used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading WHEN THE SWORD FELL Luncheon at Aygon Castle resolved itself into a somewhat dull and ceremonious affair, and although there were a good many of them round the festive board, conversation languished and laughter was noticeable by its absence.
the state of being absent
From this reading WHEN THE SWORD FELL Luncheon at Aygon Castle resolved itself into a somewhat dull and ceremonious affair, and although there were a good many of them round the festive board, conversation languished and laughter was noticeable by its absence.
make an addition (to); join or combine or unite with others; increase the quality, quantity, size or scope of
From this reading "What a devil of a family to live with!--sitting as though there were a cold-water poultice on top of 'em," mentally registered Cleek as he surveyed the company and tried his best to add to the general interest by anecdotes of a recent tour in Ireland; but his conversational efforts evoked only an occasional "Indeed?" from Sir Andrew.
a vaguely specified concern
From this reading WHEN THE SWORD FELL Luncheon at Aygon Castle resolved itself into a somewhat dull and ceremonious affair, and although there were a good many of them round the festive board, conversation languished and laughter was noticeable by its absence.
in spite of the fact that
From this reading WHEN THE SWORD FELL Luncheon at Aygon Castle resolved itself into a somewhat dull and ceremonious affair, and although there were a good many of them round the festive board, conversation languished and laughter was noticeable by its absence.
the form of “a” used before a word that begins with a vowel sound
From this reading "What a devil of a family to live with!--sitting as though there were a cold-water poultice on top of 'em," mentally registered Cleek as he surveyed the company and tried his best to add to the general interest by anecdotes of a recent tour in Ireland; but his conversational efforts evoked only an occasional "Indeed?" from Sir Andrew.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading WHEN THE SWORD FELL Luncheon at Aygon Castle resolved itself into a somewhat dull and ceremonious affair, and although there were a good many of them round the festive board, conversation languished and laughter was noticeable by its absence.
AndrewnounUS /ˈændruː/
(New Testament) disciple of Jesus; brother of Peter; patron saint of Scotland
From this reading "What a devil of a family to live with!--sitting as though there were a cold-water poultice on top of 'em," mentally registered Cleek as he surveyed the company and tried his best to add to the general interest by anecdotes of a recent tour in Ireland; but his conversational efforts evoked only an occasional "Indeed?" from Sir Andrew.
anecdotesnounUS /ˈænəkdoʊts/
plural of “anecdote” — short account of an incident (especially a biographical one)
From this reading "What a devil of a family to live with!--sitting as though there were a cold-water poultice on top of 'em," mentally registered Cleek as he surveyed the company and tried his best to add to the general interest by anecdotes of a recent tour in Ireland; but his conversational efforts evoked only an occasional "Indeed?" from Sir Andrew.
one or some or every or all without specification
From this reading They hadn't got any further with civilization than the hired-jester period.
at the same time that; because; in the way that
From this reading "What a devil of a family to live with!--sitting as though there were a cold-water poultice on top of 'em," mentally registered Cleek as he surveyed the company and tried his best to add to the general interest by anecdotes of a recent tour in Ireland; but his conversational efforts evoked only an occasional "Indeed?" from Sir Andrew.
in or near a particular place or position
From this reading WHEN THE SWORD FELL Luncheon at Aygon Castle resolved itself into a somewhat dull and ceremonious affair, and although there were a good many of them round the festive board, conversation languished and laughter was noticeable by its absence.
a particular environment or surrounding influence
From this reading Gloom was glory to the atmosphere of that room during the interminable meal.
Aygon
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading WHEN THE SWORD FELL Luncheon at Aygon Castle resolved itself into a somewhat dull and ceremonious affair, and although there were a good many of them round the festive board, conversation languished and laughter was noticeable by its absence.
used with a past participle to form the passive, or with -ing for continuous tenses
From this reading Entertaining these people ought to be a paid task in itself, he decided.
the supreme effort one can make
From this reading "What a devil of a family to live with!--sitting as though there were a cold-water poultice on top of 'em," mentally registered Cleek as he surveyed the company and tried his best to add to the general interest by anecdotes of a recent tour in Ireland; but his conversational efforts evoked only an occasional "Indeed?" from Sir Andrew.
a committee having supervisory powers
From this reading WHEN THE SWORD FELL Luncheon at Aygon Castle resolved itself into a somewhat dull and ceremonious affair, and although there were a good many of them round the festive board, conversation languished and laughter was noticeable by its absence.
used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before
From this reading "What a devil of a family to live with!--sitting as though there were a cold-water poultice on top of 'em," mentally registered Cleek as he surveyed the company and tried his best to add to the general interest by anecdotes of a recent tour in Ireland; but his conversational efforts evoked only an occasional "Indeed?" from Sir Andrew.
showing who or what does the action
From this reading WHEN THE SWORD FELL Luncheon at Aygon Castle resolved itself into a somewhat dull and ceremonious affair, and although there were a good many of them round the festive board, conversation languished and laughter was noticeable by its absence.
a large and stately mansion
From this reading WHEN THE SWORD FELL Luncheon at Aygon Castle resolved itself into a somewhat dull and ceremonious affair, and although there were a good many of them round the festive board, conversation languished and laughter was noticeable by its absence.
ceremoniousadjective
characterized by pomp and ceremony and stately display
From this reading WHEN THE SWORD FELL Luncheon at Aygon Castle resolved itself into a somewhat dull and ceremonious affair, and although there were a good many of them round the festive board, conversation languished and laughter was noticeable by its absence.
civilizationnounUS /ˌsɪvəlɪˈzeɪʃən/
a society in an advanced state of social development (e.g., with complex legal and political and religious organizations)
From this reading They hadn't got any further with civilization than the hired-jester period.
Cleek
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading "What a devil of a family to live with!--sitting as though there were a cold-water poultice on top of 'em," mentally registered Cleek as he surveyed the company and tried his best to add to the general interest by anecdotes of a recent tour in Ireland; but his conversational efforts evoked only an occasional "Indeed?" from Sir Andrew.
cold-water
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading "What a devil of a family to live with!--sitting as though there were a cold-water poultice on top of 'em," mentally registered Cleek as he surveyed the company and tried his best to add to the general interest by anecdotes of a recent tour in Ireland; but his conversational efforts evoked only an occasional "Indeed?" from Sir Andrew.
an institution created to conduct business
From this reading "What a devil of a family to live with!--sitting as though there were a cold-water poultice on top of 'em," mentally registered Cleek as he surveyed the company and tried his best to add to the general interest by anecdotes of a recent tour in Ireland; but his conversational efforts evoked only an occasional "Indeed?" from Sir Andrew.
the use of speech for informal exchange of views or ideas or information etc.
From this reading WHEN THE SWORD FELL Luncheon at Aygon Castle resolved itself into a somewhat dull and ceremonious affair, and although there were a good many of them round the festive board, conversation languished and laughter was noticeable by its absence.
conversationaladjectiveUS /ˌkɑːnvərˈseɪʃənəl/
characteristic of informal spoken language or conversation
From this reading "What a devil of a family to live with!--sitting as though there were a cold-water poultice on top of 'em," mentally registered Cleek as he surveyed the company and tried his best to add to the general interest by anecdotes of a recent tour in Ireland; but his conversational efforts evoked only an occasional "Indeed?" from Sir Andrew.
recognizable; marked
From this reading Entertaining these people ought to be a paid task in itself, he decided.
(Judeo-Christian and Islamic religions) chief spirit of evil and adversary of God; tempter of mankind; master of Hell
From this reading "What a devil of a family to live with!--sitting as though there were a cold-water poultice on top of 'em," mentally registered Cleek as he surveyed the company and tried his best to add to the general interest by anecdotes of a recent tour in Ireland; but his conversational efforts evoked only an occasional "Indeed?" from Sir Andrew.
lacking in liveliness or animation
From this reading WHEN THE SWORD FELL Luncheon at Aygon Castle resolved itself into a somewhat dull and ceremonious affair, and although there were a good many of them round the festive board, conversation languished and laughter was noticeable by its absence.
all through a period, or at some point within it
From this reading Gloom was glory to the atmosphere of that room during the interminable meal.
plural of “effort” — earnest and conscientious activity intended to do or accomplish something
From this reading "What a devil of a family to live with!--sitting as though there were a cold-water poultice on top of 'em," mentally registered Cleek as he surveyed the company and tried his best to add to the general interest by anecdotes of a recent tour in Ireland; but his conversational efforts evoked only an occasional "Indeed?" from Sir Andrew.
a quad with a square body
From this reading "What a devil of a family to live with!--sitting as though there were a cold-water poultice on top of 'em," mentally registered Cleek as he surveyed the company and tried his best to add to the general interest by anecdotes of a recent tour in Ireland; but his conversational efforts evoked only an occasional "Indeed?" from Sir Andrew.
EntertainingadjectiveUS /ˌentərˈteɪnɪŋ/
agreeably diverting
From this reading Entertaining these people ought to be a paid task in itself, he decided.
evokedadjectiveUS /ɪˈvoʊkt/
called forth from a latent or potential state by stimulation
From this reading "What a devil of a family to live with!--sitting as though there were a cold-water poultice on top of 'em," mentally registered Cleek as he surveyed the company and tried his best to add to the general interest by anecdotes of a recent tour in Ireland; but his conversational efforts evoked only an occasional "Indeed?" from Sir Andrew.
a social unit living together
From this reading "What a devil of a family to live with!--sitting as though there were a cold-water poultice on top of 'em," mentally registered Cleek as he surveyed the company and tried his best to add to the general interest by anecdotes of a recent tour in Ireland; but his conversational efforts evoked only an occasional "Indeed?" from Sir Andrew.
cause to fall by or as if by delivering a blow
From this reading WHEN THE SWORD FELL Luncheon at Aygon Castle resolved itself into a somewhat dull and ceremonious affair, and although there were a good many of them round the festive board, conversation languished and laughter was noticeable by its absence.
festiveadjectiveUS /ˈfestɪv/
offering fun and gaiety
From this reading WHEN THE SWORD FELL Luncheon at Aygon Castle resolved itself into a somewhat dull and ceremonious affair, and although there were a good many of them round the festive board, conversation languished and laughter was noticeable by its absence.
showing where something starts, or who sent it
From this reading "What a devil of a family to live with!--sitting as though there were a cold-water poultice on top of 'em," mentally registered Cleek as he surveyed the company and tried his best to add to the general interest by anecdotes of a recent tour in Ireland; but his conversational efforts evoked only an occasional "Indeed?" from Sir Andrew.
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 They hadn't got any further with civilization than the hired-jester period.
applying to all or most members of a category or group
From this reading "What a devil of a family to live with!--sitting as though there were a cold-water poultice on top of 'em," mentally registered Cleek as he surveyed the company and tried his best to add to the general interest by anecdotes of a recent tour in Ireland; but his conversational efforts evoked only an occasional "Indeed?" from Sir Andrew.
a state of partial or total darkness
From this reading Gloom was glory to the atmosphere of that room during the interminable meal.
a state of high honor
From this reading Gloom was glory to the atmosphere of that room during the interminable meal.
having desirable or positive qualities especially those suitable for a thing specified
From this reading WHEN THE SWORD FELL Luncheon at Aygon Castle resolved itself into a somewhat dull and ceremonious affair, and although there were a good many of them round the festive board, conversation languished and laughter was noticeable by its absence.
inflected form of “get” — come into the possession of something concrete or abstract
From this reading They hadn't got any further with civilization than the hired-jester period.
hadn't
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading They hadn't got any further with civilization than the hired-jester period.
a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading "What a devil of a family to live with!--sitting as though there were a cold-water poultice on top of 'em," mentally registered Cleek as he surveyed the company and tried his best to add to the general interest by anecdotes of a recent tour in Ireland; but his conversational efforts evoked only an occasional "Indeed?" from Sir Andrew.
hired-jester
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading They hadn't got any further with civilization than the hired-jester period.
belonging to a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned
From this reading "What a devil of a family to live with!--sitting as though there were a cold-water poultice on top of 'em," mentally registered Cleek as he surveyed the company and tried his best to add to the general interest by anecdotes of a recent tour in Ireland; but his conversational efforts evoked only an occasional "Indeed?" from Sir Andrew.
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading "What a devil of a family to live with!--sitting as though there were a cold-water poultice on top of 'em," mentally registered Cleek as he surveyed the company and tried his best to add to the general interest by anecdotes of a recent tour in Ireland; but his conversational efforts evoked only an occasional "Indeed?" from Sir Andrew.
in truth (often tends to intensify)
From this reading "What a devil of a family to live with!--sitting as though there were a cold-water poultice on top of 'em," mentally registered Cleek as he surveyed the company and tried his best to add to the general interest by anecdotes of a recent tour in Ireland; but his conversational efforts evoked only an occasional "Indeed?" from Sir Andrew.
a sense of concern with and curiosity about someone or something
From this reading "What a devil of a family to live with!--sitting as though there were a cold-water poultice on top of 'em," mentally registered Cleek as he surveyed the company and tried his best to add to the general interest by anecdotes of a recent tour in Ireland; but his conversational efforts evoked only an occasional "Indeed?" from Sir Andrew.
interminableadjectiveUS /ˌɪnˈtɜːrmənəbəl/
tiresomely long; seemingly without end
From this reading Gloom was glory to the atmosphere of that room during the interminable meal.
intoprepositionUS /ˈɪntuː/
moving to the inside of something
From this reading WHEN THE SWORD FELL Luncheon at Aygon Castle resolved itself into a somewhat dull and ceremonious affair, and although there were a good many of them round the festive board, conversation languished and laughter was noticeable by its absence.
IrelandnounUS /ˈaɪərlənd/
a republic consisting of 26 of 32 counties comprising the island of Ireland; achieved independence from the United Kingdom in 1921
From this reading "What a devil of a family to live with!--sitting as though there were a cold-water poultice on top of 'em," mentally registered Cleek as he surveyed the company and tried his best to add to the general interest by anecdotes of a recent tour in Ireland; but his conversational efforts evoked only an occasional "Indeed?" from Sir Andrew.
belonging to the thing or animal already mentioned
From this reading WHEN THE SWORD FELL Luncheon at Aygon Castle resolved itself into a somewhat dull and ceremonious affair, and although there were a good many of them round the festive board, conversation languished and laughter was noticeable by its absence.
used when the thing doing the action is also its object
From this reading WHEN THE SWORD FELL Luncheon at Aygon Castle resolved itself into a somewhat dull and ceremonious affair, and although there were a good many of them round the festive board, conversation languished and laughter was noticeable by its absence.
languishedverbUS /ˈlæŋɡwɪʃt/
past form of “languish” — lose vigor, health, or flesh, as through grief
From this reading WHEN THE SWORD FELL Luncheon at Aygon Castle resolved itself into a somewhat dull and ceremonious affair, and although there were a good many of them round the festive board, conversation languished and laughter was noticeable by its absence.
the sound of laughing
From this reading WHEN THE SWORD FELL Luncheon at Aygon Castle resolved itself into a somewhat dull and ceremonious affair, and although there were a good many of them round the festive board, conversation languished and laughter was noticeable by its absence.
be an inhabitant of or reside in
From this reading "What a devil of a family to live with!--sitting as though there were a cold-water poultice on top of 'em," mentally registered Cleek as he surveyed the company and tried his best to add to the general interest by anecdotes of a recent tour in Ireland; but his conversational efforts evoked only an occasional "Indeed?" from Sir Andrew.
LuncheonnounUS /ˈlʌntʃən/
a midday meal
From this reading WHEN THE SWORD FELL Luncheon at Aygon Castle resolved itself into a somewhat dull and ceremonious affair, and although there were a good many of them round the festive board, conversation languished and laughter was noticeable by its absence.
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 WHEN THE SWORD FELL Luncheon at Aygon Castle resolved itself into a somewhat dull and ceremonious affair, and although there were a good many of them round the festive board, conversation languished and laughter was noticeable by its absence.
the food served and eaten at one time
From this reading Gloom was glory to the atmosphere of that room during the interminable meal.
mentallyadverbUS /ˈmentəli/
in your mind
From this reading "What a devil of a family to live with!--sitting as though there were a cold-water poultice on top of 'em," mentally registered Cleek as he surveyed the company and tried his best to add to the general interest by anecdotes of a recent tour in Ireland; but his conversational efforts evoked only an occasional "Indeed?" from Sir Andrew.
noticeableadjectiveUS /ˈnoʊtəsəbəl/
capable or worthy of being noticed
From this reading WHEN THE SWORD FELL Luncheon at Aygon Castle resolved itself into a somewhat dull and ceremonious affair, and although there were a good many of them round the festive board, conversation languished and laughter was noticeable by its absence.
occasionaladjectiveUS /əˈkeɪʒənəl/
occurring from time to time
From this reading "What a devil of a family to live with!--sitting as though there were a cold-water poultice on top of 'em," mentally registered Cleek as he surveyed the company and tried his best to add to the general interest by anecdotes of a recent tour in Ireland; but his conversational efforts evoked only an occasional "Indeed?" from Sir Andrew.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading WHEN THE SWORD FELL Luncheon at Aygon Castle resolved itself into a somewhat dull and ceremonious affair, and although there were a good many of them round the festive board, conversation languished and laughter was noticeable by its absence.
touching and supported by a surface
From this reading "What a devil of a family to live with!--sitting as though there were a cold-water poultice on top of 'em," mentally registered Cleek as he surveyed the company and tried his best to add to the general interest by anecdotes of a recent tour in Ireland; but his conversational efforts evoked only an occasional "Indeed?" from Sir Andrew.
and nothing more
From this reading "What a devil of a family to live with!--sitting as though there were a cold-water poultice on top of 'em," mentally registered Cleek as he surveyed the company and tried his best to add to the general interest by anecdotes of a recent tour in Ireland; but his conversational efforts evoked only an occasional "Indeed?" from Sir Andrew.
used with “to” to say what is right or advisable
From this reading Entertaining these people ought to be a paid task in itself, he decided.
marked by the reception of pay
From this reading Entertaining these people ought to be a paid task in itself, he decided.
(plural) any group of human beings (men or women or children) collectively
From this reading Entertaining these people ought to be a paid task in itself, he decided.
an amount of time
From this reading They hadn't got any further with civilization than the hired-jester period.
poulticenounUS /ˈpoʊltəs/
a medical dressing consisting of a soft heated mass of meal or clay that is spread on a cloth and applied to the skin to treat inflamed areas or improve circulation etc.
From this reading "What a devil of a family to live with!--sitting as though there were a cold-water poultice on top of 'em," mentally registered Cleek as he surveyed the company and tried his best to add to the general interest by anecdotes of a recent tour in Ireland; but his conversational efforts evoked only an occasional "Indeed?" from Sir Andrew.
recentadjectiveUS /ˈriːsənt/
new
From this reading "What a devil of a family to live with!--sitting as though there were a cold-water poultice on top of 'em," mentally registered Cleek as he surveyed the company and tried his best to add to the general interest by anecdotes of a recent tour in Ireland; but his conversational efforts evoked only an occasional "Indeed?" from Sir Andrew.
registeredadjectiveUS /ˈredʒɪstərd/
(of animals) officially recorded with or certified by a recognized breed association; especially in a stud book
From this reading "What a devil of a family to live with!--sitting as though there were a cold-water poultice on top of 'em," mentally registered Cleek as he surveyed the company and tried his best to add to the general interest by anecdotes of a recent tour in Ireland; but his conversational efforts evoked only an occasional "Indeed?" from Sir Andrew.
determined
From this reading WHEN THE SWORD FELL Luncheon at Aygon Castle resolved itself into a somewhat dull and ceremonious affair, and although there were a good many of them round the festive board, conversation languished and laughter was noticeable by its absence.
an area within a building enclosed by walls and floor and ceiling
From this reading Gloom was glory to the atmosphere of that room during the interminable meal.
a charge of ammunition for a single shot
From this reading WHEN THE SWORD FELL Luncheon at Aygon Castle resolved itself into a somewhat dull and ceremonious affair, and although there were a good many of them round the festive board, conversation languished and laughter was noticeable by its absence.
term of address for a man
From this reading "What a devil of a family to live with!--sitting as though there were a cold-water poultice on top of 'em," mentally registered Cleek as he surveyed the company and tried his best to add to the general interest by anecdotes of a recent tour in Ireland; but his conversational efforts evoked only an occasional "Indeed?" from Sir Andrew.
(photography) the act of assuming a certain position (as for a photograph or portrait)
From this reading "What a devil of a family to live with!--sitting as though there were a cold-water poultice on top of 'em," mentally registered Cleek as he surveyed the company and tried his best to add to the general interest by anecdotes of a recent tour in Ireland; but his conversational efforts evoked only an occasional "Indeed?" from Sir Andrew.
to a small degree or extent
From this reading WHEN THE SWORD FELL Luncheon at Aygon Castle resolved itself into a somewhat dull and ceremonious affair, and although there were a good many of them round the festive board, conversation languished and laughter was noticeable by its absence.
surveyedverbUS /sərˈveɪd/
past form of “survey” — consider in a comprehensive way
From this reading "What a devil of a family to live with!--sitting as though there were a cold-water poultice on top of 'em," mentally registered Cleek as he surveyed the company and tried his best to add to the general interest by anecdotes of a recent tour in Ireland; but his conversational efforts evoked only an occasional "Indeed?" from Sir Andrew.
a cutting or thrusting weapon that has a long metal blade and a hilt with a hand guard
From this reading WHEN THE SWORD FELL Luncheon at Aygon Castle resolved itself into a somewhat dull and ceremonious affair, and although there were a good many of them round the festive board, conversation languished and laughter was noticeable by its absence.
any piece of work that is undertaken or attempted
From this reading Entertaining these people ought to be a paid task in itself, he decided.
used to introduce the second part of a comparison
From this reading They hadn't got any further with civilization than the hired-jester period.
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading Gloom was glory to the atmosphere of that room during the interminable meal.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading WHEN THE SWORD FELL Luncheon at Aygon Castle resolved itself into a somewhat dull and ceremonious affair, and although there were a good many of them round the festive board, conversation languished and laughter was noticeable by its absence.
the people or things already mentioned, as the object
From this reading WHEN THE SWORD FELL Luncheon at Aygon Castle resolved itself into a somewhat dull and ceremonious affair, and although there were a good many of them round the festive board, conversation languished and laughter was noticeable by its absence.
in or at that place or location
From this reading WHEN THE SWORD FELL Luncheon at Aygon Castle resolved itself into a somewhat dull and ceremonious affair, and although there were a good many of them round the festive board, conversation languished and laughter was noticeable by its absence.
the plural of “this”: the people or things near, or just mentioned
From this reading Entertaining these people ought to be a paid task in itself, he decided.
the people, animals, or things already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading They hadn't got any further with civilization than the hired-jester period.
in spite of the fact that
From this reading "What a devil of a family to live with!--sitting as though there were a cold-water poultice on top of 'em," mentally registered Cleek as he surveyed the company and tried his best to add to the general interest by anecdotes of a recent tour in Ireland; but his conversational efforts evoked only an occasional "Indeed?" from Sir Andrew.
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading "What a devil of a family to live with!--sitting as though there were a cold-water poultice on top of 'em," mentally registered Cleek as he surveyed the company and tried his best to add to the general interest by anecdotes of a recent tour in Ireland; but his conversational efforts evoked only an occasional "Indeed?" from Sir Andrew.
the upper part of anything
From this reading "What a devil of a family to live with!--sitting as though there were a cold-water poultice on top of 'em," mentally registered Cleek as he surveyed the company and tried his best to add to the general interest by anecdotes of a recent tour in Ireland; but his conversational efforts evoked only an occasional "Indeed?" from Sir Andrew.
tournounUS /tʊr/
a journey or route all the way around a particular place or area
From this reading "What a devil of a family to live with!--sitting as though there were a cold-water poultice on top of 'em," mentally registered Cleek as he surveyed the company and tried his best to add to the general interest by anecdotes of a recent tour in Ireland; but his conversational efforts evoked only an occasional "Indeed?" from Sir Andrew.
tested and proved useful or correct
From this reading "What a devil of a family to live with!--sitting as though there were a cold-water poultice on top of 'em," mentally registered Cleek as he surveyed the company and tried his best to add to the general interest by anecdotes of a recent tour in Ireland; but his conversational efforts evoked only an occasional "Indeed?" from Sir Andrew.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading WHEN THE SWORD FELL Luncheon at Aygon Castle resolved itself into a somewhat dull and ceremonious affair, and although there were a good many of them round the festive board, conversation languished and laughter was noticeable by its absence.
wereauxiliary verbUS /wɜːr/
the past form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun
From this reading WHEN THE SWORD FELL Luncheon at Aygon Castle resolved itself into a somewhat dull and ceremonious affair, and although there were a good many of them round the festive board, conversation languished and laughter was noticeable by its absence.
used to ask for information about something
From this reading "What a devil of a family to live with!--sitting as though there were a cold-water poultice on top of 'em," mentally registered Cleek as he surveyed the company and tried his best to add to the general interest by anecdotes of a recent tour in Ireland; but his conversational efforts evoked only an occasional "Indeed?" from Sir Andrew.
at the time that
From this reading WHEN THE SWORD FELL Luncheon at Aygon Castle resolved itself into a somewhat dull and ceremonious affair, and although there were a good many of them round the festive board, conversation languished and laughter was noticeable by its absence.
in the company of; together with
From this reading "What a devil of a family to live with!--sitting as though there were a cold-water poultice on top of 'em," mentally registered Cleek as he surveyed the company and tried his best to add to the general interest by anecdotes of a recent tour in Ireland; but his conversational efforts evoked only an occasional "Indeed?" from Sir Andrew.
