Chapter I

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

From this reading He could not have complained of any want of respect in the boy's utterance or in his manner, but there was an air of independence about the lad that jarred against his feelings, and made him a trifle cross--for the time being, that is.

on the subject of; concerning

From this reading He could not have complained of any want of respect in the boy's utterance or in his manner, but there was an air of independence about the lad that jarred against his feelings, and made him a trifle cross--for the time being, that is.

touching and pressing; in opposition to

From this reading He could not have complained of any want of respect in the boy's utterance or in his manner, but there was an air of independence about the lad that jarred against his feelings, and made him a trifle cross--for the time being, that is.

a mixture of gases (especially oxygen) required for breathing; the stuff that the wind consists of

From this reading He could not have complained of any want of respect in the boy's utterance or in his manner, but there was an air of independence about the lad that jarred against his feelings, and made him a trifle cross--for the time being, that is.

(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 For Nugent was a great man,--in his own country at all events.

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

From this reading There was something in the reply given by young Creggan M'Vayne to Elliott Nugent, Esq., that this gentleman did not altogether relish.

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

From this reading He could not have complained of any want of respect in the boy's utterance or in his manner, but there was an air of independence about the lad that jarred against his feelings, and made him a trifle cross--for the time being, that is.

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

From this reading He could not have complained of any want of respect in the boy's utterance or in his manner, but there was an air of independence about the lad that jarred against his feelings, and made him a trifle cross--for the time being, that is.

one or some or every or all without specification

From this reading He could not have complained of any want of respect in the boy's utterance or in his manner, but there was an air of independence about the lad that jarred against his feelings, and made him a trifle cross--for the time being, that is.

in or near a particular place or position

From this reading For Nugent was a great man,--in his own country at all events.

a nation occupying the whole of the Australian continent; Aboriginal tribes are thought to have migrated from southeastern Asia 20,000 years ago; first Europeans were British convicts sent there as a penal colony

From this reading He was an ex-secretary from one of the Colonies, and at home in Australia he had been like the centurion we read of in the New Testament, and had had many men under him to whom he could say "Do this" with the certainty of finding it done, for in his own great office his word had been law.

the past participle of “be”

From this reading He was an ex-secretary from one of the Colonies, and at home in Australia he had been like the centurion we read of in the New Testament, and had had many men under him to whom he could say "Do this" with the certainty of finding it done, for in his own great office his word had been law.

the -ing form of “be”

From this reading He could not have complained of any want of respect in the boy's utterance or in his manner, but there was an air of independence about the lad that jarred against his feelings, and made him a trifle cross--for the time being, that is.

possessive form of “boy” — a youthful male person

From this reading He could not have complained of any want of respect in the boy's utterance or in his manner, but there was an air of independence about the lad that jarred against his feelings, and made him a trifle cross--for the time being, that is.

used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before

From this reading He could not have complained of any want of respect in the boy's utterance or in his manner, but there was an air of independence about the lad that jarred against his feelings, and made him a trifle cross--for the time being, that is.

showing who or what does the action

From this reading There was something in the reply given by young Creggan M'Vayne to Elliott Nugent, Esq., that this gentleman did not altogether relish.

(ancient Rome) the leader of 100 soldiers

From this reading He was an ex-secretary from one of the Colonies, and at home in Australia he had been like the centurion we read of in the New Testament, and had had many men under him to whom he could say "Do this" with the certainty of finding it done, for in his own great office his word had been law.

the state of being certain

From this reading He was an ex-secretary from one of the Colonies, and at home in Australia he had been like the centurion we read of in the New Testament, and had had many men under him to whom he could say "Do this" with the certainty of finding it done, for in his own great office his word had been law.

plural of “colony” — a body of people who settle far from home but maintain ties with their homeland; inhabitants remain nationals of their home state but are not literally under the home state's system of government

From this reading He was an ex-secretary from one of the Colonies, and at home in Australia he had been like the centurion we read of in the New Testament, and had had many men under him to whom he could say "Do this" with the certainty of finding it done, for in his own great office his word had been law.

past form of “complain” — express complaints, discontent, displeasure, or unhappiness

From this reading He could not have complained of any want of respect in the boy's utterance or in his manner, but there was an air of independence about the lad that jarred against his feelings, and made him a trifle cross--for the time being, that is.

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

From this reading He could not have complained of any want of respect in the boy's utterance or in his manner, but there was an air of independence about the lad that jarred against his feelings, and made him a trifle cross--for the time being, that is.

a politically organized body of people under a single government

From this reading For Nugent was a great man,--in his own country at all events.

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

From this reading There was something in the reply given by young Creggan M'Vayne to Elliott Nugent, Esq., that this gentleman did not altogether relish.

travel across or pass over

From this reading He could not have complained of any want of respect in the boy's utterance or in his manner, but there was an air of independence about the lad that jarred against his feelings, and made him a trifle cross--for the time being, that is.

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

From this reading There was something in the reply given by young Creggan M'Vayne to Elliott Nugent, Esq., that this gentleman did not altogether relish.

used to form questions and negatives, and to give emphasis

From this reading He was an ex-secretary from one of the Colonies, and at home in Australia he had been like the centurion we read of in the New Testament, and had had many men under him to whom he could say "Do this" with the certainty of finding it done, for in his own great office his word had been law.

having finished or arrived at completion

From this reading He was an ex-secretary from one of the Colonies, and at home in Australia he had been like the centurion we read of in the New Testament, and had had many men under him to whom he could say "Do this" with the certainty of finding it done, for in his own great office his word had been law.

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

From this reading There was something in the reply given by young Creggan M'Vayne to Elliott Nugent, Esq., that this gentleman did not altogether relish.

a title of respect for a member of the English gentry ranking just below a knight; placed after the name

From this reading There was something in the reply given by young Creggan M'Vayne to Elliott Nugent, Esq., that this gentleman did not altogether relish.

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

From this reading For Nugent was a great man,--in his own country at all events.

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

From this reading He was an ex-secretary from one of the Colonies, and at home in Australia he had been like the centurion we read of in the New Testament, and had had many men under him to whom he could say "Do this" with the certainty of finding it done, for in his own great office his word had been law.

emotional or moral sensitivity (especially in relation to personal principles or dignity)

From this reading He could not have complained of any want of respect in the boy's utterance or in his manner, but there was an air of independence about the lad that jarred against his feelings, and made him a trifle cross--for the time being, that is.

the act of determining the properties of something, usually by research or calculation

From this reading He was an ex-secretary from one of the Colonies, and at home in Australia he had been like the centurion we read of in the New Testament, and had had many men under him to whom he could say "Do this" with the certainty of finding it done, for in his own great office his word had been law.

intended to be given to, or used by, somebody

From this reading He could not have complained of any want of respect in the boy's utterance or in his manner, but there was an air of independence about the lad that jarred against his feelings, and made him a trifle cross--for the time being, that is.

showing where something starts, or who sent it

From this reading He was an ex-secretary from one of the Colonies, and at home in Australia he had been like the centurion we read of in the New Testament, and had had many men under him to whom he could say "Do this" with the certainty of finding it done, for in his own great office his word had been law.

a man of refinement

From this reading There was something in the reply given by young Creggan M'Vayne to Elliott Nugent, Esq., that this gentleman did not altogether relish.

acknowledged as a supposition

From this reading There was something in the reply given by young Creggan M'Vayne to Elliott Nugent, Esq., that this gentleman did not altogether relish.

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

From this reading For Nugent was a great man,--in his own country at all events.

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

From this reading He was an ex-secretary from one of the Colonies, and at home in Australia he had been like the centurion we read of in the New Testament, and had had many men under him to whom he could say "Do this" with the certainty of finding it done, for in his own great office his word had been law.

used with a past participle to form the perfect tenses

From this reading He could not have complained of any want of respect in the boy's utterance or in his manner, but there was an air of independence about the lad that jarred against his feelings, and made him a trifle cross--for the time being, that is.

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

From this reading He could not have complained of any want of respect in the boy's utterance or in his manner, but there was an air of independence about the lad that jarred against his feelings, and made him a trifle cross--for the time being, that is.

one retired from society for religious reasons

From this reading THE HERMIT OF KILMARA.

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

From this reading He could not have complained of any want of respect in the boy's utterance or in his manner, but there was an air of independence about the lad that jarred against his feelings, and made him a trifle cross--for the time being, that is.

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

From this reading He could not have complained of any want of respect in the boy's utterance or in his manner, but there was an air of independence about the lad that jarred against his feelings, and made him a trifle cross--for the time being, that is.

where you live at a particular time

From this reading He was an ex-secretary from one of the Colonies, and at home in Australia he had been like the centurion we read of in the New Testament, and had had many men under him to whom he could say "Do this" with the certainty of finding it done, for in his own great office his word had been law.

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

From this reading There was something in the reply given by young Creggan M'Vayne to Elliott Nugent, Esq., that this gentleman did not altogether relish.

freedom from control or influence of another or others

From this reading He could not have complained of any want of respect in the boy's utterance or in his manner, but there was an air of independence about the lad that jarred against his feelings, and made him a trifle cross--for the time being, that is.

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

From this reading He could not have complained of any want of respect in the boy's utterance or in his manner, but there was an air of independence about the lad that jarred against his feelings, and made him a trifle cross--for the time being, that is.

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading He was an ex-secretary from one of the Colonies, and at home in Australia he had been like the centurion we read of in the New Testament, and had had many men under him to whom he could say "Do this" with the certainty of finding it done, for in his own great office his word had been law.

inflected form of “jar” — be incompatible; be or come into conflict

From this reading He could not have complained of any want of respect in the boy's utterance or in his manner, but there was an air of independence about the lad that jarred against his feelings, and made him a trifle cross--for the time being, that is.

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

From this reading THE HERMIT OF KILMARA.

a boy or man

From this reading He could not have complained of any want of respect in the boy's utterance or in his manner, but there was an air of independence about the lad that jarred against his feelings, and made him a trifle cross--for the time being, that is.

the collection of rules imposed by authority

From this reading He was an ex-secretary from one of the Colonies, and at home in Australia he had been like the centurion we read of in the New Testament, and had had many men under him to whom he could say "Do this" with the certainty of finding it done, for in his own great office his word had been law.

prefer or wish to do something

From this reading He was an ex-secretary from one of the Colonies, and at home in Australia he had been like the centurion we read of in the New Testament, and had had many men under him to whom he could say "Do this" with the certainty of finding it done, for in his own great office his word had been law.

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

From this reading There was something in the reply given by young Creggan M'Vayne to Elliott Nugent, Esq., that this gentleman did not altogether relish.

produced by a manufacturing process

From this reading He could not have complained of any want of respect in the boy's utterance or in his manner, but there was an air of independence about the lad that jarred against his feelings, and made him a trifle cross--for the time being, that is.

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

From this reading For Nugent was a great man,--in his own country at all events.

how something is done or how it happens

From this reading He could not have complained of any want of respect in the boy's utterance or in his manner, but there was an air of independence about the lad that jarred against his feelings, and made him a trifle cross--for the time being, that is.

a quantifier that can be used with count nouns and is often preceded by “as” or “too” or “so” or “that”; amounting to a large but indefinite number

From this reading He was an ex-secretary from one of the Colonies, and at home in Australia he had been like the centurion we read of in the New Testament, and had had many men under him to whom he could say "Do this" with the certainty of finding it done, for in his own great office his word had been law.

the force of workers available

From this reading He was an ex-secretary from one of the Colonies, and at home in Australia he had been like the centurion we read of in the New Testament, and had had many men under him to whom he could say "Do this" with the certainty of finding it done, for in his own great office his word had been law.

not of long duration; having just (or relatively recently) come into being or been made or acquired or discovered

From this reading He was an ex-secretary from one of the Colonies, and at home in Australia he had been like the centurion we read of in the New Testament, and had had many men under him to whom he could say "Do this" with the certainty of finding it done, for in his own great office his word had been law.

used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative

From this reading There was something in the reply given by young Creggan M'Vayne to Elliott Nugent, Esq., that this gentleman did not altogether relish.

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

From this reading There was something in the reply given by young Creggan M'Vayne to Elliott Nugent, Esq., that this gentleman did not altogether relish.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading THE HERMIT OF KILMARA.

place of business where professional or clerical duties are performed

From this reading He was an ex-secretary from one of the Colonies, and at home in Australia he had been like the centurion we read of in the New Testament, and had had many men under him to whom he could say "Do this" with the certainty of finding it done, for in his own great office his word had been law.

used to mean any person in general, including the speaker

From this reading He was an ex-secretary from one of the Colonies, and at home in Australia he had been like the centurion we read of in the New Testament, and had had many men under him to whom he could say "Do this" with the certainty of finding it done, for in his own great office his word had been law.

used to join alternatives or possibilities

From this reading He could not have complained of any want of respect in the boy's utterance or in his manner, but there was an air of independence about the lad that jarred against his feelings, and made him a trifle cross--for the time being, that is.

have ownership or possession of

From this reading For Nugent was a great man,--in his own country at all events.

interpret something that is written or printed

From this reading He was an ex-secretary from one of the Colonies, and at home in Australia he had been like the centurion we read of in the New Testament, and had had many men under him to whom he could say "Do this" with the certainty of finding it done, for in his own great office his word had been law.

vigorous and enthusiastic enjoyment

From this reading There was something in the reply given by young Creggan M'Vayne to Elliott Nugent, Esq., that this gentleman did not altogether relish.

a statement (either spoken or written) that is made to reply to a question or request or criticism or accusation

From this reading There was something in the reply given by young Creggan M'Vayne to Elliott Nugent, Esq., that this gentleman did not altogether relish.

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

From this reading He could not have complained of any want of respect in the boy's utterance or in his manner, but there was an air of independence about the lad that jarred against his feelings, and made him a trifle cross--for the time being, that is.

express in words

From this reading He was an ex-secretary from one of the Colonies, and at home in Australia he had been like the centurion we read of in the New Testament, and had had many men under him to whom he could say "Do this" with the certainty of finding it done, for in his own great office his word had been law.

a thing, without saying which

From this reading There was something in the reply given by young Creggan M'Vayne to Elliott Nugent, Esq., that this gentleman did not altogether relish.

a profession of belief

From this reading He was an ex-secretary from one of the Colonies, and at home in Australia he had been like the centurion we read of in the New Testament, and had had many men under him to whom he could say "Do this" with the certainty of finding it done, for in his own great office his word had been law.

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading There was something in the reply given by young Creggan M'Vayne to Elliott Nugent, Esq., that this gentleman did not altogether relish.

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

From this reading THE HERMIT OF KILMARA.

in or at that place or location

From this reading There was something in the reply given by young Creggan M'Vayne to Elliott Nugent, Esq., that this gentleman did not altogether relish.

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

From this reading There was something in the reply given by young Creggan M'Vayne to Elliott Nugent, Esq., that this gentleman did not altogether relish.

an instance or single occasion for some event

From this reading He could not have complained of any want of respect in the boy's utterance or in his manner, but there was an air of independence about the lad that jarred against his feelings, and made him a trifle cross--for the time being, that is.

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

From this reading There was something in the reply given by young Creggan M'Vayne to Elliott Nugent, Esq., that this gentleman did not altogether relish.

a cold pudding made of layers of sponge cake spread with fruit or jelly; may be decorated with nuts, cream, or chocolate

From this reading He could not have complained of any want of respect in the boy's utterance or in his manner, but there was an air of independence about the lad that jarred against his feelings, and made him a trifle cross--for the time being, that is.

below or beneath something; less than

From this reading He was an ex-secretary from one of the Colonies, and at home in Australia he had been like the centurion we read of in the New Testament, and had had many men under him to whom he could say "Do this" with the certainty of finding it done, for in his own great office his word had been law.

the use of uttered sounds for auditory communication

From this reading He could not have complained of any want of respect in the boy's utterance or in his manner, but there was an air of independence about the lad that jarred against his feelings, and made him a trifle cross--for the time being, that is.

feel or have a desire for; want strongly

From this reading He could not have complained of any want of respect in the boy's utterance or in his manner, but there was an air of independence about the lad that jarred against his feelings, and made him a trifle cross--for the time being, that is.

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

From this reading There was something in the reply given by young Creggan M'Vayne to Elliott Nugent, Esq., that this gentleman did not altogether relish.

the speaker together with one or more other people

From this reading He was an ex-secretary from one of the Colonies, and at home in Australia he had been like the centurion we read of in the New Testament, and had had many men under him to whom he could say "Do this" with the certainty of finding it done, for in his own great office his word had been law.

the form of “who” used as the object of a verb or preposition

From this reading He was an ex-secretary from one of the Colonies, and at home in Australia he had been like the centurion we read of in the New Testament, and had had many men under him to whom he could say "Do this" with the certainty of finding it done, for in his own great office his word had been law.

in the company of; together with

From this reading He was an ex-secretary from one of the Colonies, and at home in Australia he had been like the centurion we read of in the New Testament, and had had many men under him to whom he could say "Do this" with the certainty of finding it done, for in his own great office his word had been law.

a unit of language that native speakers can identify

From this reading He was an ex-secretary from one of the Colonies, and at home in Australia he had been like the centurion we read of in the New Testament, and had had many men under him to whom he could say "Do this" with the certainty of finding it done, for in his own great office his word had been law.

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

From this reading There was something in the reply given by young Creggan M'Vayne to Elliott Nugent, Esq., that this gentleman did not altogether relish.