used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading THE DIVORCE OF MARY LIVINGSTONE (_To an Italian Air_) The ranging eye of the Muse, sweeping up the little with the big, rediscerns Monsieur de Châtelard, like a derelict ladybird, tide-swept into Scotland once more.
a mixture of gases (especially oxygen) required for breathing; the stuff that the wind consists of
From this reading THE DIVORCE OF MARY LIVINGSTONE (_To an Italian Air_) The ranging eye of the Muse, sweeping up the little with the big, rediscerns Monsieur de Châtelard, like a derelict ladybird, tide-swept into Scotland once more.
alliancesnounUS /əˈlaɪənsəz/
plural of “alliance” — the state of being allied or confederated
From this reading Needing alliances—for his venture was most perilous—Monsieur de Châtelard had sought him out; and found him writing in a garret, wrapped in ample fur.
ampleadjectiveUS /ˈæmpəl/
more than enough in size or scope or capacity
From this reading Needing alliances—for his venture was most perilous—Monsieur de Châtelard had sought him out; and found him writing in a garret, wrapped in ample fur.
the form of “a” used before a word that begins with a vowel sound
From this reading THE DIVORCE OF MARY LIVINGSTONE (_To an Italian Air_) The ranging eye of the Muse, sweeping up the little with the big, rediscerns Monsieur de Châtelard, like a derelict ladybird, tide-swept into Scotland once more.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading He came warily pricking back in October; and, nosing here and there, found a friend in a certain portly Italian gentleman, by name Signior David, who professed to be deeply attached to him on very short notice, and whose further employment was, discoverably, that of foreign secretary to her Majesty.
in or near a particular place or position
From this reading It is true, unfortunately, that you have not yet done with this poet, though the time is at hand.
being joined in close association
From this reading He came warily pricking back in October; and, nosing here and there, found a friend in a certain portly Italian gentleman, by name Signior David, who professed to be deeply attached to him on very short notice, and whose further employment was, discoverably, that of foreign secretary to her Majesty.
in or to or toward a former location
From this reading He came warily pricking back in October; and, nosing here and there, found a friend in a certain portly Italian gentleman, by name Signior David, who professed to be deeply attached to him on very short notice, and whose further employment was, discoverably, that of foreign secretary to her Majesty.
used with a past participle to form the passive, or with -ing for continuous tenses
From this reading He came warily pricking back in October; and, nosing here and there, found a friend in a certain portly Italian gentleman, by name Signior David, who professed to be deeply attached to him on very short notice, and whose further employment was, discoverably, that of foreign secretary to her Majesty.
above average in size or number or quantity or magnitude or extent
From this reading THE DIVORCE OF MARY LIVINGSTONE (_To an Italian Air_) The ranging eye of the Muse, sweeping up the little with the big, rediscerns Monsieur de Châtelard, like a derelict ladybird, tide-swept into Scotland once more.
showing who or what does the action
From this reading He came warily pricking back in October; and, nosing here and there, found a friend in a certain portly Italian gentleman, by name Signior David, who professed to be deeply attached to him on very short notice, and whose further employment was, discoverably, that of foreign secretary to her Majesty.
inflected form of “come” — move toward, travel toward something or somebody or approach something or somebody
From this reading He came warily pricking back in October; and, nosing here and there, found a friend in a certain portly Italian gentleman, by name Signior David, who professed to be deeply attached to him on very short notice, and whose further employment was, discoverably, that of foreign secretary to her Majesty.
definite but not specified or identified
From this reading He came warily pricking back in October; and, nosing here and there, found a friend in a certain portly Italian gentleman, by name Signior David, who professed to be deeply attached to him on very short notice, and whose further employment was, discoverably, that of foreign secretary to her Majesty.
Châtelard
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading THE DIVORCE OF MARY LIVINGSTONE (_To an Italian Air_) The ranging eye of the Muse, sweeping up the little with the big, rediscerns Monsieur de Châtelard, like a derelict ladybird, tide-swept into Scotland once more.
a small open container usually used for drinking; usually has a handle
From this reading A cup of spiced wine stood by him, a sword and toothpick lay to hand: no Italian needs more.
patron saint of Wales (circa 520-600)
From this reading He came warily pricking back in October; and, nosing here and there, found a friend in a certain portly Italian gentleman, by name Signior David, who professed to be deeply attached to him on very short notice, and whose further employment was, discoverably, that of foreign secretary to her Majesty.
a Mid-Atlantic state; one of the original 13 colonies
From this reading THE DIVORCE OF MARY LIVINGSTONE (_To an Italian Air_) The ranging eye of the Muse, sweeping up the little with the big, rediscerns Monsieur de Châtelard, like a derelict ladybird, tide-swept into Scotland once more.
to a great depth psychologically or emotionally
From this reading He came warily pricking back in October; and, nosing here and there, found a friend in a certain portly Italian gentleman, by name Signior David, who professed to be deeply attached to him on very short notice, and whose further employment was, discoverably, that of foreign secretary to her Majesty.
derelictadjectiveUS /ˈderəlɪkt/
worn and broken down by hard use
From this reading THE DIVORCE OF MARY LIVINGSTONE (_To an Italian Air_) The ranging eye of the Muse, sweeping up the little with the big, rediscerns Monsieur de Châtelard, like a derelict ladybird, tide-swept into Scotland once more.
discoverably
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading He came warily pricking back in October; and, nosing here and there, found a friend in a certain portly Italian gentleman, by name Signior David, who professed to be deeply attached to him on very short notice, and whose further employment was, discoverably, that of foreign secretary to her Majesty.
DIVORCEverbUS /dɪˈvɔːrs/
part; cease or break association with
From this reading THE DIVORCE OF MARY LIVINGSTONE (_To an Italian Air_) The ranging eye of the Muse, sweeping up the little with the big, rediscerns Monsieur de Châtelard, like a derelict ladybird, tide-swept into Scotland once more.
having finished or arrived at completion
From this reading It is true, unfortunately, that you have not yet done with this poet, though the time is at hand.
employmentnounUS /emˈplɔɪmənt/
the state of being employed or having a job
From this reading He came warily pricking back in October; and, nosing here and there, found a friend in a certain portly Italian gentleman, by name Signior David, who professed to be deeply attached to him on very short notice, and whose further employment was, discoverably, that of foreign secretary to her Majesty.
the organ of sight
From this reading THE DIVORCE OF MARY LIVINGSTONE (_To an Italian Air_) The ranging eye of the Muse, sweeping up the little with the big, rediscerns Monsieur de Châtelard, like a derelict ladybird, tide-swept into Scotland once more.
intended to be given to, or used by, somebody
From this reading Needing alliances—for his venture was most perilous—Monsieur de Châtelard had sought him out; and found him writing in a garret, wrapped in ample fur.
of concern to or concerning the affairs of other nations (other than your own)
From this reading He came warily pricking back in October; and, nosing here and there, found a friend in a certain portly Italian gentleman, by name Signior David, who professed to be deeply attached to him on very short notice, and whose further employment was, discoverably, that of foreign secretary to her Majesty.
set up or found
From this reading He came warily pricking back in October; and, nosing here and there, found a friend in a certain portly Italian gentleman, by name Signior David, who professed to be deeply attached to him on very short notice, and whose further employment was, discoverably, that of foreign secretary to her Majesty.
a person you know well and regard with affection and trust
From this reading He came warily pricking back in October; and, nosing here and there, found a friend in a certain portly Italian gentleman, by name Signior David, who professed to be deeply attached to him on very short notice, and whose further employment was, discoverably, that of foreign secretary to her Majesty.
the dressed hairy coat of a mammal
From this reading Needing alliances—for his venture was most perilous—Monsieur de Châtelard had sought him out; and found him writing in a garret, wrapped in ample fur.
to or at a greater extent or degree or a more advanced stage (“further” is used more often than “farther” in this abstract sense)
From this reading He came warily pricking back in October; and, nosing here and there, found a friend in a certain portly Italian gentleman, by name Signior David, who professed to be deeply attached to him on very short notice, and whose further employment was, discoverably, that of foreign secretary to her Majesty.
garretnounUS /ˈɡerɪt/
floor consisting of open space at the top of a house just below roof; often used for storage
From this reading Needing alliances—for his venture was most perilous—Monsieur de Châtelard had sought him out; and found him writing in a garret, wrapped in ample fur.
a man of refinement
From this reading He came warily pricking back in October; and, nosing here and there, found a friend in a certain portly Italian gentleman, by name Signior David, who professed to be deeply attached to him on very short notice, and whose further employment was, discoverably, that of foreign secretary to her Majesty.
hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/
the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect
From this reading Needing alliances—for his venture was most perilous—Monsieur de Châtelard had sought him out; and found him writing in a garret, wrapped in ample fur.
the (prehensile) extremity of the superior limb
From this reading It is true, unfortunately, that you have not yet done with this poet, though the time is at hand.
haveauxiliary verbUS /hæv/
used with a past participle to form the perfect tenses
From this reading It is true, unfortunately, that you have not yet done with this poet, though the time is at hand.
a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading He came warily pricking back in October; and, nosing here and there, found a friend in a certain portly Italian gentleman, by name Signior David, who professed to be deeply attached to him on very short notice, and whose further employment was, discoverably, that of foreign secretary to her Majesty.
belonging to a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned
From this reading He came warily pricking back in October; and, nosing here and there, found a friend in a certain portly Italian gentleman, by name Signior David, who professed to be deeply attached to him on very short notice, and whose further employment was, discoverably, that of foreign secretary to her Majesty.
in or at this place; where the speaker or writer is
From this reading He came warily pricking back in October; and, nosing here and there, found a friend in a certain portly Italian gentleman, by name Signior David, who professed to be deeply attached to him on very short notice, and whose further employment was, discoverably, that of foreign secretary to her Majesty.
the male already mentioned, as the object of a verb or preposition
From this reading He came warily pricking back in October; and, nosing here and there, found a friend in a certain portly Italian gentleman, by name Signior David, who professed to be deeply attached to him on very short notice, and whose further employment was, discoverably, that of foreign secretary to her Majesty.
belonging to a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned
From this reading Needing alliances—for his venture was most perilous—Monsieur de Châtelard had sought him out; and found him writing in a garret, wrapped in ample fur.
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading He came warily pricking back in October; and, nosing here and there, found a friend in a certain portly Italian gentleman, by name Signior David, who professed to be deeply attached to him on very short notice, and whose further employment was, discoverably, that of foreign secretary to her Majesty.
intoprepositionUS /ˈɪntuː/
moving to the inside of something
From this reading THE DIVORCE OF MARY LIVINGSTONE (_To an Italian Air_) The ranging eye of the Muse, sweeping up the little with the big, rediscerns Monsieur de Châtelard, like a derelict ladybird, tide-swept into Scotland once more.
the form of “be” used with he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading It is true, unfortunately, that you have not yet done with this poet, though the time is at hand.
a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned
From this reading It is true, unfortunately, that you have not yet done with this poet, though the time is at hand.
a native or inhabitant of Italy
From this reading THE DIVORCE OF MARY LIVINGSTONE (_To an Italian Air_) The ranging eye of the Muse, sweeping up the little with the big, rediscerns Monsieur de Châtelard, like a derelict ladybird, tide-swept into Scotland once more.
ladybirdnounUS /ˈleɪdibɜːrd/
small round bright-colored and spotted beetle that usually feeds on aphids and other insect pests
From this reading THE DIVORCE OF MARY LIVINGSTONE (_To an Italian Air_) The ranging eye of the Muse, sweeping up the little with the big, rediscerns Monsieur de Châtelard, like a derelict ladybird, tide-swept into Scotland once more.
put into a certain place or abstract location
From this reading A cup of spiced wine stood by him, a sword and toothpick lay to hand: no Italian needs more.
prefer or wish to do something
From this reading THE DIVORCE OF MARY LIVINGSTONE (_To an Italian Air_) The ranging eye of the Muse, sweeping up the little with the big, rediscerns Monsieur de Châtelard, like a derelict ladybird, tide-swept into Scotland once more.
limited or below average in number or quantity or magnitude or extent
From this reading THE DIVORCE OF MARY LIVINGSTONE (_To an Italian Air_) The ranging eye of the Muse, sweeping up the little with the big, rediscerns Monsieur de Châtelard, like a derelict ladybird, tide-swept into Scotland once more.
LIVINGSTONEnounUS /ˈlɪvɪŋstoʊn/
Scottish missionary and explorer who discovered the Zambezi River and Victoria Falls (1813-1873)
From this reading THE DIVORCE OF MARY LIVINGSTONE (_To an Italian Air_) The ranging eye of the Muse, sweeping up the little with the big, rediscerns Monsieur de Châtelard, like a derelict ladybird, tide-swept into Scotland once more.
impressiveness in scale or proportion
From this reading He came warily pricking back in October; and, nosing here and there, found a friend in a certain portly Italian gentleman, by name Signior David, who professed to be deeply attached to him on very short notice, and whose further employment was, discoverably, that of foreign secretary to her Majesty.
the mother of Jesus; Christians refer to her as the Virgin Mary; she is especially honored by Roman Catholics
From this reading THE DIVORCE OF MARY LIVINGSTONE (_To an Italian Air_) The ranging eye of the Muse, sweeping up the little with the big, rediscerns Monsieur de Châtelard, like a derelict ladybird, tide-swept into Scotland once more.
used as a French courtesy title; equivalent to English “Mr”
From this reading THE DIVORCE OF MARY LIVINGSTONE (_To an Italian Air_) The ranging eye of the Muse, sweeping up the little with the big, rediscerns Monsieur de Châtelard, like a derelict ladybird, tide-swept into Scotland once more.
(comparative of “much” used with mass nouns) a quantifier meaning greater in size or amount or extent or degree
From this reading THE DIVORCE OF MARY LIVINGSTONE (_To an Italian Air_) The ranging eye of the Muse, sweeping up the little with the big, rediscerns Monsieur de Châtelard, like a derelict ladybird, tide-swept into Scotland once more.
used to form the superlative
From this reading Needing alliances—for his venture was most perilous—Monsieur de Châtelard had sought him out; and found him writing in a garret, wrapped in ample fur.
MusenounUS /mjuːz/
in ancient Greek mythology any of 9 daughters of Zeus and Mnemosyne; protector of an art or science
From this reading THE DIVORCE OF MARY LIVINGSTONE (_To an Italian Air_) The ranging eye of the Muse, sweeping up the little with the big, rediscerns Monsieur de Châtelard, like a derelict ladybird, tide-swept into Scotland once more.
assign a specified (usually proper) proper name to
From this reading He came warily pricking back in October; and, nosing here and there, found a friend in a certain portly Italian gentleman, by name Signior David, who professed to be deeply attached to him on very short notice, and whose further employment was, discoverably, that of foreign secretary to her Majesty.
NeedingverbUS /ˈniːdɪŋ/
-ing form of “need” — require as useful, just, or proper
From this reading Needing alliances—for his venture was most perilous—Monsieur de Châtelard had sought him out; and found him writing in a garret, wrapped in ample fur.
in such a manner as could not be otherwise
From this reading A cup of spiced wine stood by him, a sword and toothpick lay to hand: no Italian needs more.
not any; not one
From this reading A cup of spiced wine stood by him, a sword and toothpick lay to hand: no Italian needs more.
nosingverbUS /ˈnoʊzɪŋ/
-ing form of “nose” — search or inquire in a meddlesome way
From this reading He came warily pricking back in October; and, nosing here and there, found a friend in a certain portly Italian gentleman, by name Signior David, who professed to be deeply attached to him on very short notice, and whose further employment was, discoverably, that of foreign secretary to her Majesty.
used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative
From this reading It is true, unfortunately, that you have not yet done with this poet, though the time is at hand.
an announcement containing information about an event
From this reading He came warily pricking back in October; and, nosing here and there, found a friend in a certain portly Italian gentleman, by name Signior David, who professed to be deeply attached to him on very short notice, and whose further employment was, discoverably, that of foreign secretary to her Majesty.
OctobernounUS /ɑːkˈtoʊbər/
the month following September and preceding November
From this reading He came warily pricking back in October; and, nosing here and there, found a friend in a certain portly Italian gentleman, by name Signior David, who professed to be deeply attached to him on very short notice, and whose further employment was, discoverably, that of foreign secretary to her Majesty.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading THE DIVORCE OF MARY LIVINGSTONE (_To an Italian Air_) The ranging eye of the Muse, sweeping up the little with the big, rediscerns Monsieur de Châtelard, like a derelict ladybird, tide-swept into Scotland once more.
touching and supported by a surface
From this reading He came warily pricking back in October; and, nosing here and there, found a friend in a certain portly Italian gentleman, by name Signior David, who professed to be deeply attached to him on very short notice, and whose further employment was, discoverably, that of foreign secretary to her Majesty.
on one occasion
From this reading THE DIVORCE OF MARY LIVINGSTONE (_To an Italian Air_) The ranging eye of the Muse, sweeping up the little with the big, rediscerns Monsieur de Châtelard, like a derelict ladybird, tide-swept into Scotland once more.
not allowed to continue to bat or run
From this reading Needing alliances—for his venture was most perilous—Monsieur de Châtelard had sought him out; and found him writing in a garret, wrapped in ample fur.
perilousadjectiveUS /ˈperələs/
fraught with danger
From this reading Needing alliances—for his venture was most perilous—Monsieur de Châtelard had sought him out; and found him writing in a garret, wrapped in ample fur.
a writer of poems (the term is usually reserved for writers of good poetry)
From this reading It is true, unfortunately, that you have not yet done with this poet, though the time is at hand.
portlyadjectiveUS /ˈpɔːrtli/
euphemisms for “fat”
From this reading He came warily pricking back in October; and, nosing here and there, found a friend in a certain portly Italian gentleman, by name Signior David, who professed to be deeply attached to him on very short notice, and whose further employment was, discoverably, that of foreign secretary to her Majesty.
prickingnoun
the act of puncturing with a small point
From this reading He came warily pricking back in October; and, nosing here and there, found a friend in a certain portly Italian gentleman, by name Signior David, who professed to be deeply attached to him on very short notice, and whose further employment was, discoverably, that of foreign secretary to her Majesty.
professedadjectiveUS /prəˈfest/
professing to be qualified
From this reading He came warily pricking back in October; and, nosing here and there, found a friend in a certain portly Italian gentleman, by name Signior David, who professed to be deeply attached to him on very short notice, and whose further employment was, discoverably, that of foreign secretary to her Majesty.
rangingadjectiveUS /ˈreɪndʒɪŋ/
wandering freely
From this reading THE DIVORCE OF MARY LIVINGSTONE (_To an Italian Air_) The ranging eye of the Muse, sweeping up the little with the big, rediscerns Monsieur de Châtelard, like a derelict ladybird, tide-swept into Scotland once more.
rediscerns
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading THE DIVORCE OF MARY LIVINGSTONE (_To an Italian Air_) The ranging eye of the Muse, sweeping up the little with the big, rediscerns Monsieur de Châtelard, like a derelict ladybird, tide-swept into Scotland once more.
one of the four countries that make up the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland; located on the northern part of the island of Great Britain; famous for bagpipes and plaids and kilts
From this reading THE DIVORCE OF MARY LIVINGSTONE (_To an Italian Air_) The ranging eye of the Muse, sweeping up the little with the big, rediscerns Monsieur de Châtelard, like a derelict ladybird, tide-swept into Scotland once more.
a person who is head of an administrative department of government
From this reading He came warily pricking back in October; and, nosing here and there, found a friend in a certain portly Italian gentleman, by name Signior David, who professed to be deeply attached to him on very short notice, and whose further employment was, discoverably, that of foreign secretary to her Majesty.
primarily temporal sense; indicating or being or seeming to be limited in duration
From this reading He came warily pricking back in October; and, nosing here and there, found a friend in a certain portly Italian gentleman, by name Signior David, who professed to be deeply attached to him on very short notice, and whose further employment was, discoverably, that of foreign secretary to her Majesty.
Signiornoun
used as an Italian courtesy title; can be prefixed to the name or used separately
From this reading He came warily pricking back in October; and, nosing here and there, found a friend in a certain portly Italian gentleman, by name Signior David, who professed to be deeply attached to him on very short notice, and whose further employment was, discoverably, that of foreign secretary to her Majesty.
that is looked for
From this reading Needing alliances—for his venture was most perilous—Monsieur de Châtelard had sought him out; and found him writing in a garret, wrapped in ample fur.
spicedverbUS /spaɪst/
past form of “spice” — make more interesting or flavorful
From this reading A cup of spiced wine stood by him, a sword and toothpick lay to hand: no Italian needs more.
Maintained an upright posture.
From this reading A cup of spiced wine stood by him, a sword and toothpick lay to hand: no Italian needs more.
sweepingadjectiveUS /ˈswiːpɪŋ/
taking in or moving over (or as if over) a wide area; often used in combination
From this reading THE DIVORCE OF MARY LIVINGSTONE (_To an Italian Air_) The ranging eye of the Muse, sweeping up the little with the big, rediscerns Monsieur de Châtelard, like a derelict ladybird, tide-swept into Scotland once more.
a cutting or thrusting weapon that has a long metal blade and a hilt with a hand guard
From this reading A cup of spiced wine stood by him, a sword and toothpick lay to hand: no Italian needs more.
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading It is true, unfortunately, that you have not yet done with this poet, though the time is at hand.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading THE DIVORCE OF MARY LIVINGSTONE (_To an Italian Air_) The ranging eye of the Muse, sweeping up the little with the big, rediscerns Monsieur de Châtelard, like a derelict ladybird, tide-swept into Scotland once more.
in or at that place or location
From this reading He came warily pricking back in October; and, nosing here and there, found a friend in a certain portly Italian gentleman, by name Signior David, who professed to be deeply attached to him on very short notice, and whose further employment was, discoverably, that of foreign secretary to her Majesty.
used for a person or thing that is near, or that has just been mentioned
From this reading It is true, unfortunately, that you have not yet done with this poet, though the time is at hand.
in spite of the fact that
From this reading It is true, unfortunately, that you have not yet done with this poet, though the time is at hand.
tide-swept
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading THE DIVORCE OF MARY LIVINGSTONE (_To an Italian Air_) The ranging eye of the Muse, sweeping up the little with the big, rediscerns Monsieur de Châtelard, like a derelict ladybird, tide-swept into Scotland once more.
an instance or single occasion for some event
From this reading It is true, unfortunately, that you have not yet done with this poet, though the time is at hand.
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading THE DIVORCE OF MARY LIVINGSTONE (_To an Italian Air_) The ranging eye of the Muse, sweeping up the little with the big, rediscerns Monsieur de Châtelard, like a derelict ladybird, tide-swept into Scotland once more.
toothpicknounUS /ˈtuːθpɪk/
pick consisting of a small strip of wood or plastic; used to pick food from between the teeth
From this reading A cup of spiced wine stood by him, a sword and toothpick lay to hand: no Italian needs more.
consistent with fact or reality; not false
From this reading It is true, unfortunately, that you have not yet done with this poet, though the time is at hand.
unfortunatelyadverbUS /ənˈfɔːrtʃənətli/
by bad luck
From this reading It is true, unfortunately, that you have not yet done with this poet, though the time is at hand.
being or moving higher in position or greater in some value; being above a former position or level
From this reading THE DIVORCE OF MARY LIVINGSTONE (_To an Italian Air_) The ranging eye of the Muse, sweeping up the little with the big, rediscerns Monsieur de Châtelard, like a derelict ladybird, tide-swept into Scotland once more.
any venturesome undertaking especially one with an uncertain outcome
From this reading Needing alliances—for his venture was most perilous—Monsieur de Châtelard had sought him out; and found him writing in a garret, wrapped in ample fur.
precisely as stated
From this reading He came warily pricking back in October; and, nosing here and there, found a friend in a certain portly Italian gentleman, by name Signior David, who professed to be deeply attached to him on very short notice, and whose further employment was, discoverably, that of foreign secretary to her Majesty.
warilyadverbUS /ˈwerəli/
in a wary manner
From this reading He came warily pricking back in October; and, nosing here and there, found a friend in a certain portly Italian gentleman, by name Signior David, who professed to be deeply attached to him on very short notice, and whose further employment was, discoverably, that of foreign secretary to her Majesty.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading He came warily pricking back in October; and, nosing here and there, found a friend in a certain portly Italian gentleman, by name Signior David, who professed to be deeply attached to him on very short notice, and whose further employment was, discoverably, that of foreign secretary to her Majesty.
which person or people
From this reading He came warily pricking back in October; and, nosing here and there, found a friend in a certain portly Italian gentleman, by name Signior David, who professed to be deeply attached to him on very short notice, and whose further employment was, discoverably, that of foreign secretary to her Majesty.
belonging to which person
From this reading He came warily pricking back in October; and, nosing here and there, found a friend in a certain portly Italian gentleman, by name Signior David, who professed to be deeply attached to him on very short notice, and whose further employment was, discoverably, that of foreign secretary to her Majesty.
fermented juice (of grapes especially)
From this reading A cup of spiced wine stood by him, a sword and toothpick lay to hand: no Italian needs more.
in the company of; together with
From this reading THE DIVORCE OF MARY LIVINGSTONE (_To an Italian Air_) The ranging eye of the Muse, sweeping up the little with the big, rediscerns Monsieur de Châtelard, like a derelict ladybird, tide-swept into Scotland once more.
covered with or as if with clothes or a wrap or cloak
From this reading Needing alliances—for his venture was most perilous—Monsieur de Châtelard had sought him out; and found him writing in a garret, wrapped in ample fur.
the act of creating written works
From this reading Needing alliances—for his venture was most perilous—Monsieur de Châtelard had sought him out; and found him writing in a garret, wrapped in ample fur.
but in spite of that
From this reading It is true, unfortunately, that you have not yet done with this poet, though the time is at hand.
the person or people being spoken to
From this reading It is true, unfortunately, that you have not yet done with this poet, though the time is at hand.
