Chapter IX

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

From this reading Always, however, it appeared to me that the parent bird brought up the food into the chicks’ bills in some state of preparation, and was not a mere passive bag from which the latter pulled fish in a whole state.

plural of “action” — something done (usually as opposed to something said)

From this reading Always, too, the actions of the parent bird suggested that particular process which is known as regurgitation, and which may be observed with pigeons, and also with the night-jar.

(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 There were several nests all in unobstructed view, and so excellent were my glasses that, practically, I saw the whole process as though it had been taking place on a table in front of me.

in addition

From this reading Always, too, the actions of the parent bird suggested that particular process which is known as regurgitation, and which may be observed with pigeons, and also with the night-jar.

at all times; all the time and on every occasion

From this reading Always, however, it appeared to me that the parent bird brought up the food into the chicks’ bills in some state of preparation, and was not a mere passive bag from which the latter pulled fish in a whole state.

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

From this reading As the chicks become older they thrust the head and bill farther and farther down the throat of the parent bird, and at last to an astonishing extent.

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

From this reading As the chicks become older they thrust the head and bill farther and farther down the throat of the parent bird, and at last to an astonishing extent.

any thing at all

From this reading The chicks, on withdrawing their heads from the parental throat, would often slightly open and close the mandibles as though still tasting something, in a manner which one may describe as smacking the bill; but on no occasion did I observe anything projecting from the bill when this was withdrawn, as one would expect sometimes to be the case if unmodified fish were pulled up.

past form of “appear” — give a certain impression or have a certain outward aspect

From this reading Always, however, it appeared to me that the parent bird brought up the food into the chicks’ bills in some state of preparation, and was not a mere passive bag from which the latter pulled fish in a whole state.

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

From this reading As the chicks become older they thrust the head and bill farther and farther down the throat of the parent bird, and at last to an astonishing extent.

surprising greatly

From this reading As the chicks become older they thrust the head and bill farther and farther down the throat of the parent bird, and at last to an astonishing extent.

in or near a particular place or position

From this reading As the chicks become older they thrust the head and bill farther and farther down the throat of the parent bird, and at last to an astonishing extent.

a flexible container with a single opening

From this reading Always, however, it appeared to me that the parent bird brought up the food into the chicks’ bills in some state of preparation, and was not a mere passive bag from which the latter pulled fish in a whole state.

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

From this reading The chicks, on withdrawing their heads from the parental throat, would often slightly open and close the mandibles as though still tasting something, in a manner which one may describe as smacking the bill; but on no occasion did I observe anything projecting from the bill when this was withdrawn, as one would expect sometimes to be the case if unmodified fish were pulled up.

enter or assume a certain state or condition

From this reading As the chicks become older they thrust the head and bill farther and farther down the throat of the parent bird, and at last to an astonishing extent.

the past participle of “be”

From this reading There were several nests all in unobstructed view, and so excellent were my glasses that, practically, I saw the whole process as though it had been taking place on a table in front of me.

a statute in draft before it becomes law

From this reading As the chicks become older they thrust the head and bill farther and farther down the throat of the parent bird, and at last to an astonishing extent.

plural of “bill” — a statute in draft before it becomes law

From this reading Always, however, it appeared to me that the parent bird brought up the food into the chicks’ bills in some state of preparation, and was not a mere passive bag from which the latter pulled fish in a whole state.

warm-blooded egg-laying vertebrates characterized by feathers and forelimbs modified as wings

From this reading As the chicks become older they thrust the head and bill farther and farther down the throat of the parent bird, and at last to an astonishing extent.

inflected form of “bring” — take something or somebody with oneself somewhere

From this reading Always, however, it appeared to me that the parent bird brought up the food into the chicks’ bills in some state of preparation, and was not a mere passive bag from which the latter pulled fish in a whole state.

used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before

From this reading The chicks, on withdrawing their heads from the parental throat, would often slightly open and close the mandibles as though still tasting something, in a manner which one may describe as smacking the bill; but on no occasion did I observe anything projecting from the bill when this was withdrawn, as one would expect sometimes to be the case if unmodified fish were pulled up.

an occurrence of something

From this reading The chicks, on withdrawing their heads from the parental throat, would often slightly open and close the mandibles as though still tasting something, in a manner which one may describe as smacking the bill; but on no occasion did I observe anything projecting from the bill when this was withdrawn, as one would expect sometimes to be the case if unmodified fish were pulled up.

plural of “chick” — young bird especially of domestic fowl

From this reading As the chicks become older they thrust the head and bill farther and farther down the throat of the parent bird, and at last to an astonishing extent.

at or within a short distance in space or time or having elements near each other

From this reading The chicks, on withdrawing their heads from the parental throat, would often slightly open and close the mandibles as though still tasting something, in a manner which one may describe as smacking the bill; but on no occasion did I observe anything projecting from the bill when this was withdrawn, as one would expect sometimes to be the case if unmodified fish were pulled up.

give a description of

From this reading The chicks, on withdrawing their heads from the parental throat, would often slightly open and close the mandibles as though still tasting something, in a manner which one may describe as smacking the bill; but on no occasion did I observe anything projecting from the bill when this was withdrawn, as one would expect sometimes to be the case if unmodified fish were pulled up.

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

From this reading The chicks, on withdrawing their heads from the parental throat, would often slightly open and close the mandibles as though still tasting something, in a manner which one may describe as smacking the bill; but on no occasion did I observe anything projecting from the bill when this was withdrawn, as one would expect sometimes to be the case if unmodified fish were pulled up.

being or moving lower in position or less in some value

From this reading As the chicks become older they thrust the head and bill farther and farther down the throat of the parent bird, and at last to an astonishing extent.

very good; of the highest quality

From this reading There were several nests all in unobstructed view, and so excellent were my glasses that, practically, I saw the whole process as though it had been taking place on a table in front of me.

regard something as probable or likely

From this reading The chicks, on withdrawing their heads from the parental throat, would often slightly open and close the mandibles as though still tasting something, in a manner which one may describe as smacking the bill; but on no occasion did I observe anything projecting from the bill when this was withdrawn, as one would expect sometimes to be the case if unmodified fish were pulled up.

the point or degree to which something extends

From this reading As the chicks become older they thrust the head and bill farther and farther down the throat of the parent bird, and at last to an astonishing extent.

more distant in especially space or time

From this reading As the chicks become older they thrust the head and bill farther and farther down the throat of the parent bird, and at last to an astonishing extent.

any of various mostly cold-blooded aquatic vertebrates usually having scales and breathing through gills

From this reading Always, however, it appeared to me that the parent bird brought up the food into the chicks’ bills in some state of preparation, and was not a mere passive bag from which the latter pulled fish in a whole state.

any substance that can be metabolized by an animal to give energy and build tissue

From this reading Always, however, it appeared to me that the parent bird brought up the food into the chicks’ bills in some state of preparation, and was not a mere passive bag from which the latter pulled fish in a whole state.

showing where something starts, or who sent it

From this reading Always, however, it appeared to me that the parent bird brought up the food into the chicks’ bills in some state of preparation, and was not a mere passive bag from which the latter pulled fish in a whole state.

the side that is forward or prominent

From this reading There were several nests all in unobstructed view, and so excellent were my glasses that, practically, I saw the whole process as though it had been taking place on a table in front of me.

(plural) optical instrument consisting of a frame that holds a pair of lenses for correcting defective vision

From this reading There were several nests all in unobstructed view, and so excellent were my glasses that, practically, I saw the whole process as though it had been taking place on a table in front of me.

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

From this reading There were several nests all in unobstructed view, and so excellent were my glasses that, practically, I saw the whole process as though it had been taking place on a table in front of me.

the upper part of the human body or the front part of the body in animals; contains the face and brains

From this reading As the chicks become older they thrust the head and bill farther and farther down the throat of the parent bird, and at last to an astonishing extent.

plural of “head” — the upper part of the human body or the front part of the body in animals; contains the face and brains

From this reading The chicks, on withdrawing their heads from the parental throat, would often slightly open and close the mandibles as though still tasting something, in a manner which one may describe as smacking the bill; but on no occasion did I observe anything projecting from the bill when this was withdrawn, as one would expect sometimes to be the case if unmodified fish were pulled up.

used to add a contrasting statement

From this reading Always, however, it appeared to me that the parent bird brought up the food into the chicks’ bills in some state of preparation, and was not a mere passive bag from which the latter pulled fish in a whole state.

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

From this reading There were several nests all in unobstructed view, and so excellent were my glasses that, practically, I saw the whole process as though it had been taking place on a table in front of me.

on condition that; in the event that

From this reading The chicks, on withdrawing their heads from the parental throat, would often slightly open and close the mandibles as though still tasting something, in a manner which one may describe as smacking the bill; but on no occasion did I observe anything projecting from the bill when this was withdrawn, as one would expect sometimes to be the case if unmodified fish were pulled up.

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

From this reading Always, however, it appeared to me that the parent bird brought up the food into the chicks’ bills in some state of preparation, and was not a mere passive bag from which the latter pulled fish in a whole state.

moving to the inside of something

From this reading Always, however, it appeared to me that the parent bird brought up the food into the chicks’ bills in some state of preparation, and was not a mere passive bag from which the latter pulled fish in a whole state.

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

From this reading Always, too, the actions of the parent bird suggested that particular process which is known as regurgitation, and which may be observed with pigeons, and also with the night-jar.

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading Always, however, it appeared to me that the parent bird brought up the food into the chicks’ bills in some state of preparation, and was not a mere passive bag from which the latter pulled fish in a whole state.

apprehended with certainty

From this reading Always, too, the actions of the parent bird suggested that particular process which is known as regurgitation, and which may be observed with pigeons, and also with the night-jar.

immediately past

From this reading As the chicks become older they thrust the head and bill farther and farther down the throat of the parent bird, and at last to an astonishing extent.

referring to the second of two things or persons mentioned (or the last one or ones of several)

From this reading Always, however, it appeared to me that the parent bird brought up the food into the chicks’ bills in some state of preparation, and was not a mere passive bag from which the latter pulled fish in a whole state.

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

From this reading The chicks, on withdrawing their heads from the parental throat, would often slightly open and close the mandibles as though still tasting something, in a manner which one may describe as smacking the bill; but on no occasion did I observe anything projecting from the bill when this was withdrawn, as one would expect sometimes to be the case if unmodified fish were pulled up.

how something is done or how it happens

From this reading The chicks, on withdrawing their heads from the parental throat, would often slightly open and close the mandibles as though still tasting something, in a manner which one may describe as smacking the bill; but on no occasion did I observe anything projecting from the bill when this was withdrawn, as one would expect sometimes to be the case if unmodified fish were pulled up.

used to say something is possible, or to give permission

From this reading The chicks, on withdrawing their heads from the parental throat, would often slightly open and close the mandibles as though still tasting something, in a manner which one may describe as smacking the bill; but on no occasion did I observe anything projecting from the bill when this was withdrawn, as one would expect sometimes to be the case if unmodified fish were pulled up.

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

From this reading Always, however, it appeared to me that the parent bird brought up the food into the chicks’ bills in some state of preparation, and was not a mere passive bag from which the latter pulled fish in a whole state.

being nothing more than specified

From this reading Always, however, it appeared to me that the parent bird brought up the food into the chicks’ bills in some state of preparation, and was not a mere passive bag from which the latter pulled fish in a whole state.

belonging to the person speaking

From this reading There were several nests all in unobstructed view, and so excellent were my glasses that, practically, I saw the whole process as though it had been taking place on a table in front of me.

plural of “nest” — a structure in which animals lay eggs or give birth to their young

From this reading There were several nests all in unobstructed view, and so excellent were my glasses that, practically, I saw the whole process as though it had been taking place on a table in front of me.

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

From this reading Always, too, the actions of the parent bird suggested that particular process which is known as regurgitation, and which may be observed with pigeons, and also with the night-jar.

not any; not one

From this reading The chicks, on withdrawing their heads from the parental throat, would often slightly open and close the mandibles as though still tasting something, in a manner which one may describe as smacking the bill; but on no occasion did I observe anything projecting from the bill when this was withdrawn, as one would expect sometimes to be the case if unmodified fish were pulled up.

used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative

From this reading Always, however, it appeared to me that the parent bird brought up the food into the chicks’ bills in some state of preparation, and was not a mere passive bag from which the latter pulled fish in a whole state.

discover or determine the existence, presence, or fact of

From this reading The chicks, on withdrawing their heads from the parental throat, would often slightly open and close the mandibles as though still tasting something, in a manner which one may describe as smacking the bill; but on no occasion did I observe anything projecting from the bill when this was withdrawn, as one would expect sometimes to be the case if unmodified fish were pulled up.

discovered or determined by scientific observation

From this reading Always, too, the actions of the parent bird suggested that particular process which is known as regurgitation, and which may be observed with pigeons, and also with the night-jar.

an event that occurs at a critical time

From this reading The chicks, on withdrawing their heads from the parental throat, would often slightly open and close the mandibles as though still tasting something, in a manner which one may describe as smacking the bill; but on no occasion did I observe anything projecting from the bill when this was withdrawn, as one would expect sometimes to be the case if unmodified fish were pulled up.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading As the chicks become older they thrust the head and bill farther and farther down the throat of the parent bird, and at last to an astonishing extent.

many times at short intervals

From this reading The chicks, on withdrawing their heads from the parental throat, would often slightly open and close the mandibles as though still tasting something, in a manner which one may describe as smacking the bill; but on no occasion did I observe anything projecting from the bill when this was withdrawn, as one would expect sometimes to be the case if unmodified fish were pulled up.

advanced in years; (“aged” is pronounced as two syllables)

From this reading As the chicks become older they thrust the head and bill farther and farther down the throat of the parent bird, and at last to an astonishing extent.

touching and supported by a surface

From this reading There were several nests all in unobstructed view, and so excellent were my glasses that, practically, I saw the whole process as though it had been taking place on a table in front of me.

used to mean any person in general, including the speaker

From this reading The chicks, on withdrawing their heads from the parental throat, would often slightly open and close the mandibles as though still tasting something, in a manner which one may describe as smacking the bill; but on no occasion did I observe anything projecting from the bill when this was withdrawn, as one would expect sometimes to be the case if unmodified fish were pulled up.

To move from a closed position.

From this reading The chicks, on withdrawing their heads from the parental throat, would often slightly open and close the mandibles as though still tasting something, in a manner which one may describe as smacking the bill; but on no occasion did I observe anything projecting from the bill when this was withdrawn, as one would expect sometimes to be the case if unmodified fish were pulled up.

a father or mother; one who begets or one who gives birth to or nurtures and raises a child; a relative who plays the role of guardian

From this reading As the chicks become older they thrust the head and bill farther and farther down the throat of the parent bird, and at last to an astonishing extent.

designating the generation of organisms from which hybrid offspring are produced

From this reading The chicks, on withdrawing their heads from the parental throat, would often slightly open and close the mandibles as though still tasting something, in a manner which one may describe as smacking the bill; but on no occasion did I observe anything projecting from the bill when this was withdrawn, as one would expect sometimes to be the case if unmodified fish were pulled up.

unique or specific to a person or thing or category

From this reading Always, too, the actions of the parent bird suggested that particular process which is known as regurgitation, and which may be observed with pigeons, and also with the night-jar.

lacking in energy or will

From this reading Always, however, it appeared to me that the parent bird brought up the food into the chicks’ bills in some state of preparation, and was not a mere passive bag from which the latter pulled fish in a whole state.

plural of “pigeon” — wild and domesticated birds having a heavy body and short legs

From this reading Always, too, the actions of the parent bird suggested that particular process which is known as regurgitation, and which may be observed with pigeons, and also with the night-jar.

a point located with respect to surface features of some region

From this reading There were several nests all in unobstructed view, and so excellent were my glasses that, practically, I saw the whole process as though it had been taking place on a table in front of me.

almost; nearly

From this reading There were several nests all in unobstructed view, and so excellent were my glasses that, practically, I saw the whole process as though it had been taking place on a table in front of me.

the activity of putting or setting in order in advance of some act or purpose

From this reading Always, however, it appeared to me that the parent bird brought up the food into the chicks’ bills in some state of preparation, and was not a mere passive bag from which the latter pulled fish in a whole state.

subject to a process or treatment, with the aim of readying for some purpose, improving, or remedying a condition

From this reading There were several nests all in unobstructed view, and so excellent were my glasses that, practically, I saw the whole process as though it had been taking place on a table in front of me.

extending out above or beyond a surface or boundary

From this reading The chicks, on withdrawing their heads from the parental throat, would often slightly open and close the mandibles as though still tasting something, in a manner which one may describe as smacking the bill; but on no occasion did I observe anything projecting from the bill when this was withdrawn, as one would expect sometimes to be the case if unmodified fish were pulled up.

past form of “pull” — cause to move by pulling

From this reading Always, however, it appeared to me that the parent bird brought up the food into the chicks’ bills in some state of preparation, and was not a mere passive bag from which the latter pulled fish in a whole state.

backflow of blood through a defective heart valve

From this reading Always, too, the actions of the parent bird suggested that particular process which is known as regurgitation, and which may be observed with pigeons, and also with the night-jar.

cut with a saw

From this reading There were several nests all in unobstructed view, and so excellent were my glasses that, practically, I saw the whole process as though it had been taking place on a table in front of me.

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

From this reading There were several nests all in unobstructed view, and so excellent were my glasses that, practically, I saw the whole process as though it had been taking place on a table in front of me.

to a small degree or extent

From this reading The chicks, on withdrawing their heads from the parental throat, would often slightly open and close the mandibles as though still tasting something, in a manner which one may describe as smacking the bill; but on no occasion did I observe anything projecting from the bill when this was withdrawn, as one would expect sometimes to be the case if unmodified fish were pulled up.

the act of smacking something; a blow delivered with an open hand

From this reading The chicks, on withdrawing their heads from the parental throat, would often slightly open and close the mandibles as though still tasting something, in a manner which one may describe as smacking the bill; but on no occasion did I observe anything projecting from the bill when this was withdrawn, as one would expect sometimes to be the case if unmodified fish were pulled up.

for that reason; with the result that

From this reading There were several nests all in unobstructed view, and so excellent were my glasses that, practically, I saw the whole process as though it had been taking place on a table in front of me.

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

From this reading Always, however, it appeared to me that the parent bird brought up the food into the chicks’ bills in some state of preparation, and was not a mere passive bag from which the latter pulled fish in a whole state.

a thing, without saying which

From this reading The chicks, on withdrawing their heads from the parental throat, would often slightly open and close the mandibles as though still tasting something, in a manner which one may describe as smacking the bill; but on no occasion did I observe anything projecting from the bill when this was withdrawn, as one would expect sometimes to be the case if unmodified fish were pulled up.

on certain occasions or in certain cases but not always

From this reading The chicks, on withdrawing their heads from the parental throat, would often slightly open and close the mandibles as though still tasting something, in a manner which one may describe as smacking the bill; but on no occasion did I observe anything projecting from the bill when this was withdrawn, as one would expect sometimes to be the case if unmodified fish were pulled up.

the territory occupied by one of the constituent administrative districts of a nation

From this reading Always, however, it appeared to me that the parent bird brought up the food into the chicks’ bills in some state of preparation, and was not a mere passive bag from which the latter pulled fish in a whole state.

not in physical motion

From this reading The chicks, on withdrawing their heads from the parental throat, would often slightly open and close the mandibles as though still tasting something, in a manner which one may describe as smacking the bill; but on no occasion did I observe anything projecting from the bill when this was withdrawn, as one would expect sometimes to be the case if unmodified fish were pulled up.

past form of “suggest” — make a proposal, declare a plan for something

From this reading Always, too, the actions of the parent bird suggested that particular process which is known as regurgitation, and which may be observed with pigeons, and also with the night-jar.

a set of data arranged in rows and columns

From this reading There were several nests all in unobstructed view, and so excellent were my glasses that, practically, I saw the whole process as though it had been taking place on a table in front of me.

the act of someone who picks up or takes something

From this reading There were several nests all in unobstructed view, and so excellent were my glasses that, practically, I saw the whole process as though it had been taking place on a table in front of me.

a small amount (especially of food or wine)

From this reading The chicks, on withdrawing their heads from the parental throat, would often slightly open and close the mandibles as though still tasting something, in a manner which one may describe as smacking the bill; but on no occasion did I observe anything projecting from the bill when this was withdrawn, as one would expect sometimes to be the case if unmodified fish were pulled up.

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading Always, however, it appeared to me that the parent bird brought up the food into the chicks’ bills in some state of preparation, and was not a mere passive bag from which the latter pulled fish in a whole state.

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

From this reading As the chicks become older they thrust the head and bill farther and farther down the throat of the parent bird, and at last to an astonishing extent.

belonging to the people or things already mentioned

From this reading The chicks, on withdrawing their heads from the parental throat, would often slightly open and close the mandibles as though still tasting something, in a manner which one may describe as smacking the bill; but on no occasion did I observe anything projecting from the bill when this was withdrawn, as one would expect sometimes to be the case if unmodified fish were pulled up.

in or at that place or location

From this reading There were several nests all in unobstructed view, and so excellent were my glasses that, practically, I saw the whole process as though it had been taking place on a table in front of me.

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

From this reading As the chicks become older they thrust the head and bill farther and farther down the throat of the parent bird, and at last to an astonishing extent.

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

From this reading The chicks, on withdrawing their heads from the parental throat, would often slightly open and close the mandibles as though still tasting something, in a manner which one may describe as smacking the bill; but on no occasion did I observe anything projecting from the bill when this was withdrawn, as one would expect sometimes to be the case if unmodified fish were pulled up.

in spite of the fact that

From this reading There were several nests all in unobstructed view, and so excellent were my glasses that, practically, I saw the whole process as though it had been taking place on a table in front of me.

The passage at the back of the mouth.

From this reading As the chicks become older they thrust the head and bill farther and farther down the throat of the parent bird, and at last to an astonishing extent.

push forcefully

From this reading As the chicks become older they thrust the head and bill farther and farther down the throat of the parent bird, and at last to an astonishing extent.

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

From this reading As the chicks become older they thrust the head and bill farther and farther down the throat of the parent bird, and at last to an astonishing extent.

to a degree exceeding normal or proper limits

From this reading Always, too, the actions of the parent bird suggested that particular process which is known as regurgitation, and which may be observed with pigeons, and also with the night-jar.

not changed in form or character

From this reading The chicks, on withdrawing their heads from the parental throat, would often slightly open and close the mandibles as though still tasting something, in a manner which one may describe as smacking the bill; but on no occasion did I observe anything projecting from the bill when this was withdrawn, as one would expect sometimes to be the case if unmodified fish were pulled up.

free from impediment or obstruction or hindrance

From this reading There were several nests all in unobstructed view, and so excellent were my glasses that, practically, I saw the whole process as though it had been taking place on a table in front of me.

being or moving higher in position or greater in some value; being above a former position or level

From this reading Always, however, it appeared to me that the parent bird brought up the food into the chicks’ bills in some state of preparation, and was not a mere passive bag from which the latter pulled fish in a whole state.

a way of regarding situations or topics etc.

From this reading There were several nests all in unobstructed view, and so excellent were my glasses that, practically, I saw the whole process as though it had been taking place on a table in front of me.

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

From this reading Always, however, it appeared to me that the parent bird brought up the food into the chicks’ bills in some state of preparation, and was not a mere passive bag from which the latter pulled fish in a whole state.

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

From this reading There were several nests all in unobstructed view, and so excellent were my glasses that, practically, I saw the whole process as though it had been taking place on a table in front of me.

at the time that

From this reading The chicks, on withdrawing their heads from the parental throat, would often slightly open and close the mandibles as though still tasting something, in a manner which one may describe as smacking the bill; but on no occasion did I observe anything projecting from the bill when this was withdrawn, as one would expect sometimes to be the case if unmodified fish were pulled up.

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

From this reading Always, however, it appeared to me that the parent bird brought up the food into the chicks’ bills in some state of preparation, and was not a mere passive bag from which the latter pulled fish in a whole state.

including all components without exception; being one unit or constituting the full amount or extent or duration; complete

From this reading Always, however, it appeared to me that the parent bird brought up the food into the chicks’ bills in some state of preparation, and was not a mere passive bag from which the latter pulled fish in a whole state.

in the company of; together with

From this reading Always, too, the actions of the parent bird suggested that particular process which is known as regurgitation, and which may be observed with pigeons, and also with the night-jar.

-ing form of “withdraw” — pull back or move away or backward

From this reading The chicks, on withdrawing their heads from the parental throat, would often slightly open and close the mandibles as though still tasting something, in a manner which one may describe as smacking the bill; but on no occasion did I observe anything projecting from the bill when this was withdrawn, as one would expect sometimes to be the case if unmodified fish were pulled up.

withdrawn from society; seeking solitude

From this reading The chicks, on withdrawing their heads from the parental throat, would often slightly open and close the mandibles as though still tasting something, in a manner which one may describe as smacking the bill; but on no occasion did I observe anything projecting from the bill when this was withdrawn, as one would expect sometimes to be the case if unmodified fish were pulled up.

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

From this reading The chicks, on withdrawing their heads from the parental throat, would often slightly open and close the mandibles as though still tasting something, in a manner which one may describe as smacking the bill; but on no occasion did I observe anything projecting from the bill when this was withdrawn, as one would expect sometimes to be the case if unmodified fish were pulled up.