his years in reality had scarcely numbered sixty, a casual beholder might have pronounced him to be above seventy.

used of older persons who are healthy

From this reading A closer observation would, however, have dispelled this first impression; for his features were handsome and well-preserved, his teeth remarkably fine, and his hands entirely free from those wrinkles which usually appear upon the fingers of persons in the winter of their existence.

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

From this reading A closer observation would, however, have dispelled this first impression; for his features were handsome and well-preserved, his teeth remarkably fine, and his hands entirely free from those wrinkles which usually appear upon the fingers of persons in the winter of their existence.

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

From this reading A closer observation would, however, have dispelled this first impression; for his features were handsome and well-preserved, his teeth remarkably fine, and his hands entirely free from those wrinkles which usually appear upon the fingers of persons in the winter of their existence.

the coldest season of the year; in the northern hemisphere it extends from the winter solstice to the vernal equinox

From this reading A closer observation would, however, have dispelled this first impression; for his features were handsome and well-preserved, his teeth remarkably fine, and his hands entirely free from those wrinkles which usually appear upon the fingers of persons in the winter of their existence.

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

From this reading A closer observation would, however, have dispelled this first impression; for his features were handsome and well-preserved, his teeth remarkably fine, and his hands entirely free from those wrinkles which usually appear upon the fingers of persons in the winter of their existence.

plural of “wrinkle” — a slight depression or fold in the smoothness of a surface

From this reading A closer observation would, however, have dispelled this first impression; for his features were handsome and well-preserved, his teeth remarkably fine, and his hands entirely free from those wrinkles which usually appear upon the fingers of persons in the winter of their existence.

a late time of life

From this reading The individual alluded to was a man of middle height, of rather spare form, and slightly bowed--so that although his years in reality had scarcely numbered sixty, a casual beholder might have pronounced him to be above seventy.