used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading A CARDINAL POINT The irresistible discomfiture of this ruffian did not affect the value of the evidence which he had volunteered.
AbelnounUS /ˈeɪbəl/
Norwegian mathematician (1802-1829)
From this reading It was enough for him to know that there was a certain secret in Steel's life, upon which the wretch Abel had admittedly traded, even as his superior Minchin had apparently intended to do before him.
admittedlyadverbUS /ædˈmɪtɪdli/
as acknowledged
From this reading It was enough for him to know that there was a certain secret in Steel's life, upon which the wretch Abel had admittedly traded, even as his superior Minchin had apparently intended to do before him.
affectverbUS /əˈfekt/
have an effect upon
From this reading A CARDINAL POINT The irresistible discomfiture of this ruffian did not affect the value of the evidence which he had volunteered.
the form of “a” used before a word that begins with a vowel sound
From this reading Langholm was glad to remember that he had volunteered it; the creature was well served for his spite and his cupidity; and the man of peace and letters, whose temperament shrank from contention of any kind, could not but congratulate himself upon an incidental triumph for which it was impossible to feel the smallest compunction.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading Langholm was glad to remember that he had volunteered it; the creature was well served for his spite and his cupidity; and the man of peace and letters, whose temperament shrank from contention of any kind, could not but congratulate himself upon an incidental triumph for which it was impossible to feel the smallest compunction.
one or some or every or all without specification
From this reading Langholm was glad to remember that he had volunteered it; the creature was well served for his spite and his cupidity; and the man of peace and letters, whose temperament shrank from contention of any kind, could not but congratulate himself upon an incidental triumph for which it was impossible to feel the smallest compunction.
from appearances alone
From this reading It was enough for him to know that there was a certain secret in Steel's life, upon which the wretch Abel had admittedly traded, even as his superior Minchin had apparently intended to do before him.
at the same time that; because; in the way that
From this reading It was enough for him to know that there was a certain secret in Steel's life, upon which the wretch Abel had admittedly traded, even as his superior Minchin had apparently intended to do before him.
the power or right to give orders or make decisions
From this reading Only those two seemed to have been in this secret, and one of them still lived to reveal it when called upon with authority.
beenauxiliary verbUS /bɪn/
the past participle of “be”
From this reading Only those two seemed to have been in this secret, and one of them still lived to reveal it when called upon with authority.
earlier than; in front of
From this reading It was enough for him to know that there was a certain secret in Steel's life, upon which the wretch Abel had admittedly traded, even as his superior Minchin had apparently intended to do before him.
used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before
From this reading Langholm was glad to remember that he had volunteered it; the creature was well served for his spite and his cupidity; and the man of peace and letters, whose temperament shrank from contention of any kind, could not but congratulate himself upon an incidental triumph for which it was impossible to feel the smallest compunction.
past form of “call” — assign a specified (usually proper) proper name to
From this reading Only those two seemed to have been in this secret, and one of them still lived to reveal it when called upon with authority.
(Roman Catholic Church) one of a group of more than 100 prominent bishops in the Sacred College who advise the Pope and elect new Popes
From this reading A CARDINAL POINT The irresistible discomfiture of this ruffian did not affect the value of the evidence which he had volunteered.
definite but not specified or identified
From this reading It was enough for him to know that there was a certain secret in Steel's life, upon which the wretch Abel had admittedly traded, even as his superior Minchin had apparently intended to do before him.
compunctionnounUS /kəmˈpʌŋkʃən/
a feeling of deep regret (usually for some misdeed)
From this reading Langholm was glad to remember that he had volunteered it; the creature was well served for his spite and his cupidity; and the man of peace and letters, whose temperament shrank from contention of any kind, could not but congratulate himself upon an incidental triumph for which it was impossible to feel the smallest compunction.
congratulateverbUS /kənˈɡrætʃəleɪt/
say something to someone that expresses praise
From this reading Langholm was glad to remember that he had volunteered it; the creature was well served for his spite and his cupidity; and the man of peace and letters, whose temperament shrank from contention of any kind, could not but congratulate himself upon an incidental triumph for which it was impossible to feel the smallest compunction.
contentionnounUS /kənˈtenʃən/
a point asserted as part of an argument
From this reading Langholm was glad to remember that he had volunteered it; the creature was well served for his spite and his cupidity; and the man of peace and letters, whose temperament shrank from contention of any kind, could not but congratulate himself upon an incidental triumph for which it was impossible to feel the smallest compunction.
the past of “can”; used for possibility or polite requests
From this reading Langholm was glad to remember that he had volunteered it; the creature was well served for his spite and his cupidity; and the man of peace and letters, whose temperament shrank from contention of any kind, could not but congratulate himself upon an incidental triumph for which it was impossible to feel the smallest compunction.
a living organism characterized by voluntary movement
From this reading Langholm was glad to remember that he had volunteered it; the creature was well served for his spite and his cupidity; and the man of peace and letters, whose temperament shrank from contention of any kind, could not but congratulate himself upon an incidental triumph for which it was impossible to feel the smallest compunction.
cupiditynounUS /kjuːˈpɪdɪti/
extreme greed for material wealth
From this reading Langholm was glad to remember that he had volunteered it; the creature was well served for his spite and his cupidity; and the man of peace and letters, whose temperament shrank from contention of any kind, could not but congratulate himself upon an incidental triumph for which it was impossible to feel the smallest compunction.
didauxiliary verbUS /dɪd/
the past form of “do”, used in questions and negatives
From this reading A CARDINAL POINT The irresistible discomfiture of this ruffian did not affect the value of the evidence which he had volunteered.
discomfiturenoun
anxious embarrassment
From this reading A CARDINAL POINT The irresistible discomfiture of this ruffian did not affect the value of the evidence which he had volunteered.
used to form questions and negatives, and to give emphasis
From this reading It was enough for him to know that there was a certain secret in Steel's life, upon which the wretch Abel had admittedly traded, even as his superior Minchin had apparently intended to do before him.
an adequate quantity; a quantity that is large enough to achieve a purpose
From this reading It was enough for him to know that there was a certain secret in Steel's life, upon which the wretch Abel had admittedly traded, even as his superior Minchin had apparently intended to do before him.
divisible by two
From this reading It was enough for him to know that there was a certain secret in Steel's life, upon which the wretch Abel had admittedly traded, even as his superior Minchin had apparently intended to do before him.
your basis for belief or disbelief; knowledge on which to base belief
From this reading A CARDINAL POINT The irresistible discomfiture of this ruffian did not affect the value of the evidence which he had volunteered.
undergo an emotional sensation or be in a particular state of mind
From this reading Langholm was glad to remember that he had volunteered it; the creature was well served for his spite and his cupidity; and the man of peace and letters, whose temperament shrank from contention of any kind, could not but congratulate himself upon an incidental triumph for which it was impossible to feel the smallest compunction.
intended to be given to, or used by, somebody
From this reading Langholm was glad to remember that he had volunteered it; the creature was well served for his spite and his cupidity; and the man of peace and letters, whose temperament shrank from contention of any kind, could not but congratulate himself upon an incidental triumph for which it was impossible to feel the smallest compunction.
showing where something starts, or who sent it
From this reading Langholm was glad to remember that he had volunteered it; the creature was well served for his spite and his cupidity; and the man of peace and letters, whose temperament shrank from contention of any kind, could not but congratulate himself upon an incidental triumph for which it was impossible to feel the smallest compunction.
past form of “gain” — obtain
From this reading Moreover, he had gained his point.
showing or causing joy and pleasure; especially made happy
From this reading Langholm was glad to remember that he had volunteered it; the creature was well served for his spite and his cupidity; and the man of peace and letters, whose temperament shrank from contention of any kind, could not but congratulate himself upon an incidental triumph for which it was impossible to feel the smallest compunction.
hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/
the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect
From this reading A CARDINAL POINT The irresistible discomfiture of this ruffian did not affect the value of the evidence which he had volunteered.
haveauxiliary verbUS /hæv/
used with a past participle to form the perfect tenses
From this reading Only those two seemed to have been in this secret, and one of them still lived to reveal it when called upon with authority.
a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading A CARDINAL POINT The irresistible discomfiture of this ruffian did not affect the value of the evidence which he had volunteered.
the male already mentioned, as the object of a verb or preposition
From this reading It was enough for him to know that there was a certain secret in Steel's life, upon which the wretch Abel had admittedly traded, even as his superior Minchin had apparently intended to do before him.
used when the man or boy doing the action is also its object
From this reading Langholm was glad to remember that he had volunteered it; the creature was well served for his spite and his cupidity; and the man of peace and letters, whose temperament shrank from contention of any kind, could not but congratulate himself upon an incidental triumph for which it was impossible to feel the smallest compunction.
belonging to a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned
From this reading Langholm was glad to remember that he had volunteered it; the creature was well served for his spite and his cupidity; and the man of peace and letters, whose temperament shrank from contention of any kind, could not but congratulate himself upon an incidental triumph for which it was impossible to feel the smallest compunction.
not capable of occurring or being accomplished or dealt with
From this reading Langholm was glad to remember that he had volunteered it; the creature was well served for his spite and his cupidity; and the man of peace and letters, whose temperament shrank from contention of any kind, could not but congratulate himself upon an incidental triumph for which it was impossible to feel the smallest compunction.
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading It was enough for him to know that there was a certain secret in Steel's life, upon which the wretch Abel had admittedly traded, even as his superior Minchin had apparently intended to do before him.
incidentaladjectiveUS /ˌɪnsɪˈdentəl/
(sometimes followed by “to”) minor or casual or subordinate in significance or nature or occurring as a chance concomitant or consequence
From this reading Langholm was glad to remember that he had volunteered it; the creature was well served for his spite and his cupidity; and the man of peace and letters, whose temperament shrank from contention of any kind, could not but congratulate himself upon an incidental triumph for which it was impossible to feel the smallest compunction.
resulting from one's intentions
From this reading It was enough for him to know that there was a certain secret in Steel's life, upon which the wretch Abel had admittedly traded, even as his superior Minchin had apparently intended to do before him.
irresistibleadjectiveUS /ˌɪrɪˈzɪstəbəl/
impossible to resist; overpowering
From this reading A CARDINAL POINT The irresistible discomfiture of this ruffian did not affect the value of the evidence which he had volunteered.
a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned
From this reading Langholm was glad to remember that he had volunteered it; the creature was well served for his spite and his cupidity; and the man of peace and letters, whose temperament shrank from contention of any kind, could not but congratulate himself upon an incidental triumph for which it was impossible to feel the smallest compunction.
having or showing a tender and considerate and helpful nature; used especially of persons and their behavior
From this reading Langholm was glad to remember that he had volunteered it; the creature was well served for his spite and his cupidity; and the man of peace and letters, whose temperament shrank from contention of any kind, could not but congratulate himself upon an incidental triumph for which it was impossible to feel the smallest compunction.
be cognizant or aware of a fact or a specific piece of information; possess knowledge or information about
From this reading It was enough for him to know that there was a certain secret in Steel's life, upon which the wretch Abel had admittedly traded, even as his superior Minchin had apparently intended to do before him.
Langholm
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Langholm was glad to remember that he had volunteered it; the creature was well served for his spite and his cupidity; and the man of peace and letters, whose temperament shrank from contention of any kind, could not but congratulate himself upon an incidental triumph for which it was impossible to feel the smallest compunction.
the literary culture
From this reading Langholm was glad to remember that he had volunteered it; the creature was well served for his spite and his cupidity; and the man of peace and letters, whose temperament shrank from contention of any kind, could not but congratulate himself upon an incidental triumph for which it was impossible to feel the smallest compunction.
a characteristic state or mode of living
From this reading It was enough for him to know that there was a certain secret in Steel's life, upon which the wretch Abel had admittedly traded, even as his superior Minchin had apparently intended to do before him.
past form of “live” — be an inhabitant of or reside in
From this reading Only those two seemed to have been in this secret, and one of them still lived to reveal it when called upon with authority.
an adult person who is male (as opposed to a woman)
From this reading Langholm was glad to remember that he had volunteered it; the creature was well served for his spite and his cupidity; and the man of peace and letters, whose temperament shrank from contention of any kind, could not but congratulate himself upon an incidental triumph for which it was impossible to feel the smallest compunction.
Minchin
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading It was enough for him to know that there was a certain secret in Steel's life, upon which the wretch Abel had admittedly traded, even as his superior Minchin had apparently intended to do before him.
in addition to what has just been said
From this reading Moreover, he had gained his point.
used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative
From this reading A CARDINAL POINT The irresistible discomfiture of this ruffian did not affect the value of the evidence which he had volunteered.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading A CARDINAL POINT The irresistible discomfiture of this ruffian did not affect the value of the evidence which he had volunteered.
used to mean any person in general, including the speaker
From this reading Only those two seemed to have been in this secret, and one of them still lived to reveal it when called upon with authority.
and nothing more
From this reading Only those two seemed to have been in this secret, and one of them still lived to reveal it when called upon with authority.
the state prevailing during the absence of war
From this reading Langholm was glad to remember that he had volunteered it; the creature was well served for his spite and his cupidity; and the man of peace and letters, whose temperament shrank from contention of any kind, could not but congratulate himself upon an incidental triumph for which it was impossible to feel the smallest compunction.
a geometric element that has position but no extension
From this reading A CARDINAL POINT The irresistible discomfiture of this ruffian did not affect the value of the evidence which he had volunteered.
To recall to mind.
From this reading Langholm was glad to remember that he had volunteered it; the creature was well served for his spite and his cupidity; and the man of peace and letters, whose temperament shrank from contention of any kind, could not but congratulate himself upon an incidental triumph for which it was impossible to feel the smallest compunction.
revealverbUS /rɪˈviːl/
make visible
From this reading Only those two seemed to have been in this secret, and one of them still lived to reveal it when called upon with authority.
ruffiannoun
a cruel and brutal fellow
From this reading A CARDINAL POINT The irresistible discomfiture of this ruffian did not affect the value of the evidence which he had volunteered.
Something that is kept or meant to be kept unknown or unseen by others.
From this reading It was enough for him to know that there was a certain secret in Steel's life, upon which the wretch Abel had admittedly traded, even as his superior Minchin had apparently intended to do before him.
past form of “seem” — give a certain impression or have a certain outward aspect
From this reading Only those two seemed to have been in this secret, and one of them still lived to reveal it when called upon with authority.
past form of “serve” — serve a purpose, role, or function
From this reading Langholm was glad to remember that he had volunteered it; the creature was well served for his spite and his cupidity; and the man of peace and letters, whose temperament shrank from contention of any kind, could not but congratulate himself upon an incidental triumph for which it was impossible to feel the smallest compunction.
shrankverbUS /ʃræŋk/
inflected form of “shrink” — wither, as with a loss of moisture
From this reading Langholm was glad to remember that he had volunteered it; the creature was well served for his spite and his cupidity; and the man of peace and letters, whose temperament shrank from contention of any kind, could not but congratulate himself upon an incidental triumph for which it was impossible to feel the smallest compunction.
smallestadjectiveUS /ˈsmɔːləst/
superlative of “small” — limited or below average in number or quantity or magnitude or extent
From this reading Langholm was glad to remember that he had volunteered it; the creature was well served for his spite and his cupidity; and the man of peace and letters, whose temperament shrank from contention of any kind, could not but congratulate himself upon an incidental triumph for which it was impossible to feel the smallest compunction.
feeling a need to see others suffer
From this reading Langholm was glad to remember that he had volunteered it; the creature was well served for his spite and his cupidity; and the man of peace and letters, whose temperament shrank from contention of any kind, could not but congratulate himself upon an incidental triumph for which it was impossible to feel the smallest compunction.
Steel'snounUS /stiːlz/
possessive form of “steel” — an alloy of iron with small amounts of carbon; widely used in construction; mechanical properties can be varied over a wide range
From this reading It was enough for him to know that there was a certain secret in Steel's life, upon which the wretch Abel had admittedly traded, even as his superior Minchin had apparently intended to do before him.
not in physical motion
From this reading Only those two seemed to have been in this secret, and one of them still lived to reveal it when called upon with authority.
of high or superior quality or performance
From this reading It was enough for him to know that there was a certain secret in Steel's life, upon which the wretch Abel had admittedly traded, even as his superior Minchin had apparently intended to do before him.
temperamentnounUS /ˈtemprəmənt/
your usual mood
From this reading Langholm was glad to remember that he had volunteered it; the creature was well served for his spite and his cupidity; and the man of peace and letters, whose temperament shrank from contention of any kind, could not but congratulate himself upon an incidental triumph for which it was impossible to feel the smallest compunction.
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading Langholm was glad to remember that he had volunteered it; the creature was well served for his spite and his cupidity; and the man of peace and letters, whose temperament shrank from contention of any kind, could not but congratulate himself upon an incidental triumph for which it was impossible to feel the smallest compunction.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading A CARDINAL POINT The irresistible discomfiture of this ruffian did not affect the value of the evidence which he had volunteered.
the people or things already mentioned, as the object
From this reading Only those two seemed to have been in this secret, and one of them still lived to reveal it when called upon with authority.
in or at that place or location
From this reading It was enough for him to know that there was a certain secret in Steel's life, upon which the wretch Abel had admittedly traded, even as his superior Minchin had apparently intended to do before him.
used for a person or thing that is near, or that has just been mentioned
From this reading A CARDINAL POINT The irresistible discomfiture of this ruffian did not affect the value of the evidence which he had volunteered.
the plural of “that”: the people or things further away, or already known
From this reading Only those two seemed to have been in this secret, and one of them still lived to reveal it when called upon with authority.
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading Langholm was glad to remember that he had volunteered it; the creature was well served for his spite and his cupidity; and the man of peace and letters, whose temperament shrank from contention of any kind, could not but congratulate himself upon an incidental triumph for which it was impossible to feel the smallest compunction.
tradedverbUS /ˈtreɪdɪd/
past form of “trade” — engage in the trade of
From this reading It was enough for him to know that there was a certain secret in Steel's life, upon which the wretch Abel had admittedly traded, even as his superior Minchin had apparently intended to do before him.
a successful ending of a struggle or contest
From this reading Langholm was glad to remember that he had volunteered it; the creature was well served for his spite and his cupidity; and the man of peace and letters, whose temperament shrank from contention of any kind, could not but congratulate himself upon an incidental triumph for which it was impossible to feel the smallest compunction.
the cardinal number that is the sum of one and one or a numeral representing this number
From this reading Only those two seemed to have been in this secret, and one of them still lived to reveal it when called upon with authority.
uponprepositionUS /əˈpɑːn/
a formal word for “on”
From this reading Langholm was glad to remember that he had volunteered it; the creature was well served for his spite and his cupidity; and the man of peace and letters, whose temperament shrank from contention of any kind, could not but congratulate himself upon an incidental triumph for which it was impossible to feel the smallest compunction.
a numerical quantity measured or assigned or computed
From this reading A CARDINAL POINT The irresistible discomfiture of this ruffian did not affect the value of the evidence which he had volunteered.
volunteeredverbUS /ˌvɑːlənˈtɪrd/
past form of “volunteer” — tell voluntarily
From this reading A CARDINAL POINT The irresistible discomfiture of this ruffian did not affect the value of the evidence which he had volunteered.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading Langholm was glad to remember that he had volunteered it; the creature was well served for his spite and his cupidity; and the man of peace and letters, whose temperament shrank from contention of any kind, could not but congratulate himself upon an incidental triumph for which it was impossible to feel the smallest compunction.
(often used as a combining form) in a good or proper or satisfactory manner or to a high standard (“good” is a nonstandard dialectal variant for “well”)
From this reading Langholm was glad to remember that he had volunteered it; the creature was well served for his spite and his cupidity; and the man of peace and letters, whose temperament shrank from contention of any kind, could not but congratulate himself upon an incidental triumph for which it was impossible to feel the smallest compunction.
at the time that
From this reading Only those two seemed to have been in this secret, and one of them still lived to reveal it when called upon with authority.
used to introduce a clause giving more about a thing just mentioned
From this reading A CARDINAL POINT The irresistible discomfiture of this ruffian did not affect the value of the evidence which he had volunteered.
belonging to which person
From this reading Langholm was glad to remember that he had volunteered it; the creature was well served for his spite and his cupidity; and the man of peace and letters, whose temperament shrank from contention of any kind, could not but congratulate himself upon an incidental triumph for which it was impossible to feel the smallest compunction.
in the company of; together with
From this reading Only those two seemed to have been in this secret, and one of them still lived to reveal it when called upon with authority.
wretchnounUS /retʃ/
performs some wicked deed
From this reading It was enough for him to know that there was a certain secret in Steel's life, upon which the wretch Abel had admittedly traded, even as his superior Minchin had apparently intended to do before him.
