Chapter II

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

From this reading Two hundred years earlier than this time, the great architect Erwin von Steinbach had enlarged and beautified Strassburg Cathedral, and at about the same date, a clever artificer had contrived to make a curious mechanical clock.

on the subject of; concerning

From this reading Two hundred years earlier than this time, the great architect Erwin von Steinbach had enlarged and beautified Strassburg Cathedral, and at about the same date, a clever artificer had contrived to make a curious mechanical clock.

a feeling of delighted approval and liking

From this reading A wonderful work was this clock, and ever since, it has been the pride and admiration of the city.

(quantifier) used with either mass or count nouns to indicate the whole number or amount of or every one of a class

From this reading It told the time very well, and that is no doubt a desideratum in a clock; but it did much more than that, for it had a pert chanticleer who popped himself out of a little cupboard, and clapped his wings when the hour struck; then it had a tiny carillon which tinkled merrily; and so, take it for all in all, one would be a mere heretic to say that this horologe had not been in its time a good catholic clock, and creditably done its works of supererogation.

in addition

From this reading But the clock was not infallible—indeed that word was not yet invented—and once or twice of late had not been up to time at all; and one fine day this old clock, having seen many a generation quietly laid to rest from their labours, began also to think and to feel itself past work, and struck—struck for the last time.

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

From this reading Two hundred years earlier than this time, the great architect Erwin von Steinbach had enlarged and beautified Strassburg Cathedral, and at about the same date, a clever artificer had contrived to make a curious mechanical clock.

someone who creates plans to be used in making something (such as buildings)

From this reading Two hundred years earlier than this time, the great architect Erwin von Steinbach had enlarged and beautified Strassburg Cathedral, and at about the same date, a clever artificer had contrived to make a curious mechanical clock.

someone who is the first to think of or make something

From this reading Two hundred years earlier than this time, the great architect Erwin von Steinbach had enlarged and beautified Strassburg Cathedral, and at about the same date, a clever artificer had contrived to make a curious mechanical clock.

in or near a particular place or position

From this reading Two hundred years earlier than this time, the great architect Erwin von Steinbach had enlarged and beautified Strassburg Cathedral, and at about the same date, a clever artificer had contrived to make a curious mechanical clock.

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

From this reading It told the time very well, and that is no doubt a desideratum in a clock; but it did much more than that, for it had a pert chanticleer who popped himself out of a little cupboard, and clapped his wings when the hour struck; then it had a tiny carillon which tinkled merrily; and so, take it for all in all, one would be a mere heretic to say that this horologe had not been in its time a good catholic clock, and creditably done its works of supererogation.

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

From this reading Two hundred years earlier than this time, the great architect Erwin von Steinbach had enlarged and beautified Strassburg Cathedral, and at about the same date, a clever artificer had contrived to make a curious mechanical clock.

the past participle of “be”

From this reading A wonderful work was this clock, and ever since, it has been the pride and admiration of the city.

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

From this reading But the clock was not infallible—indeed that word was not yet invented—and once or twice of late had not been up to time at all; and one fine day this old clock, having seen many a generation quietly laid to rest from their labours, began also to think and to feel itself past work, and struck—struck for the last time.

used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before

From this reading It told the time very well, and that is no doubt a desideratum in a clock; but it did much more than that, for it had a pert chanticleer who popped himself out of a little cupboard, and clapped his wings when the hour struck; then it had a tiny carillon which tinkled merrily; and so, take it for all in all, one would be a mere heretic to say that this horologe had not been in its time a good catholic clock, and creditably done its works of supererogation.

set of bells hung in a bell tower

From this reading It told the time very well, and that is no doubt a desideratum in a clock; but it did much more than that, for it had a pert chanticleer who popped himself out of a little cupboard, and clapped his wings when the hour struck; then it had a tiny carillon which tinkled merrily; and so, take it for all in all, one would be a mere heretic to say that this horologe had not been in its time a good catholic clock, and creditably done its works of supererogation.

any large and important church

From this reading Two hundred years earlier than this time, the great architect Erwin von Steinbach had enlarged and beautified Strassburg Cathedral, and at about the same date, a clever artificer had contrived to make a curious mechanical clock.

of or relating to or supporting Catholicism

From this reading It told the time very well, and that is no doubt a desideratum in a clock; but it did much more than that, for it had a pert chanticleer who popped himself out of a little cupboard, and clapped his wings when the hour struck; then it had a tiny carillon which tinkled merrily; and so, take it for all in all, one would be a mere heretic to say that this horologe had not been in its time a good catholic clock, and creditably done its works of supererogation.

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

From this reading It told the time very well, and that is no doubt a desideratum in a clock; but it did much more than that, for it had a pert chanticleer who popped himself out of a little cupboard, and clapped his wings when the hour struck; then it had a tiny carillon which tinkled merrily; and so, take it for all in all, one would be a mere heretic to say that this horologe had not been in its time a good catholic clock, and creditably done its works of supererogation.

a large and densely populated urban area; may include several independent administrative districts

From this reading A wonderful work was this clock, and ever since, it has been the pride and admiration of the city.

inflected form of “clap” — put quickly or forcibly

From this reading It told the time very well, and that is no doubt a desideratum in a clock; but it did much more than that, for it had a pert chanticleer who popped himself out of a little cupboard, and clapped his wings when the hour struck; then it had a tiny carillon which tinkled merrily; and so, take it for all in all, one would be a mere heretic to say that this horologe had not been in its time a good catholic clock, and creditably done its works of supererogation.

showing self-interest and shrewdness in dealing with others

From this reading Two hundred years earlier than this time, the great architect Erwin von Steinbach had enlarged and beautified Strassburg Cathedral, and at about the same date, a clever artificer had contrived to make a curious mechanical clock.

a timepiece that shows the time of day

From this reading Two hundred years earlier than this time, the great architect Erwin von Steinbach had enlarged and beautified Strassburg Cathedral, and at about the same date, a clever artificer had contrived to make a curious mechanical clock.

showing effects of planning or manipulation

From this reading Two hundred years earlier than this time, the great architect Erwin von Steinbach had enlarged and beautified Strassburg Cathedral, and at about the same date, a clever artificer had contrived to make a curious mechanical clock.

to a tolerably worthy extent

From this reading It told the time very well, and that is no doubt a desideratum in a clock; but it did much more than that, for it had a pert chanticleer who popped himself out of a little cupboard, and clapped his wings when the hour struck; then it had a tiny carillon which tinkled merrily; and so, take it for all in all, one would be a mere heretic to say that this horologe had not been in its time a good catholic clock, and creditably done its works of supererogation.

a small room (or recess) or cabinet used for storage space

From this reading It told the time very well, and that is no doubt a desideratum in a clock; but it did much more than that, for it had a pert chanticleer who popped himself out of a little cupboard, and clapped his wings when the hour struck; then it had a tiny carillon which tinkled merrily; and so, take it for all in all, one would be a mere heretic to say that this horologe had not been in its time a good catholic clock, and creditably done its works of supererogation.

beyond or deviating from the usual or expected

From this reading Two hundred years earlier than this time, the great architect Erwin von Steinbach had enlarged and beautified Strassburg Cathedral, and at about the same date, a clever artificer had contrived to make a curious mechanical clock.

the specified day of the month

From this reading Two hundred years earlier than this time, the great architect Erwin von Steinbach had enlarged and beautified Strassburg Cathedral, and at about the same date, a clever artificer had contrived to make a curious mechanical clock.

time for Earth to make a complete rotation on its axis

From this reading But the clock was not infallible—indeed that word was not yet invented—and once or twice of late had not been up to time at all; and one fine day this old clock, having seen many a generation quietly laid to rest from their labours, began also to think and to feel itself past work, and struck—struck for the last time.

something desired as a necessity

From this reading It told the time very well, and that is no doubt a desideratum in a clock; but it did much more than that, for it had a pert chanticleer who popped himself out of a little cupboard, and clapped his wings when the hour struck; then it had a tiny carillon which tinkled merrily; and so, take it for all in all, one would be a mere heretic to say that this horologe had not been in its time a good catholic clock, and creditably done its works of supererogation.

the past form of “do”, used in questions and negatives

From this reading It told the time very well, and that is no doubt a desideratum in a clock; but it did much more than that, for it had a pert chanticleer who popped himself out of a little cupboard, and clapped his wings when the hour struck; then it had a tiny carillon which tinkled merrily; and so, take it for all in all, one would be a mere heretic to say that this horologe had not been in its time a good catholic clock, and creditably done its works of supererogation.

state of uncertainty or perplexity especially as requiring a choice between equally unfavorable options

From this reading THE STRASSBURGERS’ DILEMMA.

having finished or arrived at completion

From this reading It told the time very well, and that is no doubt a desideratum in a clock; but it did much more than that, for it had a pert chanticleer who popped himself out of a little cupboard, and clapped his wings when the hour struck; then it had a tiny carillon which tinkled merrily; and so, take it for all in all, one would be a mere heretic to say that this horologe had not been in its time a good catholic clock, and creditably done its works of supererogation.

the state of being unsure of something

From this reading It told the time very well, and that is no doubt a desideratum in a clock; but it did much more than that, for it had a pert chanticleer who popped himself out of a little cupboard, and clapped his wings when the hour struck; then it had a tiny carillon which tinkled merrily; and so, take it for all in all, one would be a mere heretic to say that this horologe had not been in its time a good catholic clock, and creditably done its works of supererogation.

earlier in time; previously

From this reading Two hundred years earlier than this time, the great architect Erwin von Steinbach had enlarged and beautified Strassburg Cathedral, and at about the same date, a clever artificer had contrived to make a curious mechanical clock.

(of an organ or body part) excessively enlarged as a result of increased size in the constituent cells

From this reading Two hundred years earlier than this time, the great architect Erwin von Steinbach had enlarged and beautified Strassburg Cathedral, and at about the same date, a clever artificer had contrived to make a curious mechanical clock.

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

From this reading Two hundred years earlier than this time, the great architect Erwin von Steinbach had enlarged and beautified Strassburg Cathedral, and at about the same date, a clever artificer had contrived to make a curious mechanical clock.

at any time

From this reading A wonderful work was this clock, and ever since, it has been the pride and admiration of the city.

undergo an emotional sensation or be in a particular state of mind

From this reading But the clock was not infallible—indeed that word was not yet invented—and once or twice of late had not been up to time at all; and one fine day this old clock, having seen many a generation quietly laid to rest from their labours, began also to think and to feel itself past work, and struck—struck for the last time.

being satisfactory or in satisfactory condition

From this reading But the clock was not infallible—indeed that word was not yet invented—and once or twice of late had not been up to time at all; and one fine day this old clock, having seen many a generation quietly laid to rest from their labours, began also to think and to feel itself past work, and struck—struck for the last time.

intended to be given to, or used by, somebody

From this reading It told the time very well, and that is no doubt a desideratum in a clock; but it did much more than that, for it had a pert chanticleer who popped himself out of a little cupboard, and clapped his wings when the hour struck; then it had a tiny carillon which tinkled merrily; and so, take it for all in all, one would be a mere heretic to say that this horologe had not been in its time a good catholic clock, and creditably done its works of supererogation.

showing where something starts, or who sent it

From this reading But the clock was not infallible—indeed that word was not yet invented—and once or twice of late had not been up to time at all; and one fine day this old clock, having seen many a generation quietly laid to rest from their labours, began also to think and to feel itself past work, and struck—struck for the last time.

all the people living at the same time or of approximately the same age

From this reading But the clock was not infallible—indeed that word was not yet invented—and once or twice of late had not been up to time at all; and one fine day this old clock, having seen many a generation quietly laid to rest from their labours, began also to think and to feel itself past work, and struck—struck for the last time.

having desirable or positive qualities especially those suitable for a thing specified

From this reading It told the time very well, and that is no doubt a desideratum in a clock; but it did much more than that, for it had a pert chanticleer who popped himself out of a little cupboard, and clapped his wings when the hour struck; then it had a tiny carillon which tinkled merrily; and so, take it for all in all, one would be a mere heretic to say that this horologe had not been in its time a good catholic clock, and creditably done its works of supererogation.

relatively large in size or number or extent; larger than others of its kind

From this reading Two hundred years earlier than this time, the great architect Erwin von Steinbach had enlarged and beautified Strassburg Cathedral, and at about the same date, a clever artificer had contrived to make a curious mechanical clock.

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

From this reading Two hundred years earlier than this time, the great architect Erwin von Steinbach had enlarged and beautified Strassburg Cathedral, and at about the same date, a clever artificer had contrived to make a curious mechanical clock.

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

From this reading A wonderful work was this clock, and ever since, it has been the pride and admiration of the city.

the -ing form of “have”

From this reading But the clock was not infallible—indeed that word was not yet invented—and once or twice of late had not been up to time at all; and one fine day this old clock, having seen many a generation quietly laid to rest from their labours, began also to think and to feel itself past work, and struck—struck for the last time.

a person who holds religious beliefs in conflict with the dogma of the Roman Catholic Church

From this reading It told the time very well, and that is no doubt a desideratum in a clock; but it did much more than that, for it had a pert chanticleer who popped himself out of a little cupboard, and clapped his wings when the hour struck; then it had a tiny carillon which tinkled merrily; and so, take it for all in all, one would be a mere heretic to say that this horologe had not been in its time a good catholic clock, and creditably done its works of supererogation.

used when the man or boy doing the action is also its object

From this reading It told the time very well, and that is no doubt a desideratum in a clock; but it did much more than that, for it had a pert chanticleer who popped himself out of a little cupboard, and clapped his wings when the hour struck; then it had a tiny carillon which tinkled merrily; and so, take it for all in all, one would be a mere heretic to say that this horologe had not been in its time a good catholic clock, and creditably done its works of supererogation.

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

From this reading It told the time very well, and that is no doubt a desideratum in a clock; but it did much more than that, for it had a pert chanticleer who popped himself out of a little cupboard, and clapped his wings when the hour struck; then it had a tiny carillon which tinkled merrily; and so, take it for all in all, one would be a mere heretic to say that this horologe had not been in its time a good catholic clock, and creditably done its works of supererogation.

a measuring instrument or device for keeping time

From this reading It told the time very well, and that is no doubt a desideratum in a clock; but it did much more than that, for it had a pert chanticleer who popped himself out of a little cupboard, and clapped his wings when the hour struck; then it had a tiny carillon which tinkled merrily; and so, take it for all in all, one would be a mere heretic to say that this horologe had not been in its time a good catholic clock, and creditably done its works of supererogation.

a period of time equal to 1/24th of a day

From this reading It told the time very well, and that is no doubt a desideratum in a clock; but it did much more than that, for it had a pert chanticleer who popped himself out of a little cupboard, and clapped his wings when the hour struck; then it had a tiny carillon which tinkled merrily; and so, take it for all in all, one would be a mere heretic to say that this horologe had not been in its time a good catholic clock, and creditably done its works of supererogation.

ten 10s

From this reading Two hundred years earlier than this time, the great architect Erwin von Steinbach had enlarged and beautified Strassburg Cathedral, and at about the same date, a clever artificer had contrived to make a curious mechanical clock.

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

From this reading It told the time very well, and that is no doubt a desideratum in a clock; but it did much more than that, for it had a pert chanticleer who popped himself out of a little cupboard, and clapped his wings when the hour struck; then it had a tiny carillon which tinkled merrily; and so, take it for all in all, one would be a mere heretic to say that this horologe had not been in its time a good catholic clock, and creditably done its works of supererogation.

in truth (often tends to intensify)

From this reading But the clock was not infallible—indeed that word was not yet invented—and once or twice of late had not been up to time at all; and one fine day this old clock, having seen many a generation quietly laid to rest from their labours, began also to think and to feel itself past work, and struck—struck for the last time.

incapable of failure or error

From this reading But the clock was not infallible—indeed that word was not yet invented—and once or twice of late had not been up to time at all; and one fine day this old clock, having seen many a generation quietly laid to rest from their labours, began also to think and to feel itself past work, and struck—struck for the last time.

past form of “invent” — come up with (an idea, plan, explanation, theory, or principle) after a mental effort

From this reading But the clock was not infallible—indeed that word was not yet invented—and once or twice of late had not been up to time at all; and one fine day this old clock, having seen many a generation quietly laid to rest from their labours, began also to think and to feel itself past work, and struck—struck for the last time.

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

From this reading It told the time very well, and that is no doubt a desideratum in a clock; but it did much more than that, for it had a pert chanticleer who popped himself out of a little cupboard, and clapped his wings when the hour struck; then it had a tiny carillon which tinkled merrily; and so, take it for all in all, one would be a mere heretic to say that this horologe had not been in its time a good catholic clock, and creditably done its works of supererogation.

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading A wonderful work was this clock, and ever since, it has been the pride and admiration of the city.

belonging to the thing or animal already mentioned

From this reading It told the time very well, and that is no doubt a desideratum in a clock; but it did much more than that, for it had a pert chanticleer who popped himself out of a little cupboard, and clapped his wings when the hour struck; then it had a tiny carillon which tinkled merrily; and so, take it for all in all, one would be a mere heretic to say that this horologe had not been in its time a good catholic clock, and creditably done its works of supererogation.

used when the thing doing the action is also its object

From this reading But the clock was not infallible—indeed that word was not yet invented—and once or twice of late had not been up to time at all; and one fine day this old clock, having seen many a generation quietly laid to rest from their labours, began also to think and to feel itself past work, and struck—struck for the last time.

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

From this reading But the clock was not infallible—indeed that word was not yet invented—and once or twice of late had not been up to time at all; and one fine day this old clock, having seen many a generation quietly laid to rest from their labours, began also to think and to feel itself past work, and struck—struck for the last time.

set down according to a plan

From this reading But the clock was not infallible—indeed that word was not yet invented—and once or twice of late had not been up to time at all; and one fine day this old clock, having seen many a generation quietly laid to rest from their labours, began also to think and to feel itself past work, and struck—struck for the last time.

immediately past

From this reading But the clock was not infallible—indeed that word was not yet invented—and once or twice of late had not been up to time at all; and one fine day this old clock, having seen many a generation quietly laid to rest from their labours, began also to think and to feel itself past work, and struck—struck for the last time.

being or occurring at an advanced period of time or after a usual or expected time

From this reading But the clock was not infallible—indeed that word was not yet invented—and once or twice of late had not been up to time at all; and one fine day this old clock, having seen many a generation quietly laid to rest from their labours, began also to think and to feel itself past work, and struck—struck for the last time.

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

From this reading It told the time very well, and that is no doubt a desideratum in a clock; but it did much more than that, for it had a pert chanticleer who popped himself out of a little cupboard, and clapped his wings when the hour struck; then it had a tiny carillon which tinkled merrily; and so, take it for all in all, one would be a mere heretic to say that this horologe had not been in its time a good catholic clock, and creditably done its works of supererogation.

engage in

From this reading Two hundred years earlier than this time, the great architect Erwin von Steinbach had enlarged and beautified Strassburg Cathedral, and at about the same date, a clever artificer had contrived to make a curious mechanical clock.

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 But the clock was not infallible—indeed that word was not yet invented—and once or twice of late had not been up to time at all; and one fine day this old clock, having seen many a generation quietly laid to rest from their labours, began also to think and to feel itself past work, and struck—struck for the last time.

using (or as if using) mechanisms or tools or devices

From this reading Two hundred years earlier than this time, the great architect Erwin von Steinbach had enlarged and beautified Strassburg Cathedral, and at about the same date, a clever artificer had contrived to make a curious mechanical clock.

being nothing more than specified

From this reading It told the time very well, and that is no doubt a desideratum in a clock; but it did much more than that, for it had a pert chanticleer who popped himself out of a little cupboard, and clapped his wings when the hour struck; then it had a tiny carillon which tinkled merrily; and so, take it for all in all, one would be a mere heretic to say that this horologe had not been in its time a good catholic clock, and creditably done its works of supererogation.

in a joyous manner

From this reading It told the time very well, and that is no doubt a desideratum in a clock; but it did much more than that, for it had a pert chanticleer who popped himself out of a little cupboard, and clapped his wings when the hour struck; then it had a tiny carillon which tinkled merrily; and so, take it for all in all, one would be a mere heretic to say that this horologe had not been in its time a good catholic clock, and creditably done its works of supererogation.

(comparative of “much” used with mass nouns) a quantifier meaning greater in size or amount or extent or degree

From this reading It told the time very well, and that is no doubt a desideratum in a clock; but it did much more than that, for it had a pert chanticleer who popped himself out of a little cupboard, and clapped his wings when the hour struck; then it had a tiny carillon which tinkled merrily; and so, take it for all in all, one would be a mere heretic to say that this horologe had not been in its time a good catholic clock, and creditably done its works of supererogation.

to a great degree or extent

From this reading It told the time very well, and that is no doubt a desideratum in a clock; but it did much more than that, for it had a pert chanticleer who popped himself out of a little cupboard, and clapped his wings when the hour struck; then it had a tiny carillon which tinkled merrily; and so, take it for all in all, one would be a mere heretic to say that this horologe had not been in its time a good catholic clock, and creditably done its works of supererogation.

not any; not one

From this reading It told the time very well, and that is no doubt a desideratum in a clock; but it did much more than that, for it had a pert chanticleer who popped himself out of a little cupboard, and clapped his wings when the hour struck; then it had a tiny carillon which tinkled merrily; and so, take it for all in all, one would be a mere heretic to say that this horologe had not been in its time a good catholic clock, and creditably done its works of supererogation.

used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative

From this reading It told the time very well, and that is no doubt a desideratum in a clock; but it did much more than that, for it had a pert chanticleer who popped himself out of a little cupboard, and clapped his wings when the hour struck; then it had a tiny carillon which tinkled merrily; and so, take it for all in all, one would be a mere heretic to say that this horologe had not been in its time a good catholic clock, and creditably done its works of supererogation.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading A wonderful work was this clock, and ever since, it has been the pride and admiration of the city.

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

From this reading But the clock was not infallible—indeed that word was not yet invented—and once or twice of late had not been up to time at all; and one fine day this old clock, having seen many a generation quietly laid to rest from their labours, began also to think and to feel itself past work, and struck—struck for the last time.

on one occasion

From this reading But the clock was not infallible—indeed that word was not yet invented—and once or twice of late had not been up to time at all; and one fine day this old clock, having seen many a generation quietly laid to rest from their labours, began also to think and to feel itself past work, and struck—struck for the last time.

used to mean any person in general, including the speaker

From this reading It told the time very well, and that is no doubt a desideratum in a clock; but it did much more than that, for it had a pert chanticleer who popped himself out of a little cupboard, and clapped his wings when the hour struck; then it had a tiny carillon which tinkled merrily; and so, take it for all in all, one would be a mere heretic to say that this horologe had not been in its time a good catholic clock, and creditably done its works of supererogation.

used to join alternatives or possibilities

From this reading But the clock was not infallible—indeed that word was not yet invented—and once or twice of late had not been up to time at all; and one fine day this old clock, having seen many a generation quietly laid to rest from their labours, began also to think and to feel itself past work, and struck—struck for the last time.

not allowed to continue to bat or run

From this reading It told the time very well, and that is no doubt a desideratum in a clock; but it did much more than that, for it had a pert chanticleer who popped himself out of a little cupboard, and clapped his wings when the hour struck; then it had a tiny carillon which tinkled merrily; and so, take it for all in all, one would be a mere heretic to say that this horologe had not been in its time a good catholic clock, and creditably done its works of supererogation.

the time that has elapsed

From this reading But the clock was not infallible—indeed that word was not yet invented—and once or twice of late had not been up to time at all; and one fine day this old clock, having seen many a generation quietly laid to rest from their labours, began also to think and to feel itself past work, and struck—struck for the last time.

characterized by a lightly pert and exuberant quality

From this reading It told the time very well, and that is no doubt a desideratum in a clock; but it did much more than that, for it had a pert chanticleer who popped himself out of a little cupboard, and clapped his wings when the hour struck; then it had a tiny carillon which tinkled merrily; and so, take it for all in all, one would be a mere heretic to say that this horologe had not been in its time a good catholic clock, and creditably done its works of supererogation.

inflected form of “pop” — bulge outward

From this reading It told the time very well, and that is no doubt a desideratum in a clock; but it did much more than that, for it had a pert chanticleer who popped himself out of a little cupboard, and clapped his wings when the hour struck; then it had a tiny carillon which tinkled merrily; and so, take it for all in all, one would be a mere heretic to say that this horologe had not been in its time a good catholic clock, and creditably done its works of supererogation.

a feeling of self-respect and personal worth

From this reading A wonderful work was this clock, and ever since, it has been the pride and admiration of the city.

with low volume

From this reading But the clock was not infallible—indeed that word was not yet invented—and once or twice of late had not been up to time at all; and one fine day this old clock, having seen many a generation quietly laid to rest from their labours, began also to think and to feel itself past work, and struck—struck for the last time.

not move; be in a resting position

From this reading But the clock was not infallible—indeed that word was not yet invented—and once or twice of late had not been up to time at all; and one fine day this old clock, having seen many a generation quietly laid to rest from their labours, began also to think and to feel itself past work, and struck—struck for the last time.

Identical; not different.

From this reading Two hundred years earlier than this time, the great architect Erwin von Steinbach had enlarged and beautified Strassburg Cathedral, and at about the same date, a clever artificer had contrived to make a curious mechanical clock.

express in words

From this reading It told the time very well, and that is no doubt a desideratum in a clock; but it did much more than that, for it had a pert chanticleer who popped himself out of a little cupboard, and clapped his wings when the hour struck; then it had a tiny carillon which tinkled merrily; and so, take it for all in all, one would be a mere heretic to say that this horologe had not been in its time a good catholic clock, and creditably done its works of supererogation.

inflected form of “see” — perceive by sight or have the power to perceive by sight

From this reading But the clock was not infallible—indeed that word was not yet invented—and once or twice of late had not been up to time at all; and one fine day this old clock, having seen many a generation quietly laid to rest from their labours, began also to think and to feel itself past work, and struck—struck for the last time.

from a time in the past until now

From this reading A wonderful work was this clock, and ever since, it has been the pride and admiration of the city.

for that reason; with the result that

From this reading It told the time very well, and that is no doubt a desideratum in a clock; but it did much more than that, for it had a pert chanticleer who popped himself out of a little cupboard, and clapped his wings when the hour struck; then it had a tiny carillon which tinkled merrily; and so, take it for all in all, one would be a mere heretic to say that this horologe had not been in its time a good catholic clock, and creditably done its works of supererogation.

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

From this reading Two hundred years earlier than this time, the great architect Erwin von Steinbach had enlarged and beautified Strassburg Cathedral, and at about the same date, a clever artificer had contrived to make a curious mechanical clock.

city on the Rhine in eastern France near the German border; an inland port

From this reading Two hundred years earlier than this time, the great architect Erwin von Steinbach had enlarged and beautified Strassburg Cathedral, and at about the same date, a clever artificer had contrived to make a curious mechanical clock.

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

From this reading THE STRASSBURGERS’ DILEMMA.

(used in combination) affected by something overwhelming

From this reading It told the time very well, and that is no doubt a desideratum in a clock; but it did much more than that, for it had a pert chanticleer who popped himself out of a little cupboard, and clapped his wings when the hour struck; then it had a tiny carillon which tinkled merrily; and so, take it for all in all, one would be a mere heretic to say that this horologe had not been in its time a good catholic clock, and creditably done its works of supererogation.

an effort above and beyond the call of duty

From this reading It told the time very well, and that is no doubt a desideratum in a clock; but it did much more than that, for it had a pert chanticleer who popped himself out of a little cupboard, and clapped his wings when the hour struck; then it had a tiny carillon which tinkled merrily; and so, take it for all in all, one would be a mere heretic to say that this horologe had not been in its time a good catholic clock, and creditably done its works of supererogation.

carry out

From this reading It told the time very well, and that is no doubt a desideratum in a clock; but it did much more than that, for it had a pert chanticleer who popped himself out of a little cupboard, and clapped his wings when the hour struck; then it had a tiny carillon which tinkled merrily; and so, take it for all in all, one would be a mere heretic to say that this horologe had not been in its time a good catholic clock, and creditably done its works of supererogation.

used to introduce the second part of a comparison

From this reading Two hundred years earlier than this time, the great architect Erwin von Steinbach had enlarged and beautified Strassburg Cathedral, and at about the same date, a clever artificer had contrived to make a curious mechanical clock.

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading It told the time very well, and that is no doubt a desideratum in a clock; but it did much more than that, for it had a pert chanticleer who popped himself out of a little cupboard, and clapped his wings when the hour struck; then it had a tiny carillon which tinkled merrily; and so, take it for all in all, one would be a mere heretic to say that this horologe had not been in its time a good catholic clock, and creditably done its works of supererogation.

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

From this reading THE STRASSBURGERS’ DILEMMA.

belonging to the people or things already mentioned

From this reading But the clock was not infallible—indeed that word was not yet invented—and once or twice of late had not been up to time at all; and one fine day this old clock, having seen many a generation quietly laid to rest from their labours, began also to think and to feel itself past work, and struck—struck for the last time.

subsequently or soon afterward (often used as sentence connectors)

From this reading It told the time very well, and that is no doubt a desideratum in a clock; but it did much more than that, for it had a pert chanticleer who popped himself out of a little cupboard, and clapped his wings when the hour struck; then it had a tiny carillon which tinkled merrily; and so, take it for all in all, one would be a mere heretic to say that this horologe had not been in its time a good catholic clock, and creditably done its works of supererogation.

judge or regard; look upon; judge

From this reading But the clock was not infallible—indeed that word was not yet invented—and once or twice of late had not been up to time at all; and one fine day this old clock, having seen many a generation quietly laid to rest from their labours, began also to think and to feel itself past work, and struck—struck for the last time.

used for a person or thing that is near, or that has just been mentioned

From this reading Two hundred years earlier than this time, the great architect Erwin von Steinbach had enlarged and beautified Strassburg Cathedral, and at about the same date, a clever artificer had contrived to make a curious mechanical clock.

an instance or single occasion for some event

From this reading Two hundred years earlier than this time, the great architect Erwin von Steinbach had enlarged and beautified Strassburg Cathedral, and at about the same date, a clever artificer had contrived to make a curious mechanical clock.

past form of “tinkle” — make or emit a high sound

From this reading It told the time very well, and that is no doubt a desideratum in a clock; but it did much more than that, for it had a pert chanticleer who popped himself out of a little cupboard, and clapped his wings when the hour struck; then it had a tiny carillon which tinkled merrily; and so, take it for all in all, one would be a mere heretic to say that this horologe had not been in its time a good catholic clock, and creditably done its works of supererogation.

very small

From this reading It told the time very well, and that is no doubt a desideratum in a clock; but it did much more than that, for it had a pert chanticleer who popped himself out of a little cupboard, and clapped his wings when the hour struck; then it had a tiny carillon which tinkled merrily; and so, take it for all in all, one would be a mere heretic to say that this horologe had not been in its time a good catholic clock, and creditably done its works of supererogation.

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

From this reading Two hundred years earlier than this time, the great architect Erwin von Steinbach had enlarged and beautified Strassburg Cathedral, and at about the same date, a clever artificer had contrived to make a curious mechanical clock.

inflected form of “tell” — express in words

From this reading It told the time very well, and that is no doubt a desideratum in a clock; but it did much more than that, for it had a pert chanticleer who popped himself out of a little cupboard, and clapped his wings when the hour struck; then it had a tiny carillon which tinkled merrily; and so, take it for all in all, one would be a mere heretic to say that this horologe had not been in its time a good catholic clock, and creditably done its works of supererogation.

two times

From this reading But the clock was not infallible—indeed that word was not yet invented—and once or twice of late had not been up to time at all; and one fine day this old clock, having seen many a generation quietly laid to rest from their labours, began also to think and to feel itself past work, and struck—struck for the last time.

the cardinal number that is the sum of one and one or a numeral representing this number

From this reading Two hundred years earlier than this time, the great architect Erwin von Steinbach had enlarged and beautified Strassburg Cathedral, and at about the same date, a clever artificer had contrived to make a curious mechanical clock.

being or moving higher in position or greater in some value; being above a former position or level

From this reading But the clock was not infallible—indeed that word was not yet invented—and once or twice of late had not been up to time at all; and one fine day this old clock, having seen many a generation quietly laid to rest from their labours, began also to think and to feel itself past work, and struck—struck for the last time.

precisely as stated

From this reading It told the time very well, and that is no doubt a desideratum in a clock; but it did much more than that, for it had a pert chanticleer who popped himself out of a little cupboard, and clapped his wings when the hour struck; then it had a tiny carillon which tinkled merrily; and so, take it for all in all, one would be a mere heretic to say that this horologe had not been in its time a good catholic clock, and creditably done its works of supererogation.

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

From this reading Two hundred years earlier than this time, the great architect Erwin von Steinbach had enlarged and beautified Strassburg Cathedral, and at about the same date, a clever artificer had contrived to make a curious mechanical clock.

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

From this reading A wonderful work was this clock, and ever since, it has been the pride and admiration of the city.

(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 It told the time very well, and that is no doubt a desideratum in a clock; but it did much more than that, for it had a pert chanticleer who popped himself out of a little cupboard, and clapped his wings when the hour struck; then it had a tiny carillon which tinkled merrily; and so, take it for all in all, one would be a mere heretic to say that this horologe had not been in its time a good catholic clock, and creditably done its works of supererogation.

at the time that

From this reading It told the time very well, and that is no doubt a desideratum in a clock; but it did much more than that, for it had a pert chanticleer who popped himself out of a little cupboard, and clapped his wings when the hour struck; then it had a tiny carillon which tinkled merrily; and so, take it for all in all, one would be a mere heretic to say that this horologe had not been in its time a good catholic clock, and creditably done its works of supererogation.

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

From this reading It told the time very well, and that is no doubt a desideratum in a clock; but it did much more than that, for it had a pert chanticleer who popped himself out of a little cupboard, and clapped his wings when the hour struck; then it had a tiny carillon which tinkled merrily; and so, take it for all in all, one would be a mere heretic to say that this horologe had not been in its time a good catholic clock, and creditably done its works of supererogation.

which person or people

From this reading It told the time very well, and that is no doubt a desideratum in a clock; but it did much more than that, for it had a pert chanticleer who popped himself out of a little cupboard, and clapped his wings when the hour struck; then it had a tiny carillon which tinkled merrily; and so, take it for all in all, one would be a mere heretic to say that this horologe had not been in its time a good catholic clock, and creditably done its works of supererogation.

a means of flight or ascent

From this reading It told the time very well, and that is no doubt a desideratum in a clock; but it did much more than that, for it had a pert chanticleer who popped himself out of a little cupboard, and clapped his wings when the hour struck; then it had a tiny carillon which tinkled merrily; and so, take it for all in all, one would be a mere heretic to say that this horologe had not been in its time a good catholic clock, and creditably done its works of supererogation.

extraordinarily good or great; used especially as intensifiers

From this reading A wonderful work was this clock, and ever since, it has been the pride and admiration of the city.

a unit of language that native speakers can identify

From this reading But the clock was not infallible—indeed that word was not yet invented—and once or twice of late had not been up to time at all; and one fine day this old clock, having seen many a generation quietly laid to rest from their labours, began also to think and to feel itself past work, and struck—struck for the last time.

exert oneself by doing mental or physical work for a purpose or out of necessity

From this reading A wonderful work was this clock, and ever since, it has been the pride and admiration of the city.

buildings for carrying on industrial labor

From this reading It told the time very well, and that is no doubt a desideratum in a clock; but it did much more than that, for it had a pert chanticleer who popped himself out of a little cupboard, and clapped his wings when the hour struck; then it had a tiny carillon which tinkled merrily; and so, take it for all in all, one would be a mere heretic to say that this horologe had not been in its time a good catholic clock, and creditably done its works of supererogation.

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

From this reading It told the time very well, and that is no doubt a desideratum in a clock; but it did much more than that, for it had a pert chanticleer who popped himself out of a little cupboard, and clapped his wings when the hour struck; then it had a tiny carillon which tinkled merrily; and so, take it for all in all, one would be a mere heretic to say that this horologe had not been in its time a good catholic clock, and creditably done its works of supererogation.

a late time of life

From this reading Two hundred years earlier than this time, the great architect Erwin von Steinbach had enlarged and beautified Strassburg Cathedral, and at about the same date, a clever artificer had contrived to make a curious mechanical clock.

but in spite of that

From this reading But the clock was not infallible—indeed that word was not yet invented—and once or twice of late had not been up to time at all; and one fine day this old clock, having seen many a generation quietly laid to rest from their labours, began also to think and to feel itself past work, and struck—struck for the last time.