Chapter XX · Of Duels and Conscience

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

From this reading If Sam had told the whole story, including the affair in Marlow woods and Lon’s suspicions of Peter Groche, the crowd, doubtless, would have buzzed with excitement, and, incidentally, felt some sympathy for Orkney; but, given merely new light on the matter of the cap and a revised version of the incident at the pond, the boys, as a rule, fell back upon the declaration that Tom was a “grouch,” anyway, and declined to take to themselves any especial culpability.

a vaguely specified concern

From this reading If Sam had told the whole story, including the affair in Marlow woods and Lon’s suspicions of Peter Groche, the crowd, doubtless, would have buzzed with excitement, and, incidentally, felt some sympathy for Orkney; but, given merely new light on the matter of the cap and a revised version of the incident at the pond, the boys, as a rule, fell back upon the declaration that Tom was a “grouch,” anyway, and declined to take to themselves any especial culpability.

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

From this reading If Sam had told the whole story, including the affair in Marlow woods and Lon’s suspicions of Peter Groche, the crowd, doubtless, would have buzzed with excitement, and, incidentally, felt some sympathy for Orkney; but, given merely new light on the matter of the cap and a revised version of the incident at the pond, the boys, as a rule, fell back upon the declaration that Tom was a “grouch,” anyway, and declined to take to themselves any especial culpability.

one or some or every or all without specification

From this reading If Sam had told the whole story, including the affair in Marlow woods and Lon’s suspicions of Peter Groche, the crowd, doubtless, would have buzzed with excitement, and, incidentally, felt some sympathy for Orkney; but, given merely new light on the matter of the cap and a revised version of the incident at the pond, the boys, as a rule, fell back upon the declaration that Tom was a “grouch,” anyway, and declined to take to themselves any especial culpability.

used to indicate that a statement explains or supports a previous statement

From this reading If Sam had told the whole story, including the affair in Marlow woods and Lon’s suspicions of Peter Groche, the crowd, doubtless, would have buzzed with excitement, and, incidentally, felt some sympathy for Orkney; but, given merely new light on the matter of the cap and a revised version of the incident at the pond, the boys, as a rule, fell back upon the declaration that Tom was a “grouch,” anyway, and declined to take to themselves any especial culpability.

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

From this reading The club received such report as Sam felt free to make of his investigation with interest rather than with regret for its share in the misfortunes of Tom Orkney.

in or near a particular place or position

From this reading If Sam had told the whole story, including the affair in Marlow woods and Lon’s suspicions of Peter Groche, the crowd, doubtless, would have buzzed with excitement, and, incidentally, felt some sympathy for Orkney; but, given merely new light on the matter of the cap and a revised version of the incident at the pond, the boys, as a rule, fell back upon the declaration that Tom was a “grouch,” anyway, and declined to take to themselves any especial culpability.

in or to or toward a former location

From this reading If Sam had told the whole story, including the affair in Marlow woods and Lon’s suspicions of Peter Groche, the crowd, doubtless, would have buzzed with excitement, and, incidentally, felt some sympathy for Orkney; but, given merely new light on the matter of the cap and a revised version of the incident at the pond, the boys, as a rule, fell back upon the declaration that Tom was a “grouch,” anyway, and declined to take to themselves any especial culpability.

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

From this reading Of course, it was hard luck for him to be deemed Little Perrine’s persecutor instead of protector, but the misunderstanding was general and not the particular error of the Safety First Club.

plural of “boy” — a youthful male person

From this reading If Sam had told the whole story, including the affair in Marlow woods and Lon’s suspicions of Peter Groche, the crowd, doubtless, would have buzzed with excitement, and, incidentally, felt some sympathy for Orkney; but, given merely new light on the matter of the cap and a revised version of the incident at the pond, the boys, as a rule, fell back upon the declaration that Tom was a “grouch,” anyway, and declined to take to themselves any especial culpability.

used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before

From this reading If Sam had told the whole story, including the affair in Marlow woods and Lon’s suspicions of Peter Groche, the crowd, doubtless, would have buzzed with excitement, and, incidentally, felt some sympathy for Orkney; but, given merely new light on the matter of the cap and a revised version of the incident at the pond, the boys, as a rule, fell back upon the declaration that Tom was a “grouch,” anyway, and declined to take to themselves any especial culpability.

past form of “buzz” — make a buzzing sound

From this reading If Sam had told the whole story, including the affair in Marlow woods and Lon’s suspicions of Peter Groche, the crowd, doubtless, would have buzzed with excitement, and, incidentally, felt some sympathy for Orkney; but, given merely new light on the matter of the cap and a revised version of the incident at the pond, the boys, as a rule, fell back upon the declaration that Tom was a “grouch,” anyway, and declined to take to themselves any especial culpability.

a tight-fitting headdress

From this reading If Sam had told the whole story, including the affair in Marlow woods and Lon’s suspicions of Peter Groche, the crowd, doubtless, would have buzzed with excitement, and, incidentally, felt some sympathy for Orkney; but, given merely new light on the matter of the cap and a revised version of the incident at the pond, the boys, as a rule, fell back upon the declaration that Tom was a “grouch,” anyway, and declined to take to themselves any especial culpability.

being long-lasting and recurrent or characterized by long suffering

From this reading Maybe Orkney hadn’t done these things, but wasn’t he a chronic sorehead?

a team of professional baseball players who play and travel together

From this reading The club received such report as Sam felt free to make of his investigation with interest rather than with regret for its share in the misfortunes of Tom Orkney.

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

From this reading Somebody had committed the depredations at the Parker place; somebody had smashed the club-house window.

bound or obligated, as under a pledge to a particular cause, action, or attitude

From this reading Somebody had committed the depredations at the Parker place; somebody had smashed the club-house window.

education imparted in a series of lessons or meetings

From this reading Of course, it was hard luck for him to be deemed Little Perrine’s persecutor instead of protector, but the misunderstanding was general and not the particular error of the Safety First Club.

cause to herd, drive, or crowd together

From this reading If Sam had told the whole story, including the affair in Marlow woods and Lon’s suspicions of Peter Groche, the crowd, doubtless, would have buzzed with excitement, and, incidentally, felt some sympathy for Orkney; but, given merely new light on the matter of the cap and a revised version of the incident at the pond, the boys, as a rule, fell back upon the declaration that Tom was a “grouch,” anyway, and declined to take to themselves any especial culpability.

a state of guilt

From this reading If Sam had told the whole story, including the affair in Marlow woods and Lon’s suspicions of Peter Groche, the crowd, doubtless, would have buzzed with excitement, and, incidentally, felt some sympathy for Orkney; but, given merely new light on the matter of the cap and a revised version of the incident at the pond, the boys, as a rule, fell back upon the declaration that Tom was a “grouch,” anyway, and declined to take to themselves any especial culpability.

a statement that is emphatic and explicit (spoken or written)

From this reading If Sam had told the whole story, including the affair in Marlow woods and Lon’s suspicions of Peter Groche, the crowd, doubtless, would have buzzed with excitement, and, incidentally, felt some sympathy for Orkney; but, given merely new light on the matter of the cap and a revised version of the incident at the pond, the boys, as a rule, fell back upon the declaration that Tom was a “grouch,” anyway, and declined to take to themselves any especial culpability.

past form of “decline” — grow worse

From this reading If Sam had told the whole story, including the affair in Marlow woods and Lon’s suspicions of Peter Groche, the crowd, doubtless, would have buzzed with excitement, and, incidentally, felt some sympathy for Orkney; but, given merely new light on the matter of the cap and a revised version of the incident at the pond, the boys, as a rule, fell back upon the declaration that Tom was a “grouch,” anyway, and declined to take to themselves any especial culpability.

past form of “deem” — keep in mind or convey as a conviction or view

From this reading Of course, it was hard luck for him to be deemed Little Perrine’s persecutor instead of protector, but the misunderstanding was general and not the particular error of the Safety First Club.

plural of “depredation” — an act of plundering and pillaging and marauding

From this reading Somebody had committed the depredations at the Parker place; somebody had smashed the club-house window.

having finished or arrived at completion

From this reading Maybe Orkney hadn’t done these things, but wasn’t he a chronic sorehead?

without doubt; certainly

From this reading If Sam had told the whole story, including the affair in Marlow woods and Lon’s suspicions of Peter Groche, the crowd, doubtless, would have buzzed with excitement, and, incidentally, felt some sympathy for Orkney; but, given merely new light on the matter of the cap and a revised version of the incident at the pond, the boys, as a rule, fell back upon the declaration that Tom was a “grouch,” anyway, and declined to take to themselves any especial culpability.

a wrong action attributable to bad judgment or ignorance or inattention

From this reading Of course, it was hard luck for him to be deemed Little Perrine’s persecutor instead of protector, but the misunderstanding was general and not the particular error of the Safety First Club.

surpassing what is common or usual or expected

From this reading If Sam had told the whole story, including the affair in Marlow woods and Lon’s suspicions of Peter Groche, the crowd, doubtless, would have buzzed with excitement, and, incidentally, felt some sympathy for Orkney; but, given merely new light on the matter of the cap and a revised version of the incident at the pond, the boys, as a rule, fell back upon the declaration that Tom was a “grouch,” anyway, and declined to take to themselves any especial culpability.

the feeling of lively and cheerful joy

From this reading If Sam had told the whole story, including the affair in Marlow woods and Lon’s suspicions of Peter Groche, the crowd, doubtless, would have buzzed with excitement, and, incidentally, felt some sympathy for Orkney; but, given merely new light on the matter of the cap and a revised version of the incident at the pond, the boys, as a rule, fell back upon the declaration that Tom was a “grouch,” anyway, and declined to take to themselves any especial culpability.

cause to fall by or as if by delivering a blow

From this reading If Sam had told the whole story, including the affair in Marlow woods and Lon’s suspicions of Peter Groche, the crowd, doubtless, would have buzzed with excitement, and, incidentally, felt some sympathy for Orkney; but, given merely new light on the matter of the cap and a revised version of the incident at the pond, the boys, as a rule, fell back upon the declaration that Tom was a “grouch,” anyway, and declined to take to themselves any especial culpability.

mat together and make felt-like

From this reading The club received such report as Sam felt free to make of his investigation with interest rather than with regret for its share in the misfortunes of Tom Orkney.

preceding all others in time or space or degree

From this reading Of course, it was hard luck for him to be deemed Little Perrine’s persecutor instead of protector, but the misunderstanding was general and not the particular error of the Safety First Club.

intended to be given to, or used by, somebody

From this reading The club received such report as Sam felt free to make of his investigation with interest rather than with regret for its share in the misfortunes of Tom Orkney.

grant freedom to; free from confinement

From this reading The club received such report as Sam felt free to make of his investigation with interest rather than with regret for its share in the misfortunes of Tom Orkney.

applying to all or most members of a category or group

From this reading Of course, it was hard luck for him to be deemed Little Perrine’s persecutor instead of protector, but the misunderstanding was general and not the particular error of the Safety First Club.

acknowledged as a supposition

From this reading If Sam had told the whole story, including the affair in Marlow woods and Lon’s suspicions of Peter Groche, the crowd, doubtless, would have buzzed with excitement, and, incidentally, felt some sympathy for Orkney; but, given merely new light on the matter of the cap and a revised version of the incident at the pond, the boys, as a rule, fell back upon the declaration that Tom was a “grouch,” anyway, and declined to take to themselves any especial culpability.

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

From this reading If Sam had told the whole story, including the affair in Marlow woods and Lon’s suspicions of Peter Groche, the crowd, doubtless, would have buzzed with excitement, and, incidentally, felt some sympathy for Orkney; but, given merely new light on the matter of the cap and a revised version of the incident at the pond, the boys, as a rule, fell back upon the declaration that Tom was a “grouch,” anyway, and declined to take to themselves any especial culpability.

a bad-tempered person

From this reading If Sam had told the whole story, including the affair in Marlow woods and Lon’s suspicions of Peter Groche, the crowd, doubtless, would have buzzed with excitement, and, incidentally, felt some sympathy for Orkney; but, given merely new light on the matter of the cap and a revised version of the incident at the pond, the boys, as a rule, fell back upon the declaration that Tom was a “grouch,” anyway, and declined to take to themselves any especial culpability.

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

From this reading If Sam had told the whole story, including the affair in Marlow woods and Lon’s suspicions of Peter Groche, the crowd, doubtless, would have buzzed with excitement, and, incidentally, felt some sympathy for Orkney; but, given merely new light on the matter of the cap and a revised version of the incident at the pond, the boys, as a rule, fell back upon the declaration that Tom was a “grouch,” anyway, and declined to take to themselves any especial culpability.

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

From this reading Maybe Orkney hadn’t done these things, but wasn’t he a chronic sorehead?

not easy; requiring great physical or mental effort to accomplish or comprehend or endure

From this reading Of course, it was hard luck for him to be deemed Little Perrine’s persecutor instead of protector, but the misunderstanding was general and not the particular error of the Safety First Club.

used with a past participle to form the perfect tenses

From this reading If Sam had told the whole story, including the affair in Marlow woods and Lon’s suspicions of Peter Groche, the crowd, doubtless, would have buzzed with excitement, and, incidentally, felt some sympathy for Orkney; but, given merely new light on the matter of the cap and a revised version of the incident at the pond, the boys, as a rule, fell back upon the declaration that Tom was a “grouch,” anyway, and declined to take to themselves any especial culpability.

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

From this reading Maybe Orkney hadn’t done these things, but wasn’t he a chronic sorehead?

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

From this reading Of course, it was hard luck for him to be deemed Little Perrine’s persecutor instead of protector, but the misunderstanding was general and not the particular error of the Safety First Club.

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

From this reading The club received such report as Sam felt free to make of his investigation with interest rather than with regret for its share in the misfortunes of Tom Orkney.

on condition that; in the event that

From this reading If Sam had told the whole story, including the affair in Marlow woods and Lon’s suspicions of Peter Groche, the crowd, doubtless, would have buzzed with excitement, and, incidentally, felt some sympathy for Orkney; but, given merely new light on the matter of the cap and a revised version of the incident at the pond, the boys, as a rule, fell back upon the declaration that Tom was a “grouch,” anyway, and declined to take to themselves any especial culpability.

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

From this reading The club received such report as Sam felt free to make of his investigation with interest rather than with regret for its share in the misfortunes of Tom Orkney.

a single distinct event

From this reading If Sam had told the whole story, including the affair in Marlow woods and Lon’s suspicions of Peter Groche, the crowd, doubtless, would have buzzed with excitement, and, incidentally, felt some sympathy for Orkney; but, given merely new light on the matter of the cap and a revised version of the incident at the pond, the boys, as a rule, fell back upon the declaration that Tom was a “grouch,” anyway, and declined to take to themselves any especial culpability.

introducing a different topic

From this reading If Sam had told the whole story, including the affair in Marlow woods and Lon’s suspicions of Peter Groche, the crowd, doubtless, would have buzzed with excitement, and, incidentally, felt some sympathy for Orkney; but, given merely new light on the matter of the cap and a revised version of the incident at the pond, the boys, as a rule, fell back upon the declaration that Tom was a “grouch,” anyway, and declined to take to themselves any especial culpability.

-ing form of “include” — have as a part, be made up out of

From this reading If Sam had told the whole story, including the affair in Marlow woods and Lon’s suspicions of Peter Groche, the crowd, doubtless, would have buzzed with excitement, and, incidentally, felt some sympathy for Orkney; but, given merely new light on the matter of the cap and a revised version of the incident at the pond, the boys, as a rule, fell back upon the declaration that Tom was a “grouch,” anyway, and declined to take to themselves any especial culpability.

in place of, or as an alternative to

From this reading Of course, it was hard luck for him to be deemed Little Perrine’s persecutor instead of protector, but the misunderstanding was general and not the particular error of the Safety First Club.

a sense of concern with and curiosity about someone or something

From this reading The club received such report as Sam felt free to make of his investigation with interest rather than with regret for its share in the misfortunes of Tom Orkney.

an inquiry into unfamiliar or questionable activities

From this reading The club received such report as Sam felt free to make of his investigation with interest rather than with regret for its share in the misfortunes of Tom Orkney.

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading Of course, it was hard luck for him to be deemed Little Perrine’s persecutor instead of protector, but the misunderstanding was general and not the particular error of the Safety First Club.

belonging to the thing or animal already mentioned

From this reading The club received such report as Sam felt free to make of his investigation with interest rather than with regret for its share in the misfortunes of Tom Orkney.

of comparatively little physical weight or density

From this reading If Sam had told the whole story, including the affair in Marlow woods and Lon’s suspicions of Peter Groche, the crowd, doubtless, would have buzzed with excitement, and, incidentally, felt some sympathy for Orkney; but, given merely new light on the matter of the cap and a revised version of the incident at the pond, the boys, as a rule, fell back upon the declaration that Tom was a “grouch,” anyway, and declined to take to themselves any especial culpability.

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

From this reading Of course, it was hard luck for him to be deemed Little Perrine’s persecutor instead of protector, but the misunderstanding was general and not the particular error of the Safety First Club.

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

From this reading If Sam had told the whole story, including the affair in Marlow woods and Lon’s suspicions of Peter Groche, the crowd, doubtless, would have buzzed with excitement, and, incidentally, felt some sympathy for Orkney; but, given merely new light on the matter of the cap and a revised version of the incident at the pond, the boys, as a rule, fell back upon the declaration that Tom was a “grouch,” anyway, and declined to take to themselves any especial culpability.

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

From this reading Of course, it was hard luck for him to be deemed Little Perrine’s persecutor instead of protector, but the misunderstanding was general and not the particular error of the Safety First Club.

engage in

From this reading The club received such report as Sam felt free to make of his investigation with interest rather than with regret for its share in the misfortunes of Tom Orkney.

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

From this reading If Sam had told the whole story, including the affair in Marlow woods and Lon’s suspicions of Peter Groche, the crowd, doubtless, would have buzzed with excitement, and, incidentally, felt some sympathy for Orkney; but, given merely new light on the matter of the cap and a revised version of the incident at the pond, the boys, as a rule, fell back upon the declaration that Tom was a “grouch,” anyway, and declined to take to themselves any especial culpability.

a vaguely specified concern

From this reading If Sam had told the whole story, including the affair in Marlow woods and Lon’s suspicions of Peter Groche, the crowd, doubtless, would have buzzed with excitement, and, incidentally, felt some sympathy for Orkney; but, given merely new light on the matter of the cap and a revised version of the incident at the pond, the boys, as a rule, fell back upon the declaration that Tom was a “grouch,” anyway, and declined to take to themselves any especial culpability.

by chance

From this reading Maybe Orkney hadn’t done these things, but wasn’t he a chronic sorehead?

and nothing more

From this reading If Sam had told the whole story, including the affair in Marlow woods and Lon’s suspicions of Peter Groche, the crowd, doubtless, would have buzzed with excitement, and, incidentally, felt some sympathy for Orkney; but, given merely new light on the matter of the cap and a revised version of the incident at the pond, the boys, as a rule, fell back upon the declaration that Tom was a “grouch,” anyway, and declined to take to themselves any especial culpability.

plural of “misfortune” — unnecessary and unforeseen trouble resulting from an unfortunate event

From this reading The club received such report as Sam felt free to make of his investigation with interest rather than with regret for its share in the misfortunes of Tom Orkney.

putting the wrong interpretation on

From this reading Of course, it was hard luck for him to be deemed Little Perrine’s persecutor instead of protector, but the misunderstanding was general and not the particular error of the Safety First Club.

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

From this reading If Sam had told the whole story, including the affair in Marlow woods and Lon’s suspicions of Peter Groche, the crowd, doubtless, would have buzzed with excitement, and, incidentally, felt some sympathy for Orkney; but, given merely new light on the matter of the cap and a revised version of the incident at the pond, the boys, as a rule, fell back upon the declaration that Tom was a “grouch,” anyway, and declined to take to themselves any especial culpability.

used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative

From this reading Of course, it was hard luck for him to be deemed Little Perrine’s persecutor instead of protector, but the misunderstanding was general and not the particular error of the Safety First Club.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading The club received such report as Sam felt free to make of his investigation with interest rather than with regret for its share in the misfortunes of Tom Orkney.

touching and supported by a surface

From this reading If Sam had told the whole story, including the affair in Marlow woods and Lon’s suspicions of Peter Groche, the crowd, doubtless, would have buzzed with excitement, and, incidentally, felt some sympathy for Orkney; but, given merely new light on the matter of the cap and a revised version of the incident at the pond, the boys, as a rule, fell back upon the declaration that Tom was a “grouch,” anyway, and declined to take to themselves any especial culpability.

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

From this reading The club received such report as Sam felt free to make of his investigation with interest rather than with regret for its share in the misfortunes of Tom Orkney.

United States saxophonist and leader of the bop style of jazz (1920-1955)

From this reading Somebody had committed the depredations at the Parker place; somebody had smashed the club-house window.

unique or specific to a person or thing or category

From this reading Of course, it was hard luck for him to be deemed Little Perrine’s persecutor instead of protector, but the misunderstanding was general and not the particular error of the Safety First Club.

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

From this reading Of course, it was hard luck for him to be deemed Little Perrine’s persecutor instead of protector, but the misunderstanding was general and not the particular error of the Safety First Club.

someone who torments

From this reading Of course, it was hard luck for him to be deemed Little Perrine’s persecutor instead of protector, but the misunderstanding was general and not the particular error of the Safety First Club.

disciple of Jesus and leader of the Apostles; regarded by Catholics as the vicar of Christ on earth and first Pope

From this reading If Sam had told the whole story, including the affair in Marlow woods and Lon’s suspicions of Peter Groche, the crowd, doubtless, would have buzzed with excitement, and, incidentally, felt some sympathy for Orkney; but, given merely new light on the matter of the cap and a revised version of the incident at the pond, the boys, as a rule, fell back upon the declaration that Tom was a “grouch,” anyway, and declined to take to themselves any especial culpability.

a point located with respect to surface features of some region

From this reading Somebody had committed the depredations at the Parker place; somebody had smashed the club-house window.

a small lake

From this reading If Sam had told the whole story, including the affair in Marlow woods and Lon’s suspicions of Peter Groche, the crowd, doubtless, would have buzzed with excitement, and, incidentally, felt some sympathy for Orkney; but, given merely new light on the matter of the cap and a revised version of the incident at the pond, the boys, as a rule, fell back upon the declaration that Tom was a “grouch,” anyway, and declined to take to themselves any especial culpability.

a person who cares for persons or property

From this reading Of course, it was hard luck for him to be deemed Little Perrine’s persecutor instead of protector, but the misunderstanding was general and not the particular error of the Safety First Club.

on the contrary

From this reading The club received such report as Sam felt free to make of his investigation with interest rather than with regret for its share in the misfortunes of Tom Orkney.

conforming to the established language usage of educated native speakers

From this reading The club received such report as Sam felt free to make of his investigation with interest rather than with regret for its share in the misfortunes of Tom Orkney.

feel remorse for; feel sorry for; be contrite about

From this reading The club received such report as Sam felt free to make of his investigation with interest rather than with regret for its share in the misfortunes of Tom Orkney.

to give an account or representation of in words

From this reading The club received such report as Sam felt free to make of his investigation with interest rather than with regret for its share in the misfortunes of Tom Orkney.

improved or brought up to date

From this reading If Sam had told the whole story, including the affair in Marlow woods and Lon’s suspicions of Peter Groche, the crowd, doubtless, would have buzzed with excitement, and, incidentally, felt some sympathy for Orkney; but, given merely new light on the matter of the cap and a revised version of the incident at the pond, the boys, as a rule, fell back upon the declaration that Tom was a “grouch,” anyway, and declined to take to themselves any especial culpability.

a principle or condition that customarily governs behavior

From this reading If Sam had told the whole story, including the affair in Marlow woods and Lon’s suspicions of Peter Groche, the crowd, doubtless, would have buzzed with excitement, and, incidentally, felt some sympathy for Orkney; but, given merely new light on the matter of the cap and a revised version of the incident at the pond, the boys, as a rule, fell back upon the declaration that Tom was a “grouch,” anyway, and declined to take to themselves any especial culpability.

the state of being certain that adverse effects will not be caused by some agent under defined conditions

From this reading Of course, it was hard luck for him to be deemed Little Perrine’s persecutor instead of protector, but the misunderstanding was general and not the particular error of the Safety First Club.

a guided missile fired from land or shipboard against an airborne target

From this reading The club received such report as Sam felt free to make of his investigation with interest rather than with regret for its share in the misfortunes of Tom Orkney.

have in common

From this reading The club received such report as Sam felt free to make of his investigation with interest rather than with regret for its share in the misfortunes of Tom Orkney.

very drunk

From this reading Somebody had committed the depredations at the Parker place; somebody had smashed the club-house window.

(quantifier) used with either mass nouns or plural count nouns to indicate an unspecified number or quantity

From this reading If Sam had told the whole story, including the affair in Marlow woods and Lon’s suspicions of Peter Groche, the crowd, doubtless, would have buzzed with excitement, and, incidentally, felt some sympathy for Orkney; but, given merely new light on the matter of the cap and a revised version of the incident at the pond, the boys, as a rule, fell back upon the declaration that Tom was a “grouch,” anyway, and declined to take to themselves any especial culpability.

a person, without saying who

From this reading Somebody had committed the depredations at the Parker place; somebody had smashed the club-house window.

someone who is peevish or disgruntled

From this reading Maybe Orkney hadn’t done these things, but wasn’t he a chronic sorehead?

a message that tells the particulars of an act or occurrence or course of events; presented in writing or drama or cinema or as a radio or television program

From this reading If Sam had told the whole story, including the affair in Marlow woods and Lon’s suspicions of Peter Groche, the crowd, doubtless, would have buzzed with excitement, and, incidentally, felt some sympathy for Orkney; but, given merely new light on the matter of the cap and a revised version of the incident at the pond, the boys, as a rule, fell back upon the declaration that Tom was a “grouch,” anyway, and declined to take to themselves any especial culpability.

of the kind already mentioned

From this reading The club received such report as Sam felt free to make of his investigation with interest rather than with regret for its share in the misfortunes of Tom Orkney.

plural of “suspicion” — an impression that something might be the case

From this reading If Sam had told the whole story, including the affair in Marlow woods and Lon’s suspicions of Peter Groche, the crowd, doubtless, would have buzzed with excitement, and, incidentally, felt some sympathy for Orkney; but, given merely new light on the matter of the cap and a revised version of the incident at the pond, the boys, as a rule, fell back upon the declaration that Tom was a “grouch,” anyway, and declined to take to themselves any especial culpability.

an inclination to support or be loyal to or to agree with an opinion

From this reading If Sam had told the whole story, including the affair in Marlow woods and Lon’s suspicions of Peter Groche, the crowd, doubtless, would have buzzed with excitement, and, incidentally, felt some sympathy for Orkney; but, given merely new light on the matter of the cap and a revised version of the incident at the pond, the boys, as a rule, fell back upon the declaration that Tom was a “grouch,” anyway, and declined to take to themselves any especial culpability.

carry out

From this reading If Sam had told the whole story, including the affair in Marlow woods and Lon’s suspicions of Peter Groche, the crowd, doubtless, would have buzzed with excitement, and, incidentally, felt some sympathy for Orkney; but, given merely new light on the matter of the cap and a revised version of the incident at the pond, the boys, as a rule, fell back upon the declaration that Tom was a “grouch,” anyway, and declined to take to themselves any especial culpability.

used to introduce the second part of a comparison

From this reading The club received such report as Sam felt free to make of his investigation with interest rather than with regret for its share in the misfortunes of Tom Orkney.

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading If Sam had told the whole story, including the affair in Marlow woods and Lon’s suspicions of Peter Groche, the crowd, doubtless, would have buzzed with excitement, and, incidentally, felt some sympathy for Orkney; but, given merely new light on the matter of the cap and a revised version of the incident at the pond, the boys, as a rule, fell back upon the declaration that Tom was a “grouch,” anyway, and declined to take to themselves any especial culpability.

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

From this reading The club received such report as Sam felt free to make of his investigation with interest rather than with regret for its share in the misfortunes of Tom Orkney.

used when the people doing the action are also its object

From this reading If Sam had told the whole story, including the affair in Marlow woods and Lon’s suspicions of Peter Groche, the crowd, doubtless, would have buzzed with excitement, and, incidentally, felt some sympathy for Orkney; but, given merely new light on the matter of the cap and a revised version of the incident at the pond, the boys, as a rule, fell back upon the declaration that Tom was a “grouch,” anyway, and declined to take to themselves any especial culpability.

the plural of “this”: the people or things near, or just mentioned

From this reading Maybe Orkney hadn’t done these things, but wasn’t he a chronic sorehead?

any movable possession (especially articles of clothing)

From this reading Maybe Orkney hadn’t done these things, but wasn’t he a chronic sorehead?

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

From this reading The club received such report as Sam felt free to make of his investigation with interest rather than with regret for its share in the misfortunes of Tom Orkney.

inflected form of “tell” — express in words

From this reading If Sam had told the whole story, including the affair in Marlow woods and Lon’s suspicions of Peter Groche, the crowd, doubtless, would have buzzed with excitement, and, incidentally, felt some sympathy for Orkney; but, given merely new light on the matter of the cap and a revised version of the incident at the pond, the boys, as a rule, fell back upon the declaration that Tom was a “grouch,” anyway, and declined to take to themselves any especial culpability.

male cat

From this reading The club received such report as Sam felt free to make of his investigation with interest rather than with regret for its share in the misfortunes of Tom Orkney.

a formal word for “on”

From this reading If Sam had told the whole story, including the affair in Marlow woods and Lon’s suspicions of Peter Groche, the crowd, doubtless, would have buzzed with excitement, and, incidentally, felt some sympathy for Orkney; but, given merely new light on the matter of the cap and a revised version of the incident at the pond, the boys, as a rule, fell back upon the declaration that Tom was a “grouch,” anyway, and declined to take to themselves any especial culpability.

an interpretation of a matter from a particular viewpoint

From this reading If Sam had told the whole story, including the affair in Marlow woods and Lon’s suspicions of Peter Groche, the crowd, doubtless, would have buzzed with excitement, and, incidentally, felt some sympathy for Orkney; but, given merely new light on the matter of the cap and a revised version of the incident at the pond, the boys, as a rule, fell back upon the declaration that Tom was a “grouch,” anyway, and declined to take to themselves any especial culpability.

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

From this reading If Sam had told the whole story, including the affair in Marlow woods and Lon’s suspicions of Peter Groche, the crowd, doubtless, would have buzzed with excitement, and, incidentally, felt some sympathy for Orkney; but, given merely new light on the matter of the cap and a revised version of the incident at the pond, the boys, as a rule, fell back upon the declaration that Tom was a “grouch,” anyway, and declined to take to themselves any especial culpability.

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

From this reading Maybe Orkney hadn’t done these things, but wasn’t he a chronic sorehead?

including all components without exception; being one unit or constituting the full amount or extent or duration; complete

From this reading If Sam had told the whole story, including the affair in Marlow woods and Lon’s suspicions of Peter Groche, the crowd, doubtless, would have buzzed with excitement, and, incidentally, felt some sympathy for Orkney; but, given merely new light on the matter of the cap and a revised version of the incident at the pond, the boys, as a rule, fell back upon the declaration that Tom was a “grouch,” anyway, and declined to take to themselves any especial culpability.

a framework of wood or metal that contains a glass windowpane and is built into a wall or roof to admit light or air

From this reading Somebody had committed the depredations at the Parker place; somebody had smashed the club-house window.

in the company of; together with

From this reading The club received such report as Sam felt free to make of his investigation with interest rather than with regret for its share in the misfortunes of Tom Orkney.

the trees and other plants in a large densely wooded area

From this reading If Sam had told the whole story, including the affair in Marlow woods and Lon’s suspicions of Peter Groche, the crowd, doubtless, would have buzzed with excitement, and, incidentally, felt some sympathy for Orkney; but, given merely new light on the matter of the cap and a revised version of the incident at the pond, the boys, as a rule, fell back upon the declaration that Tom was a “grouch,” anyway, and declined to take to themselves any especial culpability.

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

From this reading If Sam had told the whole story, including the affair in Marlow woods and Lon’s suspicions of Peter Groche, the crowd, doubtless, would have buzzed with excitement, and, incidentally, felt some sympathy for Orkney; but, given merely new light on the matter of the cap and a revised version of the incident at the pond, the boys, as a rule, fell back upon the declaration that Tom was a “grouch,” anyway, and declined to take to themselves any especial culpability.