Chapter XIII · Chapter 13

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

From this reading After staying a year with him, Mr. Trevannion proposes to take me into Partnership, but I decline the offer from conscientious motives--Miss Trevannion treats me with unmerited coldness--This and her Father's anger make me resolve to quit the House--What I overhear and see before my departure--The Ring.

giving or marked by complete attention to

From this reading You may now behold me in a very different position, my dear Madam; instead of the laced hat and hanger at my side, imagine me in a plain suit of gray with black buttons, and a pen behind my ear; instead of walking the deck and balancing to the motion of the vessel, I am now perched immoveably upon a high stool; instead of sweeping the horizon with my telescope, or watching the straining and bending of the spars aloft, I am now with my eyes incessantly fixed upon the ledger or day-book, absorbed in calculation.

any specific behavior

From this reading The change from a life of activity to one of sedentary habits was too sudden, and I often found myself, with my eyes still fixed upon the figures before me, absorbed in a sort of castle-building reverie, in which I was boarding or chasing the enemy, handling my cutlass, and sometimes so moved by my imagination as to brandish my arm over my head, when an exclamation of surprise from one of the clerks would remind me of my folly, and, angry with myself, I would once more resume my pen.

later than; following

From this reading After staying a year with him, Mr. Trevannion proposes to take me into Partnership, but I decline the offer from conscientious motives--Miss Trevannion treats me with unmerited coldness--This and her Father's anger make me resolve to quit the House--What I overhear and see before my departure--The Ring.

at or on or to the masthead or upper rigging of a ship

From this reading You may now behold me in a very different position, my dear Madam; instead of the laced hat and hanger at my side, imagine me in a plain suit of gray with black buttons, and a pen behind my ear; instead of walking the deck and balancing to the motion of the vessel, I am now perched immoveably upon a high stool; instead of sweeping the horizon with my telescope, or watching the straining and bending of the spars aloft, I am now with my eyes incessantly fixed upon the ledger or day-book, absorbed in calculation.

the form of “be” used with “I”

From this reading You may now behold me in a very different position, my dear Madam; instead of the laced hat and hanger at my side, imagine me in a plain suit of gray with black buttons, and a pen behind my ear; instead of walking the deck and balancing to the motion of the vessel, I am now perched immoveably upon a high stool; instead of sweeping the horizon with my telescope, or watching the straining and bending of the spars aloft, I am now with my eyes incessantly fixed upon the ledger or day-book, absorbed in calculation.

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

From this reading At first, I must confess, not over much, and, notwithstanding my dislike to the life of a privateer's-man, I often sighed heavily, and wished that I were an officer in the king's service.

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

From this reading After staying a year with him, Mr. Trevannion proposes to take me into Partnership, but I decline the offer from conscientious motives--Miss Trevannion treats me with unmerited coldness--This and her Father's anger make me resolve to quit the House--What I overhear and see before my departure--The Ring.

a strong emotion; a feeling that is oriented toward some real or supposed grievance

From this reading After staying a year with him, Mr. Trevannion proposes to take me into Partnership, but I decline the offer from conscientious motives--Miss Trevannion treats me with unmerited coldness--This and her Father's anger make me resolve to quit the House--What I overhear and see before my departure--The Ring.

feeling or showing anger

From this reading The change from a life of activity to one of sedentary habits was too sudden, and I often found myself, with my eyes still fixed upon the figures before me, absorbed in a sort of castle-building reverie, in which I was boarding or chasing the enemy, handling my cutlass, and sometimes so moved by my imagination as to brandish my arm over my head, when an exclamation of surprise from one of the clerks would remind me of my folly, and, angry with myself, I would once more resume my pen.

a human limb; technically the part of the superior limb between the shoulder and the elbow but commonly used to refer to the whole superior limb

From this reading The change from a life of activity to one of sedentary habits was too sudden, and I often found myself, with my eyes still fixed upon the figures before me, absorbed in a sort of castle-building reverie, in which I was boarding or chasing the enemy, handling my cutlass, and sometimes so moved by my imagination as to brandish my arm over my head, when an exclamation of surprise from one of the clerks would remind me of my folly, and, angry with myself, I would once more resume my pen.

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

From this reading The change from a life of activity to one of sedentary habits was too sudden, and I often found myself, with my eyes still fixed upon the figures before me, absorbed in a sort of castle-building reverie, in which I was boarding or chasing the enemy, handling my cutlass, and sometimes so moved by my imagination as to brandish my arm over my head, when an exclamation of surprise from one of the clerks would remind me of my folly, and, angry with myself, I would once more resume my pen.

in or near a particular place or position

From this reading You may now behold me in a very different position, my dear Madam; instead of the laced hat and hanger at my side, imagine me in a plain suit of gray with black buttons, and a pen behind my ear; instead of walking the deck and balancing to the motion of the vessel, I am now perched immoveably upon a high stool; instead of sweeping the horizon with my telescope, or watching the straining and bending of the spars aloft, I am now with my eyes incessantly fixed upon the ledger or day-book, absorbed in calculation.

getting two things to correspond

From this reading You may now behold me in a very different position, my dear Madam; instead of the laced hat and hanger at my side, imagine me in a plain suit of gray with black buttons, and a pen behind my ear; instead of walking the deck and balancing to the motion of the vessel, I am now perched immoveably upon a high stool; instead of sweeping the horizon with my telescope, or watching the straining and bending of the spars aloft, I am now with my eyes incessantly fixed upon the ledger or day-book, absorbed in calculation.

earlier than; in front of

From this reading After staying a year with him, Mr. Trevannion proposes to take me into Partnership, but I decline the offer from conscientious motives--Miss Trevannion treats me with unmerited coldness--This and her Father's anger make me resolve to quit the House--What I overhear and see before my departure--The Ring.

at or toward the back of something

From this reading You may now behold me in a very different position, my dear Madam; instead of the laced hat and hanger at my side, imagine me in a plain suit of gray with black buttons, and a pen behind my ear; instead of walking the deck and balancing to the motion of the vessel, I am now perched immoveably upon a high stool; instead of sweeping the horizon with my telescope, or watching the straining and bending of the spars aloft, I am now with my eyes incessantly fixed upon the ledger or day-book, absorbed in calculation.

see with attention

From this reading You may now behold me in a very different position, my dear Madam; instead of the laced hat and hanger at my side, imagine me in a plain suit of gray with black buttons, and a pen behind my ear; instead of walking the deck and balancing to the motion of the vessel, I am now perched immoveably upon a high stool; instead of sweeping the horizon with my telescope, or watching the straining and bending of the spars aloft, I am now with my eyes incessantly fixed upon the ledger or day-book, absorbed in calculation.

movement that causes the formation of a curve

From this reading You may now behold me in a very different position, my dear Madam; instead of the laced hat and hanger at my side, imagine me in a plain suit of gray with black buttons, and a pen behind my ear; instead of walking the deck and balancing to the motion of the vessel, I am now perched immoveably upon a high stool; instead of sweeping the horizon with my telescope, or watching the straining and bending of the spars aloft, I am now with my eyes incessantly fixed upon the ledger or day-book, absorbed in calculation.

being of the achromatic color of maximum darkness; having little or no hue owing to absorption of almost all incident light

From this reading You may now behold me in a very different position, my dear Madam; instead of the laced hat and hanger at my side, imagine me in a plain suit of gray with black buttons, and a pen behind my ear; instead of walking the deck and balancing to the motion of the vessel, I am now perched immoveably upon a high stool; instead of sweeping the horizon with my telescope, or watching the straining and bending of the spars aloft, I am now with my eyes incessantly fixed upon the ledger or day-book, absorbed in calculation.

the act of passengers and crew getting aboard a ship or aircraft

From this reading The change from a life of activity to one of sedentary habits was too sudden, and I often found myself, with my eyes still fixed upon the figures before me, absorbed in a sort of castle-building reverie, in which I was boarding or chasing the enemy, handling my cutlass, and sometimes so moved by my imagination as to brandish my arm over my head, when an exclamation of surprise from one of the clerks would remind me of my folly, and, angry with myself, I would once more resume my pen.

move or swing back and forth

From this reading The change from a life of activity to one of sedentary habits was too sudden, and I often found myself, with my eyes still fixed upon the figures before me, absorbed in a sort of castle-building reverie, in which I was boarding or chasing the enemy, handling my cutlass, and sometimes so moved by my imagination as to brandish my arm over my head, when an exclamation of surprise from one of the clerks would remind me of my folly, and, angry with myself, I would once more resume my pen.

used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before

From this reading After staying a year with him, Mr. Trevannion proposes to take me into Partnership, but I decline the offer from conscientious motives--Miss Trevannion treats me with unmerited coldness--This and her Father's anger make me resolve to quit the House--What I overhear and see before my departure--The Ring.

plural of “button” — a round fastener sewn to shirts and coats etc to fit through buttonholes

From this reading You may now behold me in a very different position, my dear Madam; instead of the laced hat and hanger at my side, imagine me in a plain suit of gray with black buttons, and a pen behind my ear; instead of walking the deck and balancing to the motion of the vessel, I am now perched immoveably upon a high stool; instead of sweeping the horizon with my telescope, or watching the straining and bending of the spars aloft, I am now with my eyes incessantly fixed upon the ledger or day-book, absorbed in calculation.

showing who or what does the action

From this reading The change from a life of activity to one of sedentary habits was too sudden, and I often found myself, with my eyes still fixed upon the figures before me, absorbed in a sort of castle-building reverie, in which I was boarding or chasing the enemy, handling my cutlass, and sometimes so moved by my imagination as to brandish my arm over my head, when an exclamation of surprise from one of the clerks would remind me of my folly, and, angry with myself, I would once more resume my pen.

the procedure of calculating; determining something by mathematical or logical methods

From this reading You may now behold me in a very different position, my dear Madam; instead of the laced hat and hanger at my side, imagine me in a plain suit of gray with black buttons, and a pen behind my ear; instead of walking the deck and balancing to the motion of the vessel, I am now perched immoveably upon a high stool; instead of sweeping the horizon with my telescope, or watching the straining and bending of the spars aloft, I am now with my eyes incessantly fixed upon the ledger or day-book, absorbed in calculation.

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

From this reading The change from a life of activity to one of sedentary habits was too sudden, and I often found myself, with my eyes still fixed upon the figures before me, absorbed in a sort of castle-building reverie, in which I was boarding or chasing the enemy, handling my cutlass, and sometimes so moved by my imagination as to brandish my arm over my head, when an exclamation of surprise from one of the clerks would remind me of my folly, and, angry with myself, I would once more resume my pen.

cause to change; make different; cause a transformation

From this reading You may inquire how I liked the change.

-ing form of “chase” — go after with the intent to catch

From this reading The change from a life of activity to one of sedentary habits was too sudden, and I often found myself, with my eyes still fixed upon the figures before me, absorbed in a sort of castle-building reverie, in which I was boarding or chasing the enemy, handling my cutlass, and sometimes so moved by my imagination as to brandish my arm over my head, when an exclamation of surprise from one of the clerks would remind me of my folly, and, angry with myself, I would once more resume my pen.

plural of “clerk” — an employee who performs clerical work (e.g., keeps records or accounts)

From this reading The change from a life of activity to one of sedentary habits was too sudden, and I often found myself, with my eyes still fixed upon the figures before me, absorbed in a sort of castle-building reverie, in which I was boarding or chasing the enemy, handling my cutlass, and sometimes so moved by my imagination as to brandish my arm over my head, when an exclamation of surprise from one of the clerks would remind me of my folly, and, angry with myself, I would once more resume my pen.

the sensation produced by low temperatures

From this reading After staying a year with him, Mr. Trevannion proposes to take me into Partnership, but I decline the offer from conscientious motives--Miss Trevannion treats me with unmerited coldness--This and her Father's anger make me resolve to quit the House--What I overhear and see before my departure--The Ring.

confess to a punishable or reprehensible deed, usually under pressure

From this reading At first, I must confess, not over much, and, notwithstanding my dislike to the life of a privateer's-man, I often sighed heavily, and wished that I were an officer in the king's service.

characterized by extreme care and great effort

From this reading After staying a year with him, Mr. Trevannion proposes to take me into Partnership, but I decline the offer from conscientious motives--Miss Trevannion treats me with unmerited coldness--This and her Father's anger make me resolve to quit the House--What I overhear and see before my departure--The Ring.

a short heavy curved sword with one edge; formerly used by sailors

From this reading The change from a life of activity to one of sedentary habits was too sudden, and I often found myself, with my eyes still fixed upon the figures before me, absorbed in a sort of castle-building reverie, in which I was boarding or chasing the enemy, handling my cutlass, and sometimes so moved by my imagination as to brandish my arm over my head, when an exclamation of surprise from one of the clerks would remind me of my folly, and, angry with myself, I would once more resume my pen.

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

From this reading You may now behold me in a very different position, my dear Madam; instead of the laced hat and hanger at my side, imagine me in a plain suit of gray with black buttons, and a pen behind my ear; instead of walking the deck and balancing to the motion of the vessel, I am now perched immoveably upon a high stool; instead of sweeping the horizon with my telescope, or watching the straining and bending of the spars aloft, I am now with my eyes incessantly fixed upon the ledger or day-book, absorbed in calculation.

dearly loved

From this reading You may now behold me in a very different position, my dear Madam; instead of the laced hat and hanger at my side, imagine me in a plain suit of gray with black buttons, and a pen behind my ear; instead of walking the deck and balancing to the motion of the vessel, I am now perched immoveably upon a high stool; instead of sweeping the horizon with my telescope, or watching the straining and bending of the spars aloft, I am now with my eyes incessantly fixed upon the ledger or day-book, absorbed in calculation.

any of various platforms built into a vessel

From this reading You may now behold me in a very different position, my dear Madam; instead of the laced hat and hanger at my side, imagine me in a plain suit of gray with black buttons, and a pen behind my ear; instead of walking the deck and balancing to the motion of the vessel, I am now perched immoveably upon a high stool; instead of sweeping the horizon with my telescope, or watching the straining and bending of the spars aloft, I am now with my eyes incessantly fixed upon the ledger or day-book, absorbed in calculation.

grow worse

From this reading After staying a year with him, Mr. Trevannion proposes to take me into Partnership, but I decline the offer from conscientious motives--Miss Trevannion treats me with unmerited coldness--This and her Father's anger make me resolve to quit the House--What I overhear and see before my departure--The Ring.

the act of departing

From this reading After staying a year with him, Mr. Trevannion proposes to take me into Partnership, but I decline the offer from conscientious motives--Miss Trevannion treats me with unmerited coldness--This and her Father's anger make me resolve to quit the House--What I overhear and see before my departure--The Ring.

unlike in nature or quality or form or degree

From this reading You may now behold me in a very different position, my dear Madam; instead of the laced hat and hanger at my side, imagine me in a plain suit of gray with black buttons, and a pen behind my ear; instead of walking the deck and balancing to the motion of the vessel, I am now perched immoveably upon a high stool; instead of sweeping the horizon with my telescope, or watching the straining and bending of the spars aloft, I am now with my eyes incessantly fixed upon the ledger or day-book, absorbed in calculation.

an inclination to withhold approval from some person or group

From this reading At first, I must confess, not over much, and, notwithstanding my dislike to the life of a privateer's-man, I often sighed heavily, and wished that I were an officer in the king's service.

the sense organ for hearing and equilibrium

From this reading You may now behold me in a very different position, my dear Madam; instead of the laced hat and hanger at my side, imagine me in a plain suit of gray with black buttons, and a pen behind my ear; instead of walking the deck and balancing to the motion of the vessel, I am now perched immoveably upon a high stool; instead of sweeping the horizon with my telescope, or watching the straining and bending of the spars aloft, I am now with my eyes incessantly fixed upon the ledger or day-book, absorbed in calculation.

an opposing military force

From this reading The change from a life of activity to one of sedentary habits was too sudden, and I often found myself, with my eyes still fixed upon the figures before me, absorbed in a sort of castle-building reverie, in which I was boarding or chasing the enemy, handling my cutlass, and sometimes so moved by my imagination as to brandish my arm over my head, when an exclamation of surprise from one of the clerks would remind me of my folly, and, angry with myself, I would once more resume my pen.

an abrupt excited utterance

From this reading The change from a life of activity to one of sedentary habits was too sudden, and I often found myself, with my eyes still fixed upon the figures before me, absorbed in a sort of castle-building reverie, in which I was boarding or chasing the enemy, handling my cutlass, and sometimes so moved by my imagination as to brandish my arm over my head, when an exclamation of surprise from one of the clerks would remind me of my folly, and, angry with myself, I would once more resume my pen.

opinion or judgment

From this reading You may now behold me in a very different position, my dear Madam; instead of the laced hat and hanger at my side, imagine me in a plain suit of gray with black buttons, and a pen behind my ear; instead of walking the deck and balancing to the motion of the vessel, I am now perched immoveably upon a high stool; instead of sweeping the horizon with my telescope, or watching the straining and bending of the spars aloft, I am now with my eyes incessantly fixed upon the ledger or day-book, absorbed in calculation.

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

From this reading After staying a year with him, Mr. Trevannion proposes to take me into Partnership, but I decline the offer from conscientious motives--Miss Trevannion treats me with unmerited coldness--This and her Father's anger make me resolve to quit the House--What I overhear and see before my departure--The Ring.

plural of “figure” — a diagram or picture illustrating textual material

From this reading The change from a life of activity to one of sedentary habits was too sudden, and I often found myself, with my eyes still fixed upon the figures before me, absorbed in a sort of castle-building reverie, in which I was boarding or chasing the enemy, handling my cutlass, and sometimes so moved by my imagination as to brandish my arm over my head, when an exclamation of surprise from one of the clerks would remind me of my folly, and, angry with myself, I would once more resume my pen.

preceding all others in time or space or degree

From this reading At first, I must confess, not over much, and, notwithstanding my dislike to the life of a privateer's-man, I often sighed heavily, and wished that I were an officer in the king's service.

(of a number) having a fixed and unchanging value

From this reading You may now behold me in a very different position, my dear Madam; instead of the laced hat and hanger at my side, imagine me in a plain suit of gray with black buttons, and a pen behind my ear; instead of walking the deck and balancing to the motion of the vessel, I am now perched immoveably upon a high stool; instead of sweeping the horizon with my telescope, or watching the straining and bending of the spars aloft, I am now with my eyes incessantly fixed upon the ledger or day-book, absorbed in calculation.

the trait of acting stupidly or rashly

From this reading The change from a life of activity to one of sedentary habits was too sudden, and I often found myself, with my eyes still fixed upon the figures before me, absorbed in a sort of castle-building reverie, in which I was boarding or chasing the enemy, handling my cutlass, and sometimes so moved by my imagination as to brandish my arm over my head, when an exclamation of surprise from one of the clerks would remind me of my folly, and, angry with myself, I would once more resume my pen.

set up or found

From this reading The change from a life of activity to one of sedentary habits was too sudden, and I often found myself, with my eyes still fixed upon the figures before me, absorbed in a sort of castle-building reverie, in which I was boarding or chasing the enemy, handling my cutlass, and sometimes so moved by my imagination as to brandish my arm over my head, when an exclamation of surprise from one of the clerks would remind me of my folly, and, angry with myself, I would once more resume my pen.

showing where something starts, or who sent it

From this reading After staying a year with him, Mr. Trevannion proposes to take me into Partnership, but I decline the offer from conscientious motives--Miss Trevannion treats me with unmerited coldness--This and her Father's anger make me resolve to quit the House--What I overhear and see before my departure--The Ring.

a neutral achromatic color midway between white and black

From this reading You may now behold me in a very different position, my dear Madam; instead of the laced hat and hanger at my side, imagine me in a plain suit of gray with black buttons, and a pen behind my ear; instead of walking the deck and balancing to the motion of the vessel, I am now perched immoveably upon a high stool; instead of sweeping the horizon with my telescope, or watching the straining and bending of the spars aloft, I am now with my eyes incessantly fixed upon the ledger or day-book, absorbed in calculation.

plural of “habit” — an established custom

From this reading The change from a life of activity to one of sedentary habits was too sudden, and I often found myself, with my eyes still fixed upon the figures before me, absorbed in a sort of castle-building reverie, in which I was boarding or chasing the enemy, handling my cutlass, and sometimes so moved by my imagination as to brandish my arm over my head, when an exclamation of surprise from one of the clerks would remind me of my folly, and, angry with myself, I would once more resume my pen.

manual (or mechanical) carrying or moving or delivering or working with something

From this reading The change from a life of activity to one of sedentary habits was too sudden, and I often found myself, with my eyes still fixed upon the figures before me, absorbed in a sort of castle-building reverie, in which I was boarding or chasing the enemy, handling my cutlass, and sometimes so moved by my imagination as to brandish my arm over my head, when an exclamation of surprise from one of the clerks would remind me of my folly, and, angry with myself, I would once more resume my pen.

a worker who hangs something

From this reading You may now behold me in a very different position, my dear Madam; instead of the laced hat and hanger at my side, imagine me in a plain suit of gray with black buttons, and a pen behind my ear; instead of walking the deck and balancing to the motion of the vessel, I am now perched immoveably upon a high stool; instead of sweeping the horizon with my telescope, or watching the straining and bending of the spars aloft, I am now with my eyes incessantly fixed upon the ledger or day-book, absorbed in calculation.

headdress that protects the head from bad weather; has shaped crown and usually a brim

From this reading You may now behold me in a very different position, my dear Madam; instead of the laced hat and hanger at my side, imagine me in a plain suit of gray with black buttons, and a pen behind my ear; instead of walking the deck and balancing to the motion of the vessel, I am now perched immoveably upon a high stool; instead of sweeping the horizon with my telescope, or watching the straining and bending of the spars aloft, I am now with my eyes incessantly fixed upon the ledger or day-book, absorbed in calculation.

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 change from a life of activity to one of sedentary habits was too sudden, and I often found myself, with my eyes still fixed upon the figures before me, absorbed in a sort of castle-building reverie, in which I was boarding or chasing the enemy, handling my cutlass, and sometimes so moved by my imagination as to brandish my arm over my head, when an exclamation of surprise from one of the clerks would remind me of my folly, and, angry with myself, I would once more resume my pen.

to a considerable degree

From this reading At first, I must confess, not over much, and, notwithstanding my dislike to the life of a privateer's-man, I often sighed heavily, and wished that I were an officer in the king's service.

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

From this reading After staying a year with him, Mr. Trevannion proposes to take me into Partnership, but I decline the offer from conscientious motives--Miss Trevannion treats me with unmerited coldness--This and her Father's anger make me resolve to quit the House--What I overhear and see before my departure--The Ring.

greater than normal in degree or intensity or amount

From this reading You may now behold me in a very different position, my dear Madam; instead of the laced hat and hanger at my side, imagine me in a plain suit of gray with black buttons, and a pen behind my ear; instead of walking the deck and balancing to the motion of the vessel, I am now perched immoveably upon a high stool; instead of sweeping the horizon with my telescope, or watching the straining and bending of the spars aloft, I am now with my eyes incessantly fixed upon the ledger or day-book, absorbed in calculation.

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

From this reading After staying a year with him, Mr. Trevannion proposes to take me into Partnership, but I decline the offer from conscientious motives--Miss Trevannion treats me with unmerited coldness--This and her Father's anger make me resolve to quit the House--What I overhear and see before my departure--The Ring.

the line at which the sky and Earth appear to meet

From this reading You may now behold me in a very different position, my dear Madam; instead of the laced hat and hanger at my side, imagine me in a plain suit of gray with black buttons, and a pen behind my ear; instead of walking the deck and balancing to the motion of the vessel, I am now perched immoveably upon a high stool; instead of sweeping the horizon with my telescope, or watching the straining and bending of the spars aloft, I am now with my eyes incessantly fixed upon the ledger or day-book, absorbed in calculation.

a dwelling that serves as living quarters for one or more families

From this reading After staying a year with him, Mr. Trevannion proposes to take me into Partnership, but I decline the offer from conscientious motives--Miss Trevannion treats me with unmerited coldness--This and her Father's anger make me resolve to quit the House--What I overhear and see before my departure--The Ring.

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

From this reading You may inquire how I liked the change.

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

From this reading After staying a year with him, Mr. Trevannion proposes to take me into Partnership, but I decline the offer from conscientious motives--Miss Trevannion treats me with unmerited coldness--This and her Father's anger make me resolve to quit the House--What I overhear and see before my departure--The Ring.

the formation of a mental image of something that is not perceived as real and is not present to the senses

From this reading The change from a life of activity to one of sedentary habits was too sudden, and I often found myself, with my eyes still fixed upon the figures before me, absorbed in a sort of castle-building reverie, in which I was boarding or chasing the enemy, handling my cutlass, and sometimes so moved by my imagination as to brandish my arm over my head, when an exclamation of surprise from one of the clerks would remind me of my folly, and, angry with myself, I would once more resume my pen.

form a mental image of something that is not present or that is not the case

From this reading You may now behold me in a very different position, my dear Madam; instead of the laced hat and hanger at my side, imagine me in a plain suit of gray with black buttons, and a pen behind my ear; instead of walking the deck and balancing to the motion of the vessel, I am now perched immoveably upon a high stool; instead of sweeping the horizon with my telescope, or watching the straining and bending of the spars aloft, I am now with my eyes incessantly fixed upon the ledger or day-book, absorbed in calculation.

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

From this reading You may now behold me in a very different position, my dear Madam; instead of the laced hat and hanger at my side, imagine me in a plain suit of gray with black buttons, and a pen behind my ear; instead of walking the deck and balancing to the motion of the vessel, I am now perched immoveably upon a high stool; instead of sweeping the horizon with my telescope, or watching the straining and bending of the spars aloft, I am now with my eyes incessantly fixed upon the ledger or day-book, absorbed in calculation.

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

From this reading You may now behold me in a very different position, my dear Madam; instead of the laced hat and hanger at my side, imagine me in a plain suit of gray with black buttons, and a pen behind my ear; instead of walking the deck and balancing to the motion of the vessel, I am now perched immoveably upon a high stool; instead of sweeping the horizon with my telescope, or watching the straining and bending of the spars aloft, I am now with my eyes incessantly fixed upon the ledger or day-book, absorbed in calculation.

with unflagging resolve

From this reading You may now behold me in a very different position, my dear Madam; instead of the laced hat and hanger at my side, imagine me in a plain suit of gray with black buttons, and a pen behind my ear; instead of walking the deck and balancing to the motion of the vessel, I am now perched immoveably upon a high stool; instead of sweeping the horizon with my telescope, or watching the straining and bending of the spars aloft, I am now with my eyes incessantly fixed upon the ledger or day-book, absorbed in calculation.

address a question to and expect an answer from

From this reading You may inquire how I liked the change.

in place of, or as an alternative to

From this reading You may now behold me in a very different position, my dear Madam; instead of the laced hat and hanger at my side, imagine me in a plain suit of gray with black buttons, and a pen behind my ear; instead of walking the deck and balancing to the motion of the vessel, I am now perched immoveably upon a high stool; instead of sweeping the horizon with my telescope, or watching the straining and bending of the spars aloft, I am now with my eyes incessantly fixed upon the ledger or day-book, absorbed in calculation.

moving to the inside of something

From this reading After staying a year with him, Mr. Trevannion proposes to take me into Partnership, but I decline the offer from conscientious motives--Miss Trevannion treats me with unmerited coldness--This and her Father's anger make me resolve to quit the House--What I overhear and see before my departure--The Ring.

possessive form of “king” — a male sovereign; ruler of a kingdom

From this reading At first, I must confess, not over much, and, notwithstanding my dislike to the life of a privateer's-man, I often sighed heavily, and wished that I were an officer in the king's service.

closed with a lace

From this reading You may now behold me in a very different position, my dear Madam; instead of the laced hat and hanger at my side, imagine me in a plain suit of gray with black buttons, and a pen behind my ear; instead of walking the deck and balancing to the motion of the vessel, I am now perched immoveably upon a high stool; instead of sweeping the horizon with my telescope, or watching the straining and bending of the spars aloft, I am now with my eyes incessantly fixed upon the ledger or day-book, absorbed in calculation.

a record in which commercial accounts are recorded

From this reading You may now behold me in a very different position, my dear Madam; instead of the laced hat and hanger at my side, imagine me in a plain suit of gray with black buttons, and a pen behind my ear; instead of walking the deck and balancing to the motion of the vessel, I am now perched immoveably upon a high stool; instead of sweeping the horizon with my telescope, or watching the straining and bending of the spars aloft, I am now with my eyes incessantly fixed upon the ledger or day-book, absorbed in calculation.

a characteristic state or mode of living

From this reading At first, I must confess, not over much, and, notwithstanding my dislike to the life of a privateer's-man, I often sighed heavily, and wished that I were an officer in the king's service.

found pleasant or attractive; often used as a combining form

From this reading You may inquire how I liked the change.

a woman of refinement

From this reading You may now behold me in a very different position, my dear Madam; instead of the laced hat and hanger at my side, imagine me in a plain suit of gray with black buttons, and a pen behind my ear; instead of walking the deck and balancing to the motion of the vessel, I am now perched immoveably upon a high stool; instead of sweeping the horizon with my telescope, or watching the straining and bending of the spars aloft, I am now with my eyes incessantly fixed upon the ledger or day-book, absorbed in calculation.

engage in

From this reading After staying a year with him, Mr. Trevannion proposes to take me into Partnership, but I decline the offer from conscientious motives--Miss Trevannion treats me with unmerited coldness--This and her Father's anger make me resolve to quit the House--What I overhear and see before my departure--The Ring.

used to say something is possible, or to give permission

From this reading You may now behold me in a very different position, my dear Madam; instead of the laced hat and hanger at my side, imagine me in a plain suit of gray with black buttons, and a pen behind my ear; instead of walking the deck and balancing to the motion of the vessel, I am now perched immoveably upon a high stool; instead of sweeping the horizon with my telescope, or watching the straining and bending of the spars aloft, I am now with my eyes incessantly fixed upon the ledger or day-book, absorbed in calculation.

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

From this reading After staying a year with him, Mr. Trevannion proposes to take me into Partnership, but I decline the offer from conscientious motives--Miss Trevannion treats me with unmerited coldness--This and her Father's anger make me resolve to quit the House--What I overhear and see before my departure--The Ring.

fail to perceive or to catch with the senses or the mind

From this reading After staying a year with him, Mr. Trevannion proposes to take me into Partnership, but I decline the offer from conscientious motives--Miss Trevannion treats me with unmerited coldness--This and her Father's anger make me resolve to quit the House--What I overhear and see before my departure--The Ring.

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

From this reading The change from a life of activity to one of sedentary habits was too sudden, and I often found myself, with my eyes still fixed upon the figures before me, absorbed in a sort of castle-building reverie, in which I was boarding or chasing the enemy, handling my cutlass, and sometimes so moved by my imagination as to brandish my arm over my head, when an exclamation of surprise from one of the clerks would remind me of my folly, and, angry with myself, I would once more resume my pen.

the use of movements (especially of the hands) to communicate familiar or prearranged signals

From this reading You may now behold me in a very different position, my dear Madam; instead of the laced hat and hanger at my side, imagine me in a plain suit of gray with black buttons, and a pen behind my ear; instead of walking the deck and balancing to the motion of the vessel, I am now perched immoveably upon a high stool; instead of sweeping the horizon with my telescope, or watching the straining and bending of the spars aloft, I am now with my eyes incessantly fixed upon the ledger or day-book, absorbed in calculation.

plural of “motive” — the psychological feature that arouses an organism to action toward a desired goal; the reason for the action; that which gives purpose and direction to behavior

From this reading After staying a year with him, Mr. Trevannion proposes to take me into Partnership, but I decline the offer from conscientious motives--Miss Trevannion treats me with unmerited coldness--This and her Father's anger make me resolve to quit the House--What I overhear and see before my departure--The Ring.

being excited or provoked to the expression of an emotion

From this reading The change from a life of activity to one of sedentary habits was too sudden, and I often found myself, with my eyes still fixed upon the figures before me, absorbed in a sort of castle-building reverie, in which I was boarding or chasing the enemy, handling my cutlass, and sometimes so moved by my imagination as to brandish my arm over my head, when an exclamation of surprise from one of the clerks would remind me of my folly, and, angry with myself, I would once more resume my pen.

a form of address for a man

From this reading After staying a year with him, Mr. Trevannion proposes to take me into Partnership, but I decline the offer from conscientious motives--Miss Trevannion treats me with unmerited coldness--This and her Father's anger make me resolve to quit the House--What I overhear and see before my departure--The Ring.

to a great degree or extent

From this reading At first, I must confess, not over much, and, notwithstanding my dislike to the life of a privateer's-man, I often sighed heavily, and wished that I were an officer in the king's service.

used to say something is necessary, or almost certainly true

From this reading At first, I must confess, not over much, and, notwithstanding my dislike to the life of a privateer's-man, I often sighed heavily, and wished that I were an officer in the king's service.

belonging to the person speaking

From this reading After staying a year with him, Mr. Trevannion proposes to take me into Partnership, but I decline the offer from conscientious motives--Miss Trevannion treats me with unmerited coldness--This and her Father's anger make me resolve to quit the House--What I overhear and see before my departure--The Ring.

used when the speaker is also the object of the action

From this reading The change from a life of activity to one of sedentary habits was too sudden, and I often found myself, with my eyes still fixed upon the figures before me, absorbed in a sort of castle-building reverie, in which I was boarding or chasing the enemy, handling my cutlass, and sometimes so moved by my imagination as to brandish my arm over my head, when an exclamation of surprise from one of the clerks would remind me of my folly, and, angry with myself, I would once more resume my pen.

used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative

From this reading At first, I must confess, not over much, and, notwithstanding my dislike to the life of a privateer's-man, I often sighed heavily, and wished that I were an officer in the king's service.

despite anything to the contrary (usually preceding a concession)

From this reading At first, I must confess, not over much, and, notwithstanding my dislike to the life of a privateer's-man, I often sighed heavily, and wished that I were an officer in the king's service.

in the historical present; at this point in the narration of a series of past events

From this reading You may now behold me in a very different position, my dear Madam; instead of the laced hat and hanger at my side, imagine me in a plain suit of gray with black buttons, and a pen behind my ear; instead of walking the deck and balancing to the motion of the vessel, I am now perched immoveably upon a high stool; instead of sweeping the horizon with my telescope, or watching the straining and bending of the spars aloft, I am now with my eyes incessantly fixed upon the ledger or day-book, absorbed in calculation.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading You may now behold me in a very different position, my dear Madam; instead of the laced hat and hanger at my side, imagine me in a plain suit of gray with black buttons, and a pen behind my ear; instead of walking the deck and balancing to the motion of the vessel, I am now perched immoveably upon a high stool; instead of sweeping the horizon with my telescope, or watching the straining and bending of the spars aloft, I am now with my eyes incessantly fixed upon the ledger or day-book, absorbed in calculation.

make available or accessible, provide or furnish

From this reading After staying a year with him, Mr. Trevannion proposes to take me into Partnership, but I decline the offer from conscientious motives--Miss Trevannion treats me with unmerited coldness--This and her Father's anger make me resolve to quit the House--What I overhear and see before my departure--The Ring.

any person in the armed services who holds a position of authority or command

From this reading At first, I must confess, not over much, and, notwithstanding my dislike to the life of a privateer's-man, I often sighed heavily, and wished that I were an officer in the king's service.

many times at short intervals

From this reading At first, I must confess, not over much, and, notwithstanding my dislike to the life of a privateer's-man, I often sighed heavily, and wished that I were an officer in the king's service.

on one occasion

From this reading The change from a life of activity to one of sedentary habits was too sudden, and I often found myself, with my eyes still fixed upon the figures before me, absorbed in a sort of castle-building reverie, in which I was boarding or chasing the enemy, handling my cutlass, and sometimes so moved by my imagination as to brandish my arm over my head, when an exclamation of surprise from one of the clerks would remind me of my folly, and, angry with myself, I would once more resume my pen.

used to mean any person in general, including the speaker

From this reading The change from a life of activity to one of sedentary habits was too sudden, and I often found myself, with my eyes still fixed upon the figures before me, absorbed in a sort of castle-building reverie, in which I was boarding or chasing the enemy, handling my cutlass, and sometimes so moved by my imagination as to brandish my arm over my head, when an exclamation of surprise from one of the clerks would remind me of my folly, and, angry with myself, I would once more resume my pen.

used to join alternatives or possibilities

From this reading You may now behold me in a very different position, my dear Madam; instead of the laced hat and hanger at my side, imagine me in a plain suit of gray with black buttons, and a pen behind my ear; instead of walking the deck and balancing to the motion of the vessel, I am now perched immoveably upon a high stool; instead of sweeping the horizon with my telescope, or watching the straining and bending of the spars aloft, I am now with my eyes incessantly fixed upon the ledger or day-book, absorbed in calculation.

above and across; more than

From this reading At first, I must confess, not over much, and, notwithstanding my dislike to the life of a privateer's-man, I often sighed heavily, and wished that I were an officer in the king's service.

hear, usually without the knowledge of the speakers

From this reading After staying a year with him, Mr. Trevannion proposes to take me into Partnership, but I decline the offer from conscientious motives--Miss Trevannion treats me with unmerited coldness--This and her Father's anger make me resolve to quit the House--What I overhear and see before my departure--The Ring.

the members of a business venture created by contract

From this reading After staying a year with him, Mr. Trevannion proposes to take me into Partnership, but I decline the offer from conscientious motives--Miss Trevannion treats me with unmerited coldness--This and her Father's anger make me resolve to quit the House--What I overhear and see before my departure--The Ring.

a writing implement with a point from which ink flows

From this reading You may now behold me in a very different position, my dear Madam; instead of the laced hat and hanger at my side, imagine me in a plain suit of gray with black buttons, and a pen behind my ear; instead of walking the deck and balancing to the motion of the vessel, I am now perched immoveably upon a high stool; instead of sweeping the horizon with my telescope, or watching the straining and bending of the spars aloft, I am now with my eyes incessantly fixed upon the ledger or day-book, absorbed in calculation.

past form of “perch” — sit, as on a branch

From this reading You may now behold me in a very different position, my dear Madam; instead of the laced hat and hanger at my side, imagine me in a plain suit of gray with black buttons, and a pen behind my ear; instead of walking the deck and balancing to the motion of the vessel, I am now perched immoveably upon a high stool; instead of sweeping the horizon with my telescope, or watching the straining and bending of the spars aloft, I am now with my eyes incessantly fixed upon the ledger or day-book, absorbed in calculation.

clearly revealed to the mind or the senses or judgment

From this reading You may now behold me in a very different position, my dear Madam; instead of the laced hat and hanger at my side, imagine me in a plain suit of gray with black buttons, and a pen behind my ear; instead of walking the deck and balancing to the motion of the vessel, I am now perched immoveably upon a high stool; instead of sweeping the horizon with my telescope, or watching the straining and bending of the spars aloft, I am now with my eyes incessantly fixed upon the ledger or day-book, absorbed in calculation.

the particular portion of space occupied by something

From this reading You may now behold me in a very different position, my dear Madam; instead of the laced hat and hanger at my side, imagine me in a plain suit of gray with black buttons, and a pen behind my ear; instead of walking the deck and balancing to the motion of the vessel, I am now perched immoveably upon a high stool; instead of sweeping the horizon with my telescope, or watching the straining and bending of the spars aloft, I am now with my eyes incessantly fixed upon the ledger or day-book, absorbed in calculation.

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

From this reading At first, I must confess, not over much, and, notwithstanding my dislike to the life of a privateer's-man, I often sighed heavily, and wished that I were an officer in the king's service.

third-person singular of “propose” — make a proposal, declare a plan for something

From this reading After staying a year with him, Mr. Trevannion proposes to take me into Partnership, but I decline the offer from conscientious motives--Miss Trevannion treats me with unmerited coldness--This and her Father's anger make me resolve to quit the House--What I overhear and see before my departure--The Ring.

put an end to a state or an activity

From this reading After staying a year with him, Mr. Trevannion proposes to take me into Partnership, but I decline the offer from conscientious motives--Miss Trevannion treats me with unmerited coldness--This and her Father's anger make me resolve to quit the House--What I overhear and see before my departure--The Ring.

put in the mind of someone

From this reading The change from a life of activity to one of sedentary habits was too sudden, and I often found myself, with my eyes still fixed upon the figures before me, absorbed in a sort of castle-building reverie, in which I was boarding or chasing the enemy, handling my cutlass, and sometimes so moved by my imagination as to brandish my arm over my head, when an exclamation of surprise from one of the clerks would remind me of my folly, and, angry with myself, I would once more resume my pen.

bring to an end; settle conclusively

From this reading After staying a year with him, Mr. Trevannion proposes to take me into Partnership, but I decline the offer from conscientious motives--Miss Trevannion treats me with unmerited coldness--This and her Father's anger make me resolve to quit the House--What I overhear and see before my departure--The Ring.

take up or begin anew

From this reading The change from a life of activity to one of sedentary habits was too sudden, and I often found myself, with my eyes still fixed upon the figures before me, absorbed in a sort of castle-building reverie, in which I was boarding or chasing the enemy, handling my cutlass, and sometimes so moved by my imagination as to brandish my arm over my head, when an exclamation of surprise from one of the clerks would remind me of my folly, and, angry with myself, I would once more resume my pen.

absentminded dreaming while awake

From this reading The change from a life of activity to one of sedentary habits was too sudden, and I often found myself, with my eyes still fixed upon the figures before me, absorbed in a sort of castle-building reverie, in which I was boarding or chasing the enemy, handling my cutlass, and sometimes so moved by my imagination as to brandish my arm over my head, when an exclamation of surprise from one of the clerks would remind me of my folly, and, angry with myself, I would once more resume my pen.

sound loudly and sonorously

From this reading After staying a year with him, Mr. Trevannion proposes to take me into Partnership, but I decline the offer from conscientious motives--Miss Trevannion treats me with unmerited coldness--This and her Father's anger make me resolve to quit the House--What I overhear and see before my departure--The Ring.

requiring sitting or little activity

From this reading The change from a life of activity to one of sedentary habits was too sudden, and I often found myself, with my eyes still fixed upon the figures before me, absorbed in a sort of castle-building reverie, in which I was boarding or chasing the enemy, handling my cutlass, and sometimes so moved by my imagination as to brandish my arm over my head, when an exclamation of surprise from one of the clerks would remind me of my folly, and, angry with myself, I would once more resume my pen.

perceive by sight or have the power to perceive by sight

From this reading After staying a year with him, Mr. Trevannion proposes to take me into Partnership, but I decline the offer from conscientious motives--Miss Trevannion treats me with unmerited coldness--This and her Father's anger make me resolve to quit the House--What I overhear and see before my departure--The Ring.

work done by one person or group that benefits another

From this reading At first, I must confess, not over much, and, notwithstanding my dislike to the life of a privateer's-man, I often sighed heavily, and wished that I were an officer in the king's service.

a place within a region identified relative to a center or reference location

From this reading You may now behold me in a very different position, my dear Madam; instead of the laced hat and hanger at my side, imagine me in a plain suit of gray with black buttons, and a pen behind my ear; instead of walking the deck and balancing to the motion of the vessel, I am now perched immoveably upon a high stool; instead of sweeping the horizon with my telescope, or watching the straining and bending of the spars aloft, I am now with my eyes incessantly fixed upon the ledger or day-book, absorbed in calculation.

past form of “sigh” — heave or utter a sigh; breathe deeply and heavily

From this reading At first, I must confess, not over much, and, notwithstanding my dislike to the life of a privateer's-man, I often sighed heavily, and wished that I were an officer in the king's service.

for that reason; with the result that

From this reading The change from a life of activity to one of sedentary habits was too sudden, and I often found myself, with my eyes still fixed upon the figures before me, absorbed in a sort of castle-building reverie, in which I was boarding or chasing the enemy, handling my cutlass, and sometimes so moved by my imagination as to brandish my arm over my head, when an exclamation of surprise from one of the clerks would remind me of my folly, and, angry with myself, I would once more resume my pen.

on certain occasions or in certain cases but not always

From this reading The change from a life of activity to one of sedentary habits was too sudden, and I often found myself, with my eyes still fixed upon the figures before me, absorbed in a sort of castle-building reverie, in which I was boarding or chasing the enemy, handling my cutlass, and sometimes so moved by my imagination as to brandish my arm over my head, when an exclamation of surprise from one of the clerks would remind me of my folly, and, angry with myself, I would once more resume my pen.

a category of things distinguished by some common characteristic or quality

From this reading The change from a life of activity to one of sedentary habits was too sudden, and I often found myself, with my eyes still fixed upon the figures before me, absorbed in a sort of castle-building reverie, in which I was boarding or chasing the enemy, handling my cutlass, and sometimes so moved by my imagination as to brandish my arm over my head, when an exclamation of surprise from one of the clerks would remind me of my folly, and, angry with myself, I would once more resume my pen.

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

From this reading You may now behold me in a very different position, my dear Madam; instead of the laced hat and hanger at my side, imagine me in a plain suit of gray with black buttons, and a pen behind my ear; instead of walking the deck and balancing to the motion of the vessel, I am now perched immoveably upon a high stool; instead of sweeping the horizon with my telescope, or watching the straining and bending of the spars aloft, I am now with my eyes incessantly fixed upon the ledger or day-book, absorbed in calculation.

-ing form of “stay” — stay the same; remain in a certain state

From this reading After staying a year with him, Mr. Trevannion proposes to take me into Partnership, but I decline the offer from conscientious motives--Miss Trevannion treats me with unmerited coldness--This and her Father's anger make me resolve to quit the House--What I overhear and see before my departure--The Ring.

not in physical motion

From this reading The change from a life of activity to one of sedentary habits was too sudden, and I often found myself, with my eyes still fixed upon the figures before me, absorbed in a sort of castle-building reverie, in which I was boarding or chasing the enemy, handling my cutlass, and sometimes so moved by my imagination as to brandish my arm over my head, when an exclamation of surprise from one of the clerks would remind me of my folly, and, angry with myself, I would once more resume my pen.

a simple seat without a back or arms

From this reading You may now behold me in a very different position, my dear Madam; instead of the laced hat and hanger at my side, imagine me in a plain suit of gray with black buttons, and a pen behind my ear; instead of walking the deck and balancing to the motion of the vessel, I am now perched immoveably upon a high stool; instead of sweeping the horizon with my telescope, or watching the straining and bending of the spars aloft, I am now with my eyes incessantly fixed upon the ledger or day-book, absorbed in calculation.

an intense or violent exertion

From this reading You may now behold me in a very different position, my dear Madam; instead of the laced hat and hanger at my side, imagine me in a plain suit of gray with black buttons, and a pen behind my ear; instead of walking the deck and balancing to the motion of the vessel, I am now perched immoveably upon a high stool; instead of sweeping the horizon with my telescope, or watching the straining and bending of the spars aloft, I am now with my eyes incessantly fixed upon the ledger or day-book, absorbed in calculation.

happening without warning or in a short space of time

From this reading The change from a life of activity to one of sedentary habits was too sudden, and I often found myself, with my eyes still fixed upon the figures before me, absorbed in a sort of castle-building reverie, in which I was boarding or chasing the enemy, handling my cutlass, and sometimes so moved by my imagination as to brandish my arm over my head, when an exclamation of surprise from one of the clerks would remind me of my folly, and, angry with myself, I would once more resume my pen.

be agreeable or acceptable to

From this reading You may now behold me in a very different position, my dear Madam; instead of the laced hat and hanger at my side, imagine me in a plain suit of gray with black buttons, and a pen behind my ear; instead of walking the deck and balancing to the motion of the vessel, I am now perched immoveably upon a high stool; instead of sweeping the horizon with my telescope, or watching the straining and bending of the spars aloft, I am now with my eyes incessantly fixed upon the ledger or day-book, absorbed in calculation.

the astonishment you feel when something totally unexpected happens to you

From this reading The change from a life of activity to one of sedentary habits was too sudden, and I often found myself, with my eyes still fixed upon the figures before me, absorbed in a sort of castle-building reverie, in which I was boarding or chasing the enemy, handling my cutlass, and sometimes so moved by my imagination as to brandish my arm over my head, when an exclamation of surprise from one of the clerks would remind me of my folly, and, angry with myself, I would once more resume my pen.

taking in or moving over (or as if over) a wide area; often used in combination

From this reading You may now behold me in a very different position, my dear Madam; instead of the laced hat and hanger at my side, imagine me in a plain suit of gray with black buttons, and a pen behind my ear; instead of walking the deck and balancing to the motion of the vessel, I am now perched immoveably upon a high stool; instead of sweeping the horizon with my telescope, or watching the straining and bending of the spars aloft, I am now with my eyes incessantly fixed upon the ledger or day-book, absorbed in calculation.

carry out

From this reading After staying a year with him, Mr. Trevannion proposes to take me into Partnership, but I decline the offer from conscientious motives--Miss Trevannion treats me with unmerited coldness--This and her Father's anger make me resolve to quit the House--What I overhear and see before my departure--The Ring.

crush together or collapse

From this reading You may now behold me in a very different position, my dear Madam; instead of the laced hat and hanger at my side, imagine me in a plain suit of gray with black buttons, and a pen behind my ear; instead of walking the deck and balancing to the motion of the vessel, I am now perched immoveably upon a high stool; instead of sweeping the horizon with my telescope, or watching the straining and bending of the spars aloft, I am now with my eyes incessantly fixed upon the ledger or day-book, absorbed in calculation.

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading At first, I must confess, not over much, and, notwithstanding my dislike to the life of a privateer's-man, I often sighed heavily, and wished that I were an officer in the king's service.

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

From this reading After staying a year with him, Mr. Trevannion proposes to take me into Partnership, but I decline the offer from conscientious motives--Miss Trevannion treats me with unmerited coldness--This and her Father's anger make me resolve to quit the House--What I overhear and see before my departure--The Ring.

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

From this reading After staying a year with him, Mr. Trevannion proposes to take me into Partnership, but I decline the offer from conscientious motives--Miss Trevannion treats me with unmerited coldness--This and her Father's anger make me resolve to quit the House--What I overhear and see before my departure--The Ring.

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

From this reading After staying a year with him, Mr. Trevannion proposes to take me into Partnership, but I decline the offer from conscientious motives--Miss Trevannion treats me with unmerited coldness--This and her Father's anger make me resolve to quit the House--What I overhear and see before my departure--The Ring.

to a degree exceeding normal or proper limits

From this reading The change from a life of activity to one of sedentary habits was too sudden, and I often found myself, with my eyes still fixed upon the figures before me, absorbed in a sort of castle-building reverie, in which I was boarding or chasing the enemy, handling my cutlass, and sometimes so moved by my imagination as to brandish my arm over my head, when an exclamation of surprise from one of the clerks would remind me of my folly, and, angry with myself, I would once more resume my pen.

plural of “treat” — something considered choice to eat

From this reading After staying a year with him, Mr. Trevannion proposes to take me into Partnership, but I decline the offer from conscientious motives--Miss Trevannion treats me with unmerited coldness--This and her Father's anger make me resolve to quit the House--What I overhear and see before my departure--The Ring.

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

From this reading After staying a year with him, Mr. Trevannion proposes to take me into Partnership, but I decline the offer from conscientious motives--Miss Trevannion treats me with unmerited coldness--This and her Father's anger make me resolve to quit the House--What I overhear and see before my departure--The Ring.

not merited or deserved

From this reading After staying a year with him, Mr. Trevannion proposes to take me into Partnership, but I decline the offer from conscientious motives--Miss Trevannion treats me with unmerited coldness--This and her Father's anger make me resolve to quit the House--What I overhear and see before my departure--The Ring.

a formal word for “on”

From this reading You may now behold me in a very different position, my dear Madam; instead of the laced hat and hanger at my side, imagine me in a plain suit of gray with black buttons, and a pen behind my ear; instead of walking the deck and balancing to the motion of the vessel, I am now perched immoveably upon a high stool; instead of sweeping the horizon with my telescope, or watching the straining and bending of the spars aloft, I am now with my eyes incessantly fixed upon the ledger or day-book, absorbed in calculation.

precisely as stated

From this reading You may now behold me in a very different position, my dear Madam; instead of the laced hat and hanger at my side, imagine me in a plain suit of gray with black buttons, and a pen behind my ear; instead of walking the deck and balancing to the motion of the vessel, I am now perched immoveably upon a high stool; instead of sweeping the horizon with my telescope, or watching the straining and bending of the spars aloft, I am now with my eyes incessantly fixed upon the ledger or day-book, absorbed in calculation.

a tube in which a body fluid circulates

From this reading You may now behold me in a very different position, my dear Madam; instead of the laced hat and hanger at my side, imagine me in a plain suit of gray with black buttons, and a pen behind my ear; instead of walking the deck and balancing to the motion of the vessel, I am now perched immoveably upon a high stool; instead of sweeping the horizon with my telescope, or watching the straining and bending of the spars aloft, I am now with my eyes incessantly fixed upon the ledger or day-book, absorbed in calculation.

close enough to be walked to

From this reading You may now behold me in a very different position, my dear Madam; instead of the laced hat and hanger at my side, imagine me in a plain suit of gray with black buttons, and a pen behind my ear; instead of walking the deck and balancing to the motion of the vessel, I am now perched immoveably upon a high stool; instead of sweeping the horizon with my telescope, or watching the straining and bending of the spars aloft, I am now with my eyes incessantly fixed upon the ledger or day-book, absorbed in calculation.

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

From this reading The change from a life of activity to one of sedentary habits was too sudden, and I often found myself, with my eyes still fixed upon the figures before me, absorbed in a sort of castle-building reverie, in which I was boarding or chasing the enemy, handling my cutlass, and sometimes so moved by my imagination as to brandish my arm over my head, when an exclamation of surprise from one of the clerks would remind me of my folly, and, angry with myself, I would once more resume my pen.

the act of observing; taking a patient look

From this reading You may now behold me in a very different position, my dear Madam; instead of the laced hat and hanger at my side, imagine me in a plain suit of gray with black buttons, and a pen behind my ear; instead of walking the deck and balancing to the motion of the vessel, I am now perched immoveably upon a high stool; instead of sweeping the horizon with my telescope, or watching the straining and bending of the spars aloft, I am now with my eyes incessantly fixed upon the ledger or day-book, absorbed in calculation.

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

From this reading At first, I must confess, not over much, and, notwithstanding my dislike to the life of a privateer's-man, I often sighed heavily, and wished that I were an officer in the king's service.

used to ask for information about something

From this reading After staying a year with him, Mr. Trevannion proposes to take me into Partnership, but I decline the offer from conscientious motives--Miss Trevannion treats me with unmerited coldness--This and her Father's anger make me resolve to quit the House--What I overhear and see before my departure--The Ring.

at the time that

From this reading The change from a life of activity to one of sedentary habits was too sudden, and I often found myself, with my eyes still fixed upon the figures before me, absorbed in a sort of castle-building reverie, in which I was boarding or chasing the enemy, handling my cutlass, and sometimes so moved by my imagination as to brandish my arm over my head, when an exclamation of surprise from one of the clerks would remind me of my folly, and, angry with myself, I would once more resume my pen.

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

From this reading The change from a life of activity to one of sedentary habits was too sudden, and I often found myself, with my eyes still fixed upon the figures before me, absorbed in a sort of castle-building reverie, in which I was boarding or chasing the enemy, handling my cutlass, and sometimes so moved by my imagination as to brandish my arm over my head, when an exclamation of surprise from one of the clerks would remind me of my folly, and, angry with myself, I would once more resume my pen.

past form of “wish” — hope for; have a wish

From this reading At first, I must confess, not over much, and, notwithstanding my dislike to the life of a privateer's-man, I often sighed heavily, and wished that I were an officer in the king's service.

in the company of; together with

From this reading After staying a year with him, Mr. Trevannion proposes to take me into Partnership, but I decline the offer from conscientious motives--Miss Trevannion treats me with unmerited coldness--This and her Father's anger make me resolve to quit the House--What I overhear and see before my departure--The Ring.

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

From this reading The change from a life of activity to one of sedentary habits was too sudden, and I often found myself, with my eyes still fixed upon the figures before me, absorbed in a sort of castle-building reverie, in which I was boarding or chasing the enemy, handling my cutlass, and sometimes so moved by my imagination as to brandish my arm over my head, when an exclamation of surprise from one of the clerks would remind me of my folly, and, angry with myself, I would once more resume my pen.

a period of time containing 365 (or 366) days

From this reading After staying a year with him, Mr. Trevannion proposes to take me into Partnership, but I decline the offer from conscientious motives--Miss Trevannion treats me with unmerited coldness--This and her Father's anger make me resolve to quit the House--What I overhear and see before my departure--The Ring.

the person or people being spoken to

From this reading You may now behold me in a very different position, my dear Madam; instead of the laced hat and hanger at my side, imagine me in a plain suit of gray with black buttons, and a pen behind my ear; instead of walking the deck and balancing to the motion of the vessel, I am now perched immoveably upon a high stool; instead of sweeping the horizon with my telescope, or watching the straining and bending of the spars aloft, I am now with my eyes incessantly fixed upon the ledger or day-book, absorbed in calculation.