used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading Not one in a hundred is fit to be read, and scarcely one in a thousand deserves production.
actor'snounUS /ˈæktərz/
possessive form of “actor” — a theatrical performer
From this reading People who imagine an actor’s life is all honey forget that he has to read plays, and the reading of plays is at once the most onerous and exacting of all tasks.
speak to
From this reading Nearly everyone believes he can write a play, and most of these believers have a shot at it—and good, bad or indifferent, each one of these shots is stuffed into the barrel of a quarto envelope, charged with the address of this or that theatrical manager, and propelled by means of a given number of postage-stamps to its billet upon the managerial desk.
(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 People who imagine an actor’s life is all honey forget that he has to read plays, and the reading of plays is at once the most onerous and exacting of all tasks.
the form of “a” used before a word that begins with a vowel sound
From this reading People who imagine an actor’s life is all honey forget that he has to read plays, and the reading of plays is at once the most onerous and exacting of all tasks.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading People who imagine an actor’s life is all honey forget that he has to read plays, and the reading of plays is at once the most onerous and exacting of all tasks.
at the same time that; because; in the way that
From this reading Should the desk pertain to one of the more illustrious lights of the stage, the envelope is carried off by some erudite young gentleman, employed for the purpose, who cons the manuscript by the light of midnight oil, and directs its future career forward or backward, as the merit of the work suggests.
in or near a particular place or position
From this reading People who imagine an actor’s life is all honey forget that he has to read plays, and the reading of plays is at once the most onerous and exacting of all tasks.
backwardadverbUS /ˈbækwərd/
at or to or toward the back or rear
From this reading Should the desk pertain to one of the more illustrious lights of the stage, the envelope is carried off by some erudite young gentleman, employed for the purpose, who cons the manuscript by the light of midnight oil, and directs its future career forward or backward, as the merit of the work suggests.
having undesirable or negative qualities
From this reading Nearly everyone believes he can write a play, and most of these believers have a shot at it—and good, bad or indifferent, each one of these shots is stuffed into the barrel of a quarto envelope, charged with the address of this or that theatrical manager, and propelled by means of a given number of postage-stamps to its billet upon the managerial desk.
barrelnounUS /ˈbærəl/
a tube through which a bullet travels when a gun is fired
From this reading Nearly everyone believes he can write a play, and most of these believers have a shot at it—and good, bad or indifferent, each one of these shots is stuffed into the barrel of a quarto envelope, charged with the address of this or that theatrical manager, and propelled by means of a given number of postage-stamps to its billet upon the managerial desk.
used with a past participle to form the passive, or with -ing for continuous tenses
From this reading Not one in a hundred is fit to be read, and scarcely one in a thousand deserves production.
enter or assume a certain state or condition
From this reading In pursuance of this melancholy vocation the optic nerves and digestive organs invariably become impaired.
believersnounUS /bəˈliːvərz/
plural of “believer” — a supporter who accepts something as true
From this reading Nearly everyone believes he can write a play, and most of these believers have a shot at it—and good, bad or indifferent, each one of these shots is stuffed into the barrel of a quarto envelope, charged with the address of this or that theatrical manager, and propelled by means of a given number of postage-stamps to its billet upon the managerial desk.
believesverbUS /bɪˈliːvz/
third-person singular of “believe” — accept as true; take to be true
From this reading Nearly everyone believes he can write a play, and most of these believers have a shot at it—and good, bad or indifferent, each one of these shots is stuffed into the barrel of a quarto envelope, charged with the address of this or that theatrical manager, and propelled by means of a given number of postage-stamps to its billet upon the managerial desk.
billetnounUS /ˈbɪlət/
a short personal letter
From this reading Nearly everyone believes he can write a play, and most of these believers have a shot at it—and good, bad or indifferent, each one of these shots is stuffed into the barrel of a quarto envelope, charged with the address of this or that theatrical manager, and propelled by means of a given number of postage-stamps to its billet upon the managerial desk.
showing who or what does the action
From this reading Nearly everyone believes he can write a play, and most of these believers have a shot at it—and good, bad or indifferent, each one of these shots is stuffed into the barrel of a quarto envelope, charged with the address of this or that theatrical manager, and propelled by means of a given number of postage-stamps to its billet upon the managerial desk.
to be able to, or to be allowed to
From this reading Nearly everyone believes he can write a play, and most of these believers have a shot at it—and good, bad or indifferent, each one of these shots is stuffed into the barrel of a quarto envelope, charged with the address of this or that theatrical manager, and propelled by means of a given number of postage-stamps to its billet upon the managerial desk.
the particular occupation for which you are trained
From this reading Should the desk pertain to one of the more illustrious lights of the stage, the envelope is carried off by some erudite young gentleman, employed for the purpose, who cons the manuscript by the light of midnight oil, and directs its future career forward or backward, as the merit of the work suggests.
inflected form of “carry” — move while supporting, either in a vehicle or in one's hands or on one's body
From this reading Should the desk pertain to one of the more illustrious lights of the stage, the envelope is carried off by some erudite young gentleman, employed for the purpose, who cons the manuscript by the light of midnight oil, and directs its future career forward or backward, as the merit of the work suggests.
chargedadjectiveUS /tʃɑːrdʒd/
of a particle or body or system; having a net amount of positive or negative electric charge
From this reading Nearly everyone believes he can write a play, and most of these believers have a shot at it—and good, bad or indifferent, each one of these shots is stuffed into the barrel of a quarto envelope, charged with the address of this or that theatrical manager, and propelled by means of a given number of postage-stamps to its billet upon the managerial desk.
consnounUS /kɑːnz/
plural of “con” — an argument opposed to a proposal
From this reading Should the desk pertain to one of the more illustrious lights of the stage, the envelope is carried off by some erudite young gentleman, employed for the purpose, who cons the manuscript by the light of midnight oil, and directs its future career forward or backward, as the merit of the work suggests.
deservesverbUS /dɪˈzɜːrvz/
third-person singular of “deserve” — be worthy or deserving
From this reading Not one in a hundred is fit to be read, and scarcely one in a thousand deserves production.
a piece of furniture with a writing surface and usually drawers or other compartments
From this reading Nearly everyone believes he can write a play, and most of these believers have a shot at it—and good, bad or indifferent, each one of these shots is stuffed into the barrel of a quarto envelope, charged with the address of this or that theatrical manager, and propelled by means of a given number of postage-stamps to its billet upon the managerial desk.
digestiveadjectiveUS /daɪˈdʒestɪv/
relating to or having the power to cause or promote digestion
From this reading In pursuance of this melancholy vocation the optic nerves and digestive organs invariably become impaired.
directsverbUS /dərˈekts/
third-person singular of “direct” — command with authority
From this reading Should the desk pertain to one of the more illustrious lights of the stage, the envelope is carried off by some erudite young gentleman, employed for the purpose, who cons the manuscript by the light of midnight oil, and directs its future career forward or backward, as the merit of the work suggests.
every one of two or more people or things, taken separately
From this reading Nearly everyone believes he can write a play, and most of these believers have a shot at it—and good, bad or indifferent, each one of these shots is stuffed into the barrel of a quarto envelope, charged with the address of this or that theatrical manager, and propelled by means of a given number of postage-stamps to its billet upon the managerial desk.
having your services engaged for; or having a job especially one that pays wages or a salary
From this reading Should the desk pertain to one of the more illustrious lights of the stage, the envelope is carried off by some erudite young gentleman, employed for the purpose, who cons the manuscript by the light of midnight oil, and directs its future career forward or backward, as the merit of the work suggests.
envelopenounUS /ˈenvəloʊp/
a flat (usually rectangular) container for a letter, thin package, etc.
From this reading Nearly everyone believes he can write a play, and most of these believers have a shot at it—and good, bad or indifferent, each one of these shots is stuffed into the barrel of a quarto envelope, charged with the address of this or that theatrical manager, and propelled by means of a given number of postage-stamps to its billet upon the managerial desk.
eruditeadjectiveUS /ˈerədaɪt/
having or showing profound knowledge
From this reading Should the desk pertain to one of the more illustrious lights of the stage, the envelope is carried off by some erudite young gentleman, employed for the purpose, who cons the manuscript by the light of midnight oil, and directs its future career forward or backward, as the merit of the work suggests.
every person
From this reading Nearly everyone believes he can write a play, and most of these believers have a shot at it—and good, bad or indifferent, each one of these shots is stuffed into the barrel of a quarto envelope, charged with the address of this or that theatrical manager, and propelled by means of a given number of postage-stamps to its billet upon the managerial desk.
exactingadjectiveUS /ɪɡˈzæktɪŋ/
having complicated nutritional requirements; especially growing only in special artificial cultures
From this reading People who imagine an actor’s life is all honey forget that he has to read plays, and the reading of plays is at once the most onerous and exacting of all tasks.
be agreeable or acceptable to
From this reading Not one in a hundred is fit to be read, and scarcely one in a thousand deserves production.
intended to be given to, or used by, somebody
From this reading Should the desk pertain to one of the more illustrious lights of the stage, the envelope is carried off by some erudite young gentleman, employed for the purpose, who cons the manuscript by the light of midnight oil, and directs its future career forward or backward, as the merit of the work suggests.
dismiss from the mind; stop remembering
From this reading People who imagine an actor’s life is all honey forget that he has to read plays, and the reading of plays is at once the most onerous and exacting of all tasks.
at or to or toward the front
From this reading Should the desk pertain to one of the more illustrious lights of the stage, the envelope is carried off by some erudite young gentleman, employed for the purpose, who cons the manuscript by the light of midnight oil, and directs its future career forward or backward, as the merit of the work suggests.
yet to be or coming
From this reading Should the desk pertain to one of the more illustrious lights of the stage, the envelope is carried off by some erudite young gentleman, employed for the purpose, who cons the manuscript by the light of midnight oil, and directs its future career forward or backward, as the merit of the work suggests.
a man of refinement
From this reading Should the desk pertain to one of the more illustrious lights of the stage, the envelope is carried off by some erudite young gentleman, employed for the purpose, who cons the manuscript by the light of midnight oil, and directs its future career forward or backward, as the merit of the work suggests.
givenadjectiveUS /ˈɡɪvən/
acknowledged as a supposition
From this reading Nearly everyone believes he can write a play, and most of these believers have a shot at it—and good, bad or indifferent, each one of these shots is stuffed into the barrel of a quarto envelope, charged with the address of this or that theatrical manager, and propelled by means of a given number of postage-stamps to its billet upon the managerial desk.
having desirable or positive qualities especially those suitable for a thing specified
From this reading Nearly everyone believes he can write a play, and most of these believers have a shot at it—and good, bad or indifferent, each one of these shots is stuffed into the barrel of a quarto envelope, charged with the address of this or that theatrical manager, and propelled by means of a given number of postage-stamps to its billet upon the managerial desk.
hasauxiliary verbUS /hæz/
the form of “have” used with he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading People who imagine an actor’s life is all honey forget that he has to read plays, and the reading of plays is at once the most onerous and exacting of all tasks.
haveauxiliary verbUS /hæv/
used with a past participle to form the perfect tenses
From this reading Nearly everyone believes he can write a play, and most of these believers have a shot at it—and good, bad or indifferent, each one of these shots is stuffed into the barrel of a quarto envelope, charged with the address of this or that theatrical manager, and propelled by means of a given number of postage-stamps to its billet upon the managerial desk.
a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading People who imagine an actor’s life is all honey forget that he has to read plays, and the reading of plays is at once the most onerous and exacting of all tasks.
honeynounUS /ˈhʌni/
a sweet yellow liquid produced by bees
From this reading People who imagine an actor’s life is all honey forget that he has to read plays, and the reading of plays is at once the most onerous and exacting of all tasks.
ten 10s
From this reading Not one in a hundred is fit to be read, and scarcely one in a thousand deserves production.
illustriousadjectiveUS /ˌɪˈlʌstriəs/
widely known and esteemed
From this reading Should the desk pertain to one of the more illustrious lights of the stage, the envelope is carried off by some erudite young gentleman, employed for the purpose, who cons the manuscript by the light of midnight oil, and directs its future career forward or backward, as the merit of the work suggests.
form a mental image of something that is not present or that is not the case
From this reading People who imagine an actor’s life is all honey forget that he has to read plays, and the reading of plays is at once the most onerous and exacting of all tasks.
impairedadjectiveUS /ˌɪmˈperd/
diminished in strength, quality, or utility
From this reading In pursuance of this melancholy vocation the optic nerves and digestive organs invariably become impaired.
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading Not one in a hundred is fit to be read, and scarcely one in a thousand deserves production.
indifferentadjectiveUS /ˌɪnˈdɪfrənt/
marked by a lack of interest
From this reading Nearly everyone believes he can write a play, and most of these believers have a shot at it—and good, bad or indifferent, each one of these shots is stuffed into the barrel of a quarto envelope, charged with the address of this or that theatrical manager, and propelled by means of a given number of postage-stamps to its billet upon the managerial desk.
intoprepositionUS /ˈɪntuː/
moving to the inside of something
From this reading Nearly everyone believes he can write a play, and most of these believers have a shot at it—and good, bad or indifferent, each one of these shots is stuffed into the barrel of a quarto envelope, charged with the address of this or that theatrical manager, and propelled by means of a given number of postage-stamps to its billet upon the managerial desk.
invariablyadverbUS /ˌɪnˈveriəbli/
without variation or change, in every case
From this reading In pursuance of this melancholy vocation the optic nerves and digestive organs invariably become impaired.
the form of “be” used with he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading People who imagine an actor’s life is all honey forget that he has to read plays, and the reading of plays is at once the most onerous and exacting of all tasks.
a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned
From this reading Nearly everyone believes he can write a play, and most of these believers have a shot at it—and good, bad or indifferent, each one of these shots is stuffed into the barrel of a quarto envelope, charged with the address of this or that theatrical manager, and propelled by means of a given number of postage-stamps to its billet upon the managerial desk.
belonging to the thing or animal already mentioned
From this reading Nearly everyone believes he can write a play, and most of these believers have a shot at it—and good, bad or indifferent, each one of these shots is stuffed into the barrel of a quarto envelope, charged with the address of this or that theatrical manager, and propelled by means of a given number of postage-stamps to its billet upon the managerial desk.
a characteristic state or mode of living
From this reading People who imagine an actor’s life is all honey forget that he has to read plays, and the reading of plays is at once the most onerous and exacting of all tasks.
of comparatively little physical weight or density
From this reading Should the desk pertain to one of the more illustrious lights of the stage, the envelope is carried off by some erudite young gentleman, employed for the purpose, who cons the manuscript by the light of midnight oil, and directs its future career forward or backward, as the merit of the work suggests.
plural of “light” — (physics) electromagnetic radiation that can produce a visual sensation
From this reading Should the desk pertain to one of the more illustrious lights of the stage, the envelope is carried off by some erudite young gentleman, employed for the purpose, who cons the manuscript by the light of midnight oil, and directs its future career forward or backward, as the merit of the work suggests.
managernounUS /ˈmænədʒər/
someone who controls resources and expenditures
From this reading Nearly everyone believes he can write a play, and most of these believers have a shot at it—and good, bad or indifferent, each one of these shots is stuffed into the barrel of a quarto envelope, charged with the address of this or that theatrical manager, and propelled by means of a given number of postage-stamps to its billet upon the managerial desk.
managerialadjectiveUS /ˌmænɪˈdʒɪriəl/
of or relating to the function or responsibility or activity of management
From this reading Nearly everyone believes he can write a play, and most of these believers have a shot at it—and good, bad or indifferent, each one of these shots is stuffed into the barrel of a quarto envelope, charged with the address of this or that theatrical manager, and propelled by means of a given number of postage-stamps to its billet upon the managerial desk.
manuscriptnounUS /ˈmæn.jə.skrɪpt/
A book, document, or piece of music written by hand rather than typed or printed.
From this reading Should the desk pertain to one of the more illustrious lights of the stage, the envelope is carried off by some erudite young gentleman, employed for the purpose, who cons the manuscript by the light of midnight oil, and directs its future career forward or backward, as the merit of the work suggests.
thing or person that acts to produce a particular effect or achieve an end
From this reading Nearly everyone believes he can write a play, and most of these believers have a shot at it—and good, bad or indifferent, each one of these shots is stuffed into the barrel of a quarto envelope, charged with the address of this or that theatrical manager, and propelled by means of a given number of postage-stamps to its billet upon the managerial desk.
a feeling of thoughtful sadness
From this reading In pursuance of this melancholy vocation the optic nerves and digestive organs invariably become impaired.
meritnounUS /ˈmerət/
any admirable quality or attribute
From this reading Should the desk pertain to one of the more illustrious lights of the stage, the envelope is carried off by some erudite young gentleman, employed for the purpose, who cons the manuscript by the light of midnight oil, and directs its future career forward or backward, as the merit of the work suggests.
12 o'clock at night; the middle of the night
From this reading Should the desk pertain to one of the more illustrious lights of the stage, the envelope is carried off by some erudite young gentleman, employed for the purpose, who cons the manuscript by the light of midnight oil, and directs its future career forward or backward, as the merit of the work suggests.
(comparative of “much” used with mass nouns) a quantifier meaning greater in size or amount or extent or degree
From this reading Should the desk pertain to one of the more illustrious lights of the stage, the envelope is carried off by some erudite young gentleman, employed for the purpose, who cons the manuscript by the light of midnight oil, and directs its future career forward or backward, as the merit of the work suggests.
used to form the superlative
From this reading People who imagine an actor’s life is all honey forget that he has to read plays, and the reading of plays is at once the most onerous and exacting of all tasks.
(of actions or states) slightly short of or not quite accomplished; all but
From this reading Nearly everyone believes he can write a play, and most of these believers have a shot at it—and good, bad or indifferent, each one of these shots is stuffed into the barrel of a quarto envelope, charged with the address of this or that theatrical manager, and propelled by means of a given number of postage-stamps to its billet upon the managerial desk.
an uneasy psychological state
From this reading In pursuance of this melancholy vocation the optic nerves and digestive organs invariably become impaired.
used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative
From this reading Not one in a hundred is fit to be read, and scarcely one in a thousand deserves production.
the property possessed by a sum or total or indefinite quantity of units or individuals
From this reading Nearly everyone believes he can write a play, and most of these believers have a shot at it—and good, bad or indifferent, each one of these shots is stuffed into the barrel of a quarto envelope, charged with the address of this or that theatrical manager, and propelled by means of a given number of postage-stamps to its billet upon the managerial desk.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading People who imagine an actor’s life is all honey forget that he has to read plays, and the reading of plays is at once the most onerous and exacting of all tasks.
from a particular thing or place or position (“forth” is obsolete)
From this reading Should the desk pertain to one of the more illustrious lights of the stage, the envelope is carried off by some erudite young gentleman, employed for the purpose, who cons the manuscript by the light of midnight oil, and directs its future career forward or backward, as the merit of the work suggests.
A viscous liquid derived from petroleum or plants, stored in large earthen jars.
From this reading Should the desk pertain to one of the more illustrious lights of the stage, the envelope is carried off by some erudite young gentleman, employed for the purpose, who cons the manuscript by the light of midnight oil, and directs its future career forward or backward, as the merit of the work suggests.
on one occasion
From this reading People who imagine an actor’s life is all honey forget that he has to read plays, and the reading of plays is at once the most onerous and exacting of all tasks.
used to mean any person in general, including the speaker
From this reading Not one in a hundred is fit to be read, and scarcely one in a thousand deserves production.
onerousadjectiveUS /ˈoʊnərəs/
not easily borne; wearing
From this reading People who imagine an actor’s life is all honey forget that he has to read plays, and the reading of plays is at once the most onerous and exacting of all tasks.
opticadjectiveUS /ˈɑːptɪk/
of or relating to or resembling the eye
From this reading In pursuance of this melancholy vocation the optic nerves and digestive organs invariably become impaired.
used to join alternatives or possibilities
From this reading Nearly everyone believes he can write a play, and most of these believers have a shot at it—and good, bad or indifferent, each one of these shots is stuffed into the barrel of a quarto envelope, charged with the address of this or that theatrical manager, and propelled by means of a given number of postage-stamps to its billet upon the managerial desk.
organsnounUS /ˈɔːrɡənz/
edible viscera of a butchered animal
From this reading In pursuance of this melancholy vocation the optic nerves and digestive organs invariably become impaired.
(plural) any group of human beings (men or women or children) collectively
From this reading People who imagine an actor’s life is all honey forget that he has to read plays, and the reading of plays is at once the most onerous and exacting of all tasks.
pertainverbUS /pərˈteɪn/
be relevant to
From this reading Should the desk pertain to one of the more illustrious lights of the stage, the envelope is carried off by some erudite young gentleman, employed for the purpose, who cons the manuscript by the light of midnight oil, and directs its future career forward or backward, as the merit of the work suggests.
participate in games or sport
From this reading Nearly everyone believes he can write a play, and most of these believers have a shot at it—and good, bad or indifferent, each one of these shots is stuffed into the barrel of a quarto envelope, charged with the address of this or that theatrical manager, and propelled by means of a given number of postage-stamps to its billet upon the managerial desk.
plural of “play” — a dramatic work intended for performance by actors on a stage
From this reading People who imagine an actor’s life is all honey forget that he has to read plays, and the reading of plays is at once the most onerous and exacting of all tasks.
postage-stamps
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Nearly everyone believes he can write a play, and most of these believers have a shot at it—and good, bad or indifferent, each one of these shots is stuffed into the barrel of a quarto envelope, charged with the address of this or that theatrical manager, and propelled by means of a given number of postage-stamps to its billet upon the managerial desk.
productionnounUS /prəˈdʌkʃən/
the act or process of producing something
From this reading Not one in a hundred is fit to be read, and scarcely one in a thousand deserves production.
propelledverbUS /prəˈpeld/
inflected form of “propel” — cause to move forward with force
From this reading Nearly everyone believes he can write a play, and most of these believers have a shot at it—and good, bad or indifferent, each one of these shots is stuffed into the barrel of a quarto envelope, charged with the address of this or that theatrical manager, and propelled by means of a given number of postage-stamps to its billet upon the managerial desk.
an anticipated outcome that is intended or that guides your planned actions
From this reading Should the desk pertain to one of the more illustrious lights of the stage, the envelope is carried off by some erudite young gentleman, employed for the purpose, who cons the manuscript by the light of midnight oil, and directs its future career forward or backward, as the merit of the work suggests.
pursuancenoun
a search for an alternative that meets cognitive criteria
From this reading In pursuance of this melancholy vocation the optic nerves and digestive organs invariably become impaired.
quartonounUS /ˈkwɔːrtoʊ/
the size of a book whose pages are made by folding a sheet of paper twice to form four leaves
From this reading Nearly everyone believes he can write a play, and most of these believers have a shot at it—and good, bad or indifferent, each one of these shots is stuffed into the barrel of a quarto envelope, charged with the address of this or that theatrical manager, and propelled by means of a given number of postage-stamps to its billet upon the managerial desk.
interpret something that is written or printed
From this reading People who imagine an actor’s life is all honey forget that he has to read plays, and the reading of plays is at once the most onerous and exacting of all tasks.
the cognitive process of understanding a written linguistic message
From this reading People who imagine an actor’s life is all honey forget that he has to read plays, and the reading of plays is at once the most onerous and exacting of all tasks.
only a very short time before
From this reading Not one in a hundred is fit to be read, and scarcely one in a thousand deserves production.
the act of firing a projectile
From this reading Nearly everyone believes he can write a play, and most of these believers have a shot at it—and good, bad or indifferent, each one of these shots is stuffed into the barrel of a quarto envelope, charged with the address of this or that theatrical manager, and propelled by means of a given number of postage-stamps to its billet upon the managerial desk.
shotsnounUS /ʃɑːts/
plural of “shot” — the act of firing a projectile
From this reading Nearly everyone believes he can write a play, and most of these believers have a shot at it—and good, bad or indifferent, each one of these shots is stuffed into the barrel of a quarto envelope, charged with the address of this or that theatrical manager, and propelled by means of a given number of postage-stamps to its billet upon the managerial desk.
used to say what is right, expected, or advisable
From this reading Should the desk pertain to one of the more illustrious lights of the stage, the envelope is carried off by some erudite young gentleman, employed for the purpose, who cons the manuscript by the light of midnight oil, and directs its future career forward or backward, as the merit of the work suggests.
(quantifier) used with either mass nouns or plural count nouns to indicate an unspecified number or quantity
From this reading Should the desk pertain to one of the more illustrious lights of the stage, the envelope is carried off by some erudite young gentleman, employed for the purpose, who cons the manuscript by the light of midnight oil, and directs its future career forward or backward, as the merit of the work suggests.
any distinct time period in a sequence of events
From this reading Should the desk pertain to one of the more illustrious lights of the stage, the envelope is carried off by some erudite young gentleman, employed for the purpose, who cons the manuscript by the light of midnight oil, and directs its future career forward or backward, as the merit of the work suggests.
stuffedadjectiveUS /stʌft/
filled with something
From this reading Nearly everyone believes he can write a play, and most of these believers have a shot at it—and good, bad or indifferent, each one of these shots is stuffed into the barrel of a quarto envelope, charged with the address of this or that theatrical manager, and propelled by means of a given number of postage-stamps to its billet upon the managerial desk.
suggestsverbUS /səˈdʒests/
third-person singular of “suggest” — make a proposal, declare a plan for something
From this reading Should the desk pertain to one of the more illustrious lights of the stage, the envelope is carried off by some erudite young gentleman, employed for the purpose, who cons the manuscript by the light of midnight oil, and directs its future career forward or backward, as the merit of the work suggests.
tasksnounUS /tæsks/
plural of “task” — any piece of work that is undertaken or attempted
From this reading People who imagine an actor’s life is all honey forget that he has to read plays, and the reading of plays is at once the most onerous and exacting of all tasks.
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading People who imagine an actor’s life is all honey forget that he has to read plays, and the reading of plays is at once the most onerous and exacting of all tasks.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading People who imagine an actor’s life is all honey forget that he has to read plays, and the reading of plays is at once the most onerous and exacting of all tasks.
theatricaladjectiveUS /θiˈætrɪkəl/
of or relating to the theater
From this reading Nearly everyone believes he can write a play, and most of these believers have a shot at it—and good, bad or indifferent, each one of these shots is stuffed into the barrel of a quarto envelope, charged with the address of this or that theatrical manager, and propelled by means of a given number of postage-stamps to its billet upon the managerial desk.
the plural of “this”: the people or things near, or just mentioned
From this reading Nearly everyone believes he can write a play, and most of these believers have a shot at it—and good, bad or indifferent, each one of these shots is stuffed into the barrel of a quarto envelope, charged with the address of this or that theatrical manager, and propelled by means of a given number of postage-stamps to its billet upon the managerial desk.
used for a person or thing that is near, or that has just been mentioned
From this reading Nearly everyone believes he can write a play, and most of these believers have a shot at it—and good, bad or indifferent, each one of these shots is stuffed into the barrel of a quarto envelope, charged with the address of this or that theatrical manager, and propelled by means of a given number of postage-stamps to its billet upon the managerial desk.
the cardinal number that is the product of 10 and 100
From this reading Not one in a hundred is fit to be read, and scarcely one in a thousand deserves production.
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading People who imagine an actor’s life is all honey forget that he has to read plays, and the reading of plays is at once the most onerous and exacting of all tasks.
uponprepositionUS /əˈpɑːn/
a formal word for “on”
From this reading Nearly everyone believes he can write a play, and most of these believers have a shot at it—and good, bad or indifferent, each one of these shots is stuffed into the barrel of a quarto envelope, charged with the address of this or that theatrical manager, and propelled by means of a given number of postage-stamps to its billet upon the managerial desk.
vocationnounUS /voʊˈkeɪʃən/
the particular occupation for which you are trained
From this reading In pursuance of this melancholy vocation the optic nerves and digestive organs invariably become impaired.
which person or people
From this reading People who imagine an actor’s life is all honey forget that he has to read plays, and the reading of plays is at once the most onerous and exacting of all tasks.
in the company of; together with
From this reading Nearly everyone believes he can write a play, and most of these believers have a shot at it—and good, bad or indifferent, each one of these shots is stuffed into the barrel of a quarto envelope, charged with the address of this or that theatrical manager, and propelled by means of a given number of postage-stamps to its billet upon the managerial desk.
exert oneself by doing mental or physical work for a purpose or out of necessity
From this reading Should the desk pertain to one of the more illustrious lights of the stage, the envelope is carried off by some erudite young gentleman, employed for the purpose, who cons the manuscript by the light of midnight oil, and directs its future career forward or backward, as the merit of the work suggests.
produce a literary work
From this reading Nearly everyone believes he can write a play, and most of these believers have a shot at it—and good, bad or indifferent, each one of these shots is stuffed into the barrel of a quarto envelope, charged with the address of this or that theatrical manager, and propelled by means of a given number of postage-stamps to its billet upon the managerial desk.
(used of living things especially persons) in an early period of life or development or growth
From this reading Should the desk pertain to one of the more illustrious lights of the stage, the envelope is carried off by some erudite young gentleman, employed for the purpose, who cons the manuscript by the light of midnight oil, and directs its future career forward or backward, as the merit of the work suggests.
