used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading “MY early days,” the old man continued, “were, as all the rest have been, a mixture of happiness and troubles.
abundantadjectiveUS /əˈbʌndənt/
present in great quantity
From this reading I believe the troubles were, at the time, rather the more abundant part, though, in looking back on my past days I remember the bright spots more distinctly than the dark: just as, in youth, I have stood on Yewdale crag, and distinctly seen the distant top of Snafell in the Isle of Man, because a sunbeam happened to fall on it, while all was dark and indistinct around it.
(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 “MY early days,” the old man continued, “were, as all the rest have been, a mixture of happiness and troubles.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading “Why rather, sleep, liest thou in smoky cribs, Upon uneasy pallets stretching thee, And hush’d with buzzing night-flies to thy slumber; Than in the perfum’d chambers of the great, Under the canopies of costly state, And lull’d with sounds of sweetest melody!”
one or some or every or all without specification
From this reading My father was a little _Statesman_; by which, as you know, is not meant, in Cumberland, any thing like Lord John Russell, as such a term would be understood in Manchester; for he never, I believe, read a newspaper in his life; nay, probably never saw one, unless it might be upon Lady le Fleming’s hall table, when he went, as he did, once a year, to Rydal, to pay his boon rent to her, as lady of the manor.
surrounding, or on every side of, something
From this reading I believe the troubles were, at the time, rather the more abundant part, though, in looking back on my past days I remember the bright spots more distinctly than the dark: just as, in youth, I have stood on Yewdale crag, and distinctly seen the distant top of Snafell in the Isle of Man, because a sunbeam happened to fall on it, while all was dark and indistinct around it.
at the same time that; because; in the way that
From this reading “MY early days,” the old man continued, “were, as all the rest have been, a mixture of happiness and troubles.
in or near a particular place or position
From this reading I believe the troubles were, at the time, rather the more abundant part, though, in looking back on my past days I remember the bright spots more distinctly than the dark: just as, in youth, I have stood on Yewdale crag, and distinctly seen the distant top of Snafell in the Isle of Man, because a sunbeam happened to fall on it, while all was dark and indistinct around it.
in or to or toward a former location
From this reading I believe the troubles were, at the time, rather the more abundant part, though, in looking back on my past days I remember the bright spots more distinctly than the dark: just as, in youth, I have stood on Yewdale crag, and distinctly seen the distant top of Snafell in the Isle of Man, because a sunbeam happened to fall on it, while all was dark and indistinct around it.
used with a past participle to form the passive, or with -ing for continuous tenses
From this reading My father was a little _Statesman_; by which, as you know, is not meant, in Cumberland, any thing like Lord John Russell, as such a term would be understood in Manchester; for he never, I believe, read a newspaper in his life; nay, probably never saw one, unless it might be upon Lady le Fleming’s hall table, when he went, as he did, once a year, to Rydal, to pay his boon rent to her, as lady of the manor.
for the reason that
From this reading I believe the troubles were, at the time, rather the more abundant part, though, in looking back on my past days I remember the bright spots more distinctly than the dark: just as, in youth, I have stood on Yewdale crag, and distinctly seen the distant top of Snafell in the Isle of Man, because a sunbeam happened to fall on it, while all was dark and indistinct around it.
beenauxiliary verbUS /bɪn/
the past participle of “be”
From this reading “MY early days,” the old man continued, “were, as all the rest have been, a mixture of happiness and troubles.
accept as true; take to be true
From this reading I believe the troubles were, at the time, rather the more abundant part, though, in looking back on my past days I remember the bright spots more distinctly than the dark: just as, in youth, I have stood on Yewdale crag, and distinctly seen the distant top of Snafell in the Isle of Man, because a sunbeam happened to fall on it, while all was dark and indistinct around it.
boonnounUS /buːn/
a desirable state
From this reading My father was a little _Statesman_; by which, as you know, is not meant, in Cumberland, any thing like Lord John Russell, as such a term would be understood in Manchester; for he never, I believe, read a newspaper in his life; nay, probably never saw one, unless it might be upon Lady le Fleming’s hall table, when he went, as he did, once a year, to Rydal, to pay his boon rent to her, as lady of the manor.
emitting or reflecting light readily or in large amounts
From this reading I believe the troubles were, at the time, rather the more abundant part, though, in looking back on my past days I remember the bright spots more distinctly than the dark: just as, in youth, I have stood on Yewdale crag, and distinctly seen the distant top of Snafell in the Isle of Man, because a sunbeam happened to fall on it, while all was dark and indistinct around it.
buzzingadjectiveUS /ˈbʌzɪŋ/
noisy like the sound of a bee
From this reading “Why rather, sleep, liest thou in smoky cribs, Upon uneasy pallets stretching thee, And hush’d with buzzing night-flies to thy slumber; Than in the perfum’d chambers of the great, Under the canopies of costly state, And lull’d with sounds of sweetest melody!”
showing who or what does the action
From this reading My father was a little _Statesman_; by which, as you know, is not meant, in Cumberland, any thing like Lord John Russell, as such a term would be understood in Manchester; for he never, I believe, read a newspaper in his life; nay, probably never saw one, unless it might be upon Lady le Fleming’s hall table, when he went, as he did, once a year, to Rydal, to pay his boon rent to her, as lady of the manor.
canopies
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading “Why rather, sleep, liest thou in smoky cribs, Upon uneasy pallets stretching thee, And hush’d with buzzing night-flies to thy slumber; Than in the perfum’d chambers of the great, Under the canopies of costly state, And lull’d with sounds of sweetest melody!”
chambersnounUS /ˈtʃeɪmbərz/
English architect (1723-1796)
From this reading “Why rather, sleep, liest thou in smoky cribs, Upon uneasy pallets stretching thee, And hush’d with buzzing night-flies to thy slumber; Than in the perfum’d chambers of the great, Under the canopies of costly state, And lull’d with sounds of sweetest melody!”
without stop or interruption
From this reading “MY early days,” the old man continued, “were, as all the rest have been, a mixture of happiness and troubles.
costlyadjectiveUS /ˈkɑːstli/
entailing great loss or sacrifice
From this reading “Why rather, sleep, liest thou in smoky cribs, Upon uneasy pallets stretching thee, And hush’d with buzzing night-flies to thy slumber; Than in the perfum’d chambers of the great, Under the canopies of costly state, And lull’d with sounds of sweetest melody!”
cragnounUS /kræɡ/
a steep rugged rock or cliff
From this reading I believe the troubles were, at the time, rather the more abundant part, though, in looking back on my past days I remember the bright spots more distinctly than the dark: just as, in youth, I have stood on Yewdale crag, and distinctly seen the distant top of Snafell in the Isle of Man, because a sunbeam happened to fall on it, while all was dark and indistinct around it.
cribsnounUS /krɪbz/
plural of “crib” — baby bed with high sides made of slats
From this reading “Why rather, sleep, liest thou in smoky cribs, Upon uneasy pallets stretching thee, And hush’d with buzzing night-flies to thy slumber; Than in the perfum’d chambers of the great, Under the canopies of costly state, And lull’d with sounds of sweetest melody!”
CumberlandnounUS /ˈkʌmbərlənd/
English general; son of George II; fought unsuccessfully in the battle of Fontenoy (1721-1765)
From this reading My father was a little _Statesman_; by which, as you know, is not meant, in Cumberland, any thing like Lord John Russell, as such a term would be understood in Manchester; for he never, I believe, read a newspaper in his life; nay, probably never saw one, unless it might be upon Lady le Fleming’s hall table, when he went, as he did, once a year, to Rydal, to pay his boon rent to her, as lady of the manor.
absence of light or illumination
From this reading I believe the troubles were, at the time, rather the more abundant part, though, in looking back on my past days I remember the bright spots more distinctly than the dark: just as, in youth, I have stood on Yewdale crag, and distinctly seen the distant top of Snafell in the Isle of Man, because a sunbeam happened to fall on it, while all was dark and indistinct around it.
the time during which someone's life continues
From this reading “MY early days,” the old man continued, “were, as all the rest have been, a mixture of happiness and troubles.
didauxiliary verbUS /dɪd/
the past form of “do”, used in questions and negatives
From this reading My father was a little _Statesman_; by which, as you know, is not meant, in Cumberland, any thing like Lord John Russell, as such a term would be understood in Manchester; for he never, I believe, read a newspaper in his life; nay, probably never saw one, unless it might be upon Lady le Fleming’s hall table, when he went, as he did, once a year, to Rydal, to pay his boon rent to her, as lady of the manor.
separated in space or coming from or going to a distance
From this reading I believe the troubles were, at the time, rather the more abundant part, though, in looking back on my past days I remember the bright spots more distinctly than the dark: just as, in youth, I have stood on Yewdale crag, and distinctly seen the distant top of Snafell in the Isle of Man, because a sunbeam happened to fall on it, while all was dark and indistinct around it.
clear to the mind; with distinct mental discernment
From this reading I believe the troubles were, at the time, rather the more abundant part, though, in looking back on my past days I remember the bright spots more distinctly than the dark: just as, in youth, I have stood on Yewdale crag, and distinctly seen the distant top of Snafell in the Isle of Man, because a sunbeam happened to fall on it, while all was dark and indistinct around it.
earlyadjectiveUS /ˈɜːrli/
at or near the beginning of a period of time or course of events or before the usual or expected time
From this reading “MY early days,” the old man continued, “were, as all the rest have been, a mixture of happiness and troubles.
descend in free fall under the influence of gravity
From this reading I believe the troubles were, at the time, rather the more abundant part, though, in looking back on my past days I remember the bright spots more distinctly than the dark: just as, in youth, I have stood on Yewdale crag, and distinctly seen the distant top of Snafell in the Isle of Man, because a sunbeam happened to fall on it, while all was dark and indistinct around it.
a male parent (also used as a term of address to your father)
From this reading My father was a little _Statesman_; by which, as you know, is not meant, in Cumberland, any thing like Lord John Russell, as such a term would be understood in Manchester; for he never, I believe, read a newspaper in his life; nay, probably never saw one, unless it might be upon Lady le Fleming’s hall table, when he went, as he did, once a year, to Rydal, to pay his boon rent to her, as lady of the manor.
Fleming'snounUS /ˈflemɪŋz/
possessive form of “fleming” — British writer famous for writing spy novels about secret agent James Bond (1908-1964)
From this reading My father was a little _Statesman_; by which, as you know, is not meant, in Cumberland, any thing like Lord John Russell, as such a term would be understood in Manchester; for he never, I believe, read a newspaper in his life; nay, probably never saw one, unless it might be upon Lady le Fleming’s hall table, when he went, as he did, once a year, to Rydal, to pay his boon rent to her, as lady of the manor.
intended to be given to, or used by, somebody
From this reading My father was a little _Statesman_; by which, as you know, is not meant, in Cumberland, any thing like Lord John Russell, as such a term would be understood in Manchester; for he never, I believe, read a newspaper in his life; nay, probably never saw one, unless it might be upon Lady le Fleming’s hall table, when he went, as he did, once a year, to Rydal, to pay his boon rent to her, as lady of the manor.
relatively large in size or number or extent; larger than others of its kind
From this reading “Why rather, sleep, liest thou in smoky cribs, Upon uneasy pallets stretching thee, And hush’d with buzzing night-flies to thy slumber; Than in the perfum’d chambers of the great, Under the canopies of costly state, And lull’d with sounds of sweetest melody!”
an interior passage or corridor onto which rooms open
From this reading My father was a little _Statesman_; by which, as you know, is not meant, in Cumberland, any thing like Lord John Russell, as such a term would be understood in Manchester; for he never, I believe, read a newspaper in his life; nay, probably never saw one, unless it might be upon Lady le Fleming’s hall table, when he went, as he did, once a year, to Rydal, to pay his boon rent to her, as lady of the manor.
past form of “happen” — come to pass
From this reading I believe the troubles were, at the time, rather the more abundant part, though, in looking back on my past days I remember the bright spots more distinctly than the dark: just as, in youth, I have stood on Yewdale crag, and distinctly seen the distant top of Snafell in the Isle of Man, because a sunbeam happened to fall on it, while all was dark and indistinct around it.
state of well-being characterized by emotions ranging from contentment to intense joy
From this reading “MY early days,” the old man continued, “were, as all the rest have been, a mixture of happiness and troubles.
haveauxiliary verbUS /hæv/
used with a past participle to form the perfect tenses
From this reading “MY early days,” the old man continued, “were, as all the rest have been, a mixture of happiness and troubles.
a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading My father was a little _Statesman_; by which, as you know, is not meant, in Cumberland, any thing like Lord John Russell, as such a term would be understood in Manchester; for he never, I believe, read a newspaper in his life; nay, probably never saw one, unless it might be upon Lady le Fleming’s hall table, when he went, as he did, once a year, to Rydal, to pay his boon rent to her, as lady of the manor.
belonging to a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned
From this reading My father was a little _Statesman_; by which, as you know, is not meant, in Cumberland, any thing like Lord John Russell, as such a term would be understood in Manchester; for he never, I believe, read a newspaper in his life; nay, probably never saw one, unless it might be upon Lady le Fleming’s hall table, when he went, as he did, once a year, to Rydal, to pay his boon rent to her, as lady of the manor.
belonging to a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned
From this reading My father was a little _Statesman_; by which, as you know, is not meant, in Cumberland, any thing like Lord John Russell, as such a term would be understood in Manchester; for he never, I believe, read a newspaper in his life; nay, probably never saw one, unless it might be upon Lady le Fleming’s hall table, when he went, as he did, once a year, to Rydal, to pay his boon rent to her, as lady of the manor.
hush'd
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading “Why rather, sleep, liest thou in smoky cribs, Upon uneasy pallets stretching thee, And hush’d with buzzing night-flies to thy slumber; Than in the perfum’d chambers of the great, Under the canopies of costly state, And lull’d with sounds of sweetest melody!”
the person speaking or writing, as the subject of the verb
From this reading I believe the troubles were, at the time, rather the more abundant part, though, in looking back on my past days I remember the bright spots more distinctly than the dark: just as, in youth, I have stood on Yewdale crag, and distinctly seen the distant top of Snafell in the Isle of Man, because a sunbeam happened to fall on it, while all was dark and indistinct around it.
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading “Why rather, sleep, liest thou in smoky cribs, Upon uneasy pallets stretching thee, And hush’d with buzzing night-flies to thy slumber; Than in the perfum’d chambers of the great, Under the canopies of costly state, And lull’d with sounds of sweetest melody!”
indistinctadjectiveUS /ˌɪndɪˈstɪŋkt/
not clearly defined or easy to perceive or understand
From this reading I believe the troubles were, at the time, rather the more abundant part, though, in looking back on my past days I remember the bright spots more distinctly than the dark: just as, in youth, I have stood on Yewdale crag, and distinctly seen the distant top of Snafell in the Isle of Man, because a sunbeam happened to fall on it, while all was dark and indistinct around it.
the form of “be” used with he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading My father was a little _Statesman_; by which, as you know, is not meant, in Cumberland, any thing like Lord John Russell, as such a term would be understood in Manchester; for he never, I believe, read a newspaper in his life; nay, probably never saw one, unless it might be upon Lady le Fleming’s hall table, when he went, as he did, once a year, to Rydal, to pay his boon rent to her, as lady of the manor.
IslenounUS /aɪl/
a small island
From this reading I believe the troubles were, at the time, rather the more abundant part, though, in looking back on my past days I remember the bright spots more distinctly than the dark: just as, in youth, I have stood on Yewdale crag, and distinctly seen the distant top of Snafell in the Isle of Man, because a sunbeam happened to fall on it, while all was dark and indistinct around it.
a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned
From this reading I believe the troubles were, at the time, rather the more abundant part, though, in looking back on my past days I remember the bright spots more distinctly than the dark: just as, in youth, I have stood on Yewdale crag, and distinctly seen the distant top of Snafell in the Isle of Man, because a sunbeam happened to fall on it, while all was dark and indistinct around it.
a room or building equipped with one or more toilets
From this reading My father was a little _Statesman_; by which, as you know, is not meant, in Cumberland, any thing like Lord John Russell, as such a term would be understood in Manchester; for he never, I believe, read a newspaper in his life; nay, probably never saw one, unless it might be upon Lady le Fleming’s hall table, when he went, as he did, once a year, to Rydal, to pay his boon rent to her, as lady of the manor.
and nothing more
From this reading I believe the troubles were, at the time, rather the more abundant part, though, in looking back on my past days I remember the bright spots more distinctly than the dark: just as, in youth, I have stood on Yewdale crag, and distinctly seen the distant top of Snafell in the Isle of Man, because a sunbeam happened to fall on it, while all was dark and indistinct around it.
be cognizant or aware of a fact or a specific piece of information; possess knowledge or information about
From this reading My father was a little _Statesman_; by which, as you know, is not meant, in Cumberland, any thing like Lord John Russell, as such a term would be understood in Manchester; for he never, I believe, read a newspaper in his life; nay, probably never saw one, unless it might be upon Lady le Fleming’s hall table, when he went, as he did, once a year, to Rydal, to pay his boon rent to her, as lady of the manor.
a polite name for any woman
From this reading My father was a little _Statesman_; by which, as you know, is not meant, in Cumberland, any thing like Lord John Russell, as such a term would be understood in Manchester; for he never, I believe, read a newspaper in his life; nay, probably never saw one, unless it might be upon Lady le Fleming’s hall table, when he went, as he did, once a year, to Rydal, to pay his boon rent to her, as lady of the manor.
a chronic inflammatory collagen disease affecting connective tissue (skin or joints)
From this reading My father was a little _Statesman_; by which, as you know, is not meant, in Cumberland, any thing like Lord John Russell, as such a term would be understood in Manchester; for he never, I believe, read a newspaper in his life; nay, probably never saw one, unless it might be upon Lady le Fleming’s hall table, when he went, as he did, once a year, to Rydal, to pay his boon rent to her, as lady of the manor.
liest
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading “Why rather, sleep, liest thou in smoky cribs, Upon uneasy pallets stretching thee, And hush’d with buzzing night-flies to thy slumber; Than in the perfum’d chambers of the great, Under the canopies of costly state, And lull’d with sounds of sweetest melody!”
a characteristic state or mode of living
From this reading My father was a little _Statesman_; by which, as you know, is not meant, in Cumberland, any thing like Lord John Russell, as such a term would be understood in Manchester; for he never, I believe, read a newspaper in his life; nay, probably never saw one, unless it might be upon Lady le Fleming’s hall table, when he went, as he did, once a year, to Rydal, to pay his boon rent to her, as lady of the manor.
prefer or wish to do something
From this reading My father was a little _Statesman_; by which, as you know, is not meant, in Cumberland, any thing like Lord John Russell, as such a term would be understood in Manchester; for he never, I believe, read a newspaper in his life; nay, probably never saw one, unless it might be upon Lady le Fleming’s hall table, when he went, as he did, once a year, to Rydal, to pay his boon rent to her, as lady of the manor.
limited or below average in number or quantity or magnitude or extent
From this reading My father was a little _Statesman_; by which, as you know, is not meant, in Cumberland, any thing like Lord John Russell, as such a term would be understood in Manchester; for he never, I believe, read a newspaper in his life; nay, probably never saw one, unless it might be upon Lady le Fleming’s hall table, when he went, as he did, once a year, to Rydal, to pay his boon rent to her, as lady of the manor.
the act of directing the eyes toward something and perceiving it visually
From this reading I believe the troubles were, at the time, rather the more abundant part, though, in looking back on my past days I remember the bright spots more distinctly than the dark: just as, in youth, I have stood on Yewdale crag, and distinctly seen the distant top of Snafell in the Isle of Man, because a sunbeam happened to fall on it, while all was dark and indistinct around it.
terms referring to the Judeo-Christian God
From this reading My father was a little _Statesman_; by which, as you know, is not meant, in Cumberland, any thing like Lord John Russell, as such a term would be understood in Manchester; for he never, I believe, read a newspaper in his life; nay, probably never saw one, unless it might be upon Lady le Fleming’s hall table, when he went, as he did, once a year, to Rydal, to pay his boon rent to her, as lady of the manor.
lull'd
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading “Why rather, sleep, liest thou in smoky cribs, Upon uneasy pallets stretching thee, And hush’d with buzzing night-flies to thy slumber; Than in the perfum’d chambers of the great, Under the canopies of costly state, And lull’d with sounds of sweetest melody!”
an adult person who is male (as opposed to a woman)
From this reading “MY early days,” the old man continued, “were, as all the rest have been, a mixture of happiness and troubles.
ManchesternounUS /ˈmæntʃestər/
largest city in New Hampshire; located in southeastern New Hampshire on the Merrimack river
From this reading My father was a little _Statesman_; by which, as you know, is not meant, in Cumberland, any thing like Lord John Russell, as such a term would be understood in Manchester; for he never, I believe, read a newspaper in his life; nay, probably never saw one, unless it might be upon Lady le Fleming’s hall table, when he went, as he did, once a year, to Rydal, to pay his boon rent to her, as lady of the manor.
manornounUS /ˈmænər/
the mansion of a lord or wealthy person
From this reading My father was a little _Statesman_; by which, as you know, is not meant, in Cumberland, any thing like Lord John Russell, as such a term would be understood in Manchester; for he never, I believe, read a newspaper in his life; nay, probably never saw one, unless it might be upon Lady le Fleming’s hall table, when he went, as he did, once a year, to Rydal, to pay his boon rent to her, as lady of the manor.
inflected form of “mean” — mean or intend to express or convey
From this reading My father was a little _Statesman_; by which, as you know, is not meant, in Cumberland, any thing like Lord John Russell, as such a term would be understood in Manchester; for he never, I believe, read a newspaper in his life; nay, probably never saw one, unless it might be upon Lady le Fleming’s hall table, when he went, as he did, once a year, to Rydal, to pay his boon rent to her, as lady of the manor.
melodynounUS /ˈmelədi/
a succession of notes forming a distinctive sequence
From this reading “Why rather, sleep, liest thou in smoky cribs, Upon uneasy pallets stretching thee, And hush’d with buzzing night-flies to thy slumber; Than in the perfum’d chambers of the great, Under the canopies of costly state, And lull’d with sounds of sweetest melody!”
used to say something is possible but not certain
From this reading My father was a little _Statesman_; by which, as you know, is not meant, in Cumberland, any thing like Lord John Russell, as such a term would be understood in Manchester; for he never, I believe, read a newspaper in his life; nay, probably never saw one, unless it might be upon Lady le Fleming’s hall table, when he went, as he did, once a year, to Rydal, to pay his boon rent to her, as lady of the manor.
mixturenounUS /ˈmɪkstʃər/
(chemistry) a substance consisting of two or more substances mixed together (not in fixed proportions and not with chemical bonding)
From this reading “MY early days,” the old man continued, “were, as all the rest have been, a mixture of happiness and troubles.
(comparative of “much” used with mass nouns) a quantifier meaning greater in size or amount or extent or degree
From this reading I believe the troubles were, at the time, rather the more abundant part, though, in looking back on my past days I remember the bright spots more distinctly than the dark: just as, in youth, I have stood on Yewdale crag, and distinctly seen the distant top of Snafell in the Isle of Man, because a sunbeam happened to fall on it, while all was dark and indistinct around it.
belonging to the person speaking
From this reading “MY early days,” the old man continued, “were, as all the rest have been, a mixture of happiness and troubles.
an old word for “no”
From this reading My father was a little _Statesman_; by which, as you know, is not meant, in Cumberland, any thing like Lord John Russell, as such a term would be understood in Manchester; for he never, I believe, read a newspaper in his life; nay, probably never saw one, unless it might be upon Lady le Fleming’s hall table, when he went, as he did, once a year, to Rydal, to pay his boon rent to her, as lady of the manor.
not ever; at no time in the past or future
From this reading My father was a little _Statesman_; by which, as you know, is not meant, in Cumberland, any thing like Lord John Russell, as such a term would be understood in Manchester; for he never, I believe, read a newspaper in his life; nay, probably never saw one, unless it might be upon Lady le Fleming’s hall table, when he went, as he did, once a year, to Rydal, to pay his boon rent to her, as lady of the manor.
a daily or weekly publication on folded sheets; contains news and articles and advertisements
From this reading My father was a little _Statesman_; by which, as you know, is not meant, in Cumberland, any thing like Lord John Russell, as such a term would be understood in Manchester; for he never, I believe, read a newspaper in his life; nay, probably never saw one, unless it might be upon Lady le Fleming’s hall table, when he went, as he did, once a year, to Rydal, to pay his boon rent to her, as lady of the manor.
night-flies
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading “Why rather, sleep, liest thou in smoky cribs, Upon uneasy pallets stretching thee, And hush’d with buzzing night-flies to thy slumber; Than in the perfum’d chambers of the great, Under the canopies of costly state, And lull’d with sounds of sweetest melody!”
used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative
From this reading My father was a little _Statesman_; by which, as you know, is not meant, in Cumberland, any thing like Lord John Russell, as such a term would be understood in Manchester; for he never, I believe, read a newspaper in his life; nay, probably never saw one, unless it might be upon Lady le Fleming’s hall table, when he went, as he did, once a year, to Rydal, to pay his boon rent to her, as lady of the manor.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading “Why rather, sleep, liest thou in smoky cribs, Upon uneasy pallets stretching thee, And hush’d with buzzing night-flies to thy slumber; Than in the perfum’d chambers of the great, Under the canopies of costly state, And lull’d with sounds of sweetest melody!”
(used especially of persons) having lived for a relatively long time or attained a specific age
From this reading “MY early days,” the old man continued, “were, as all the rest have been, a mixture of happiness and troubles.
touching and supported by a surface
From this reading I believe the troubles were, at the time, rather the more abundant part, though, in looking back on my past days I remember the bright spots more distinctly than the dark: just as, in youth, I have stood on Yewdale crag, and distinctly seen the distant top of Snafell in the Isle of Man, because a sunbeam happened to fall on it, while all was dark and indistinct around it.
on one occasion
From this reading My father was a little _Statesman_; by which, as you know, is not meant, in Cumberland, any thing like Lord John Russell, as such a term would be understood in Manchester; for he never, I believe, read a newspaper in his life; nay, probably never saw one, unless it might be upon Lady le Fleming’s hall table, when he went, as he did, once a year, to Rydal, to pay his boon rent to her, as lady of the manor.
used to mean any person in general, including the speaker
From this reading My father was a little _Statesman_; by which, as you know, is not meant, in Cumberland, any thing like Lord John Russell, as such a term would be understood in Manchester; for he never, I believe, read a newspaper in his life; nay, probably never saw one, unless it might be upon Lady le Fleming’s hall table, when he went, as he did, once a year, to Rydal, to pay his boon rent to her, as lady of the manor.
palletsnounUS /ˈpæləts/
plural of “pallet” — the range of colour characteristic of a particular artist or painting or school of art
From this reading “Why rather, sleep, liest thou in smoky cribs, Upon uneasy pallets stretching thee, And hush’d with buzzing night-flies to thy slumber; Than in the perfum’d chambers of the great, Under the canopies of costly state, And lull’d with sounds of sweetest melody!”
something determined in relation to something that includes it
From this reading I believe the troubles were, at the time, rather the more abundant part, though, in looking back on my past days I remember the bright spots more distinctly than the dark: just as, in youth, I have stood on Yewdale crag, and distinctly seen the distant top of Snafell in the Isle of Man, because a sunbeam happened to fall on it, while all was dark and indistinct around it.
the time that has elapsed
From this reading I believe the troubles were, at the time, rather the more abundant part, though, in looking back on my past days I remember the bright spots more distinctly than the dark: just as, in youth, I have stood on Yewdale crag, and distinctly seen the distant top of Snafell in the Isle of Man, because a sunbeam happened to fall on it, while all was dark and indistinct around it.
give money, usually in exchange for goods or services
From this reading My father was a little _Statesman_; by which, as you know, is not meant, in Cumberland, any thing like Lord John Russell, as such a term would be understood in Manchester; for he never, I believe, read a newspaper in his life; nay, probably never saw one, unless it might be upon Lady le Fleming’s hall table, when he went, as he did, once a year, to Rydal, to pay his boon rent to her, as lady of the manor.
perfum'd
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading “Why rather, sleep, liest thou in smoky cribs, Upon uneasy pallets stretching thee, And hush’d with buzzing night-flies to thy slumber; Than in the perfum’d chambers of the great, Under the canopies of costly state, And lull’d with sounds of sweetest melody!”
with considerable certainty; without much doubt
From this reading My father was a little _Statesman_; by which, as you know, is not meant, in Cumberland, any thing like Lord John Russell, as such a term would be understood in Manchester; for he never, I believe, read a newspaper in his life; nay, probably never saw one, unless it might be upon Lady le Fleming’s hall table, when he went, as he did, once a year, to Rydal, to pay his boon rent to her, as lady of the manor.
on the contrary
From this reading “Why rather, sleep, liest thou in smoky cribs, Upon uneasy pallets stretching thee, And hush’d with buzzing night-flies to thy slumber; Than in the perfum’d chambers of the great, Under the canopies of costly state, And lull’d with sounds of sweetest melody!”
interpret something that is written or printed
From this reading My father was a little _Statesman_; by which, as you know, is not meant, in Cumberland, any thing like Lord John Russell, as such a term would be understood in Manchester; for he never, I believe, read a newspaper in his life; nay, probably never saw one, unless it might be upon Lady le Fleming’s hall table, when he went, as he did, once a year, to Rydal, to pay his boon rent to her, as lady of the manor.
To recall to mind.
From this reading I believe the troubles were, at the time, rather the more abundant part, though, in looking back on my past days I remember the bright spots more distinctly than the dark: just as, in youth, I have stood on Yewdale crag, and distinctly seen the distant top of Snafell in the Isle of Man, because a sunbeam happened to fall on it, while all was dark and indistinct around it.
rentverbUS /rent/
let for money
From this reading My father was a little _Statesman_; by which, as you know, is not meant, in Cumberland, any thing like Lord John Russell, as such a term would be understood in Manchester; for he never, I believe, read a newspaper in his life; nay, probably never saw one, unless it might be upon Lady le Fleming’s hall table, when he went, as he did, once a year, to Rydal, to pay his boon rent to her, as lady of the manor.
not move; be in a resting position
From this reading “MY early days,” the old man continued, “were, as all the rest have been, a mixture of happiness and troubles.
RussellnounUS /ˈrʌsəl/
United States religious leader who founded the sect that is now called Jehovah's Witnesses (1852-1916)
From this reading My father was a little _Statesman_; by which, as you know, is not meant, in Cumberland, any thing like Lord John Russell, as such a term would be understood in Manchester; for he never, I believe, read a newspaper in his life; nay, probably never saw one, unless it might be upon Lady le Fleming’s hall table, when he went, as he did, once a year, to Rydal, to pay his boon rent to her, as lady of the manor.
Rydal
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading My father was a little _Statesman_; by which, as you know, is not meant, in Cumberland, any thing like Lord John Russell, as such a term would be understood in Manchester; for he never, I believe, read a newspaper in his life; nay, probably never saw one, unless it might be upon Lady le Fleming’s hall table, when he went, as he did, once a year, to Rydal, to pay his boon rent to her, as lady of the manor.
cut with a saw
From this reading My father was a little _Statesman_; by which, as you know, is not meant, in Cumberland, any thing like Lord John Russell, as such a term would be understood in Manchester; for he never, I believe, read a newspaper in his life; nay, probably never saw one, unless it might be upon Lady le Fleming’s hall table, when he went, as he did, once a year, to Rydal, to pay his boon rent to her, as lady of the manor.
inflected form of “see” — perceive by sight or have the power to perceive by sight
From this reading I believe the troubles were, at the time, rather the more abundant part, though, in looking back on my past days I remember the bright spots more distinctly than the dark: just as, in youth, I have stood on Yewdale crag, and distinctly seen the distant top of Snafell in the Isle of Man, because a sunbeam happened to fall on it, while all was dark and indistinct around it.
SHAKSPEREnoun
English poet and dramatist considered one of the greatest English writers (1564-1616)
From this reading SHAKSPERE.
a natural and periodic state of rest during which consciousness of the world is suspended
From this reading “Why rather, sleep, liest thou in smoky cribs, Upon uneasy pallets stretching thee, And hush’d with buzzing night-flies to thy slumber; Than in the perfum’d chambers of the great, Under the canopies of costly state, And lull’d with sounds of sweetest melody!”
slumbernounUS /ˈslʌmbər/
a natural and periodic state of rest during which consciousness of the world is suspended
From this reading “Why rather, sleep, liest thou in smoky cribs, Upon uneasy pallets stretching thee, And hush’d with buzzing night-flies to thy slumber; Than in the perfum’d chambers of the great, Under the canopies of costly state, And lull’d with sounds of sweetest melody!”
smokyadjectiveUS /ˈsmoʊki/
marked by or emitting or filled with smoke
From this reading “Why rather, sleep, liest thou in smoky cribs, Upon uneasy pallets stretching thee, And hush’d with buzzing night-flies to thy slumber; Than in the perfum’d chambers of the great, Under the canopies of costly state, And lull’d with sounds of sweetest melody!”
Snafell
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading I believe the troubles were, at the time, rather the more abundant part, though, in looking back on my past days I remember the bright spots more distinctly than the dark: just as, in youth, I have stood on Yewdale crag, and distinctly seen the distant top of Snafell in the Isle of Man, because a sunbeam happened to fall on it, while all was dark and indistinct around it.
plural of “sound” — the particular auditory effect produced by a given cause
From this reading “Why rather, sleep, liest thou in smoky cribs, Upon uneasy pallets stretching thee, And hush’d with buzzing night-flies to thy slumber; Than in the perfum’d chambers of the great, Under the canopies of costly state, And lull’d with sounds of sweetest melody!”
spotsnounUS /spɑːts/
spots before the eyes caused by opaque cell fragments in the vitreous humor and lens
From this reading I believe the troubles were, at the time, rather the more abundant part, though, in looking back on my past days I remember the bright spots more distinctly than the dark: just as, in youth, I have stood on Yewdale crag, and distinctly seen the distant top of Snafell in the Isle of Man, because a sunbeam happened to fall on it, while all was dark and indistinct around it.
the territory occupied by one of the constituent administrative districts of a nation
From this reading “Why rather, sleep, liest thou in smoky cribs, Upon uneasy pallets stretching thee, And hush’d with buzzing night-flies to thy slumber; Than in the perfum’d chambers of the great, Under the canopies of costly state, And lull’d with sounds of sweetest melody!”
StatesmannounUS /ˈsteɪtsmən/
a man who is a respected leader in national or international affairs
From this reading My father was a little _Statesman_; by which, as you know, is not meant, in Cumberland, any thing like Lord John Russell, as such a term would be understood in Manchester; for he never, I believe, read a newspaper in his life; nay, probably never saw one, unless it might be upon Lady le Fleming’s hall table, when he went, as he did, once a year, to Rydal, to pay his boon rent to her, as lady of the manor.
Maintained an upright posture.
From this reading I believe the troubles were, at the time, rather the more abundant part, though, in looking back on my past days I remember the bright spots more distinctly than the dark: just as, in youth, I have stood on Yewdale crag, and distinctly seen the distant top of Snafell in the Isle of Man, because a sunbeam happened to fall on it, while all was dark and indistinct around it.
stretchingnounUS /ˈstretʃɪŋ/
act of expanding by lengthening or widening
From this reading “Why rather, sleep, liest thou in smoky cribs, Upon uneasy pallets stretching thee, And hush’d with buzzing night-flies to thy slumber; Than in the perfum’d chambers of the great, Under the canopies of costly state, And lull’d with sounds of sweetest melody!”
of the kind already mentioned
From this reading My father was a little _Statesman_; by which, as you know, is not meant, in Cumberland, any thing like Lord John Russell, as such a term would be understood in Manchester; for he never, I believe, read a newspaper in his life; nay, probably never saw one, unless it might be upon Lady le Fleming’s hall table, when he went, as he did, once a year, to Rydal, to pay his boon rent to her, as lady of the manor.
sunbeamnounUS /ˈsʌnbiːm/
a ray of sunlight
From this reading I believe the troubles were, at the time, rather the more abundant part, though, in looking back on my past days I remember the bright spots more distinctly than the dark: just as, in youth, I have stood on Yewdale crag, and distinctly seen the distant top of Snafell in the Isle of Man, because a sunbeam happened to fall on it, while all was dark and indistinct around it.
sweetestadjectiveUS /ˈswiːtəst/
superlative of “sweet” — having or denoting the characteristic taste of sugar
From this reading “Why rather, sleep, liest thou in smoky cribs, Upon uneasy pallets stretching thee, And hush’d with buzzing night-flies to thy slumber; Than in the perfum’d chambers of the great, Under the canopies of costly state, And lull’d with sounds of sweetest melody!”
a set of data arranged in rows and columns
From this reading My father was a little _Statesman_; by which, as you know, is not meant, in Cumberland, any thing like Lord John Russell, as such a term would be understood in Manchester; for he never, I believe, read a newspaper in his life; nay, probably never saw one, unless it might be upon Lady le Fleming’s hall table, when he went, as he did, once a year, to Rydal, to pay his boon rent to her, as lady of the manor.
a word or expression used for some particular thing
From this reading My father was a little _Statesman_; by which, as you know, is not meant, in Cumberland, any thing like Lord John Russell, as such a term would be understood in Manchester; for he never, I believe, read a newspaper in his life; nay, probably never saw one, unless it might be upon Lady le Fleming’s hall table, when he went, as he did, once a year, to Rydal, to pay his boon rent to her, as lady of the manor.
used to introduce the second part of a comparison
From this reading “Why rather, sleep, liest thou in smoky cribs, Upon uneasy pallets stretching thee, And hush’d with buzzing night-flies to thy slumber; Than in the perfum’d chambers of the great, Under the canopies of costly state, And lull’d with sounds of sweetest melody!”
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading “Why rather, sleep, liest thou in smoky cribs, Upon uneasy pallets stretching thee, And hush’d with buzzing night-flies to thy slumber; Than in the perfum’d chambers of the great, Under the canopies of costly state, And lull’d with sounds of sweetest melody!”
an old word for “you”, as the object, speaking to one person
From this reading “Why rather, sleep, liest thou in smoky cribs, Upon uneasy pallets stretching thee, And hush’d with buzzing night-flies to thy slumber; Than in the perfum’d chambers of the great, Under the canopies of costly state, And lull’d with sounds of sweetest melody!”
a special situation
From this reading My father was a little _Statesman_; by which, as you know, is not meant, in Cumberland, any thing like Lord John Russell, as such a term would be understood in Manchester; for he never, I believe, read a newspaper in his life; nay, probably never saw one, unless it might be upon Lady le Fleming’s hall table, when he went, as he did, once a year, to Rydal, to pay his boon rent to her, as lady of the manor.
an old word for “you”, as the subject, speaking to one person
From this reading “Why rather, sleep, liest thou in smoky cribs, Upon uneasy pallets stretching thee, And hush’d with buzzing night-flies to thy slumber; Than in the perfum’d chambers of the great, Under the canopies of costly state, And lull’d with sounds of sweetest melody!”
in spite of the fact that
From this reading I believe the troubles were, at the time, rather the more abundant part, though, in looking back on my past days I remember the bright spots more distinctly than the dark: just as, in youth, I have stood on Yewdale crag, and distinctly seen the distant top of Snafell in the Isle of Man, because a sunbeam happened to fall on it, while all was dark and indistinct around it.
an old word for “your”, speaking to one person
From this reading “Why rather, sleep, liest thou in smoky cribs, Upon uneasy pallets stretching thee, And hush’d with buzzing night-flies to thy slumber; Than in the perfum’d chambers of the great, Under the canopies of costly state, And lull’d with sounds of sweetest melody!”
an instance or single occasion for some event
From this reading I believe the troubles were, at the time, rather the more abundant part, though, in looking back on my past days I remember the bright spots more distinctly than the dark: just as, in youth, I have stood on Yewdale crag, and distinctly seen the distant top of Snafell in the Isle of Man, because a sunbeam happened to fall on it, while all was dark and indistinct around it.
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading “Why rather, sleep, liest thou in smoky cribs, Upon uneasy pallets stretching thee, And hush’d with buzzing night-flies to thy slumber; Than in the perfum’d chambers of the great, Under the canopies of costly state, And lull’d with sounds of sweetest melody!”
the upper part of anything
From this reading I believe the troubles were, at the time, rather the more abundant part, though, in looking back on my past days I remember the bright spots more distinctly than the dark: just as, in youth, I have stood on Yewdale crag, and distinctly seen the distant top of Snafell in the Isle of Man, because a sunbeam happened to fall on it, while all was dark and indistinct around it.
plural of “trouble” — a source of difficulty
From this reading “MY early days,” the old man continued, “were, as all the rest have been, a mixture of happiness and troubles.
UnderprepositionUS /ˈʌndər/
below or beneath something; less than
From this reading “Why rather, sleep, liest thou in smoky cribs, Upon uneasy pallets stretching thee, And hush’d with buzzing night-flies to thy slumber; Than in the perfum’d chambers of the great, Under the canopies of costly state, And lull’d with sounds of sweetest melody!”
fully apprehended as to purport or meaning or explanation
From this reading My father was a little _Statesman_; by which, as you know, is not meant, in Cumberland, any thing like Lord John Russell, as such a term would be understood in Manchester; for he never, I believe, read a newspaper in his life; nay, probably never saw one, unless it might be upon Lady le Fleming’s hall table, when he went, as he did, once a year, to Rydal, to pay his boon rent to her, as lady of the manor.
uneasyadjectiveUS /əˈniːzi/
lacking a sense of security or affording no ease or reassurance
From this reading “Why rather, sleep, liest thou in smoky cribs, Upon uneasy pallets stretching thee, And hush’d with buzzing night-flies to thy slumber; Than in the perfum’d chambers of the great, Under the canopies of costly state, And lull’d with sounds of sweetest melody!”
except if; if not
From this reading My father was a little _Statesman_; by which, as you know, is not meant, in Cumberland, any thing like Lord John Russell, as such a term would be understood in Manchester; for he never, I believe, read a newspaper in his life; nay, probably never saw one, unless it might be upon Lady le Fleming’s hall table, when he went, as he did, once a year, to Rydal, to pay his boon rent to her, as lady of the manor.
UponprepositionUS /əˈpɑːn/
a formal word for “on”
From this reading “Why rather, sleep, liest thou in smoky cribs, Upon uneasy pallets stretching thee, And hush’d with buzzing night-flies to thy slumber; Than in the perfum’d chambers of the great, Under the canopies of costly state, And lull’d with sounds of sweetest melody!”
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading I believe the troubles were, at the time, rather the more abundant part, though, in looking back on my past days I remember the bright spots more distinctly than the dark: just as, in youth, I have stood on Yewdale crag, and distinctly seen the distant top of Snafell in the Isle of Man, because a sunbeam happened to fall on it, while all was dark and indistinct around it.
inflected form of “go” — change location; move, travel, or proceed, also metaphorically
From this reading My father was a little _Statesman_; by which, as you know, is not meant, in Cumberland, any thing like Lord John Russell, as such a term would be understood in Manchester; for he never, I believe, read a newspaper in his life; nay, probably never saw one, unless it might be upon Lady le Fleming’s hall table, when he went, as he did, once a year, to Rydal, to pay his boon rent to her, as lady of the manor.
wereauxiliary verbUS /wɜːr/
the past form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun
From this reading “MY early days,” the old man continued, “were, as all the rest have been, a mixture of happiness and troubles.
at the time that
From this reading My father was a little _Statesman_; by which, as you know, is not meant, in Cumberland, any thing like Lord John Russell, as such a term would be understood in Manchester; for he never, I believe, read a newspaper in his life; nay, probably never saw one, unless it might be upon Lady le Fleming’s hall table, when he went, as he did, once a year, to Rydal, to pay his boon rent to her, as lady of the manor.
used to introduce a clause giving more about a thing just mentioned
From this reading My father was a little _Statesman_; by which, as you know, is not meant, in Cumberland, any thing like Lord John Russell, as such a term would be understood in Manchester; for he never, I believe, read a newspaper in his life; nay, probably never saw one, unless it might be upon Lady le Fleming’s hall table, when he went, as he did, once a year, to Rydal, to pay his boon rent to her, as lady of the manor.
whileconjunctionUS /waɪl/
during the time that
From this reading I believe the troubles were, at the time, rather the more abundant part, though, in looking back on my past days I remember the bright spots more distinctly than the dark: just as, in youth, I have stood on Yewdale crag, and distinctly seen the distant top of Snafell in the Isle of Man, because a sunbeam happened to fall on it, while all was dark and indistinct around it.
the cause or intention underlying an action or situation, especially in the phrase “the whys and wherefores”
From this reading “Why rather, sleep, liest thou in smoky cribs, Upon uneasy pallets stretching thee, And hush’d with buzzing night-flies to thy slumber; Than in the perfum’d chambers of the great, Under the canopies of costly state, And lull’d with sounds of sweetest melody!”
in the company of; together with
From this reading “Why rather, sleep, liest thou in smoky cribs, Upon uneasy pallets stretching thee, And hush’d with buzzing night-flies to thy slumber; Than in the perfum’d chambers of the great, Under the canopies of costly state, And lull’d with sounds of sweetest melody!”
used for something imagined, polite, or habitual in the past
From this reading My father was a little _Statesman_; by which, as you know, is not meant, in Cumberland, any thing like Lord John Russell, as such a term would be understood in Manchester; for he never, I believe, read a newspaper in his life; nay, probably never saw one, unless it might be upon Lady le Fleming’s hall table, when he went, as he did, once a year, to Rydal, to pay his boon rent to her, as lady of the manor.
a period of time containing 365 (or 366) days
From this reading My father was a little _Statesman_; by which, as you know, is not meant, in Cumberland, any thing like Lord John Russell, as such a term would be understood in Manchester; for he never, I believe, read a newspaper in his life; nay, probably never saw one, unless it might be upon Lady le Fleming’s hall table, when he went, as he did, once a year, to Rydal, to pay his boon rent to her, as lady of the manor.
Yewdale
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading I believe the troubles were, at the time, rather the more abundant part, though, in looking back on my past days I remember the bright spots more distinctly than the dark: just as, in youth, I have stood on Yewdale crag, and distinctly seen the distant top of Snafell in the Isle of Man, because a sunbeam happened to fall on it, while all was dark and indistinct around it.
the person or people being spoken to
From this reading My father was a little _Statesman_; by which, as you know, is not meant, in Cumberland, any thing like Lord John Russell, as such a term would be understood in Manchester; for he never, I believe, read a newspaper in his life; nay, probably never saw one, unless it might be upon Lady le Fleming’s hall table, when he went, as he did, once a year, to Rydal, to pay his boon rent to her, as lady of the manor.
a young person (especially a young man or boy)
From this reading I believe the troubles were, at the time, rather the more abundant part, though, in looking back on my past days I remember the bright spots more distinctly than the dark: just as, in youth, I have stood on Yewdale crag, and distinctly seen the distant top of Snafell in the Isle of Man, because a sunbeam happened to fall on it, while all was dark and indistinct around it.
