Chapter I · Chapter 1

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

From this reading If John Grantham Browne had a fault--which, mind you, I am not prepared to admit--it lay in the fact that he was the possessor of a cynical wit which he was apt at times to use upon his friends with somewhat peculiar effect.

declare to be true or admit the existence or reality or truth of

From this reading If John Grantham Browne had a fault--which, mind you, I am not prepared to admit--it lay in the fact that he was the possessor of a cynical wit which he was apt at times to use upon his friends with somewhat peculiar effect.

cause to change; make different; cause a transformation

From this reading Circumstances alter cases, and many people would have argued that he was perfectly entitled to say what he pleased.

the form of “be” used with “I”

From this reading If John Grantham Browne had a fault--which, mind you, I am not prepared to admit--it lay in the fact that he was the possessor of a cynical wit which he was apt at times to use upon his friends with somewhat peculiar effect.

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

From this reading Circumstances alter cases, and many people would have argued that he was perfectly entitled to say what he pleased.

(usually followed by “to”) naturally disposed toward

From this reading If John Grantham Browne had a fault--which, mind you, I am not prepared to admit--it lay in the fact that he was the possessor of a cynical wit which he was apt at times to use upon his friends with somewhat peculiar effect.

a member of a Semitic people originally from the Arabian peninsula and surrounding territories who speaks Arabic and who inhabits much of the Middle East and northern Africa

From this reading Old Brown, his father, without the "e," as you have doubtless observed, started life as a bare-legged street arab in one of the big manufacturing centres--Manchester or Birmingham, I am not quite certain which.

past form of “argue” — present reasons and arguments

From this reading Circumstances alter cases, and many people would have argued that he was perfectly entitled to say what he pleased.

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

From this reading When a man is worth a hundred and twenty thousand pounds a year--which, worked out, means ten thousand pounds a month, three hundred and twenty-eight pounds, fifteen shillings and fourpence a day, and four-and-sixpence three-farthings, and a fraction over, per minute--he may surely be excused if he becomes a little sceptical as to other people's motives, and is apt to be distrustful of the world in general.

in or near a particular place or position

From this reading If John Grantham Browne had a fault--which, mind you, I am not prepared to admit--it lay in the fact that he was the possessor of a cynical wit which he was apt at times to use upon his friends with somewhat peculiar effect.

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

From this reading Old Brown, his father, without the "e," as you have doubtless observed, started life as a bare-legged street arab in one of the big manufacturing centres--Manchester or Birmingham, I am not quite certain which.

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

From this reading When a man is worth a hundred and twenty thousand pounds a year--which, worked out, means ten thousand pounds a month, three hundred and twenty-eight pounds, fifteen shillings and fourpence a day, and four-and-sixpence three-farthings, and a fraction over, per minute--he may surely be excused if he becomes a little sceptical as to other people's motives, and is apt to be distrustful of the world in general.

third-person singular of “become” — enter or assume a certain state or condition

From this reading When a man is worth a hundred and twenty thousand pounds a year--which, worked out, means ten thousand pounds a month, three hundred and twenty-eight pounds, fifteen shillings and fourpence a day, and four-and-sixpence three-farthings, and a fraction over, per minute--he may surely be excused if he becomes a little sceptical as to other people's motives, and is apt to be distrustful of the world in general.

the past participle of “be”

From this reading His head, however, must have been screwed on the right way, for he made few mistakes, and everything he touched turned to gold.

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

From this reading Old Brown, his father, without the "e," as you have doubtless observed, started life as a bare-legged street arab in one of the big manufacturing centres--Manchester or Birmingham, I am not quite certain which.

the largest city in Alabama; located in northeastern Alabama

From this reading Old Brown, his father, without the "e," as you have doubtless observed, started life as a bare-legged street arab in one of the big manufacturing centres--Manchester or Birmingham, I am not quite certain which.

an orange of low brightness and saturation

From this reading Old Brown, his father, without the "e," as you have doubtless observed, started life as a bare-legged street arab in one of the big manufacturing centres--Manchester or Birmingham, I am not quite certain which.

English illustrator of several of Dickens' novels (1815-1882)

From this reading If John Grantham Browne had a fault--which, mind you, I am not prepared to admit--it lay in the fact that he was the possessor of a cynical wit which he was apt at times to use upon his friends with somewhat peculiar effect.

plural of “case” — an occurrence of something

From this reading Circumstances alter cases, and many people would have argued that he was perfectly entitled to say what he pleased.

plural of “centre” — a low-lying region in central France

From this reading Old Brown, his father, without the "e," as you have doubtless observed, started life as a bare-legged street arab in one of the big manufacturing centres--Manchester or Birmingham, I am not quite certain which.

definite but not specified or identified

From this reading Old Brown, his father, without the "e," as you have doubtless observed, started life as a bare-legged street arab in one of the big manufacturing centres--Manchester or Birmingham, I am not quite certain which.

your overall circumstances or condition in life (including everything that happens to you)

From this reading Circumstances alter cases, and many people would have argued that he was perfectly entitled to say what he pleased.

believing the worst of human nature and motives; having a sneering disbelief in e.g. selflessness of others

From this reading If John Grantham Browne had a fault--which, mind you, I am not prepared to admit--it lay in the fact that he was the possessor of a cynical wit which he was apt at times to use upon his friends with somewhat peculiar effect.

time for Earth to make a complete rotation on its axis

From this reading When a man is worth a hundred and twenty thousand pounds a year--which, worked out, means ten thousand pounds a month, three hundred and twenty-eight pounds, fifteen shillings and fourpence a day, and four-and-sixpence three-farthings, and a fraction over, per minute--he may surely be excused if he becomes a little sceptical as to other people's motives, and is apt to be distrustful of the world in general.

having or showing distrust

From this reading When a man is worth a hundred and twenty thousand pounds a year--which, worked out, means ten thousand pounds a month, three hundred and twenty-eight pounds, fifteen shillings and fourpence a day, and four-and-sixpence three-farthings, and a fraction over, per minute--he may surely be excused if he becomes a little sceptical as to other people's motives, and is apt to be distrustful of the world in general.

without doubt; certainly

From this reading Old Brown, his father, without the "e," as you have doubtless observed, started life as a bare-legged street arab in one of the big manufacturing centres--Manchester or Birmingham, I am not quite certain which.

a fat-soluble vitamin that is essential for normal reproduction; an important antioxidant that neutralizes free radicals in the body

From this reading Old Brown, his father, without the "e," as you have doubtless observed, started life as a bare-legged street arab in one of the big manufacturing centres--Manchester or Birmingham, I am not quite certain which.

a phenomenon that follows and is caused by some previous phenomenon

From this reading If John Grantham Browne had a fault--which, mind you, I am not prepared to admit--it lay in the fact that he was the possessor of a cynical wit which he was apt at times to use upon his friends with somewhat peculiar effect.

qualified for by right according to law

From this reading Circumstances alter cases, and many people would have argued that he was perfectly entitled to say what he pleased.

all things; all of a situation

From this reading His head, however, must have been screwed on the right way, for he made few mistakes, and everything he touched turned to gold.

granted exemption

From this reading When a man is worth a hundred and twenty thousand pounds a year--which, worked out, means ten thousand pounds a month, three hundred and twenty-eight pounds, fifteen shillings and fourpence a day, and four-and-sixpence three-farthings, and a fraction over, per minute--he may surely be excused if he becomes a little sceptical as to other people's motives, and is apt to be distrustful of the world in general.

a piece of information about circumstances that exist or events that have occurred

From this reading If John Grantham Browne had a fault--which, mind you, I am not prepared to admit--it lay in the fact that he was the possessor of a cynical wit which he was apt at times to use upon his friends with somewhat peculiar effect.

a male parent (also used as a term of address to your father)

From this reading Old Brown, his father, without the "e," as you have doubtless observed, started life as a bare-legged street arab in one of the big manufacturing centres--Manchester or Birmingham, I am not quite certain which.

a wrong action attributable to bad judgment or ignorance or inattention

From this reading If John Grantham Browne had a fault--which, mind you, I am not prepared to admit--it lay in the fact that he was the possessor of a cynical wit which he was apt at times to use upon his friends with somewhat peculiar effect.

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

From this reading His head, however, must have been screwed on the right way, for he made few mistakes, and everything he touched turned to gold.

the cardinal number that is the sum of fourteen and one

From this reading When a man is worth a hundred and twenty thousand pounds a year--which, worked out, means ten thousand pounds a month, three hundred and twenty-eight pounds, fifteen shillings and fourpence a day, and four-and-sixpence three-farthings, and a fraction over, per minute--he may surely be excused if he becomes a little sceptical as to other people's motives, and is apt to be distrustful of the world in general.

intended to be given to, or used by, somebody

From this reading His head, however, must have been screwed on the right way, for he made few mistakes, and everything he touched turned to gold.

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

From this reading When a man is worth a hundred and twenty thousand pounds a year--which, worked out, means ten thousand pounds a month, three hundred and twenty-eight pounds, fifteen shillings and fourpence a day, and four-and-sixpence three-farthings, and a fraction over, per minute--he may surely be excused if he becomes a little sceptical as to other people's motives, and is apt to be distrustful of the world in general.

a former English silver coin worth four pennies

From this reading When a man is worth a hundred and twenty thousand pounds a year--which, worked out, means ten thousand pounds a month, three hundred and twenty-eight pounds, fifteen shillings and fourpence a day, and four-and-sixpence three-farthings, and a fraction over, per minute--he may surely be excused if he becomes a little sceptical as to other people's motives, and is apt to be distrustful of the world in general.

a component of a mixture that has been separated by a fractional process

From this reading When a man is worth a hundred and twenty thousand pounds a year--which, worked out, means ten thousand pounds a month, three hundred and twenty-eight pounds, fifteen shillings and fourpence a day, and four-and-sixpence three-farthings, and a fraction over, per minute--he may surely be excused if he becomes a little sceptical as to other people's motives, and is apt to be distrustful of the world in general.

plural of “friend” — a person you know well and regard with affection and trust

From this reading If John Grantham Browne had a fault--which, mind you, I am not prepared to admit--it lay in the fact that he was the possessor of a cynical wit which he was apt at times to use upon his friends with somewhat peculiar effect.

applying to all or most members of a category or group

From this reading When a man is worth a hundred and twenty thousand pounds a year--which, worked out, means ten thousand pounds a month, three hundred and twenty-eight pounds, fifteen shillings and fourpence a day, and four-and-sixpence three-farthings, and a fraction over, per minute--he may surely be excused if he becomes a little sceptical as to other people's motives, and is apt to be distrustful of the world in general.

coins made of gold

From this reading His head, however, must have been screwed on the right way, for he made few mistakes, and everything he touched turned to gold.

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

From this reading If John Grantham Browne had a fault--which, mind you, I am not prepared to admit--it lay in the fact that he was the possessor of a cynical wit which he was apt at times to use upon his friends with somewhat peculiar effect.

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

From this reading If John Grantham Browne had a fault--which, mind you, I am not prepared to admit--it lay in the fact that he was the possessor of a cynical wit which he was apt at times to use upon his friends with somewhat peculiar effect.

used with a past participle to form the perfect tenses

From this reading Circumstances alter cases, and many people would have argued that he was perfectly entitled to say what he pleased.

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

From this reading If John Grantham Browne had a fault--which, mind you, I am not prepared to admit--it lay in the fact that he was the possessor of a cynical wit which he was apt at times to use upon his friends with somewhat peculiar effect.

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

From this reading His head, however, must have been screwed on the right way, for he made few mistakes, and everything he touched turned to gold.

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

From this reading If John Grantham Browne had a fault--which, mind you, I am not prepared to admit--it lay in the fact that he was the possessor of a cynical wit which he was apt at times to use upon his friends with somewhat peculiar effect.

used to add a contrasting statement

From this reading His head, however, must have been screwed on the right way, for he made few mistakes, and everything he touched turned to gold.

ten 10s

From this reading When a man is worth a hundred and twenty thousand pounds a year--which, worked out, means ten thousand pounds a month, three hundred and twenty-eight pounds, fifteen shillings and fourpence a day, and four-and-sixpence three-farthings, and a fraction over, per minute--he may surely be excused if he becomes a little sceptical as to other people's motives, and is apt to be distrustful of the world in general.

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

From this reading If John Grantham Browne had a fault--which, mind you, I am not prepared to admit--it lay in the fact that he was the possessor of a cynical wit which he was apt at times to use upon his friends with somewhat peculiar effect.

on condition that; in the event that

From this reading If John Grantham Browne had a fault--which, mind you, I am not prepared to admit--it lay in the fact that he was the possessor of a cynical wit which he was apt at times to use upon his friends with somewhat peculiar effect.

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

From this reading If John Grantham Browne had a fault--which, mind you, I am not prepared to admit--it lay in the fact that he was the possessor of a cynical wit which he was apt at times to use upon his friends with somewhat peculiar effect.

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

From this reading When a man is worth a hundred and twenty thousand pounds a year--which, worked out, means ten thousand pounds a month, three hundred and twenty-eight pounds, fifteen shillings and fourpence a day, and four-and-sixpence three-farthings, and a fraction over, per minute--he may surely be excused if he becomes a little sceptical as to other people's motives, and is apt to be distrustful of the world in general.

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading If John Grantham Browne had a fault--which, mind you, I am not prepared to admit--it lay in the fact that he was the possessor of a cynical wit which he was apt at times to use upon his friends with somewhat peculiar effect.

a room or building equipped with one or more toilets

From this reading If John Grantham Browne had a fault--which, mind you, I am not prepared to admit--it lay in the fact that he was the possessor of a cynical wit which he was apt at times to use upon his friends with somewhat peculiar effect.

put into a certain place or abstract location

From this reading If John Grantham Browne had a fault--which, mind you, I am not prepared to admit--it lay in the fact that he was the possessor of a cynical wit which he was apt at times to use upon his friends with somewhat peculiar effect.

a characteristic state or mode of living

From this reading Old Brown, his father, without the "e," as you have doubtless observed, started life as a bare-legged street arab in one of the big manufacturing centres--Manchester or Birmingham, I am not quite certain which.

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

From this reading When a man is worth a hundred and twenty thousand pounds a year--which, worked out, means ten thousand pounds a month, three hundred and twenty-eight pounds, fifteen shillings and fourpence a day, and four-and-sixpence three-farthings, and a fraction over, per minute--he may surely be excused if he becomes a little sceptical as to other people's motives, and is apt to be distrustful of the world in general.

produced by a manufacturing process

From this reading His head, however, must have been screwed on the right way, for he made few mistakes, and everything he touched turned to gold.

an adult person who is male (as opposed to a woman)

From this reading When a man is worth a hundred and twenty thousand pounds a year--which, worked out, means ten thousand pounds a month, three hundred and twenty-eight pounds, fifteen shillings and fourpence a day, and four-and-sixpence three-farthings, and a fraction over, per minute--he may surely be excused if he becomes a little sceptical as to other people's motives, and is apt to be distrustful of the world in general.

largest city in New Hampshire; located in southeastern New Hampshire on the Merrimack river

From this reading Old Brown, his father, without the "e," as you have doubtless observed, started life as a bare-legged street arab in one of the big manufacturing centres--Manchester or Birmingham, I am not quite certain which.

the act of making something (a product) from raw materials

From this reading Old Brown, his father, without the "e," as you have doubtless observed, started life as a bare-legged street arab in one of the big manufacturing centres--Manchester or Birmingham, I am not quite certain which.

a quantifier that can be used with count nouns and is often preceded by “as” or “too” or “so” or “that”; amounting to a large but indefinite number

From this reading Circumstances alter cases, and many people would have argued that he was perfectly entitled to say what he pleased.

used to say something is possible, or to give permission

From this reading When a man is worth a hundred and twenty thousand pounds a year--which, worked out, means ten thousand pounds a month, three hundred and twenty-eight pounds, fifteen shillings and fourpence a day, and four-and-sixpence three-farthings, and a fraction over, per minute--he may surely be excused if he becomes a little sceptical as to other people's motives, and is apt to be distrustful of the world in general.

thing or person that acts to produce a particular effect or achieve an end

From this reading When a man is worth a hundred and twenty thousand pounds a year--which, worked out, means ten thousand pounds a month, three hundred and twenty-eight pounds, fifteen shillings and fourpence a day, and four-and-sixpence three-farthings, and a fraction over, per minute--he may surely be excused if he becomes a little sceptical as to other people's motives, and is apt to be distrustful of the world in general.

The element of a person that enables awareness and thought.

From this reading If John Grantham Browne had a fault--which, mind you, I am not prepared to admit--it lay in the fact that he was the possessor of a cynical wit which he was apt at times to use upon his friends with somewhat peculiar effect.

a unit of time equal to 60 seconds or 1/60th of an hour

From this reading When a man is worth a hundred and twenty thousand pounds a year--which, worked out, means ten thousand pounds a month, three hundred and twenty-eight pounds, fifteen shillings and fourpence a day, and four-and-sixpence three-farthings, and a fraction over, per minute--he may surely be excused if he becomes a little sceptical as to other people's motives, and is apt to be distrustful of the world in general.

plural of “mistake” — a wrong action attributable to bad judgment or ignorance or inattention

From this reading His head, however, must have been screwed on the right way, for he made few mistakes, and everything he touched turned to gold.

one of the twelve divisions of the calendar year

From this reading When a man is worth a hundred and twenty thousand pounds a year--which, worked out, means ten thousand pounds a month, three hundred and twenty-eight pounds, fifteen shillings and fourpence a day, and four-and-sixpence three-farthings, and a fraction over, per minute--he may surely be excused if he becomes a little sceptical as to other people's motives, and is apt to be distrustful of the world in general.

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 When a man is worth a hundred and twenty thousand pounds a year--which, worked out, means ten thousand pounds a month, three hundred and twenty-eight pounds, fifteen shillings and fourpence a day, and four-and-sixpence three-farthings, and a fraction over, per minute--he may surely be excused if he becomes a little sceptical as to other people's motives, and is apt to be distrustful of the world in general.

used to say something is necessary, or almost certainly true

From this reading His head, however, must have been screwed on the right way, for he made few mistakes, and everything he touched turned to gold.

used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative

From this reading If John Grantham Browne had a fault--which, mind you, I am not prepared to admit--it lay in the fact that he was the possessor of a cynical wit which he was apt at times to use upon his friends with somewhat peculiar effect.

discovered or determined by scientific observation

From this reading Old Brown, his father, without the "e," as you have doubtless observed, started life as a bare-legged street arab in one of the big manufacturing centres--Manchester or Birmingham, I am not quite certain which.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading If John Grantham Browne had a fault--which, mind you, I am not prepared to admit--it lay in the fact that he was the possessor of a cynical wit which he was apt at times to use upon his friends with somewhat peculiar effect.

(used especially of persons) having lived for a relatively long time or attained a specific age

From this reading Old Brown, his father, without the "e," as you have doubtless observed, started life as a bare-legged street arab in one of the big manufacturing centres--Manchester or Birmingham, I am not quite certain which.

touching and supported by a surface

From this reading His head, however, must have been screwed on the right way, for he made few mistakes, and everything he touched turned to gold.

used to mean any person in general, including the speaker

From this reading Old Brown, his father, without the "e," as you have doubtless observed, started life as a bare-legged street arab in one of the big manufacturing centres--Manchester or Birmingham, I am not quite certain which.

used to join alternatives or possibilities

From this reading Old Brown, his father, without the "e," as you have doubtless observed, started life as a bare-legged street arab in one of the big manufacturing centres--Manchester or Birmingham, I am not quite certain which.

not the same one or ones already mentioned or implied

From this reading When a man is worth a hundred and twenty thousand pounds a year--which, worked out, means ten thousand pounds a month, three hundred and twenty-eight pounds, fifteen shillings and fourpence a day, and four-and-sixpence three-farthings, and a fraction over, per minute--he may surely be excused if he becomes a little sceptical as to other people's motives, and is apt to be distrustful of the world in general.

not allowed to continue to bat or run

From this reading When a man is worth a hundred and twenty thousand pounds a year--which, worked out, means ten thousand pounds a month, three hundred and twenty-eight pounds, fifteen shillings and fourpence a day, and four-and-sixpence three-farthings, and a fraction over, per minute--he may surely be excused if he becomes a little sceptical as to other people's motives, and is apt to be distrustful of the world in general.

above and across; more than

From this reading When a man is worth a hundred and twenty thousand pounds a year--which, worked out, means ten thousand pounds a month, three hundred and twenty-eight pounds, fifteen shillings and fourpence a day, and four-and-sixpence three-farthings, and a fraction over, per minute--he may surely be excused if he becomes a little sceptical as to other people's motives, and is apt to be distrustful of the world in general.

beyond or deviating from the usual or expected

From this reading If John Grantham Browne had a fault--which, mind you, I am not prepared to admit--it lay in the fact that he was the possessor of a cynical wit which he was apt at times to use upon his friends with somewhat peculiar effect.

(plural) any group of human beings (men or women or children) collectively

From this reading Circumstances alter cases, and many people would have argued that he was perfectly entitled to say what he pleased.

possessive form of “people” — (plural) any group of human beings (men or women or children) collectively

From this reading When a man is worth a hundred and twenty thousand pounds a year--which, worked out, means ten thousand pounds a month, three hundred and twenty-eight pounds, fifteen shillings and fourpence a day, and four-and-sixpence three-farthings, and a fraction over, per minute--he may surely be excused if he becomes a little sceptical as to other people's motives, and is apt to be distrustful of the world in general.

for each

From this reading When a man is worth a hundred and twenty thousand pounds a year--which, worked out, means ten thousand pounds a month, three hundred and twenty-eight pounds, fifteen shillings and fourpence a day, and four-and-sixpence three-farthings, and a fraction over, per minute--he may surely be excused if he becomes a little sceptical as to other people's motives, and is apt to be distrustful of the world in general.

completely and without qualification; used informally as intensifiers

From this reading Circumstances alter cases, and many people would have argued that he was perfectly entitled to say what he pleased.

experiencing or manifesting pleasure

From this reading Circumstances alter cases, and many people would have argued that he was perfectly entitled to say what he pleased.

a person who owns something

From this reading If John Grantham Browne had a fault--which, mind you, I am not prepared to admit--it lay in the fact that he was the possessor of a cynical wit which he was apt at times to use upon his friends with somewhat peculiar effect.

plural of “pound” — 16 ounces avoirdupois

From this reading When a man is worth a hundred and twenty thousand pounds a year--which, worked out, means ten thousand pounds a month, three hundred and twenty-eight pounds, fifteen shillings and fourpence a day, and four-and-sixpence three-farthings, and a fraction over, per minute--he may surely be excused if he becomes a little sceptical as to other people's motives, and is apt to be distrustful of the world in general.

made ready or fit or suitable beforehand

From this reading If John Grantham Browne had a fault--which, mind you, I am not prepared to admit--it lay in the fact that he was the possessor of a cynical wit which he was apt at times to use upon his friends with somewhat peculiar effect.

to a degree (not used with a negative)

From this reading Old Brown, his father, without the "e," as you have doubtless observed, started life as a bare-legged street arab in one of the big manufacturing centres--Manchester or Birmingham, I am not quite certain which.

precisely, exactly

From this reading His head, however, must have been screwed on the right way, for he made few mistakes, and everything he touched turned to gold.

express in words

From this reading Circumstances alter cases, and many people would have argued that he was perfectly entitled to say what he pleased.

marked by or given to doubt

From this reading When a man is worth a hundred and twenty thousand pounds a year--which, worked out, means ten thousand pounds a month, three hundred and twenty-eight pounds, fifteen shillings and fourpence a day, and four-and-sixpence three-farthings, and a fraction over, per minute--he may surely be excused if he becomes a little sceptical as to other people's motives, and is apt to be distrustful of the world in general.

past form of “screw” — have sexual intercourse with

From this reading His head, however, must have been screwed on the right way, for he made few mistakes, and everything he touched turned to gold.

plural of “shilling” — the basic unit of money in Uganda; equal to 100 cents

From this reading When a man is worth a hundred and twenty thousand pounds a year--which, worked out, means ten thousand pounds a month, three hundred and twenty-eight pounds, fifteen shillings and fourpence a day, and four-and-sixpence three-farthings, and a fraction over, per minute--he may surely be excused if he becomes a little sceptical as to other people's motives, and is apt to be distrustful of the world in general.

to a small degree or extent

From this reading If John Grantham Browne had a fault--which, mind you, I am not prepared to admit--it lay in the fact that he was the possessor of a cynical wit which he was apt at times to use upon his friends with somewhat peculiar effect.

past form of “start” — take the first step or steps in carrying out an action

From this reading Old Brown, his father, without the "e," as you have doubtless observed, started life as a bare-legged street arab in one of the big manufacturing centres--Manchester or Birmingham, I am not quite certain which.

a thoroughfare (usually including sidewalks) that is lined with buildings

From this reading Old Brown, his father, without the "e," as you have doubtless observed, started life as a bare-legged street arab in one of the big manufacturing centres--Manchester or Birmingham, I am not quite certain which.

definitely or positively (“sure” is sometimes used informally for “surely”)

From this reading When a man is worth a hundred and twenty thousand pounds a year--which, worked out, means ten thousand pounds a month, three hundred and twenty-eight pounds, fifteen shillings and fourpence a day, and four-and-sixpence three-farthings, and a fraction over, per minute--he may surely be excused if he becomes a little sceptical as to other people's motives, and is apt to be distrustful of the world in general.

the cardinal number that is the sum of nine and one; the base of the decimal system

From this reading When a man is worth a hundred and twenty thousand pounds a year--which, worked out, means ten thousand pounds a month, three hundred and twenty-eight pounds, fifteen shillings and fourpence a day, and four-and-sixpence three-farthings, and a fraction over, per minute--he may surely be excused if he becomes a little sceptical as to other people's motives, and is apt to be distrustful of the world in general.

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading If John Grantham Browne had a fault--which, mind you, I am not prepared to admit--it lay in the fact that he was the possessor of a cynical wit which he was apt at times to use upon his friends with somewhat peculiar effect.

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

From this reading If John Grantham Browne had a fault--which, mind you, I am not prepared to admit--it lay in the fact that he was the possessor of a cynical wit which he was apt at times to use upon his friends with somewhat peculiar effect.

the cardinal number that is the product of 10 and 100

From this reading When a man is worth a hundred and twenty thousand pounds a year--which, worked out, means ten thousand pounds a month, three hundred and twenty-eight pounds, fifteen shillings and fourpence a day, and four-and-sixpence three-farthings, and a fraction over, per minute--he may surely be excused if he becomes a little sceptical as to other people's motives, and is apt to be distrustful of the world in general.

the cardinal number that is the sum of one and one and one

From this reading When a man is worth a hundred and twenty thousand pounds a year--which, worked out, means ten thousand pounds a month, three hundred and twenty-eight pounds, fifteen shillings and fourpence a day, and four-and-sixpence three-farthings, and a fraction over, per minute--he may surely be excused if he becomes a little sceptical as to other people's motives, and is apt to be distrustful of the world in general.

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

From this reading When a man is worth a hundred and twenty thousand pounds a year--which, worked out, means ten thousand pounds a month, three hundred and twenty-eight pounds, fifteen shillings and fourpence a day, and four-and-sixpence three-farthings, and a fraction over, per minute--he may surely be excused if he becomes a little sceptical as to other people's motives, and is apt to be distrustful of the world in general.

a more or less definite period of time now or previously present

From this reading If John Grantham Browne had a fault--which, mind you, I am not prepared to admit--it lay in the fact that he was the possessor of a cynical wit which he was apt at times to use upon his friends with somewhat peculiar effect.

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

From this reading If John Grantham Browne had a fault--which, mind you, I am not prepared to admit--it lay in the fact that he was the possessor of a cynical wit which he was apt at times to use upon his friends with somewhat peculiar effect.

having come into contact

From this reading His head, however, must have been screwed on the right way, for he made few mistakes, and everything he touched turned to gold.

moved around an axis or center

From this reading His head, however, must have been screwed on the right way, for he made few mistakes, and everything he touched turned to gold.

the cardinal number that is the sum of nineteen and one

From this reading When a man is worth a hundred and twenty thousand pounds a year--which, worked out, means ten thousand pounds a month, three hundred and twenty-eight pounds, fifteen shillings and fourpence a day, and four-and-sixpence three-farthings, and a fraction over, per minute--he may surely be excused if he becomes a little sceptical as to other people's motives, and is apt to be distrustful of the world in general.

the cardinal number that is the sum of twenty-seven and one

From this reading When a man is worth a hundred and twenty thousand pounds a year--which, worked out, means ten thousand pounds a month, three hundred and twenty-eight pounds, fifteen shillings and fourpence a day, and four-and-sixpence three-farthings, and a fraction over, per minute--he may surely be excused if he becomes a little sceptical as to other people's motives, and is apt to be distrustful of the world in general.

a formal word for “on”

From this reading If John Grantham Browne had a fault--which, mind you, I am not prepared to admit--it lay in the fact that he was the possessor of a cynical wit which he was apt at times to use upon his friends with somewhat peculiar effect.

the act of using

From this reading If John Grantham Browne had a fault--which, mind you, I am not prepared to admit--it lay in the fact that he was the possessor of a cynical wit which he was apt at times to use upon his friends with somewhat peculiar effect.

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

From this reading If John Grantham Browne had a fault--which, mind you, I am not prepared to admit--it lay in the fact that he was the possessor of a cynical wit which he was apt at times to use upon his friends with somewhat peculiar effect.

how something is done or how it happens

From this reading His head, however, must have been screwed on the right way, for he made few mistakes, and everything he touched turned to gold.

used to ask for information about something

From this reading Circumstances alter cases, and many people would have argued that he was perfectly entitled to say what he pleased.

at the time that

From this reading When a man is worth a hundred and twenty thousand pounds a year--which, worked out, means ten thousand pounds a month, three hundred and twenty-eight pounds, fifteen shillings and fourpence a day, and four-and-sixpence three-farthings, and a fraction over, per minute--he may surely be excused if he becomes a little sceptical as to other people's motives, and is apt to be distrustful of the world in general.

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

From this reading If John Grantham Browne had a fault--which, mind you, I am not prepared to admit--it lay in the fact that he was the possessor of a cynical wit which he was apt at times to use upon his friends with somewhat peculiar effect.

a message whose ingenuity or verbal skill or incongruity has the power to evoke laughter

From this reading If John Grantham Browne had a fault--which, mind you, I am not prepared to admit--it lay in the fact that he was the possessor of a cynical wit which he was apt at times to use upon his friends with somewhat peculiar effect.

in the company of; together with

From this reading If John Grantham Browne had a fault--which, mind you, I am not prepared to admit--it lay in the fact that he was the possessor of a cynical wit which he was apt at times to use upon his friends with somewhat peculiar effect.

not having, not using, or not accompanied by

From this reading Old Brown, his father, without the "e," as you have doubtless observed, started life as a bare-legged street arab in one of the big manufacturing centres--Manchester or Birmingham, I am not quite certain which.

past form of “work” — exert oneself by doing mental or physical work for a purpose or out of necessity

From this reading When a man is worth a hundred and twenty thousand pounds a year--which, worked out, means ten thousand pounds a month, three hundred and twenty-eight pounds, fifteen shillings and fourpence a day, and four-and-sixpence three-farthings, and a fraction over, per minute--he may surely be excused if he becomes a little sceptical as to other people's motives, and is apt to be distrustful of the world in general.

everything that exists anywhere

From this reading When a man is worth a hundred and twenty thousand pounds a year--which, worked out, means ten thousand pounds a month, three hundred and twenty-eight pounds, fifteen shillings and fourpence a day, and four-and-sixpence three-farthings, and a fraction over, per minute--he may surely be excused if he becomes a little sceptical as to other people's motives, and is apt to be distrustful of the world in general.

an indefinite quantity of something having a specified value

From this reading When a man is worth a hundred and twenty thousand pounds a year--which, worked out, means ten thousand pounds a month, three hundred and twenty-eight pounds, fifteen shillings and fourpence a day, and four-and-sixpence three-farthings, and a fraction over, per minute--he may surely be excused if he becomes a little sceptical as to other people's motives, and is apt to be distrustful of the world in general.

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

From this reading Circumstances alter cases, and many people would have argued that he was perfectly entitled to say what he pleased.

a period of time containing 365 (or 366) days

From this reading When a man is worth a hundred and twenty thousand pounds a year--which, worked out, means ten thousand pounds a month, three hundred and twenty-eight pounds, fifteen shillings and fourpence a day, and four-and-sixpence three-farthings, and a fraction over, per minute--he may surely be excused if he becomes a little sceptical as to other people's motives, and is apt to be distrustful of the world in general.

the person or people being spoken to

From this reading If John Grantham Browne had a fault--which, mind you, I am not prepared to admit--it lay in the fact that he was the possessor of a cynical wit which he was apt at times to use upon his friends with somewhat peculiar effect.