Chapter XXII

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

From this reading _Boston._ YOUR letter is filled with such ambiguous expressions that I am utterly at a loss to discover your meaning.

a record or narrative description of past events

From this reading I HAVE, however, sounded him on the article of marriage, and the result is—he loves _Harriot_ most passionately—and on account of my father’s aversion to early marriage, will marry her privately in a few days.

a farewell remark

From this reading Adieu!

(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 THE oftener I read your letter, the more I am perplexed and astonished: “YOU HAVE A TALE TO UNFOLD”—For Heaven’s sake then unfold it, before it be too late—and as you dread the consequence of keeping it secret, by disclosing it to me, you will prevent the mischief, you so much deprecate—I am all impatience.

the form of “be” used with “I”

From this reading _Boston._ YOUR letter is filled with such ambiguous expressions that I am utterly at a loss to discover your meaning.

open to two or more interpretations; or of uncertain nature or significance; or (often) intended to mislead

From this reading _Boston._ YOUR letter is filled with such ambiguous expressions that I am utterly at a loss to discover your meaning.

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

From this reading I HAVE, however, sounded him on the article of marriage, and the result is—he loves _Harriot_ most passionately—and on account of my father’s aversion to early marriage, will marry her privately in a few days.

nonfictional prose forming an independent part of a publication

From this reading I HAVE, however, sounded him on the article of marriage, and the result is—he loves _Harriot_ most passionately—and on account of my father’s aversion to early marriage, will marry her privately in a few days.

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

From this reading THE oftener I read your letter, the more I am perplexed and astonished: “YOU HAVE A TALE TO UNFOLD”—For Heaven’s sake then unfold it, before it be too late—and as you dread the consequence of keeping it secret, by disclosing it to me, you will prevent the mischief, you so much deprecate—I am all impatience.

filled with the emotional impact of overwhelming surprise or shock

From this reading THE oftener I read your letter, the more I am perplexed and astonished: “YOU HAVE A TALE TO UNFOLD”—For Heaven’s sake then unfold it, before it be too late—and as you dread the consequence of keeping it secret, by disclosing it to me, you will prevent the mischief, you so much deprecate—I am all impatience.

in or near a particular place or position

From this reading _Boston._ YOUR letter is filled with such ambiguous expressions that I am utterly at a loss to discover your meaning.

a feeling of intense dislike

From this reading I HAVE, however, sounded him on the article of marriage, and the result is—he loves _Harriot_ most passionately—and on account of my father’s aversion to early marriage, will marry her privately in a few days.

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

From this reading THE oftener I read your letter, the more I am perplexed and astonished: “YOU HAVE A TALE TO UNFOLD”—For Heaven’s sake then unfold it, before it be too late—and as you dread the consequence of keeping it secret, by disclosing it to me, you will prevent the mischief, you so much deprecate—I am all impatience.

earlier than; in front of

From this reading THE oftener I read your letter, the more I am perplexed and astonished: “YOU HAVE A TALE TO UNFOLD”—For Heaven’s sake then unfold it, before it be too late—and as you dread the consequence of keeping it secret, by disclosing it to me, you will prevent the mischief, you so much deprecate—I am all impatience.

state capital and largest city of Massachusetts; a major center for banking and financial services

From this reading _Boston._ YOUR letter is filled with such ambiguous expressions that I am utterly at a loss to discover your meaning.

showing who or what does the action

From this reading THE oftener I read your letter, the more I am perplexed and astonished: “YOU HAVE A TALE TO UNFOLD”—For Heaven’s sake then unfold it, before it be too late—and as you dread the consequence of keeping it secret, by disclosing it to me, you will prevent the mischief, you so much deprecate—I am all impatience.

a phenomenon that follows and is caused by some previous phenomenon

From this reading THE oftener I read your letter, the more I am perplexed and astonished: “YOU HAVE A TALE TO UNFOLD”—For Heaven’s sake then unfold it, before it be too late—and as you dread the consequence of keeping it secret, by disclosing it to me, you will prevent the mischief, you so much deprecate—I am all impatience.

the time during which someone's life continues

From this reading I HAVE, however, sounded him on the article of marriage, and the result is—he loves _Harriot_ most passionately—and on account of my father’s aversion to early marriage, will marry her privately in a few days.

express strong disapproval of; deplore

From this reading THE oftener I read your letter, the more I am perplexed and astonished: “YOU HAVE A TALE TO UNFOLD”—For Heaven’s sake then unfold it, before it be too late—and as you dread the consequence of keeping it secret, by disclosing it to me, you will prevent the mischief, you so much deprecate—I am all impatience.

-ing form of “disclose” — make known to the public information that was previously known only to a few people or that was meant to be kept a secret

From this reading THE oftener I read your letter, the more I am perplexed and astonished: “YOU HAVE A TALE TO UNFOLD”—For Heaven’s sake then unfold it, before it be too late—and as you dread the consequence of keeping it secret, by disclosing it to me, you will prevent the mischief, you so much deprecate—I am all impatience.

discover or determine the existence, presence, or fact of

From this reading _Boston._ YOUR letter is filled with such ambiguous expressions that I am utterly at a loss to discover your meaning.

fearful expectation or anticipation

From this reading THE oftener I read your letter, the more I am perplexed and astonished: “YOU HAVE A TALE TO UNFOLD”—For Heaven’s sake then unfold it, before it be too late—and as you dread the consequence of keeping it secret, by disclosing it to me, you will prevent the mischief, you so much deprecate—I am all impatience.

at or near the beginning of a period of time or course of events or before the usual or expected time

From this reading I HAVE, however, sounded him on the article of marriage, and the result is—he loves _Harriot_ most passionately—and on account of my father’s aversion to early marriage, will marry her privately in a few days.

plural of “expression” — the feelings expressed on a person's face

From this reading _Boston._ YOUR letter is filled with such ambiguous expressions that I am utterly at a loss to discover your meaning.

possessive form of “father” — a male parent (also used as a term of address to your father)

From this reading I HAVE, however, sounded him on the article of marriage, and the result is—he loves _Harriot_ most passionately—and on account of my father’s aversion to early marriage, will marry her privately in a few days.

a quantifier that can be used with count nouns and is often preceded by “a”; a small but indefinite number

From this reading I HAVE, however, sounded him on the article of marriage, and the result is—he loves _Harriot_ most passionately—and on account of my father’s aversion to early marriage, will marry her privately in a few days.

(usually followed by “with” or used as a combining form) generously supplied with

From this reading _Boston._ YOUR letter is filled with such ambiguous expressions that I am utterly at a loss to discover your meaning.

intended to be given to, or used by, somebody

From this reading THE oftener I read your letter, the more I am perplexed and astonished: “YOU HAVE A TALE TO UNFOLD”—For Heaven’s sake then unfold it, before it be too late—and as you dread the consequence of keeping it secret, by disclosing it to me, you will prevent the mischief, you so much deprecate—I am all impatience.

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

From this reading I HAVE, however, sounded him on the article of marriage, and the result is—he loves _Harriot_ most passionately—and on account of my father’s aversion to early marriage, will marry her privately in a few days.

used with a past participle to form the perfect tenses

From this reading I HAVE, however, sounded him on the article of marriage, and the result is—he loves _Harriot_ most passionately—and on account of my father’s aversion to early marriage, will marry her privately in a few days.

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

From this reading I HAVE, however, sounded him on the article of marriage, and the result is—he loves _Harriot_ most passionately—and on account of my father’s aversion to early marriage, will marry her privately in a few days.

possessive form of “heaven” — any place of complete bliss and delight and peace

From this reading THE oftener I read your letter, the more I am perplexed and astonished: “YOU HAVE A TALE TO UNFOLD”—For Heaven’s sake then unfold it, before it be too late—and as you dread the consequence of keeping it secret, by disclosing it to me, you will prevent the mischief, you so much deprecate—I am all impatience.

belonging to a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned

From this reading I HAVE, however, sounded him on the article of marriage, and the result is—he loves _Harriot_ most passionately—and on account of my father’s aversion to early marriage, will marry her privately in a few days.

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

From this reading I HAVE, however, sounded him on the article of marriage, and the result is—he loves _Harriot_ most passionately—and on account of my father’s aversion to early marriage, will marry her privately in a few days.

a fictitious detective in stories by A. Conan Doyle

From this reading _Myra_ to Mrs. _Holmes_.

used to add a contrasting statement

From this reading I HAVE, however, sounded him on the article of marriage, and the result is—he loves _Harriot_ most passionately—and on account of my father’s aversion to early marriage, will marry her privately in a few days.

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

From this reading _Boston._ YOUR letter is filled with such ambiguous expressions that I am utterly at a loss to discover your meaning.

a lack of patience; irritation with anything that causes delay

From this reading THE oftener I read your letter, the more I am perplexed and astonished: “YOU HAVE A TALE TO UNFOLD”—For Heaven’s sake then unfold it, before it be too late—and as you dread the consequence of keeping it secret, by disclosing it to me, you will prevent the mischief, you so much deprecate—I am all impatience.

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

From this reading I HAVE, however, sounded him on the article of marriage, and the result is—he loves _Harriot_ most passionately—and on account of my father’s aversion to early marriage, will marry her privately in a few days.

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

From this reading _Boston._ YOUR letter is filled with such ambiguous expressions that I am utterly at a loss to discover your meaning.

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading THE oftener I read your letter, the more I am perplexed and astonished: “YOU HAVE A TALE TO UNFOLD”—For Heaven’s sake then unfold it, before it be too late—and as you dread the consequence of keeping it secret, by disclosing it to me, you will prevent the mischief, you so much deprecate—I am all impatience.

conformity or harmony

From this reading THE oftener I read your letter, the more I am perplexed and astonished: “YOU HAVE A TALE TO UNFOLD”—For Heaven’s sake then unfold it, before it be too late—and as you dread the consequence of keeping it secret, by disclosing it to me, you will prevent the mischief, you so much deprecate—I am all impatience.

being or occurring at an advanced period of time or after a usual or expected time

From this reading THE oftener I read your letter, the more I am perplexed and astonished: “YOU HAVE A TALE TO UNFOLD”—For Heaven’s sake then unfold it, before it be too late—and as you dread the consequence of keeping it secret, by disclosing it to me, you will prevent the mischief, you so much deprecate—I am all impatience.

a written message addressed to a person or organization

From this reading _Boston._ YOUR letter is filled with such ambiguous expressions that I am utterly at a loss to discover your meaning.

something that is lost

From this reading _Boston._ YOUR letter is filled with such ambiguous expressions that I am utterly at a loss to discover your meaning.

plural of “love” — a strong positive emotion of regard and affection

From this reading I HAVE, however, sounded him on the article of marriage, and the result is—he loves _Harriot_ most passionately—and on account of my father’s aversion to early marriage, will marry her privately in a few days.

the state of being a married couple voluntarily joined for life (or until divorce)

From this reading I HAVE, however, sounded him on the article of marriage, and the result is—he loves _Harriot_ most passionately—and on account of my father’s aversion to early marriage, will marry her privately in a few days.

take in marriage

From this reading I HAVE, however, sounded him on the article of marriage, and the result is—he loves _Harriot_ most passionately—and on account of my father’s aversion to early marriage, will marry her privately in a few days.

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

From this reading THE oftener I read your letter, the more I am perplexed and astonished: “YOU HAVE A TALE TO UNFOLD”—For Heaven’s sake then unfold it, before it be too late—and as you dread the consequence of keeping it secret, by disclosing it to me, you will prevent the mischief, you so much deprecate—I am all impatience.

the message that is intended or expressed or signified

From this reading _Boston._ YOUR letter is filled with such ambiguous expressions that I am utterly at a loss to discover your meaning.

reckless or malicious behavior that causes discomfort or annoyance in others

From this reading THE oftener I read your letter, the more I am perplexed and astonished: “YOU HAVE A TALE TO UNFOLD”—For Heaven’s sake then unfold it, before it be too late—and as you dread the consequence of keeping it secret, by disclosing it to me, you will prevent the mischief, you so much deprecate—I am all impatience.

(comparative of “much” used with mass nouns) a quantifier meaning greater in size or amount or extent or degree

From this reading THE oftener I read your letter, the more I am perplexed and astonished: “YOU HAVE A TALE TO UNFOLD”—For Heaven’s sake then unfold it, before it be too late—and as you dread the consequence of keeping it secret, by disclosing it to me, you will prevent the mischief, you so much deprecate—I am all impatience.

used to form the superlative

From this reading I HAVE, however, sounded him on the article of marriage, and the result is—he loves _Harriot_ most passionately—and on account of my father’s aversion to early marriage, will marry her privately in a few days.

a form of address for a married woman

From this reading _Myra_ to Mrs. _Holmes_.

to a great degree or extent

From this reading THE oftener I read your letter, the more I am perplexed and astonished: “YOU HAVE A TALE TO UNFOLD”—For Heaven’s sake then unfold it, before it be too late—and as you dread the consequence of keeping it secret, by disclosing it to me, you will prevent the mischief, you so much deprecate—I am all impatience.

belonging to the person speaking

From this reading I HAVE, however, sounded him on the article of marriage, and the result is—he loves _Harriot_ most passionately—and on account of my father’s aversion to early marriage, will marry her privately in a few days.

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

From this reading _Myra_ to Mrs. _Holmes_.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading I HAVE, however, sounded him on the article of marriage, and the result is—he loves _Harriot_ most passionately—and on account of my father’s aversion to early marriage, will marry her privately in a few days.

more often or more frequently

From this reading THE oftener I read your letter, the more I am perplexed and astonished: “YOU HAVE A TALE TO UNFOLD”—For Heaven’s sake then unfold it, before it be too late—and as you dread the consequence of keeping it secret, by disclosing it to me, you will prevent the mischief, you so much deprecate—I am all impatience.

touching and supported by a surface

From this reading I HAVE, however, sounded him on the article of marriage, and the result is—he loves _Harriot_ most passionately—and on account of my father’s aversion to early marriage, will marry her privately in a few days.

with passion

From this reading I HAVE, however, sounded him on the article of marriage, and the result is—he loves _Harriot_ most passionately—and on account of my father’s aversion to early marriage, will marry her privately in a few days.

full of difficulty or confusion or bewilderment

From this reading THE oftener I read your letter, the more I am perplexed and astonished: “YOU HAVE A TALE TO UNFOLD”—For Heaven’s sake then unfold it, before it be too late—and as you dread the consequence of keeping it secret, by disclosing it to me, you will prevent the mischief, you so much deprecate—I am all impatience.

keep from happening or arising; make impossible

From this reading THE oftener I read your letter, the more I am perplexed and astonished: “YOU HAVE A TALE TO UNFOLD”—For Heaven’s sake then unfold it, before it be too late—and as you dread the consequence of keeping it secret, by disclosing it to me, you will prevent the mischief, you so much deprecate—I am all impatience.

kept private or confined to those intimately concerned

From this reading I HAVE, however, sounded him on the article of marriage, and the result is—he loves _Harriot_ most passionately—and on account of my father’s aversion to early marriage, will marry her privately in a few days.

interpret something that is written or printed

From this reading THE oftener I read your letter, the more I am perplexed and astonished: “YOU HAVE A TALE TO UNFOLD”—For Heaven’s sake then unfold it, before it be too late—and as you dread the consequence of keeping it secret, by disclosing it to me, you will prevent the mischief, you so much deprecate—I am all impatience.

a phenomenon that follows and is caused by some previous phenomenon

From this reading I HAVE, however, sounded him on the article of marriage, and the result is—he loves _Harriot_ most passionately—and on account of my father’s aversion to early marriage, will marry her privately in a few days.

a reason for wanting something done

From this reading THE oftener I read your letter, the more I am perplexed and astonished: “YOU HAVE A TALE TO UNFOLD”—For Heaven’s sake then unfold it, before it be too late—and as you dread the consequence of keeping it secret, by disclosing it to me, you will prevent the mischief, you so much deprecate—I am all impatience.

Something that is kept or meant to be kept unknown or unseen by others.

From this reading THE oftener I read your letter, the more I am perplexed and astonished: “YOU HAVE A TALE TO UNFOLD”—For Heaven’s sake then unfold it, before it be too late—and as you dread the consequence of keeping it secret, by disclosing it to me, you will prevent the mischief, you so much deprecate—I am all impatience.

for that reason; with the result that

From this reading THE oftener I read your letter, the more I am perplexed and astonished: “YOU HAVE A TALE TO UNFOLD”—For Heaven’s sake then unfold it, before it be too late—and as you dread the consequence of keeping it secret, by disclosing it to me, you will prevent the mischief, you so much deprecate—I am all impatience.

past form of “sound” — appear in a certain way

From this reading I HAVE, however, sounded him on the article of marriage, and the result is—he loves _Harriot_ most passionately—and on account of my father’s aversion to early marriage, will marry her privately in a few days.

of the kind already mentioned

From this reading _Boston._ YOUR letter is filled with such ambiguous expressions that I am utterly at a loss to discover your meaning.

a message that tells the particulars of an act or occurrence or course of events; presented in writing or drama or cinema or as a radio or television program

From this reading THE oftener I read your letter, the more I am perplexed and astonished: “YOU HAVE A TALE TO UNFOLD”—For Heaven’s sake then unfold it, before it be too late—and as you dread the consequence of keeping it secret, by disclosing it to me, you will prevent the mischief, you so much deprecate—I am all impatience.

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading _Boston._ YOUR letter is filled with such ambiguous expressions that I am utterly at a loss to discover your meaning.

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

From this reading I HAVE, however, sounded him on the article of marriage, and the result is—he loves _Harriot_ most passionately—and on account of my father’s aversion to early marriage, will marry her privately in a few days.

subsequently or soon afterward (often used as sentence connectors)

From this reading THE oftener I read your letter, the more I am perplexed and astonished: “YOU HAVE A TALE TO UNFOLD”—For Heaven’s sake then unfold it, before it be too late—and as you dread the consequence of keeping it secret, by disclosing it to me, you will prevent the mischief, you so much deprecate—I am all impatience.

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

From this reading _Myra_ to Mrs. _Holmes_.

to a degree exceeding normal or proper limits

From this reading THE oftener I read your letter, the more I am perplexed and astonished: “YOU HAVE A TALE TO UNFOLD”—For Heaven’s sake then unfold it, before it be too late—and as you dread the consequence of keeping it secret, by disclosing it to me, you will prevent the mischief, you so much deprecate—I am all impatience.

develop or come to a promising stage

From this reading THE oftener I read your letter, the more I am perplexed and astonished: “YOU HAVE A TALE TO UNFOLD”—For Heaven’s sake then unfold it, before it be too late—and as you dread the consequence of keeping it secret, by disclosing it to me, you will prevent the mischief, you so much deprecate—I am all impatience.

completely and without qualification; used informally as intensifiers

From this reading _Boston._ YOUR letter is filled with such ambiguous expressions that I am utterly at a loss to discover your meaning.

used to talk about the future, or about willingness

From this reading I HAVE, however, sounded him on the article of marriage, and the result is—he loves _Harriot_ most passionately—and on account of my father’s aversion to early marriage, will marry her privately in a few days.

in the company of; together with

From this reading _Boston._ YOUR letter is filled with such ambiguous expressions that I am utterly at a loss to discover your meaning.

the person or people being spoken to

From this reading THE oftener I read your letter, the more I am perplexed and astonished: “YOU HAVE A TALE TO UNFOLD”—For Heaven’s sake then unfold it, before it be too late—and as you dread the consequence of keeping it secret, by disclosing it to me, you will prevent the mischief, you so much deprecate—I am all impatience.

belonging to the person or people being spoken to

From this reading _Boston._ YOUR letter is filled with such ambiguous expressions that I am utterly at a loss to discover your meaning.