Chapter XXXI

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

From this reading He had been sleeping too--close to Bâl Narîn, whose large, kind presence had, from the first, inspired him with confidence, and now he had awoke, and his new friend, who was one of the most versatile of men, being as well able to nurse a child as to snare an elephant or to kill a tiger, had taken pleasure in washing from his face and hands the stains of travel, and combing out his long golden curls, and dressing him in smart new garments.

(usually followed by “to”) having the necessary means or skill or know-how or authority to do something

From this reading He had been sleeping too--close to Bâl Narîn, whose large, kind presence had, from the first, inspired him with confidence, and now he had awoke, and his new friend, who was one of the most versatile of men, being as well able to nurse a child as to snare an elephant or to kill a tiger, had taken pleasure in washing from his face and hands the stains of travel, and combing out his long golden curls, and dressing him in smart new garments.

regarded with deep or rapturous love (especially as if for a god)

From this reading It was the little fine gentleman of Nowgong, before the revolt, the adored of English _burra sahib-log_ and native servants--who had come back.

(of actions or states) slightly short of or not quite accomplished; all but

From this reading So when Kit stole in softly to see if his dearest Grace was awake, he almost startled her by his beauty.

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

From this reading He had been sleeping too--close to Bâl Narîn, whose large, kind presence had, from the first, inspired him with confidence, and now he had awoke, and his new friend, who was one of the most versatile of men, being as well able to nurse a child as to snare an elephant or to kill a tiger, had taken pleasure in washing from his face and hands the stains of travel, and combing out his long golden curls, and dressing him in smart new garments.

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

From this reading He had been sleeping too--close to Bâl Narîn, whose large, kind presence had, from the first, inspired him with confidence, and now he had awoke, and his new friend, who was one of the most versatile of men, being as well able to nurse a child as to snare an elephant or to kill a tiger, had taken pleasure in washing from his face and hands the stains of travel, and combing out his long golden curls, and dressing him in smart new garments.

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

From this reading He had been sleeping too--close to Bâl Narîn, whose large, kind presence had, from the first, inspired him with confidence, and now he had awoke, and his new friend, who was one of the most versatile of men, being as well able to nurse a child as to snare an elephant or to kill a tiger, had taken pleasure in washing from his face and hands the stains of travel, and combing out his long golden curls, and dressing him in smart new garments.

not in a state of sleep; completely conscious

From this reading So when Kit stole in softly to see if his dearest Grace was awake, he almost startled her by his beauty.

inflected form of “awake” — stop sleeping

From this reading He had been sleeping too--close to Bâl Narîn, whose large, kind presence had, from the first, inspired him with confidence, and now he had awoke, and his new friend, who was one of the most versatile of men, being as well able to nurse a child as to snare an elephant or to kill a tiger, had taken pleasure in washing from his face and hands the stains of travel, and combing out his long golden curls, and dressing him in smart new garments.

in or to or toward a former location

From this reading It was the little fine gentleman of Nowgong, before the revolt, the adored of English _burra sahib-log_ and native servants--who had come back.

the qualities that give pleasure to the senses

From this reading So when Kit stole in softly to see if his dearest Grace was awake, he almost startled her by his beauty.

the past participle of “be”

From this reading He had been sleeping too--close to Bâl Narîn, whose large, kind presence had, from the first, inspired him with confidence, and now he had awoke, and his new friend, who was one of the most versatile of men, being as well able to nurse a child as to snare an elephant or to kill a tiger, had taken pleasure in washing from his face and hands the stains of travel, and combing out his long golden curls, and dressing him in smart new garments.

earlier than; in front of

From this reading It was the little fine gentleman of Nowgong, before the revolt, the adored of English _burra sahib-log_ and native servants--who had come back.

the -ing form of “be”

From this reading He had been sleeping too--close to Bâl Narîn, whose large, kind presence had, from the first, inspired him with confidence, and now he had awoke, and his new friend, who was one of the most versatile of men, being as well able to nurse a child as to snare an elephant or to kill a tiger, had taken pleasure in washing from his face and hands the stains of travel, and combing out his long golden curls, and dressing him in smart new garments.

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

From this reading It was the little fine gentleman of Nowgong, before the revolt, the adored of English _burra sahib-log_ and native servants--who had come back.

showing who or what does the action

From this reading So when Kit stole in softly to see if his dearest Grace was awake, he almost startled her by his beauty.

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

From this reading He had been sleeping too--close to Bâl Narîn, whose large, kind presence had, from the first, inspired him with confidence, and now he had awoke, and his new friend, who was one of the most versatile of men, being as well able to nurse a child as to snare an elephant or to kill a tiger, had taken pleasure in washing from his face and hands the stains of travel, and combing out his long golden curls, and dressing him in smart new garments.

a young person of either sex

From this reading He had been sleeping too--close to Bâl Narîn, whose large, kind presence had, from the first, inspired him with confidence, and now he had awoke, and his new friend, who was one of the most versatile of men, being as well able to nurse a child as to snare an elephant or to kill a tiger, had taken pleasure in washing from his face and hands the stains of travel, and combing out his long golden curls, and dressing him in smart new garments.

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

From this reading He had been sleeping too--close to Bâl Narîn, whose large, kind presence had, from the first, inspired him with confidence, and now he had awoke, and his new friend, who was one of the most versatile of men, being as well able to nurse a child as to snare an elephant or to kill a tiger, had taken pleasure in washing from his face and hands the stains of travel, and combing out his long golden curls, and dressing him in smart new garments.

the act of drawing a comb through hair

From this reading He had been sleeping too--close to Bâl Narîn, whose large, kind presence had, from the first, inspired him with confidence, and now he had awoke, and his new friend, who was one of the most versatile of men, being as well able to nurse a child as to snare an elephant or to kill a tiger, had taken pleasure in washing from his face and hands the stains of travel, and combing out his long golden curls, and dressing him in smart new garments.

move toward, travel toward something or somebody or approach something or somebody

From this reading It was the little fine gentleman of Nowgong, before the revolt, the adored of English _burra sahib-log_ and native servants--who had come back.

freedom from doubt; belief in yourself and your abilities

From this reading He had been sleeping too--close to Bâl Narîn, whose large, kind presence had, from the first, inspired him with confidence, and now he had awoke, and his new friend, who was one of the most versatile of men, being as well able to nurse a child as to snare an elephant or to kill a tiger, had taken pleasure in washing from his face and hands the stains of travel, and combing out his long golden curls, and dressing him in smart new garments.

plural of “curl” — a round shape formed by a series of concentric circles (as formed by leaves or flower petals)

From this reading He had been sleeping too--close to Bâl Narîn, whose large, kind presence had, from the first, inspired him with confidence, and now he had awoke, and his new friend, who was one of the most versatile of men, being as well able to nurse a child as to snare an elephant or to kill a tiger, had taken pleasure in washing from his face and hands the stains of travel, and combing out his long golden curls, and dressing him in smart new garments.

a beloved person; used as terms of endearment

From this reading So when Kit stole in softly to see if his dearest Grace was awake, he almost startled her by his beauty.

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

From this reading 'DOES PEACE RETURN?'

savory dressings for salads; basically of two kinds: either the thin French or vinaigrette type or the creamy mayonnaise type

From this reading He had been sleeping too--close to Bâl Narîn, whose large, kind presence had, from the first, inspired him with confidence, and now he had awoke, and his new friend, who was one of the most versatile of men, being as well able to nurse a child as to snare an elephant or to kill a tiger, had taken pleasure in washing from his face and hands the stains of travel, and combing out his long golden curls, and dressing him in smart new garments.

five-toed pachyderm

From this reading He had been sleeping too--close to Bâl Narîn, whose large, kind presence had, from the first, inspired him with confidence, and now he had awoke, and his new friend, who was one of the most versatile of men, being as well able to nurse a child as to snare an elephant or to kill a tiger, had taken pleasure in washing from his face and hands the stains of travel, and combing out his long golden curls, and dressing him in smart new garments.

an Indo-European language belonging to the West Germanic branch; the official language of Britain and the United States and most of the commonwealth countries

From this reading It was the little fine gentleman of Nowgong, before the revolt, the adored of English _burra sahib-log_ and native servants--who had come back.

the front of the human head from the forehead to the chin and ear to ear

From this reading She saw Kit's face first.

being satisfactory or in satisfactory condition

From this reading It was the little fine gentleman of Nowgong, before the revolt, the adored of English _burra sahib-log_ and native servants--who had come back.

preceding all others in time or space or degree

From this reading She saw Kit's face first.

a person you know well and regard with affection and trust

From this reading He had been sleeping too--close to Bâl Narîn, whose large, kind presence had, from the first, inspired him with confidence, and now he had awoke, and his new friend, who was one of the most versatile of men, being as well able to nurse a child as to snare an elephant or to kill a tiger, had taken pleasure in washing from his face and hands the stains of travel, and combing out his long golden curls, and dressing him in smart new garments.

showing where something starts, or who sent it

From this reading He had been sleeping too--close to Bâl Narîn, whose large, kind presence had, from the first, inspired him with confidence, and now he had awoke, and his new friend, who was one of the most versatile of men, being as well able to nurse a child as to snare an elephant or to kill a tiger, had taken pleasure in washing from his face and hands the stains of travel, and combing out his long golden curls, and dressing him in smart new garments.

plural of “garment” — an article of clothing

From this reading He had been sleeping too--close to Bâl Narîn, whose large, kind presence had, from the first, inspired him with confidence, and now he had awoke, and his new friend, who was one of the most versatile of men, being as well able to nurse a child as to snare an elephant or to kill a tiger, had taken pleasure in washing from his face and hands the stains of travel, and combing out his long golden curls, and dressing him in smart new garments.

a man of refinement

From this reading It was the little fine gentleman of Nowgong, before the revolt, the adored of English _burra sahib-log_ and native servants--who had come back.

having the deep slightly brownish color of gold

From this reading He had been sleeping too--close to Bâl Narîn, whose large, kind presence had, from the first, inspired him with confidence, and now he had awoke, and his new friend, who was one of the most versatile of men, being as well able to nurse a child as to snare an elephant or to kill a tiger, had taken pleasure in washing from his face and hands the stains of travel, and combing out his long golden curls, and dressing him in smart new garments.

(Christian theology) a state of sanctification by God; the state of one who is under such divine influence

From this reading So when Kit stole in softly to see if his dearest Grace was awake, he almost startled her by his beauty.

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

From this reading He had been sleeping too--close to Bâl Narîn, whose large, kind presence had, from the first, inspired him with confidence, and now he had awoke, and his new friend, who was one of the most versatile of men, being as well able to nurse a child as to snare an elephant or to kill a tiger, had taken pleasure in washing from his face and hands the stains of travel, and combing out his long golden curls, and dressing him in smart new garments.

(with “in”) guardianship over; in divorce cases it is the right to house and care for and discipline a child

From this reading He had been sleeping too--close to Bâl Narîn, whose large, kind presence had, from the first, inspired him with confidence, and now he had awoke, and his new friend, who was one of the most versatile of men, being as well able to nurse a child as to snare an elephant or to kill a tiger, had taken pleasure in washing from his face and hands the stains of travel, and combing out his long golden curls, and dressing him in smart new garments.

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

From this reading He had been sleeping too--close to Bâl Narîn, whose large, kind presence had, from the first, inspired him with confidence, and now he had awoke, and his new friend, who was one of the most versatile of men, being as well able to nurse a child as to snare an elephant or to kill a tiger, had taken pleasure in washing from his face and hands the stains of travel, and combing out his long golden curls, and dressing him in smart new garments.

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

From this reading So when Kit stole in softly to see if his dearest Grace was awake, he almost startled her by his beauty.

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

From this reading He had been sleeping too--close to Bâl Narîn, whose large, kind presence had, from the first, inspired him with confidence, and now he had awoke, and his new friend, who was one of the most versatile of men, being as well able to nurse a child as to snare an elephant or to kill a tiger, had taken pleasure in washing from his face and hands the stains of travel, and combing out his long golden curls, and dressing him in smart new garments.

belonging to a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned

From this reading He had been sleeping too--close to Bâl Narîn, whose large, kind presence had, from the first, inspired him with confidence, and now he had awoke, and his new friend, who was one of the most versatile of men, being as well able to nurse a child as to snare an elephant or to kill a tiger, had taken pleasure in washing from his face and hands the stains of travel, and combing out his long golden curls, and dressing him in smart new garments.

on condition that; in the event that

From this reading So when Kit stole in softly to see if his dearest Grace was awake, he almost startled her by his beauty.

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

From this reading He had been sleeping too--close to Bâl Narîn, whose large, kind presence had, from the first, inspired him with confidence, and now he had awoke, and his new friend, who was one of the most versatile of men, being as well able to nurse a child as to snare an elephant or to kill a tiger, had taken pleasure in washing from his face and hands the stains of travel, and combing out his long golden curls, and dressing him in smart new garments.

being of such surpassing excellence as to suggest inspiration by the gods

From this reading He had been sleeping too--close to Bâl Narîn, whose large, kind presence had, from the first, inspired him with confidence, and now he had awoke, and his new friend, who was one of the most versatile of men, being as well able to nurse a child as to snare an elephant or to kill a tiger, had taken pleasure in washing from his face and hands the stains of travel, and combing out his long golden curls, and dressing him in smart new garments.

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading It was the little fine gentleman of Nowgong, before the revolt, the adored of English _burra sahib-log_ and native servants--who had come back.

cause to die; put to death, usually intentionally or knowingly

From this reading He had been sleeping too--close to Bâl Narîn, whose large, kind presence had, from the first, inspired him with confidence, and now he had awoke, and his new friend, who was one of the most versatile of men, being as well able to nurse a child as to snare an elephant or to kill a tiger, had taken pleasure in washing from his face and hands the stains of travel, and combing out his long golden curls, and dressing him in smart new garments.

having or showing a tender and considerate and helpful nature; used especially of persons and their behavior

From this reading He had been sleeping too--close to Bâl Narîn, whose large, kind presence had, from the first, inspired him with confidence, and now he had awoke, and his new friend, who was one of the most versatile of men, being as well able to nurse a child as to snare an elephant or to kill a tiger, had taken pleasure in washing from his face and hands the stains of travel, and combing out his long golden curls, and dressing him in smart new garments.

a case for containing a set of articles

From this reading So when Kit stole in softly to see if his dearest Grace was awake, he almost startled her by his beauty.

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

From this reading She saw Kit's face first.

above average in size or number or quantity or magnitude or extent

From this reading He had been sleeping too--close to Bâl Narîn, whose large, kind presence had, from the first, inspired him with confidence, and now he had awoke, and his new friend, who was one of the most versatile of men, being as well able to nurse a child as to snare an elephant or to kill a tiger, had taken pleasure in washing from his face and hands the stains of travel, and combing out his long golden curls, and dressing him in smart new garments.

limited or below average in number or quantity or magnitude or extent

From this reading It was the little fine gentleman of Nowgong, before the revolt, the adored of English _burra sahib-log_ and native servants--who had come back.

primarily temporal sense; being or indicating a relatively great or greater than average duration or passage of time or a duration as specified

From this reading He had been sleeping too--close to Bâl Narîn, whose large, kind presence had, from the first, inspired him with confidence, and now he had awoke, and his new friend, who was one of the most versatile of men, being as well able to nurse a child as to snare an elephant or to kill a tiger, had taken pleasure in washing from his face and hands the stains of travel, and combing out his long golden curls, and dressing him in smart new garments.

the force of workers available

From this reading He had been sleeping too--close to Bâl Narîn, whose large, kind presence had, from the first, inspired him with confidence, and now he had awoke, and his new friend, who was one of the most versatile of men, being as well able to nurse a child as to snare an elephant or to kill a tiger, had taken pleasure in washing from his face and hands the stains of travel, and combing out his long golden curls, and dressing him in smart new garments.

used to form the superlative

From this reading He had been sleeping too--close to Bâl Narîn, whose large, kind presence had, from the first, inspired him with confidence, and now he had awoke, and his new friend, who was one of the most versatile of men, being as well able to nurse a child as to snare an elephant or to kill a tiger, had taken pleasure in washing from his face and hands the stains of travel, and combing out his long golden curls, and dressing him in smart new garments.

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

From this reading He had been sleeping too--close to Bâl Narîn, whose large, kind presence had, from the first, inspired him with confidence, and now he had awoke, and his new friend, who was one of the most versatile of men, being as well able to nurse a child as to snare an elephant or to kill a tiger, had taken pleasure in washing from his face and hands the stains of travel, and combing out his long golden curls, and dressing him in smart new garments.

characteristic of or existing by virtue of geographic origin

From this reading It was the little fine gentleman of Nowgong, before the revolt, the adored of English _burra sahib-log_ and native servants--who had come back.

not of long duration; having just (or relatively recently) come into being or been made or acquired or discovered

From this reading He had been sleeping too--close to Bâl Narîn, whose large, kind presence had, from the first, inspired him with confidence, and now he had awoke, and his new friend, who was one of the most versatile of men, being as well able to nurse a child as to snare an elephant or to kill a tiger, had taken pleasure in washing from his face and hands the stains of travel, and combing out his long golden curls, and dressing him in smart new garments.

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

From this reading He had been sleeping too--close to Bâl Narîn, whose large, kind presence had, from the first, inspired him with confidence, and now he had awoke, and his new friend, who was one of the most versatile of men, being as well able to nurse a child as to snare an elephant or to kill a tiger, had taken pleasure in washing from his face and hands the stains of travel, and combing out his long golden curls, and dressing him in smart new garments.

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

From this reading It was the little fine gentleman of Nowgong, before the revolt, the adored of English _burra sahib-log_ and native servants--who had come back.

try to cure by special care of treatment, of an illness or injury

From this reading He had been sleeping too--close to Bâl Narîn, whose large, kind presence had, from the first, inspired him with confidence, and now he had awoke, and his new friend, who was one of the most versatile of men, being as well able to nurse a child as to snare an elephant or to kill a tiger, had taken pleasure in washing from his face and hands the stains of travel, and combing out his long golden curls, and dressing him in smart new garments.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading He had been sleeping too--close to Bâl Narîn, whose large, kind presence had, from the first, inspired him with confidence, and now he had awoke, and his new friend, who was one of the most versatile of men, being as well able to nurse a child as to snare an elephant or to kill a tiger, had taken pleasure in washing from his face and hands the stains of travel, and combing out his long golden curls, and dressing him in smart new garments.

used to mean any person in general, including the speaker

From this reading He had been sleeping too--close to Bâl Narîn, whose large, kind presence had, from the first, inspired him with confidence, and now he had awoke, and his new friend, who was one of the most versatile of men, being as well able to nurse a child as to snare an elephant or to kill a tiger, had taken pleasure in washing from his face and hands the stains of travel, and combing out his long golden curls, and dressing him in smart new garments.

used to join alternatives or possibilities

From this reading He had been sleeping too--close to Bâl Narîn, whose large, kind presence had, from the first, inspired him with confidence, and now he had awoke, and his new friend, who was one of the most versatile of men, being as well able to nurse a child as to snare an elephant or to kill a tiger, had taken pleasure in washing from his face and hands the stains of travel, and combing out his long golden curls, and dressing him in smart new garments.

not allowed to continue to bat or run

From this reading He had been sleeping too--close to Bâl Narîn, whose large, kind presence had, from the first, inspired him with confidence, and now he had awoke, and his new friend, who was one of the most versatile of men, being as well able to nurse a child as to snare an elephant or to kill a tiger, had taken pleasure in washing from his face and hands the stains of travel, and combing out his long golden curls, and dressing him in smart new garments.

the state prevailing during the absence of war

From this reading 'DOES PEACE RETURN?'

a fundamental feeling that is hard to define but that people desire to experience

From this reading He had been sleeping too--close to Bâl Narîn, whose large, kind presence had, from the first, inspired him with confidence, and now he had awoke, and his new friend, who was one of the most versatile of men, being as well able to nurse a child as to snare an elephant or to kill a tiger, had taken pleasure in washing from his face and hands the stains of travel, and combing out his long golden curls, and dressing him in smart new garments.

the state of being present; current existence

From this reading He had been sleeping too--close to Bâl Narîn, whose large, kind presence had, from the first, inspired him with confidence, and now he had awoke, and his new friend, who was one of the most versatile of men, being as well able to nurse a child as to snare an elephant or to kill a tiger, had taken pleasure in washing from his face and hands the stains of travel, and combing out his long golden curls, and dressing him in smart new garments.

go or come back to place, condition, or activity where one has been before

From this reading 'DOES PEACE RETURN?'

organized opposition to authority; a conflict in which one faction tries to wrest control from another

From this reading It was the little fine gentleman of Nowgong, before the revolt, the adored of English _burra sahib-log_ and native servants--who had come back.

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

From this reading It was the little fine gentleman of Nowgong, before the revolt, the adored of English _burra sahib-log_ and native servants--who had come back.

cut with a saw

From this reading She saw Kit's face first.

perceive by sight or have the power to perceive by sight

From this reading So when Kit stole in softly to see if his dearest Grace was awake, he almost startled her by his beauty.

plural of “servant” — a person working in the service of another (especially in the household)

From this reading It was the little fine gentleman of Nowgong, before the revolt, the adored of English _burra sahib-log_ and native servants--who had come back.

a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned, as the subject

From this reading She saw Kit's face first.

the state of being asleep

From this reading He had been sleeping too--close to Bâl Narîn, whose large, kind presence had, from the first, inspired him with confidence, and now he had awoke, and his new friend, who was one of the most versatile of men, being as well able to nurse a child as to snare an elephant or to kill a tiger, had taken pleasure in washing from his face and hands the stains of travel, and combing out his long golden curls, and dressing him in smart new garments.

showing mental alertness and calculation and resourcefulness

From this reading He had been sleeping too--close to Bâl Narîn, whose large, kind presence had, from the first, inspired him with confidence, and now he had awoke, and his new friend, who was one of the most versatile of men, being as well able to nurse a child as to snare an elephant or to kill a tiger, had taken pleasure in washing from his face and hands the stains of travel, and combing out his long golden curls, and dressing him in smart new garments.

something (often something deceptively attractive) that catches you unawares

From this reading He had been sleeping too--close to Bâl Narîn, whose large, kind presence had, from the first, inspired him with confidence, and now he had awoke, and his new friend, who was one of the most versatile of men, being as well able to nurse a child as to snare an elephant or to kill a tiger, had taken pleasure in washing from his face and hands the stains of travel, and combing out his long golden curls, and dressing him in smart new garments.

for that reason; with the result that

From this reading So when Kit stole in softly to see if his dearest Grace was awake, he almost startled her by his beauty.

with low volume

From this reading So when Kit stole in softly to see if his dearest Grace was awake, he almost startled her by his beauty.

plural of “stain” — a soiled or discolored appearance

From this reading He had been sleeping too--close to Bâl Narîn, whose large, kind presence had, from the first, inspired him with confidence, and now he had awoke, and his new friend, who was one of the most versatile of men, being as well able to nurse a child as to snare an elephant or to kill a tiger, had taken pleasure in washing from his face and hands the stains of travel, and combing out his long golden curls, and dressing him in smart new garments.

excited by sudden surprise or alarm and making a quick involuntary movement

From this reading So when Kit stole in softly to see if his dearest Grace was awake, he almost startled her by his beauty.

a wide scarf worn about their shoulders by women

From this reading So when Kit stole in softly to see if his dearest Grace was awake, he almost startled her by his beauty.

understood in a certain way; made sense of

From this reading He had been sleeping too--close to Bâl Narîn, whose large, kind presence had, from the first, inspired him with confidence, and now he had awoke, and his new friend, who was one of the most versatile of men, being as well able to nurse a child as to snare an elephant or to kill a tiger, had taken pleasure in washing from his face and hands the stains of travel, and combing out his long golden curls, and dressing him in smart new garments.

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

From this reading He had been sleeping too--close to Bâl Narîn, whose large, kind presence had, from the first, inspired him with confidence, and now he had awoke, and his new friend, who was one of the most versatile of men, being as well able to nurse a child as to snare an elephant or to kill a tiger, had taken pleasure in washing from his face and hands the stains of travel, and combing out his long golden curls, and dressing him in smart new garments.

a fierce or audacious person

From this reading He had been sleeping too--close to Bâl Narîn, whose large, kind presence had, from the first, inspired him with confidence, and now he had awoke, and his new friend, who was one of the most versatile of men, being as well able to nurse a child as to snare an elephant or to kill a tiger, had taken pleasure in washing from his face and hands the stains of travel, and combing out his long golden curls, and dressing him in smart new garments.

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

From this reading He had been sleeping too--close to Bâl Narîn, whose large, kind presence had, from the first, inspired him with confidence, and now he had awoke, and his new friend, who was one of the most versatile of men, being as well able to nurse a child as to snare an elephant or to kill a tiger, had taken pleasure in washing from his face and hands the stains of travel, and combing out his long golden curls, and dressing him in smart new garments.

to a degree exceeding normal or proper limits

From this reading He had been sleeping too--close to Bâl Narîn, whose large, kind presence had, from the first, inspired him with confidence, and now he had awoke, and his new friend, who was one of the most versatile of men, being as well able to nurse a child as to snare an elephant or to kill a tiger, had taken pleasure in washing from his face and hands the stains of travel, and combing out his long golden curls, and dressing him in smart new garments.

change location; move, travel, or proceed, also metaphorically

From this reading He had been sleeping too--close to Bâl Narîn, whose large, kind presence had, from the first, inspired him with confidence, and now he had awoke, and his new friend, who was one of the most versatile of men, being as well able to nurse a child as to snare an elephant or to kill a tiger, had taken pleasure in washing from his face and hands the stains of travel, and combing out his long golden curls, and dressing him in smart new garments.

having great diversity or variety

From this reading He had been sleeping too--close to Bâl Narîn, whose large, kind presence had, from the first, inspired him with confidence, and now he had awoke, and his new friend, who was one of the most versatile of men, being as well able to nurse a child as to snare an elephant or to kill a tiger, had taken pleasure in washing from his face and hands the stains of travel, and combing out his long golden curls, and dressing him in smart new garments.

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

From this reading He had been sleeping too--close to Bâl Narîn, whose large, kind presence had, from the first, inspired him with confidence, and now he had awoke, and his new friend, who was one of the most versatile of men, being as well able to nurse a child as to snare an elephant or to kill a tiger, had taken pleasure in washing from his face and hands the stains of travel, and combing out his long golden curls, and dressing him in smart new garments.

the work of cleansing (usually with soap and water)

From this reading He had been sleeping too--close to Bâl Narîn, whose large, kind presence had, from the first, inspired him with confidence, and now he had awoke, and his new friend, who was one of the most versatile of men, being as well able to nurse a child as to snare an elephant or to kill a tiger, had taken pleasure in washing from his face and hands the stains of travel, and combing out his long golden curls, and dressing him in smart new garments.

(often used as a combining form) in a good or proper or satisfactory manner or to a high standard (“good” is a nonstandard dialectal variant for “well”)

From this reading He had been sleeping too--close to Bâl Narîn, whose large, kind presence had, from the first, inspired him with confidence, and now he had awoke, and his new friend, who was one of the most versatile of men, being as well able to nurse a child as to snare an elephant or to kill a tiger, had taken pleasure in washing from his face and hands the stains of travel, and combing out his long golden curls, and dressing him in smart new garments.

at the time that

From this reading So when Kit stole in softly to see if his dearest Grace was awake, he almost startled her by his beauty.

which person or people

From this reading He had been sleeping too--close to Bâl Narîn, whose large, kind presence had, from the first, inspired him with confidence, and now he had awoke, and his new friend, who was one of the most versatile of men, being as well able to nurse a child as to snare an elephant or to kill a tiger, had taken pleasure in washing from his face and hands the stains of travel, and combing out his long golden curls, and dressing him in smart new garments.

belonging to which person

From this reading He had been sleeping too--close to Bâl Narîn, whose large, kind presence had, from the first, inspired him with confidence, and now he had awoke, and his new friend, who was one of the most versatile of men, being as well able to nurse a child as to snare an elephant or to kill a tiger, had taken pleasure in washing from his face and hands the stains of travel, and combing out his long golden curls, and dressing him in smart new garments.

in the company of; together with

From this reading He had been sleeping too--close to Bâl Narîn, whose large, kind presence had, from the first, inspired him with confidence, and now he had awoke, and his new friend, who was one of the most versatile of men, being as well able to nurse a child as to snare an elephant or to kill a tiger, had taken pleasure in washing from his face and hands the stains of travel, and combing out his long golden curls, and dressing him in smart new garments.